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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14048 ***
+
+[Illustration: Dr Maurus Jókai]
+
+WORKS OF MAURUS JÓKAI
+
+HUNGARIAN EDITION
+
+THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+Translated from the Hungarian
+Under the Author's supervision
+By S. E. BOGGS
+
+
+NEW YORK
+DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
+1898
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY WORKS
+
+
+This is not the first occasion upon which it has been my good fortune to
+win appreciation and approval for my works from the reading public of
+the United States. Up to the present, however, it has often been under
+difficulties; for many of my works which have been published in the
+English tongue were not translated from the original Hungarian text,
+while others, through want of a final perusal, were introduced to the
+public marred by numerous faults.
+
+In the present edition we have striven to give the English reading
+public a correct translation, for which an authorized text has been
+utilized by the Doubleday & McClure Co., who have sole right for
+publishing future English translations of my books.
+
+Between the United States and Hungary we discover many common traits:
+the same state-creative energy in the predominant people, which finds
+expression in constitutional forms, relying upon the love of freedom,
+which unites so many different races in one uniform whole; the same
+independent institutions; the same ideas in religion, in ethics; the
+same respect for women, the same esteem of labor, the same mental
+culture; a striving after progress, yet side by side with this a high
+respect for traditions; the same poetry of agriculture, the same prose
+of industry; rapid progress of both, and in consequence thereof an
+impetuous growth of towns.
+
+Yet, while we find so many common traits between America and Hungary in
+the great field of theory, those typical figures which here in Hungary
+represent such theories must make a novel and extraordinary _entrée_ in
+the New World, that they may deserve to win the interest of the foreign
+reader.
+
+Hungary still represents a piece and parcel of the Old World; she is not
+so much Europe as a modern Asia. My novels centre round those peculiar
+figures of Hungarian common life; and in every work of mine a bit of
+history of true common life will be found described. I have had a
+particular delight, however, in occupying myself with foreign countries,
+especially with the East. There have been years when I was compelled to
+choose subjects for novel-writing in foreign parts.
+
+In English and in Hungarian literature we find a common trait in that
+humor which is discovered also in the tragic; a characteristic of the
+nation itself.
+
+It is with perfect confidence and in good hope that I present my present
+work (translated so faithfully) before the much-esteemed English reading
+public. May God bless that home of freedom, by whose example we have
+learnt how to unite the greatness of the state with the welfare of the
+people.
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI.
+
+BUDAPEST, May 11th, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI
+
+A Sketch
+
+
+To a man who has earned such titles as "The Shakespeare of Hungary" and
+"The Glory of Hungarian Literature"; who published in fifty years three
+hundred and fifty novels, dramas, and miscellaneous works, not to
+mention innumerable articles for the press that owes its freedom chiefly
+to him, it seems incredible that there was ever a time of indecision as
+to what career he was best fitted to follow. The idle life of the
+nobility into which Maurus Jókay was born in 1825 had no attractions for
+a strongly intellectual boy, fired with zeal and energy that carried him
+easily to the head of each class in school and college; nor did he feel
+any attraction for the prosaic practice of law, his father's profession,
+to which Austria's despotism drove many a nobleman in those wretched
+days for Hungary. It was Pétofi, the poet, who was his dearest friend
+during the student-life at Pápa; idealism ever attracted him, and, by
+natural gravitation toward the finest minds, he chose the friendship of
+young men who quickly rose into eminence during the days of revolution
+and invasion that tried men's souls.
+
+For a time Jókay, as he then wrote his name, was undecided whether to
+choose literature or art as an outlet for the idealism, imagination, and
+devotion that overflowed in two directions from this boy of seventeen.
+With some of the inherited artistic talent, which in his relative
+Munkacsy amounted to genius, he felt most inclined toward painting and
+sculpture, and finally consecrated himself to them. In his library at
+Budapest there now stands a small, well-executed bust of his wife in
+ivory; and on the walls hang several landscapes and still-life
+paintings, which he showed with a smile to an American visitor, who
+stood silent before them last winter, hoping for some inspiration of
+speech that would reconcile politeness with veracity and her own ideals
+of good art. If a "deep love for art and an ardent desire to excel" will
+"more than compensate for the want of method," to quote Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, then Jókay would have been a great painter indeed. While he
+never was that, his chisel and brushes have remained a recreation and
+delight to him always.
+
+Apparently he was diverted from art to literature by a trifle; but in
+the light of later developments it is simple enough to see which was
+really the greater force working within. The Academy of Arts and
+Sciences, founded by Szécheni, offered a prize for the best drama, and
+Jókay won it. He was then seventeen, for careers began early in olden
+times. When twenty-one his first novel, "Work Days," met with great
+applause; other romances quickly followed, and, as they dealt with the
+social and political tendencies that fanned the revolution into flame
+two years later, their success was instantaneous. His true
+representations of Hungarian life and character, his passionate love of
+liberty, his lofty idealism for his crushed and lethargic country,
+aroused a great wave of patriotism like a call to arms, and consecrated
+him to work with his pen for the freedom of the common people.
+Henceforth paint-brushes were cast aside.
+
+Pétofi and Jókay, teeming with great ideas, quickly attracted other
+writers and young men of the university about them, and, each helping
+the other, brought about a bloodless revolution that secured, among
+other inestimable boons, the freedom of a censored, degraded press. And
+yet the only act of violence these young revolutionists committed was in
+entering a printing establishment and setting up with their own hands
+the type for Pétofi's poem, that afterward became the war-song of the
+national movement. At that very establishment was soon to be printed a
+proclamation granting twelve of their dearest wishes to the people. From
+this time Jókay changed the spelling of his name to Jókai, _y_ being a
+badge of nobility hateful to disciples of the doctrine of liberty,
+fraternity, equality.
+
+About this time Jókai married the Rachel of the Hungarian stage, Rosa
+Laborfalvy. The portrait of her that hangs in her husband's famous
+library shows a beautiful woman of intense sensitiveness, into whose
+face some of the sadness of her rôles seems to have crept. It was to her
+powers of impersonation and disguise that Jókai owed his life many years
+later, when, imprisoned and suffering in a dungeon, he was enabled to
+escape in her clothes to join Kossuth in the desperate fight against the
+allied armies of Austria and Russia. Since her death he has lived in
+retirement.
+
+The bloodless revolution of 1848, which suddenly transformed Hungary
+into a modern state, possessing civil and religious liberty for which
+the young idealists led by Kossuth had labored with such passionate
+zeal, was not effected without antagonizing the old aristocracy, all of
+whose cherished institutions were suddenly swept away; or the
+semi-barbaric people of the peasant class, who could little appreciate
+the beneficent reforms. Into the awful civil war that followed, when the
+horrors of an Austrian-Russian invasion were added to the already
+desperate situation, Jókai plunged with magnificent heroism. Side by
+side with Kossuth, he fought with sword and pen. Those who heard him
+deliver an address at the Peace Congress at Brussels two years ago felt
+through his impassioned eloquence that the man had himself drained the
+bitterest dregs of war.
+
+While Kossuth lived in exile in England and the United States, and many
+other compatriots escaped to Turkey and beyond, Jókai, in concealment at
+home, writing under an assumed name and with a price on his head,
+continued his work for social reform, until a universal pardon was
+granted by Austria and the saddened idealists once more dared show their
+faces in devastated Hungary.
+
+Ripe with experience and full of splendid intellectual power, Jókai now
+turned his whole attention to literature. The pages of his novels glow
+with the warmth of the man's intensity of feeling: his pen had been
+touched by a living coal. He knew his country as no other man has known
+it; and transferred its types, its manners, its life in high degree and
+low, to the pages of his romances and dramas with a brilliancy and
+mastery of style that captivated the people, whose idol he still
+remains. Scenes from Turkish life--in which, next to Hungarian, he is
+particularly interested; historical novels, romances of pure
+imagination, short tales, dramatic works, essays on literature and
+social questions, came pouring from his surcharged brain and heart. The
+very virtues of his work, its intensity, and the boundless scope of its
+imagination, sometimes produce a lack of unity and an improbability to
+which the hypercritical in the West draw attention with a sense of
+superior wisdom; but the Hungarians themselves, who know whereof he
+writes, can see no faults whatever in his work. It is essentially
+idealistic; the true and the beautiful shine through it with radiant
+lustre, in sharp distinction from the scenes of famine and carnage that
+abound. His Turkish stories have been described as "full of blood and
+roses."
+
+Of his more mature productions, the best known are: "A Magyar Nabob";
+"The Fools of Love"; "The New Landlord"; "Black Diamonds"; "A Romance of
+the Coming Century"; "Handsome Michael"; "God is One," in which the
+Unitarians play an important part; "The Nameless Castle," that gives an
+account of the Hungarian army employed against Napoleon in 1809;
+"Captive Ráby," a romance of the times of Joseph II.; and "As We Grow
+Old," the latter being the author's own favorite and, strangely enough,
+the people's also. Dr. Jókai greatly deplores that what the critics call
+his best work should not have been given to the English-speaking people.
+
+In 1896 Hungary celebrated the completion of his fifty years of literary
+labor by issuing a beautiful jubilee edition of his works, for which the
+people of all grades of society subscribed $100,000. Every county in the
+country sent him memorials in the form of albums wrought in gold and
+precious stones, two hundred of these souvenirs filling one side of the
+author's large library and reception-room. Low bookcases running around
+the walls are filled only with his own publications, the various
+editions of his three hundred and fifty books making a large library in
+themselves. The cabinets hold sketches and paintings sent by the artists
+of Hungary as a jubilee gift; there are cases containing carvings,
+embroidery, lace, and natural-history specimens sent him by the
+peasants, and orders in gold and silver, studded with jewels, with
+autograph letters from the kings and queens of Europe. In the midst of
+all this inspiring display of loving appreciation, Dr. Jókai has his
+desk; a pile of neatly written, even manuscript ever before him, for in
+his seventy-fourth year he still feels the old-time passion for work
+calling him to it early in the morning and holding him in its spell all
+the day long. A small room adjoining his library contains the books of
+reference he consults, a narrow bed like a soldier's, and a few window
+plants. It might be the room of a monk, so bare is it of what the world
+calls comforts. One devoted man-servant attends to Dr. Jókai's simple
+wants with abundant leisure to spare.
+
+While in Budapest Dr. Jókai is seldom seen away from home, except in
+Parliament, where he has a seat in the Upper House, or at the theatre
+where his plays are regularly performed, or at the table of a few dear
+relatives and old-time friends. His life is exceedingly simple and well
+ordered.
+
+Just a little way back on the hills that rise beyond Buda, across the
+Danube and overlooking wide stretches of beautiful, fertile country,
+stands Dr. Jókai's summer-home. His garden is a paradise. Quantities of
+roses climb over the unpretentious house, the paths are lined with them;
+gay beds of poppies and other familiar favorites in our Western gardens,
+but many new to American eyes, crowd the fruit that grows in delightful
+abundance everywhere, for Dr. Jókai tends his garden with his own hands,
+and his horticultural wisdom is only second to his knowledge of the
+Turkish wars. His apples, pears, and roses win prizes at all the shows,
+and his little book, "Hints on Gardening," propagates a large crop of
+like-minded enthusiasts year after year. Now, as ever, any knowledge he
+has he shares with the people. After a long life of bitter stress and
+labor, abundant peace has come in the latter days.
+
+Hungary boasts four great men: Liszt, Munkacsy, Kossuth, and Jókai, who
+was the intimate friend of the other three.
+
+NELTJE BLANCHAN.
+
+NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+I     CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+II    THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+III   THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+IV    SATAN LACZI
+V     ANGE BARTHELMY
+VI    DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+VII   THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+VIII  KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+IX    SATAN AND DEMON
+X     CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+PART I
+
+CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+A snow-storm was raging with such vigor that any one who chanced to be
+passing along the silent thoroughfare might well have believed himself
+in St. Petersburg instead of in Paris, in the Rue des Ours, a side
+street leading into the Avenue St. Martin. The street, never a very busy
+one, was now almost deserted, as was also the avenue, as it was yet too
+early for vehicles of various sorts to be returning from the theatre.
+
+The street-lamps on the corners had not yet been lighted. In front of
+one of those old-fashioned houses which belong to a former Paris a heavy
+iron lantern swung, creaking in the wind, and, battling with the
+darkness, shed flickering rays of light on the child who, with a faded
+red cotton shawl wrapped about her, was cowering in the deep doorway of
+the house. From time to time there would emerge from the whirling
+snowflakes the dark form of a man clad as a laborer. He would walk
+leisurely toward the doorway in which the shivering child was concealed,
+but would turn when he came to the circle of light cast on the snowy
+pavement by the swinging lantern, and retrace his steps, thus appearing
+and disappearing at regular intervals. Surely a singular time and place
+for a promenade! The clocks struck ten--the hour which found every
+honest dweller within the Quartier St. Martin at home. On this evening,
+however, two belated citizens came from somewhere, their hurrying
+footsteps noiseless in the deep snow, their approach announced only by
+the lantern carried by one of them--an article without which no
+respectable citizen at the beginning of the century would have ventured
+on the street after nightfall. One of the pedestrians was tall and
+broad-shouldered, with a handsome countenance, which bore the impress of
+an inflexible determination; a dimple indented his smoothly shaven chin.
+His companion, and his senior by several years, was a slender,
+undersized man.
+
+When the two men came abreast of the doorway illumined by the swinging
+lamp, it was evident that they had arrived at their destination. They
+halted and prepared to enter the house.
+
+At this moment the child crouching in the snow began to sob.
+
+"See here!" exclaimed the taller of the two gentlemen. "Here is a little
+girl."
+
+"Why, so there is!" in turn exclaimed the elder, stooping and letting
+the light of his lantern fall on the child's face. "What are you doing
+here, little one?" he asked in a kindly tone.
+
+"I want my mama! I want my mama!" wailed the child, with a fresh burst
+of sobs.
+
+"Who is your mama?" queried the younger man.
+
+"My mama is the countess."
+
+"And where does she live?"
+
+"In the palace."
+
+"Naturally! In which avenue is the palace?"
+
+"I--don't--know."
+
+"A true child of Paris!" in an undertone exclaimed the elder gentleman.
+"She knows that her mother is a countess, and that she lives in a
+palace; but she has never been told the name of the street in which is
+her home."
+
+"How come you to be here, little countess?" inquired the younger man.
+
+"Diana can tell you," was the reply.
+
+"And who may Diana be?"
+
+"Why, who else but mama's Diana?"
+
+"Allow me to question her," here interposed the elder man. Then, to the
+child: "Diana is the person who helps you put on your clothes, is she
+not?"
+
+"It is just the other way: she took off my clothes--just see; I have
+nothing on but this petticoat and this hideous shawl."
+
+As she spoke she flung back the faded shawl and revealed how scantily
+she was clad.
+
+"You poor child!" compassionately ejaculated the young man; and when he
+saw that her thin morocco slippers were buried in the snow, he lifted
+her hastily in his arms. "You are half frozen."
+
+"But why did Diana leave you half clothed in this manner?" pursued the
+elder man. "Why did she undress you? Can't you tell us that much?"
+
+"Mama slapped her this morning."
+
+"Ah! then Diana is a servant?"
+
+"Why, of course; what else could she be?"
+
+"Well, she might be a goddess or a hound, you know," smilingly returned
+the old gentleman.
+
+"When mama went to the opera, this evening," explained the little one,
+"she ordered Diana to take me to the children's ball at the marquis's.
+Instead, she brought me to this street, made me get out of the carriage,
+took off my silk ball-gown and all my pretty ornaments, and left me here
+in this doorway--I am sure I don't know why, for there is n't any music
+here."
+
+"It is well she left this old shawl with you, else your mama would not
+have a little countess to tell the tale to-morrow," observed the elder
+man. Then, turning to his companion, he added in a lower tone: "What are
+we to do with her?"
+
+"We can't leave her here; that would be inhuman," was the reply, in the
+same cautious tone.
+
+"But we can't take her in; it would be a great risk."
+
+"What is there to fear from an innocent prattler who cannot even
+remember her mother's name?"
+
+"We might take her to the conciergerie," suggested the elder gentleman.
+
+"_I_ think we had better not disturb the police when they are asleep,"
+in a significant tone responded his companion.
+
+"That is true; but we can't take the child to our apartments. You know
+that we--"
+
+"I have an idea!" suddenly interposed the young man. "This innocent
+child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may
+accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken."
+
+"I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at
+one and the same time. Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are
+locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring
+this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the
+child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
+To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else
+she will send some one in search of you."
+
+He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.
+
+When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door
+at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning
+glance, announced that everything was ready for the reception of their
+small guest. They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily
+curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded
+tapestry.
+
+Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm. "Are you going to
+kill me?" she cried out in terror.
+
+The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said:
+
+"Why, surely you don't take us to be _croquemitaines_ who devour little
+children; do you?"
+
+"Have you got a little girl of your own?" queried the little one,
+suddenly.
+
+"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the
+question. "I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl."
+
+"But my mama has no husband, and she 's got me," prattled the child.
+
+"That is different, my dear. But if I have not got a little girl, I know
+very well what to do for one."
+
+As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed
+her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in
+the alcove.
+
+"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had
+been sleeping here."
+
+The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded:
+
+"Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan?"
+
+"But where did you get hot coals?"
+
+"Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the
+old man. Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going
+to sleep?"
+
+"No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we
+grow old."
+
+"An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your
+convictions will not prevent you from drinking a cup of egg-punch, and
+partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit?"
+
+At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and
+while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man
+rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll. All thought
+of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind. She clasped the toy in
+her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby,
+to which she very soon fell asleep herself.
+
+"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing
+together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to
+the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh
+blaze.
+
+"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response. "We can't
+stop here much longer. Do you know what has happened to the duke?"
+
+"Yes, I know. He has been sentenced to death. To-morrow he will be
+executed. What have you discovered?"
+
+"A fox on the trail of a lion!" harshly replied the young man. "He who
+aroused so many hopes is, after all, nothing more than an impostor--Leon
+Maria Hervagault, the son of a tailor at St. Leu. The true dauphin, the
+son of Louis XVI., really died a natural death, after he had served a
+three years' apprenticeship as shoemaker under Master Simho; and in
+order that a later generation might not be able to secure his ashes, he
+was buried in quick-lime in the Chapel of St. Margarethe."
+
+"They were not so scrupulous concerning monsieur,"[1] observed the old
+man, restlessly pacing the floor. "I received a letter from my agent
+to-day; he writes that monsieur was secretly shot at Dillingen."
+
+[Footnote 1: Count de Provence, afterward Louis XVIII.]
+
+"What! He, too? Then--"
+
+"Hush!" cautiously interposed the elder man. "That child might not be
+asleep."
+
+"And if she were awake, what could she understand?"
+
+"True; but we must be cautious." He ceased his restless promenade, and
+came close to the young man's side. "Everything is at an end here," he
+added in a lower tone. "We must remove our treasure to a more secure
+hiding-place--this very night, indeed, if it be possible."
+
+"It is possible," assented his companion. "The plan of flight was
+arranged two days ago. The most difficult part was to get away from this
+house. It is watched day and night. Chance, however, has come to our
+aid."
+
+"I understand," nodded the old gentleman, glancing significantly toward
+the bed.
+
+"The most serious question now is, where shall we find a secure
+hiding-place? Even England is not safe. The bullets of Dillingen can
+reach to that country! Indeed, wherever there are police no secret is
+safe."
+
+"I 'll tell you something," after a moment's deliberation observed the
+elder man. "I know of a country in Europe where order prevails, and
+where there are no police spies; and, what is more, the place of which I
+speak is beyond the range of a gunshot!"
+
+"I confess I am curious to learn where such a place may be found," with
+an incredulous smile returned the young man.
+
+"Fetch the map, and I will point it out to you. Afterward we will
+arrange your route toward it." The two men spread a large map of Europe
+on the table, and, bending over it, were soon deeply absorbed in
+examining it, the while exchanging whispered remarks.
+
+At last they seemed to have agreed on something. The map was folded up
+and thrust into the younger man's pocket.
+
+"I shall start at once," he said, with an air of decision.
+
+"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And
+take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary
+documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own
+hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in
+English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to
+do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum
+from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our
+two trusty friends been apprised?"
+
+"Yes; they await me hourly."
+
+"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with
+me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a
+terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already
+suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion--are not yet registered
+in the black book!"
+
+"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing
+from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.
+
+"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the
+undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have
+you considered the fate which awaits you?"
+
+"I have considered everything."
+
+"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your
+own prison."
+
+"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded
+the young man.
+
+"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you
+may be buried alive?"
+
+"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will
+one day be overthrown."
+
+"But when the child, who is only twelve years old now, becomes in three
+or four years a blooming maiden--what then? Already she is fond of you;
+then she will love you. You cannot hinder it; and yet, you will not even
+dare to dream of returning her love. Have you thought of this also?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet,"
+answered the young man.
+
+"Your hand, my friend! You have undertaken a noble task--one that is
+greater than that of the captive knight who cut off his own foot, that
+his sovereign, who was chained to him, might escape--"
+
+"Pray say no more about me," interposed his companion. "Is the child
+asleep?"
+
+"This one is; the one in the other room is awake."
+
+"Then let us go to her and tell her what we have decided." He lifted the
+two-branched candlestick from the table; his companion carefully closed
+the iron doors of the fireplace; then the two went into the adjoining
+chamber, leaving the room they had quitted in darkness.
+
+The elder gentleman had made a mistake: "this" child was _not_ asleep.
+She had listened attentively, half sitting up in bed, to as much of the
+conversation as she could hear.
+
+A ray of light penetrated through the keyhole. The little girl sprang
+nimbly from the bed, ran to the door, and peered through the tiny
+aperture. Suddenly footsteps came toward the door. When it opened,
+however, the little eavesdropper was back underneath the covers of the
+bed. The old gentleman entered the room. He had no candle. He left the
+door open, walked noiselessly to the bed, and drew aside the curtains to
+see if "this" child was still asleep. The long-drawn, regular breathing
+convinced him. Then he took something from the chair beside the bed, and
+went back into the other room. The object he had taken from the chair
+was the faded red shawl in which the stray child had been wrapped. He
+did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had
+been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.
+
+To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were
+whispering near her--as if she heard a stifled sob. Then cautious
+footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street
+door opened and closed.
+
+Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the
+elder man came through the doorway--alone.
+
+He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then
+he proceeded to perform a singular task. First he tossed a number of
+letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of
+girls' clothing. He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he
+flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in
+which position he sat motionless for several hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the younger of the two men stepped into the street he carried in
+his arms a little girl wrapped in a faded red shawl, to whom he was
+speaking encouragingly, in tones loud enough for any passer-by to hear:
+
+"I know the little countess will be able to find her mama's palace; for
+there is a fountain in front of it in which there is a stone man with a
+three-pronged fork, and a stone lady with a fish-tail! Oh, yes; we shall
+be sure to find it; and very soon we shall be with mama."
+
+Here the child in his arms began to sob bitterly.
+
+"For heaven's sake, do not weep; do not let your voice be heard,"
+whispered the young man in her ear.
+
+At this moment a man wearing a coarse blouse, with his cap drawn over
+his eyes and a short pipe between his lips, came staggering toward them.
+The young man, in order to make room for him, pressed close to the wall,
+whereupon the new-comer, who seemed intoxicated, began in drunken tones:
+
+"Hello, citizen! What do you mean? Do you want me to walk in the
+gutter?--because you have got on fine boots, and I have only wooden
+sabots! I am a citizen like yourself, and as good as you. We are alike,
+are n't we?"
+
+The young man now knew with whom he had to deal--a police spy whose duty
+it was to watch him. He therefore replied quietly:
+
+"No, we are not alike, citizen; for I have in my arms an unfortunate
+child who has strayed from its mother. Every Frenchman respects a child
+and misfortune. Is not that so, citizen?"
+
+"Yes, that is so, citizen. Let 's have a little conversation about it";
+and the pretended drunkard seized hold of the young man's mantle to
+detain him.
+
+"It is very cold," returned the young man. "Instead of talking here,
+suppose you help me get this child to its home. Go to the nearest corner
+and fetch a coach. I will wait here for you."
+
+The blouse-wearer hesitated a moment, then walked toward the
+street-corner, managing, however, to keep an eye on the young man and
+his charge. At the corner he whistled in a peculiar manner, whereupon
+the rumbling of wheels was heard. In a few moments the leather-covered
+vehicle drew up beside the curb where the young man was waiting.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, citizen," he said to
+the blouse-wearer, who had returned with the coach. "Here," pressing a
+twenty-sou piece into the man's palm, "is something for your trouble. I
+wish you would come with me to help hunt for this little girl's home. If
+you have time, and will come with me, you shall be paid for your
+trouble."
+
+"Can't do it, citizen; my wife is expecting me at home. Just you trust
+this coachman; he will help you find the place. He 's a clever
+youth--are n't you, Peroquin? You have made many a night journey about
+Paris, have n't you? See that you earn your twenty francs to-night,
+too!"
+
+That the coachman was also in the service of the secret police the young
+man knew very well; but he did not betray his knowledge by word or mien.
+
+The blouse-wearer now shook hands cordially with the young man, and
+said:
+
+"Adieu, citizen. I beg your pardon if I offended you. I 'll leave you
+now. I am going to my wife, or to the tavern; who can tell the future?"
+
+He waited until the young man had entered the coach with his charge;
+then, instead of betaking himself to his wife or to the tavern, he
+crossed the street, and took up his station in the recess of a doorway
+opposite the house with the swinging lantern. . . .
+
+"Where to?" asked the coachman of the young man.
+
+"Well, citizen," was the smiling response, "if I knew that, all would be
+well. But that is just what I don't know; and the little countess, here,
+who has strayed from her home, can't remember the street, nor the number
+of the house, in which she lives. She can only remember that her mama's
+palace is on a square in which there is a fountain. We must therefore
+visit all the fountains in turn until we find the right one."
+
+The coachman made no further inquiries, but climbed to the box, and
+drove off in quest of the fountains of Paris.
+
+Two fountains were visited, but neither of them proved to be the right
+one. The young man now bade the coachman drive through a certain street
+to a third fountain. It was a narrow, winding street--the Rue des Blancs
+Manteaux.
+
+When the coach was opposite a low, one-storied house, the young man drew
+the strap, and told the driver he wished to stop for a few moments. As
+the vehicle drew up in front of the house, the door opened, and a tall,
+stalwart man in top-boots came forth, accompanied by a sturdy dame who
+held a candle, which she protected from the wind with the palm of her
+hand.
+
+"Is that you, Raoul?" called the young man from the coach window.
+
+There was no response from the giant, who, instead, sprang nimbly to the
+box, and, flinging one arm around the astonished coachman, thrust a gag
+into his mouth. Before the captive could make a move to defend himself,
+his fare was out of the coach, and had pinioned his arms behind his
+back. The giant and the young man now lifted the coachman from the box
+and carried him into the house, the woman followed with the trembling
+child, whom she had carefully lifted from the coach.
+
+In the house, the two men bound their captive securely, first removing
+his coat. Then they seated him on the couch, and placed a mirror in
+front of him.
+
+"You need not be alarmed, citizen," said the man in the top-boots. "No
+harm shall come to you. We are only going to copy your face--because of
+its beauty, you know!"
+
+The young man also seated himself in front of the mirror, and proceeded,
+with various brushes and colors, to paint his cheeks and nose a copper
+hue, exactly like that of the coachman's reflection in the glass. Then
+he exchanged his own peruke and hat for the shabby ones of the coachman.
+Lastly, he flung around his shoulders the mantle with its seven collars,
+and the resemblance was complete.
+
+"And now," observed the giant, addressing the captive, "you can rest
+without the least fear. At the latest, to-morrow about this time your
+coach, your horses, your mantle, and whatever else belongs to you will
+be returned. For the use of the things we have borrowed from you we
+shall leave in the pocket of your coat twenty francs for every hour, and
+an extra twenty francs as a _pourboire_; don't forget to look for it!
+To-morrow at eleven o'clock a girl will fetch milk; she will release
+you, and you can tell her what a singular dream you had! If you can't
+go to sleep, just repeat the multiplication table. I always do when I
+can't sleep, and I never have to go beyond seven times seven. Good
+night, citizen!"
+
+The door of the adjoining room opened, and the woman appeared, leading
+by the hand a pretty little boy.
+
+"We are ready," she announced.
+
+The two men thrust pistols into their pockets. Then the woman and the
+little boy entered the coach, the two men took seats on the box, and the
+coach rolled away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At ten o'clock the next morning the old gentleman paid a visit to his
+little guest. This time the child was really asleep, and opened her eyes
+only when the curtains were drawn back and the light from the window
+fell on her face.
+
+"How kind of you to waken me, monsieur!" she said, smiling; she was in a
+good humor, as children are who have slept well. "I have slept
+splendidly. This bed is as good as my own at home. And how delightful
+not to hear my governess scolding! You never scold, do you, monsieur? I
+deserve to be scolded, though, for I was very naughty last night, and
+you were so kind to me--gave me such nice egg-punch; see, there is a
+glass of it left over; it will do for my breakfast. I love cold punch,
+so you need not trouble to bring me any chocolate." With these words,
+the little maid sprang nimbly from the bed, ran with the naïveté of an
+eight-year-old child to the table, where she settled herself in the
+corner of the sofa, drew her bare feet up under her, and proceeded to
+breakfast on the left-over punch and biscuits.
+
+"There! that was a good breakfast," she said, after she had finished her
+meal. "Oh, I almost forgot. Has mama sent for me?"
+
+"Certainly not, my dear! We are going, by and by, to look for her. The
+countess very likely has not yet learned of your disappearance; and if
+she does know that you did not return home last night, she believes you
+safe with the marquis. She will think you were not allowed to return
+home in the storm, and will not expect to see you before noon."
+
+"You are very clever, monsieur. I should never have thought of that! I
+imagined that mama would be vexed, and when mama is cross she is _so_
+disagreeable. At other times, though, she is perfectly lovely! You will
+see how very beautiful she is, monsieur, for you are coming home with me
+to tell her how you found me--you are so very kind! How I wish you were
+my papa!"
+
+The old gentleman was touched by the little one's artless prattle.
+
+"Well, my dear little maid," he said tenderly, "we can't think of
+showing ourselves on the street in such a costume. Besides, it would
+frighten your mama to see you so. I am going out to one of the shops to
+buy you a frock. Tell me, what sort was it Diana took from you?"
+
+"A lovely pink silk, trimmed with lace, with short sleeves," promptly
+replied the little maid.
+
+"I shall not forget--a pink silk, trimmed with lace. You need not be
+afraid to stay alone here. No one will come while I am away."
+
+"Oh, I am not the least bit afraid. I like to be alone sometimes."
+
+"There is the doll to keep you company," suggested the old gentleman,
+more and more pleased with his affable little visitor.
+
+"Is n't she lovely!" enthusiastically exclaimed the child. "She slept
+with me last night, and every time I woke up I kissed her."
+
+"You shall have her for your own, if you like her so much, my dear."
+
+"Oh, thank you! Did the doll belong to your dear little daughter who is
+dead?"
+
+"Yes--yes," sorrowfully murmured the old gentleman.
+
+"Then I will not play with her, but keep her locked in my little
+cupboard, and call her Philine. That was the name of my little sister
+who is dead. Come here, Philine, and sit by me."
+
+"Perhaps you might like to look at a book while I am away--"
+
+"A book!" interrupted the child, with a merry laugh, clapping her hands.
+"Why, I am just learning the alphabet, and can't bring myself to call a
+two-pronged fork 'y.'"
+
+"You dear little innocent rogue!" tenderly ejaculated the old gentleman.
+"Are you fond of flowers?"
+
+He brought from the adjoining room a porcelain flowerpot containing a
+narcissus in bloom.
+
+"Oh, what a charming flower!" cried the child, admiringly. "How I wish I
+might pluck just one!"
+
+"Help yourself, my dear," returned her host, pushing the plant toward
+her.
+
+The child daintily broke off one of the snowy blossoms, and, with
+childlike coquetry, fastened it in the trimming of her chemise.
+
+"What is this beautiful flower called, monsieur?"
+
+"The narcissus."
+
+At mention of the name the little maid suddenly clapped her hands and
+cried joyfully:
+
+"Why, that is the name of our palace! Now don't you know where it is?"
+
+"The 'Palace of Narcissus'? I have heard of it."
+
+"Then you will have no trouble finding my home. Oh, you dear good little
+flower!" and she kissed the snowy blossom rapturously.
+
+The old gentleman surveyed her smilingly for a few moments, then said:
+
+"I will go now, and buy the frock."
+
+"And while you are away I shall tell Philine the story of Gargantua,"
+responded the child.
+
+"Lock the door after me, my dear, and do not open it until I mention my
+name: Alfred Cambray--"
+
+"Oh, I should forget the second one! Just say, 'Papa Alfred'; I can
+remember that."
+
+When the child was certain that the old gentleman had left the house,
+she began hastily to search the room. She peered into every corner and
+crevice. Then she went into the adjoining chamber, and opened every
+drawer and cupboard. In returning to the first room she saw some scraps
+of paper scattered about the floor. She collected them carefully, placed
+them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the
+entire note-sheet lay before her. It was covered with writing which had
+evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no
+difficulty in reading it.
+
+When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she
+brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the
+door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she
+danced for joy.
+
+"It is just like my ball-gown--exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing
+the hands of her benefactor. Then the old gentleman clothed the child as
+skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work. When the task was
+finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor;
+he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.
+
+Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he
+descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of
+Narcissus.
+
+The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property of the
+celebrated danseuse, Mlle. Guimard, for whom it had been built by the
+Duke de Soubise. Like so many other fine houses, it had been confiscated
+by the Revolution and sold at auction--or, rather, had been disposed of
+by lottery, a lady who had paid one hundred and twenty francs for her
+ticket winning it.
+
+The winner of the palace sold it to M. Périgaud, a banker and shrewd
+speculator, who divided the large dwelling into suites of apartments,
+which became the favorite lodgings of the young men of fashion. These
+young men were called the "narcissi," and later, the "incroyables" and
+"_petits crevés_." The building, however, retained the name of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+When the fiacre stopped at the door of the palace which led to her
+mama's apartment, the little countess alighted with her escort, and said
+to the coachman:
+
+"You need not wait; the marquis will return home in my mama's carriage."
+
+M. Cambray was obliged to submit to be called the "marquis." The
+harmless fib was due to the rank of the little countess; she could not
+have driven through the streets of Paris in the same fiacre with a
+_pékin_!
+
+"We will not go up the main staircase," said the child, taking her
+companion's arm and leading him into the palace. "I don't want to meet
+any of the servants. We will go directly to mama's boudoir, and take her
+by surprise."
+
+The countess mother, however, was not in her boudoir; only a screaming
+cockatoo, and a capuchin monkey that grimaced a welcome. Through the
+folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy
+tones of a harmonium; and M. Cambray recognized a favorite
+air--Beethoven's symphony, "_Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour_." He
+paused a moment to listen to it.
+
+"That is mama playing," whispered the child. "You go in first, and tell
+her you have brought me home. Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
+Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.
+
+The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon,
+filled with a brilliant company. Evidently the countess was holding a
+matinée.
+
+The assembled company were in full toilet. The women, who were chiefly
+young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which
+draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless
+lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
+The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat,
+with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.
+
+Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty,
+Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders
+hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair. When M. Cambray, in his
+plain brown coat buttoned to the chin, with black gloves and dull
+buckle-shoes, appeared in the doorway of the boudoir, which was not open
+to all the world, every eye was turned in surprise toward him.
+
+The lady at the harpsichord rose, surveyed the intruder with a haughty
+stare, and was about to speak when a lackey in silver-embroidered livery
+came hastily toward her and said something in a low tone.
+
+"What?" she ejaculated, with sudden terror. "My daughter lost?"
+
+The guests crowded around her, and a scene of great excitement followed.
+
+Here M. Cambray came forward and said:
+
+"I have found your daughter, countess, and return her to you."
+
+The lovely woman made one step toward the child, who had followed M.
+Cambray into the room, then sank to the floor unconscious. She was
+tenderly lifted and borne into the boudoir. Two physicians, who were of
+the company, followed.
+
+When the door closed behind them, the entire company remaining in the
+salon gathered about M. Cambray. The ladies seized his hands; and while
+a blonde houri on his right sought to attract his attention, a brunette
+beauty claimed it on his left--both women ignoring the attempts of the
+men to shake hands with the hero of the hour.
+
+One of the men, an elderly and distinguished-looking personage with a
+commanding mien, now pressed forward to introduce himself. "Monsieur, I
+am the Marquis Lyonel de Fervlans," he repeated in a patronizing tone.
+
+"I am Alfred Cambray," was the simple response.
+
+"Ah? Pray, have the kindness to tell us--the friends of the
+countess--what has happened?"
+
+M. Cambray related how and where he had found the lost child, the
+company listening with eager attention. All were deeply affected. Some
+of the women wept. When M. Cambray concluded his recital, the marquis
+grasped both his hands, and, pressing them warmly, said in a trembling
+voice:
+
+"Thanks, many thanks, you brave, good man! We will never forget your
+kindness."
+
+One of the physicians now came from the boudoir, and announced that the
+countess was better, and desired to speak to the deliverer of her child.
+
+The countess was reclining on an ottoman, half buried in luxurious
+cushions. Her little daughter was kneeling by her side, her head resting
+on her mother's knee. It was a charming tableau.
+
+"I am not able to express my gratitude, monsieur," began the countess,
+in a faint voice, extending both hands toward M. Cambray. "I hope you
+will allow me to call you my friend. I shall never cease to thank you!
+Amélie, my love, kiss this hand; look at this face; impress it on your
+heart, and never, _never_ forget it, for this brave gentleman rescued
+you from a most horrible fate."
+
+M. Cambray listened to these profuse expressions of gratitude, but with
+heedless ear. His thoughts were with the fugitives. He longed to know if
+they had escaped pursuit. While the countess was speaking he could not
+help but think that a great ado was being made because a little countess
+had been abandoned half clad in the public street. _He_ knew of another
+little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.
+
+His reply was brief:
+
+"Your little daughter is very charming."
+
+The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory
+locket from the black ribbon around her neck. It contained a portrait of
+the little countess Amélie.
+
+"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you,
+monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your
+protégée."
+
+It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most
+valued ornament.
+
+M. Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's
+hand, and kissed the little Amélie, who smilingly lifted her face for
+the caress. Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon. He was
+met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully:
+
+"What, you are going to desert us already? Then, if you will go, you
+must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old
+gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of
+liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.
+
+The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew
+up before the door, himself assisted M. Cambray to enter it. Then he
+shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the
+doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M. Cambray,
+the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her
+handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Amélie,
+overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the
+maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach
+with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his
+suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders. Even the more important of
+the two physicians pursed his lips into a smile, and proffered his
+snuff-box to his colleague, who, smothering with laughter, whispered:
+
+"Are we not capital actors?"
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Meanwhile M. Cambray drove rapidly in the Marquis de Fervlans's carriage
+through the streets of Paris. He was buried in thought. He glanced only
+now and then from the window. He was not altogether satisfied with
+himself that he was riding in a carriage which belonged to so important
+a person--a gentleman whose name he had never heard until that day.
+
+Suddenly he was surprised to find the carriage entering a gateway. A
+carriage could not enter the gate at his lodgings! The Swiss hussar
+sprang from the box, opened the carriage door, and M. Cambray found
+himself confronted by a sergeant with a drawn sword.
+
+"This is not my residence," said the old gentleman.
+
+"Certainly not," replied the sergeant. "This is the Prison of St.
+Pélagie."
+
+"What have I to do here? My name is Alfred Cambray."
+
+"You are the very one we have been expecting."
+
+And now it was M. Cambray's turn to laugh merrily.
+
+When M. Cambray's pockets had been searched, and everything suspicious
+confiscated, he was conducted to a room in the second story, in which he
+was securely locked. He had plenty of time to look about his new
+lodgings.
+
+Apparently the room had been occupied by many an important personage.
+The walls were covered with names. Above some of them impromptu verses
+had been scribbled; others had perpetuated their profiles; and still
+others had drawn caricatures of those who had been the means of lodging
+them here. The guillotine also figured among the illustrations.
+
+The new lodger was not specially surprised to find himself a prisoner;
+what he could not understand was the connection between the two events.
+How came it about that the courteous and sympathetic Marquis de
+Fervlans's carriage had brought him here from the palace of the deeply
+grateful countess?
+
+He was puzzling his brain over this question when his door suddenly
+opened, and a morose old jailer entered with some soup and bread for the
+prisoner.
+
+"Thanks, I have dined," said M. Cambray.
+
+The jailer placed the food on the table, with the words: "I want you to
+understand, citizen, that if you have any idea of starving yourself to
+death, we shall pour the soup down your throat."
+
+Toward evening another visitor appeared. The door was opened with loud
+clanking of chains and bolts, and a tall man crossed the threshold. It
+was the Marquis de Fervlans.
+
+His manner now was not so condescending and sympathetic. He approached
+the prisoner, and said in a commanding tone that was evidently intended
+to be intimidating:
+
+"You have been betrayed, and may as well confess everything; it is the
+only thing that will save you."
+
+A scornful smile crossed the prisoner's lips. "That is the usual form of
+address to a criminal who has been arrested for burglary."
+
+The marquis laughed.
+
+"I see, M. Cambray, that you are not the sort of person to be easily
+frightened. It is useless to adopt the usual prison methods with you.
+Very well; then we will try a different one. It may be that we shall
+part quite good friends! What do I say? Part? Say, rather, that we may
+continue together, hand in hand! But to the point. You have a friend who
+shared the same apartment with you. This gentleman deserted you last
+night, I believe?"
+
+"The ingrate!" ironically ejaculated M. Cambray.
+
+"Beg pardon, but there was also a little girl secreted in your
+apartment, whom no one ever saw--"
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," interrupted Cambray, "but it is not the custom
+for French gentlemen to spy out or chatter about secrets which relate to
+the fair sex."
+
+"I am not talking about the sort of female you refer to, monsieur, but
+about a child--a girl of perhaps twelve years."
+
+"How, pray, can one determine the age of a lady whom no one has seen?"
+
+"Certain telltale circumstances give one a clue," retorted De Fervlans.
+"Why, for instance, do you keep a doll in your rooms?"
+
+"A doll? I play with it myself sometimes! I am a queer old fellow with
+peculiar tastes."
+
+"Very good; we will allow that you are telling the truth. What have you
+to say to the fact that you took to your apartment yesterday evening a
+stray child, and an hour later your friend came out of the house with
+another child, wrapped in the shawl which had enveloped the lost child
+when you found her--"
+
+"Have they been overtaken?" hastily interrupted Cambray, forgetting
+himself.
+
+"No, they have not--more 's the pity!" returned the marquis. "My
+detective was not clever enough to perceive the difference between the
+eight-year-old girl who was carried to your apartments at ten o'clock,
+and the twelve-year-old little maid whom your friend brought downstairs
+at eleven, pretending that he was going in search of the lost child's
+mother. Besides, everything conspired to aid your friend to escape. He
+was too cunning for us, and got such a start of his pursuers that there
+was no use trying to follow him. We do not even know in what direction
+he has gone."
+
+Cambray repressed the sigh of relief which would have lightened his
+heart, and forced himself to say indifferently:
+
+"Neither the young man nor the child concern me. It is his own family
+affair, in which I never meddled."
+
+"That is a move I cannot allow, M. Cambray!" sharply responded the
+marquis. "There are proofs that you are perfectly familiar with his
+affairs."
+
+Again Cambray smiled scornfully.
+
+"You have evidently searched my lodgings."
+
+"We have done our duty, monsieur. We even tore up the floors, broke your
+furniture and ornaments,--for which we apologize,--and found nothing
+suspicious. Notwithstanding this, however, we know very well that you
+received a letter yesterday warning you of approaching danger. We know
+very well that you and your friend traced out the route of his flight;
+we have a witness who listened to your plans, and who fitted together
+the scraps of the torn letter of warning, and read it."
+
+"And who may this witness be?" queried Cambray.
+
+"The child you picked up in the street."
+
+"What!" ejaculated Cambray, incredulously. "The little girl who sat
+shivering in the snow?"
+
+"Yes; she is our most skilful detective, and has entrapped more than one
+conspirator," triumphantly interrupted De Fervlans.
+
+"Then"--and M. Cambray brought his hands together in a vehement
+gesture--"what I have believed a myth is really true. The police
+authorities really employ a number of beautiful women, handsome young
+men, and clever children to spy out and entrap suspected persons?
+'Cythera's Brigade' really exists?"
+
+"You had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated brigade this morning,"
+replied De Fervlans.
+
+"And those grateful men and women, who gathered about me with tearful
+eyes and sympathetic words--"
+
+"Were members of Cythera's Brigade," supplemented the marquis.
+
+"And the mistress of the house--the beautiful woman who fainted at sight
+of her child?"
+
+"Is the fair Cythera's substitute! She taught her little daughter the
+part she played so successfully."
+
+With sudden fury M. Cambray tore from his breast the ivory locket
+containing the little Amélie's portrait, and was about to fling it on
+the floor and trample upon it. On second thought, he restrained himself,
+returned the locket to his breast, and muttered:
+
+"The child is not to blame. Those who have made her such a monster are
+at fault. I will keep the miniature as a talisman for the future."
+
+"And now, M. Cambray," pursued the marquis, "we want to learn what has
+become of your young friend. In fact, we _must_ know what has become of
+him and his charge."
+
+"I don't know where he is."
+
+"You do know. According to the report from our witness, he has fled to a
+'country where order prevails, and where there are no police.' Where is
+this country, M. Cambray?"
+
+"In the moon, perhaps!" was the laconic response.
+
+"Our witness heard these words from your own lips, and you pointed out
+the spot on the map to your friend."
+
+"Your witness dreamed all this!"
+
+"M. Cambray, let us talk sensibly. You are a banker--at least, that is
+what you are registered in the police records. It is to the interest of
+the state to discover your secret. If you will reveal the hiding-place
+of your friend you may demand your own reward. Do you wish to be
+intrusted with the management of the state's finances? Or--"
+
+"I regret, monsieur le marquis," interrupted Cambray, "that I must
+refuse so handsome an opportunity to enrich myself. Although I am a
+banker, I am no swindler."
+
+"Very good! Then you require no money. You are _not_ a banker, M.
+Cambray; that is merely a fable. What is your ambition? Should you
+prefer to be a governor? Name any office; let it be what it may, you
+shall receive the appointment to-morrow."
+
+"Thank you again, monsieur. I must repeat what I said before: I know
+nothing about the future residence of the fugitive gentleman."
+
+"And if I tell you, M. Cambray, that your refusal may cost you your
+head?"
+
+"I should reply," returned Cambray, smiling calmly, as he took up the
+piece of bread lying on the table, "that it is a matter of perfect
+indifference to me if this daily portion of bread is enjoyed by some one
+else to-morrow. That which I do not know I cannot tell you."
+
+"Very well, then," in a harsh tone rejoined De Fervlans. "I will tell
+you that Cambray the banker may say what is not true; but the nobleman
+cannot lie. _Marquis d'Avoncourt_, do you know to what country your
+friend has flown?"
+
+At this question the old gentleman rose from his chair, drew himself up
+proudly, and gazing defiantly into the eyes of his questioner, replied:
+
+"I do."
+
+Instantly De Fervlans's manner changed. He became the embodiment of
+courtesy. He bowed with extreme politeness, then, slipping his arm
+familiarly through that of the prisoner, whispered insinuatingly:
+
+"And what can we do to win this information from you?"
+
+The gray-haired man released himself from De Fervlans's arm, and
+answered with quiet irony:
+
+"I will tell you what you can do: have my head cut off, and send it to
+M. Bichet, the celebrated professor of anatomy; perhaps he may be able
+to discover the information in my skull--if it is there! And now I beg
+you to leave me; I wish to be alone."
+
+De Fervlans took up his hat, but turned at the door to say, in a meaning
+tone:
+
+"Marquis d'Avoncourt, we shall forget that you are a prisoner so long as
+it shall please you to remain obstinate. As for the fugitives, Cythera's
+Brigade will capture them, sooner or later. _Au revoir_!"
+
+That same night the old nobleman was removed to the prison at Ham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+While the ensnared conspirators against the state were receiving
+sentence in one district of Paris, in another district the inhabitants
+were entertaining themselves.
+
+Paris does not mourn very long. Paris is like the earth: one half of it
+is always illumined by the sun. On this fateful evening the incroyables
+and the merveilleuses were amusing themselves within the walls of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+The members of Cythera's Brigade took great pains to make outsiders
+believe that they never troubled themselves about that half of the world
+which was in shadow--that half called politics.
+
+In the salon of the fascinating Countess Themire Dealba not a word was
+heard relating to affairs of state. The beautiful women who were banded
+together to learn the secrets which threatened the present order of
+government worked in an imperceptible manner. They did not belong to the
+ordinary class of spies--those who collect every ill-natured word, every
+trifling occurrence of the street. No, indeed! _They_ did nothing but
+amuse themselves. They were merry society women, trusty friends and
+confidantes. They moved in the best circles; no one ever saw them
+exchange a word with a police commissioner. If any one in the company
+happened to speak of anything even remotely connected with politics,
+some one quickly changed the subject to a more innocent theme; and if a
+stranger chanced to mention so delicate a matter as, say, the dinner
+which had been given by the emperor's nephew at Very's, which cost
+seventy-five thousand francs, while forty thousand laborers were
+starving, then the witty Countess Themire herself turned the
+conversation to the "toilet rivalry" between the Mesdames Tallien and
+Récamier.
+
+On this particular evening the Countess Dealba was discussing the
+beauties of the latest opera with a few of her most intimate friends,
+when the Marquis de Fervlans approached, and, bending over her,
+whispered: "I must see you alone; find an opportunity to leave the room,
+and join me in the conservatory."
+
+At that time it was the fashion to clothe children in garments similar
+to those worn by their elders. A company of little ones, therefore,
+looked like an assemblage of Lilliputian merveilleuses and incroyables.
+The little men and women also accompanied their mamas to receptions and
+the theatre, where they joined in the conversation, danced vis-à-vis
+with their elders, made witty remarks, criticized the toilets and the
+play, gave an opinion as to whether Hardy's confections or those of
+Riches were the better, and if it were safe to depend on the friendship
+of the Czar Alexander.
+
+In this company of little ones the Countess Amélie was, beyond a doubt,
+the most conspicuous.
+
+One could not have imagined anything more interesting or entertaining
+than the manner of this miniature dame when left by her mama to do the
+honors of the house. The dignity with which the child performed her
+duties was enchanting. She understood perfectly how to entertain her
+mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes,
+how to mimic the manner of affected personages. She was, in a word, a
+prodigy!
+
+Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to
+perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.
+
+"We have been outwitted," he began at once. "They vanished twelve hours
+before we learned that they had flown."
+
+The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.
+
+"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this?" she inquired, with a
+touch of asperity. "Have you not got enough police to arrest the
+fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight?"
+
+"Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the
+fugitives are a trifle more skilful. They have disguised themselves so
+effectually that it is impossible to trace them. They seized a public
+coach by force, changed the number on it, and sent it back from the
+boundary by an accomplice, who left it in the Rue Muffetard. Even should
+we succeed in tracing their flight, by the time we discovered them they
+would have crossed the boundary of Switzerland, or would be sailing over
+the ocean. No; we must begin all over again. There is but one expedient:
+_you_ must travel in search of the fugitives, and bring them back."
+
+"I go in search of them and bring them back?" repeated the countess, in
+a startled tone.
+
+"The first part of your task will not be so difficult," continued De
+Fervlans. "The imprisoned marquis will not reveal the destination of the
+fugitives; but we have learned, through your clever little daughter,
+that they have gone to a country where there is order, but where there
+are no police. That, methinks, is not a very difficult riddle to solve.
+You need only journey from place to place until you find such a country.
+The fugitives will be certain to betray themselves by their secrecy,
+and I have not the least doubt but your search will be rewarded before
+the year is out. For one year you shall have the command of three
+hundred thousand francs. When you discover the fugitives you will know
+very well what to do. The man is young and an enthusiast--an easy
+conquest, I should fancy; and when you have ensnared him the maid's fate
+is decided. We want the man, the maid, and the steel casket; any one of
+the three, however, will be of great value to us. You will keep us
+advised as to your progress, and we, of course, will assist you all we
+can. You know that we have secret agents all over Europe. And now, you
+will do well to prepare for an immediate departure; there is not a
+moment to be lost."
+
+"But good, heavens! how can I take Amélie on such a journey?"
+
+"You are not to take her with you--of what are you thinking? That man
+has already seen the child, and would recognize her at once."
+
+"You surely cannot mean that I am to desert my daughter?"
+
+"Don't you think Amélie will be in safe hands if you leave her in _my_
+care?" asked De Fervlans, with a glance that would have made any one who
+had not heard his words believe he was making a declaration of love.
+"Besides, it will not be the first time you leave her to the care of
+another."
+
+"That is true," sighed the countess; "I ought to be accustomed to
+parting with her. Have not I trusted her to the care of a police spy?
+and all for my own advantage! Oh, what a wretched profession I have
+chosen for myself and my child!"
+
+"A profession that yields a handsome income, madame," supplemented the
+marquis, a trifle sharply. "You ought not to complain. Surely the
+régime is not to blame that you married a roué, who squandered your
+fortune, and then was killed in a duel about a rope-dancer, leaving you
+a clever little daughter and a half-million of debts! What else could
+you have done to have earned a living for yourself and child?"
+
+"I might have sent the child to a foundling asylum, and sought
+employment for myself in the gobelin factory. It would have been better
+had I done so!"
+
+"I doubt it, countess. The path of virtue is only for those women
+who--have large feet! You are too fairy-like, and would have found the
+way too rough. It is much better, believe me, to serve the state. What
+would you? Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the
+soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
+Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles
+of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
+We are all soldiers of the state. When we assault an enemy, we do not
+inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland
+hallows the deed."
+
+"But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.
+
+"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume? Are not
+their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our
+salons? We are only using their own weapons against them."
+
+"That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of
+children as instruments in this deadly game."
+
+"Were not they the first to set us an example? Was not it a repulsive
+thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people
+that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child? No,
+madame; we need not be ashamed of what we are doing. Our men are
+engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in
+warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged
+in warfare against their little children. Your little Amélie is a
+historical figure, and deserves a monument."
+
+The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on
+the lovely woman, continued:
+
+"And then, madame, if you are weary of the rôle you and your little
+daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered
+to you to quit your present mode of life. Your financial affairs are
+utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you
+inherited from your ancestors. If you succeed in the task which you are
+about to undertake, the entire sum of money, the interest of which you
+receive annually, becomes your own. Five millions of francs deserve some
+sacrifice. With this sum you can become an independent woman, and your
+daughter will never be reproached with having been, in her childhood, a
+member of Cythera's Brigade."
+
+Countess Themire deliberated a few moments; then she asked:
+
+"May I not kiss my daughter farewell?"
+
+"Leave your kiss with me, and I will deliver it faithfully!" smilingly
+responded the marquis.
+
+"How can you jest at such a moment? Suppose my absence lasts a long
+time?"
+
+"That is very probable."
+
+"Am I not even to hear from my child--not even to let her know that I am
+living?"
+
+"Certainly, countess; you may communicate with her through me. Moreover,
+it rests with yourself how soon you will return. Until that time it
+shall be my pleasure to take care of Amélie; you may rest in peace as to
+that!"
+
+"Yes; she could not be in worse hands than in those of her mother!"
+bitterly rejoined the countess. "The first letter, then, must be one of
+farewell."
+
+She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper:
+
+     "MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey. I shall write to
+     you when I am ready to return. Until then, I leave you to perform
+     the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care. I
+     embrace you a thousand times.
+
+     "Your old friend and little mama,
+
+     "THEMIRE."
+
+She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.
+
+"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said. "And now, send Jocrisse for a
+fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this. You can leave the
+palace unperceived by the garden gate. Speak German wherever you go, and
+remember that you do not understand a word of French. I think you would
+better begin your search in Switzerland. And now, adieu, madame, until
+we meet again--"
+
+"If only I might take one last look at my little daughter!" pleadingly
+interrupted the countess.
+
+"Themire! You are actually beginning to grow sentimental. That does not
+become a soldier!"
+
+"Had I suspected this," returned Themire, "I would not have given
+Amélie's portrait to M. Cambray in that ridiculous farce. I wonder if I
+might not get it from him?"
+
+"No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a
+talisman. Only M. Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of
+their trinkets, and Cambray is still far enough from Sanson's reach! I
+shall have another portrait painted of Amélie, and send it to you."
+
+"But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child."
+
+"Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter!
+I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission--that you will end
+by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us
+to him."
+
+Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.
+
+De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for
+the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes
+for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where
+he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.
+
+Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady
+of the house.
+
+"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian _grande
+dame_, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter--although I am only
+just learning the alphabet!"
+
+There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed
+the concluding words.
+
+The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and
+read her mother's letter.
+
+She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue
+eyes.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called
+suddenly away. She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the
+letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her
+mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also
+was a thought of her own). "I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the
+house."
+
+Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the
+lorgnette in front of her lips:
+
+"Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"--adding, with naïve sarcasm,
+"which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors."
+
+
+
+
+PART II
+
+THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+The entire population of Fertöszeg was assembled on the public highway
+to welcome the new proprietress of the estate. Elaborate preparations
+had been made for the reception. An arch of green boughs--at the top of
+which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses--spanned the road, on
+either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with
+flower-baskets in their hands. They were under the superintendence of
+the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies
+with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.
+
+On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to
+present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe
+melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes. Mortars
+crowned the summit of the neighboring hill. In the shadow of a spreading
+beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine,
+the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the
+justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state
+employees, belonging to these gentlemen. The vice-palatine's assistant
+ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last
+instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the
+hamper of fruit and cheeses.
+
+These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but _they_ had stationed
+themselves along the trench at the side of the road. _They_ did not
+seek the shadow of a tree, because _they_ wished people to know that
+_they_ had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small
+matter.
+
+Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast. The fat
+young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was
+ready for the torch. Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of
+wine. In front of the inn a gypsy band were tuning their instruments,
+while at the window of the church tower might have been seen two or
+three child faces; they were on the lookout for the new lady of the
+manor, in order that they might be ready to ring the bells the moment
+she came in sight. There was only that one tower in the village, and
+there was a cross on it; but it was not a Romish church, for all that.
+The inhabitants were adherents of Luther--Swabians, mixed with Magyars.
+
+The municipal authorities, in their holiday attire of blue cloth, had
+grouped themselves about the town hall. The older men wore their long
+hair brushed back from the temples and held in place by a curved comb.
+The young men had thrust into the sides of their lambskin caps gay
+little nosegays of artificial flowers. _They_ proposed to fire a grand
+salute from the pistols they had concealed in their pockets.
+
+Meanwhile, the dignitaries underneath the umbrageous beech-tree were
+passing the time of waiting pleasantly enough. Maple wine mixed with
+mineral water was a very refreshing drink in the intense heat; besides,
+it served as a stimulant to the appetite--_appetitorium_, they called
+it.
+
+Three wooden benches, joined together in a half-circle, formed a
+comfortable resting-place for the committee of reception, the chief of
+whom, the vice-palatine, was seated on the middle bench, drawing through
+the stem of his huge carved meerschaum the smoke of the sweet Veker
+tobacco. His figure was the living illustration of the ever true axiom:
+"_Extra Hungariam non est vita_,"--an axiom which his fat red face by no
+means confuted,--while his heavy, stiffly waxed mustache seemed to add
+menacingly: "Leave the Hungarian in peace."
+
+He shared his seat with the clergyman, whose ecclesiastical office
+entitled him to that honor. The reverend gentleman, however, was an
+extremely humble person, whom erudition had bent and warped to such a
+degree that one shoulder was lower than the other, one eyelid was
+elevated above its fellow, and only one half of his mouth opened when he
+gave utterance to a remark. His part in the festive ceremony was the
+performance of the _beneventatio_; and although he had committed the
+speech to memory, he could not help but tremble at thought of having to
+repeat it before so grand a dame as the new mistress of the manor. He
+always trembled whenever he began his sermons; but once fairly started,
+then he became a veritable Demosthenes.
+
+"I only hope, reverend sir," jestingly observed the vice-palatine, "that
+it will not happen to you as it did to the _csokonai_, not long ago.
+Some wags exchanged his sermon-book for one on cookery, and he did not
+notice it until he began to read in the pulpit: 'The vinegar was--' Then
+he saw that he was reading a recipe for pickled gherkins. He had the
+presence of mind, however, to continue, '--was offered to the Saviour,
+who said, "It is finished."' And on that text he extemporized a
+discourse that astounded the entire presbytery."
+
+"I shall manage somehow to say my speech," returned the pastor, meekly,
+"if only I do not stumble over the name of the lady."
+
+"It is a difficult name," assented the vice-palatine. "What is it? I
+have already forgotten it, reverend sir."
+
+"Katharina von Landsknechtsschild."
+
+The vice-palatine's pointed mustaches essayed to give utterance to the
+name.
+
+"Lantz-k-nek-hisz-sild--that's asking a great deal from a body at one
+time!" he concluded, in disgust at his ill success.
+
+"And yet, it is a good old Hungarian family name. The last Diet
+recognized her ancestors as belonging to the nobility."
+
+This remark was made by a third gentleman. He was sitting on the left of
+the vice-palatine, and was clad in snuff-colored clothes. His face was
+covered with small-pox marks; he had tangled yellow hair and inflamed
+eyelids.
+
+"Are you acquainted with the family, doctor?" asked the vice-palatine.
+
+"Of course I am," replied the doctor. "Baron Landsknechtsschild
+inherited this estate from his mother, who was a Markoczy. The baron
+sold the estate to his niece Katharina. You, Herr Surveyor, must have
+seen the baron, when the land was surveyed around the Nameless Castle
+for the mad count?"
+
+The surveyor, who was seated beside the doctor, was a clever man in his
+profession, but little given to conversation. When he did open his lips,
+he rarely got beyond: "I--say--what was it, now, I was going to say?"
+
+As no one seemed willing to-day to wait until he could remember what he
+wanted to remark, the doctor, who was never at a loss for words,
+continued:
+
+"The Baroness Katharina paid one hundred thousand florins for the
+estate, with all its prerogatives--"
+
+"That's quite a handsome sum," observed the vice-palatine. "And, what is
+handsomer, it is said the new proprietress intends to take up a
+permanent residence here. Is not that the report, Herr Justice? You
+ought to know."
+
+The justice had an odd habit, while speaking, of rubbing together the
+palms of his hands, as if he were rolling little dumplings between them.
+
+"Yes--yes," he replied, beginning his dumpling-rolling; "that is quite
+true. The baroness sent some beautiful furniture from Vienna; also a
+piano, and a tuner to tune it. All the rooms at the manor have been hung
+with new tapestry, and the conservatory has been completely renovated."
+
+"I wonder how the baroness came to take such a fancy to this quiet
+neighborhood? It is very strange, too, that none of the neighboring
+nobles have been invited here to meet her. It is as if she intended to
+let them know in advance that she did n't want their acquaintance. At
+any other celebration of this sort half the county would have been
+invited, and here are only ourselves--and we are here because we are
+obliged, _ex officio_, to be present."
+
+This speech was delivered over the mouthpiece of the vice-palatine's
+meerschaum.
+
+"I fancy I can enlighten you," responded the doctor.
+
+"I thought it likely that the 'county clock' could tell us something
+about it," laughingly interpolated the vice-palatine.
+
+"You may laugh as much as you like, but I always tell what is true,"
+retorted the "county clock." "They say that the baroness was betrothed
+to a gentleman from Bavaria, that the wedding-day was set, when the
+bridegroom heard that the lady he was about to marry was--"
+
+"Hush!" hastily whispered the justice; "the servants might hear you."
+
+"Oh, it is n't anything scandalous. All that the bridegroom heard was
+that the baroness was a Lutheran; and as the _matrimonia mixta_ are
+forbidden in Vienna and in Bavaria, the bridegroom withdrew from the
+engagement. In her grief over the affair, the _sposa repudiata_ said
+farewell to the world, and determined to wear the_parta_[2] for the
+remainder of her days. That is why she chose this remote region as a
+residence."
+
+[Footnote 2: A head-covering worn only by Hungarian maidens.]
+
+Here the bell in the church tower began to ring. It was followed by a
+roar from the mortars on the hilltop.
+
+The gypsy band began to play Biharis's "Vierzigmann Marsch"; a cloud of
+dust rose from the highway; and soon afterward there appeared an
+outrider with three ostrich-plumes in his hat. He was followed by a
+four-horse coach, with coachman and footman on the box.
+
+The committee of reception came forth from the shade of the beech and
+ranged themselves underneath the arch. The clergyman for the last time
+took his little black book from his pocket, and satisfied himself that
+his speech was still in it. The coach stopped, and it was discovered
+that no one occupied it; only the discarded shawl and traveling-wraps
+told that women had been riding in the conveyance.
+
+The general consternation which ensued was ended by the agent from
+Vienna, who drove up in a second vehicle. He explained that the baroness
+and her companion had alighted at the park gate, whence they would
+proceed on foot up the shorter foot-path to the manor. And thus ended
+all the magnificent preparations for the reception!
+
+A servant now came running from the village, his plumed _czako_ in one
+hand, and announced that the baroness awaited the dignitaries at the
+manor.
+
+This was, to say the least, exasperating! A whole week spent in
+preparing--for nothing!
+
+You may be sure every one had something to say about it, audibly and to
+themselves, and some one was even heard to mutter:
+
+"This is the _second_ mad person come to live in Fertöszeg."
+
+And then they all betook themselves, a disappointed company, to their
+homes.
+
+The baroness, who had preferred to walk the shorter path through the
+park to driving around the village in the dust for the sake of receiving
+a ceremonious welcome, was a lovely blonde, a true Viennese,
+good-humored, and frank as a child. She treated every one with cordial
+friendliness. One might easily have seen that everything rural was new
+to her. While walking through the park she took off her hat and
+decorated it with the wild flowers which grew along the path. In the
+farm-yard she caught two or three little chickens, calling them
+canaries--a mistake the mother hen sought in the most emphatic manner to
+correct. The surly old watch-dog's head was patted. She brushed with her
+dainty fingers the hair from the eyes of the gaping farmer children. She
+was here and there in a moment, driving to despair her companion, whose
+gouty limbs were unable to keep pace with the flying feet of her
+mistress.
+
+At the manor the baroness was received by the steward, who had been sent
+on in advance with orders to prepare the "installation dinner." Then she
+proceeded at once to inspect every corner and crevice--the kitchen as
+well as the dining-room, astonishing the cooks with her knowledge of
+their art. She was summoned from the kitchen to receive the dignitaries.
+
+"Let there be no ceremony, gentlemen," she exclaimed in her musical
+voice, hastening toward them. "I detest all formalities. I have had a
+surfeit of them in Vienna, and intend to breathe natural air here in the
+country, without 'fuss or feathers,' with no incense save that which
+rises from burning tobacco! This is why I avoided your parade out
+yonder on the highway. I want nothing but a cordial shake of your hands;
+and as regards the official formalities of this 'installation' business,
+you must settle that with my agent, who has authority to act for me.
+After that has been arranged, we will all act as if we were old
+acquaintances, and every one of you must consider himself at home here."
+
+To this gracious speech the vice-palatine gave utterance to something
+which sounded like:
+
+"Kisz-ti-hand!"
+
+"Ah!" returned the baroness, "you speak German?"
+
+"Well, yes," replied the descendant of the Scythians; "only, I am likely
+to blunder when speaking it, as did the valiant Barkocz. When our
+glorious Queen Maria Theresa recovered from the chicken-pox, she was
+bemoaning the disfiguring scars left on her face, when the brave
+soldier, in order to comfort her, said: 'But your Majesty still has very
+beautiful _leather_.'"
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" merrily laughed the baroness. "You are the gentleman who
+has an anecdote to suit every occasion. I have already heard about you.
+Pray introduce the other gentlemen."
+
+The vice-palatine proceeded to obey this request. "This is the Rev. Herr
+Tobias Mercatoris, our parish clergyman. He has a beautiful speech
+prepared to receive your ladyship; but he can't repeat it here, as it
+begins, 'Here in the grateful shadow of these green trees.'"
+
+"Oh, well, your reverence, instead of the speech, I will listen to your
+sermons on Sundays. I intend to become a very zealous member of your
+congregation."
+
+"And this, your ladyship," continued the master of ceremonies, "is Dr.
+Philip Tromfszky, resident physician of Fertöszeg, who is celebrated not
+only for his surgical and medical skill, but is acknowledged here, as
+well as in Raab, Komorn, Eisenburg, and Odenburg, as the greatest gossip
+and news dispenser in the kingdom."
+
+"A most excellent accomplishment!" laughingly exclaimed the baroness. "I
+am devoted to gossip; and I shall manage to have some ailment every few
+days in order to have the doctor come to see me!"
+
+Then came the surveyor's turn.
+
+"This, your ladyship, is Herr Martin Doboka, county surveyor and expert
+mathematician. He will measure for you land, water, or fog; and if your
+watch stops going, he will repair it for you!"
+
+"And who may this be?" smilingly inquired the lady, indicating the
+vice-palatine's assistant, who had thrust his long neck inquisitively
+forward.
+
+"Oh, he is n't anybody!" replied the vice-palatine. "He is never called
+by name. When you want him just say: '_Audiat!_' He is one of those
+persons of whom Cziraky said: 'My lad, don't trouble yourself to inquire
+where you shall seat yourself at table; for wherever you sit will always
+be the lowest place!'"
+
+This anecdote caused "Audiat" to draw back his head and seek to make
+himself invisible.
+
+"And now, I must present myself: I am the vice-palatine of this county,
+and am called Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+"My dear sir!" ejaculated the baroness, laughing heartily, "I could n't
+commit all that to memory in three years!"
+
+"That is exactly the way your ladyship's name affects me!"
+
+"Then I will tell you what we will do. Instead of torturing each other
+with our unpronounceable names, let us at once adopt the familiar
+'thou,' and call each other by our Christian names."
+
+"Yes; but when I enter into a 'brotherhood' of that sort, I always kiss
+the person with whom I form a compact."
+
+"Well, that can also be done in this instance!" promptly responded the
+baroness, proffering, without affectation of maidenly coyness, the
+ceremonial kiss, and cordially shaking hands with the vice-palatine.
+Then she said:
+
+"We are now Bernat _bácsi_, and Katinka; and as that is happily
+arranged, I will ask the gentlemen to go into the agent's office and
+conclude our official business. Meanwhile, I shall make my toilet for
+dinner, where we will all meet again."
+
+"What a perfectly charming woman!" exclaimed the justice, when their
+hostess had vanished from the room.
+
+"I wonder what would happen," observed the doctor, with a malicious
+grin, "if the vice-palatine's wife should hear of that kiss? Would n't
+there be a row, though!"
+
+The heroic descendant of the Scythians at these words became seriously
+alarmed.
+
+"The Herr Doctor, I trust, will be honorable enough not to gossip about
+it," he said meekly.
+
+"Oh, you may rest without fear, so far as _I_ am concerned; but I
+would n't say as much for the surveyor, here. If ever he should succeed
+in getting beyond 'I say,' I won't answer for the safety of your secret,
+Herr Vice-palatine! When your wife hears, moreover, that it is 'Bernat'
+and 'Katinka' up here, it will require something besides an anecdote to
+parry what will follow!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the baroness appeared at the dinner-table, she was attired simply,
+yet with a certain elegance. She wore a plain black silk gown, with no
+other ornamentation save the string of genuine pearls about her throat.
+The sombre hue of her gown signified mourning; the gems represented
+tears; but her manner was by no means in keeping with either; she was
+cheerful, even gay. But laughter very often serves to mask a sorrowful
+heart.
+
+"Thy place is here by my side," said the baroness, mindful of the
+"thee-and-thou" compact with Herr Bernat.
+
+The vice-palatine, remembering his spouse, sought to modify the
+familiarity.
+
+"I forgot to tell you, baroness," he observed, as he seated himself in
+the chair beside her own, "that with us in this region 'thou' is used
+only by children and the gypsies. To those with whom we are on terms of
+intimacy we say 'he' or 'she,' to which we add, if we wish, the words
+_bácsi_, or _hugom_, which are equivalent to 'cousin.'"
+
+"And do you never say 'thou' to your wife?"
+
+"To her also I say 'she' or 'you.'"
+
+"What a singular country! Well, then, Bernat bácsi, if it pleases 'him,'
+will 'he' sit here by me?"
+
+Baroness Katinka understood perfectly how to conduct the conversation
+during the repast--an art which was not appreciated by her right-hand
+neighbor, Herr Mercatoris. The learned gentleman had bad teeth, in
+consequence of which eating was a sort of penitential performance that
+left him no time for discourse.
+
+But the doctor and the vice-palatine showed themselves all the more
+willing to share the conversation with their hostess.
+
+"The official business was satisfactorily arranged without me, was it
+not, Bernat bácsi?" after a brief pause, inquired the baroness.
+
+"Not altogether. We are like the gypsy who said that he was going to
+marry a countess. He was willing, and all that was yet necessary was the
+consent of a countess. Our business requires the consent of a
+baroness--that is, of Katinka hugom."
+
+"To what must I give my consent?"
+
+"That the conditions relating to the Nameless Castle shall continue the
+same as heretofore."
+
+"Nameless Castle?--Conditions?--What does that mean? I should like very
+much to know."
+
+"Katinka hugom can see the Nameless Castle from the terrace out yonder.
+It is a hunting-seat that was built by a Markoczy on the shore of Lake
+Neusiedl, on the site of a primitive pile-dwelling. Three years ago, a
+gentleman from a foreign country came to Fertöszeg, and took such a
+fancy to the isolated house that he leased it from the baron, the former
+owner, on condition that no one but himself and servants should be
+permitted to enter the grounds belonging to the castle. The question now
+is, will Katinka hugom consent to the conditions, or will she revoke
+them?"
+
+"And if I should choose to do the latter?" inquired the baroness.
+
+"Then your ladyship would be obliged to give a handsome bonus to the
+lessee. Shall you revoke the conditions?"
+
+"It depends entirely on the sort of person my tenant proves to be."
+
+"He is a very peculiar man, to say the least--one who avoids all contact
+with his fellow-men."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"I don't think any one around here knows it. That is why his residence
+has been called the Nameless Castle."
+
+"But how is it possible that the name of a man who has lived here three
+years is not known?"
+
+"Well, that is easily explained. He never goes anywhere, never receives
+visitors, and his servants never call him anything but 'the count.'"
+
+"Surely he receives letters by post?"
+
+"Yes, frequently, and from all parts of the known world. Very often he
+receives letters which contain money, and for which he is obliged to
+give a receipt; but no one has yet been able to decipher the illegible
+characters on the letters addressed to him, or those of his own hand."
+
+"I should think the authorities had a right to demand the information?"
+
+"Which authorities?"
+
+"Why--'he,' Bernat bácsi."
+
+"I? Why, what business is it of mine?"
+
+"The authorities ought to inquire who strangers are, and where they come
+from. And such an authority is 'he'--Bernat bácsi!"
+
+"Hum; does 'she' take me to be a detective?"
+
+"But you surely have a right to demand to see his passport?"
+
+"Passport? I would rather allow myself to be thrown from the window of
+the county-house than demand a passport from any one who comes to
+Hungary, or set my foot in the house of a gentleman without his
+permission!"
+
+"Then you don't care what people do here?"
+
+"Why should we? The noble does as he pleases, and the peasant as he
+must."
+
+"Suppose the man in the Nameless Castle were plotting some dreadful
+treason?"
+
+"That would be the affair of the king's attorney, not mine. Moreover,
+nothing whatever can be said against the tenant of the Nameless Castle.
+He is a quiet and inoffensive gentleman."
+
+"Is he alone? Has he no family?"
+
+"That the Herr Justice is better able to tell your ladyship than am I."
+
+"Ah! Then, _Herr Hofrichter_," inquired the lady of the manor, turning
+toward the justice, "what do _you_ know about this mysterious personage?
+Has he a wife?"
+
+"It seems as if he had a wife, your ladyship; but I really cannot say
+for certain if he has one."
+
+"Well, I confess my curiosity is aroused! How is it possible not to know
+whether the man is married or not? Are the people invisible?"
+
+"Invisible? By no means, your ladyship. The nameless count and a lady
+drive out every morning at ten o'clock. They drive as far as the
+neighboring village, where they turn and come back to the castle. But
+the lady wears such a heavy veil that one can't tell if she be old or
+young."
+
+"If they drive out they certainly have a coachman; and one might easily
+learn from a servant what are the relations between his master and
+mistress."
+
+"Yes, so one might. The coachman comes often to the village, and he can
+speak German, too. There is a fat cook, who never leaves the castle,
+because she can't walk. Then, there are two more servants, Schmidt and
+his wife; but they live in a cottage near the castle. Every morning at
+five o'clock they go to the castle gate, where they receive from some
+one, through the wicket, orders for the day. At nine o'clock they
+return to the gate, where a basket has been placed for the things they
+have bought. But they never speak of the lady, because they have never
+seen her face, either."
+
+"What sort of a man is the groom?"
+
+"The people about here call him the man with the iron mouth. It is
+believed the fat cook is his wife, because he never even looks at the
+girls in the village. He will not answer any questions; only once he
+condescended to say that his mistress was a penniless orphan, who had
+nothing, yet who got everything she wanted."
+
+"Does no one visit them?"
+
+"If any one goes to the castle, the count alone receives the visitor;
+the lady never appears; and no one has yet had courage enough to ask for
+her. But that they are Christians, one may know from their kitchen:
+there is always a lamb for dinner on Easter; and the usual _heiligen
+Stritzel_ on All Saints'. But they never go to church, nor is the pastor
+ever received at the castle."
+
+"What reason can they have for so much mystery, I wonder?" musingly
+observed the baroness.
+
+"That I cannot say. I can furnish only the data; for the deductions I
+must refer your ladyship to the Herr Doctor."
+
+"Ah, true!" ejaculated her ladyship, joining in the general laughter.
+"The doctor, to be sure! If you are the county clock, Herr Doctor,
+surely you ought to know something about our mysterious neighbors?"
+
+"I have two versions, either of which your ladyship is at liberty to
+accept," promptly responded the doctor. "According to the first
+'authentic' declaration, the nameless count is the chief of a band of
+robbers, who ply their nefarious trade in a foreign land. The lady is
+his mistress. She fell once into the hands of justice, in Germany, and
+was branded as a criminal on her forehead. That accounts for the heavy
+veil she always wears--"
+
+"Oh, that is quite too horribly romantic, Herr Doctor!" interrupted the
+baroness. "We cannot accept that version. Let us hear the other one."
+
+"The second is more likely to be the true one. Four years ago the
+newspapers were full of a remarkable abduction case. A stranger--no one
+knew who he was--abducted the wife of a French officer from Dieppe.
+Since then the betrayed husband has been searching all over the world
+for his runaway wife and her lover; and the pair at the castle are
+supposed to be they."
+
+"That certainly is the more plausible solution of the mystery. But there
+is one flaw. If the lovers fled here to Fertöszeg to escape pursuit, the
+lady has chosen the very worst means to remain undiscovered. Who would
+recognize them here if they went about in the ordinary manner? The story
+of the veil will spread farther and farther, and will ultimately betray
+them to the pursuing husband."
+
+By this time the reverend Herr Mercatoris had got the better of his bad
+teeth, and was now ready to join the conversation.
+
+"Gentlemen and ladies," he began, "allow me to say a word about this
+matter, the details of which no one knows better than myself, as I have
+for months been in communication with the nameless gentleman at the
+castle."
+
+"What sort of communication?"
+
+"Through the medium of a correspondence, which has been conducted in
+quite a peculiar manner. The count--we will call him so, although we are
+not justified in so doing, for the gentleman did not announce himself as
+such--the count sends me every morning his copy of the Augsburg
+'Allgemeine Zeitung.' Moreover, I frequently receive letters from him
+through Frau Schmidt; but I always have to return them as soon as I
+have read them. They are not written in a man's hand; the writing is
+unmistakably feminine. The seal is never stamped; only once I noticed on
+it a crest with three flowers--"
+
+"What sort of flowers?" hastily interposed the baroness.
+
+"I don't know the names of them, your ladyship."
+
+"And what do you write about?" she asked again.
+
+"The correspondence began by the count asking a trifling favor of me. He
+complained that the dogs in the village barked so loud; then, that the
+children robbed the birds' nests; then, that the night-watchman called
+the hour unnecessarily loud. These complaints, however, were not made in
+his own name, but by another person whom he did not name. He wrote
+merely: 'Complainant is afraid when the dogs bark.' 'Complainant loves
+birds.' 'Complainant is made nervous by the night-watchman.' Then he
+sent some money for the owners of the barking dogs, asking that the curs
+be shut indoors nights; and some for the children, so they would cease
+to rob the birds' nests; and some for the watchman, whom he requested to
+shout his loudest at the other end of the village. When I had attended
+to his requests, he began to send me his newspaper, which is a great
+favor, for I can ill afford to subscribe for one myself. Later, he
+loaned me some books; he has the classics of all nations--the works of
+Wieland, Kleist, Börne, Lessing, Locke, Schleiermacher. Then we began to
+write about the books, and became entangled in a most exciting argument.
+Frau Schmidt, who was the bearer of this exchange of opinions, very
+often passed to and fro between the castle and the parsonage a dozen
+times a day; and all the time we never said anything to each other, when
+we happened to meet in the road, but 'good day.' From the letters,
+however, I became convinced that the mysterious gentleman is neither a
+criminal, nor a fugitive from justice, nor yet an adventurous hero who
+abducts women! Nor is he an unfortunate misanthrope. He is, on the
+contrary, a philanthropist in the widest sense--one who takes an
+interest in everything that goes on about him, and is eager to help his
+suffering fellows. In a word, he is a philosopher who is happy when he
+is surrounded by peace and quiet."
+
+The baroness, who had listened with interest to the reverend gentleman's
+words, now made inquiry:
+
+"How does this nameless gentleman learn of his poor neighbors' needs,
+when neither he nor his servants associate with any one outside the
+castle?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, your ladyship. He has a very powerful
+telescope in the tower of the castle, with which he can view every
+portion of the surrounding region. He thus learns when there is illness
+or death, whether a house needs repair; and wherever anything is needed,
+the means to help are sent to me. On Christmas he has all the children
+from the village up at the castle, where he has a splendid Christmas
+tree with lighted tapers, and a gift for every child,--clothes, books,
+and sweets,--which he distributes with his own hand. I can tell you an
+incident which is characteristic of the man. One day the county arrested
+a poor woman, the wife of a notorious thief. The Herr Vice-palatine will
+remember the case--Rakoncza Jutka, the wife of the robber Satan Laczi?"
+
+"Yes, I remember. She is still in prison," assented the gentleman
+referred to.
+
+"Yes. Well, she has a little son. When the mother was taken to prison,
+the little lad was turned away from every door, was beaten and abused by
+the other children, until at last he fled to the marshes, where he ate
+the young shoots of the reeds, and slept in the mire. The nameless count
+discovered with his telescope the little outcast, and wrote to me to
+have him taken to Frau Schmidt, where he would be well taken care of
+until his mother came back."
+
+By this time the tears were running down the baroness's cheeks.
+
+"Poor little lad!" she murmured brokenly. "Your story has affected me
+deeply, Herr Pastor."
+
+Then she summoned her steward, and bade him fill a large hamper with
+sweets and pasties, and send it to Frau Schmidt for the poor little boy.
+"And tell Frau Schmidt," she added, "to send the child to the manor. We
+will see to it that he has some suitable clothes. I am delighted,
+reverend sir, to learn that my tenant is a true nobleman."
+
+"His deeds certainly proclaim him as such, your ladyship."
+
+"How do _you_ explain the mystery of the veiled lady?"
+
+"I cannot explain it, your ladyship; she is never mentioned in our
+correspondence."
+
+"She may be a prisoner, detained at the castle by force."
+
+"That cannot be; for she has a hundred opportunities to escape, or to
+ask for help."
+
+Here the surveyor managed to express his belief that the reason the lady
+wore a veil was because of the repulsiveness of her face.
+
+At this, a voice that had not yet been heard said, at the lower end of
+the table:
+
+"But the lady is one the most beautiful creatures I ever saw--and quite
+young."
+
+Every eye was turned toward the speaker.
+
+"What? Audiat? How dares he say such a thing?" demanded the
+vice-palatine.
+
+"Because I have seen her."
+
+"You have seen her? When did you see her? Where did you see her--her
+whom no one yet has seen?"
+
+"When I was returning from college last year, _per pedes apostolorum_,
+for my money had given out, and my knapsack was empty. I was picking
+hazelnuts from the bushes in the park of the Nameless Castle, when I
+heard a window open. I looked up, and saw in the open sash a face the
+like of which I have never seen, even in a picture."
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated the baroness. "Tell us what is she like. Come nearer to
+me."
+
+The clerk, however, was too bashful to leave his place, whereupon the
+baroness rose and took a seat by his side.
+
+"She has long, curling black hair," he went on. "Her face is fair as a
+lily and red as a rose, her brow pure and high, with no sign of the
+branding-iron. Her mouth is small and delicate. Indeed, her entire
+appearance that day was like that of an angel looking down from heaven."
+
+"Is she a maid or a married woman?" inquired one of the company.
+
+A maid, in those days, was very easily distinguished from her married
+sister. The latter was never seen without a cap.
+
+"A young girl not more than fifteen, I should say," was the reply. "A
+cap would not suit her face."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Bernat bácsi. "And this enchanting fairy opened
+the window to show her lovely face to Audiat!"
+
+"No; she did not open the window on my account," retorted the young man,
+"but for the beasts that were luckier than I--for four cats that were
+playing in the gutter of the roof; a white one, a black one, a yellow
+one, and a gray one; and all of them scampered toward her when they
+heard her call."
+
+"The cats are her only companions--that much we know from the servants,"
+affirmed the justice.
+
+The laurels which his clerk had won made the vice-palatine jealous.
+
+"Audiat," he said, in a reproving tone, "you ought to learn that a young
+person should speak only when spoken to; indeed,--as the learned
+Professor Hatvani says,--even then it is not necessary to answer all
+questions."
+
+But the company around the dinner-table did not share these views. The
+clerk was assailed on all sides--very much as would have been an
+aëronaut who had just alighted from a montgolfier--to relate all that he
+had seen in those regions not yet penetrated by man. What sort of gown
+did the mysterious lady wear? Was he certain that she had no cap on? Was
+she really no older than fifteen years?
+
+The vice-palatine at last put an end to his clerk's triumph.
+
+"Tut, tut! what can you expect to learn from a mere lad like him?--when
+he saw her only for an instant! Just wait; _I_ will find out all about
+this nameless gentleman and lady."
+
+"Pray how do you propose to accomplish that?" queried the baroness, who
+had returned to her former seat.
+
+"I shall go to the Nameless Castle."
+
+"Suppose you are not permitted to enter?"
+
+"What? _I_, the vice-palatine, not permitted to enter? Wait; I will
+explain my plan to you over the coffee."
+
+When the time came to serve the black coffee, the amiable hostess
+suggested that it would be pleasant to enjoy it in the open air;
+whereupon the company repaired to the veranda where, on several small
+tables, the fragrant mocha was steaming in the cups. Here the baroness
+and the vice-palatine seated themselves where they could look directly
+at the Nameless Castle; and Herr Bernat Görömbölyi proceeded to explain
+how he intended to take the castle without force--which was forbidden a
+Hungarian official.
+
+Then the two ladies withdrew to make their toilets for the evening; and
+the gentlemen betook themselves to the smoking-room, to indulge in a
+little game of chance, without which no "installation" ceremony would
+have been complete.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the
+gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat bácsi lingering
+behind the rest to whisper significantly:
+
+"I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell
+you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and
+bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle. The
+Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into
+Lake Neusiedl. The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway,
+which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of
+fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns. A drawbridge at the
+farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the
+gate to ask permission.
+
+On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has
+already been described,--the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one
+person. He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and
+shoes without heels.
+
+"Is the count at home?" inquired the vice-palatine.
+
+"He is."
+
+"Announce us. I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an
+official visit."
+
+"The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids
+them welcome."
+
+This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing
+proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to
+remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule--a
+sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.
+
+Now, however, something curious happened.
+
+Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks,
+woven of strands of cloth,--_mamuss_ they are called in this
+region,--and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their
+boots.
+
+"And why, pray?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.
+
+"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant;
+and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the
+carpets."
+
+"This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to
+submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped,
+they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.
+
+An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
+Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used
+for peasants' clothing in Hungary. The walls were hung with glossy white
+paper. Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened. There were
+no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had
+anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either. The floor
+of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone
+like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.
+
+"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom,
+and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber. Here, too, the
+furniture was white and gold. The oil-paintings in the rococo frames
+represented landscapes, fruit pieces, and game; there was not a
+portrait among them.
+
+Beside the oval table with tigers' feet stood the mysterious occupant of
+the Nameless Castle. He was a tall man, with knightly bearing,
+expressive face, a high, broad forehead left uncovered by his natural
+hair, a straight Greek nose, gray eyes, a short mustache and pointed
+beard, which where a shade lighter than his hair.
+
+"_Magnifice comes_--" the vice-palatine was beginning in Latin, when the
+count interposed:
+
+"I speak Hungarian."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed the visitor, whose astonishment was reflected in
+his face. "Hungarian? Why, where can your worship have learned it?"
+
+"From the grammar."
+
+"From the grammar?" For the vice-palatine this was the most astounding
+of all the strange things about the mysterious castle. Had he not always
+known that Hungarian could only be learned by beginning when a child and
+living in a Hungarian family? That any one had learned the language as
+one learns the _hic, hæc, hoc_ was a marvel that deserved to be
+recorded. "From the grammar?" he repeated. "Well, that is wonderful! I
+certainly believed I should have to speak Latin to your worship. But
+allow me to introduce my humble self--"
+
+"I already have the honor," quietly interrupted the count, "of knowing
+that you are Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+He repeated the whole name without a single mistake!
+
+The vice-palatine bowed, and began again:
+
+"The object of my visit to-day is--"
+
+Again he was interrupted.
+
+"I know that also," said the count. "The Fertöszeg estate has passed
+into the hands of another proprietor, who has a legal right to withdraw
+the lease and revoke the conditions made and agreed to by her
+predecessor; and the Herr Vice-palatine is come, at the request of the
+baroness, to serve a notice to quit."
+
+Herr Bernat did not like it when any one interrupted him or knew
+beforehand what he intended to say.
+
+"On the contrary, I came because the baroness desires to renew the
+lease. She has learned how kind to the poor your worship is, and offers
+the castle and park at half the rent paid heretofore." He fancied this
+would melt the haughty lord of the castle, but it seemed to increase his
+hauteur.
+
+"Thanks," frigidly responded the count. "If the baroness thinks the rent
+too high, she will find in her own neighborhood poor people whom she can
+assist. I shall continue to pay the same rent I paid to the former
+owner."
+
+"Then my business will be easily settled. I have brought my clerk with
+me; he can write out the necessary papers, and the matter can be
+concluded at once."
+
+"Thank you very much," returned the count, but without offering to shake
+hands. Instead, he kept his arms crossed behind his back.
+
+"Before we proceed to business," resumed the vice-palatine, "I must tell
+your worship an anecdote. A professor once told his pupils that he knew
+everything. Shortly afterward he asked one of the lads what his name
+was. 'Why,' responded the youth, 'how does it come that you don't know
+my name--you who know everything?'"
+
+"I cannot see why you thought it necessary to relate this anecdote to
+me," observed the count, without a smile.
+
+"I introduce it because I am compelled to inquire your worship's name
+and title, in order to draw up the contracts properly."
+
+This, then, was the strategem by which he proposed to learn the name
+which no one yet had been able to decipher on the count's letters?
+
+The count gazed fixedly for several seconds at his questioner, then
+replied quietly:
+
+"My name is Count Ludwig Vavel de Versay--with a _y_ after the _a_."
+
+"Thanks. I shall not forget it; I have a very good memory," said Herr
+Bernat, who was perfectly satisfied with his success. "Allow me, also,
+to inquire the family name of the worshipful Frau Countess?"
+
+At this question the count at last removed his hands from his back, and
+with the sort of gesture a man makes who would tear asunder an
+adversary. At the same time he cast upon Herr Bernat a glance that
+reminded the valiant official of the royal commissioner, as well as of
+his energetic spouse at home. The angry man seemed to have increased a
+head in stature.
+
+Instead of replying to the question, he turned on his heel and strode
+from the room, leaving his visitor standing in the middle of the floor.
+Herr Bernat was perplexed; he did not know what to do next. Was it not
+quite natural to ask the name of a man's wife when a legal contract was
+to be written? His question, therefore, had not been an insult.
+
+At last, as the count did not return, there was nothing left for Herr
+Bernat to do but go to his room and wait there for further developments.
+The contracts would have to be renewed, else the count would have to
+vacate the castle; and one could easily see that a great deal of money
+had been expended in fitting it up. The count had transformed the old
+hunting-seat, which had been a filthy little nest, into a veritable
+fairy castle. Yes, undoubtedly the contracts would be renewed.
+
+The vice-palatine was pacing the floor of his room in his noiseless
+cloth socks, when he suddenly heard the voices of his clerk and his
+servant outside the door.
+
+"Well, Janos, we are not going to dine here to-day; from what I can
+learn, we are going to be eaten ourselves."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"The groom told me his master was loading his pistols to shoot some one.
+The count challenges to a duel every one who inquires after the
+countess."
+
+The voices ceased. The vice-palatine opened wide his eyes, and muttered:
+
+"May the devil fly away with him! He wants to fight a duel, does he? I
+am not afraid of his pistols; I have one, too, and a sword into the
+bargain. But it 's a silly business altogether! I am to fight about a
+woman I have n't even seen! And what will my wife say? I wish I had n't
+come into this crazy castle! I wish I had n't sealed a compact of
+fraternity with the baroness! Why did not I leave this whole
+installation business to the second vice-palatine? If only I could think
+of an excuse to turn my back on this lunatic asylum! But I am not going
+to run away from a pistol. The Hungarian noble is a born soldier. If
+only I had my pipe! A man is only half a man without his pipe. A pipe
+inspires one with ideas. Where, I wonder, is that Audiat gadding?"
+
+At this moment the clerk opened the door.
+
+"Fetch our luggage, Audiat; we are going to leave this damned lunatic
+asylum. The Herr Count may see to it then how he renews his lease."
+Hereupon he kicked off the socks with such vigor that the very castle
+shook. Then, grasping his sword in his hand, he marched out of his room,
+and down the staircase, to prove that he was not fleeing like a coward,
+but was clearing his way by force.
+
+When the clerk, who went to fetch the luggage, was about to enter the
+groom's apartment, the count came toward him and said:
+
+"You are the vice-palatine's clerk?"
+
+"That 's what they call me."
+
+"When do you expect to become a lawyer?"
+
+"When I have passed my examination."
+
+"When will that be?"
+
+"When I have served a year as jurat, and have paid a ducat for my
+diploma."
+
+"I will give you the ducat, and when you have become a lawyer I will
+employ you as my attorney at six hundred guilders a year. I know that a
+Hungarian gentleman will not accept a gift without making some return; I
+ask you, therefore, to give me for this ducat some information."
+
+"What is it you wish to know?"
+
+"How can I obtain possession of a portion of Lake Neusiedl for my own
+use alone?"
+
+"By becoming a naturalized citizen of the county, and by purchase of a
+portion of the shore. I dare say there are some landowners on the shore
+who would be glad to part with their possessions in exchange for solid
+cash. If you buy such an estate you will have sole right to that part of
+the water in front of your property, and to the middle of the lake."
+
+"Thank you. One more question: if you were my attorney, what could you
+do to prevent me from being ejected from this castle, in case I did not
+sign a new contract with the present owner?"
+
+"First, I should take advantage of the law of possession, and drag the
+case through a twelve years' process; then I should appeal, which would
+postpone a settlement for three years longer. Would that be long
+enough?"
+
+"Quite!"
+
+The count nodded a farewell to the youthful jurist without even
+inquiring his name; nor did Audiat venture to propound a like question
+to his future employer.
+
+Bernat bácsi did not, as he had promised, return to the manor to tell
+the baroness the result of his visit. He drove direct to his home.
+
+
+
+
+PART III
+
+
+THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When they heard the call, "Puss, puss!" they scampered down the roof,
+leaped from the eaves, and vanished, one after the other, between the
+curtains of the open window. It was quite an ethnographic, so to speak,
+collection of cats; a panther-like French pussy from Dund, a Caucasian
+with long pointed ears, one from China with wavy silken fur and drooping
+ears. Then the window was closed, for the company were all
+assembled--four cats, two pug-dogs, and a sparrow, and the hostess, a
+young girl.
+
+The girl, to judge from her figure, was perhaps fifteen years old; but
+her manner and speech were those of a much younger child. With her
+arched brow and rainbow-formed eyebrows, she might have served as a
+model for a saint, had not the roguish smile about the corners of her
+red lips betrayed an earthly origin. The sparkling dark eyes, delicately
+chiseled nostrils, and rounded chin gave to her face certain family
+characteristics which many persons would have recognized at a first
+glance.
+
+Her clothing was richly adorned with lace and embroidery, which was not
+the fashion for girls of her age; at the same time, there was about her
+attire a peculiar negligence, as if she had no one to advise her what
+was proper to wear, or how to wear it.
+
+Her room was furnished with luxurious elegance. Satin hangings covered
+the walls; the furniture was upholstered with rare gobelin tapestry.
+Gilded cabinets veneered with tortoise-shell held, behind glass doors,
+all sorts of costly toys, and dolls in full costume. On a Venetian table
+with mosaic top lay a pack of cards and three heaps of money--one of
+gold, one of silver, the third of copper. On a low, three-legged table
+was a something shaped like an organ, with a long row of metal and
+wooden pipes. Near the window stood a drawing-table, on which were
+sheets of drawing-board, and glasses containing pulverized colors. There
+was also a bookcase; on the shelves were volumes of Vertuch's "Orbis
+pictus," the "Portefeuille des enfants," the "History of Robinson
+Crusoe," and several numbers of a fashion magazine, the "Album des
+salons," the illustrations of which lay scattered about on tables and
+chairs.
+
+The guests were all assembled; not one was missing. The little hostess
+inquired after the health of each one in turn, and how they had enjoyed
+their outing. They all had names. The cats were Hitz, Mitz, Pani, and
+Miura. They were introduced to the two pugs, Phryxus and Helle. Then the
+little maid fetched a porcelain basin, and with a sponge washed each
+nose and paw. Only after this operation had been thoroughly performed
+were the guests allowed to take their places at the breakfast-table--the
+four cats opposite the two pugs.
+
+Then a clean napkin was tied about the neck of each guest,--that their
+jabots might not get soiled with milk,--and a cup of bread and milk
+placed in front of each one.
+
+No complaints were allowed (the one that broke this rule was severely
+lectured), while all of them had patiently to submit when the sparrow
+helped himself from whichever cup he chose. The breakfast over, the
+guests bow-wowed and miaued their thanks, and were dismissed to their
+morning nap.
+
+The musical clock now began to play its shepherd's song; the brass
+Cyclops standing on the dial struck the hour; the cuckoo called, and the
+halberdier saluted. Then the little maid changed her toilet. She had a
+whole wardrobe full of clothes; she might select what she chose to wear.
+There was no one to tell her what to put on, or to help her attire
+herself. When her toilet was completed, a bell outside rang once,
+whereupon she donned her hat and tied over her face a heavy lace veil
+that effectually concealed her features. After a few minutes the bell
+rang a second time, and the sound of wheels in the courtyard was heard.
+Then three taps sounded on the door, and in answer to the little maid's
+clear-voiced "Come in!" a gentleman in promenade toilet entered the room
+and bowed respectfully. First he satisfied himself that the veil was
+securely fastened around the young girl's hat; then, drawing her hand
+through his arm, he led her to the carriage.
+
+On the box was seated the broad-shouldered groom, now clad in coachman's
+costume. The gentleman assisted the little maid into the carriage, took
+his seat by her side, and the black horses set off over the same road
+they had traversed a thousand times, in the regulation trot, avoiding
+the main thoroughfare of the village. Those persons whom they chanced to
+meet did not salute, for they knew that the occupants of the carriage
+from the Nameless Castle did not wish to be spoken to; and any of the
+villagers who were standing idly at their doors stepped inside until
+they had passed; no inquisitive woman face peered after them. And thus
+the carriage passed on its way, as if it had been invisible. When it
+arrived at the forest, the horses knew just where they had to halt. Here
+the gentleman assisted his veiled companion to alight, gave her his left
+arm, because he held in his right hand a heavy walking-stick, in the
+center of which was concealed a long, three-edged poniard, an effective
+weapon in the hands of him who knew how to wield it.
+
+In silence the man and the maid promenaded along the green sward in the
+shade of the trees. A campanula had just opened its blue eye at the foot
+of one of the trees, and pale-blue forget-me-nots grew along the path.
+Blue was the little maid's favorite color; but she was not permitted to
+pluck the flowers herself. She had never been told why she must not do
+this; perhaps it was because the flowers belonged to some one else.
+
+Sometimes the little maid's steps were so light and elastic, as if a
+fairy were gliding over the dewy grass; and sometimes she walked so
+slowly, so wearily, as if a little old grandmother came limping along,
+hunting for lichens on the mossy ground.
+
+After the promenade, they seated themselves again in the carriage, which
+returned to the Nameless Castle, and the gates were closed again.
+
+The man conducted the maid to her room, and the serious occupation of
+the day began. Books were produced, and the man proceeded to explain the
+classics. They were his own favorites; he could not give her any others.
+She had not yet seen or heard of romances, and she was still too young
+to begin the study of history. The man could teach the maid only what he
+himself knew; a strange tutor or governess was not allowed to enter the
+castle.
+
+Because her instructor could not play the piano, the little maid had not
+learned. But in order that she might enjoy listening to music, a
+hand-organ had been bought for her, and new melodies were inserted in it
+every four months.
+
+When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making, she
+seated herself at the card-table, and played _l'hombre_, or _tarok_,
+with two imaginary adversaries, enjoying the manner in which the copper
+coins won the gold ones.
+
+At noon, when the bell rang a third time, the man tapped at the door
+again, offered his gloved hand to the maid, and conducted her to the
+dining-room. At either end of a large table was a plate. The maid took
+her place at the head; the man seated himself at the foot. They
+conversed during the meal. The maid talked about her cats and dogs; the
+man told her about his books. When the maid wanted anything, she called
+the man Ludwig; and when the man addressed his companion, he called her
+simply Marie.
+
+After dinner, they went to the library to look at the late newspapers.
+Ludwig himself made the coffee, after which he read the papers, and
+dictated his comments and criticisms on certain articles to Marie, who
+wrote them out in her delicate hair-line chirography.
+
+When Ludwig and Marie separated for the afternoon, he touched his lips
+to her hand and brow. Marie then returned to her own apartments, played
+the hand-organ for her pets, changed her dolls' toilets, counted her
+gains or losses at cards, colored with her paints a few of the
+illustrations in the magazines, looked through her "Orbis pictus,"
+reading without difficulty the text which was printed in four languages,
+and read for the hundredth time her favorite "Robinson Crusoe."
+
+And thus passed day after day, from spring until autumn, from autumn
+until spring.
+
+Evenings, when Marie prepared for bed, before she undressed herself, she
+spread a heavy silken coverlet over the leather lounge which stood near
+the door. She knew very well that the some one she called Ludwig slept
+every night on the lounge, but he came in so late, and went away so
+early in the morning, that she never heard his coming or his going.
+
+The little maid was a sound sleeper, and the pugs never barked at the
+master of the house, who gave them lumps of sugar.
+
+Often the little maid had determined that she would not go to sleep
+until she heard Ludwig come into the room. But all her attempts to
+remain awake were in vain. Her eyelids closed the moment her head
+touched the pillow. Then she tried to waken early, in order to wish him
+good morning; but when she thrust her little head from between the
+bed-curtains, and called cheerily, "Good morning, dear Ludwig!" there
+was no one there.
+
+Ludwig never slept more than four hours of the twenty-four, and his
+slumber was so light that he woke at the slightest noise. Then, too, he
+slept like a soldier in the field--always clothed, with his weapons
+beside him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+One day in the year formed an exception to all the rest. It was Marie's
+birthday. From her earliest childhood this one day had been entirely her
+own. On this day she addressed Ludwig with the familiar "thou," as she
+had been wont to do when he had taught her to walk. She always looked
+forward with great pleasure to this day, and made for it all sorts of
+plans whose accomplishment was extremely problematic.
+
+And who came to congratulate her on her birthday? First of all, the
+solitary sparrow, whose name was David--surely because he, too, was a
+tireless singer! Already at early dawn, when the first faint rosy hues
+of morning glimmered through the jalousie, he would fly to the head of
+her bed. Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until
+their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung
+open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would
+scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy
+returns of the day.
+
+When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little
+maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall
+folding screen. When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous
+Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and
+confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord. Her hair was twisted
+into a single knot on the crown of her head.
+
+Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests. The eight of
+them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one
+placed on her table every night while she slept. To-day Marie did not
+amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her
+picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the
+bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.
+
+"Come in!"
+
+The man who entered was surprised.
+
+"What? We are not yet ready for the drive?" he exclaimed.
+
+The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with
+childish abandon around his neck.
+
+"We are not going to drive to-day. Dost thou not know that this is my
+birthday--that I alone give orders in this house to-day? To-day
+everything must be done as _I_ say; and _I_ say that we will pass the
+time of the drive here in my room, and that thou shalt answer several
+silly questions which have come into my head. And forget not that we are
+to 'thou' each other to-day. And now, congratulate me nicely. Come, let
+us hear it!"
+
+The count almost imperceptibly bent his knee and his head, but spoke not
+one word. There are gratulations which are expressed in this manner.
+
+"Very good! Then I am a queen for to-day, and thou art my sole subject.
+Sit thou here at my feet on this taboret."
+
+The man obeyed. Marie seated herself on the ottoman, and drew her feet
+underneath the wide skirt of her robe.
+
+"Put that book away!" she commanded, when Ludwig stooped to lift from
+the floor the volume she had cast there. "I know every one of the four
+volumes by heart! Why dost not thou give me one of the books thou
+readest so often?"
+
+"Because they are medical works."
+
+"And why dost thou read such books?"
+
+"In order that, should any one in the castle become ill, I may be able
+to cure him or her without a doctor."
+
+"And must the person die who is ill and cannot be cured?"
+
+"That is generally the end of a fatal illness."
+
+"Does it hurt to die?"
+
+"That I am unable to tell, as I have never tried it."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the maid. "Thou canst not put me off that way!
+Thou knowest many things thou hast not yet tried. Thou hast read about
+them; thou knowest! What is death like? Is it more unpleasant than a
+disagreeable dream? Is the pain all over when one has died, or is there
+more to come afterward? If death is painful, why must we die? If it is
+pleasant, why must we live?"
+
+Children ask such strange questions!
+
+"Life is a gift from God that must be preserved as long as possible,"
+returned Ludwig, evading the main question. "Through us the world
+exists--"
+
+"What is the world?" interrupted Marie.
+
+"The entire human race and their habitations--the earth."
+
+"Then every person owns a plot of earth? Where is the plot which belongs
+to us? Answer me that!"
+
+"By the way, that reminds me!" exclaimed Ludwig, relieved to find an
+opportunity to change the subject. "I have not yet told thee that I
+intend to buy a lovely plot of ground on the shore of the lake, which is
+to be made into a pretty flower-garden for thy use alone. Will not that
+be pleasant?"
+
+"Thou art very kind; the garden will be lovely. That plot of ground,
+then, will be our home, will it not? What is one's home called?"
+
+"It is called the fatherland."
+
+"Then every country is not one's fatherland?"
+
+"If our enemies live there, it is not."
+
+"What are enemies?"
+
+"Persons with whom we are angry."
+
+"What is angry? I have never yet seen anything like it. Why art thou
+never angry?"
+
+"Because I have no reason to be angry with thee, and I never associate
+with any one else."
+
+"What do those persons do who become angry with one another?"
+
+"They avoid each other. If they are very angry they fight; and if they
+are very, very angry they kill each other."
+
+The maid was tortured with curiosity to-day. She drew a pin from her
+robe, and secretly thrust the point into Ludwig's hand.
+
+"What art thou doing?" he asked, in surprise.
+
+"I want to see what thou art like when thou art angry. Did it hurt
+thee?"
+
+"Certainly it hurt me; see, the blood is flowing."
+
+"Ah, heaven!" cried the maid, in terror, drew the young man's head
+toward her, and pressed a kiss on his face.
+
+He sprang to his feet, his face pale as death, extreme horror depicted
+in his glance.
+
+"There!" exclaimed the maid. "Thou dost not kill me, and yet I have made
+thee very angry."
+
+"This is not anger," sighed the young man.
+
+"What is it, then?"
+
+"It has no name."
+
+"Then I may not kiss thee? Thou lettest me kiss thee last year, and the
+year before, and every other year."
+
+"But thou art fifteen years old to-day."
+
+"Ah! Then what was allowed last year, and always before that, is not
+allowed now. Dost not thou love me any more?"
+
+"All my thoughts are filled with thee."
+
+"Thou knowest that I have always been allowed to make one wish on my
+birthday, and that it has always been granted. That is what some one
+accustomed me to--thou knowest very well who."
+
+"Thy desires have always been fulfilled."
+
+"Yes; and children understand how to desire what is impossible. But
+grown persons are clever enough to know how to impose on the children.
+Three years ago I asked thee to bring me some one with whom I could
+talk--some one who would be company for me. Thou broughtest me cats and
+dogs and a bird! Two years ago I wished I might learn how to make
+pictures; and I was given paper patterns to color with water-colors. One
+year ago to-day I wished I might learn how to make music; and a
+hand-organ was bought for me. Oh, yes; my wishes have always been
+fulfilled, but always in a way that cheated me. Children are always
+treated so. To-day thou sayest that I am fifteen years old, and that I
+am not any more to be treated as a child. Mark that! To-day, as
+heretofore, I ask something of thee which thou canst give me--and thou
+canst not cheat me, either!"
+
+"Whatever it may be, thou shalt have it, Marie."
+
+"Thy hand on it! Now, thou knowest that I asked thee not long ago to
+send to Paris for a 'Melusine costume' for me!"
+
+"And has it not already arrived? I myself delivered the box into thy
+hands."
+
+"Knowest thou what a Melusine costume is? See, this is it."
+
+With these words she sprang from her seat, untied the cord about her
+waist, flung off the silken wrapper, and stood in front of the
+speechless young man in one of those costumes worn by Paris dames at the
+sea-shore when they disport themselves amid the waves of the ocean. The
+Melusine costume was a bathing-dress.
+
+"To-day, Ludwig, I ask that thou wilt teach me how to swim. The lake is
+just out yonder below the garden."
+
+The maid, in her pale-blue bathing-dress, looked like one of those
+fairy-like creatures in Shakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," innocent
+and alluring, child and siren.
+
+Disconcerted and embarrassed, Ludwig raised his hand.
+
+"Art thou going to strike me?" inquired the child, half crying, half
+laughing.
+
+"Pray put on the wrapper again!" said Ludwig, taking the garment from
+the sofa and with it veiling the model for a Naiad. "What sort of a
+caprice is this?"
+
+"I have had the thought in my head for a long, long time, and I beg that
+thou wilt grant my request. Thou canst not say that thou canst not swim;
+for once, when we were traveling in great haste, I know not why, we came
+to a river, and found that the boat was on the farther shore. Thou
+swammest across, and broughtest back the boat in which the four of us
+then crossed to the other side. Already then the desire to swim arose in
+me. What a delicious sensation to swim through the water--to make wings
+of one's arms and fly like a bird! Since we live in this castle the wish
+has become stronger. Night after night I dream that I am cleaving
+through the waves. I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have
+to cover my face. It is just like looking at creation through a grating!
+I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am
+afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
+But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no
+one, where no one would see me. I could look up at the shining sky, and
+about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes,
+that would tell no one what they had seen or heard. That would be
+supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it?"
+
+The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had
+experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken. Perhaps, too, he
+had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam
+the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.
+
+"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his
+hand to take hers.
+
+"And thou wilt grant my wish? Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in
+vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
+"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either?"
+
+"How canst thou behave so, Marie? Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up
+girl does not kiss a man's hand."
+
+He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to
+his feet.
+
+"Where art thou going? Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong
+to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject?"
+
+"I go to execute the commands of my little queen. If she desires to
+learn to swim, I must have a bath-house built on the shore, and look
+about for a suitable spot in the little cove."
+
+"When I have learned to swim all by myself, may not I go beyond the
+little cove--away out into the open lake?"
+
+"Yes, on two conditions. One is that I may follow in my canoe--"
+
+"But not keep very near to me?"
+
+"Of course not. The second condition is that in daylight thou wilt not
+swim beyond those willows which conceal the cove. Only on moonlight
+evenings mayest thou venture into the open lake."
+
+"But why may not I venture by daylight?"
+
+"Because a telescope does not enable one to distinguish features after
+night. Other people may have a telescope, like myself."
+
+"Who would have one in this village?"
+
+"The manor has a new occupant. A lady has taken possession there."
+
+"A lady? Is she pretty?"
+
+"She is young."
+
+"Didst thou see her through the telescope? What kind of hair has she
+got?"
+
+"Blonde."
+
+"Then she must be very pretty. May I take a look at her some time?"
+
+"I am afraid thou mightest fall in love with her; for she is very
+beautiful, and very good."
+
+"How dost thou know she is good?"
+
+"Because she visits the sick and the poor, and because she goes
+regularly to church."
+
+"Why do we never go to church?"
+
+"Because we profess a different belief from that acknowledged by those
+persons who attend this church."
+
+"Do they pray to a different God from ours?"
+
+"No; they pray to the same God."
+
+"Then why should n't we all go to the same church?"
+
+Unable longer to control himself, Ludwig took the shrewd little
+child-head between his hands, and said tenderly:
+
+"My darling! my little queen! not all the synods of the four quarters of
+the globe could answer thy questions--let alone this poor forgotten
+soldier!"
+
+"There! thou always pretendest to be stupid when I want to borrow a
+little bit of thy wisdom. Thou art like the rich man who tells the
+beggar that he has no money. By the way, I must not forget that I
+always send money to the poor children on my birthday. Come, tell me
+which of the heaps I shall send to-day--these small coins, or these
+large ones? If thou thinkest I ought to send these little yellow ones, I
+have no objections. I think I prefer to keep the white coins, they have
+such a musical sound; besides, they have the image of the Virgin. If
+thou thinkest I ought to send some of the large red ones, too, I will do
+so."
+
+The "little yellow ones" were gold sovereigns; the "white coins" were
+silver _Zwanziger_; and the "large red ones" were copper medals of the
+Austrian minister of finance, worth half a guilder.
+
+"We will send some of the small coins and some of the large ones,"
+decided Ludwig, smiling at the little maid's ignorance of the value of
+the money.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Tradition maintained that many years before, during the preceding
+century, the tongue of land now occupied by the Nameless Castle was part
+of the lake; and it may have been true, for Neusiedl Lake is a very
+capricious body of water. During the past two decades we ourselves have
+seen a greater portion of the lake suddenly recede, leaving dry land
+where once had been several feet of water. The owners of what had once
+been the shore took possession of the dry lake bottom; they used it for
+meadows and pastures; leased it, and the lessees built farm-houses and
+steam-mills on the "new ground." They cultivated wheat and maize, and
+for many years harvested two crops a year. Suddenly the lake took a
+notion to occupy its old bed again; and when the water had resumed its
+former level, fields and farms had vanished beneath the green flood;
+only here and there the top of a chimney indicated where a steam-mill
+had been. Magic tricks like this Neusiedl Lake has played more than once
+on trusting mortals.
+
+On either side of the peninsula on which stood the Nameless Castle was a
+little cove. One of these the count had spoken of to Marie; the other
+separated the castle from the village of Fertöszeg.
+
+The manor, the habitation of the owner of the Fertöszeg estate, stood on
+the slope of a hill at the eastern end of the village, and fronted, as
+did the neighboring castle, on the lake.
+
+In the second half of the month of August, in the year 1806, one might
+have seen from the veranda of the manor, after the sun had gone down and
+the marvelous tints of the evening sky were reflected in the water, a
+small boat speed out from the cove on the farther side of the Nameless
+Castle, trailing after it a long silvery streak on the parti-colored
+surface of the lake. A solitary man sat in the boat.
+
+But what could not be seen from the veranda of the manor was that a
+girlish form swam a little in advance of the boat.
+
+Marie had proved an excellent scholar in the school of the hydriads.
+Already after the fourth lesson she could swim alone, and sped over the
+waves as lightly and gracefully as a swan.
+
+She did not need to wear a hat on these evening swimming excursions; her
+long hair floated unbound after her on the waves. When the twilight
+shadows deepened, the swimmer would speed far ahead of the accompanying
+canoe. She had lost all fear of the water. The waves were her
+friends--they knew each other well. When she wished to rest, she would
+turn her face to the sky, fold her arms across her breast, and lie on
+the waves as among swelling cushions like a child in a rocking cradle.
+And here she was allowed the full privileges of a child. She shouted;
+called to the startled wild geese; teased the night-swallows, and the
+bats skimming along the surface of the lake in quest of water-spiders.
+Here she even ventured to sing, and gave voice to charming melodies,
+which floated over the water like the sounds of an Æolian harp.
+
+Many hours were spent thus on the lake. The little maid never wearied of
+the water. The protecting element restored to her nerves the strength
+which the stepmotherly earth had taken from them. A promenade of a
+hundred steps would tire her so that she would have to stop and rest.
+She had become unused to walking. But here in the water she moved about
+like a Naiad; her whole being was transformed; she lived! Then, when her
+guardian would call her, she would swim back to the canoe, clamber into
+it, and spread her long hair over his knees to dry while they rowed back
+to the shore. Poor little maid! She declared she had found happiness in
+the water.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One evening, after the waning moon had risen, Ludwig's canoe, as usual,
+followed Marie, who was swimming a considerable distance ahead. Among
+the peculiarities of Neusiedl Lake are its numerous islets, the shores
+of which are thickly grown with rushes, and covered with broom and tall
+trees. Such an island lay not far from the shore in front of the
+Nameless Castle; it had frequently aroused Marie's curiosity.
+
+The little maid was now permitted to swim as far out into the open world
+of waves as she desired, only now and again signaling her whereabouts
+through a clear-toned "Ho, ho!"
+
+During this time Ludwig reclined in his boat, and while the waves gently
+rocked him, he gazed dreamily into the depths of the starry sky, and
+listened to the mysterious voices of the night--the moaning, murmuring,
+echoing voices floating across the surface of the water.
+
+Suddenly a piercing scream mingled with the mysterious voices of the
+night. It was Marie's voice.
+
+Frantic with terror, Ludwig seized his oars, and the canoe shot through
+the water in the direction of the scream.
+
+The trail of light left behind her by the swimmer was visible on the
+calm surface of the lake. Suddenly it made an abrupt turn, and began to
+form a gigantic V. Evidently the little maid was impelled by desperate
+terror to reach the protecting canoe. When she came abreast of it she
+uttered a second cry, convulsively grasped the edge of the boat, and
+cast a terrified glance backward.
+
+"Marie!" cried the count, greatly alarmed, seizing the girdle about her
+waist and lifting her into the canoe. "What has happened? Who is
+following you?"
+
+The child trembled violently; her teeth chattered, and she gasped for
+breath, unable to speak; only her large eyes were still fixed with an
+expression of horror on the water.
+
+Ludwig looked searchingly around, but could see nothing. And yet, after
+a few seconds, something rose before him.
+
+What was it? Man or beast?
+
+The head, the face, were head and face of a human being--a man, perhaps.
+The cheeks and head were covered with short reddish hair like the fur of
+an otter. The long, pointed ears stood upright. The mouth was closed so
+tightly that the lips were invisible. The nose was flat. The eyes, like
+those of a fish, were round and staring. There was no expression
+whatever in the features.
+
+The mysterious monster had risen quite close to the boat.
+
+Ludwig seized an oar with both hands to crush the monster's head; but
+the heavy blow fell on the water. The creature had vanished underneath
+the boat, and only the motion of the water on the other side indicated
+the direction it had taken. Terror and rage had benumbed Ludwig's
+nerves.
+
+What was it? Who had sent this nameless monster after his carefully
+guarded treasure? Even the bottom of the lake concealed her enemies! He
+could think of nothing but intrigues and malignant persecutions. Rage
+boiled in his veins.
+
+He enveloped the maid in her bath-mantle, and took up his oars.
+
+"I will come back here to-morrow," he muttered to himself, "hunt up
+this creature, and shoot it--be it man or beast."
+
+Marie murmured something which sounded like a remonstrance.
+
+"I will shoot the creature!" repeated Ludwig, savagely.
+
+The young girl withdrew trembling to the stern of the boat, and said
+nothing further; she even strove to suppress her nervous terror, like a
+child that has behaved naughtily.
+
+When the boat reached the shore, Ludwig bade Marie in a stern voice to
+make haste and change her bathing-dress, and became very impatient when
+she lingered longer than usual in the bath-house. Then he took her arm
+and walked rapidly with her to the castle.
+
+"Are you really going to shoot that creature?" asked Marie, still
+trembling.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But suppose it is a human being?"
+
+"Then I shall certainly shoot him."
+
+"I will never, never again venture into the lake."
+
+"I am certain of that! If you once become frightened in the water, you
+will always have a dread of it."
+
+"My dear, beautiful lake!" sighed Marie, casting backward a sorrowful
+glance at the glittering expanse of water, at the paradise of her
+dreams, which the rising wind was curling into wavelets.
+
+"Go at once to bed," said Ludwig, when he had conducted his charge to
+the door of her room. "Cover yourself up well, and if you feel chilly I
+will make you a cup of camomile tea."
+
+All children have such a distaste for this herb tea that it was not to
+be wondered at if Marie declared she did not feel in the least chilly,
+and that she would go at once to bed.
+
+But she did not sleep well. She dreamed all night long of the
+water-monster. She saw it pursuing her. The staring fish-eyes rose
+before her in the darkness. Then she saw Ludwig with his gun searching
+for the monster--saw him shoot at it, but without effect. The hideous
+creature leaped merrily away.
+
+More than once she awoke from her restless slumber and called softly:
+
+"Ludwig, are you there?"
+
+But no one answered the question. Since her last birthday Ludwig had not
+occupied the lounge in her room. Marie had discovered this. She had
+placed a rose-leaf on the silken coverlet every evening, and found it
+still there in the morning. If any one had slept on the lounge, the
+rose-leaf would have fallen to the floor.
+
+The following day Ludwig was more silent than usual. He did not speak
+once during their drive, and ate hardly anything at meals.
+
+One could easily see how impatiently he waited for evening, when he
+might go down to the lake and search for the monster--a sorry object for
+a fury such as his! An otter, most likely, or a beaver--mayhap an
+abortion of the Dead Sea, which had survived the ages since the days of
+Sodom! All the same, it was a living creature, and must become food for
+fishes. Marie, however, prayed so fervently that nothing might come of
+Ludwig's fury that Heaven heard the prayer. The weather changed suddenly
+in the afternoon. A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August
+sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
+Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in
+the evening. He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to
+complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to
+what she said.
+
+The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might
+dream again of horrible things. The heavy rain beat against the windows;
+thunder rumbled in the distance.
+
+"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said
+Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee. "Ugh-h! just
+think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods!
+Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the
+graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the
+crosses lift their heads from the darkness--ugh-h!"
+
+The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating
+knock at her door.
+
+"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully. She thought it was
+Ludwig.
+
+The door opened slowly, only half-way, and the voice which began to
+speak was not Ludwig's; it was the groom.
+
+"Beg pardon, madame!" (thus he addressed the little maid).
+
+"Is it you, Henry? What do you want? You may come in. I am still up."
+
+The groom entered, and closed the door behind him. He was a tall,
+gray-haired man, with an honest face and enormously large hands.
+
+"What is it, Henry? Did the count send you?"
+
+"No, madame; I only wish he were able."
+
+"Why? What is the matter with him?"
+
+"I don't know, indeed! I believe he is dying."
+
+"Who? Ludwig?"
+
+"Yes, madame; my master."
+
+"For God's sake, tell me what you mean!"
+
+"He is lying on his bed, quite out of his mind. His face is flushed,
+his eyes gleam like hot coals, and he is talking wildly. I have never
+seen him in such a condition."
+
+"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?"
+
+"I don't know, madame. When any of us gets sick the count knows what to
+do; but he does n't seem able to cure himself now; the contents of the
+medicine-chest are scattered all over the floor."
+
+"Is there no doctor in the village?"
+
+"Yes, madame; the county physician."
+
+"Then he must be sent for."
+
+"I thought of that, but I did not like to venture to do so."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because the count has declared that he will shoot me if I attempt to
+bring a stranger into his room, or into madame's. He told me I must
+never admit within the castle gate a doctor, a preacher, or a woman; and
+I should not think of disobeying him."
+
+"But now that he is so ill? and you say he may die? Merciful God! Ludwig
+die! It cannot--must not--happen!"
+
+"But how will madame hinder it?"
+
+"If you will not venture to fetch the doctor, then I will go myself."
+
+"Oh, madame! you must not even think of doing this!"
+
+"I think of nothing else but that he is ill unto death. I am going, and
+you are coming with me."
+
+"Holy Father! The count will kill me if I do that."
+
+"And if you don't do it you will kill the count."
+
+"That is true, too, madame."
+
+"Then don't you do anything. _I_ shall do what is necessary. I will put
+on my veil, and let no one see my face."
+
+"But in this storm? Just listen, madame, how it thunders."
+
+"I am not afraid of thunder, you stupid Henry. Light a lantern, and arm
+yourself with a stout cudgel, while I am putting on my pattens. If
+Ludwig should get angry, I shall be on hand to pacify him. If only the
+dear Lord will spare his life! Oh, hasten, hasten, my good Henry!"
+
+"He will shoot me dead; I know it. But let him, in God's name! I do it
+at your command, madame. If madame is really determined to go herself
+for the doctor, then we will take the carriage."
+
+"No, indeed! Ludwig would hear the sound of wheels, and know what we
+were doing. Then he would jump out of bed, run into the court, and take
+a cold that would certainly be his death. No; we must go on foot, as
+noiselessly as possible. It is not so very far to the village. Go now,
+and fetch the lantern."
+
+Several minutes afterward, the gates of the Nameless Castle opened, and
+there came forth a veiled lady, who clung with one hand to the arm of a
+tall man, and carried a lantern in the other. Her companion held over
+her, to protect her from the pouring rain, a large red umbrella, and
+steadied his steps in the slippery mud with a stout walking-stick. The
+lady walked so rapidly that her companion with difficulty kept pace with
+her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+Dr. Tromfszky had just returned from a _visum repertum_ in a criminal
+case, and had concluded that he would go to bed so soon as he had
+finished his supper. The rain fell in torrents on the roof, and rushed
+through the gutters with a roaring noise.
+
+"Now just let any one send again for me this night!" he exclaimed, when
+his housekeeper came to remove the remnants of cheese from the
+supper-table. "I would n't go--not if the primate himself got a
+fish-bone fast in his throat; no, not for a hundred ducats. I swear it!"
+
+At that moment there came a knock at the street door, and a very
+peremptory one, too.
+
+"There! did n't I know some one would take it into his head to let the
+devil fetch him to-night? Go to the door, Zsuzsa, and tell them that I
+have a pain in my foot--that I have just applied a poultice, and can't
+walk."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa, with the kitchen lamp in her hand, waddled into the
+corridor. After inquiring the second time through the door, "Who is it?"
+and the one outside had answered: "It is I," she became convinced, from
+the musical feminine tone, that it was not the notorious robber, Satan
+Laczi, who was seeking admittance.
+
+Then she opened the door a few inches, and said:
+
+"The Herr Doctor can't go out any more to-night; he has gone to bed, and
+is poulticing his foot."
+
+The door was open wide enough to admit a delicate feminine hand, which
+pressed into the housekeeper's palm a little heap of money. By the light
+of the lamp Frau Zsuzsa recognized the shining silver coins, and the
+door was opened its full width.
+
+When she saw before her the veiled lady she became quite complaisant.
+Curiosity is a powerful lever.
+
+"I humbly beg your ladyship to enter."
+
+"Please tell the doctor the lady from the Nameless Castle wishes to see
+him."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa placed the lamp on the kitchen table, and left the visitors
+standing in the middle of the floor.
+
+"Well, what were you talking about so long out yonder?" demanded the
+doctor, when she burst into his study.
+
+"Make haste and put on your coat again; the veiled lady from the
+Nameless Castle is here."
+
+"What? Well, that is an event!" exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly
+thrusting his arms into the sleeves of his coat. "Is the count with
+her?"
+
+"No; the groom accompanied her."
+
+These magic words, "the veiled lady," had more influence on the doctor
+than any imaginable number of ducats.
+
+At last he was to behold the mythological appearance--yes, and even hear
+her voice!
+
+"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he
+ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of
+the looking-glass.
+
+Then she stood before him--the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as
+usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in
+the village was familiar.
+
+"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was
+difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a young or an
+old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the
+gentleman is very seriously ill."
+
+"Certainly; I am delighted!--that is, I am not delighted to hear of the
+worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to
+be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."
+
+"Oh, pray make haste."
+
+"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your
+ladyship."
+
+"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."
+
+Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered
+with mud.
+
+"What? Came on foot in such weather--all the way from the Nameless
+Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"
+
+"Cannot you come with us on foot, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"I should like very much to accompany your ladyship; but really, I have
+_rheumatismus acutus_ in my foot, and were I to get wet I should
+certainly have an _ischias_."
+
+Marie lifted her clasped hands in despair to her lips, but the
+beseeching expression on her face was hidden by the heavy veil. Could
+the doctor have seen the tearful eyes, the trembling lips!
+
+Seeing that her voiceless petition was in vain, Marie drew from her
+bosom a silken purse, and emptied the contents, gold, silver, and copper
+coins, on the table.
+
+"Here," she exclaimed proudly. "I have much more money like this, and
+will reward you richly if you will come with me."
+
+The doctor was amazed. There on the table lay more gold than the whole
+county could have mustered in these days of paper notes. Truly these
+people were not to be despised.
+
+"If only it did not rain so heavily--"
+
+"I will let you take my umbrella."
+
+"Thanks, your ladyship; I have one of my own."
+
+"Then let us start at once."
+
+"But my foot--it pains dreadfully."
+
+"We can easily arrange that. Henry, here, is a very strong man; he will
+take you on his shoulders, and bring you back from the castle in the
+carriage."
+
+There were no further objections to be offered when Henry, with great
+willingness, placed his broad shoulders at the doctor's service.
+
+The doctor hastily thrust what was necessary into a bag, locked the
+money Marie had given him in a drawer, bade Frau Zsuzsa remain awake
+until he returned, and clambered on Henry's back. In one hand he held
+his umbrella, in the other the lantern; and thus the little company took
+their way to the castle--the "double man" in advance, the little maid
+following with her umbrella.
+
+The doctor had sufficient cause to be excited. What usurious
+gossip-interest might be collected from such a capitol! Dr. Tromfszky
+already had an enviable reputation in the county, but what would it
+become when it became known that he was physician in ordinary to the
+Nameless Castle?
+
+The rain was not falling so heavily when they arrived at the castle.
+
+Marie and Henry at once conducted the doctor to Ludwig's chamber. Henry
+first thrust his head cautiously through the partly open door, then
+whispered that his master was still tossing deliriously about on the
+bed; whereupon the doctor summoned courage to enter the room. His first
+act was to snuff the candle, the wick having become so charred it
+scarcely gave any light. He could now examine the invalid's face, which
+was covered with a burning flush. His eyes rolled wildly. He had not
+removed his clothes, but had torn them away from his breast.
+
+"H'm! h'm!" muttered the doctor, searching in his bag for his
+bloodletting instruments. Then he approached the bed, and laid his
+fingers on the invalid's pulse.
+
+At the touch of his cold hand the patient suddenly sat upright and
+uttered a cry of terror:
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"I am the doctor--the county physician--Dr. Tromfszky. Pray, Herr Count,
+let me see your tongue."
+
+Instead of his tongue, the count exhibited a powerful fist.
+
+"What do you want here? Who brought you here?" he demanded.
+
+"Pray, pray be calm, Herr Count," soothingly responded the doctor, who
+was inclined to look upon this aggressive exhibition as a result of the
+fever. "Allow me to examine your pulse. We have here a slight paroxysm
+that requires medical aid. Come, let me feel your pulse; one, two--"
+
+The count snatched his wrist from the doctor's grasp, and cried angrily:
+
+"But I don't need a doctor, or any medicine. There is nothing at all the
+matter with me. I don't want anything from you, but to know who brought
+you here."
+
+"Beg pardon," retorted the offended doctor. "I was summoned, and came
+through this dreadful storm. I was told that the Herr Count was
+seriously ill."
+
+"Who said so? Henry?" demanded the count, rising on one knee.
+
+Henry did not venture to move or speak.
+
+"Did you fetch this doctor, Henry?" again demanded the invalid, with
+expanded nostrils, panting with fury.
+
+The doctor, fancying that it would be well to tell the truth, now
+interposed politely:
+
+"Allow me, Herr Count! Herr Henry did not come alone to fetch me, but
+he came with the gracious countess; and on foot, too, in this weather."
+
+"What? Marie?" gasped the invalid; and at that moment his face looked as
+if he had become suddenly insane. An involuntary epileptic convulsion
+shook his limbs. He fell from the bed, but sprang at the same instant to
+his feet again, flung himself like an angry lion upon Henry, caught him
+by the throat, and cried with the voice of a demon:
+
+"Wretch! Betrayer! What have you dared to do? I will kill you!"
+
+The doctor required nothing further. He did not stop to see the friendly
+promise fulfilled, but, leaving his lances, elixirs, and plasters behind
+him, he flew down the staircase, four steps at a time, and into the
+pouring rain, totally forgetting the ischias which threatened his leg.
+Nor did he once think of a carriage, or of a human dromedary,--not even
+of a lantern, or an umbrella,--as he galloped down the dark road through
+the thickest of the mud.
+
+When the count seized Henry by the throat and began to shake him, as a
+lion does the captured buffalo, Marie stepped suddenly to his side, and
+in a clear, commanding tone cried:
+
+"Louis!"
+
+At this word he released Henry, fell on his knees at Marie's feet,
+clasped both arms around her, and, sobbing convulsively, pressed kiss
+after kiss on the little maid's wet and muddy gown.
+
+"Why--why did you do this for me?" he exclaimed, in a choking voice.
+
+The doctor's visit had, after all, benefited the invalid. The
+spontaneous reaction which followed the violent fit of passion caused a
+sudden turn in his illness. The salutary crisis came of its own accord
+during the outburst of rage, which threw him into a profuse
+perspiration. The brain gradually returned to its normal condition.
+
+"You will get well again, will you not?" stammered the little maid
+shyly, laying her hand on the invalid's brow.
+
+"If you really want me to get well," returned Ludwig, "then you must
+comply with my request. Go to your room, take off these wet clothes, and
+go to bed. And you must promise never again to go on another errand like
+the one you performed this evening. I hope you may sleep soundly."
+
+"I will do whatever you wish, Ludwig--anything to prevent your getting
+angry again."
+
+The little maid returned to her room, took off her wet clothes, and lay
+down on the bed; but she could not sleep. Every hour she rose, threw on
+her wrapper, thrust her feet into her slippers, and stole to the door of
+Ludwig's room to whisper: "How is he now, Henry?"
+
+"He is sleeping quietly," Henry would answer encouragingly. The faithful
+fellow had forgotten his master's anger, and was watching over him as
+tenderly as a mother over her child.
+
+"He did not hurt you very much, did he, Henry?"
+
+"No; it did not hurt, and I deserved what I got."
+
+The little maid pressed the old servant's hand, whereupon he sank to his
+knees at her feet, and, kissing her pretty fingers, whispered:
+
+"This fully repays me."
+
+The next morning Ludwig was entirely recovered. He rose, and, as was his
+wont, drank six tumblerfuls of water--his usual breakfast.
+
+Of the events of the past night he spoke not one word.
+
+At ten o'clock the occupants of the Nameless Castle were to be seen out
+driving as usual--the white-haired groom, the stern-visaged gentleman,
+and the veiled lady.
+
+That same morning Dr. Tromfszky received from the castle a packet
+containing his medical belongings, and an envelop in which he found a
+hundred-guilder bank-note, but not a single written word.
+
+Meanwhile the days passed with their usual monotony for the occupants of
+the Nameless Castle, and September, with its delightfully warm weather
+drew on apace. In Hungary the long autumn makes ample amends for the
+brief spring--like the frugal mother who stores away in May gifts with
+which to surprise her children later in the season.
+
+Down at the lake, a merry crowd of naked children disported in the
+water; their shouts and laughter could be heard at the castle. Ludwig
+fully understood the deep melancholy which had settled on Marie's
+countenance. Her sole amusement, her greatest happiness, had been taken
+from her. Other high-born maidens had so many ways of enjoying
+themselves; she had none. No train of admirers paid court to her. No
+strains of merry dance-music entranced her ear. Celebrated actors came
+and went; she did not delight in their performances--she had never even
+seen a theater. She had no girl friends with whom to exchange
+confidences--with whom to make merry over the silly flatterers who paid
+court to them; no acquaintances whose envy she could arouse by the
+magnificence of her toilets--one of the greatest pleasures in life!
+
+She had no other flatterers but her cats; no other confidantes but her
+cats; no other actors but her cats. The world of waves had been her sole
+enjoyment. The water had been her theater, balls, concert--the great
+world. It was her freedom. The land was a prison.
+
+Again it was the full of the moon, and quite warm. The tulip-formed
+blossoms of the luxuriant water-lilies were in bloom along the lake
+shore. Ludwig's heart ached with pity for the little maid when he saw
+how sorrowfully she gazed from her window on the glittering lake.
+
+"Come, Marie," he said, "fetch your bathing-dress, and let us try the
+lake again. I will stay close by you, and take good care that nothing
+frightens you. We will not go out of the cove."
+
+How delighted the child was to hear these words! She danced and skipped
+for joy; she called him her dear Ludwig. Then she hunted up the
+discarded Melusine costume, and hastened with such speed toward the
+shore that Ludwig was obliged to run to keep up with her. But the nearer
+she approached to the bath-house, the less quickly she walked; and when
+she stood in the doorway she said:
+
+"Oh, how my heart beats!"
+
+When Ludwig appeared with the canoe from behind the willows, the
+charming Naiad stepped from the bath-house. The rippling waves bore the
+moonlight to her feet, where she stood on the narrow platform which
+projected into the lake. She knelt and, bending forward, kissed the
+water; it was her beloved! After a moment's hesitation she dropped
+gently from the platform, as she had been wont to do; but when she felt
+the waves about her shoulders, she uttered a cry of terror, and grasped
+the edge of the canoe with both hands.
+
+"Lift me out, Ludwig! I cannot bear it; I am afraid!"
+
+With a sorrowful heart the little maid took leave of her favorite
+element. The hot tears gushed from her eyes, and fell into the water; it
+was as if she were bidding an eternal, farewell to her beloved. From
+that hour the child became a silent and thoughtful woman.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Then followed the stormy days of autumn, the long evenings, the weeks
+and months when nothing could be done but stay in doors and amuse one's
+self with books--Dante, Shakspere, Horace. To these were occasionally
+added learned folios sent from Stuttgart to Count Ludwig, who seemed to
+find his greatest enjoyment in perusing works on philosophy and science.
+Meanwhile the communication by letter between the count and the erudite
+shepherd of souls in the village was continued.
+
+One day Herr Mercatoris sent to the castle a brochure on which he had
+proudly written, "With the compliments of the author." The booklet was
+written in Latin, and was an account of the natural wonder which is, to
+this day, reckoned among the numerous memorable peculiarities of Lake
+Neusiedl,--a human being that lived in the water and ate live fishes.
+
+A little boy who had lost both parents, and had no one to care for him,
+had strayed into the morass of the Hansag, and, living there among the
+wild animals, had become a wild animal himself, an inhabitant of the
+water like the otters, a dumb creature from whose lips issued no human
+sound.
+
+The decade of years he had existed in the water had changed his skin to
+a thick hide covered with a heavy growth of hair. The phenomenon would
+doubtless be accepted by many as a convincing proof that the human being
+was really evolved from the wild animal.
+
+Accompanying the description was an engraved portrait of the natural
+wonder.
+
+The new owner of Fertöszeg, Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, had
+been told that a strange creature was frightening the village children
+who bathed in the lake. She had given orders to some fishermen to catch
+the monster, which they had been fortunate enough to do while fishing
+for sturgeon. The boy-fish had been taken to the manor, where he had
+been properly clothed, and placed in the care of a servant whose task
+it was to teach the poor lad to speak, and walk upright instead of on
+all fours, as had been his habit. Success had so far attended the
+efforts to tame the wild boy that he would eat bread and keep on his
+clothes. He had also learned to say "Ham-ham" when he wanted something
+to eat; and he had been taught to turn the spit in the kitchen. The
+kind-hearted baroness was sparing no pains to restore the lad to his
+original condition. No one was allowed to strike or abuse him in any
+way.
+
+This brochure had a twofold effect upon the count. He became convinced
+that the monster which had frightened Marie was not an assassin hired by
+her enemies, not an expert diver, but a natural abnormity that had acted
+innocently when he pursued the swimming maid. Second, the count could
+not help but reproach himself when he remembered that _he_ would have
+destroyed the irresponsible creature whom his neighbor was endeavoring
+to transform again into a human being.
+
+How much nobler was this woman's heart than his own! His fair neighbor
+began to interest him.
+
+He took the pamphlet to Marie, who shuddered when her eyes fell on the
+engraving.
+
+"The creature is really a harmless human being, Marie, and I am sorry we
+became so excited over it. Our neighbor, the lovely baroness, is trying
+to restore the poor lad to his original condition. Next summer you will
+not need to be afraid to venture into the lake again."
+
+The little maid gazed thoughtfully into Ludwig's eyes for several
+moments; evidently she was pondering over something.
+
+There had risen in her mind a suspicion that Ludwig himself had written
+the pamphlet, and had had the monster's portrait engraved, in order to
+quiet her fears and restore her confidence in the water.
+
+"Will you take me sometime to visit the baroness?" she asked suddenly.
+
+"And why?" inquired Ludwig, in turn, rising from his seat.
+
+"That I, too, may see the wonderful improvement in the monster."
+
+"No," he returned shortly, and taking up the pamphlet, he quitted the
+room. "No!"
+
+"But why 'No'?"
+
+
+
+
+PART IV
+
+SATAN LACZI
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Count Vavel (thus he was addressed on his letters) had arranged an
+observatory in the tower of the Nameless Castle. Here was his telescope,
+by the aid of which he viewed the heavens by night, and by day observed
+the doings of his fellow-men. He noticed everything that went on about
+him. He peered into the neighboring farm-yards and cottages, was a
+spectator of the community's disputes as well as its diversions. Of
+late, the chief object of his telescopic observations during the day
+were the doings at the neighboring manor. He was the "Lion-head" and the
+"Council of Ten" in one person. The question was, whether the new
+mistress of the manor, the unmarried baroness, should "cross the Bridge
+of Sighs"? His telescope told him that this woman was young and very
+fair; and it told him also that she lived a very secluded life. She
+never went beyond the village, nor did she receive any visitors.
+
+In the neighborhood of Neusiedl Lake one village was joined to another,
+and these were populated by pleasure-loving and sociable families of
+distinction. It was therefore a difficult matter for the well-born man
+or woman who took up a residence in the neighborhood to avoid the jovial
+sociability which reigned in those aristocratic circles.
+
+Count Vavel himself had been overwhelmed with hospitable attentions the
+first year of his occupancy of the Nameless Castle; but his refusals to
+accept the numerous invitations had been so decided that they were not
+repeated.
+
+He frequently saw through his telescope the same four-horse equipages
+which had once stopped in front of his own gates drive into the court at
+the manor; and he recognized in the occupants the same jovial blades,
+the eligible young nobles, who had honored him with their visits. He
+noticed, too, that none of the visitors spent a night at the manor. Very
+often the baroness did not leave her room when a caller came; it may
+have been that she had refused to receive him on the plea of illness.
+During the winter Count Vavel frequently saw his fair neighbor skating
+on the frozen cove; while a servant propelled her companion over the ice
+in a chair-sledge.
+
+On these occasions the count would admire the baroness's graceful
+figure, her intrepid movements, and her beautiful face, which was
+flushed with the exercise and by the cutting wind.
+
+But what pleased him most of all was that the baroness never once during
+her skating exercises cast an inquiring glance toward the windows of the
+Nameless Castle--not even when she came quite close to it.
+
+On Christmas eve she, like Count Vavel, arranged a Christmas tree for
+the village children. The little ones hastened from the manor to the
+castle, and repeated wonderful tales of the gifts they had received from
+the baroness's own hands.
+
+Every Sunday the count saw the lady from the manor take her way to
+church, on foot if the roads were good; and on her homeward way he could
+see her distribute alms among the beggars who were ranged along either
+side of the road. This the count did not approve. He, too, gave
+plenteously to the poor, but through the village pastor, and only to
+those needy ones who were too modest to beg openly. The street beggars
+he repulsed with great harshness--with one exception. This was a
+one-legged man, who had lost his limb at Marengo, and who stationed
+himself regularly beside the cross at the end of the village. Here he
+would stand, leaning on his crutches, and the count, in driving past,
+would always drop a coin into the maimed warrior's hat.
+
+One day when the carriage drew near the cross, Count Vavel saw the old
+soldier, as usual, but without his crutches. Instead, he leaned on a
+walking-stick, and stood on two legs.
+
+The count stopped the carriage, and asked: "Are not you the one-legged
+soldier?"
+
+"I am, your lordship," replied the man; "but that angel, the baroness,
+has had a wooden leg made for me,--I could dance with it if I
+wished,--so I don't need to beg any more, for I can cut wood now, and
+thus earn my living. May God bless her who has done this for me!"
+
+The count was dissatisfied with himself. This woman understood
+everything better than he did. He felt that she was his rival, and from
+this feeling sprang the desire to compete with her.
+
+An opportunity very soon offered. One day the count received from the
+reverend Herr Mercatoris a gracefully worded appeal for charity. The new
+owner of Fertöszeg had interested herself in the fate of the destitute
+children whose fathers had gone to the war, and, in order to render
+their condition more comfortable, had undertaken to found a home for
+them. She had already given the necessary buildings, and had furnished
+them. She now applied to the sympathies of the well-to-do residents of
+the county for assistance to educate the children. In addition to food
+and shelter, they required teachers. Such sums as were necessary for
+this purpose must be raised by a general subscription from the
+charitably inclined.
+
+The count promptly responded to this request. He sent the pastor fifty
+louis d'or. But in the letter which accompanied the gift he stipulated
+that the boy whose mother was in prison should not be removed from Frau
+Schmidt's care to the children's asylum.
+
+It was quite in the order of things that the baroness should acknowledge
+the munificent gift by a letter of thanks.
+
+This missive was beautifully written. The orthography was singularly
+faultless. The expressions were gracefully worded and artless; nothing
+of flattery or sentimentality--merely courteous gratefulness. The letter
+concluded thus:
+
+"You will pardon me, I trust, if I add that the stipulation which you
+append to your generous gift surprises me; for it means either that you
+disapprove the principle of my undertaking, or you do not wish to
+transfer to another the burden you have taken upon yourself. If the
+latter be the reason, I am perfectly willing to agree to the
+stipulation; if it be the former, then I should like very much to hear
+your objection, in order that I may justify my action."
+
+This was a challenge that could not be ignored. The count, of course,
+would have to convince his fair neighbor that he was in perfect sympathy
+with the principle of her philanthropic project, and he wrote
+accordingly; but he added that he disapproved the prison-like system of
+children's asylums, the convict-like regulations of such institutions.
+_He_ thought the little ones would be better cared for, and much
+happier, were they placed in private homes, to grow up as useful men and
+women amid scenes and in the sphere of life to which they belonged.
+
+The count's polemic reply was not without effect. The baroness, who had
+her own views on the matter, was quite as ready to take the field, with
+as many theoretic and empiric data and recognized authorities as had
+been her opponent. The count one day would despatch a letter to the
+manor, and Baroness Katharina would send her reply the next--each
+determined not to remain the other's debtor. The count's epistles were
+dictated to Marie; he added only the letter V to the signature.
+
+This battle on paper was not without practical results. The baroness
+paid daily visits to her "Children's Home"; and on mild spring days the
+count very often saw her sitting on the open veranda, with her companion
+and one or two maid-servants, sewing at children's garments until late
+in the evening. The count, on his part, sent every day for his little
+protégé, and spent several hours patiently teaching the lad, in order
+that he might compete favorably with the baroness's charges. The task
+was by no means an easy one, as the lad possessed a very dull brain.
+This was, it must be confessed, an excellent thing for the orphans. If
+the motherly care which the baroness lavished on her charges were to be
+given to all destitute orphans in children's asylums, then the "convict
+system" certainly was a perfect one; while, on the other hand, if a
+preceptor like Count Vavel took it upon himself to instruct a forsaken
+lad, then one might certainly expect a genius to evolve from the little
+dullard growing up in a peasant's cottage.
+
+Ultimately, however, the victory fell to the lady. It happened as
+follows:
+
+One day the count was again the recipient of a letter from his neighbor
+at the manor (they had not yet exchanged verbal communication).
+
+The letter ran thus:
+
+"HERR COUNT: I dare say you know that the father of your little protégé
+is no other than the notorious robber, Satan Laczi, whom it is
+impossible to capture. The mother of the lad was arrested on suspicion.
+She lived in the village under her own honest family name--Satan Laczi
+being only a thief's appellation. As nothing could be proved against
+her, the woman has been set at liberty, and has returned to the village.
+Here she found every door closed against her--for who would care to
+shelter the wife of a robber? At last the poor woman came to me, and
+begged me to give her work. My servants are greatly excited because I
+have taken her into my employ; but I am convinced that the woman is
+innocent and honest. Were I to cast her adrift, she might become what
+she has been accused of being--the accomplice of thieves. I know she
+will conduct herself properly with me. I tell you all this because, if
+you approve what I have done, you will permit the lad you have taken
+under your protection to come to the manor, where he would be with his
+mother. If, however, you condemn my action, you will refuse to grant my
+request, and generously continue to care for the lad in your own way.
+The decision I leave to you."
+
+Count Vavel was forced to capitulate. The baroness's action--taking into
+her household the woman who had been repulsed by all the world--was so
+praiseworthy, so sublime, that nothing could approach it. That same day
+he sent the lad with Frau Schmidt to the manor, and herewith the
+correspondence between himself and the baroness ceased. There was no
+further subject for argument.
+
+And yet, Count Vavel could not help but think of this woman. Who was
+she?
+
+He had sought to learn from his foreign correspondents something
+concerning the Baroness Katharina, but could gain no information save
+that which we have already heard from the county physician: disappointed
+love and shame at her rejection had driven the youthful baroness to this
+secluded neighborhood.
+
+This reason, however, did not altogether satisfy Count Vavel. Women,
+especially young women, rarely quit the pleasures of the gay world
+because of one single disappointment.
+
+And for Count Vavel mistrust was a duty; for the reader must, ere this,
+have suspected that the count and the mysterious man of the Rue
+Mouffetard were identical, and that Marie was none other than the child
+he had rescued from her enemies. Here in this land, where order
+prevailed, but where there were no police, he was guarding the treasure
+intrusted to his care, and he would continue to guard her until relieved
+of the duty.
+
+But when would the relief come?
+
+One year after another passed, and the hour he dreamed of seemed still
+further away. When he had accepted the responsible mission he had said
+to himself: "In a year we shall gain our object, and I shall be
+released."
+
+But hope had deceived him; and as the years passed onward, he began to
+realize how vast, how enormous, was the task he had undertaken. It was
+within the possibilities that he, a young man in the flower of his
+youth, should be able to bury himself in an unknown corner of the world,
+to give up all his friends, to renounce everything that made life worth
+living, but that he should bury with himself in his silk-lined tomb a
+young girl to whom he had become everything, who yet might not even
+dream of becoming anything to him--that was beyond human might.
+
+More and more he realized that his old friend's prophetic words were
+approaching fulfilment: "The child will grow to be a lovely woman.
+Already she is fond of you; she will love you then. Then what?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet," he
+had replied; and he had kept his promise.
+
+But the little maid had not promised anything; and if, perchance, she
+guessed the weighty secret of her destiny, whence could she have taken
+the strength of mind to battle against what threatened to drive even the
+strong man to madness?
+
+Ludwig was thirty-one years old, the fourth year in this house of
+voluntary madmen. With extreme solicitude he saw the child grow to
+womanhood, blessed with all the magic charms of her sex. Gladly would he
+have kept her a child had it been in his power. He treated her as a
+child--gave her dolls and the toys of a child; but this could not go on
+forever. Deeply concerned, Ludwig observed that Marie's countenance
+became more and more melancholy, and that now it rarely expressed
+childlike naïveté. A dreamy melancholy had settled upon it. And of what
+did she dream? Why was she so sad? Why did she start? Why did the blood
+rush to her cheeks when he came suddenly into her presence?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Count Vavel had made his fair neighbor at the manor the object of study.
+He had ample time for the task; he had nothing else to do. And, as he
+was debarred from making direct inquiries concerning her, or from
+hearing the current gossip of the neighborhood, he learned only that
+about her which his telescope revealed; and from this, with the aid of
+his imagination, he formed a conclusion--and an erroneous one, very
+probably.
+
+His neighbor lived in strict seclusion, and was a man-hater. But, for
+all that, she was neither a nun nor an Amazon. She was a true woman,
+neither inconsolably melancholy nor wantonly merry. She proved herself
+an excellent housewife. She rose betimes mornings, sent her workmen
+about their various tasks, saw that everything was properly attended to.
+Very often she rode on horseback, or drove in a light wagon, to look
+about her estate. She had arranged an extensive dairy, and paid daily
+visits to her stables. She did not seem aware that an attentive observer
+constantly watched her with his telescope from the tower of the Nameless
+Castle. So, at least, it might be assumed; for the lady very often
+assisted in the labor of the garden, when, in transplanting tulip bulbs,
+she would so soil her pretty white hands to the wrists with black mold
+that it would be quite distressing to see them. Certainly this was
+sufficient proof that her labor was without design.
+
+And, what was more to the purpose, she acted as if perfectly unaware of
+the fact that a lady lived in the Nameless Castle who possibly might be
+the wife of her tenant. Common courtesy and the conventional usages of
+society demanded that the lady who took up a residence anywhere should
+call on the ladies of the neighborhood--if only to leave a card with the
+servant at the door. The baroness had omitted this ceremony, which
+proved that she either did not know of Marie's hiding-place, or that she
+possessed enough delicacy of feeling to understand that it would be
+inconvenient to the one concerned were she to take any notice of the
+circumstance. Either reason was satisfactory to Count Vavel.
+
+But a woman without curiosity!
+
+Meanwhile the count had learned something about her which might be of
+some use to Marie.
+
+He had received, during the winter, a letter from the young law student
+with whom he had become acquainted on the occasion of the
+vice-palatine's unpleasant visit to the castle. The young man wrote to
+say that he had passed his examination, and that when he should receive
+the necessary authority from the count he would be ready to proceed to
+the business they had talked about.
+
+The count replied that a renewal of his lease was not necessary. The new
+owner of the castle having neglected to serve a notice to quit within
+the proper time, the old contracts were still valid. Therefore, it was
+only necessary to secure the naturalization documents, and to purchase a
+plot of ground on the shore of the lake. The young lawyer arranged these
+matters satisfactorily, and the count had nothing further to do than to
+appoint an _absentium ablegatus_ to the Diet, and to take possession of
+his new purchase, which lay adjacent to the Nameless Castle.
+
+The count at once had the plot of ground inclosed with a high fence of
+stout planks, engaged a gardener, and had it transformed into a
+beautiful flower-garden.
+
+Then, when the first spring blossoms began to open, he said to Marie,
+one balmy, sunshiny afternoon: "Come, we will take a promenade."
+
+He conducted the veiled maiden through the park, along the freshly
+graveled path to the inclosed plot of ground.
+
+"Here is your garden," he said, opening the gate. "Now you, too, own a
+plot of ground."
+
+Count Vavel had expected to see the little maid clap her hands with
+delight, and hasten to pluck the flowers for a nosegay.
+
+Instead, however, she clung to his arm and sighed heavily.
+
+"Why do you sigh, Marie? Are you not pleased with your garden?"
+
+"Yes; I think it beautiful."
+
+"Then why do you sigh?"
+
+"Because I cannot thank you as I wish."
+
+"But you have already thanked me."
+
+"That was only with words. Tell me, can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one; we are alone."
+
+At these words the little maid tore the veil from her face, and for the
+first time in many years God's free sunlight illumined her lovely
+features. What those features expressed, what those eyes flashed through
+their tears, that was her gratitude.
+
+When she had illumined the heart of her guardian with this expressive
+glance, she was about to draw the veil over her face again; but Ludwig
+laid a gently restraining hand on hers, and said: "Leave your face
+uncovered, Marie; no one can see it here; and every day for one hour you
+may walk thus here, without fear of being seen, for I shall send the
+gardener elsewhere during that time."
+
+When they were leaving the garden, Marie plucked two forget-me-nots, and
+gave one of them to Ludwig. From that day she had one more pleasure: the
+garden, a free sight of the sky, the warmth of the sunlight--enjoyments
+hitherto denied her; but, all the same, the childlike cheerfulness faded
+more and more from her countenance.
+
+Ludwig, who was distressed to see this continued melancholy in the
+child's face, searched among his pedagogic remedies for a cure for such
+moods. A sixteen-year-old girl might begin the study of history. At this
+age she would already become interested in descriptions of national
+customs, in archaeological study, in travels. He therefore collected for
+Marie's edification quite a library, and became a zealous expounder of
+the various works.
+
+In a short time, however, he became aware that his pupil was not so
+studious as she had been formerly. She paid little heed to his learned
+discourses, and even neglected to learn her lessons. For this he was
+frequently obliged to reprove her. This was a sort of refrigerating
+process. For an instructor to scold a youthful pupil is the best proof
+that he is a being from a different planet!
+
+One day the tutor was delineating with great eloquence to his
+scholar--who, he imagined, was listening with special interest--the
+glorious deeds of heroism performed by St. Louis, and was tracing on the
+map the heroic king's memorable crusade. The scholar, however, was
+writing something on a sheet of paper which lay on the table in front of
+her.
+
+"What are you writing, Marie?"
+
+The little maid handed him the sheet of paper. On it were the words:
+
+"Dear Ludwig, love me."
+
+Map and book dropped from the count's hands. The little maid's frank,
+sincere gaze met his own. She was not ashamed of what she had written,
+or that she had let him read it. She thought it quite in the order of
+things.
+
+"And don't I love you?" exclaimed Ludwig, with sudden sharpness. "Don't
+I love you as the fakir loves his Brahma--as the Carthusian loves his
+Virgin Mary? Don't I love you quite as dearly?"
+
+"Then don't love me--quite so dearly," responded Marie, rising and going
+to her own room, where she began to play with her cats. From that hour
+she would not learn anything more from Ludwig.
+
+The young man, however, placed the slip of paper containing the words,
+"Dear Ludwig, love me," among his relics.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Since the new mistress's advent in the neighboring manor Count Vavel had
+spent more time than usual in his observatory. At first suspicion had
+been his motive. Now, however, there was a certain fascination in
+bringing near to him with his telescope the woman with whom he had
+exchanged only written communication. If he was so eager to behold her,
+why did he not go to the manor? Why did he look at her only through his
+telescope? She would certainly receive his visits; and what then?
+
+This "what then?" was the fetter which bound him hand and foot, was the
+lock upon his lips. He must make no acquaintances. Results might follow;
+and what then?
+
+The entombed man must not quit his grave. He might only seat himself at
+the window of his tomb, and thence look out on the beautiful, forbidden
+world.
+
+What a stately appearance the lady makes as she strolls in her long
+white gown across the green sward over yonder! Her long golden hair
+falls in glittering masses from beneath her wide-rimmed straw hat. Now
+she stops; she seems to be looking for some one. Now her lips open; she
+is calling some one. Her form is quite near, but her voice stops over
+yonder, a thousand paces distant. The person she calls does not appear
+in the field of vision. Now she calls louder, and the listening ear
+hears the words, "Dear Ludwig!"
+
+He starts. These words have not come from the phantom of the
+object-glass, but from a living being that stands by his side--Marie.
+
+The count sprang to his feet, surprised and embarrassed, unable to say a
+word. Marie, however, did not wait for him to speak, but said with eager
+inquisitiveness:
+
+"What are you looking at through that great pipe?"
+
+Before Ludwig could turn the glass in another direction, the little maid
+had taken his seat, and was gazing, with a wilful smile on her lips,
+through the "great pipe."
+
+The smile gradually faded from her lips as she viewed the world revealed
+by the telescope--the beautiful woman over yonder amid her flowers, her
+form encircled by the nimbus of rainbow hues.
+
+When she withdrew her eye from the glass, her face betrayed the new
+emotion which had taken possession of her. The lengthened features, the
+half-opened lips, the contracted brows, the half-closed eyes, all these
+betrayed--Ludwig was perfectly familiar with the expression--jealousy.
+
+Marie had discovered that there was an enchantingly beautiful woman upon
+whose phenomenal charms _her_ Ludwig came up here to feast his eyes. The
+faithless one!
+
+Ludwig was going to speak, but Marie laid her hand against his lips, and
+turned again to the telescope. The "green-eyed monster" wanted to see
+some more!
+
+Suddenly her face brightened; a joyful smile wreathed her lips. She
+seized Ludwig's hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that sounded like a sigh
+of relief:
+
+"What you told me was true, after all! You did not want to deceive me."
+
+"What do you see?" asked Ludwig.
+
+"I see the water-monster that frightened me. I believed that you
+invented a fable and had it printed in that book in order to deceive me.
+And now I see the creature over yonder with the beautiful lady. She
+called to him, and he came walking on his hands and feet. Now he is
+standing upright. How ridiculous the poor thing looks in his red
+clothes! He does n't want to keep on his hat, and persists in wanting to
+walk on all fours like a poodle. Dear heaven! what a kind lady she must
+be to have so much patience with him!"
+
+Then she rose suddenly from the telescope, flung her arms around
+Ludwig's neck, and began to sob. Her warm tears moistened the young
+man's face; but they were not tears of grief.
+
+Very soon she ceased sobbing, and smiled through her tears.
+
+"I am so thankful I came up here! You will let me come again, won't you,
+Ludwig? I will come only when you ask me. And to-morrow we will resume
+our swimming excursions. You will come with me in the canoe, won't you?"
+
+Ludwig assented, and the child skipped, humming cheerily, down the tower
+stairs; and the whole day long the old castle echoed with her merry
+singing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+And why should not Baroness Landsknechtsschild take observations with a
+telescope, as well as her neighbor at the Nameless Castle?
+
+She could very easily do so unnoticed. From the outside of a house, when
+it is light, one cannot see what is going on in a dark room.
+
+This question Count Vavel was given an opportunity to decide.
+
+The astronomical calendar had announced a total eclipse of the moon on a
+certain night in July. The moon would enter the shadow at ten o'clock,
+and reach full obscuration toward midnight.
+
+Ludwig had persuaded Marie to observe the phenomenon with him; and the
+young girl was astonished beyond measure when she beheld for the first
+time the full moon through the telescope.
+
+Ludwig explained to her that the large, brilliant circles were extinct
+craters; the dark blotches, seas. At that time scientists still accepted
+the theory of oceans on the moon. What interested Marie most of all,
+however, was the question, "Were there people on the moon?" Ludwig
+promised to procure for her the fanciful descriptions of a supposed
+journey made to the moon by some naturalists in the preceding century.
+Innocent enough reading for a girl of sixteen!
+
+"I wonder what the people are like who live on the moon?"
+
+And Ludwig's mental reply was: "One of them stands here by your side!"
+
+After a while Marie wearied of the heavenly phenomena, and when the hour
+came at which she usually went to bed she was overcome by sleep.
+
+In vain Ludwig sought to keep her awake by telling her about the Imbrian
+Ocean, and relating the wonders of Mount Aristarchus. Marie could not
+keep from nodding, and several times she caught herself dreaming.
+
+"I shall not wait to see the end of the eclipse," she said to Ludwig.
+"It is very pretty and interesting, but I am sleepy."
+
+She was yet so much a child that she would not have given up her sweet
+slumbers for an eclipse of all the planets of the universe.
+
+Ludwig accompanied her to the door of her apartments, bade her good
+night, and returned to the observatory.
+
+Already the disk of the moon was half obscured. Ludwig removed the
+astronomical eye-piece from the telescope, and inserted the tellurian
+glass instead; then he turned the object-glass toward the neighboring
+manor instead of toward the moon. Now, if ever, was the time to find out
+if his fair neighbor possessed a telescope. If she had one, she would
+certainly be using it now.
+
+It was sufficiently light to enable him to see quite distinctly the
+baroness sitting, with two other women, on the veranda. She was
+observing the eclipse, but with an opera-glass--a magnifier that
+certainly could not reveal very much.
+
+Of this Count Ludwig might rest satisfied. And yet, in spite of the
+satisfaction this decision had given him, he continued to observe the
+disappearance of the moonlight from the veranda of the manor with far
+more attention than he bestowed upon the gradual darkening of the
+heavenly luminary itself. Then there happened to the baroness's
+companions what had happened to Marie: the women began to nod, whereupon
+the baroness sent them to bed. There remained now only the count and his
+fair neighbor to continue the astronomical observations. The lady looked
+at the moon; the count looked at the lady.
+
+The baroness, as was evident, was thorough in whatever she undertook.
+She waited for the full obscuration--until the last vestige of moonlight
+had vanished, and only a strange-looking, dull, copper-hued ball hung in
+the sky.
+
+The baroness now rose and went into the house. The astronomer on the
+castle tower observed that she neglected to close the veranda door.
+
+It was now quite dark; the silence of midnight reigned over everything.
+
+Count Vavel waited in his observatory until the moon emerged from
+shadow.
+
+Instead of the moon, something quite different came within the field of
+vision.
+
+From the shrubbery in the rear of the manor there emerged a man. He
+looked cautiously about him, then signaled backward with his hand,
+whereupon a second man, then a third and a fourth, appeared.
+
+Dark as it was, the count could distinguish that the men wore masks, and
+carried hatchets in their hands. He could not see what sort of clothes
+they wore.
+
+They were robbers.
+
+One of the men swung himself over the iron trellis of the veranda; his
+companions waited below, in the shadow of the gate.
+
+The count hastened from his observatory.
+
+First he wakened Henry.
+
+"Robbers have broken into the manor, Henry!"
+
+"The rascals certainly chose a good time to do it; now that the moon is
+in shadow, no one will see them," sleepily returned Henry.
+
+"I saw them, and I am going to scare them away."
+
+"We can fire off our guns from here; that will scare them," suggested
+Henry.
+
+"Are you out of your senses, Henry? We should frighten Marie; and were
+she to learn that there are robbers in the neighborhood, she would want
+to go away from here, and you know we are chained to this place."
+
+"Yes; then I don't know what we can do. Shall I go down and rouse the
+village?"
+
+"So that you may be called on to testify before a court, and be
+compelled to tell who you are, what you are, and how you came here?"
+impatiently interposed the count.
+
+"That is true. Then I can't raise an alarm?"
+
+"Certainly not. Do as I tell you. Stop here in the castle, take your
+station in front of Marie's door, and I will go over to the manor. Give
+me your walking-stick."
+
+"What? You are going after the robbers with a walking-stick?"
+
+"They are only petty thieves; they are not real robbers. Men of this
+sort will run when they hear a footstep. Besides, there are only four of
+them."
+
+"Four against one who has nothing but a cudgel!"
+
+"In which is concealed a sharp poniard--a very effective weapon at close
+quarters," supplemented the count. "But don't stop here talking, Henry.
+Fetch the stick, and my driving-coat, into the pocket of which put my
+bloodletting instruments. Some one might faint over yonder, and I should
+need them."
+
+Henry brought the stick and coat. Only after he had gone some distance
+from the castle did Count Vavel notice that some heavy object kept
+thumping against his side. The faithful Henry had smuggled a
+double-barreled pistol into the pocket of his coat, in addition to the
+bloodletting instruments. The count did not take the road which ran
+around the cove to the manor, but hurried to the shore, where he sprang
+into his canoe, and with a few powerful strokes of the oars reached the
+opposite shore. A few steps took him to the manor. His heart beat
+rapidly. He had a certain dread of the coming meeting--not the meeting
+with the robbers, but with the baroness.
+
+The gates of the manor were open, as was usual in Hungarian manors day
+and night. The count crossed the court, and as he turned the corner of
+the house there happened what he had predicted: the masked man who was
+on watch at the door gave a shrill whistle, then dashed into the
+shrubbery. Count Vavel did not give chase to the fleeing thief, but,
+swinging his cudgel around his head, ran through the open door into the
+hall. Here a lamp was burning. He hurried into the salon, and saw, as he
+entered, two more of the robbers jump from the window into the garden.
+
+Count Ludwig hurried on toward the adjoining room, whence came the faint
+light of a lamp. The light came from another room still farther on. It
+was the sleeping-chamber of the lady of the house. There were no robbers
+here, but on the table lay jewelry and articles of silver which had been
+emptied from the cases lying about the floor. In an arm-chair which
+stood near the bed-alcove reclined a female form, the arms and hands
+firmly bound with cords to the chair.
+
+What a beautiful creature! The clinging folds of her dressing-robe
+revealed the perfect proportions of her figure. Her hair fell like a
+golden cataract to the floor. Modest blushes and joy at her deliverance
+made the lovely face even more enchanting when the knightly deliverer
+entered the room--a hero who came with a cudgel to do battle against a
+band of robbers, and conquered!
+
+"I am Count Vavel," he hastened to explain, cudgel in hand, that the
+lady might not think him another robber and fall into a faint.
+
+"Pray release me," in a low tone begged the lady, her cheeks crimsoning
+with modest shame when he bent over her to untie the cords.
+
+The task was quickly performed; the count took a knife from his pocket
+and cut the cords; then he turned to look for a bell.
+
+"Please don't ring," hastily interposed the baroness. "Don't rouse my
+people from their slumbers. The robbers are gone, and have taken
+nothing. You came in good time to help me."
+
+"Did the rascals ill-treat you, baroness?"
+
+"They only tied me to this chair; but they threatened to kill me if I
+refused to give them money--they were not content to take only my
+jewelry. I was about to give them an order to the steward, who has
+charge of my money, when your arrival suddenly ended the agreement we
+had made."
+
+"Agreement?" repeated the count. "A pretty business, truly!"
+
+"Pray don't speak so loudly; I don't want any one to be alarmed--and
+please go into the next room, where you will find my maid, who is also
+bound."
+
+Count Vavel went into the small chamber which communicated with that of
+the baroness, and saw lying on the bed a woman whose hands and feet were
+bound; a handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth. He quickly
+released her from the cords and handkerchief; but she did not stir: she
+had evidently lost consciousness.
+
+By this time the baroness had followed with a lighted candle. She had
+flung a silken shawl about her shoulders, thrust her feet into Turkish
+slippers, and tucked her hair underneath a becoming lace cap.
+
+"Is she dead?" she asked, lifting an anxious glance to Ludwig's face.
+
+"No, she is not dead," replied the count, who was attentively scanning
+the unconscious woman's face.
+
+"What is the matter with her?" pursued the baroness, with evident
+distress.
+
+The count now recognized the woman's face. He had seen her with the lad
+who had been his protégé, and who was now a member of the baroness's
+household. It was the wife of Satan Laczi.
+
+"No, she is not dead," he repeated; "she has only fainted."
+
+The baroness hastily fetched her smelling-salts, and held them to the
+unconscious woman's nostrils.
+
+"Peasant women have strong constitutions," observed the count. "When
+such a one loses consciousness a perfume like that will not restore her;
+she needs to be bled."
+
+"But good heavens! What are we to do? I can't think of sending for the
+doctor now! I don't want him to hear of what has happened here
+to-night."
+
+"I understand bloodletting," observed Vavel.
+
+"You, Herr Count?"
+
+"Yes; I have studied medicine and surgery."
+
+"But you have no lance."
+
+"I brought my chirurgic instruments with me."
+
+"Then you thought you might find here some one who had fainted?"
+exclaimed the baroness, wonderingly.
+
+"Yes. I shall require the assistance of a maid to hold the woman's arm
+while I perform the operation."
+
+"I don't want any of the servants wakened. Can't I--help you?" she
+suggested hesitatingly.
+
+"Are not you afraid of the sight of blood, baroness?"
+
+"Of course I am; but I will endure that rather than have one of my maids
+see you here at this hour."
+
+"But this one will see me when she recovers consciousness."
+
+"Oh, I can trust this one; she will be silent."
+
+"Then let us make an attempt."
+
+The result of the attempt was, the fainting maid was restored to
+consciousness by the skilfully applied lance, while the face of the
+assisting lady became deathly pale. Her eyes closed, her lips became
+blue. Fortunately, she had a more susceptible nature than her maid. A
+few drops of cold water sprinkled on her face, and the smelling-salts,
+quickly restored her to consciousness. During these few moments her head
+had rested on the young man's shoulder, her form had been supported on
+his arm.
+
+"Don't trouble any further about me," she murmured, when she opened her
+eyes and saw herself in Vavel's arms; "but attend to that poor woman";
+and she hastily rose from her recumbent position.
+
+The woman was shivering with a chill--or was it the result of extreme
+terror? If the former, then a little medicine would soon help her; but
+if it was terror, there was no remedy for it.
+
+To all questions she returned but the one answer: "Oh, my God! my God!"
+
+The baroness and Count Vavel now returned to the outer room.
+
+"I regret very much, baroness, that you have had an unpleasant
+experience like this--here in our peaceful neighborhood, where every one
+is so honest that you might leave your purse lying out in the court; no
+one would take it."
+
+The baroness laughingly interrupted him:
+
+"The robber adventure amused more than it frightened me. All my life I
+have wanted to see a real Hungarian robber, of whom the Viennese tell
+such wonderful tales. My wish has been gratified, and I have had a real
+adventure--the sort one reads in romances."
+
+"Your romance might have had a sorrowful conclusion," responded Count
+Ludwig, seriously.
+
+"Yes--if Heaven had not sent a brave deliverer to my rescue."
+
+"You may well say Heaven sent him," smilingly returned the count; "for
+if there had not been an eclipse of the moon to-night, which I was
+observing through my telescope, and at the same time taking a look about
+the neighborhood, I should not have seen the masked men enter the
+manor."
+
+"What!" in astonishment exclaimed the baroness; "you saw the men through
+a telescope? Truly, _I_ shall have to be on my guard in future! But,"
+she added more seriously, lifting from the table the count's
+walking-stick, toward which he had extended his hand, "before you go I
+want to beg a favor. Please do not mention the occurrence of this night
+to any one. I don't want the authorities to make any inquiries
+concerning the attempted robbery."
+
+"That favor I grant most willingly," replied Count Vavel, who had not
+the least desire for a legal examination which would require him to tell
+who he was, what he was, whence he came, and what he was doing here.
+
+"I can tell you why I don't want the affair known," continued the
+baroness. "The woman in yonder is the one of whom I wrote you some time
+ago--the wife of Ladislaus Satan, or, as he is called, Satan Laczi.
+Should it become known that a robbery was attempted here, the villagers
+will say at once, 'It was the wife of the robber Satan Laczi who helped
+the men to rob her mistress,' and the poor woman will be sent back to
+prison."
+
+"And do you really believe her innocent?"
+
+"I can assure you that she knew nothing about this matter. I shall not
+send her away, but, as a proof that I trust her entirely, shall let her
+sleep in the room next to mine, and let her carry all my keys!" To
+emphasize her declaration, she thumped the floor vigorously with Vavel's
+iron-ferruled stick.
+
+Involuntarily the count extended his hand to her. She grasped it
+cordially, and, shaking it, added: "Don't speak of our meeting to-night
+to any one; I shall not mention it, I can promise you! And now, I will
+give you your stick; I am certain some one at home is anxious about you.
+God be with you!"
+
+At home Count Vavel found Henry on guard at the door of Marie's room,
+his musket cocked, ready for action.
+
+"Did anything happen here?" asked the count. "Did Marie waken?"
+
+"No; but she called out several times in her sleep, and once I heard her
+say quite distinctly: 'Ludwig, take care; she will bite!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel could not deny that his fair neighbor had made a very
+favorable impression on him. In astronomy she had taken the place of the
+moon, in classic literature that of an ideal, and in metaphysics that of
+the absolutely good.
+
+He had sufficient command of himself, however, to suppress the desire to
+see her again. From that day he did not again turn his telescope toward
+the neighboring manor. But to prevent his thoughts from straying there
+was beyond his power. These straying thoughts after a while began to
+betray themselves in his countenance and in his eyes; and there are
+persons who understand how to read faces and eyes.
+
+"Are you troubled about anything, Ludwig?" one day inquired Marie,
+after they had been sitting in silence together for a long while.
+
+Ludwig started guiltily.
+
+"Ye-es; I have bad news from abroad."
+
+Such a reply, however, cannot deceive those who understand the language
+of the face and eyes.
+
+One afternoon Marie stole noiselessly up to the observatory, and
+surprised Ludwig at the telescope.
+
+"Let me see, too, Ludwig. Are you looking at something pretty?"
+
+"Very pretty," answered Ludwig, giving place to the young girl.
+
+Marie looked through the glass, and saw a farm-yard overgrown with
+weeds. On an inverted tub near the door of the cottage sat a little old
+grandmother teaching her grandchildren how to knit a stocking.
+
+"Then you were not looking at our lovely neighbor," said Marie. "Why
+don't you look at her?"
+
+"Because it is not necessary for me to know what she is doing."
+
+Marie turned the telescope toward the manor, and persisted until she had
+found what she was looking for.
+
+"How sad she looks!" she said to Ludwig.
+
+But he paid no attention to her words.
+
+"Now it seems as though she were looking straight into my eyes; now she
+clasps her hands as if she were praying."
+
+Ludwig said, with pedagogic calmness:
+
+"If you continue to gaze with such intensity through the telescope your
+face will become distorted."
+
+Marie laughed. "If I had a crooked mouth, and kept one eye shut, people
+would say, 'There goes that ugly little Marie!' Then I should not have
+to wear a veil any more."
+
+She distorted her face as she had described, and turned it toward
+Ludwig, who said hastily: "Don't--don't do that, Marie."
+
+"Is it not all the same to you whether I am ugly or pretty?" she
+retorted. Then, as if to soften the harshness of her words, she added:
+"Even if I were ugly, would you love me--as the fakir loves his Brahma?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Ludwig continued his correspondence with the learned Herr Mercatoris. He
+always dictated his letters to Marie. No one in the neighborhood had yet
+seen his own writing. Therefore, it would have been impossible for him
+to ask the pastor anything relating to the baroness without Marie
+knowing it. In one of his letters, however, he inquired how the mother
+of the lad he had once had in his care was conducting herself at the
+manor, and was informed that the woman had disappeared--and without
+leaving any explanation for her conduct--a few days after the eclipse of
+the moon. The baroness had been greatly troubled by the woman's going,
+but would not consent to having a search made for her, as she had taken
+nothing from the manor.
+
+This incident made Count Vavel believe that the woman had secretly
+joined the band of robbers, and that there would be another attempt made
+sometime to break into the manor.
+
+From that time the count slept more frequently in his observatory than
+he did in his bedchamber, where an entire arsenal of muskets and other
+firearms were always kept in readiness.
+
+One evening, when he approached the door of his room, he was surprised
+to see a light through the keyhole; some one was in the room.
+
+He entered hastily. On the table was a lighted candle, and standing with
+his back toward the table was a strange man, clad in a costume unlike
+that worn by the dwellers in that neighborhood.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel surveyed the stranger, who was standing
+between him and his weapons; then he demanded imperiously:
+
+"Who are you? How came you here, and what do you want?"
+
+"I am Satan Laczi," coolly replied the man.
+
+On hearing the name, Count Vavel sprang suddenly toward the robber, and
+seized him by the arms. The fellow's arms were like the legs of a
+vulture--nothing but bone and sinew. Count Vavel was an athletic man,
+strong and powerful; but had the room been filled with men as strong and
+powerful as he, and had they every one hurled themselves upon Satan
+Laczi, he would have had no difficulty in defending himself. He had
+performed such a feat more than once. This evening, however, he made no
+move to defend himself, but looked calmly at his assailant, and said:
+"The Herr Count can see that I have no weapons; and yet, there are
+enough here, had I wanted to arm myself against an attack. I am not here
+for an evil purpose."
+
+The count released his hold on the man's arms, and looked at him in
+surprise.
+
+"Why are you here?" he asked.
+
+"First, because I want to tell the Herr Count that it was not I who
+attempted to rob the baroness, nor were those thieves comrades of mine.
+I know that the people around here say it was Satan Laczi; but it
+was n't, and I came to tell you so. I confess I have robbed churches;
+but the house which has given shelter and food to my poor little lad is
+more sacred to me than a church. The people insist that I was guilty of
+such baseness because I am Satan Laczi; but the Herr Count, who has
+doubtless read a description of my person, can say whether or no it was
+I he saw at the manor."
+
+With these words he turned his face toward the light. It was a very
+repulsive countenance.
+
+"Do you think there is another face that the description of mine would
+fit, Herr Count?" he asked, a certain melancholy softening the
+repulsiveness of his features. "But what is the use of such senseless
+chatter?" he added hastily. "I am not silly enough to come here seeking
+honor and respect--though it does vex me when people say that one man
+with a cudgel put to flight Satan Laczi and three of his comrades. I
+came here to-night because the Herr Count rescued my poor little lad
+from the morass, gave him shelter and food, and even condescended to
+teach him. For all this I owe you, Herr Count, and I am come to return
+favor for favor. You are thinking: 'How can this robber repay me what he
+owes?' I will tell you: by giving you a robber's information. I want to
+prove to the Herr Count that the robber--the true robber who understands
+his trade--can enter this securely barred castle whenever he is so
+minded. The locks on the doors, the bolts on the windows, are no
+hindrance to the man who understands his business, and the way _I_ came
+in another can come as well. It is said that the Herr Count guards a
+great treasure here in this castle. I don't know, and I don't ask, what
+this treasure is. If I should find it, I would n't take it from the Herr
+Count, and if any one else took it I should try to get it back for him.
+But some one may steal in here, as I did, while the Herr Count is
+looking at the stars up in the tower, and carry off his carefully
+guarded treasure."
+
+Count Vavel gave utterance to a groan of terror; his knees gave way
+beneath him; a chill shook his entire frame.
+
+"Marie!" he gasped, forgetting himself.
+
+Then, hastily snatching the candle from the table, he rushed
+frantically toward the young girl's sleeping-chamber, leaving Satan
+Laczi alone in his room.
+
+Since he had ceased guarding Marie's door at night by sleeping on the
+lounge in her room, he had cautioned her to lock the door before
+retiring. Now he found the door open.
+
+Breathless with fear, the count sprang toward the alcove and flung back
+the bed-curtains. The little maid was sleeping peacefully, her face
+resting against her arm. Her favorite cat was lying at her feet, and on
+the floor by the bedside lay the two pugs. But the door of the
+wall-cupboard in which was hidden the steel casket stood wide open, and
+on the casket was a singular toy--a miniature human figure turning a
+spinning-wheel.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel's heart ceased beating. Here was sufficient
+proof that the maid, together with the steel casket, might have been
+carried away during his absence.
+
+He took the curious image, which was molded of black bread, and returned
+to his room.
+
+As he crossed the threshold, Satan Laczi pointed to the toy and said:
+
+"I left it on the casket as a remembrance in exchange for the little
+stockings some one in this house knit for my little lad. We learn to
+make such things in prison, where time hangs heavily on one's hands."
+
+"But how did you manage to open the door when it was locked and the key
+inside?" inquired the count.
+
+Satan Laczi showed him the tools which he used to turn keys from the
+outside.
+
+"Any burglar can open a door from the outside if the key is left in the
+lock, Herr Count. Only those doors can be securely locked which have no
+keyholes outside."
+
+"I have no idea how that could be arranged," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I am acquainted with a jack of all trades here in the neighborhood who
+could make such a door for you if I told him how to make it. He is a
+carpenter, locksmith, and clock-maker, all in one person."
+
+The count shook his head wonderingly. The robber was to direct the
+locksmith how to fashion a lock that no one could open!
+
+"Shall I send the man to the castle?" asked Satan Laczi.
+
+"Yes; if the fellow is sensible, and does not chatter."
+
+"But he is a fool that never knows when to stop talking. But he talks
+only on one subject, so you need not be afraid to employ him. He
+understands everything you tell him, will do just as you say, but will
+not talk about what he is doing for you. There is only one subject on
+which he will chatter, and that is, how Napoleon might be beaten. He is
+continually talking about stratagems, infernal machines, and how to win
+a battle. On this subject he is crazy. He will make doors for the Herr
+Count that can't be opened, and tell everybody else only how to make
+infernal machines, and how to build fortifications."
+
+"Very good; then send him to me."
+
+"But--I must say something else, Herr Count--no matter how secure your
+locks may be, that treasure is best guarded against robbers which is
+kept in the room you sleep in. A man of courage is worth a hundred
+locks. I am not talking without a purpose when I say the Herr Count must
+look after his treasure. I know more than I say, and Satan Laczi is not
+the greatest robber in the world. Be on your guard!"
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"Does the Herr Count still believe that it was I and my comrades who
+broke into the manor?"
+
+"No; I am convinced that it was not you."
+
+"Then my mission here is accomplished--"
+
+"Not yet," interposed the count, stepping to a cupboard, and taking from
+it a straw-covered bottle and a goblet. "Here,"--filling the goblet and
+handing it to the robber,--"he who comes to my house as a guest must not
+quit it without a parting glass."
+
+"A strange guest, indeed!" responded the robber, taking the proffered
+glass. "I came without knocking for admittance. But I performed a
+masterpiece to-day; the Herr Count will find it out soon enough! I do
+not drink to your welfare Herr Count, for my good wishes don't go for
+much in heaven!"
+
+The count seated himself at the table, and said: "Don't go just yet, my
+friend; I want to give you a few words of advice. I believe you are a
+good man at heart. Quit your present mode of life, which will ultimately
+lead you--"
+
+"Yes, I know--to the gallows and to hell," interposed the robber.
+
+"Take up some trade," pursued the count. "I will gladly assist you to
+become an honest man. I will lend you the money necessary to begin work,
+and you can pay me when you have succeeded. Surely honest labor is the
+best."
+
+"I thank you for the good advice, Herr Count, but it is too late. I know
+very well what would be best for me; but, as I said, it is too late now.
+There was a time when I would gladly have labored at my trade,--for I
+have one,--but no one would tolerate me because of my repulsive face.
+From my childhood I have been an object of ridicule and abuse. My father
+was well-born, but he died in a political prison, and I was left
+destitute with this hideous face. No one would employ me for anything
+but swine-herd; and even then luck was against me, for if anything went
+wrong with a litter of pigs, I was always blamed for the mishap, and
+sent about my business. Count Jharose gave me a job once; it was a
+ridiculous task, but I was glad to get any kind of honest work. I had to
+exercise the count's two tame bears--promenade with them through the
+village. The bears' fore paws were tied about their necks, so that they
+were obliged to walk on their hind feet, and I had to walk between them,
+my hands resting on a fore leg of each animal, as if I were escorting
+two young women. When we promenaded thus along the village street, the
+people would laugh and shout: 'There go Count Jharose's three tame
+bears.' At last I got out of the way of doing hard work, and got used to
+being ridiculed by all the world. But I had not yet learned to steal.
+The bears grew fat under my care. I was given every day two loaves of
+bread to feed to them. One day I saw, in a wretched hut at the end of
+the village, a poor woman and her daughter who were starving. From that
+day the bears began to grow thin; for I stole one of the loaves of bread
+and gave it to the poor women, who were glad enough to get it, I can
+tell you! But the steward found out my theft, and I was dismissed from
+the count's service. The poor women were turned out of their miserable
+hut. The mother froze to death,--for it was winter then,--and the
+daughter was left on my hands. We got a Franciscan monk, whom we met in
+the forest, to marry us--which was a bad move for the girl, for no one
+would employ her, because she was my wife. So the forest became our
+home, hollow trees our shelter; and what a friend an old tree can
+become! Well, to make a long story short, necessity very soon taught me
+how to take what belonged to others. I got used to the vagrant life. I
+could not sleep under a roof any more. I could n't live among men, and
+pull off my hat to my betters. When the little lad came into the world,
+I said to my wife: 'Do you quit the forest, and look for work in some
+village. Don't let the little one grow up to become a thief.' She did as
+I bade her; but the people who hired her always found out that she was
+the wife of Satan Laczi, and then they would not keep her, and she would
+have to come back to me in the forest. And that is where I shall end my
+days--in the forest. I am not good for anything any more; I could n't
+even plow a furrow any more. I shall end on the gallows--I feel it. I
+should have liked the life of a soldier, but they never would take me;
+they always said I would disgrace any regiment to which I might belong.
+Yes, I would rather have been a soldier than anything else; but what is
+not to be will not be! I shall keep to my forest. I am obliged to the
+Herr Count for his good wishes and this delicious brandy."
+
+The robber placed the empty glass on the table, took up his hat, and
+walked with heavy steps toward the door. Here he halted to say:
+
+"I must tell you that the touch-holes of all your firearms are filled
+with wax. Have them cleaned, or you will not be able to shoot with
+them."
+
+The count rose, and hastened to convince himself that this statement was
+true. He found that his firearms had indeed been rendered useless; the
+robber had taken good care to protect himself from an attack. When Vavel
+looked around again, Satan Laczi had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+The afternoon of the following day, Henry entered the count's study to
+announce that a crazy person was below, who insisted on speaking to the
+lord of the castle. The stranger said he had invented a cannon that
+would at one shot destroy fifteen hundred men. He would take no denial,
+but insisted that Henry should tell the Herr Count that Master Matyas
+had arrived.
+
+"Yes; I sent for him to come here," answered the count. "Show him up."
+
+The appearance of the man whom Henry conducted to his master's presence
+was certainly original. He wore a costume unlike any prevailing fashion.
+His upper garment was so made that it might be worn either as a coat or
+a mantle; if sleeves were desired there were sleeves, and none if none
+were required. Even his shoes were inventions of his own, for no regular
+shoemaker could have fashioned them. He held between the fingers of his
+right hand a bit of lead-pencil, with which he would illustrate what he
+described on the palm of his left hand.
+
+"You come in good time, Master Matyas," said the count.
+
+"Yes--yes. If only I had been in good time at the battle of Marengo!"
+sighed the singular man.
+
+"Too late now for regrets of that sort, Master Matyas," smilingly
+responded Count Vavel. "Facts cannot be changed! I have a task for you
+which I desire to have completed as quickly as possible. Come, and I
+will show you what I want you to do."
+
+It was the hour Marie spent in her garden; consequently the count was at
+liberty to conduct the jack of all trades to the young girl's apartment,
+and explain what he wished to have done.
+
+Master Matyas listened attentively to what the count said, and took the
+necessary measurements. When he had done so, he turned toward his
+patron, and said in a serious tone:
+
+"Do you know why we lost the battle of Marengo? Because General
+Gvozdanovics, when Napoleon's cavalry made that famous assault, was not
+clever enough to order three men into every tree on that long
+avenue--two of the men to load the muskets, while the third kept up a
+continual fire. The French horsemen could not have ridden up the trees,
+and the entire troop of cavalry would have dropped under the continuous
+fire! The general certainly should have commanded: 'Half battalion--half
+left! Up the trees--forward!'"
+
+"That is true, Master Matyas," assented Count Vavel; "but I should like
+to know if you fully understand what I want you to do, and if you can do
+it?"
+
+Master Matyas's face brightened suddenly. "I 'll tell you what, Herr
+Count; if I succeed in doing what you want, I shall be able, if ever
+Napoleon makes another attack on us, to pen him up, with his entire
+army, so securely that he won't be able to stir!"
+
+"I have no doubt of that!" again assented the count. "What I want,
+however, is a secure barrier that cannot be opened from the outside.
+Pray understand me. I want this barrier made in such a manner that the
+person within the barricade will have sufficient light and air, but be
+invisible to any one outside, and be perfectly secure from intruders.
+Could not you let me have a little drawing of what you propose to do?"
+
+"Certainly"; and taking a small sketch-book from his pocket, Master
+Matyas proceeded to do as he was requested--first, however, explaining
+to the count a drawing of the cannon which would mow down at one shot
+fifteen hundred men. "You see," he explained, "here are two cannon
+welded together at the breech, with their muzzles ten degrees apart. But
+one touch-hole suffices for both. The balls are connected by a long
+chain, and when the cannon are fired off, the balls naturally fly in
+opposite directions and forward at the same time, and, stretching the
+chain, mow off the heads of every man jack with whom it comes in
+contact! Fire! Boom! Heads off!"
+
+The count was perfectly satisfied with Master Matyas. He had found a man
+who fully understood his business, and who knew how to hold his tongue
+on all subjects but on that of his infernal machines, and of his
+stratagems to defeat Napoleon. For two weeks Master Matyas labored
+diligently at his task in the Nameless Castle, during which time Henry
+heard so much about warlike stratagems that his sides ached from the
+continued laughter. But when the villagers questioned Master Matyas
+about his work at the castle, they could learn nothing from him but
+schemes to capture the ever-victorious Corsican.
+
+"Herr Count," one day observed Henry, toward the close of the second
+week, "if I hear much more of Master Matyas's wonderful battles, I shall
+become as crazy as he is!"
+
+And the count replied:
+
+"You are crazy already, my good Henry--and so am I!"
+
+At last the task was completed. Count Vavel was satisfied with the work
+Master Matyas had performed, and it only remained for Marie to express
+herself satisfied with the arrangement which would barricade her every
+night as securely as were the treasures of the "green vault" in Dresden.
+
+A few days afterward was Marie's sixteenth birthday. Count Vavel had
+come to her apartments, as usual, to congratulate her, and to hear what
+her birthday wish might be. But the young girl, whose sparkling eyes had
+become veiled with melancholy, whose red lips had already learned to
+express sadness, had no commands to give to-day.
+
+After dinner the count, on some pretence, detained Marie in the library
+while Master Matyas completed his task in her room.
+
+This masterpiece was a peculiar curtain composed of small squares of
+steel so joined together that light and air could easily penetrate the
+screen. It was fitted between the two marble columns which supported the
+arch of the bed-alcove. When the metal curtain was lowered, by means of
+a cord, two springs in the floor caught and held it so securely that it
+could not be lifted from the outside. To raise the screen the person in
+the alcove had only to touch a secret spring near the bed, when the
+screen would roll up of itself.
+
+"And hast thou no wish this year, Marie?" asked the count, adopting, as
+usual on this anniversary, the familiar "thou."
+
+"Yes, I have one, dear Ludwig," replied the young girl, but with no
+brightening of the melancholy features. "I have lost something, but thou
+canst not give it back to me."
+
+"And what may this something be? What hast thou lost, Marie? Tell me."
+
+"My former sweet, sound sleep! and thou canst not buy me another in
+Vienna or Paris. I used to sleep so soundly. I used to be so fond of my
+sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers, and often I
+would be in dreamland long before I got to the 'Amen.' And if by any
+chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike, I would beg of
+it not to hurry along the hours so fast--I did not want morning to come
+so soon! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors, I lie awake
+often until midnight--terrified by I know not what. I dread to be so
+entirely alone when everything is so quiet; and when it is dark I feel
+as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room. When I hear a
+noise I wonder what it can be, and my heart beats so rapidly! Then I
+draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound, and if I fall asleep
+thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again."
+
+Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.
+
+"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
+Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"
+
+The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
+soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
+restore my slumber."
+
+"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
+see."
+
+She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.
+
+Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.
+
+"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
+her wondering face.
+
+Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
+in the springs in the floor.
+
+"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
+own alcove."
+
+"Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
+Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
+your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
+column to your left, you will be at liberty again."
+
+The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.
+
+Marie was filled with delight and astonishment.
+
+"There is another work of art connected with this wonderful mechanism,"
+said the count, after Marie had rolled and unrolled the screen several
+times. "The cord which releases the screen rings a bell in my room. When
+I hear the bell I shall know that you have retired; then I shall bring
+my books and papers into your room out yonder, and continue my work
+there. Only enough light will penetrate the screen to the alcove to
+prevent utter darkness. You will not need to be afraid hereafter, and
+perhaps the sweet, sound sleep will return to you."
+
+Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift. She
+merely held out both hands, and gave his a clasp that was so close and
+warm that it said more than words or kisses. She waited impatiently for
+evening to test the working of her wonderful screen. She did not amuse
+herself with her cards, as usual, but went to bed at ten o'clock. At the
+same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in
+the floor, Count Ludwig's footsteps were heard in the corridor. In one
+hand he carried a two-branched candlestick, in the other his pistol-case
+and ink-horn. His pen was between his lips; his books and papers were
+held under his arm. He seated himself at a table, and resumed his
+studies.
+
+Marie would have been untrue to her sex had she not watched him for
+several minutes through her metal screen--watched and admired the superb
+head, supported on one hand as he bent intently over his book, the
+broad brow, the classical nose, the chin and lips of an Achilles--all as
+motionless as if they had been molded in bronze. A true hero--a hero who
+battled with the most powerful demons of earth, the human passions, and
+conquered. From that day Marie found her old sweet sleep again.
+
+The second day Marie's curiosity prompted her to signal to Ludwig half
+an hour earlier. He heard, and came as readily at half-past nine
+o'clock. And then the little maid (like all indulged children) abused
+her privileges: she signaled at nine o'clock, and at last at eight
+o'clock--retiring with the birds in order to test if Ludwig would obey
+the signal.
+
+He always came promptly when the falling screen summoned him.
+
+And then Marie said to herself:
+
+"He loves me. He loves me very much--as the fakir loves his Brahma, as
+the Carthusian loves his sainted Virgin. That is how he loves me!"
+
+
+
+
+PART V
+
+ANGE BARTHELMY
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+So far as Marie's safety from robbers was concerned, Count Vavel might
+now rest content. Satan Laczi's advice had been obeyed to the letter.
+But how about Baroness Landsknechtsschild? Danger still threatened her.
+
+Count Vavel was seriously concerned about his fair neighbor, and
+wondered how he might communicate his extraordinary discovery to her.
+What could he do to warn her of the danger which still threatened her?
+Should he call in person at the manor, and tell her of his interview
+with Satan Laczi?
+
+A propitious chance came to Count Vavel's aid in his perplexity.
+
+One afternoon the sound of a trumpet drew him to his window. On looking
+out, he beheld a division of cavalry riding along the highway toward the
+village. They were dragoons, as their glistening helmets indicated.
+
+When the troop drew near to the village, the band struck up a lively
+mazurka, and to this spirited march the soldiers made their entry into
+Fertöszeg. Ludwig could see through his telescope how the men were
+quartered in the houses in the village; and in the evening, after the
+retreat had been sounded, he also saw that the windows of the hitherto
+unused wing of the manor were brilliantly illuminated. Evidently the
+officers in command of the troop had taken up their quarters there,
+which was proper. The armed guard on duty at the manor gates verified
+this supposition.
+
+Count Vavel might now feel perfectly sure that no robbers would attempt
+to break into the manor; they were too cunning to come prowling about a
+place where cavalry officers were quartered.
+
+And with the arrival of the troop another danger had been averted. Now
+Baroness Katharina would not break into the Nameless Castle and despoil
+Count Vavel of something which Satan Laczi could not, with all his
+cunning, have restored to him--his heart!
+
+Count Ludwig did not trouble himself further about the manor. He was
+convinced that enough gallant cavalrymen were over yonder to entertain
+the fair mistress, so that she would no longer wait for any more
+tiresome philosophizing from him.
+
+Every evening he could hear the band playing on the veranda of the
+manor, and very often, too, the merry dance-music, which floated from
+the open windows until a late hour of the night. They were enjoying
+themselves over yonder, and they were right in so doing.
+
+How did all this concern him?
+
+In one respect, however, the soldiers taking up their quarters in
+Fertöszeg concerned him: they exercised daily on the same road over
+which it was his custom to take his daily drive with Marie. In order to
+avoid meeting them, he was obliged to change the hour to noon, when the
+soldiers would be at dinner.
+
+Several days after the arrival of the troop at Fertöszeg, the officer in
+command paid a visit at the Nameless Castle--a courtesy required from
+one who was familiar with the usages of good society. At the door,
+however, he was told by the groom that Count Vavel was not at home. He
+left his card, which Henry at once delivered to his master, who was in
+his study.
+
+The card bore the name:
+
+"Vicomte Leon Barthelmy, K. K., Colonel of Cavalry."
+
+Count Vavel tried to remember where he had heard the name before, but
+without success. He quieted his dread which this act of ceremony had
+aroused in him by the thought that it contained no further significance
+than the conventional courtesy which a stranger felt himself called upon
+to pay to a resident.
+
+The call would, of course, have to be returned. From his observatory
+Count Vavel informed himself at what hour the colonel betook himself to
+the exercise-ground, and chose that time to make his visit. Naturally he
+found the colonel absent, and left a card for him. A few days afterward
+Colonel Barthelmy again alighted from his horse at the door of the
+Nameless Castle, and again met with a disappointment--the Herr Count was
+not at home to visitors; he was engaged, and had given orders not to be
+disturbed.
+
+Again the troop's commander left his card, determining to remain indoors
+at the manor until the return visit had been paid, which would have to
+be done within twenty-four hours if no rudeness were intended.
+
+He was not a little astonished to find, on returning to the manor, that
+Count Vavel had left a card for him with the porter. Such promptness
+perplexed the colonel. How had the count managed to reach the manor
+before he did? The porter informed him that the gentleman from the
+Nameless Castle had rowed across the cove, which was a much shorter way
+than by the carriage-road around the shore.
+
+The colonel now determined to prove that he was an obstinate and
+persistent admirer of the occupant of the Nameless Castle. He paid a
+third visit at eight o'clock the next evening. This time Henry informed
+the visitor that the count had gone to bed.
+
+"Is he ill?" inquired the colonel.
+
+"No; this is his usual hour for retiring."
+
+"But how can a man who is not ill go to bed at eight o'clock?"
+
+And again he handed Henry a card.
+
+This visit Count Vavel returned the next morning at three o'clock. At
+this hour, as may be supposed, every soul in the manor was still sound
+asleep. Only the guards on watch at the gate demanded: "Halt! Who comes
+there?"
+
+On learning that the intruder was a "friend," they allowed him to waken
+the porter, who thrust his frowzy head from the half-open door to ask,
+in surprise, what was wanted.
+
+"Is the Herr Colonel at home?" inquired Count Vavel.
+
+"Yes, your lordship; but he is in bed."
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"No, your lordship; but he is in bed, of course, at this hour."
+
+"Why, how can a man who is not ill stay in bed until three o'clock?"
+
+The count turned over a corner of his card, and handed it to the porter.
+
+This, at last, the colonel understood, and left no more cards at the
+Nameless Castle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The officers quartered at the manor were agreeable companions. Vicomte
+Leon Barthelmy was a true courtier, a brave soldier, an entertaining
+comrade, and a generous master. Even his enemies would have admitted
+that his manners were irresistible in the salon, as well as on the
+battle-field. Every one knew that Colonel Barthelmy was a married
+man--that he had a wife with whom, however, he did not live, but from
+whom he had not been divorced.
+
+Susceptible feminine hearts did not risk a flirtation with the
+fascinating soldier, being forewarned by the canonical laws of the
+church, which forbade more intimate relations. There was no need to fear
+for so prudent and discreet a woman as the Baroness Katharina
+Landsknechtsschild. Her principles were very sound, and firmly grounded.
+She permitted no familiarities beyond a certain limit, but made no coy
+pretence of avoiding innocent amusements. Her affable treatment of the
+officers was easily explained. She had not received the gentlemen
+residing in the neighborhood, because they would very soon have visited
+the manor with a special object--they would have come as suitors for her
+hand. She would have been compelled to reject such offers, and would
+have given rise to all sorts of gossip. Moreover, these country magnates
+were tiresome persons; for, when they were once gathered about a
+gaming-table, the four ladies in a pack of cards engrossed so much of
+their attention that they had no thought for any of the living women
+about them.
+
+The sons of Mars, on the contrary, were devoted entirely to the service
+of the fair sex. Many of the officers' wives accompanied the regiment,
+and these helped to make up the quadrille, the mazurka, the redowa,--at
+that time the latest dance,--and every day saw a merry gathering of
+revelers.
+
+One day there would be a series of entertaining games; another day there
+would be a play on a hastily improvised stage, in which the baroness
+herself would take a part, and win well-deserved applause by her
+graceful and artistic acting.
+
+There were several skilled amateur jugglers among the merry company, who
+would give performances _à la_ Bosko and Philadelphia; and others would
+delight the audience with the wonderful scenes of a magic lantern.
+
+Once the baroness arranged a chase, and herself joined in the hunt after
+the pheasants and deer on her estate, proving herself a skilled Amazon
+in the saddle and in the management of her rifle. Then, the officers
+improvised a horse-race; and once they even got up a circus, in which
+all look part.
+
+Count Vavel, in his tower, was an interested spectator of many of these
+amusements. There had been a time when he, too, had taken part in and
+enjoyed just such sports. He was a lover of the chase and of
+horse-racing. No one knew better than he the keen delights of a clean
+vault over ditches and hedges. If only he might join the merry company
+down yonder, _he_ could show them some riding!
+
+And as for hunting? He could spend whole days on the mountains,
+clambering after the fleet-footed chamois, following the larger game
+through morass and forest. He had grown up amid exhilarating sports such
+as these.
+
+And the dance-music! How alluring were the strains! and how often
+through the day he found himself humming the melodies which had floated
+to him from the open windows of the manor! Once he, too, had taken
+pleasure in jesting with fair women until their white shoulders would
+shake with merry laughter. And all this he must look upon and hear at a
+distance, since he had made himself his own jailer!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+During these weeks Marie was very restless. The sound of the trumpets
+startled her; the unusual noises terrified her. She whose nightly
+slumbers had been guarded from the barking of dogs and the crowing of
+fowls now was obliged to listen half the night to clarionet, horn, and
+piccolo, and to wonder what these people could be doing that they kept
+their music going until such late hours.
+
+One circumstance, however, reconciled Marie to the excitement of these
+days: Ludwig spent more time with her; and though his face was as stern
+as ever, she could not detect in it the melancholy which cannot be
+concealed from the eyes of the woman who can look into the depths, of
+the soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+At last, one day late in the autumn, Count Vavel received from his
+correspondent, Herr Mercatoris, the information that the dragoon
+regiment was going to change its quarters, and that the departure from
+Fertöszeg would be celebrated by various amusements, among them a
+regatta with colored lanterns on the lake and magnificent fireworks on
+the shore.
+
+"We shall manage somehow to live through it," was the count's mental
+comment on the news. He knew Marie's horror of fire--how she suffered
+with terror when she saw a conflagration, no matter how distant. She was
+even afraid of the rockets and paper dragons which were used at the
+celebration at the conclusion of the grape harvest every year. On the
+evening of the merrymaking Marie was afraid to go to bed. She begged
+Ludwig to close the blinds and to read to her in a loud voice, so that
+she might not see the light of the fireworks or hear the tumult on the
+lake shore. That which amused the revellers at the manor was a terror
+for this timid child.
+
+And that they were amusing themselves over at the manor was beyond a
+doubt. The program for the evening's entertainment was a varied one.
+Colonel Barthelmy was in the gayest of humors. The surprise of the
+evening was to conclude the entertainment, and was called on the program
+"The Militiaman." Every one in the audience expected that Colonel
+Barthelmy, who had arranged this part of the entertainment, would
+produce something extremely amusing. The reality surpassed all
+expectations.
+
+The figure conducted on to the stage by the colonel was no other than
+the little water-monster, Baroness Katharina's protégé. He was clad in
+the uniform of a soldier, with a wooden sword and gun, a hat decorated
+with crane-feathers, a canteen at his side, and a knapsack on his back.
+An enormous false mustache extended from ear to ear, and a short-stemmed
+pipe was thrust between his lips.
+
+"This, gentlemen and ladies, is a militiaman." The colonel was
+interrupted by a burst of merriment from his audience. Even the baroness
+laughed immoderately, but suppressed it hastily when she remembered the
+telescope on the tower of the Nameless Castle.
+
+"Poor little fellow!" she murmured, with difficulty keeping her face
+straight.
+
+"Attention!" called the colonel, snapping the whip he held in his hand.
+"What does the militiaman do when he is in a good humor?"
+
+A bagpipe behind the curtain now began to play a familiar air, whereupon
+the little monster first touched his finger to his hat, then slapped his
+thighs with both hands, and lifted first one foot, then the other.
+
+The baroness hid with her fan that side of her face which was toward the
+neighboring castle, and joined in the uproarious laughter.
+
+"You see, gracious baroness," continued the colonel, "that I have
+accomplished what I determined I would do--made quite a man of the
+little fellow."
+
+He snapped his whip again, and called sharply:
+
+"Now let the militiaman show us what he does when he is in an ill
+humor."
+
+The bagpipe struck up a different air. The dwarf muttered something
+unintelligible into his mustache, and grimaced hideously. Then he took
+from his tobacco-pouch flint, tinder, and steel, and struck fire in the
+proper manner; he thrust the burning tinder into his pipe, and pressed
+it down with his finger.
+
+Tremendous applause rewarded this exhibition.
+
+"Do you see, gracious baroness, what a complete man he is become? He can
+even strike fire and light a pipe!"
+
+By this time the gnome began to understand that his antics amused the
+audience, and he, too, enjoyed them. For the first time an emotion was
+expressed on his stolid countenance; but it was not an agreeable
+transformation. The corners of his mouth widened until they reached his
+ears, which stood still farther out from his head; he closed one eye,
+and opened the other to its farthest extent; and pressing the stem of
+his pipe more firmly between his teeth, he blew the smoke and fire from
+the bowl like a miniature volcano. The thicker the smoke and sparks came
+from the pipe, the more furious became the strange creature's glee,
+while the entire company shouted and clasped their hands. Even the
+colonel himself was amazed at the performance of his dull pupil.
+
+"Why have we not a Hogarth among us to perpetuate this caricature?" he
+exclaimed delightedly.
+
+"Horrible! I cannot bear to look at him," said the baroness, holding her
+fan in front of her face. "Pray take him away, Herr Colonel--take him
+away."
+
+"Presently. Ho, there, my little man! What does the militiaman do when
+he sees the enemy?"
+
+The whip snapped, and the bagpipe set up a discordant shriek, upon which
+the actor sprang with one bound from the stage, and vanished behind the
+curtain, wooden sword and gun clattering after him, while the audience
+showered applause on the successful instructor.
+
+"Herr Colonel," observed the baroness, when quiet had been restored, "I
+am very much afraid that your instructions will cause me some trouble in
+the future."
+
+"Why, how so?" in surprise questioned the colonel.
+
+"You have taught a wild creature to kindle a fire, and thus aroused in
+him a dangerous passion. His desire to amuse himself with the dangerous
+element will develop into a mania, and he will end by setting fire to
+houses and other buildings."
+
+"I will tell you what to do, baroness. In order that the little monster
+may not play his tricks about here, give him to me; I will take him with
+me."
+
+"No; I had rather keep him here. I shall take good care, however, that
+he does not get hold of tinder and flint, and have him constantly
+watched. You have quite ruined my system of education. _I_ taught him to
+kneel and fold his hands to the music of the organ; _you_ taught him to
+dance and grimace to the drone of the bagpipe. You have even accustomed
+him to drink wine, which is unchristian."
+
+The company laughed at this harmless anger.
+
+Then came the fireworks.
+
+When the Roman candles and the fire-wheels illumined the darkness, it
+became impossible to control the little monster. He rushed into the
+thickest of the rain of fire, and tried to catch the red and blue stars
+in his hands. The sparks burned holes in his clothes, and he would not
+have escaped a severe burning himself had not some one thrown a pail of
+water over him. It was impossible to restrain him. He struck out with
+hands and feet, and bit at any one who attempted to prevent him from
+running into the fire. Suddenly a rocket shot in an oblique direction,
+and dropped into the lake. When the human beast saw this he uttered a
+yell, and dashed into the water. He thought that the beautiful fire
+belonged to him because it had fallen into his lake, and he went to hunt
+for it. He did not return. The baroness had search made for him; but he
+knew so well how to escape his pursuers that he was not seen again at
+the manor.
+
+The next morning, while yet the stars were glittering in the sky, the
+trumpets sounded the departure of the regiment.
+
+The sounds were familiar to Count Vavel. Even yet, when the blare of
+trumpets roused him from sleep, he felt as if he must hasten to the
+stable, saddle his horse, and buckle on his sword. But those days were
+past. His trusty war-horse had become used to the carriage-pole, and the
+keen Toledo blades were drawn from their scabbards only when they were
+to be oiled to prevent the rust from corroding them.
+
+The departure of the troops removed one care from Count Ludwig's mind:
+the noise and turmoil would cease, and peace would again return to the
+silent neighborhood.
+
+One morning when Frau Schmidt brought her basket, as usual, to the
+castle, there was a letter in it for the count. He recognized the hand
+at once; it was from his fair neighbor at the manor.
+
+     "HERR COUNT: As I have something of the utmost importance to
+     communicate to you, I beg that you will receive a call from me this
+     morning before you take your usual drive. Answer when it will be
+     convenient for you to see me."
+
+What did it mean? Something of the utmost importance? Why could she not
+have asked him to come to the manor? The count was puzzled. And how was
+he to answer this most singular request? He could not write it himself;
+was it not said that he was unable to hold a pen? He could not dictate
+the letter to Marie appointing a meeting with the baroness. Henry was a
+very shrewd fellow, but he had never learned to write.
+
+At last Count Vavel bethought him of an expedient. He marked on the back
+of his card the Roman numerals XI, and trusted that the baroness would
+understand that she was expected at eleven o'clock. When the appointed
+hour drew near, curiosity began to torture the count. He could not wait
+indoors, but hurried into the park, where he paced restlessly to and fro
+amid the fallen leaves.
+
+He listened anxiously to every sound, and consulted his watch every few
+minutes. At last the gate bell rang. He hastened to admit the visitor,
+and found that the baroness had understood his reply. He recognized her
+figure, for the face was closely veiled. She wore a pale-blue silk gown
+with wide sleeves--Marie's favorite costume.
+
+"It is I, Herr Count," she said in a low tone, looking anxiously about
+her.
+
+"How did you come? I did not hear the carriage," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I rowed across the cove--alone, because no one must know that I came.
+Can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"We need not go into the house," she continued; "I can tell you here why
+I came."
+
+Ludwig was more and more perplexed. He had believed the baroness wished
+to enter the Nameless Castle out of curiosity.
+
+"My visit," pursued the lady, "has as little conventionality about it as
+had yours. The magnitude of the danger which prompted yours must also
+excuse mine; I am come to repay the debt I owe you."
+
+"Danger?" repeated the count.
+
+"Yes; danger threatens you--and some one else! Let us come farther into
+the park, that no one may by a possible chance overhear me."
+
+When they had reached a sheltered spot the lady again spoke:
+
+"Do you know anything about Colonel Barthelmy?"
+
+"I received the cards he left here when he called," indifferently
+replied Count Vavel.
+
+"You certainly have heard more about him," returned the baroness, a
+trifle impatiently. "His domestic troubles were in all the
+newspapers--it was a _cause célèbre_. He was a major in the French army,
+under the Directory, but entered our service when the Empire was
+established. The domestic troubles I referred to occurred while he was
+still in France. His young and beautiful wife ran away with another
+man--a man who is unknown to Barthelmy, who is pursuing the fugitives
+over the whole world--"
+
+"Ah! I remember now reading something about it. That is why his name
+seemed familiar to me."
+
+"I thought you must have heard something about him," responded the
+baroness, in a peculiar tone. Then, with a sudden movement, she seized
+his hand and whispered:
+
+"And you are the unknown who abducted Colonel Barthelmy's wife."
+
+"I?" in boundless amazement ejaculated the count. Then he laughed
+heartily.
+
+"Yes, you; and you are living here in seclusion with the lovely woman
+whose face no one is permitted to see."
+
+Ludwig ceased laughing, and replied very seriously; "Gracious baroness,
+were I the person you believe me to be, I should have been glad to meet
+the man who compelled me to live here in seclusion. A skilful
+sword-thrust or a well-aimed bullet would have released me from this
+prison."
+
+"And yet, everybody believes Count Vavel to be Ange Barthelmy's lover,"
+responded the baroness.
+
+"Do _you_ believe it, baroness?"
+
+"I? Perhaps--not. But Colonel Barthelmy believes it all the more firmly
+because you refused to see him."
+
+"And suppose he had seen me?"
+
+"He would have asked you to introduce him to your--family."
+
+"Then he would have learned that I have no family."
+
+"But you could not have refused to tell him what relation you bear to
+the lady at the castle."
+
+"My answer would have been very brief had he asked the question," was
+the count's grim response.
+
+"I know what men mean by a 'brief' answer; the result is usually fatal."
+
+"And does your ladyship imagine that I fear such a result?"
+
+"So far as courage is concerned, I should not give any one precedence to
+Count Vavel. A regular duel, however, requires more than courage.
+Colonel Barthelmy is a soldier by profession; you are a philosopher who
+lives amid his studies, and whose right hand is unable to hold a pen,
+let alone a sword or a pistol!"
+
+Count Vavel was touched on the spot where men are most susceptible.
+
+"Who can tell whether I have always been a studious hermit?" he demanded
+proudly. "Besides, might it not be that my hand is unable only when I
+don't want to use it?"
+
+"That may be," retorted the lady. "But Barthelmy, who is perfectly
+insane on the subject of his wife's infamy, would have the advantage of
+you. He is suspicious of every stranger; and of all the gossip which
+environs you, the legend of that elopement is the mildest."
+
+"Indeed? This is very flattering! Probably I am also said to be a
+counterfeiter?"
+
+"I am not jesting, Herr Count. While Colonel Barthelmy was my guest I
+was able to prevent him from taking any aggressive steps toward you;
+this is why you did not hear from him again after his last call on
+you--"
+
+"I certainly am greatly indebted to you," interrupted Count Vavel, with
+visible irony.
+
+"You owe me no thanks, Herr Count. When a woman tries to prevent a
+quarrel between two men, she does so, believe me, out of pure self-love.
+The emotions which electrify your nerves torment ours. I could not have
+continued to live here had a tragic occurrence made the place memorable.
+That is why I prevented an encounter between you and the colonel; so you
+need not thank me. However, the evening before the regiment took its
+departure the colonel said to me: 'I have kept my word to you, baroness;
+but to-morrow I cease to be your guest. I shall take steps then to learn
+if the mysterious lady at the Nameless Castle be Ange Barthelmy or some
+one else.'"
+
+At these words a deep flush crimsoned Count Vavel's face. "I should like
+to know how he proposes to settle that question?" he said, in a voice
+that trembled with suppressed rage.
+
+"I will tell you. Just listen to the ridiculous plan which the man
+betrayed in his fury. He is quartered in the neighboring village to the
+edge of which you and a certain person drive every day. He is going to
+rise, with several friends, along the road; and when he meets your
+carriage, he is going to stop it, introduce himself, and demand if the
+lady by your side be Mme. Ange Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel clenched his hands and closed his lips tightly. After a
+brief struggle he regained command of himself, and said quietly:
+
+"I shall, of course, reply: 'On my word as a man of honor, this lady is
+not Ange Barthelmy.'"
+
+"But if that does not satisfy him? Suppose he should insist on seeing
+the lady? Suppose he even attempts to lift the lady's veil?"
+
+"Then he dies!" The count gave utterance to these words in a tone that
+sounded more like the growl of a lion that has the neck of his prey
+between his teeth.
+
+"He is capable, in his present mood, of doing anything rash," murmured
+the baroness, with an expression of terror in her eyes.
+
+"And I am capable of an equally rash act," responded the count.
+
+"I believe it; I have heard of such courage before. But _you_ must not
+forget that you do not belong to yourself; there is some one else you
+must think of before you risk your life."
+
+Count Vavel started violently; he opened his lips as if to speak, but
+the baroness quickly raised her hand and interposed.
+
+"I am not trying to pry into your secret, Herr Count; I am no spy--you
+must have seen that ere this. All I know is that there is under your
+protection a woman to whom you are everything, and who will have no one
+should she lose you."
+
+"But what can I do?" in desperation exclaimed Count Vavel. "I cannot
+hide in my castle until Colonel Barthelmy leaves the neighborhood. Would
+you have me confess to all the world that I am a coward?"
+
+"Let me advise you, Herr Count," with sudden resolution responded the
+baroness. "Turn this matter, which you look upon as a tragedy, into a
+capital jest. Take _me_ to drive with you to-day instead of
+your--friend."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly burst into a loud laugh--from extreme anger to
+unrestrained merriment.
+
+But the baroness did not laugh with him.
+
+"I am in earnest, Count Vavel. Now you will understand why I came here
+this morning." She drew her veil over her face, and asked: "Am I enough
+like her to take her place in the carriage?"
+
+Count Vavel was astounded. The likeness to Marie was perfect. The gown,
+the hat, and veil were exactly like those Marie was wont to wear when
+she drove out with him. The daring suggestion, however, amazed him more
+than anything else.
+
+"What! You, baroness? You would really venture to drive with me? Have
+you thought of the risk--the danger to yourself?"
+
+"I have given it as much thought as did you when you risked coming to
+the manor with nothing but a walking-stick to battle with four thieves.
+One ought not stop to think of the risk when a danger is to be averted.
+This adventure may end as harmlessly as the other."
+
+"And suppose the colonel should by any chance see your face? No, no,
+baroness; there is no comparison between my venture and this plan you
+propose. If I had had an encounter with those thieves I might have
+received a wound that would soon have healed; but your pure reputation
+as a woman might receive a wound that would never heal."
+
+A bitter smile wreathed the lady's lips as she replied: "Could any wound
+that I might receive increase the burden on my heart?" She laughed
+harshly, then asked suddenly: "Perhaps you are afraid the colonel will
+think I am the mysterious lady of the Nameless Castle?"
+
+Count Vavel's face reddened to the roots of his hair.
+
+Again the lady laughed, then said apologetically: "Pardon me, but the
+idea amused me. But, to return to Colonel Barthelmy, he is going very
+shortly to Italy with his regiment; therefore, I need not care what
+fables he thinks of me--or repeats. The few persons whose opinion I care
+for will not believe him; as for the others--pah! Come, your hand on it!
+Let us perpetrate this joke. If _I_ am willing to run the risk, you
+surely need not hesitate."
+
+And yet he hesitated.
+
+"Don't speak of this plan of yours as a mischievous trick, baroness," he
+said earnestly. "It is a great, a noble sacrifice--so great, indeed,
+that living woman could not perform a greater--to be willing to blush
+with shame while innocent. She who blushes for her love does not suffer;
+but to flush with shame out of friendship must be a torture like that
+endured by martyrs."
+
+"Very well, then; let it be a sacrifice--as you will! I am a willing
+victim! I owe you a debt of gratitude; I want to pay it. Now go and
+order the carriage; I will wait here for you."
+
+Every drop of blood in his body rebelled against his accepting this
+offer. A woman rescue a strong man from a threatened danger! And at what
+a risk!
+
+"Well," a trifle impatiently exclaimed the baroness, as he still
+lingered, "are n't you going to fetch your cloak? I am ready for the
+drive."
+
+Without another word the count turned and strode toward the castle.
+
+Marie was satisfied with the excuse he made for not taking her with him
+as usual: he said he had urgent business in the neighboring village, and
+would have to drive there alone.
+
+Then he ordered Henry to harness the horses to the carriage, and drive
+down to the gate, where he would await him.
+
+He found the baroness waiting for him where he had left her.
+
+"Well," she began, when he came near enough to hear her, "have you
+decided to take me with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then you are going to take the lady?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Not? Then who is going with you?"
+
+"These two pistols," replied the count, flinging back his cloak and
+revealing the weapons thrust into his pocket. "With these two companions
+I am going to meet the gentleman who is so determined to see the face of
+the veiled lady. I shall show him a lady whose face is not a subject of
+gossip."
+
+The baroness uttered a cry of terror, and seized Count Vavel's hand.
+
+"No, no; you shall not go alone. Listen. I was prepared for just such a
+decision on your part, so I wrote this letter. If you persist in going
+alone to meet the colonel, I shall hurry back to the manor, send my
+groom on the swiftest horse I own with this letter to Colonel Barthelmy.
+Read it."
+
+She unfolded the letter she had taken from her pocket, and held it so
+that Count Vavel might read, without taking it in his hands:
+
+     "HERR COLONEL: You need not seek Mme. Ange Barthelmy at the
+     Nameless Castle. The veiled lady seen in company with Count Vavel
+     is
+
+     "B. KATHARINA LANDSKNECHTSSCHILD."
+
+In speechless amazement Count Vavel looked down at the baroness, who
+calmly folded the letter and returned it to her pocket.
+
+"Now you may go if you like," she said coolly, "and I, too, shall do as
+_I_ like! The colonel will then have written proof to justify him in
+dragging my name in the dust!"
+
+The count gazed long and earnestly into the lovely face turned
+defiantly toward him. What was said by those glowing eyes, what was
+expressed by those lips trembling with excitement, could not be mere
+sport. There is only one name for the emotion which urges a woman to
+risk so much for a man; and if Count Vavel guessed the name, then there
+was nothing for him to do but offer his arm to the lady and say:
+
+"Come, baroness, we will go together."
+
+When the count assisted his veiled companion into the carriage, and took
+his seat by her side, not even Henry could have told that it was not his
+young mistress from the castle who was going to drive, as usual, with
+her guardian.
+
+It was with a singular feeling that Count Vavel looked at the woman
+beside him, to whom he was bound for one hour by the strongest, most
+dangerous of ties. Only for one hour! For this one hour the woman
+belonged to him as wholly, as entirely as the soul belongs to the living
+human being. And afterward? Afterward she would be no more to him than
+is the vanished soul to the dead human being.
+
+The carriage had arrived at the boundary of the neighboring village,
+where the usual turn was made for the homeward drive, and they had not
+yet seen any one. Had Colonel Barthelmy's words been merely an idle
+threat?
+
+Henry knew that he was not to drive beyond this point; he mechanically
+turned the horses' heads in the homeward direction, as he had done every
+day for years.
+
+On the return drive the carriage always stopped at the edge of the
+forest, where a shaded path led through the dense shrubbery to a cleared
+space some distance from the highway. This was the spot for their daily
+promenade.
+
+The count and his companion had gone but a short distance along the path
+when they saw coming toward them three men in uniform. They were
+cavalry officers. The two in the rear had on white cloaks; the one in
+front was without, an outer garment--merely his close-fitting uniform
+coal.
+
+"That is Barthelmy," whispered the baroness, pressing the arm on which
+she was leaning.
+
+The count's expression of calm indifference did not change. He walked
+with a firm step toward the approaching officers.
+
+Very soon they stood face to face.
+
+The colonel was a tall, distinguished-looking man; he carried his head
+well upright, and every movement spoke of haughty self-confidence and
+pride.
+
+"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
+his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
+Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
+he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.
+
+"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the colonel
+(his companions had halted several paces distant). "I was so unfortunate
+as not to find you at home the three calls I made at your castle. Now,
+however, I shall take this opportunity to say to you what I wanted to
+say then. First, however, let me introduce my friends,"--waving his hand
+toward the two officers,--"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics,
+of Emperor Alexander's dragoons."
+
+Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
+acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:
+
+"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
+had the peculiar misfortune which sometimes overtakes a married man; my
+wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
+As mine is not one of those phlegmatic natures which can meekly tolerate
+such an indignity, I am searching for the fugitives--for what purpose I
+fancy you can guess. For four years my quest has been fruitless; I have
+been unable to find a trace of the guilty pair. A lucky chance at last
+led me to this secluded corner of the earth, and here I learned
+that--but, to be brief, Herr Count, I owe it to my heart and to my honor
+to ask you this question: Is not this lady by your side, who is always
+closely veiled, Ange Barthelmy, my wife?"
+
+"Herr Vicomte Leon de Barthelmy," calmly replied Count Vavel, "I give
+you my word of honor as a cavalier that this lady never was your wife."
+
+The colonel laughed in a peculiar manner.
+
+"Your word of honor, Herr Count, would be entirely satisfactory in all
+other questions save those relating to the fair sex--and to war. You
+will excuse me, therefore, if I take the liberty to doubt your assertion
+in this case, and request you to prove that my suspicions are at fault.
+Without this proof I will not move from this spot."
+
+"Then I am very sorry for you, Herr Colonel," returned Count Vavel, "but
+I shall be compelled to leave you and your suspicions in possession of
+this spot."
+
+He made as if he would pass onward; but the colonel politely but with
+decision barred the path.
+
+"I must request that you wait a little longer, Herr Count," he said, his
+face darkening.
+
+"And why should I?" demanded the count.
+
+"To convince me that the lady on your arm is not my wife," was the
+reply, in an excited tone.
+
+"You will have to remain unconvinced," in an equally excited tone
+retorted Count Vavel; and for a brief instant it was a question which
+of the two enraged men would strike the first blow.
+
+The threatening scene was suddenly concluded by the baroness, who flung
+back her veil, exclaiming: "Here, Colonel Barthelmy, you may convince
+yourself that I am _not_ your wife."
+
+Leon Barthelmy started in amazement, and hastily laid his hand against
+his lips as if to repress the words which had rushed to them. Then he
+bowed with exaggerated courtesy, and said: "I most humbly beg your
+pardon, Herr Count Vavel. This lady is _not_ Ange Barthelmy. These
+gentlemen are witnesses that I have asked your pardon in the proper
+form."
+
+The colonel's companions, who had come hastily forward at the threatened
+conflict between their superior and the count, were gazing in a peculiar
+manner at the lady whose hospitality they had so lately enjoyed. Colonel
+Barthelmy also, although he bowed with elaborate courtesy before the
+baroness, cast upon her a glance that was full of insulting scorn.
+
+The situation had changed so rapidly--as when a sudden flash of
+lightning illumines the darkness of night; and like the electric flash a
+light sped into Vavel's heart and illumined it with a delicious, a
+heavenly warmth that made it throb madly. But only for an instant. Then
+he realized that this woman who had dared everything for his sake had
+been insulted by the glance of scorn and derision.
+
+He had now lost all control of himself. He snatched a pistol from his
+pocket, directed the muzzle toward Colonel Barthelmy's sneering face,
+and said in a voice that quivered with savage fury:
+
+"I demand that you beg this lady's pardon."
+
+"You do?" coolly returned the colonel, still smiling, and gazing calmly
+into the muzzle of the pistol.
+
+"Yes--or I will blow out your brains!"
+
+The two officers accompanying the colonel drew their swords. The
+baroness uttered a cry of terror, and flung herself on Vavel's breast.
+
+"I presume you will allow me to inquire, first, what relation this lady
+bears to you?"
+
+Colonel Barthelmy asked the question in measured tones; and without an
+instant's hesitation came Count Vavel's reply:
+
+"The lady is my betrothed wife."
+
+The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
+companions were returned to their scabbards.
+
+"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
+reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
+caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
+this salute."
+
+He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
+were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
+hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Yes," was the curt reply.
+
+"Then let us shake hands--without malice. Accept my sincerest
+congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
+taught me this morning."
+
+He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
+was clear.
+
+The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
+the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
+officers following at a respectful distance.
+
+When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
+been left by the colonel and his companions in charge of the grooms.
+Henry must have told the gentlemen where to find his master.
+
+With what different emotions Count Vavel returned to the castle! The
+dreamer in his slumbers had given utterance to words which betrayed what
+he had been dreaming, and he compelled the vision to abide with him even
+after he had wakened. He felt that he had the right to do what he had
+done. This woman loved him as only a woman can love; and what he had
+done had only been his duty, for he loved her! What he had said was no
+falsehood--the words had not been forced from him merely to preserve her
+honor; they were the truth.
+
+Count Vavel stopped the carriage at the park gate, assisted his
+companion to alight, and sent Henry on to the castle with the horses.
+
+"What have you done?" in a deeply agitated voice exclaimed the baroness,
+when they were alone in the park.
+
+"I gave expression to the feeling which is in my heart."
+
+"And do you realize what that has done?"
+
+"What has it done?"
+
+"It has made it impossible for us to meet again--for us ever to speak
+again to each other."
+
+"I cannot see it in that light."
+
+"You could were you to give it but a moment's serious thought. I do not
+ask what the mysterious lady at the castle is to you; I know, however,
+that you must be everything to her. Pray don't believe me cruel enough
+to rob her of her whole world. I cannot ask you to believe a lie--I
+cannot pretend that you are nothing to me. I have allowed you to look
+too deeply into my heart to deny my feelings. But there is something
+besides love in my heart! it is pride. I am too proud to take you from
+the woman to whom you are bound--no matter by what ties. Therefore, we
+must not meet again in this life; we may meet again in another world!
+Pray do not come any farther with me; I can easily find the way to my
+boat. No one at the manor knows of my absence. I must be careful to
+return as I came--unseen. And now, one request: Do not try to see me
+again. Should you do so, it will compel me to flee from the
+neighborhood. Adieu!"
+
+She drew her veil closer over her face, and passed swiftly with
+noiseless steps through the gateway.
+
+Ludwig Vavel stood where she had left him, and looked after her until
+she vanished from his sight amid the trees. Then he turned and walked
+slowly toward the castle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Count Vavel did not see Marie, after his return from the drive with the
+baroness, until dinner. He had not ventured into her presence until
+then, when he fancied he had sufficiently mastered his emotions so that
+his countenance would not betray him. The consciousness of his
+disloyalty to the young girl troubled him, and he could not help but
+tremble when he came into her presence. It was not permitted to him to
+bestow his heart on any one. Did he not belong, soul and body, to this
+innocent creature, whom he had sworn to defend with his life?
+
+From that hour, however, Marie's behavior toward him was changed. He
+could see that she strove to be attentive and obedient, but she was shy
+and reserved. Did she suspect the change in him? or could it be possible
+that she had seen the baroness driving with him? It was very late when
+her bell signaled that she had retired, and when Ludwig entered the
+outer room, as usual, he found a number of books lying about on the
+table. Evidently the young girl had been studying.
+
+The next morning Ludwig came at the usual hour to conduct her to the
+carriage.
+
+"Thank you, but I don't care to drive to-day," she said.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Riding out in a carriage does not benefit me."
+
+"When did you discover this?"
+
+"Some time ago."
+
+Ludwig looked at her in astonishment. What was the meaning of this?
+Could she know that some one else had occupied her place in the carriage
+yesterday?
+
+"And will you not go with me to-morrow?"
+
+"If you will allow me, I shall stay at home."
+
+"Is anything the matter with you, Marie?"
+
+"Nothing. I don't like the jolting of the carriage."
+
+"Then I shall sell the horses."
+
+"It might be well to do so--if you don't want them for your own use. I
+shall take my exercise in the garden."
+
+"And in the winter?"
+
+"Then I will promenade in the court, and make snow images, as the
+farmers' children do."
+
+And the end of the matter was that Ludwig sold the horses, and Marie's
+outdoor exercises were restricted to the garden. Moreover, she studied
+and wrote all day long.
+
+When she went into the garden, Josef, the gardener's boy, was sent
+elsewhere so long as she chose to remain among the flowers.
+
+One afternoon Josef had been sent, as usual, to perform some task in the
+park while Marie promenaded in the garden. He was busily engaged raking
+together the fallen leaves, when Marie suddenly appeared by his side,
+and said breathlessly:
+
+"Please take this letter."
+
+The youth, who was speechless with astonishment and confusion at sight
+of the lady he had been forbidden to look at, slowly extended his hand
+to comply with her request when Count Vavel, who had swiftly approached,
+unseen by either the youth or Marie, with one hand seized the letter,
+and with the other sent Josef flying across the sward so rapidly that he
+fell head over heels into some shrubbery.
+
+Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and without a word
+drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her
+into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had
+not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and
+terror.
+
+When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said,
+fixing a reproachful glance on her:
+
+"You were going to send a letter to some one?"
+
+The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.
+
+"To whom are you writing, Marie?"
+
+Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.
+
+Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:
+
+"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."
+
+The count looked up in surprise.
+
+"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not
+without some confusion.
+
+"I did not know her name; that is why I addressed it so."
+
+Vavel turned the letter in his hands, and saw that the seal had been
+stamped with the crest which was familiar to all the world.
+
+He hurriedly crushed it into bits, and, unfolding the letter, read:
+
+     "DEAR, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LADY: I want you to love my Ludwig. Make
+     him happy. He is a good man. I am nothing at all to him.
+
+     "MARIE."
+
+When he had read the touching epistle, he buried his face in his hands,
+and a bitter sob burst from his tortured heart.
+
+Marie looked sorrowfully at his quivering frame, and sighed heavily.
+
+"Oh, Marie! To think you should write this! Nothing at all to me!"
+murmured the young man, in a choking voice.
+
+"'Nothing at all,'" in a low tone repeated Marie.
+
+Vavel moved swiftly to her side, and, looking down upon her with his
+burning eyes still filled with tears, asked in an unsteady voice:
+
+"What do you want, Marie? Tell me what you wish me to do."
+
+Marie softly took his hand in both her own, and said tremulously:
+
+"I want you to give me a companion--a mother. I want some one to
+love,--a woman that I can love,--one who will love me and command me. I
+will be an obedient and dutiful daughter to such a woman. I will never
+grieve her, never disobey her. I am so very, very lonely!"
+
+"And am not I, too, alone and lonely, Marie?" sadly responded Vavel.
+
+"Yes, yes. I know that, Ludwig. It is your pale, melancholy face that
+oppresses me and makes me sad. Day after day I see the pale face which
+my cruel, curse-laden destiny has buried here with me. I know that you
+are unhappy, and that I am the cause of it."
+
+"For heaven's sake, Marie! who has given you such fancies?"
+
+"The long, weary nights! Oh, how much I have learned from the darkness!
+It was not merely caprice that prompted me to ask you once what death
+meant. Had you questioned me more fully then, I should have confessed
+something to you. That time, when you rescued me from death, you gave my
+name to Sophie Botta, who also took upon herself my fate. I don't know
+what became of her. If she died in my stead, may God comfort her! If
+she still lives, may God bless and help her to reign in my stead! But
+give me the name of Sophie Botta; give me the clothes of a working-girl;
+give me God's free world, which she enjoyed. Let me become Sophie Botta
+in reality, and let me wash clothes with the washerwomen at the brook.
+If Sophie and I exchanged lives, let the exchange become real. Let me
+learn what it is to live, or--let me learn what it is to die."
+
+In speechless astonishment Count Vavel had listened to this passionate
+outburst. It was the first time he had ever heard the gentle girl speak
+so excitedly.
+
+"Madame," he said with peculiar intonation, when she had ceased
+speaking, "I am now convinced that I am the guardian of the most
+precious treasure on this terrestrial ball. Henceforward I shall watch
+over you with redoubled care."
+
+"That will be unnecessary," proudly returned the young girl. "If you
+wish to feel certain that I will patiently continue to abide in this
+Nameless Castle, then make a home here for me--bring some happiness into
+these rooms. If I see that you are happy I shall be content."
+
+"Marie, Marie, the day of my perfect happiness only awaits the dawn of
+your own! And that yours will come I firmly believe. But don't look for
+it here, Marie. Don't ask for impossibilities. Marie, were my own
+mother, whom I worshiped, still living, I could not bring her within
+these walls to learn our secret."
+
+"The woman who loves will not betray a secret."
+
+For an instant Ludwig did not reply; then he said:
+
+"And if it were true that some one loves me as you fancy, could I ask
+her to bury herself here--here where there is no intercourse with the
+outside world? No, no, Marie; we cannot expect any one else to become an
+occupant of this tomb--the gates of which will not open until the trump
+of deliverance sounds."
+
+"And will it be long before that trump sounds, Ludwig?"
+
+"I believe--nay, I know it must come very soon. The signs of the times
+are not deceptive. Our resurrection may be nearer than we imagine; and
+until then, Marie, let us endure with patience."
+
+Marie pressed her guardian's hand, and drew a long sigh.
+
+"Yes; we will endure--and wait," she repeated. "And now, give me back my
+letter."
+
+"Why do you want it, Marie?"
+
+"I shall keep it, and sometime send it to the proper address--when the
+angel of deliverance sounds his trump."
+
+"May God hasten his coming!" fervently appended the count.
+
+But he did not give her the letter.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel now rarely ventured beyond the gate of the Nameless Castle.
+The weather had become stormy, and a severe frost had robbed the garden
+of its beauties. The very elements seemed to have combined against the
+dwellers in the castle. Even the lake suddenly began to extend its
+limits, overflowing its banks, and inundating meadows and gardens.
+Marie's little pleasure-garden suffered with the rest of the flooded
+lands, and threatened to become an unsightly swamp.
+
+Count Vavel, knowing how Marie delighted to ramble amid her flowers,
+determined to protect the garden from further destruction. Laborers were
+easily secured. The numerous families of working-people who had been
+rendered homeless by the inundation besieged the castle for assistance
+and work, and none were turned empty-handed away. A small army was put
+to work to construct an embankment that would prevent further
+encroachment upon the garden by the water, while to Herr Mercatoris the
+count sent a liberal sum of money to be distributed among the sufferers
+by the flood.
+
+This gift renewed the correspondence between the castle and the
+parsonage, which had been dropped for several months.
+
+The pastor, in acknowledging the receipt of the money, wrote:
+
+"The flood has made a new survey of the lake necessary, as the evil
+cannot be remedied until it has been determined what obstructs the
+outlet. Our surveyor made a calculation as to the probable cost of the
+work, and found that it would require an enormous sum of money--almost
+five thousand guilders! Where was all this money to come from? The
+puzzling question was answered by that angel from heaven, Baroness
+Landsknechtsschild. When she heard of the sufferings of the poor people
+who had been driven from their homes by the inundation, she offered to
+supply the entire sum necessary. Now, it seems, something besides the
+money is required for the undertaking.
+
+"The surveyor, in order to calculate the distances which cannot be
+measured by the chain, needs a superior telescope, and such a glass
+would cost two or three thousand guilders more. As your lordship is the
+owner of a telescope, I take it upon myself to beg the loan of it--if
+your lordship can spare it to the surveyor for a short time."
+
+The next day Count Vavel sent his telescope to the parsonage, with the
+message that it was a present to the surveyor. Then, that he might not
+be again tempted to look out upon the world and its people, the count
+closed the tower windows.
+
+
+
+
+PART VI
+
+DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Since Count Vavel had ceased to take outdoor exercise, he had renewed
+his fencing practice with Henry, who was also an expert swordsman.
+
+In a room on the ground floor of the castle, whence the clashing of
+steel could not penetrate to Marie's apartments, the two men, master and
+man, would fight their friendly battles twice daily, and with such vigor
+that their bodies (as they wore no plastrons) were covered with
+scratches and bruises.
+
+One morning the count waited in vain for Henry to make his appearance in
+the fencing-hall. It was long past the usual hour for their practice,
+and the count, becoming impatient, went in search of the old servant.
+
+The groom's apartment was on the same floor with the kitchen, adjoining
+the room occupied by his wife Lisette, the cook.
+
+The door of Henry's room which opened into the corridor was locked; the
+count, therefore, passed into the kitchen, where Lisette was preparing
+dinner.
+
+"Where is Henry?" he asked of the unwieldy mountain of flesh, topped by
+a face as broad and round as the full moon.
+
+"He is in bed," replied Lisette, without looking up from her work.
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"I believe he has had a stroke of apoplexy."
+
+She said it with as little emotion as if she had spoken of an underdone
+pasty.
+
+The count hastened through Lisette's room to Henry's bedside.
+
+The poor fellow was lying among the pillows; his mouth and one eye were
+painfully distorted.
+
+"Henry!" ejaculated the count, in a tone of alarm; "my poor Henry, you
+are very ill."
+
+"Ye-es--your--lord-ship," he answered slowly, and with difficulty;
+"but--but--I shall soon--soon be--all right--again."
+
+Ludwig lifted the sick man's hand from the coverlet, and felt the pulse.
+
+"Yes, you are very ill indeed, Henry--so ill that I would not attempt to
+treat you. We must have a doctor."
+
+"He--he won't come--here; he is--afraid. Besides, there is nothing--the
+matter with--any part of me but--but my--tongue. I can--can
+hardly--move--it."
+
+"You must not die, Henry--you dare not!" in an agony of terror exclaimed
+Ludwig. "What would become of me--of Marie?"
+
+"That--that is what--troubles--troubles me--most, Herr Count. Who
+will--take my--place? Perhaps--that old soldier--with the machine leg--"
+
+"No! no! no! Oh, Henry, no one could take your place. You are to me what
+his arms are to a soldier. You are the guardian of all my thoughts--my
+only friend and comrade in this solitude."
+
+The poor old servant tried to draw his distorted features into a smile.
+
+"I am--not sorry for--myself--Herr Count; only for you two. I have
+earned--a rest; I have--lost everything--and have long ago--ceased to
+hope for--anything. I feel that--this is--the end. No doctor can--help
+me. I know--I am--dying." He paused to breathe heavily for several
+moments, then added: "There is--something--I should--like to
+have--before--before I--go."
+
+"What is it, Henry?"
+
+"I know you--will be--angry--Herr Count, but--I cannot--cannot die
+without--consolation."
+
+"Consolation?" echoed Ludwig.
+
+"Yes--the last consolation--for the--dying. I have not--confessed
+for--sixteen years; and the--multitude of my--sins--oppresses me.
+Pray--pray, Herr Count, send for--a priest."
+
+"Impossible, Henry. Impossible!"
+
+"I beseech you--in the name of God--let me see a priest. Have mercy--on
+your poor old servant, Herr Count. My soul feels--the torments of hell;
+I see the everlasting flames--and the sneering devils--"
+
+"Henry, Henry," impatiently remonstrated his master, "don't be childish.
+You are only tormenting yourself with fancies. Does the soldier who
+falls in battle have time to confess his sins? Who grants him
+absolution?"
+
+"Perhaps--were I in--the midst of the turmoil of battle--I should not
+feel this agony of mind. But here--there is so much time to think. Every
+sin that I have committed--rises before me like--like a troop of
+soldiers that--have been mustered for roll-call."
+
+"Pray cease these idle fancies, Henry. Of what are you thinking? You
+want to tell a priest that you are living here under a false name--tell
+him that I, too, am an impostor? You would say to him: 'When the
+revolutionists imprisoned my royal master and his family, to behead them
+afterward, I clothed my own daughter in the garments belonging to my
+master's daughter, in order to save the royal child from death, I gave
+up my own child to danger, and carried my master's child to a place of
+safety. My own child I gave up to play the rôle of king's daughter, when
+kings and their offspring were hunted down like wild beasts; and made of
+the king's daughter a servant, that she might be allowed to go free. I
+counterfeited certificates of baptism, registers, passports, in order to
+save the king's daughter from her enemies. I bore false
+witness--committed perjury in order to hide her from her persecutors--'"
+
+"Yes--yes," moaned the dying man, "all that have I done."
+
+"And do you imagine that you will be allowed to breathe such a
+confession into a human ear?" sternly responded the count.
+
+"I must--I must--to make my peace with God."
+
+"Henry, if you knew God as He is you would not tremble before him. If
+you could realize the immeasurable greatness of His benevolence, His
+love, His mercy, you would not be afraid to appear before Him with the
+plea: 'Master, Thou sentest me forth; Thou hast summoned me to return. I
+came from Thee; to Thee I return. And all that which has happened to me
+between my going and my coming Thou knowest.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, you have a great soul. It will know how to rise to
+its Creator. But what can my poor, ignorant little soul do when it
+leaves my body? It will not be able to find its way to God. I am afraid;
+I tremble. Oh, my sins, my sins!"
+
+"Your sins are imaginary, Henry," almost irritably responded Count
+Vavel. "I swear to you, by the peace of my own soul, that the load
+beneath which you groan is not sin, but virtue. If it be true that human
+speech and thought are transmitted to the other world, and if there is a
+voice that questions us, and a countenance that looks upon us, then
+answer with confidence: 'Yes, I have transgressed many of Thy laws; but
+all my transgressions were committed to save one of Thy angels.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, if I could talk like that; but I can't."
+
+"And are not all your thoughts already known to Him who reads all
+hearts? It does not require the absolution of a priest to admit you to
+His paradise."
+
+But Henry refused to be comforted; his eyes burned with the fire of
+terror as he moaned again and again:
+
+"I shall be damned! I shall be damned!"
+
+Count Vavel now lost all patience, and, forgetting himself in his anger,
+exclaimed:
+
+"Henry, if you persist in your foolishness you will deserve damnation.
+Did not you say so yourself, when you pledged your word to me on that
+eventful day? Did you not say, 'The wretch who would become a traitor
+deserves to be damned'?"
+
+With these words he rose and strode toward the door. But ere he reached
+it his feeling heart got the better of his anger. He turned and walked
+back to the bed, took the dying man's ice-cold hand in his, and said
+gently:
+
+"My old comrade--my brave old companion in arms! we must not part in
+anger. Don't you trust me any more? Listen, my old friend, to what I say
+to you. You are going on before to arrange quarters; then I will follow.
+When I arrive at the gates of paradise, my first question to St. Peter
+will be, 'Is my good old comrade, the honest, virtuous Henry, within?'
+And should the sainted gatekeeper reply, 'No, he is not here; he is down
+below,' then I shall say to him, 'I am very much obliged to you, old
+fellow, for your friendliness, but a paradise from which my old friend
+Henry is excluded is no place for me. I am going down below to be with
+him.' That is what I shall say, so help me Heaven!"
+
+The sufferer who stood on the threshold of death strove to smile. He
+could not return the pressure of his master's hand, but he slowly and
+with painful effort turned his head so that his cold lips rested against
+the count's hand.
+
+"Yes--yes," he whispered, and his dim eyes brightened for an instant.
+"If we were down there together--you and I--we should not have to stop
+long there; some one with her prayers would very soon win our release."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly beat his palm against his forehead, and exclaimed:
+
+"I never once thought of her! Wait, my brave Henry. I will return
+immediately. I cannot allow you to have a priest, but I will bring an
+angel to your bedside."
+
+He hastened to Marie's apartments.
+
+"You have been weeping?" she exclaimed, looking up into his tear-stained
+eyes with deep concern.
+
+"Yes, Marie; we are going to lose our poor old Henry."
+
+"Oh, my God! How entirely alone we shall be then!"
+
+"Will you come with me to his bedside? The sight of you will cheer his
+last moments."
+
+"Yes, yes; come quickly."
+
+A wonderful light brightened Henry's face when he saw his young
+mistress. She moved softly to the head of his bed, and with her delicate
+fingers gently stroked the cheeks of the trusty old servant.
+
+He closed his eyes and sighed when her hand touched his face.
+
+"Is he smiling?" whispered Marie to Ludwig, gazing with compassionate
+awe on the distorted countenance. Then she bent over him and said:
+
+"Henry--my good Henry, would you like me to pray with you?"
+
+She knelt beside the bed and in a feeling tone repeated the beautiful
+prayer which the good Père Lacordaire composed for those who journey to
+the other world, pausing from time to time to let the dying man repeat
+the words after her.
+
+Henry's tongue became heavier and heavier as he repeated, with visible
+effort, the soul-inspiring words.
+
+Then Marie repeated the Lord's Prayer. Even Ludwig could not do
+otherwise than bend his knee upon the chair by which he stood, and bow
+his skeptical head, while the innocent maid and his dying servant prayed
+together.
+
+When Marie rose from her knees, the painful smile had vanished from
+Henry's lips; his face was calm and peaceful; the distortion had
+disappeared from his countenance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After Henry's death, life for the occupants of the Nameless Castle
+became still more uncomfortable. Ludwig Vavel had lost his only
+friend--the only one who had shared his cares and his confidences. He
+was obliged to hire a servant to assist Lisette, and, remembering what
+Henry had advised, took the old soldier with the wooden leg into the
+castle. For the old invalid, the change from hard labor to comfortable
+quarters and easy work was certainly an improvement. Instead of cutting
+wood all day long for a mere pittance, he had now nothing to do but
+brush clothes which were never dusty, polish the furniture, receive the
+supplies from and deliver orders to Frau Schmidt every morning, to place
+the newspapers on the library table, and convey the victuals from the
+kitchen to the dining-room.
+
+But two weeks of this easy work and good wages, and the comforts of the
+castle, were all that the old soldier could endure. Then he took off his
+handsome livery, and begged to be allowed to return to his former life
+of hardship and poverty. Afterward he was heard to aver that not for the
+whole castle would he consent to live in it an entire year--where not
+one word was spoken all day long; even the cook never opened her lips.
+No, he could not stand it; he would rather, a hundred times over, cut
+wood for five groats the day.
+
+No sooner did Baroness Katharina learn that Count Vavel was again
+without a man-servant than she sent to the castle Satan Laczi's son, who
+was then twelve years old, and a useful lad.
+
+Two leading ideas now filled Count Vavel's entire soul.
+
+One was an enthusiastic admiration for a high ideal, whose embodiment he
+believed he had found in the lovely person of his young charge. All the
+emotions that a man of deep and profound nature lavishes on his faithful
+love, his only offspring, his queen, his guardian saint, Count Ludwig
+now bestowed on this one woman, who endured with patience, renounced
+with meekness, forgave and loved with her whole heart, and who, even in
+her banishment, adored her native land which had repulsed and cruelly
+persecuted her.
+
+The second idea encompassed all the emotions of an opposing passion: a
+boundless hatred for the giant who, with strides that covered kingdoms
+and empires, was marching over the entire eastern hemisphere, marking
+his every step with graves and human skeletons; an enmity toward the
+Titan who was using thrones as footstools, and who had made himself a
+god over a greater portion of Europe,
+
+Count Vavel was not the only one who cherished a hatred of this sort; it
+was felt all over Europe. What was happening in those days could be
+learned only through the English newspapers. Liberty of speech was
+prohibited throughout the entire continent. Only an indiscreet
+correspondent would trust his secret to the post; and Ludwig Vavel only
+by the exercise of extreme caution could learn from his banker in
+Holland what was necessary for him to know. Through this medium he
+learned of the general discontent with the methods of the all-powerful
+one. He learned of the plans of the Philadelphia Club, which counted
+among its members renowned officers in the army of France. He heard that
+a number of distinguished Frenchmen had offered their services and
+swords to the foreign imperial army against their own hated emperor. He
+heard of the dissatisfied murmuring among the French people against the
+frightful waste of human life, the never-ending intrigues, the
+approaching shadows of the coalition.
+
+All this he heard there in the Nameless Castle, while he waited for his
+watchword, ready when it came to reply: "Here!"
+
+And while he waited he interested himself also in what was going on in
+the land in which he sojourned. He had two sources for acquiring
+information on this subject--Herr Mercatoris in Fertöszeg, and the young
+attorney, who was now living in Pest. The count corresponded with both
+gentlemen,--personally he had never spoken to the pastor, and but once
+to his attorney,--and from their letters learned what was going on in
+that portion of the world in the vicinity of the Nameless Castle.
+
+However, as there was a wide difference between the characters of his
+two correspondents, the count was often puzzled to which of them he
+should give credence. The pastor, who was a student and a philosopher,
+and a defender of the existing state of affairs, affirmed that there was
+not on the face of the globe a more contented and peace-loving folk than
+the Hungarians. The young lawyer, on the other hand, asserted that the
+existing system was all wrong; that general dissatisfaction prevailed
+throughout Hungary. His irony did not spare the great ones who swayed
+the destiny of the country. In a word, resentment against oppression,
+and discontent, might be read in every line of his epistles.
+
+Count Vavel was rather inclined to believe that the younger man
+expressed the temper of the nation. In reality, however, it was only the
+discontent of a small social body, which found quite enough room for its
+meetings in the sleeping-chamber of one of the sympathizers. Within this
+circumscribed space, and amid a lively interchange of opinions,
+originated many a daring project that was never carried beyond the
+threshold of the hall of meeting.
+
+Ludwig Vavel, on reading the young man's letters, had come to the
+conclusion that Hungary awaited his (Vavel's) enemy as its liberator.
+
+The Diet, it is true, had authorized the "recruit contingent," but the
+recruits were not taken from those who were inspired with love for the
+fatherland, and who would do battle for an idea. The enlisted men were
+chiefly homeless wanderers. This "cannon-fodder" would go into battle
+without enthusiasm, would perform what was required of them like
+obedient machines.
+
+Of what good would be such a crew against a host that had called into
+being a great national consciousness, a host that was made up of the
+best force of a vigorous people, a host whose every member was proud of
+his ensign with its eagle, and who held himself superior to every other
+soldier in the world?
+
+Vavel well knew that the giant of the century could be conquered only by
+heroes and patriots. A hireling crew could not enter the field against
+him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When a sacrifice is demanded by one's fatherland, it becomes the duty of
+every true patriot to offer himself as the victim.
+
+Consequently, Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur
+did not hesitate to immolate himself on the sacrificial altar when his
+attention was directed by his superior to Section 1 of Article II. in
+the laws enacted by the Diet in the year 1808. Said clause required the
+vice-palatine to call in person on those "high and mighty persons" who,
+instead of appearing with their horses at the _Lustrations_,--according
+to Section 17 of Article III.,--preferred to send the fine of fifty
+marks for non-attendance.
+
+Among these absentees from the county meetings was Count Ludwig Vavel.
+
+The Vice-palatine's task was to teach these refractories, through
+patriotic reasoning, to amend their ways. The sacrifice attendant upon
+the performance of this duty was that Herr Bernat would be obliged,
+during his official visit to the Nameless Castle, to abstain from
+smoking.
+
+But duty is duty, and he decided to do it. He preceded his call at the
+castle by a letter to Count Vavel, in which he explained, with
+satisfaction to himself, the cause of his hasty retreat on the occasion
+of his former visit, and also announced his projected official
+attendance upon the Herr Count on the following day.
+
+He arrived at the castle in due time; and Count Vavel, who wished to
+make amends for his former rudeness to so important a personage, greeted
+him with great cordiality.
+
+"The Herr Count has been ill, I understand?" began Herr Bernat, when
+greetings had been exchanged.
+
+"I have not been ill--at least, not to my knowledge," smilingly
+responded the count.
+
+"Indeed? I fancied you must be ill because you did not attend the
+Lustrations, but sent the fine instead."
+
+"May I ask if many persons attended the meeting?" asked Count Vavel.
+
+"Quite a number of the lesser magnates were present; the more important
+nobles were conspicuous by their absence. I attributed this failure to
+appear at the Lustrations to Section I of Article III. of the militia
+law, which prohibits the noble militiaman from wearing gold or silver
+ornamentation on his uniform. This inhibition, you must know, is
+intended to prevent emulation in splendor of decoration among our own
+people, and also to restrain the rapacity of the enemy."
+
+"Then you imagine, Herr Vice-palatine, that I do not attend the meetings
+because I am not permitted to wear gold buttons and cords on my coat?"
+smilingly queried the count.
+
+"I confess I cannot think of any other reason, Herr Count."
+
+"Then I will tell you the true one," rather haughtily rejoined Count
+Vavel, believing that his visitor was inclined to be sarcastic. "I do
+not attend your meetings because I look upon the entire law as a
+jest--mere child's play. It begins with the mental reservation, 'The
+Hungarian noble militia will be called into service _only_ in case of
+imminent danger of an attack from a foreign enemy, and then only if the
+attacking army be so powerful that the regular imperial troops shall be
+unable to withstand it!' That the enemy is the more powerful no
+commander-in-chief finds out until he has been thoroughly whipped! The
+mission of the Hungarian noble militia, therefore, is to move into the
+field--untrained for service--when the regular troops find they cannot
+cope with a superior foe! This is utterly ridiculous! And, moreover,
+what sort of an organization must that be in which 'all nobles who have
+an income of more than three thousand guilders shall become cavalry
+soldiers, those having less shall become foot-soldiers'? The money-bag
+decides the question between cavalry and infantry! Again, 'every village
+selects its own trooper, and equips him.' A fine squadron they will
+make! And to think of sending such a crew into the field against
+soldiers who have won their epaulets under the baptismal fires of
+battle! Again, to wage war requires money first of all; and this fact
+has been entirely ignored by the authorities. You have no money,
+gentlemen; do you propose that the noble militia host shall march only
+so long as the supply of food in their knapsacks holds out? Are they to
+return home when the provisions shall have given out? Never fear, Herr
+Vice-palatine! when it becomes necessary to shoulder arms and march
+against the enemy, I shall be among the first to respond to the first
+call. But I have no desire to be even a spectator of a comedy, much less
+take part in one. But let us not discuss this farce any further. I
+fancy, Herr Vice-palatine, we may be able to find a more sensible
+subject for discussion. There is a quiet little nook in this old castle
+where are to be found some excellent wines, and some of the best latakia
+you--"
+
+"What?" with lively interest interrupted the vice-palatine. "Latakia?
+Why, that is tobacco."
+
+"Certainly--and Turkish tobacco, too, at that!" responded Count Vavel.
+"Come, we will retire to this nook, empty one glass after another, enjoy
+a smoke, and tell anecdotes without end!"
+
+"Then you do smoke, Herr Count?"
+
+"Certainly; but I never smoke anywhere but in the nook before mentioned,
+and never in the clothes I wear ordinarily."
+
+"Aha!--that a certain person may not detect the fumes, eh?"
+
+"You have guessed it."
+
+"Then there is not an atom of truth in the reports malicious tongues
+have spread abroad about you, for I know very well that a certain lady
+has not the least objection to tobacco smoke. I do not refer to the Herr
+Count's donna who lives here in the castle--you may be sure I shall take
+good care not to ask any more questions about _her_. No; I am not
+talking about that one, but about the other one, who has puzzled me a
+good deal of late. She takes the Herr Count's part everywhere, and is
+always ready to defend you. Had she not assured me that I might with
+perfect safety venture to call here again, I should have sent my
+secretary to you with the _Sigillum compulsorium_. I tell you, Herr
+Count, ardent partizanship of that sort from the other donna looks a
+trifle suspicious!"
+
+The count laughed, then said:
+
+"Herr Vice-palatine, you remind me of the critic who, at the conclusion
+of a concert, said to a gentleman near whom he was standing: 'Who is
+that lady who sings so frightfully out of tune?' 'The lady is my wife.'
+'Ah, I did not mean the one who sang, but the lady who accompanied her
+on the piano--the one who performs so execrably.' 'That lady is my
+sister.' 'I beg a thousand pardons! I made a mistake; it is the music,
+the composition, that is so horrible. I wonder who composed it?' 'I
+did.'"
+
+Herr Bernat was charmed--completely vanquished. This count not only
+smoked: he could also relate an anecdote! Truly he was a man worth
+knowing--a gentleman from crown to sole.
+
+Toward the conclusion of the excellent dinner, to which Herr Bernat did
+ample justice, he ventured to propose a toast:
+
+"I cannot refrain, Herr Count, from drinking to the welfare of this
+castle's mistress; and since I do not know whether there be one or two,
+I lift a glass in each hand. Vivant!"
+
+Without a word the count likewise raised two glasses, and drained first
+one, then the other, leaving not enough liquor in either to "wet his
+finger-nail."
+
+By the time the meal was over Herr Bernat was in a most generous mood;
+and when he took leave of his agreeable host, he assured him that the
+occupants of the Nameless Castle might always depend on the protection
+and good will of the vice-palatine.
+
+Count Vavel waited until his guest was out of sight; then he changed his
+clothes, and when the regular dinner-hour arrived joined Marie, as
+usual, in the dining-room, to enjoy with her the delicate snail-soup and
+other dainties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At last war was declared; but it brought only days of increased
+unhappiness and discontent to the tiger imprisoned in his cage at the
+Nameless Castle--as if burning oil were being poured into his open
+wounds.
+
+The snail-like movements of the Austrian army had put an end to the
+appearance of the apocalyptic destroying angel.
+
+Ludwig Vavel waited like the tiger crouched in ambush, ready to spring
+forth at the sound of his watchword, and heard at last what he had least
+expected to hear.
+
+The single-headed eagle had not hesitated to take possession of that
+which the double-headed eagle had hesitated to grasp.
+
+Napoleon had issued his memorable call to the Hungarian people to assert
+their independence and choose their king from among themselves.
+
+Count Ludwig received a copy of this proclamation still damp from the
+press, and at once decided that the cause to which he had sacrificed his
+best years was wholly lost.
+
+He was acquainted with but a few of the people among whom he dwelt in
+seclusion, but he believed he knew them well enough to decide that the
+incendiary proclamation could have no other result than an enthusiastic
+and far-reaching response. All was at an end, and he might as well go to
+his rest!
+
+In one of his gloomiest, most dissatisfied hours, he heard the sound of
+a spurred boot in the silent corridor.
+
+It was an old acquaintance, the vice-palatine. He did not remove his
+hat, which was ornamented with an eagle's feather, when he entered the
+count's study, and ostentatiously clinked the sword in its sheath which
+hung at his side. A wolfskin was flung with elaborate care over his left
+shoulder.
+
+"Well, Herr Count," he began in a cheery tone, "I come like the gypsy
+who broke into a house through the oven, and, finding the family
+assembled in the room, asked if they did not want to buy a
+flue-cleanser. At last the watchword has arrived: 'To horse, soldier! To
+cow, farmer.' The militia law is no longer a dead letter. We shall
+march, _cum gentibus_, to repulse the invading foe. Here is the royal
+order, and here is the call to the nation."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: Written by Alexander Kisfalndy, by order of the palatine. A
+memorable document.]
+
+Count Vavel's face at these words became suddenly transfigured--like the
+features of a dead man who has been restored to life. His eyes sparkled,
+his lips parted, his cheeks glowed with color--his whole countenance was
+eloquent; his tongue alone was silent.
+
+He could not speak. He rushed toward his sword, which was hanging on the
+wall, tore it from its sheath, and pressed his lips to the keen blade.
+Then he laid it on the table, and dashed like a madman from the
+room--down the corridor to Marie's apartment. Without knocking, he
+opened the door, rushed toward the young girl, raised her in his arms as
+if she were a little child, and, carrying her thus, returned to his
+guest. "Here--here she is!" he cried breathlessly. "Behold her! Now you
+may look on her face--now the whole world may behold her countenance and
+read in it her illustrious descent. This is my idol--my goddess, for
+whom I have lived, for whom I would die!"
+
+He had placed the maid on a sort of throne between the two bookcases,
+and alternately kissed the hem of her gown and his sword.
+
+"Can you imagine a more glorious queen?" he demanded, in a transport of
+ecstasy, flinging one arm over the vice-palatine's shoulder, and
+pointing with the other toward the confused and blushing girl. "Is there
+anywhere else on earth so much love, so much goodness and purity, a
+glance so benevolent--all the virtues God bestows upon his favorites? Is
+not this the angel who has been called to destroy the Leviathan of the
+Apocalypse?"
+
+The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a
+low tone:
+
+"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked
+just like that when she was a bride."
+
+Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She
+had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the
+questioning glances from strange eyes.
+
+"What--what does--this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I
+don't understand you."
+
+Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map
+concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a
+long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the
+ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.
+
+"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire
+equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."
+
+He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his
+terrible treasures.
+
+"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.
+
+"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer when his
+neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two
+thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"
+
+"Now _I_ intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the
+count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the
+asking?"
+
+"I might answer as did the gypsy woman when her son asked for a piece of
+bread: 'You are always wanting what is not to be had.'"
+
+"Do you mean that there are no men?"
+
+"I mean," hastily interposed Herr Bernat, "that there are enough men,
+and horses, too; but the treasure-chest is empty, and the _Aerar_ has
+not yet sent the promised subsidy."
+
+"What care I about the Aerar and its money!" ejaculated Count Vavel,
+contemptuously. "_I_ will supply the funds necessary to equip a
+company--and support them, into the bargain! And if the county needs
+money, my purse-strings are loose! I give everything that belongs to
+me--and myself, too--to this cause!"
+
+He opened, as he spoke, a large iron chest that was fastened with iron
+bolts to the floor.
+
+"Here, help yourself, Herr Vice-palatine!" he added, waving his hand
+toward the contents of the chest. It was a more wonderful sight than the
+arsenal itself. Rolls of gold coin, sacks of silver, filled the chest to
+the brim.
+
+Herr Bernat could only stare in speechless amazement. He made no move to
+obey the behest to "help himself," whereupon Count Vavel himself thrust
+his hands into the chest, lifted what he could hold between them of gold
+and silver, and filled the vice-palatine's hat, which that worthy was
+holding in his hand.
+
+"But--pray--I beg of you--" remonstrated Herr Bernat, "at least, let us
+count it."
+
+"You can count it when you get home," interrupted Count Vavel.
+
+"But I must give you a receipt for it."
+
+"A receipt?" repeated his host. "A receipt between gentlemen? A receipt
+for money which is given for the defense of the fatherland?"
+
+"But I certainly cannot take all this money without something to show
+from whom I received it, and for what purpose. Give me at least a few
+words with your signature, Herr Count."
+
+"That I will gladly do," responded the count, turning toward his desk,
+and coming face to face with Marie, who had descended from her throne.
+
+"What are you going to do?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.
+
+"Write."
+
+"Are you going to let strangers see your writing, and perhaps betray who
+you are?"
+
+"In a week the strokes from my hand will tell who I am," he replied,
+with double meaning.
+
+"Oh, you are terrible!" murmured Marie, turning her face away.
+
+"I am so for your sake, Marie."
+
+"For my sake?" echoed the young girl, sorrowfully. "For my sake? Do you
+imagine that _I_ shall take pleasure in seeing you go into battle?
+Suppose you should fall?"
+
+"Have no fear on that score, Marie," returned the young man,
+confidently. "I shall have a guiding star to watch over me; and if there
+be a God in heaven--"
+
+"Then may He take me to Himself!" interposed the young girl in a fervent
+tone, lifting a transfigured glance toward heaven. "And may He grant
+that there be not on earth one other Frenchwoman who is forced to pray
+for the defeat of her own nation! May He grant that there be not
+another woman in the world who is waiting until a pedestal is formed of
+her countrymen's and kinsmen's skeletons, that she may be elevated to it
+as an idol from which many, many of her brothers will turn with a curse!
+May God take me to Himself now--now, while yet my two hands are white,
+while yet I cherish toward my nation nothing but love and tenderness,
+now when I forgive and forget everything, and desire none of this
+world's splendor for myself!"
+
+Ludwig Vavel was filled with admiration by this outburst from the
+innocent girl heart.
+
+"Your words, Marie, only increase the brilliancy of the halo which
+encircles your head. They legalize the rights of my sword. I, too, adore
+my native land--no one more than I! I, too, bow before the infinite
+judge and submit my case to His wise decision. O God, Thou who
+protecteth France, look down and behold him who rides yonder, his horse
+ankle-deep in the blood of his countrymen, who looks without pity on the
+dying legions and says, 'It is well!' Then, O God, look Thou upon this
+saint here, who prays for her persecutors, and pass judgment between the
+two: which of the two is Thy image on earth?"
+
+"Oh, pray understand me," in a pleading voice interposed Marie, passing
+her trembling fingers over Ludwig's cheek. "Not one drop of heroic blood
+flows in my veins. I am not the offspring of those great women who
+crowned with their own hands their knights to send them into battle. I
+dread to lose you, Ludwig; I have no one in this wide world but you. On
+this whole earth there is not another orphan so desolate as I am! When
+you go to war, and I am left here all alone, what will become of me? Who
+will care for me and love me then?"
+
+Vavel gently drew the young girl to his breast.
+
+"Marie, you said once to me: 'Give me a mother--a woman whom I can
+love, one that will love me.' When I leave you, Marie, I shall not leave
+you here without some one to care for you. I will give you a mother--a
+woman you will love, and who will love you in return."
+
+A gleam of sunshine brightened the young girl's face; she flung her arms
+around Ludwig's neck, and laughed for very joy.
+
+"You will really, really do this, Ludwig?" she cried happily. "You will
+really bring her here? or shall I go to her? Oh, I shall be so happy if
+you will do this for me!"
+
+"I am in earnest," returned Ludwig, seriously. "This is no time for
+jesting. My superior here"--turning toward the vice-palatine--"will see
+that I keep the promise I made in his presence."
+
+"That he will!" promptly assented Herr Bernat. "I am not only the
+vice-palatine of your county: I am also the colonel of your regiment."
+
+"And I want you to add still another office to the two you fill so
+admirably: that of matrimonial emissary!" added Count Vavel. "In this
+patriarchal land I find that the custom still obtains of sending an
+emissary to the lady one desires to marry. Will you, Herr Vice-palatine
+and Colonel, undertake this mission for me?"
+
+"Of all my missions this will be the most agreeable!" heartily responded
+Herr Bernat.
+
+"You know to whom I would have you go," resumed the count. "It is not
+far from here. You know who the lady is without my repeating her name.
+Go to her, tell her what you have seen and heard here,--I send her my
+secret as a betrothal gift,--and then ask her to send me an answer to
+the words she heard me speak on a certain eventful occasion."
+
+"You may trust me!" with alacrity responded Herr Bernat. "Within half
+an hour I shall return with a reply: _Veni, vidi, vici!_"
+
+After he had shaken hands with his client, the worthy emissary
+remembered that it was becoming for even so important a personage as a
+Hungarian vice-palatine to show some respect to the distinguished young
+lady under Count Vavel's protection. He therefore turned toward her,
+brought his spurred heels together, and was on the point of making a
+suitable speech, accompanying it with a deep bow, when the young lady
+frustrated his ceremonious design by coming quickly toward him and
+saying in her frank, girlish manner:
+
+"He who goes on a matrimonial mission must wear a nosegay." With these
+words she drew the violets from her corsage, and fastened them in Herr
+Bernat's buttonhole.
+
+Hereupon the gallant vice-palatine forgot his ceremonious intentions. He
+seized the maid's hand, pressed it against his stiffly waxed mustache,
+and muttered, with a wary glance toward Count Vavel: "I am sorry this
+pretty little hand belongs to those messieurs Frenchmen!"
+
+Then he quitted the room, and in descending the stairs had all he could
+do to transfer without dropping them the coins from his hat to the
+pockets of his dolman.
+
+Marie skipped, singing joyously, into the dining-room, where the windows
+faced toward the neighboring manor. She did not ask if she might do so,
+but flung open the sash, leaned far out, and waved her handkerchief to
+the vice-palatine, who was driving swiftly across the causeway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When Herr Bernat Görömbölyi, in his character of emissary, arrived at
+the manor, he proceeded at once to state his errand:
+
+"My lovely sister Katinka, I am come a-wooing--as this nosegay on my
+breast indicates. I ask your hand for a brave, handsome, and young
+cavalier."
+
+"Thank you very much for the honor, my dear Bernat bácsi, but I intend
+to remain faithful to my vow never to marry."
+
+"Then you send me out of your house with a mitten, Katinka hugom?"
+
+"I should prefer to detain you as a welcome guest."
+
+"Thanks; but I cannot stop to-day. I am invited to a betrothal feast
+over at the Nameless Castle. The count intends to wed in a few weeks."
+
+He had been watching, while speaking, the effect of this announcement on
+the lovely face before him.
+
+Baroness Katharina, however, acted as if nothing interested her so much
+as the letter she was embroidering with gold thread on a red streamer
+for a militia flag.
+
+"The count is in a hurry," continued Herr Bernat, "for he may have to
+ride at the head of a company of militia to the war in less than three
+weeks."
+
+Here the cruel needle thrust its point into the fair worker's rosy
+finger.
+
+Herr Bernat smiled roguishly; and said:
+
+"Would n't you like to hear the name of the bride, my pretty sister
+Katinka?"
+
+"If it is no secret," was the indifferent response.
+
+"It is no secret for me, and I am allowed to repeat it. The charming
+lady Count Vavel intends to wed is--Katharina Landsknechtsschild!"
+
+The baroness suddenly dropped her embroidery, sprang to her feet, and
+surveyed the smiling emissary with her brows drawn into a frown.
+
+"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
+beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
+you remember them?"
+
+The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:
+
+"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
+veil that separates the two."
+
+"The veil has been removed."
+
+"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
+pretty?"
+
+"More than pretty!"
+
+"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"
+
+"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
+nor betrothed to Count Vavel--nor yet his secret love."
+
+"Then she must be his sister--or daughter."
+
+"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."
+
+"Then what is she? Not a servant?"
+
+"No; she is his mistress."
+
+"His mistress?"
+
+"Yes, his mistress--as my queen is my mistress."
+
+"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
+came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
+believe the count--loves _me_?"
+
+"That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
+know that he loves you. That he deserves your love I can swear! No one
+can become thoroughly acquainted with Count Vavel and not love him. I
+went to the castle to ask him to join the noble militia, and he let me
+see the lady about whom so much has been said. She had excellent
+reasons, baroness, for veiling her lovely face, for whoever had seen her
+mother's pictures would have recognized her at once. When Count Vavel
+goes into battle to help defend our fatherland, he must leave the royal
+maid in a mother's hands. Will you fill that office? Will you take the
+desolate maid to your heart? And now, Katinka hugom, give me your answer
+to the Count's words."
+
+With sudden impulsiveness the baroness extended both hands to Herr
+Bernat, and said earnestly:
+
+"With all my heart I consent to be Count Vavel's betrothed wife!"
+
+"And I may fly to him with this answer?"
+
+"Yes--on condition that you take me with you."
+
+"What, baroness? You wish to go to the castle--now?"
+
+"Yes, now--this very moment--in these clothes! I have no one to ask what
+I should or should not do, and--_he_ needs me."
+
+When his emissary had departed, Count Vavel began to reflect whether he
+had not been rather hasty. Had he done right in giving to the world his
+zealously guarded secret?
+
+But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
+that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
+free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!
+
+He seated himself at the table to write to his friends abroad; but he
+could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
+guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
+Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
+the same day a declaration of war and one of love.
+
+His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
+study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
+fingers, and flung it on the floor.
+
+"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.
+
+"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.
+
+"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother--the beautiful lady from the
+manor."
+
+"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
+nonsense?"
+
+"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in _two_
+carriages!" persisted the maid. "Come and see them for yourself!"
+
+She drew him from his chair to the window in the dining-room, where his
+own eyes convinced him of the truth of Marie's announcement.
+
+Already the two vehicles were crossing the causeway, and the baroness's
+rose-colored parasol gleamed among the trees. Deeply agitated, Count
+Vavel hastened to meet her.
+
+"May I come with you?" shyly begged Marie, following him.
+
+"I beg that you will come," was the reply; and the two, guardian and
+ward, hand in hand, descended to the entrance-hall.
+
+Baroness Katharina's countenance beamed with a magical charm--the result
+of the union of opposite emotions; as when shame and courage, timidity
+and daring, love and heroism, meet and are blended together in a
+wonderful harmony--a miracle seen only in the magic mirror of a woman's
+face.
+
+While yet several paces distant, she held out her hand toward Count
+Vavel, and, with a charming mixture of embarrassment and candor, said:
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+This was her confirmation of the words Vavel had spoken in the forest in
+the presence of the three dragoon officers: "She is my betrothed."
+
+Vavel lifted the white hand to his lips. Then Katharina quickly passed
+onward toward Marie, who had timidly held back.
+
+The baroness grasped the young girl's hands in both her own, and looked
+long and earnestly into the fair face lifted shyly toward her. Then she
+said:
+
+"It was not for his sake I came so precipitately. He could have waited.
+They told me your heart yearned for a mother's care, and it must not be
+kept waiting."
+
+After this speech the two young women embraced. Which was the first to
+sob, which kiss was the warmer, cannot be known; but that Marie was the
+happier was certain. For the first time in years she was permitted to
+embrace a woman and tell her she loved her. Ludwig Vavel looked with
+delight on the meeting between the two, and gratefully pressed the hand
+of his successful emissary.
+
+When the two young women had sobbed out their hearts to each other, they
+began to laugh and jest. Was not the mother still a girl, like the
+daughter?
+
+"You must come with me to the manor?" said Katharina, as, with arms
+entwined about each other, they entered the castle. "I shall not allow
+you to stop longer in this lonely place."
+
+"I wish you would take me with you," responded Marie. "I shall be very
+obedient and dutiful. If I do anything that displeases you, you must
+scold me, and praise me when I do what is right."
+
+"And I am not to be asked if I consent to this abduction of my ward?"
+here smilingly interposed Count Vavel.
+
+"Why can't you come with us?" innocently inquired Marie.
+
+The other young woman laughed merrily.
+
+"He may come for a brief visit; later we will let him come to stay
+always." Then she added in a more serious tone: "Count Vavel, you may
+rest perfectly content that your treasure will be safe with me. My house
+is prepared for assault. My people are brave and well armed. There is no
+possible chance of another attack from robbers like that from which you
+delivered me."
+
+"Ludwig delivered you from robbers?" repeated Marie, in astonishment.
+"When? How?"
+
+"Then he did not tell you about his adventure? What a singular man!"
+
+Here the vice-palatine interposed with: "What is this I hear? Robbers? I
+heard nothing about robbers."
+
+"The baroness herself asked me not to speak of the affair," explained
+the count.
+
+"Yes, but I did not forbid you to tell Marie, Herr Count," responded
+Katharina.
+
+"'Baroness'--'Herr Count'?" repeated Marie, turning questioningly from
+her guardian to their fair neighbor. "Why don't you call each other by
+your Christian names?"
+
+They were spared an explanation by Herr Bernat, who again observed:
+
+"Robbers? I confess I should like to hear about this robbery?"
+
+"I will tell you all about it," returned the baroness; "but first, I
+must beg the vice-palatine not to make any arrests. For," she added,
+with an enchanting smile, "had it not been for those valiant knights of
+the road I should not have become acquainted with my brave Ludwig."
+
+"That is better!" applauded Marie, hurrying her "little mother" into the
+reception-room, where the wonderful story of the robbery was repeated.
+
+And what an attentive listener was the fair young girl! Her lips were
+pressed tightly together; her eyes were opened to their widest
+extent--like those of a child who hears a wonderful fairy tale. Even the
+vice-palatine from time to time ejaculated:
+
+"_Darvalia_!" "_Beste karaffia_!"--which, doubtless, were the proper
+terms to apply to marauding rascals.
+
+But when the baroness came to that part of her story where Count Vavel,
+with his walking-stick, put to flight the four robbers, Marie's face
+glowed with pride. Surely there was not another brave man like her
+Ludwig in the whole world!
+
+"That was our first meeting," concluded Katharina laughingly, laying her
+hand on that of her betrothed husband, who was leaning against the arm
+of her chair.
+
+"I should like to know why you both thought it best to keep this robbery
+a secret?" remarked Herr Bernat.
+
+"The real reason," explained Count Vavel, "was because the baroness did
+not want her protégé, Satan Laczi's wife, persecuted."
+
+"Hum! if everybody was as generous as you two, then robbery would become
+a lucrative business!"
+
+"You must remember," Katharina made haste to protest, "that all this has
+been told to the matrimonial emissary, and not to the vice-palatine. On
+no account are any arrests to be made!"
+
+"I will suggest a plan to the Herr Vice-palatine," said Count Vavel.
+"Grant an amnesty to the robbers; not to the four who broke into the
+manor,--for they are merely common thieves,--but to Satan Laczi and his
+comrades, who will cheerfully exchange their nefarious calling for the
+purifying fire of the battle-field. I myself will undertake to form them
+into a company of foot-soldiers."
+
+"But how do you know that Satan Laczi and his comrades will join the
+army?" inquired Herr Bernat.
+
+"Satan Laczi told me so himself--one night here in the castle. He opened
+all the doors and cupboards, while I was in the observatory, and waited
+for me in my study."
+
+It was the ladies' turn now to exhibit the liveliest interest. Each
+seized a hand of the speaker, and listened attentively to his
+description of the robber's midnight visit to the castle.
+
+"Good!" was Herr Bernat's comment, when the count had concluded. "An
+amnesty shall be granted to Satan Laczi and his crew if they will submit
+themselves to the Herr Count's military discipline."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+The little servant, Satan Laczi, junior, interrupted the conversation.
+He came to announce dinner. Lisette had not needed any instructions. She
+knew what was expected of her when a visitor happened to be at the
+castle at meal-times. Besides, she wanted to show the lady from the
+manor what she could do. Not since the count's arrival at the Nameless
+Castle had there been so cheerful a meal as to-day. Marie sparkled with
+delight; the baroness was wit personified; and the vice-palatine bubbled
+over with anecdotes. When the roast appeared he raised his glass for a
+serious toast:
+
+"To our beloved fatherland. Vivat! To our revered king. Vivat! To our
+adored queen. Vivat!"
+
+Count Vavel promptly responded, as did also the ladies. Then the count
+refilled the glasses, and, raising his own above his head, cried:
+
+"And now, another vivat to _my_ queen! Long may she reign, and
+gloriously! And," he added, with sudden fierceness, "may all who are her
+enemies perish miserably!"
+
+"Ludwig, for heaven's sake!" ejaculated Marie, in terror. "Look at
+Katharina; she is ill."
+
+And, indeed, the baroness's lovely face was pallid as that of a corpse.
+Her eyes were closed; her head had fallen back against her chair.
+
+Ludwig and Marie sprang to her side, the young girl exclaiming
+reproachfully:
+
+"See how you have terrified her."
+
+"Don't be frightened," returned Ludwig, assuringly; "it is only a
+passing illness, and will soon be over."
+
+He had restored the fair woman to consciousness on another occasion; he
+knew, therefore, what to do now. After a few minutes the baroness opened
+her eyes again. She forced a smile to her lips, shivered once or twice,
+then whispered to Ludwig, who was bending over her with a glass of
+water:
+
+"I don't need any water. We were going to drink a toast; wine is
+required for that ceremony."
+
+She extended her trembling hand, clasped the stem of her glass, and,
+raising it, continued: "I drink to your toast, Count Vavel! And here is
+to my dear little daughter, my good little Marie. May God preserve her
+from all harm!"
+
+"You may safely drink to Ludwig's toast," gaily assented Marie, "safely
+wish that the enemies of your Marie may 'perish miserably,' for she has
+no enemies."
+
+"No; she has no enemies," repeated the baroness in a low tone, as she
+pressed the young girl closely to her breast.
+
+A few minutes later, when Katharina had regained her usual self-command,
+she said:
+
+"Marie, my dear little daughter, I know that our friend Ludwig is eager
+to discuss war plans with his emissary. Let us, therefore, give him the
+opportunity to do so, while we make our plans for quite a different sort
+of war!"
+
+"What!" jestingly exclaimed Count Vavel, "my lovely betrothed speaks
+thus of her preparations for our wedding?"
+
+"The task is not so easy as you imagine," retorted Katharina. "There
+will be a great deal to do, and I mean to take Marie with me."
+
+"To-day?"
+
+"Certainly; is she not my daughter? But seriously, Ludwig, Marie must
+not remain here if the recruiting-flag is to wave from the tower, and
+if the castle is to be open to every notorious bully in the county. You
+gentlemen may attend to your recruits here, while Marie and I, over at
+the manor, arrange a fitting ensign for your company. Before we bid
+adieu to the castle, however, we must pay a visit to the cook. If her
+mistress leaves here I fancy she will not want to stop."
+
+"Lisette was very fond of me once," observed Marie; "and there was a
+time when she did everything for me."
+
+"Then she must come with us to the manor to a well-deserved rest. I can
+send one of my servants over here to attend to the wants of the
+gentlemen."
+
+The two ladies now took leave of Count Vavel and his visitor. Marie led
+the way to her own apartments, where she introduced the cats and dogs to
+Katharina. Then she drew her into the alcove, and secretly pulled the
+cord at the head of the bed.
+
+"Now you are my prisoner," she said to the baroness, who was looking
+about her in a startled manner. "Were I your enemy--your rival--I should
+not need to do anything to gratify my enmity but refuse to reveal the
+secret of this screen, and you would have to die here alone with me."
+
+"Good heavens, Marie! How can you frighten me so?" exclaimed Katharina,
+in alarm.
+
+"Ha, ha!" merrily laughed the young girl, "then I have really frightened
+you? But don't be alarmed; directly some one will come who will not let
+you 'perish miserably.'"
+
+The baroness's face grew suddenly pallid; but she quickly recovered
+herself as Count Vavel came hastily into the outer room.
+
+"Did you summon me, Marie?" he called, when he saw that the screen was
+down.
+
+"Yes, I summoned you," replied Marie. "I want you to repeat the
+good-night wish you give me every night."
+
+"But it is not night."
+
+"No; but you will not see me again to-day, so you must wish me good
+night now."
+
+Ludwig came near to the screen, and said in a low, earnest tone:
+
+"May God give you a good night, Marie! May angels watch over you! May
+Heaven receive your prayers, and may you dream of happiness and freedom.
+Good night!"
+
+Then he turned and walked out of the room.
+
+"That is his daily custom," whispered Marie. Then she pressed her foot
+on the spring in the floor, and the screen was lifted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+Lisette had finished her tasks in the kitchen when the two ladies came
+to pay her a visit. She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
+had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
+pack of cards when the ladies entered.
+
+She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
+when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:
+
+"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
+the manor?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
+beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."
+
+"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"
+
+"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
+gentleman and a beautiful lady--if they are thrown together then there
+follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."
+
+"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
+preparing for the war."
+
+This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
+than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.
+
+"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the cards, and
+glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!
+
+"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
+the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
+their names."
+
+"God help them!" again muttered the woman.
+
+"I am going to take your young mistress home with me, Lisette," again
+remarked the baroness. "It would not be well to leave her here, amid the
+turmoil of recruiting and the clashing of weapons, would it?"
+
+"I can't say. My business is in the kitchen; I don't know anything about
+matters out of it," replied Lisette, still shuffling her cards.
+
+"But I intend to take you out of the kitchen, Lisette," returned the
+baroness. "I don't intend to let you work any more. You shall live with
+us over at the manor, in a room of your own, and, if you wish, have a
+little kitchen all to yourself, and a little maid to wait on you. You
+will come with us, will you not?"
+
+"I thank your ladyship; but I had rather stay where I am."
+
+"But why?"
+
+"Because I should be a trouble to everybody over yonder. I am a person
+that suits only herself. I don't know how to win the good will of other
+people. I don't keep a cat or a dog, because I don't want to love
+anything. Besides, I have many disagreeable habits. I use snuff, and I
+can't agree with anybody. I am best left to myself, your ladyship."
+
+"But what will become of you when both your master and mistress are gone
+from the castle?"
+
+"I shall do what I have always done, your ladyship. The Herr Count
+promised that I should never want for anything to cook so long as I
+lived."
+
+"Don't misunderstand me, Lisette. I did not ask how you intended to
+live. What I meant was, how are you going to get on when you do not see
+or hear any one--when you are all alone here?"
+
+"I am not afraid to be alone. I have no money, and I don't think anybody
+would undertake to carry _me_ off! I am never lonely. I can't read,--for
+which I thank God!--so that never bothers me. I don't like to knit; for
+ever since I saw those terrible women sitting around the guillotine and
+knitting, knitting, knitting all day long, I can't bear to see the
+motion of five needles. So I just amuse myself with these cards; and I
+don't need anything else."
+
+"But surely your heart will grow sore when you do not see your little
+mistress daily?"
+
+"Daily--daily, your ladyship? This is the second time I have laid eyes
+on her face in six years! There was a time when I saw her daily,
+hourly--when she needed me all the time. Is not that so, my little
+mistress? Don't you remember how I had a little son, and how he called
+me _chère maman_, and I called him _mon petit garçon_?"
+
+As she spoke, she laid the cards one by one on her snowy apron. She
+looked intently at them for several moments, then continued:
+
+"No; I don't need to know anything, only that she is safe. _She_ will
+always be carefully guarded from all harm, and my cards will always tell
+me all I need know about _mon petit garçon_. No, your ladyship; I shall
+not go with you; I cannot leave the place where my poor Henry died."
+
+"Poor Lisette! what a tender heart is yours!"
+
+"Mine?" suddenly and with unusual energy interrupted Lisette. "Mine a
+tender heart? Ask this little lady here--who cannot tell a lie--if I am
+not the woman who has the hardest, the most unfeeling heart in all the
+world. Ask her that, your ladyship. Tell her, _mon petit garçon_," she
+added, turning to Marie,--"tell the lady it is as I say."
+
+"Lisette--dear Lisette," remonstrated Marie.
+
+"Have you ever seen me weep?" demanded the woman.
+
+"No, Lisette; but--"
+
+"Did I ever sigh," interrupted Lisette, "or moan, or grieve, that time
+when we spent many days and nights together in one room?"
+
+"No, no; never, Lisette."
+
+The woman turned in her chair to a chest that stood by her side, opened
+it, and took out a package carefully wrapped first in paper, then in a
+linen cloth.
+
+When she had removed the wrappings, she held up in her hands a child's
+chemise and petticoat.
+
+"What is needed to complete these, your ladyship?" she asked.
+
+"A dear little child, I should say," answered Katharina, indulgently.
+
+"You are right--a dear little child."
+
+"Where is the child, Lisette?"
+
+"That I don't know--do you understand? _I--don't--know._ And I don't
+inquire, either. Now, will you still imagine that I have a tender heart?
+It is years since I looked on these little garments. What did I do with
+the child that wore them? Whose business is it what I did with her? She
+was _my_ child, and I had a right to do as I pleased with her. I was
+paid enough for it--an enormous price! You don't understand what I am
+talking about, your ladyship. Go; take _mon petit garçon_ with you; and
+may God do so to you as you deal with him. Take care of him. My cards
+will tell me everything, and sometime, when I have turned into a hideous
+hobgoblin, those whom I shall haunt will remember me! And now, _mon
+petit garçon_"--turning again to Marie,--"let me kiss your hand for the
+last time."
+
+Marie came close to the singular woman, bent over her, and pressed a
+kiss on the fat cheeks, then held her own for a return caress.
+
+This action of the young girl seemed to please the woman. She struggled
+to her feet, muttering: "She is still the same. May God guard her from
+all harm!" Then she waddled toward Katharina, took her slender hand in
+her own broad palm, and added: "Take good care of my treasure, your
+ladyship. Up to now, I have taken the broomstick every evening, before
+going to bed, and thrust it under all the furniture, to see if there
+might not be a thief hidden somewhere. You will have to do that now. A
+great treasure, great care! And, your ladyship, when you shall have in
+your house such a little chemise and petticoat, with the little child in
+them, trotting after you, chattering and laughing, clasping her arms
+round you and kissing you, and if some one should say to you, as they
+said to me, 'How great a treasure would induce you to exchange this
+little somebody in the red petticoat for it?' and if you should say, 'I
+will give up the child for so much,' then, your ladyship, you too may
+say, as I say, that your heart is a heart of stone."
+
+Katharina's face had grown very white. She staggered toward Marie,
+caught her arm, and drew her toward the door, gasping:
+
+"Come--come--let us go. The steam--the heat of--the kitchen makes--me
+faint."
+
+The fresh air of the court soon revived her.
+
+"Let us play a trick on Ludwig," she suggested. "We will take his canoe,
+and cross the cove to the manor. We can send it back with a servant."
+
+She ordered her coachman to take the carriage home; then she took
+Marie's hand and led her down to the lake.
+
+They were soon in the boat. Marie, who had learned to row from Ludwig,
+sent the little craft gliding over the water, while Katharina held the
+rudder.
+
+Very soon they were in the park belonging to the manor; and how
+delighted Marie was to see everything!
+
+A herd of deer crossed their path, summoned to the feeding-place by a
+blast from the game-keeper's horn. The graceful animals were so tame
+that a hind stopped in front of the two ladies, and allowed them to rub
+her head and neck. Oh, how much there was to see and enjoy over here!
+
+Katharina could hardly keep pace with the eager young girl, who would
+have liked to examine the entire park at once.
+
+What a number of questions she asked! And how astonished she was when
+Katharina told her the large birds in the farm-yard were hens and
+turkeys. She had never dreamed that these creatures could be so pretty.
+She had never seen them before--not even a whole one served on the
+table, only the slices of white meat which Lisette had always cut off
+for her. But what delighted her more than anything else was that she
+might meet people, look fearlessly at them, and be stared at in return,
+and cordially return their friendly "God give you a good day!"
+
+What a pleasure it was to stop the women and children, with all sorts
+and shapes of burdens on their heads or in their arms, and ask what they
+were carrying in the heavy hampers; to call to the peasant girls who
+were singing merrily, and ask where they had learned the pretty songs.
+
+"Oh, how delightful it is here!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around
+the baroness. "I should like to dig and work in the garden all day long
+with these merry girls. How happy I shall be here!"
+
+"To-morrow we will visit the fields," said Katharina "Can you ride?"
+
+"Ride?" echoed Marie, in smiling surprise. "Yes--on a rocking-horse."
+
+"Then you will very soon learn to sit on a living horse."
+
+"Do you really believe I shall?" breathlessly exclaimed Marie.
+
+"Yes; I have a very gentle horse which you shall have for your own."
+
+"One of those dear, tiny little horses from which one could not fall? I
+have seen them in picture-books."
+
+"He is not so very small; but you will not be afraid of falling off when
+you have learned to ride. Then, when you can manage your horse, we will
+ride after the hounds--"
+
+"No, no," hastily interposed the young girl; "I shall never do that. I
+could not bear to see an animal hurt or killed."
+
+"You will have to accustom yourself to seeing such sights, my dear
+little daughter. Riding and hunting are necessary accomplishments;
+besides, they strengthen the nerves."
+
+"Have not the peasant women got strong nerves, little mama?"
+
+"Yes; but they strengthen them by hard work, such as washing clothes."
+
+"Then let us wash clothes, too."
+
+Katharina smiled indulgently on the innocent maid, and the two now
+entered the manor, where Marie made the acquaintance of Fräulein Lotti,
+the baroness's companion.
+
+Marie's attention was attracted by the number of books she saw
+everywhere; and they were all new to her. Ludwig had never brought
+anything like them to the castle. There were poems, histories, romances,
+fables. Ah, how she would enjoy reading every one of them!
+
+"Oh, who is doing this?" she exclaimed, when her eyes fell on an easel
+on which was a half-finished painting--a study head.
+
+Her admiration for the baroness increased when that lady told her the
+picture was the work of her own hand.
+
+"How very clever you must be, little mama! I wonder if you could paint
+my portrait?"
+
+"I will try it to-morrow," smilingly replied the baroness.
+
+"And what is this--this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked,
+running to the piano.
+
+Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in
+front of the "teeth," began to play.
+
+Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.
+
+"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such
+beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.
+
+"You shall learn to play, too; Fräulein Lotti will teach you."
+
+For this promise Marie ran to Fräulein Lotti and embraced her.
+
+While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the
+little water-monster, and inquired about him.
+
+The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions
+in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"
+
+Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her
+from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to
+swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his
+canoe.
+
+"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the
+telescope," she answered, with some confusion.
+
+"Ah! then you also have been spying upon me?" jestingly exclaimed the
+baroness.
+
+"How else could I have learned that you are so good and beautiful?"
+frankly returned the young girl.
+
+"Ah, I have an idea," suddenly observed the baroness. "That spy-glass is
+here now. The surveyor to whom Ludwig gave it sent it to me when he had
+done with it. Come, we will pay Herr Ludwig back in his own coin! We
+will spy out what the gentlemen are doing over at the castle."
+
+Marie was charmed with this suggestion, and willingly accompanied her
+"little mama" to the veranda, where the familiar telescope greeted her
+sight.
+
+Two of the windows in that side of the Nameless Castle which faced the
+manor were lighted.
+
+"That is the dining-room; they are at dinner," explained Marie,
+adjusting the glass--a task of which the baroness was ignorant. When she
+had arranged the proper focus, she made room for Katharina, who had a
+better right than she had to watch Ludwig.
+
+"What do you see?" she asked, when Katharina began to smile.
+
+"I see Ludwig and the vice-palatine; they are leaning out of the window,
+and smoking--"
+
+"Smoking?" interposed Marie. "Ludwig never smokes."
+
+"See for yourself!"
+
+Katharina stepped back, and Marie placed her eye to the glass. Yes;
+there, plainly enough, she beheld the remarkable sight: Ludwig, with
+evident enjoyment, drawing great clouds of smoke from a long-stemmed
+pipe. The two men were talking animatedly; but even while they were
+speaking, the pipes were not removed from their lips--Ludwig, indeed, at
+times vanished entirely behind the dense cloud of smoke.
+
+"For six whole years he never once let me see him smoking a pipe!"
+murmured Marie to herself. "How much he enjoys it! Do you"--turning
+abruptly toward the baroness, who was smilingly watching her young
+guest--"do you object to tobacco smoke?"
+
+She seemed relieved when the baroness assured her that tobacco smoke was
+not in the least objectionable.
+
+Some time later, when reminded that it was time for little girls to be
+in bed, Marie protested stoutly that she was not sleepy.
+
+"Pray, little mama," she begged, "let us look a little longer through
+the telescope; it is so interesting."
+
+But even while she was giving voice to her petition the windows in the
+dining-room over at the castle became darkened. The gentlemen evidently
+had retired to their rooms for the night.
+
+"Oh, ah-h," yawned Marie, "I am sleepy, after all! Come, little mama, we
+will go to bed."
+
+Katharina herself conducted the young girl to her room. Marie exclaimed
+with surprise and delight when, on entering the room adjoining the
+baroness's own sleeping-chamber, she beheld her own furniture--the
+canopy-bed, the book-shelves, toys, card-table, everything. Even Hitz,
+Mitz, Pani, and Miura sat in a row on the sofa, and Phryxus and Helle
+came waddling toward her, and sat up on their hind legs.
+
+The things had been brought over from the castle while the baroness and
+Marie were in the park.
+
+"You will feel more at home with your belongings about you," said
+Katharina, as she returned the grateful girl's good-night kiss.
+
+
+
+
+PART VII
+
+THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel and the vice-palatine disappeared from the window of
+the dining-room, they did not retire to their pillows. They went to
+Ludwig's study, where they refilled their pipes for another smoke.
+
+"But tell me, Herr Vice-palatine," said the count, continuing the
+conversation which had begun at the dining-table, "why is it that six
+months have been allowed to pass since the Diet passed the militia law
+without anything having been accomplished?"
+
+"Well, you must know that there are three essential parts among the
+works of a clock," returned Herr Bernat, complacently puffing away at
+his pipe. "There is the spring, the pendulum, and the escapement. The
+wheels are the subordinates. The spring is the law passed by the Diet.
+The pendulum is the palatine office, which has to set the law in motion;
+the escapement is the imperial counselor of war. The wheels are the
+people. We will keep to the technical terms, if you please. When the
+spring was wound up, the pendulum began to set the wheels going. They
+turned, and the loyal nobles of the country began to enroll their
+names--"
+
+"How many do you suppose enrolled their names?" interrupted the count.
+
+"Thirty thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry--which are not all
+the able-bodied men, as only one member from each family is required to
+join the army. After the names had been entered came the question of
+uniforms, arms, officering, drilling, provisions. You must admit that a
+clock cannot strike until the hands have made their regular passage
+through all the minutes and seconds that make up the hour!"
+
+"For heaven's sake! What a preamble!" ejaculated the count. "But go on.
+The first minute?"
+
+"Yes; the first minute a stoppage occurred caused by the escapement
+objecting to furnish canteens; if the militiamen wanted canteens they
+must provide them themselves."
+
+"I trust the clock was not allowed to stop for want of a few canteens,"
+ironically observed Count Vavel.
+
+"Moreover," continued the vice-palatine, not heeding the interruption,
+"the escapement gave them to understand that brass drums could not be
+furnished--only wooden ones--"
+
+"They will do their duty, too, if properly handled," again interpolated
+Vavel.
+
+"A more disastrous check, however, was the decision of the _Komitate_
+that the uniform was to consist of red trousers and light-blue dolman--"
+
+"A picturesque uniform, at any rate!"
+
+"There was a good deal of argument about it; but at last it was decided
+that the companies from the Danube should adopt light-blue dolmans, and
+those from the Theiss dark-blue."
+
+"Thank heaven something was decided!"
+
+"Don't be too premature with your thanks, Herr Count! The escapement
+would not consent to the red trousers; red dye-stuff was not to be had,
+because of the continental embargo. The militia must content itself with
+trousers made of the coarse white cloth of which peasants' cloaks are
+made. You can imagine what a tempest that raised in the various
+counties! To offer Hungarian nobles trousers made of such stuff! At
+last the matter was arranged: trousers and dolman were to be made of the
+same material. The Komitate were satisfied with this. But the escapement
+then said there were not enough tailors to make so many uniforms. The
+government would supply the cloth, and have it cut, and the militiamen
+could have it made up at home."
+
+"That certainly would make the uniform of more value to the wearer!"
+
+"_Would have made_, Herr Count; would have made! The escapement suddenly
+announced that the cloth could not be purchased; for, while the dispute
+about the colors of the uniform had been going on, the greedy merchants
+had advanced the price of all cloths to such an exorbitant figure that
+the government could n't afford to buy it."
+
+"To the cuckoo with your escapement! The men have got to have uniforms!"
+
+"Beg pardon; don't begin yet to waste expletives, else you will not have
+any left at the end of the hour! The counties then agreed to pay the sum
+advanced on the original price of the cloth, whereupon the escapement
+said the money would have to be forthcoming at once, as the cloth could
+not be bought on credit."
+
+"Well, is there no treasury which could supply enough funds for this
+worthy object?" asked the count.
+
+"Yes; there is the public treasury for current expenses. But the
+treasurer will not give any money to the militia until they are mounted
+and equipped; the escapement will not furnish the cloth for the uniforms
+without the money; and the treasury will not give any money until the
+militia has its uniforms!"
+
+"Well, a man can fight without a uniform. If only these men have horses
+under them and weapons in their hands--"
+
+"Two of these requisites we already have; but the escapement announces
+that arms of the latest improvements cannot be furnished, because the
+government has not got them."
+
+"Well, the old ones will answer."
+
+"They _would_ if we had enough flints; but they are not to be had,
+because the insurrectionary Poles have captured the flint depot in
+Lemberg."
+
+"Each man certainly could get a flint for himself."
+
+"Even then there are only enough guns for about one half of the men. The
+escapement suggested that to those who had no arms it would
+furnish--halberds!"
+
+"What? Halberds!" cried Vavel, losing all patience. "Halberds against
+Bonaparte? Halberds against the legions who have broken a path from one
+end of Europe to the other with their bayonets, and with them carved
+their triumphs on the pyramids? Halberds against them? Do you take me to
+be a fool, Herr Vice-palatine?"
+
+He sprang to his feet and began to pace the floor excitedly, his guest
+meanwhile eying him with a roguish glance.
+
+"There!" at last exclaimed Herr Bernat, "I will not tease you any
+longer. Fortunately, there is a clock-repairer who, so soon as he
+perceived how tardily the hands performed their task, with his finger
+twirled them around the entire dial, whereupon the clock struck the
+hour. This able repairer is our king, who at once advanced from his own
+exchequer enough money to equip the militia companies, distributed six
+thousand first-class cavalry sabers and sixteen cannon, and loaned the
+entire Hungarian life-guard to drill the newly formed regiments. And
+now, I will wager that our noble militia host will be ready for the
+field in less than thirty days, and that they will fight as well as the
+good Lord permitted them to learn how!"
+
+"Why in the world did you not tell me this at once?" demanded Count
+Vavel.
+
+"Because it is not customary to put the fire underneath the tobacco in
+the pipe! The king's example inspired our magnates. Those whom the law
+compelled to equip ten horsemen sent out whole companies, and placed
+themselves in command."
+
+"As I shall do!" appended Count Vavel. "I hope, Herr Vice-palatine, that
+you will not forget the amnesty for Satan Laczi and his men. They will
+be of special value as spies."
+
+"I have a knot in my handkerchief for that, Herr Count, and shall be
+sure to remember. The company to be commanded by Count Ludwig Fertöszeg
+will be complete in a week."
+
+"Why do you call me Fertöszeg?"
+
+"Because a Hungarian name is better for your ensign than your own
+foreign one. Our people have an antipathy to everything foreign--and we
+have cause to complain of the Frenchmen who served in our army. Most of
+them were spies--tools of Napoleon's. Generals Moiselle and Lefebre
+surrendered fortified Laibach, together with its entire brigade, without
+discharging a gun. And even our quondam friend, the gallant Colonel
+Barthelmy, has taken Dutch leave and gone back to the enemy."
+
+"What? Gone back to the enemy!" repeated Ludwig, springing from his
+chair, and laughing delightedly.
+
+"The news seems to rejoice you," observed Herr Bernat.
+
+"I shout for very joy! The thought that we might have to fight side by
+side annoyed me. Now, however, we shall be adversaries, and when we
+meet, the man who did not steal Ange Barthelmy will send her husband to
+the devil! And now, Herr Vice-palatine, I think it is time to say good
+night. It will be the first night in six years that I shall sleep
+quietly."
+
+They shook hands, and separated for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+From early morning until evening the enrolment of names went on at the
+Nameless Castle, while from time to time a squad of volunteers,
+accompanied by Count Vavel himself, would depart amid the blare of
+trumpets for the drill-ground.
+
+The count made a fine-looking officer, with the crimson shako on his
+head, his mantle flung over one shoulder, his saber in his hand. When he
+saluted the ladies on their balconies, his spirited horse would rear and
+dance proudly. His company, the "Volons," had selected black and crimson
+as the colors for their uniform. The shako was ornamented in front with
+a white death's-head, and one would not have believed that a skull could
+be so ornamental.
+
+The Volons' ensign was not yet finished, but pretty white hands were
+embroidering gold letters on the silken streamers; lead would very soon
+add further ornamentation!
+
+When Ludwig Vavel opened the door of his castle to the public, he very
+soon became acquainted with a very different life from that of the past
+six years. For six years he had dwelt among a people whom he imagined he
+had learned to know and understand through his telescope, and from the
+letters he had received from a clergyman and a young law student.
+
+The reality was quite different.
+
+Every man that was enrolled in his volunteer corps Count Vavel made an
+object of special study. He found among them many interesting
+characters, who would have deserved perpetuation, and made of all of
+them excellent soldiers. The men very soon became devoted to their
+leader. When the troop was complete--three hundred horsemen in handsome
+uniforms, on spirited horses--their ensign was ready for them. Marie
+thought it would have been only proper for Katharina, the betrothed of
+the leader, to present the flag; but Count Vavel insisted that Marie
+must perform the duty. The flag was hers; it would wave over the men who
+were going to fight for her cause.
+
+It was an inspiriting sight--three hundred horsemen, every one of noble
+Hungarian blood. There were among them fathers of families, and
+brothers; and all of them soldiers of their own free will. Of such
+material was the troop of Volons, commanded by "Count Vavel von
+Fertöszeg."
+
+Count Vavel had a second volunteer company, composed of Satan Laczi and
+his comrades. This company, however, had been formed and drilled in
+secret, as the noble Volons would not have tolerated such vagabonds in
+their ranks. There were only twenty-four men in Satan Laczi's squad, and
+they were expected to undertake only the most hazardous missions of the
+campaign.
+
+Ah, how Marie's hand trembled when she knotted the gay streamers to the
+flag Ludwig held in his hands! She whispered, in a tone so low that only
+he could hear what she said:
+
+"Don't go away, Ludwig! Stay here with us. Don't waste your precious
+blood for me, but let us three fly far away from here."
+
+Those standing apart from the count and his fair ward fancied that the
+whispered words were a blessing on the ensign. She did not bless it in
+words, but when she saw that Ludwig would not renounce his undertaking,
+she pressed her lips to the standard which bore the _patrona Hungaria_.
+That was her blessing! Then she turned and flung herself into
+Katharina's arms, sobbing, while hearty cheers rose from the Volons:
+
+"Why don't _you_ try to prevent him from going away from us? Why don't
+you say to him, 'To-morrow we are to be wedded. Why not wait until
+then?'"
+
+But there was no time now to think of marriage. There was one who was in
+greater haste than any bridegroom or bride. The great leader of armies
+was striding onward, whole kingdoms between his paces. From the
+slaughter at Ebersburg he passed at once to the walls of Vienna, to the
+square in front of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. From the south, also,
+came Job's messengers, thick and fast. Archduke John had retreated from
+Italy back into Hungary, the viceroy Eugene following on his heels.
+
+General Chasteler had become alarmed at Napoleon's proclamation
+threatening him with death, and had removed his entire army from the
+Tyrol. His divisions were surrendering, one after another, to the
+pursuing foe.
+
+Thus the border on the south and west was open to the enemy; and to
+augment the peril which threatened Hungary, Poland menaced her from the
+north, from the Carpathians; and Russia at the same time sent out
+declarations of war.
+
+The countries which had been on friendly terms with one another suddenly
+became enemies--Poland against Hungary, Russia against Austria. Prussia
+waited. England hastened to seize an island from Holland. The patriotic
+calls of Gentz and Schlegel failed to inspire Germany. The heroic
+attempts of Kalt, Dörnberg, Schill, and Lützow fell resultless on the
+indifference of the people. Only Turkey remained a faithful ally, and
+the assurance that the Mussulman would protect Hungary in the rear
+against an invasion on the part of Moldavia was the only ray of light
+amid the darkness of those days.
+
+Then came a fresh Job's messenger.
+
+General Jelachich, with his five thousand men, had laid down his arms in
+the open field before the enemy. Now, indeed, it might be said: "The
+time is come to be up and doing, Hungary!"
+
+He who had neglected to celebrate his nuptials yesterday would have no
+time for marriage feasts to-morrow. Hannibal was at the gates! The noble
+militia host was set in motion. The Veszprime and Pest regiments moved
+toward the Marczal to join Archduke John's forces. The primatial troops
+joined the main body of the army on the banks of the March, and what
+there was of soldiery on the farther side of the Danube hastened to
+concentrate in the neighborhood of the Raab--only half equipped, muskets
+without flints, without cartridges, without saddles, with halters in
+lieu of bridles!
+
+Under such circumstances a fully equipped troop like that commanded by
+"Count Fertöszeg," with sabers, pistols, carbines, and a leader trained
+in the battle-field, was of some value.
+
+The days which followed the flag presentation were certainly not
+calculated to whispers of happy love, while the nights were illumined
+only by the light of watch-fires, and the glare over against the horizon
+of cannonading. Count Ludwig had so many demands on his time that he
+rarely found a few minutes free to visit his dear ones at the manor.
+Sometimes he came unexpectedly early in the morning, and sometimes late
+in the evening. And always, when he came, like the insurgent who dashes
+unceremoniously into your door, there was a confusion and a bustling to
+conceal what he was not yet to see--Marie's first attempts at drawing,
+her piano practices, or the miniature portrait Katharina was painting of
+her. Sometimes, too, he came when they were at a meal; and then, despite
+his protests that he had already dined or supped in camp, he would be
+compelled to take his seat between the two ladies at the table. Hardly
+would he have taken up his fork, however, when a messenger would arrive
+in great haste to summon him for something or other--some question he
+alone could decide; then all attempts to detain him would prove futile.
+
+The day he received his orders to march, he was forced to take enough
+time to speak on some very important matters to his betrothed wife. He
+delivered into her hands the steel casket, of which so much has been
+written. When he entered the room where the two ladies were sitting,
+Marie discreetly rose and left the lovers alone; but she did not go very
+far: she knew that she would be sent for very soon. Why should she stop
+to hear the exchange of lovers' confidences, hear the mutual confessions
+which made _them_ so happy? She did not want to see the tears which _he_
+would kiss away.
+
+"May God protect you," sobbed Katharina, reflecting at the same moment
+that it would be a great pity were a bullet to strike the spot on the
+noble brow where she pressed her farewell kiss.
+
+"You will guard my treasure, Katharina? Take good care of my palladium
+and of yourself. Before I go, let me show you what this casket which you
+must guard with unceasing care contains."
+
+He drew the steel ring from his thumb, and pushed to one side the crown
+which formed the seal, whereupon a tiny key was revealed. With it he
+unlocked the casket.
+
+On top lay a packet of English bank-notes of ten thousand pounds each.
+
+"This sum," explained Ludwig, "will defray the expenses of our
+undertaking. When I shall have attained my object, I shall be just so
+much the poorer. I am not a rich man, Katharina; I must tell you this
+before our marriage."
+
+"I should love you even were you a beggar," was the sincere response.
+
+A kiss was her reward.
+
+Underneath the bank-notes were several articles of child's clothing,
+such as little girls wear.
+
+"Her mother embroidered the three lilies on these with her own hands,"
+said Ludwig, laying the little garments to one side. Then he took from
+the casket several time-stained documents, and added: "These are the
+certificate of baptism, the last lines from the mother to her daughter,
+and the deposition of the two men who witnessed the exchange of the
+children. This," taking up a miniature-case, "contains a likeness of
+Marie, and one of the other little girl who exchanged destinies with
+her. The Marquis d'Avoncourt, who is now a prisoner in the Castle of
+Ham,--if he is still alive!--is the only one besides ourselves who knows
+of the existence of these things. And now, Katharina, let me beg of you
+to take good care of them; no matter what happens, do not lose sight of
+this casket."
+
+He locked the casket, and returned the ring to his thumb.
+
+The baroness placed the treasure intrusted to her care in a secret
+cupboard in the wall of her own room.
+
+And now, one more kiss!
+
+The girl waiting in the adjoining room was doubtless getting weary.
+Suddenly Ludwig heard the tones of a piano. Some one was playing, in the
+timid, uncertain manner of a new beginner, Miska's martial song. Ludwig
+listened, and turned questioningly toward his betrothed. Katharina did
+not speak; she merely smiled, and walked toward the door of the
+adjoining room, which she opened.
+
+Marie sprang from the piano toward Ludwig, who caught her in his arms
+and rewarded her for the surprise. And thus it happened that Marie,
+after all, was the one to receive Ludwig's last kiss of farewell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The camp on the bank of the Rabcza was shared by the troop from
+Fertöszeg and by a militia company of infantry from Wieselburg.
+
+The parole had been given out for the night. Count Vavel had completed
+his round of the outposts, and had returned to the officers' tent. Here
+he found awaiting him two old acquaintances--the vice-palatine and the
+young attorney from Pest, each of them wearing the light-blue dolman.
+
+The youthful attorney, whose letters to the count had voiced the
+national discontent, had at once girded on his sword when the call to
+arms had sounded throughout the land, and was now of one mind with his
+quondam patron: if he got near enough to a Frenchman to strike him, the
+result would certainly be disastrous--for the Frenchman. Bernat bácsi
+also found himself at last in his element, with ample time and
+opportunity for anecdotes. Seated on a clump of sod the root side up,
+with both hands clasping the hilt of his sword, the point of which
+rested on the ground, he repeated what he had heard from the palatine's
+own lips, while dining with that exalted personage in the camp by the
+Raab.
+
+At a very interesting point in his recital he was unceremoniously
+interrupted by the challenging call of the outposts:
+
+"Halt! who comes there?"
+
+Vavel hastened from the tent, flung himself on his horse, and galloped
+in the direction of the call. The patrol had stopped an armed man who
+would not give the password, but insisted that he had a right to enter
+the camp.
+
+Vavel recognized Satan Laczi, and said to the guard:
+
+"Release him; he is a friend of mine." Then to the ex-robber: "Come with
+me."
+
+He led the way to his own private tent, where he bade his companion rest
+himself on a pallet of straw.
+
+"I dare say you are tired, my good fellow."
+
+"Not very," was the reply. "I have come only from Kapuvar to-day."
+
+"On foot?"
+
+"Part of the way, and part of the way swimming."
+
+"What news do you bring?"
+
+"We captured a French courier in the marshes near Vitnyed just as he was
+about to ride into the stream."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Well, you see, one of my fellows happened to grasp him a little too
+tightly by the collar, because he resisted so obstinately--and, besides,
+it must have been a very weak cord that fastened his soul to his body."
+
+"You have not done well, Satan Laczi," reproved the count. "Another time
+you must bring the prisoner to me alive, for I may learn something of
+importance from him. Did not I tell you that I would pay a reward for a
+living captive?"
+
+"Yes, your lordship, and we shall lose our reward this time. But we
+did n't capture the fellow for nothing, after all. We searched his
+pockets, and found this sealed letter addressed to a general in the
+enemy's army."
+
+Vavel took the letter, and said: "Rest here until I return. You will
+find something to eat and drink in the corner there. I may want you to
+ride farther to-night."
+
+"If I am to go on a horse, that will rest me sufficiently," was the
+response.
+
+Vavel quitted the tent to read the letter by the nearest watch-fire. It
+was addressed to "General Guillaume."
+
+That the general commanded a brigade of the viceroy of Italy's troops,
+Vavel knew.
+
+The letter was a long one--four closely written pages. Before reading it
+Vavel glanced at the signature: "Marquis de Fervlans." The name seemed
+familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it. He was fully
+informed when he read the contents:
+
+     "M. GENERAL: The intrigue has been successfully carried out.
+     Themire has found the fugitives! They are hidden in a secluded nook
+     on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, where their extreme
+     caution has attracted much attention. Themire's first move was to
+     take up her abode in the same neighborhood, which she did in a
+     masterly manner. The estate she bought belonged to a Viennese baron
+     who had ruined himself by extravagance. Themire bought the
+     property, paying one hundred thousand guilders for it, on condition
+     that she might also assume the baron's name; such transfers are
+     possible, I believe, in Austria. In this wise Themire became the
+     Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, and, as she thoroughly
+     understands the art of transformation, became a perfect German
+     woman before she took possession of her purchase. In order not to
+     arouse suspicion on the part of the fugitives, she carefully
+     avoided meeting either of them, and played to perfection the rôle
+     of a lady that had been jilted by her lover.
+
+     "Themire learned that our fugitive owned a powerful telescope with
+     which he kept himself informed of everything that happened in the
+     neighborhood, and this prompted her to adopt a very amusing plan of
+     action. _I_ wanted to put an end at once to the matter, and had
+     gone to Vienna for the purpose of so doing. I entered the Austrian
+     army as Count Leon Barthelmy, in order to be near my chosen
+     emissary. But my scheme was without result. I had planned that a
+     notorious robber of that region should steal the girl and the
+     documents from the Nameless Castle,--as the abode of the fugitives
+     is called,--but my robber proved unequal to the task. Consequently
+     I was forced to accept Themire's more tedious but successful plan.
+     The difficulty was for Themire to become acquainted with our
+     fugitive without arousing his suspicions. An opportunity offered.
+     One night, when we knew to a certainty that the hermit in the
+     Nameless Castle would be in his observatory because of an eclipse
+     of the moon, Themire put her plan into operation. The hermit, who
+     is only a man, after all, found a lovely woman more attractive than
+     all the planets in the universe; he was captured in the net laid
+     for him! When the moon entered the shadow, four masked robbers
+     (Jocrisse was their leader!) climbed into the Baroness
+     Landsknechtsschild's windows. The hermit in his observatory beheld
+     this incursion, and, being a knight as well as a recluse, what else
+     could he do but rush to the rescue of his fair neighbor? His
+     telescope had told him she was fair. Jocrisse played his part
+     admirably. At the approach of the deliverer the "robbers" took to
+     their heels, and the brave knight unbound the fettered and charming
+     lady he had delivered from the ruffians. As Themire had prepared
+     herself for the meeting, you may guess the result: the hermit was
+     captured!"
+
+Oh, how every drop of blood in Vavel's veins boiled and seethed! His
+face was crimsoned with shame and rage. He read further:
+
+     "Themire was perfectly certain that the mysterious hermit of the
+     Nameless Castle had fallen in love with her; and _I_ am not so sure
+     but Themire has ended by falling in love with the knight! Women's
+     hearts are so impressionable.
+
+     "I managed to have my regiment sent to her neighborhood, and took
+     up my quarters in her house. I sought by every means to lure the
+     hermit from his den; but he is a cunning fox, is this protector of
+     fair ladies! I could not get a sight of him. I decided at last to
+     waylay him (when he would be out driving with the veiled lady), to
+     pretend that I was a betrayed husband in search of his errant wife,
+     and ask to see the face of his veiled companion. This, naturally,
+     he would refuse. A duel would be the result; and as he has not for
+     years had a weapon in his hand, and as I am a dead shot, you can
+     guess the result--a hermit against a Spadassin! With a bullet in
+     his brain, the mysterious maid would become my property."
+
+Here an icy chill shook Vavel's frame. He read on:
+
+     "That was my intention. But something on which I had not counted
+     prevented me from carrying it out. When I insisted on seeing the
+     face of the veiled lady, after telling him I believed her to be my
+     wife, Ange Barthelmy (I need not tell you that that entire story
+     was an invention of my own; I published it in a provincial
+     newspaper, whence it spread all over Europe), my brave hermit
+     showed a very bold front, and we were on the point of exchanging
+     blows, when the lady suddenly flung back her veil and revealed the
+     face of--Themire! You may believe that I was dumfounded for an
+     instant; then I began to believe that my faith in this woman had
+     been misplaced. Could it be possible that she had been caught in
+     her own trap--that she had found this Vavel's eyes more alluring
+     than the fortune we promised her, and that instead of betraying him
+     to us she would do the very opposite--betray us to him? It may be
+     that she has woven a more delicate web than I can detect with which
+     to entangle her romantic victim the more securely. At all events,
+     when I asked Vavel what relation the lady at his side bore to him,
+     he replied: 'She is my betrothed wife.'
+
+     "I confess I am puzzled. But I have the means of compelling Themire
+     to keep her promise. Her daughter is in my power!"
+
+("Her daughter?" gasped Vavel. "Her daughter? Then Katharina is a
+married woman!")
+
+     "But," he continued to read, "it might happen that a woman who is
+     in love would sacrifice her child. So soon as this war broke out,
+     Vavel threw off his hermit's mask, and is now leading a company of
+     troopers--which he equipped at his own expense--against us.
+
+     "From Jocrisse's letters I learn that Vavel's treasures are now in
+     Themire's hands. That which our fair emissary was commissioned to
+     find is in her possession. Now, however, the question is, What will
+     she do with it?
+
+     "Jocrisse also informs me that Themire is quite bewitched with the
+     amiability of the maid who has been intrusted to her care. If this
+     be true, then matters are in a bad way. If this is not another of
+     Themire's schemes, but actual sympathy, if this girl, whose
+     remarkable loveliness of character (even Jocrisse is compelled to
+     praise her) has won the piquant little Amélie's place in her
+     mother's heart, then it will be more difficult to separate Themire
+     from the girl than to win her from her lover."
+
+This was a solitary ray of sunshine amid the threatening clouds which
+enveloped Ludwig. He continued to read with rapidly beating heart:
+
+     "I must know to a certainty what Themire proposes to do. To-day I
+     sent her a message by a trusty courier, informing her that I should
+     be at a certain place at an appointed time--that I wanted her to
+     meet me and deliver into my hands the treasures she now holds. She
+     will have an excellent excuse for leaving the manor. Our troops are
+     approaching Steiermark, and have already crossed the Hungarian
+     border. Thus it will seem as if she fell by accident into the hands
+     of the enemy.
+
+Vavel's heart almost ceased to beat. The letter shook in his trembling
+hands.
+
+     "I shall not, however," he continued to read, "depend on the fickle
+     mood of a woman, who may be swayed by a tear or a love-letter. If
+     Themire does not appear with the maid and the documents at the
+     designated spot to-morrow evening, then I shall ride with my troop
+     to the manor. My troop, as you know, belongs to the 'Legion of
+     Demons,' and they do not know the definition of the word
+     'impossible'! If Themire of her own free will delivers the
+     treasures into my hands, I shall thank her becomingly. If, however,
+     she fails to meet me, I shall take the maid and the documents by
+     force."
+
+Vavel did not notice that the firelight by which he was reading the
+letter had begun to grow dim; he believed the characters on the page
+before him were swimming in a blood-red mist.
+
+     "And now," the letter went on, "I come to my instructions to you,
+     general. You will move with your division toward the southern
+     shore of Lake Neusiedl, and cut off the way of our fugitives toward
+     the Tyrol. There is also another task which you must undertake. The
+     mysterious maid, once she is in our hands, must be treated with the
+     utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
+     know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
+     will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
+     yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
+     crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
+     crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
+     Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
+     with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
+     hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
+     sovereign can be."
+
+Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
+that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
+But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
+become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
+nature was concentrated--this was more horrible than all the torments of
+hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.
+
+     "With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
+     and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
+     the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
+     to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
+     exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
+     persons. Countess Themire Dealba's rôle is concluded. She must not
+     be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
+     sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five millions of francs,
+     as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
+     her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
+     them prepare for the journey.
+
+     "Very truly,
+
+     "MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."
+
+Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
+action.
+
+He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
+enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
+on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.
+
+Ludwig shook him vigorously.
+
+"Awake--awake! You must depart at once."
+
+Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.
+
+"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
+Fertöszeg."
+
+"And what am I to do there?"
+
+"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
+kept concealed in the Nameless Castle?"
+
+"Yes; but I did n't do it."
+
+"Well, I want you to do it now for me."
+
+"Which do you want, the maid or the casket?"
+
+"Both, if possible; the maid in any case. But you must be sure that she
+is alone when you approach her. Then say merely the name 'Sophie Botta,'
+and she will listen quietly to what you have to say. Then show her this
+ring,--here, put it on your left thumb"--he drew the steel ring from his
+own thumb and slipped it on to Satan Laczi's,--"and say, 'The person who
+wears this ring sent me to fetch you away from here. You are to come
+with me at once.'"
+
+"And where am I to take her?"
+
+"You will have a carriage with four swift horses at the park gate
+nearest the cemetery, and must drive with the maid to Raab.--Don't stop
+on any account until you get there. In Raab you will inquire for the
+house of Dr. Tromfszky, who is our army physician. He will have been
+advised of your coming, and will take charge of the maid. Then you will
+return to me here, and report what you have done. Here is a passport; if
+you are stopped at our lines show it to the guard. And here is a purse;
+don't spare the contents. And do not speak to a living soul about your
+mission."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed," responded Satan Laczi, as he turned to
+leave the tent.
+
+Vavel did not go back to the officers' tent. He went out into the night,
+and stood with folded arms, gazing with unseeing eyes into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+PART VIII
+
+KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+It was a delightful May evening. Marie was practising diligently her
+piano lesson, in order to surprise Ludwig with her progress when he
+should return from the war. That he would return Marie was quite
+certain.
+
+Katharina had gone into the park for a solitary promenade. She had
+complained all day of a headache--a headache that began to trouble her
+after she had read the letter she had received that morning from the
+Marquis de Fervlans. She held the letter in her hand now, and read it
+again for the hundredth time.
+
+Yes, she had accomplished her mission successfully; the fugitive maid
+and the important documents were in her possession; and yet her
+trembling hand refused to grasp the promised reward. A fortune awaited
+her for the comedy she had played with such success--a comedy in which
+she had acted the part of the charitable lady of the manor.
+
+And what if there had been something of reality in the farce? Suppose
+her heart had learned to thrill with emotions hitherto unknown to it?
+Suppose it had learned to know the true meaning of gratitude--of love?
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+If she were alone in the world! But there was Amélie, her dear little
+daughter, who was now almost fifteen years old--almost a young lady.
+Should she leave Amélie in her present disagreeable position, a member
+of "Cythera's Brigade," or should she send for her, and confess to the
+man whose respect she desired to retain that the child was her daughter,
+and that she was a widow? Could she tell him what she had once been?
+Would he continue to respect, to love her?
+
+Five millions of francs!
+
+It was an enormous sum, and would become hers if she should order the
+carriage, and, taking Marie and the casket with her, drive leisurely
+along the highway until stopped by a troop of soldiers that would
+suddenly surround the carriage. A politely smiling face would then
+appear at the window of the carriage, and a courteous voice would say:
+
+"Don't be alarmed, ladies. You are with friends. We are Frenchmen."
+
+But to renounce the love and respect so hardly won! Ah, how very dearly
+she loved the man to whom she had betrothed herself in jest! In jest?
+No, no; it was not a jest!
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+Would all the millions in the world buy one faithful heart?
+
+Katharina was suffering for her transgressions. She had intended to play
+with the heart of another, and had lost her own. Besides, she could not
+bear to think of betraying the innocent girl who loved and trusted her
+and called her "mother."
+
+But time pressed. Three times already Jocrisse had interrupted her
+meditations to inquire if her answer to the marquis's letter was ready.
+And still she struggled with herself. When Jocrisse appeared again, she
+said to him:
+
+"My letter is of such importance that I cannot think of intrusting it
+to the hands of a stranger. You yourself, Jocrisse, must take it to the
+marquis."
+
+"I am ready to depart at once, madame."
+
+Katharina wrote her reply, sealed it carefully, and gave it to Jocrisse,
+who set out at once on his errand.
+
+In the letter he carried were but three words:
+
+     "_Io non posso_" ("I cannot").
+
+Katharina locked herself in the pavilion in the park, and gave orders to
+the servants not to admit any visitors, whether acquaintances or
+strangers.
+
+An hour or more had passed when she heard a timid knock at the door, and
+an apologetic voice said:
+
+"A strange gentleman is here. I told him your ladyship would see no one;
+then he bade me give your ladyship this, which he said he had brought
+from Paris."
+
+Katharina opened the door wide enough to receive the object. It was a
+small ivory locket, yellow with age. Katharina's hand shook violently as
+she pressed the spring to open it. She cast a hasty glance at the
+miniature,--the likeness of her daughter Amélie,--then said in a
+faltering voice: "You may tell the gentleman I will see him."
+
+In a few minutes the visitor entered the pavilion.
+
+"M. Cambray!" exclaimed the baroness.
+
+"Yes, madame; I am Cambray, with my other name, Marquis Richard
+d'Avoncourt. I am he to whom you once said: 'I shall be grateful to you
+so long as I live.'"
+
+"How--how came you here?" gasped the baroness.
+
+"I managed to escape from my prison at Ham, went to Paris, where I saw
+your daughter--"
+
+"You saw my daughter?" interrupted the baroness, excitedly. "Did you
+speak to her? Oh, tell me--tell me what you know about her."
+
+"You shall hear all directly, madame. I told the countess that I
+intended to search for her mother, and asked if she had any message to
+send to her."
+
+"Did she send a letter with you?" again interrupted the baroness.
+
+"She did, madame. But before I give it to you I should like to have a
+shovel of hot coals and a bit of camphor."
+
+"But why--why?" demanded the baroness.
+
+"I will tell you. Do you know what Napoleon brought home with him from
+the bloody battle of Eilau?"
+
+"I have not heard."
+
+"The 'influenza.' I dare say you have never even heard the name; but you
+will very soon hear it often enough! It is a pestilential disease that
+is rather harmless where it originated, but when it takes hold of a
+strange region it becomes a deadly pestilence--as in Paris, where a
+special hospital has been established for patients with the disease. It
+was in this hospital I found your daughter as a nurse."
+
+"_Jesu Maria!_" shrieked the mother, in a tone of agony. "A nurse in
+that pest-house?"
+
+"Yes," nodded the marquis. Then he took from his pocket a letter, and
+added: "She wrote this to you from there."
+
+The baroness eagerly extended her hand to take the letter.
+
+"Would it not be better to fumigate it first?" said the marquis.
+
+"No, no; I am not afraid! Give it to me, I beg of you!"
+
+She caught the letter from his hand, tore it open, and read:
+
+     "DEAR LITTLE MAMA: What sort of a life are you leading out yonder
+     in that strange land? Do you never get weary or feel bored? Have
+     you anything to amuse you? _I_ have become satiated with my
+     life--lying, cheating, deceiving every day in order to live! While
+     I was a little girl I was proud of the praises heaped upon me for
+     my cleverness. But a day came when everything disgusted me. It is
+     an infamous trade, this of ours, little mama, and I have given it
+     up. I have begun to lead a different life--one with which I am
+     satisfied; and if you will take the advice of one who wishes you
+     well, you, too, will quit the old ways. You can embroider
+     beautifully and play the piano like a master. You could earn a
+     livelihood giving lessons in either. Do not trouble any further
+     about me, for I can take care of myself. If only you knew how much
+     happier I am now, you would rejoice, I know! Let me beg you to
+     become honest and truthful, and think often of your old friend and
+     little daughter,
+
+     "AMÉLIE (now SOEUÉR AGNES)."
+
+Katharina's nerveless hands dropped to her lap. This sharp rebuke from
+her only child was deserved.
+
+Then she sprang suddenly toward her visitor, grasped his arm, and cried:
+
+"Tell me--tell me about my daughter, my little Amélie! How does she look
+now? Is she much changed? Has she grown? Oh, M. Cambray! in pity tell
+me--tell me about her!"
+
+"I have brought you a portrait of her as she looked when I saw her
+last."
+
+He drew from his pocket a small case, and, opening it, disclosed a
+pallid face with closed eyes. A wreath of myrtle encircled the head,
+which rested on the pillow of a coffin.
+
+"She is dead!" screamed the horror-stricken mother, staring with wild
+eyes at the sorrowful picture.
+
+"Yes, madame, she is dead," assented the marquis. "This portrait is sent
+by your daughter as a remembrance to the mother who exposed her on the
+streets, one stormy winter night, in order that she might spy upon
+another little child--a persecuted and homeless little child."
+
+The baroness cowered beneath the merciless words as beneath a stinging
+lash: but the man knew no pity; he would not spare the heartbroken
+woman.
+
+"And now, madame," he continued in a sharp tone, "you can go back to
+your home and take possession of your reward. You have worked hard to
+earn the blood-money."
+
+Here the baroness sat suddenly upright, tore from her bosom a small gold
+note-case, in which was the order for the five millions of francs. She
+opened the case, took out the order, and tore it into tiny bits. Then
+she flung them from her, crying savagely:
+
+"Curse him who brought me to this! God's curse be upon him who brought
+this on me!"
+
+"Madame," calmly interposed the marquis, "you have not yet completed the
+task you were set to do."
+
+"No, no; I have not--I have not," was the excited response, "and I never
+will. Come--come with me! The maid and what belongs to her are
+here--safe, unharmed. Take her--fly with her and hers whithersoever you
+choose to go; I shall not hinder you."
+
+"That I cannot do, madame. I am a stranger in a strange land. I know not
+who is my friend or who is my foe. _You_ must save the maid. If
+atonement is possible for you, that is the way you may win it. You know
+best where the maid will be safe from her persecutors. Save her, and
+atone for your transgression against her. Ludwig Vavel gave you his love
+and, more than that, his respect. Would you retain both, or will you
+tear them to tatters, as you have the order for the five million francs?
+Will you let me advise you?" he asked, suddenly.
+
+"Advise me, and I will follow it to the letter!"
+
+"Then disguise yourself as a peasant, hide the steel casket in a hamper,
+and take it to Ludwig Vavel, wherever he may be."
+
+"And Marie?"
+
+"You cannot with safety take her with you. The maid and the casket must
+not remain together. You must conceal Marie somewhere until you return
+from the camp."
+
+"Will you not stay here and keep watch over her until I return?"
+
+"I thank you, madame, for your hospitality, but I must not accept it. I
+come direct from the influenza hospital. I feel that the disease has
+laid hold of me. I have comfortable quarters at the Nameless Castle,
+where my old friend Lisette will take care of me. Don't let Marie come
+to see me; and if I should not recover from this illness, which I feel
+will be a severe one, let me be buried down yonder on the shore of the
+lake."
+
+When the Marquis d'Avoncourt left the pavilion he was shaking with a
+violent chill, and as he took his way with tottering steps toward the
+Nameless Castle, Katharina, broken-hearted and filled with anguish, wept
+out her heart in bitter tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Marie had finished practising her lesson, and hastened to join Katharina
+in the park. She found her in the pavilion, and was filled with alarm
+when she saw her "little mama" kneeling among the fragments of her
+fortune. Katharina's tear-stained eyes, swollen face, and drawn lips
+betrayed how terribly she was suffering.
+
+"My dearest little mama!" exclaimed Marie, hastening toward the kneeling
+woman, and trying to lift her from the floor, "what is the matter? What
+has happened?"
+
+"Don't touch me," moaned the baroness. "Don't come near me. I am a
+murderess. I murdered her who called me mother."
+
+She held the ivory locket toward Marie, and added: "See, this is what
+she was like when I deserted her--my little daughter Amélie!"
+
+"Your daughter?" repeated Marie, wonderingly. "You have been married?
+Are you a widow?"
+
+"I am."
+
+Katharina now held toward the young girl the portrait M. Cambray had
+given her. "And this," she explained in a hollow tone, "is what she is
+like now--now, when I wanted her to come to me."
+
+"Good heaven!" ejaculated Marie, gazing in terror at the miniature, "she
+is dead?"
+
+"Yes--murdered--as you, too, will be if you stay with me! You must
+fly--fly at once!"
+
+"Katharina!" interposed the young girl, "why do you speak so?"
+
+"I say that you must leave me. Go--go at once! Go down to the parsonage,
+and ask Herr Mercatoris to give you shelter. Tell him to clothe you in
+rags; and when you hear the tramp of horses, hide yourself, and don't
+venture from your concealment until they are gone. I, too, am going away
+from here."
+
+"But why may not I come with you?" asked Marie, in a troubled tone.
+
+"Where I go you cannot accompany me. I am going to steal through the
+lines of Ludwig's camp."
+
+"You are going to Ludwig?" interrupted the young girl.
+
+"Yes, to deliver into his hands the casket containing your belongings.
+After that I--I don't know what will become of me."
+
+"Katharina! Don't frighten me so! Do you imagine that Ludwig will cease
+to love you when he learns you are a widow, and that you had a
+daughter?"
+
+"Oh, no; he will not hate me because I had a daughter," returned
+Katharina, shaking her head sadly, "but because my wickedness destroyed
+her."
+
+"Don't talk so, Katharina," again expostulated Marie.
+
+"Why, don't you see that she is dead? Look at these closed eyes, the
+white face! Ask these closed lips to open and tell you that I did not
+murder her!"
+
+"Katharina, this is not true! Your enemies have told you this to grieve
+you. Look at these two pictures! There is not the least resemblance
+between them. This pale one is not your daughter. He who told you so
+lied cruelly."
+
+Katharina sighed mournfully.
+
+"He who told me so does not lie. It was your old friend Cambray."
+
+"Cambray?" echoed Marie, with mingled delight and astonishment. "Cambray
+is here? My deliverer, my second father! Where is he?"
+
+"He is gone. He accomplished that for which he came,--to crush me to the
+earth, and to serve you,--and has gone away again."
+
+"Gone away?" repeated Marie, incredulously. "Gone away? Impossible!
+Cambray would not go away without seeing me! Which way did he go? I will
+run after him and overtake him."
+
+"No; stay where you are!" commanded Katharina, seizing her arm. "You
+must not follow him."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Listen, and I will tell you. Cambray brought these pictures and this
+letter from Paris. The letter was written by my daughter in the
+hospital, where she caught the dreadful disease which caused her death.
+She had been nursing the sick, like a heroine, and died like a saint. It
+is well with her now, for she is in heaven. If I weep, it is not for
+her, but for myself. The deadly disease Amélie died of has seized upon
+your friend Cambray; and the noble old man is unselfish even in dying.
+He does not want you to come near him, lest you, too, become affected by
+the pestilence. He is gone to the Nameless Castle, where Lisette will
+take care of him--"
+
+"Lisette?" interrupted Marie, excitedly. "Lisette, who was afraid to go
+near her own husband when he lay dying!"
+
+"Well, what would you? Shall I send some one to nurse him?"
+
+"No--no. _I_ am the one to take care of him! He was a father to me. For
+my sake he was imprisoned, persecuted, buried alive all these years! And
+I am to let him die over yonder--alone, without a friend near him! No; I
+am going to him. That which your other daughter had the courage to do,
+this one also will do!"
+
+"Marie! Think of Ludwig! Do you wish to drive him to despair?"
+
+"God watches over us. He will do what is well for all of us!"
+
+"Marie"--Katharina made a last effort to detain the young girl--"Marie,
+do you wish to go to Cambray to learn from him that I am the curse-laden
+creature who was sent after you to capture you and deliver you into the
+hands of your enemies?"
+
+Marie turned at these desperate words, held out her hand, and said
+gently:
+
+"And if he were to tell me that, Katharina, I should say to him that,
+instead of destroying me you liberated me, and instead of hating me you
+love me as I love you."
+
+She made as if she would kiss Katharina; but the excited woman turned
+away her face, and held toward Marie the letter Cambray had given her.
+
+"Read this, and learn to know me as I am," she said in a choking voice.
+
+While Marie was reading the letter, Katharina covered her burning face
+with both hands; but they were gently drawn away and held in the young
+girl's warm clasp, while she spoke:
+
+"A reply must be sent to this letter, little mother. I shall say to her,
+through the soul now on the eve of departure to the better land where
+she dwells: 'Little sister, your mother will wear the pure white
+garment, as you desired, in mourning for you. Instead of you, she will
+have me, and will love me, as I shall love her, in your stead. Bless us
+both, and be happy.' Shall I not send this message to your Amélie with
+my good friend Cambray?"
+
+"Go, then; go--go," convulsively sobbed Katharina, and fell upon her
+face on the floor as Marie hastened from the pavilion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+When her grief had exhausted itself, Katharina stole back to the manor,
+where she removed the steel casket from its hiding-place, wrapped it in
+her shawl, and, passing noiselessly and unseen down a staircase that was
+rarely used, crossed the park to the farmer's cottage.
+
+Here she told the farmer's wife that she was going to play a trick on
+her betrothed, that she wanted to borrow a gown and a kerchief. She bade
+the farmer saddle the mule which his wife rode when she went to the
+village, and to hang the hampers, as usual, from the pommel. In one of
+these she placed the steel casket, in the other a pistol, and filled
+them both with all sorts of provisions. Thus disguised, she mounted the
+quadruped, and set out alone on her way toward the camp.
+
+Almost at the same moment that Ludwig Vavel had learned of the deceit of
+the woman he loved, he became convinced that his ambitious designs had
+come to naught. The rising of the German patriots against Napoleon had
+ended in their defeat, and not a trace was left of the uprising among
+the French people themselves.
+
+It was the third day after the battle of Aspern when Master Matyas
+entered Count Vavel's tent.
+
+The jack of all trades had proved himself a useful member of the
+army--not, indeed, where there was any fighting, for he much preferred
+looking on, when a battle was in progress, to taking an active part in
+the fray. But as a spy he was invaluable.
+
+"I have seen everything," he announced. "I saw the balloon in which a
+French engineer made an ascent to the clouds, to reconnoiter the
+Austrian camp. He went up as high as a kite, and they held on to the
+rope below, down which he sent his messages--observations of the
+Austrians' movements. I saw the bridge, which is two hundred and forty
+fathoms long, which can be transported from place to place, and reaches
+from one bank of the Danube to the other. And I saw that demi-god flying
+on his white horse. He was pale, and trembled."
+
+"And how came you to see all these sights, Master Matyas?" interrupted
+Vavel.
+
+"I allowed the Frenchmen to capture me; then I was set to work in the
+intrenchments with the other prisoners."
+
+"And did you manage to deliver my letter?"
+
+"Oh, yes. The Philadelphians are easily recognized from the silver arrow
+they wear in their ears. When I whispered the password to one of them,
+he gave it back to me, whereupon I handed him your letter. I came away
+as soon as he brought me the answer. Here it is."
+
+This letter by no means lightened Vavel's gloomy mood. Colonel Oudet,
+the secret chief of the Philadelphians in the French army, heartily
+thanked Count Vavel for his offer of assistance to overthrow Napoleon;
+but he also gave the count to understand that, were Bonaparte defeated,
+the republic would be restored to France. In this case, what would
+become of Vavel's cherished plans?
+
+It was after midnight. The pole of "Charles's Wain" in the heavens stood
+upward. Ludwig approached the watch-fire, and told the lieutenant on
+guard that he might go to his tent, that he, Vavel, would take his
+place for the remainder of the night. Then he let the reins drop on the
+neck of his horse, and while the beast grazed on the luxuriant grass,
+his rider, with his carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, continued
+the night watch. The night was very still; the air was filled with
+odorous exhalations, which rose from the earth after the shower in the
+early part of the evening. From time to time a shooting star sped on its
+course across the sky.
+
+One after the other, Ludwig Vavel read the two letters he carried in his
+breast. He did not need to take them from their hiding-place in order to
+read them. He knew the contents by heart--every word. One of them was a
+love-letter he had received from his betrothed; the other was the Judas
+message of his enemy and Marie's.
+
+At one time he would read the love-letter first; then that of the
+arch-plotter. Again, he would change the order of perusal, and test the
+different sensations--the bitter after the sweet, the sweet after the
+bitter.
+
+Suddenly, through the silence of the night, he heard the distant tinkle
+of a mule-bell. It came nearer and nearer. He heard the outpost's "Halt!
+Who comes there?" and heard the pleasant-voiced response: "Good evening,
+friend. God bless you."
+
+"Ah!" muttered Ludwig, with a scornful smile, "my beautiful bride is
+sending another supply of dainties. How much she thinks of me!"
+
+The mule-bell came nearer and nearer.
+
+By the light of the watch-fire Vavel could see the familiar red kerchief
+the farmer's wife from the manor was wont to wear over her head. The
+mule came directly toward the watch-fire, and stopped when close to
+Vavel's horse. The woman riding the beast slipped quickly to the ground,
+emptied the provisions from the hampers, then, lifting the object which
+had been concealed in the bottom of one of them, came around to Vavel's
+side, saying:
+
+"It is I. I have come to seek you."
+
+"Who is it?" he demanded sternly, recognizing the voice; "Katharina or
+Themire?"
+
+"Katharina--Katharina; it is Katharina," stammered the trembling woman,
+looking pleadingly up into his forbidding face.
+
+"And why have you come here?"
+
+"I came to bring you this," she replied, holding toward him the steel
+casket.
+
+"Where is Marie?"
+
+"She is safe--with the Marquis d'Avoncourt."
+
+"What?" exclaimed Vavel, in amazement, flinging his carbine on the
+ground. "Cambray--d'Avoncourt--_here_?"
+
+"Yes; he is at the Nameless Castle, and Marie is with him."
+
+"After all, there is a God in heaven!" with deep-toned thankfulness
+ejaculated Ludwig. Then he added: "Oh, Katharina, how I have suffered
+because of--Themire!"
+
+"Themire is dead!" solemnly returned the baroness. "Let us not speak of
+her. Here, take these treasures into your own keeping; they are no
+longer safe with me. Open the casket and convince yourself that
+everything is there."
+
+"I cannot open it; I have not got the key."
+
+"Have you lost your ring?"
+
+"No. I have trusted the most notorious thief in the country with it. I
+have sent him with the ring to Marie. I bade him show it to her, and
+tell her that she was to follow him wherever he might lead her. Satan
+Laczi has the ring."
+
+Katharina covered her eyes with her hand, and stood with drooping head
+before her lover.
+
+"I have deserved this," she murmured brokenly.
+
+Vavel passed his hand over his face, and sighed. "It was all a dream!
+It was madness to expect impossibilities," he murmured. "I am familiar
+enough with the stars to have known that there are constellations which
+never descend to the horizon. The 'Crown' is one of them! Of what use
+are these rags now?" he exclaimed, with sudden vehemence, pointing to
+the casket, which Katharina still held on her arm. "Whom can they serve?
+They have brought only sorrow to him who has guarded them, and to her to
+whom they belong. I cannot open the casket; but I need not do that to
+destroy the contents. Pray throw it into the fire yonder."
+
+Katharina obeyed without an instant's hesitation. After a while the
+metal casket began to glow in the midst of the flames. It became red,
+then a pale rose-color, while a thin cord of vapor trailed through the
+keyhole.
+
+"The little garments are burning," whispered Vavel, "and the documents,
+and the portraits, and the heap of worthless money. From to-day," he
+added, in a louder tone, "I begin to learn what it is to be a poor man."
+
+"I have already learned what poverty means," said Katharina. "Look at
+these clothes! I have no others, and even these are borrowed."
+
+"I love you in them," involuntarily exclaimed Vavel, extending his hand
+toward her.
+
+"What? You offer me your hand? Do you believe that I am Katharina--only
+Katharina?"
+
+"That I may wholly and entirely believe that you are Katharina, and not
+Themire, answer one question. A creature who calls himself the Marquis
+de Fervlans and Leon Barthelmy is lying in ambush somewhere in this
+neighborhood, waiting for you to settle an old account with him. If you
+are the same to me that you once were, and if I am the same to you that
+I was once, tell me where I shall find De Fervlans, for it will be _my_
+duty then to settle with him."
+
+Katharina's face suddenly blazed with eager excitement. She flung back
+her head with a proud gesture.
+
+"I will lead you to the place. Together we will seek him!" she cried,
+with animation in every feature.
+
+"Then give me your hand. You _are_ Katharina--_my_ Katharina!"
+
+He bent toward her, and the two hands met in a close clasp.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Fertöszeg ordered the drums to beat a reveille; then he selected
+from his troop one hundred trusty men, and galloped with them in the
+direction of Neusiedl Lake. Katharina on her mule, without the tinkling
+bell, trotted soberly by his side.
+
+
+
+
+PART IX
+
+SATAN AND DEMON
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+There was a notorious troop with Napoleon's army, the sixth Italian
+regiment, which was called the "Legion of Demons."
+
+The troop was made up of worthless members of society--idlers,
+highwaymen, outcasts, and desperate characters, who had lost all sense
+of respectability and morality. The majority of them had sought the
+asylum of the battle-field to escape imprisonment or worse.
+
+When their commander led his "demons" to an attack, he was wont to urge
+them thus:
+
+"_Avanti, avanti, Signori briganti! Cavalieri ladroni, avanti!_"
+("Forward, forward, Messieurs Highwaymen! My chivalrous footpads,
+forward!")
+
+A division of this legion of demons had made its way with the vice-king
+of Italy thus far through the belt-line, and had been intrusted with the
+mission mentioned in De Fervlans's letter to General Guillaume. The
+marquis commanded this body of the demons, he having, as Colonel
+Barthelmy in the Austrian army, become thoroughly familiar with that
+part of Hungary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lisette and Satan Laczi's little son were living alone at the Nameless
+Castle.
+
+When Marie, who was come in quest of her friend Cambray, rang the bell,
+the door was opened by the lad.
+
+"Is there a strange gentleman here?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know. He went to see Lisette, and I did not see him come away,"
+was the reply.
+
+"Then let me come in," said the young girl. "I want to speak to Lisette,
+too."
+
+"She will beat me if I let you come in," returned the boy, opening the
+door after a moment's hesitation.
+
+The fumes of camphor were perceptible even in the vestibule; and when
+Marie's little conductor knocked at the door of the kitchen, a heaping
+shovelful of hot and smoking coals was thrust toward him, and a scolding
+voice demanded irritably:
+
+"What do you want again? Why do you keep annoying me, you little
+torment!"
+
+"Excuse me, Lisette," humbly apologized the lad, "but our young mistress
+from the manor is here."
+
+At this announcement Lisette hastily shut the door again, and opened a
+small loophole in an upper panel, through which she spoke in a sharp
+tone:
+
+"Why do you come here? Has the Lord forsaken you over yonder, that you
+come back to this pest-house? Get out of it as quickly as you can. Go
+down and hide yourself in the Schmidt's cottage--perhaps they will not
+betray you. Anyway, you can't stop here with us."
+
+"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,--stop here with you,"
+smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"
+
+"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is n't
+anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."
+
+"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."
+
+"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M.
+Cambray, for he does n't want to see you."
+
+"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her side, "Come with
+me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."
+
+Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened
+Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her
+little escort had disappeared down the corridor.
+
+There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were
+covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the
+varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on
+the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her
+former immaculate asylum.
+
+She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray!
+father! art thou here?" but received no reply.
+
+Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open
+like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not
+been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected
+guest in this only habitable chamber.
+
+Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!
+
+She hastened toward it. There was a light burning in the alcove, and she
+could see through the links by placing her eyes close to them. The noble
+old knight was lying on the bare floor, with his hands forming a pillow
+for his head. His glassy eyes were fixed and staring, and burning with a
+startling brightness. His parched lips were half-open, as if he were
+speaking.
+
+"Cambray! father!" called Marie; in a tone of distress.
+
+"Who calls? Marie?" gasped the fever-stricken man, making a vain attempt
+to rise. He fell back with a deep groan, but flung out his hand as if to
+ward off her approach.
+
+"Let me come in, Cambray. It is I, your little Marie. Please let me
+come in. There, close to your right hand, is a button in the floor.
+Press it, and this screen will rise."
+
+The sick man began to laugh; only his face showed that he was laughing,
+no sound came from his parched throat. He was laughing because he had
+prevented his favorite from coming to his pestilential resting-place.
+
+Marie deliberated a moment, then decided to resort to stratagem:
+
+"If you will not let me come in to you, papa Cambray," she called,
+simulating a petulant tone, "I shall go away, and not come back again.
+If you should want anything there will be a little boy here, outside;
+you can summon him by pressing that button. Good night, dear papa
+Cambray!"
+
+The sick man turned his face toward the screen and listened in dreamy
+ecstasy to the sweet voice. He raised his hand, waved it weakly toward
+the speaker, then clasped it with the other on his breast, while his
+lips moved as if in prayer.
+
+"Go fetch candles, and the tinder-box," whispered Marie to the little
+Laczko. "Place them here by the sofa, then light the lamp in the
+corridor."
+
+"May I fetch my gun, too?" asked the boy.
+
+"Your gun? What for?"
+
+"I should n't be afraid if I had it with me."
+
+"Then fetch it; but don't come into the room with it, for I am
+dreadfully afraid of guns. Leave it just outside the door."
+
+It was quite dark when Laczko returned with the candles and a heavy
+double-barreled fowling-piece. He carefully placed the latter in the
+corner, then asked:
+
+"Shall I light the candles now?"
+
+"Certainly not. I don't want the gentleman to know that I am here. Maybe
+he may want something, and open the screen. I am going to lie down on
+this sofa, and you are to stand close by the alcove and watch the
+gentleman. If he should lift the screen, and I have fallen asleep, you
+must waken me at once."
+
+Marie wrapped herself in her shawl, and lay down on the leather couch.
+Laczko took up his station as directed, close by the metal screen,
+through which he peered from time to time.
+
+But there was no danger of Marie falling asleep. She could not even keep
+her eyes closed. Every few moments she would sit up and ask in a
+cautious whisper:
+
+"What is he doing now?"
+
+"He is tossing from side to side."
+
+This reply was repeated several times.
+
+At last the answer came that the invalid was perfectly quiet, whereupon
+Marie decided not to inquire again for an hour.
+
+Suddenly she heard the lad say, in a trembling voice:
+
+"I am dreadfully frightened."
+
+"What of?" whispered Marie.
+
+"The gentleman lies so still. He has n't stirred for a long time."
+
+"He is asleep, I dare say."
+
+"If he were sleeping his breast would rise and fall; but he is perfectly
+still."
+
+Marie rose, and hastened to the screen. The smoking wick in the
+night-lamp near Cambray's head illumined his ghastly face. Marie had
+already seen one such pallid countenance--that of the old servant Henry
+when he lay dead on his bier.
+
+She shuddered, and retreated with trembling limbs, drawing the lad with
+her.
+
+"You may light the candle now," she whispered; "then we will go back to
+Lisette."
+
+Laczko lighted the candle, then shouldered his gun, and preceded his
+young mistress down the staircase to the lower story.
+
+They had almost reached the door of Lisette's room when Marie, who had
+been peering sharply ahead, stopped abruptly, and exclaimed in a
+startled tone:
+
+"There is a man!"
+
+Even as she spoke a dark form stepped from a doorway into the corridor
+in front of them. Marie retreated several steps; but her little escort
+proved that he was made of sterner stuff. He placed himself valiantly in
+front of his young mistress, laid his gun against his cheek, and aiming
+directly for the stranger's breast, said, in a brave tone:
+
+"Halt, or I will shoot you."
+
+"That's my brave lad," commented the stranger. "But don't shoot. It is
+I, your father."
+
+"Don't come any nearer, I tell you!" responded the lad, threateningly.
+
+"Why, I am not moving a muscle, lad; don't be foolish."
+
+"What do you want here?" demanded Laczko. "I will not let you do any
+harm to my mistress."
+
+Here Marie, who had recovered from her alarm, came forward, and laid her
+hand over her small defender's eyes.
+
+"Take down your gun, Laczko," she commanded. Then turning to the
+stranger asked: "What do you want, my good man?"
+
+For answer the man merely pronounced a name:
+
+"Sophie Botta."
+
+Without an instant's hesitation, and although she shuddered
+involuntarily when her eyes fell on the stranger's repulsive
+countenance, the young girl went close to his side, and said calmly:
+
+"What do you wish me to do?"
+
+Satan Laczi held the thumb-ring toward her, and said:
+
+"The person who wears this sent me to fetch you away from here. Are you
+ready to come with me at once?"
+
+"I am," replied Marie, who seemed unable to remove her eyes from the
+hideously ugly face before her.
+
+"My master," continued the ex-robber, "also bade me fetch a little steel
+casket. Do you know where it is hidden?"
+
+"The person who had it in her care has already taken it to your master,"
+was Marie's response.
+
+"Ah, she has taken it to him?" repeated Satan Laczi. "Then it is all
+right. I know now what I have to do. My master bade me convey you to a
+place of concealment; but my face is not exactly the sort to win
+anybody's confidence. Besides, I know some one who can perform this
+errand as well as I. The way to Raab is clear. Instead of taking you
+there myself, my wife will go with you. I think you would rather have
+her for a companion?"
+
+"Yes, I think I would rather go with a woman," diplomatically assented
+Marie.
+
+"As an additional protection, take this little lad with you." Here the
+ex-robber laid his hand on his son's shoulder, and looked proudly down
+on him. "His heart is already in the right place. And then he is not a
+wicked rascal like his father."
+
+He was silent a moment, then added: "But I intend to reform. When my
+master has spoken with the woman to whom he intrusted his treasures, and
+if she has not betrayed him, then I know where he will be to-morrow. And
+Satan Laczi will be there, too! Then I and my comrades will show them
+what we can do. But come, we must make haste, and get on as far as
+possible while the moon is shining."
+
+"But I am not properly clad for a journey," interposed Marie.
+
+"My wife brought a nice warm _bunda_ to wrap you in; it is in the
+carriage out yonder," returned the ex-robber.
+
+"One word first: you are acquainted with the man who made the metal
+screen in my apartments. Could you see him?"
+
+"He is in Count Vavel's service, and I can see him when I return to the
+camp."
+
+"Then tell him to come to the Nameless Castle at once. He understands
+the secret spring of the screen, behind which he will find a dead man.
+This man was a very good friend, and I want him properly buried."
+
+"I will give Master Matyas your order."
+
+Marie now took leave of the Nameless Castle, feeling that she would
+never again come back to it. But she had not the courage to enter her
+apartments again.
+
+The four-horse coach waited at the park gate. Marie entered it, wrapped
+the warm sheep-skin around her, and tied a cotton kerchief over her head
+in peasant fashion. Satan Laczi's wife took a seat by her side; the
+little Laczko climbed to the coachman's box, where he sat with his gun
+between his knees. Then the coachman cracked his whip, and the vehicle
+rattled down the road amid a cloud of dust. Satan Laczi looked after the
+coach until it disappeared around a turn in the road. Then he blew a
+shrill blast on his whistle, whereupon a number of wild-looking men,
+each armed to the teeth, emerged from the shrubbery and came toward him.
+Whispered orders were given, then the men in a body moved toward the
+willow-copse on the shore of the lake. Here were two flatboats drawn up
+on the beach. These were pushed into the water; the men entered them,
+each took an oar, and the unwieldy vessels were propelled along the
+shore toward the marshes.
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans had camped with his company of demons on the
+shore of Neusiedl Lake. The marquis himself had taken quarters at the
+inn in the nearest village, where, assisted by two companions of
+questionable respectability but of undoubted valor, he was testing the
+quality of the fiery wine of the region, when a peasant cart, drawn by
+three horses, drew up before the inn, and Jocrisse, Baroness Katharina's
+messenger, alighted.
+
+"Ah, here comes a sensible fellow," exclaimed the marquis. "I wonder
+what news he brings."
+
+He was very soon enlightened.
+
+"Hum! '_Io non posso!_'" he repeated, after reading the brief message
+Jocrisse delivered to him. "Very well, madame, I think I shall know what
+to do if you 'cannot'! Jocrisse, how is the country around Odenburg
+garrisoned?"
+
+"A division of militia cavalry occupies every town,"
+
+"That is exasperating! Not that I fear these militiamen might give my
+demons too much work; but I am afraid I may alarm them; then they will
+scamper in all directions, and frighten the entire Neusiedl region, so
+that when I arrive at Fertöszeg I shall find the birds flown and the
+nest empty. We must take them by surprise. Have you ever before been in
+this part of the country, Jocrisse?"
+
+"I accompanied the county surveyor once as far as Frauenkirchen."
+
+"Is the road practicable for wheels?"
+
+"To Frauenkirchen it is good for wagons; but beyond the city it is in a
+wretched condition."
+
+"Very well. You will engage a post-chaise here, and follow us to
+Frauenkirchen, where you will wait for further orders. What time did you
+leave Fertöszeg?"
+
+"About noon."
+
+"Listen. I suspect that your mistress will try to escape with the maid.
+If that is the case, we must bestir ourselves. But women are afraid to
+travel by night; and even if they have already left the manor, they
+cannot have gone very far. The water in the Danube was unusually high on
+the day of the battle at Aspern; that would cause the Raab to rise, and
+overflow the bridges crossing it. I shall doubtless overtake the
+fugitives at Vitnyed."
+
+"It will be rather risky crossing the Hansag at night," observed
+Jocrisse, "and no amount of money would induce one of these natives
+about here to act as guide. They are a peculiar folk."
+
+"Yes; but I shall not need a guide. I have an excellent map of the
+neighborhood, which I used when I was in garrison here. I used to hunt
+all over this region after wild boars and turkeys, and never had any
+difficulty finding my way, even at night."
+
+De Fervlans now sent orders to his troop to break camp at once, with as
+little stir as possible; and before twilight shadows fell upon the land,
+the demons were riding toward the Hansag.
+
+If we assume that Marie left the Nameless Castle in company with the
+wife of Satan Laczi at midnight, we can easily see that she would have
+but a few hours' advantage of the demons, who broke camp at sunset. If
+the latter met with no hindrance on their way, they would overtake the
+coach of the fugitives at the crossing of the Raab. As it was after
+midnight when Ludwig Vavel learned of the danger which threatened Marie,
+he could not, even if he had set out at once, have reached the Hansag
+before noon of the following day, by which time De Fervlans and his
+demons would have accomplished their errand. Therefore nothing short of
+a miracle could save the maid.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+The miracle happened--a true miracle, like the one of the biblical
+legend, when the Red Sea obstructed the way of the persecutor Pharaoh.
+
+Those who may doubt this assertion are referred to the "Monograph on
+Lake Neusiedl," in which may be read a description of the phenomenon. In
+the last years Lake Neusiedl had been drained, and where it had joined
+the lakes of the Hansag, a stout dam had been built. When the waters of
+the Hansag chain rose, the muddy undercurrent threw up great mounds of
+earth, like enormous excrescences on a diseased body. One of these huge
+mounds burst open at the top and emitted a black, slimy mud that
+inundated the surrounding morass for a considerable distance.
+
+Already in the neighborhood of St. Andras this slimy ooze was noticeable
+when the troop of demons galloped over the plantain-covered flats which
+here and there bent under the weight of the horsemen. As they proceeded,
+the enormous numbers of frogs became surprising, as if this host of
+amphibia had leagued against the invading demons. Then flocks of
+water-fowl, with clamorous cries and rustling wings, rose here and
+there, startled from their quiet nests by the approaching inundation,
+which by this time had completely hidden what was called in that region
+the public road. De Fervlans, at a loss what to make of this singular
+freak of nature, sent a horseman to the right, and one to the left, to
+examine the ground, and learn whence came the sea of slime, and how it
+might be avoided. Each of his messengers returned with the information
+that the slime was flowing in the direction he had ridden. The source,
+then, must be near where they had halted.
+
+"This is bad," said De Fervlans, impatiently. "This eruption of mud will
+hinder our progress. We can't run a race with it. We must look up
+another route, and this will delay us perhaps for hours. But we can make
+that up when on a hard road again."
+
+De Fervlans, who was familiar with the neighborhood, now led his troop
+in the direction of the path which ran through the morass toward the
+village of Banfalva, hoping thus to gain the excellent highway of
+Eszterhaza. Here and there from the swamp rose slight elevations of dry
+earth which were overgrown with alders and willows. On one of these
+"hills" De Fervlans concluded to halt for a rest, as both men and horses
+were weary with the toilsome journey over the wretched roads.
+
+Very soon enough dry wood was collected for a fire. There was no need to
+fear that the light might attract attention; the camp was far enough
+from human habitation, and neither man nor beast ever spent the night in
+the morass of the Hansag. Besides, they could have seen, from the top of
+a tree, if any one were approaching. They could see in the bright
+moonlight the long poplar avenue which led to Eszterhaza; and even a
+gilded steeple might be seen gleaming in the Hungarian Versailles, which
+was perhaps a two hours' ride distant.
+
+Suddenly the sharp call, "_Qui vive?_" was heard. It was answered by a
+sort of grunt, half-brute, half-human. Again the challenging call broke
+the silence, and was followed in a few seconds by a gunshot. Then a wild
+laugh was heard at some distance from the hill. De Fervlans hurried
+toward the guard.
+
+"What was it?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know whether it was a wild beast or a devil in human form," was
+the reply. "It was a strange-looking monster with a large head and
+pointed ears."
+
+"I 'll wager it is my runaway fish-boy!" exclaimed the marquis.
+
+"When I challenged the creature he stood up on his feet, and barked, or
+grunted, or whatever you might call it; and when I called out the second
+time he seemed to strike fire with something; at any rate, he did not
+act in the proper manner, so I fired at him. But I did n't hit him."
+
+"I should be sorry if you had," responded the marquis. "I am convinced
+that it was my little monster. I taught him to strike fire; and he was
+evidently attracted by the light of our camp-fire."
+
+Perhaps it would have been better had the guard shot the amphibious
+dwarf. Hardly had De Fervlans returned to his seat when the adjutant
+called his attention to a suspicious flashing in the morass a short
+distance from the hill on which they were resting. Suddenly, while they
+were watching the flashes of light, a column of flame rose toward the
+sky, then another, and another--the morass was on fire in a dozen
+places.
+
+"Hell, and all devils!" shouted De Fervlans, springing toward his horse.
+"The little monster has set the marsh-grass on fire, and it was I who
+taught the devil's spawn how to use touchwood! Give chase to the
+creature!"
+
+But the order for a chase came too late. In ten minutes the reeds
+growing about the hill were burning, and the demons were compelled to
+use their spurs in order to speed their horses from the dangerous
+conflagration.
+
+They did not stop until they had reached the Valla plain--driven to
+their mad gallop by the caricature of the "militiaman"!
+
+"This is a pretty state of affairs!" grumbled De Fervlans. "Mire first,
+then flames, bar our way. _Quis quid peccat, in eo punitur_--he who sins
+will be punished by his sin! I sinned in teaching that monster to strike
+fire. It has made us lose four more hours."
+
+The four hours were of some consequence to the fugitive maid and Ludwig
+Vavel.
+
+Dawn broke before the demons found the road between the groups of hills,
+and when they reached it, they still had before them that half of the
+Hansag which is formed by a series of small lakes.
+
+De Fervlans now became anxious to shorten their route. A lakelet of
+fifty or sixty paces in width is not an impassable hindrance for a
+horseman. Therefore it was not necessary to ride perhaps a thousand
+paces in making a detour of the lakelets--the demons must ride through
+them. How often had he, when following a deer, swam with his horse
+through just such a body of water. Only then it was autumn, and now it
+was spring.
+
+The flora of this marsh country has many species which hide underneath
+the water, and in the springtime send their long stems and tendrils
+toward the surface. De Fervlans was yet to learn that even plants may
+become foes. Those of his demons who were the first to plunge into the
+water suddenly began to call for help. Neither man nor beast can swim
+through a network of growing plants; at every movement they become
+entangled among the clinging tendrils and swaying stems, and sink to the
+bottom unless promptly rescued. The men on shore were obliged to grasp
+the tails of the struggling horses and draw them back to land. De
+Fervlans, who could not be convinced that it was impossible to swim
+across the narrow stretch of water, came very near losing his life among
+the aquatic growths. There was now no likelihood of their reaching the
+highway before sunrise.
+
+There was still another hindrance. The fire in the morass had alarmed
+the entire neighborhood, and the inhabitants were out, to a man,
+fighting the flames which threatened their meadows. Therefore De
+Fervlans, who wished to avoid attracting attention to his troop, was
+obliged to make his way through thickets and over rough byways, which
+was very tedious work.
+
+It was noon when they arrived at the bridge which crossed the Raab half
+a mile from Pomogy. At the farther end of this bridge was the
+custom-house, which was also a public inn.
+
+"We must rest there," said De Fervlans, "or our worn-out beasts will
+drop under us."
+
+Just as the troop rode on to the bridge, two men ran swiftly from the
+custom-house toward the swampy lowland. Before they entered the marsh
+they stopped, and bound long wooden stilts to their feet; and, thus
+equipped, stepped without difficulty from one earth-clod to another. No
+horseman could have followed them across the treacherous ground. De
+Fervlans's adjutant became uneasy when he saw these two men, whose
+actions seemed suspicious to him; but the marquis assured him that they
+were only shepherds whose herds pastured in the marshes.
+
+The troop dismounted at the inn, and demanded of the host whatever he
+had of victuals and drinks. He could offer them nothing better than sour
+cider, mead, and wild ducks' eggs. But when a demon is hungry and
+thirsty, even these will satisfy him. De Fervlans, who had not for one
+instant doubted that his expedition would be successful, spread out his
+map and planned their further march. General Guillaume would have
+received one of his letters at least,--he had sent two, with two
+different couriers in different directions,--and would now be waiting at
+Friedberg for the arrival of the demons and their distinguished captive.
+Therefore the most direct route to that point must be selected. It was
+not likely that any militia troops would be idling about that cart of
+the country; and if there were, the demons could very easily manage
+them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+One of the two men who crossed the morass on stilts was Master Matyas,
+whose distance marches during this campaign were something phenomenal.
+Matyas found Count Vavel with his troop already at Eszterhaza, and
+apprized him at once of De Fervlans's arrival at the bridge-inn. The
+Volons had not yet rested, but they had traveled over passable roads,
+and were not so exhausted. Their leader at once gave orders to mount.
+
+When Ludwig saw that Katharina also prepared to accompany the troop, he
+hurried to her side.
+
+"Don't come any farther, Katharina," he begged. "Remain here, where you
+will be perfectly safe. Something might happen to you when we meet the
+enemy."
+
+Katharina's smiling reply was:
+
+"No, my dear friend. I have paid a very high entrance-fee to see this
+tragedy, for that you will kill Barthelmy Fervlans I am as certain as
+that there is a just God in heaven!"
+
+"But _your_ presence will make me fear at a moment when I must not feel
+afraid--afraid for your safety."
+
+"Oh, don't trouble about yourself. I know you better. When you come in
+sight of the enemy you will forget all about _me_. As for me, I am going
+with you."
+
+The troop now set out on the march through the poplar avenue. When they
+drew near to Pomogy, Vavel sent a squad in advance to act as
+skirmishers, while he, with the rest of his men, took possession of a
+solitary elevation near the road, which was the work of human hands. It
+was composed of the refuse from a soda-factory, and encircled on three
+sides a low building. Vavel concealed his horsemen behind this
+artificial hillock, then, accompanied by Katharina, he ascended to the
+top to take a view of the surrounding country.
+
+He could see through his field-glass the bridge across the Raab and the
+inn at the farther end. The entire region was nothing but morass. A
+trench ran from the highway toward Lake Neusiedl; it could be traced by
+the dense growth of broom along its edges.
+
+"You are my adjutant," jestingly remarked Vavel to Katharina. "I am
+going down now; for if I should be seen here it will be known what is
+behind me. You are a farmer's wife, and will not arouse suspicion; stop
+here, therefore, and take observations with my glass, and keep me
+informed of what happens."
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans was enjoying a tankard of foaming mead when his
+adjutant came hastily into the room with the announcement that some
+troopers were approaching the bridge on the farther side of the river.
+De Fervlans hurried from the inn and gave orders to mount. As yet only
+the crimson hats of the troopers could be seen above the tall reeds on
+the farther shore.
+
+"Those are Vavel's Volons," said De Fervlans, taking a look through his
+glass. "I recognize the uniform from Jocrisse's description. Madame
+Themire has turned traitor, and sent the count to deal with me instead
+of coming herself. Very good! We will show the gentleman that war and
+star-gazing are different occupations. He was a soldier once; but I
+don't think he paid much attention to military tactics, else he would
+not have neglected to occupy yon hill, on which I see a peasant woman
+with a red kerchief over her head. That is an old soda-factory--I know
+the place well. I should n't wonder if Vavel had concealed some men
+there after all! That small body coming this way is evidently bent on a
+skirmishing errand. Well, our tactics will be to lure him from his
+concealment."
+
+He held a consultation with his subordinates; after which he turned
+toward the waiting demons, and called:
+
+"Signor Trentatrante!"
+
+The man came forward--a true type of the gladiator of the Vatican.
+
+"Dismount," ordered the marquis. "Take thirty men, and proceed on foot
+to the farther side of yon thicket, where you will lie in ambush until I
+have begun an assault on the soda-factory over yonder. The men in hiding
+there will show up when we approach; I shall then pretend to retreat,
+and lure them toward the thicket. You will know what to do then--fall
+upon them in the rear. When you have arrived at the thicket let me know.
+Set fire to that tallest clump of reeds near the willow-shrubs."
+
+"All right!" returned the signor. Then he selected thirty of his
+companions, who also dismounted, and they started at once to obey the
+orders of their leader.
+
+The "peasant woman with a red kerchief over her head," who was standing
+on the soda-factory hill, called in a low, clear tone to Ludwig:
+
+"De Fervlans is coming with his troop."
+
+"Then we must prepare a greeting for him," responded Vavel. He ordered
+his men into their saddles, then sallied forth with them to meet the
+enemy.
+
+The two bodies of soldiers moving toward each other were very nearly
+alike in numbers. Neither seemed to be in a particular hurry to begin an
+assault. Suddenly a column of smoke rose from the thicket near the
+bridge--it was the signal De Fervlans was waiting for. He gave orders to
+halt. The next instant there was a rattling salute from the demons'
+carbines. The "peasant woman" on the hill covered her face with both
+hands and shivered. The messengers of death flew about the head of her
+lover, but left him unharmed.
+
+Vavel now moved nearer to the attacking foe, and himself made straight
+for the leader. One of De Fervlans's lieutenants, however, a thick-set,
+sun-browned Sicilian, met the count's assault. There was a little
+sword-play, then Vavel struck his adversary's blade from his hand with a
+force that sent it whizzing through the air, and with his left hand
+thrust the Sicilian, who was reaching for his pistols, from the saddle.
+
+Nor had Vavel's companions been idle the while. The first assault was a
+success for the count's troop. De Fervlans now ordered a retreat. The
+death-heads looked upon this as a victory, and eagerly pursued the
+retreating foe. But the woman on the hill had already perceived that the
+retreat was but a feint. She saw the demons crouching among the reeds in
+the thicket, and guessed their intention.
+
+"Vavel!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "Vavel, take care! Look to
+your rear!"
+
+She imagined that her lover would hear her amid the tumult of the fight.
+
+But Vavel had ears and eyes only for what was in front of him. Nearer
+and nearer he approached to the trap De Fervlans had laid for him. He
+was in it! The trench was behind him now, and the demons in ambush were
+preparing to spring upon their prey.
+
+Katharina could look no longer. She ran down the hill, sprang on her
+mule, and galloped after her lover.
+
+De Fervlans's retreat was conducted in proper order, step by step, from
+earth-clod to earth-clod.
+
+Suddenly Katharina discovered that a mule was an obstinate beast. The
+one she was riding stopped abruptly, and would not advance another step.
+In vain she urged and coaxed. At last she sprang from the saddle, and on
+foot made her way toward the scene of the fray.
+
+At this moment the demons creeping steathily along the trench sprang
+from their concealment, their bayonets ready for action. They were on
+the point of firing a volley into the black backs of the Volons, when a
+rattling fire in their own rear brought down half of them dead and
+wounded. The uninjured on turning found themselves confronted by Satan
+Laczi and his comrades, who, black and slimy from their passage through
+the morass, sprang like tigers upon the foe.
+
+"Strike for their heads!" commanded Satan Laczi, as, with sabers drawn,
+the ex-robbers rushed upon the bewildered demons, who had at last met
+their match.
+
+When De Fervlans heard the firing in the neighborhood of the trench, he
+believed it to come from the muskets of his own men, and quickly sounded
+an attack. The demons, who had been feigning to retreat, now turned and
+met their pursuers, and a hand-to-hand conflict began.
+
+Vavel also had heard the firing behind him, and believed himself
+surrounded by the enemy. He beckoned to his trumpeter, to whom he wished
+to give orders to sound a retreat, but the man's horse unfortunately
+stumbled, and threw his rider to the earth. Three demons, at once sprang
+to capture the fallen trumpeter; but Vavel, who knew how necessary the
+man was to him, hastened to his assistance.
+
+De Fervlans in amazement watched this unequal encounter. A masterly
+conflict arouses admiration even in an enemy; and Vavel certainly
+proved himself a master in the art of fighting.
+
+He fought in cold blood; he was not in the least excited. He made no
+unnecessary thrusts, but wounded his three adversaries in the hand, the
+elbow, the forearm, whereby he rendered them incapable of further
+combat. De Fervlans saw how his skilled demons gave way before Vavel's
+masterly thrusts, while the Volons drew their unfortunate trumpeter from
+beneath his horse, and assisted him to mount again, after they had also
+helped the horse to his feet.
+
+But the trumpet was now useless; it was filled with mud. Consequently a
+signal for retreat could not be sounded.
+
+A dense mass of wild-hop vines inclosed the eastern side of the scene of
+action. De Fervlans glanced impatiently toward this green wall. The
+armed men who should penetrate it would decide the victory.
+
+Even as the thought flashed through his brain, the tangle of vines began
+to shake violently; but the first man to appear therefrom was not Signor
+Trentatrante, as De Fervlans had expected, but Satan Laczi, with his
+ferocious followers.
+
+The attack from this point was so unexpected that De Fervlans for a
+moment seemed stupefied; then quickly recovering himself, he dashed into
+the thick of the fight, Vavel following his example. By this time the
+trumpet had been cleansed, but no orders were received for a retreat
+signal; instead, the sound it shrilled above the fearful turmoil was:
+"Forward! forward!"
+
+With the blood pouring from a gaping wound in his head, Satan Laczi,
+swinging a saber he had captured from a foe, now rushed to meet De
+Fervlans, who at once recognized the former robber.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, preparing to meet the furious onslaught, "you have
+not yet found your way to the gallows!"
+
+"No; here in Hungary only traitors are hanged," retorted Satan Laczi, in
+a loud voice, as, with a mighty leap that would have done credit to a
+horse, he sprang toward the marquis, caught the reins from his hands,
+and with true robber-wit called: "Surrender, brother-rascal!"
+
+De Fervlans raised himself in his stirrups and brought his saber
+savagely down on the robber's head. This was the second serious cut
+Satan Laczi had received that day, and was evidently enough to calm his
+enthusiasm. He staggered to one side, made several vain attempts to
+straighten himself, then fell suddenly to the earth. His own blade,
+however, remained in the breast of De Fervlans's horse, where he had
+thrust it to the hilt.
+
+The marquis hardly had time to leap from the saddle before the poor
+beast fell under him.
+
+All seemed lost now. His men were confused and thrown into disorder. In
+desperation he tore his pistols from the saddle of his fallen horse.
+Only a single shrub separated him from his enemy,--twenty paces,--and De
+Fervlans was a celebrated shot.
+
+Count Vavel saw what was coming, and he too drew his pistol.
+
+"Good night, Chevalier Vavel!" in a mocking tone called De Fervlans, as
+his finger pressed the trigger. There was a sharp report, the ball
+whistled through the air--but Vavel did not fall.
+
+"Accept _my_ greeting, marquis!" responded Vavel, He raised his pistol,
+and fired without taking aim. De Fervlans fell backward to the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When De Fervlans's men saw that their leader had fallen they retreated
+toward the bridge, where a portion of the troop alighted and held at bay
+their pursuers, while the rest tore up and flung into the stream the
+planks of the bridge. Then the men who had prevented the Volons from
+following crossed on foot the narrow lengthwise beam to the opposite
+shore--a feat impossible for a man on horseback.
+
+The spot where the fiercest fighting had occurred was already cleared
+when Katharina arrived upon it. She shuddered with horror, and staggered
+like one who walks in his sleep as she moved about the desert place.
+
+Suddenly she came upon a large wild-rose bush covered with bloom. Close
+by it lay a horse with the hilt of a sword protruding from his breast.
+Near the dead animal lay a metal helmet ornamented with the gilded
+imperial eagle, and a little farther on lay a mud-stained form in a
+uniform of coarse gray cloth, with a gaping wound in his head; his left
+hand clutched the rushes among which he had fallen. As Katharina, in her
+peasant gown, moved timidly across the open space, she heard a voice say
+faintly in Hungarian:
+
+"For God's sake, good woman, give me a drink of water."
+
+Without stopping to question whether he was friend or foe, Katharina
+caught up the metal helmet to fetch the water.
+
+There was water everywhere about her, but it was the filthy water of
+the morass.
+
+Katharina remembered having heard that the shepherds of the Hansag, when
+they were thirsty, cut a reed and thrust it deep into the swampy earth,
+when clear, drinkable water would rise from the lower soil. She
+therefore thrust a long cane into the moist earth, then put her lips to
+it, and sucked up the water. On removing her lips a clear stream shot
+upward from the cane. She held the helmet under this improvised fountain
+until it was full, then returned with it to the rose-bush.
+
+The wounded man was lying on his back, his bloodstained face upturned
+toward the sky. Katharina knelt by his side, and held the helmet to his
+lips.
+
+"Themire!" gasped the wounded man.
+
+At sound of the name a sudden fury seemed to seize the woman.
+
+"De Fervlans!" she cried, in a hoarse voice. "_You!_ you, the accursed
+destroyer of my daughter! May God refuse to forgive you for making of me
+the wretched creature I am!"
+
+As she spoke she raised the helmet, of water above her head, as if she
+would dash it upon the dying man's face; but he turned his head away
+from her furious gaze, and did not stir again.
+
+Slowly Katharina lowered the helmet, and struggled with her excited
+feelings. She looked about her, and saw another motionless form lying
+across a clump of turf. Perhaps he was still alive. Perhaps she might
+help him.
+
+She stepped quickly to his side with the helmet of water and washed the
+blood and mud-stains from his face. Ah, what a hideous face it was! All
+the same, she carefully washed it, then bathed the gaping wounds in his
+head. They were horribly deep, and she was almost overcome by the
+fearful sight. But she looked upward for a moment, and it seemed to her
+as if she recognized amid the fleecy clouds a snow-white form, and heard
+an encouraging voice say:
+
+"That is right, mother. I, too, performed such work."
+
+Then she took her handkerchief and bound it around the wounded man's
+head. While so doing her eyes fell on the steel ring on his thumb.
+
+"Satan Laczi!" she exclaimed.
+
+She put her arms around him, and lifted him to a more comfortable
+position, wondering the while how he came to be there. Had he failed to
+find Marie, whom he was to accompany to Raab? Had Cambray, perhaps,
+prevented her from leaving the castle?
+
+She bent over the wounded man and said:
+
+"Satan Laczi, awake! Look up--come back to life!"
+
+And Satan Laczi was such an obedient fellow, he opened his eyes and saw
+the lady kneeling by his side.
+
+Then he opened his lips, and said in a very weak voice:
+
+"I should like a drink of water."
+
+Katharina made haste to fill the helmet again at her fountain.
+
+"Thank you, sister."
+
+"Look at me, Laczi bácsi;" commanded Katharina, in a cheerful tone.
+"Don't you know me? I am the woman who gave shelter to your wife and
+child. I am little Laczko's foster-mother."
+
+The wounded man smiled faintly, and murmured: "Yes, yes--Laczko--Laczko
+is a fine lad! He came near--shooting me because--because of the maid."
+
+"Tell me what you know about the maid," eagerly questioned Katharina.
+"Where is she?"
+
+The wounded man opened his eyes, and seemed to be trying to recall
+something. After a pause, he said slowly, and with evident difficulty:
+
+"You need n't--trouble about the--pretty maid. Laczko is a brave
+lad--and my wife--my wife is--an honest woman."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," returned Katharina. "A good lad, and an honest
+woman. But tell me, in heaven's name, where is the maid?"
+
+"The maid--Sophie Botta went with--my wife to Raab--they are there
+now--and Laczko too."
+
+How gently the lady bathed the wounded man's face and hands! How
+carefully she renewed the bandages on the horrible wounds!
+
+Ludwig Vavel, who hart approached noiselessly, stood and watched her
+perform the labor of love. He saw, heard, and admired. Then he came
+close to the kneeling woman, and clasped his arms around her.
+
+"My Katharina! Oh, what a woman art thou!"
+
+
+
+
+PART X
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel returned from his skirmish with De Fervlans's demons,
+he sent his betrothed at once to Raab, with instructions not to separate
+herself again from Marie.
+
+He had not been able to accompany Katharina on her journey, as he had
+received marching orders immediately on his return to camp. On parting
+with his betrothed, however, he had promised to pay a visit to her and
+Marie at an early day, and to write to both of them daily.
+
+The first part of his promise he had not been able to fulfil; his time
+was too fully occupied with the duties of the field. But he sent
+frequent messages to his loved ones; while every day, no matter where he
+might be, he would be sure to receive his letter from Raab--one sheet
+covered to the edges with Katharina's writing, and the other with
+Marie's.
+
+Their letters were always cheerful, and filled with hope and confidence
+for the future. Ludwig fancied he could see the scene as Katharina
+described it, when Marie had opened the steel casket.
+
+He knew just how delighted the young girl had been when she beheld
+nothing but ashes instead of the little garments, the documents, the
+portraits, the bank-notes; and he could hear her joyous laugh on finding
+herself relieved of the burden of her greatness. But what he could not
+hear was Katharina reciting his brave exploits during the fierce
+struggle on the Hansag, a recital Marie insisted on hearing every day.
+
+Then the two, Marie and Katharina, would go every morning to church, to
+pray for Ludwig, to ask God to protect him, and bring him safely back to
+them. This was their daily pleasure and consolation.
+
+Then came the bloody days of Karako, Papa, Raab, and Acs. The militia
+troops took active part in all these battles, and proved themselves
+valiant warriors.
+
+Vavel with his Volons had been assigned to Mesko's brigade, and had
+shared its adventurous march from Abda, around Lake Balaton to Veszprim.
+Here he found his spy and scout, Master Matyas, awaiting him.
+
+For weeks he had not had a word from his loved ones. When he had sent
+them to Raab he believed he had selected a secure haven for them, but
+the course which events had taken proved that he had made a mistake in
+his calculations. Katharina and Marie were now surrounded on all sides
+by the enemy.
+
+It was while he was oppressed with these gloomy thoughts that his spy
+and scout suddenly appeared before him. Noah in his ark had not looked
+more longingly for the dove than had he for his brave Matyas.
+
+"Well, Master Matyas, what news?"
+
+"All sorts, Herr Count."
+
+"Good or bad?"
+
+"Well, mixed. Both good and bad. I will leave the good till the last. To
+begin: Poor Satan Laczi was buried yesterday--may God have mercy on his
+sinful soul! They fired three salvos over his grave, and the primate
+himself said the prayers for his soul. If Satan Laczi himself could have
+seen it all, he could hardly have believed that so much honor would be
+shown to his dead body. Poor Laczi! His last words were a greeting to
+his kind patron."
+
+"His life closed well!" observed the count. "He got what he longed
+for--a soldier's death. But tell me what you know about Raab."
+
+"I know all about it. I come from there."
+
+"Ah, did you see them? Has not the enemy besieged the city?"
+
+"Yes; the city as well as the fortress is in the hands of the enemy, and
+the baroness and the princess are both in it."
+
+"Who told you to call her a princess?" demanded Count Vavel, his face
+darkening.
+
+"I will come to that all in good time," composedly replied Matyas, who
+was not to be hurried. "Colonel Pechy," he went on, "bravely defended
+the fortress for ten days against the Frenchmen; but he had to yield at
+last--"
+
+"Where are Katharina and Marie?" impatiently interrupted Vavel. "What
+became of them when the city capitulated?"
+
+"All in good time, Herr Count, all in good time! I can tell you all
+about them, for I am just come from them."
+
+"Were they in any danger?"
+
+"Danger? No, indeed! When the city surrendered they were concealed in a
+house where they passed as the nieces of the Herr Vice-palatine
+Görömbölyi."
+
+"Is the vice-palatine with them now?"
+
+"Certainly. He has surrendered, too."
+
+"Excellent man! Who commands the Frenchmen at Raab?"
+
+"General Guillaume--"
+
+"General Guillaume?" excitedly interrupted Vavel.
+
+"Yes, certainly; Guillaume--that is his name. And he is a very polite
+gentleman. He does not ill-treat the citizens; on the contrary, the very
+next day after he entered the city he gave a ball in the large hotel,
+and invited all the distinguished citizens with their wives and
+daughters. The Herr Count's dear ones also received an invitation."
+
+"As the nieces of the vice-palatine, of course?"
+
+"Not exactly! I saw the invitation-card, and it was to 'Madame la
+Comtesse de Alba, avec la Princesse Marie.'"
+
+"Princess Marie?" echoed Vavel.
+
+"As I tell you; and that is how I come to know she is a princess."
+
+Vavel's brain seemed paralyzed. He could not even think.
+
+"The vice-palatine," nonchalantly continued Matyas, "protested that a
+mistake had been made; but the French general replied that he knew very
+well who the ladies were, and that he had received instructions how to
+treat them. From that day, two French grenadiers began to guard the
+baroness's door, day and night, just exactly as if they were standing
+guard over a potentate."
+
+Vavel paced the floor, mute with rage and fear.
+
+"Why did I desert them!" he exclaimed at last, in desperation. "Why did
+I not do as Marie wished--flee with her and Katharina into the wide
+world--we three alone!"
+
+"Well, you see you did n't, and this is the way matters stand now,"
+responded Master Matyas. "The general's adjutant visits the house twice
+every day to inquire after the ladies; then he reports to his superior."
+
+"If only Cambray had not died!" ejaculated the count.
+
+"Yes, but I helped to bury him, too," added Matyas, shaking his head.
+
+"Yes, so I was told. How did you manage to get the body from behind the
+metal screen?"
+
+"Oh, that was easy enough. You know the spring is connected with the
+bell in your study; when the screen unrolled, the bell rang. It was only
+necessary to reverse the operation: by pulling the bell-wire in the
+Herr Count's study the screen was rolled up."
+
+"A very simple arrangement, indeed," observed Count Vavel, smiling in
+spite of his gloom. "Ah, Master Matyas, if only you were clever enough
+to open for me the locks which now imprison my dear ones! That would be
+a masterpiece, indeed!"
+
+"I can do that easily enough," was the confident rejoinder.
+
+"You can? How?"
+
+"Did n't I say I would leave the good news until the last?"
+
+"Yes, yes. Tell me what you have in view."
+
+"I must whisper the secret in your ear; I have often overheard important
+secrets listening at the keyhole or while hiding under a bed, and what I
+have done another may be doing."
+
+Vavel bent his head so that Master Matyas might whisper the important
+information in his ear.
+
+The words were few, but they served to restore Vavel to a cheerful mood.
+
+He laughed heartily, slapped Master Matyas on the shoulder, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"You are truly a wonderful fellow!" Then he took a roll of bank-notes
+from his pocket, and pressed it into Matyas's hand. "Here--take these,
+and buy what is necessary. We will make the attempt at once."
+
+Master Matyas thrust the money into his own pocket, and darted from the
+room as if he had stolen it. Ludwig hastened to his general, to beg for
+leave of absence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+"Everything is ready," said Master Matyas to Vavel, pointing toward
+three covered luggage-wagons, which the Volons had captured from the
+Frenchmen at Klein-Zell.
+
+The "Death-head troop," as Vavel's Volons were designated, marched in
+the rear of the brigade; consequently they could drop out from it any
+time without attracting special notice.
+
+To-day the brigade marched toward Palota, and the Volons turned into the
+road which led to Zircz. They seemed, however, to have been swallowed up
+by the Bakonye forest, for nothing was seen again of them after they
+entered it. The inhabitants of Ratota still repeat tales of the handsome
+troopers--every man of them a true Magyar!--who rode through their
+village to the sound of the trumpet, nodding to the pretty girls, and
+paying gold coin for their refreshment at the inn. But the dwellers in
+Zircz complained that, instead of Magyar troopers, a squad of hostile
+cavalry passed through their village--Frenchmen in blue mantles, with
+cocks' feathers in their helmets, with a commandant who had given all
+sorts of orders that no one could understand. Luckily, the prior of the
+Premonstrants could speak French, and he acted as interpreter for the
+French commandant. And everybody felt relieved when he marched farther
+with his troop.
+
+These were the transformed Volons. They had exchanged their crimson
+shakos in the dense forest for the French helmets, and wrapped
+themselves in the blue mantles taken from the luggage-wagons. No one
+would have doubted that they were French _chasseurs_--even the trumpeter
+sounded the calls according to the regulations in the armies of France.
+
+Master Matyas hurried on in advance of the troop to learn if the way was
+clear. It would have been equally unpleasant to have met either
+Hungarian or French soldiery. They encountered neither, however; and at
+daybreak on the second day arrived at the village of Börcs, on the
+Rabcza, where is an interesting monument of times long past--a redoubt
+of considerable extent, in the center of which stands the village
+church.
+
+Vavel's troop camped within this redoubt, where they could escape
+attracting attention. The country about them, for a long distance, was
+occupied by French troops.
+
+The highway which led to Raab might be seen from the steeple of the
+church, and here Vavel took up his station with a field-glass.
+
+He had not been long in his tower of observation when he saw a heavy
+cloud of dust moving along the highway, and very soon was able to
+distinguish a body of horsemen. It was a company of cuirassiers, whose
+polished breastplates glittered in the sunlight like stars. The company
+was divided into two squads: one rode in front of a four-horse
+traveling-coach, the other in the rear of it.
+
+There were two ladies in the coach. The elder of the two shielded her
+face from the dust with a heavy veil; the younger lady wore no veil over
+her pale face, but held in front of it a fan, from behind which she took
+an occasional look at the variegated plain, where the ripening grain,
+blended with the green of the meadows, formed a rich, carpet on either
+side of the road.
+
+The young officer riding beside the coach sought to entertain the elder
+lady with observations on the country through which they were passing,
+and from time to time exchanged tender glances with the younger. These
+ladies were the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. They were on
+their way to Raab, where they expected an addition to their party in the
+person of _la Princesse Marie_, whom they were going to accompany to
+Paris. The troop of cuirassiers was their escort.
+
+"There come some _chasseurs_ on a foraging expedition," observed the
+young officer, pointing toward a body of horsemen that was approaching
+across the green plain.
+
+And, judging from the appearance of the riders, he was right; for the
+Volons, in order to deceive the Frenchmen, were bringing with them a
+couple of loaded hay-wagons, which they were dragging through the middle
+of the highway.
+
+While yet a considerable distance away from the approaching _chasseurs_,
+the postilions began to blow their horns for a clear way.
+
+The hay-wagons were turned, in obedience to the signal, but, in turning,
+the second one ran into the one in advance with such force that the pole
+was broken clean off.
+
+In front of the barricade thus formed Vavel halted his men, and
+commanded them to throw off their French cloaks and helmets. In a second
+the order was obeyed; the crimson shakos with their grim death-heads
+were donned, and the troop dashed forward upon the escort accompanying
+the coach.
+
+The astonished cuirassiers, who were wholly unprepared for the assault,
+were soon overpowered by the Volons, who also outnumbered them.
+
+The youthful leader had at once placed himself in front of the coach,
+ready for combat with the leader of the attacking foe, and Vavel was
+obliged to exercise all his skill to disarm without injuring him.
+
+At the moment when the young French champion's sword flew from his hand,
+the younger lady, forgetting all ceremony, cried in terror:
+
+"_Oh mon Dieu, ne tuez pas Arthur!_"
+
+Ludwig Vavel turned toward her, bowed courteously, and said in Talma's
+most exquisite French:
+
+"Do not be alarmed, ladies. You are perfectly safe. We are Hungarian
+gentlemen!"
+
+"But what do you want of us?" demanded the elder lady, haughtily
+surveying the count. "What business have we with you? We do not belong
+to the combatants."
+
+"I will tell this brave young chevalier what I want," replied Vavel,
+turning toward the youthful leader. "First, let me restore your sword,
+monsieur. You handle it admirably, only you need to grasp it more
+firmly. Then, let me beg of you to mount your horse--a beautiful animal!
+And third, I beg you to ride as quickly as possible to Raab, and give
+General Guillaume this message: 'I, Count Vavel de Versay, have this day
+taken captive the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. The general
+holds as prisoners my betrothed wife, Countess Themire Dealba, and my
+adopted daughter, Sophie Botta, or, if he prefers, _la Princess Marie_.
+I demand my loved ones in exchange for Madame and Mademoiselle
+Guillaume.' I have no further demands, monsieur, and the sooner you
+return the better. I shall await you in yonder redoubt, where you see
+the church-steeple. Adieu."
+
+The younger lady, with hands clasped pleadingly, mutely besought the
+youthful officer to assent. As if he would not do everything in his
+power to urge the general to consent to the exchange! The young
+Frenchman galloped down the road toward Raab. Count Vavel took his place
+beside the coach, and ordered the postilions to drive to Börcs. At
+first, the general's wife heaped reproaches on her captor.
+
+"This is a violation of national courtesies," she exclaimed irately. "It
+is brigandage, to waylay and take as prisoners two distinguished women."
+
+"Madame's husband has also detained as prisoners two distinguished
+women," in a respectful tone responded Vavel.
+
+"But my daughter is so nervous."
+
+"There is not a more timid creature in the world than my poor little
+Marie."
+
+"At all events, monsieur, you are a Frenchman, and know what is due to
+ladies of our station."
+
+"In that respect, madame, I shall follow General Guillaume's example."
+
+They were now among the gardens of Börcs, where the cherry-trees,
+heavily laden with fruit, rose above the tall hedges; and very soon they
+turned into a beautiful street shaded by walnut-trees, which led to the
+redoubt. The parsonage was the only house of importance in the village.
+The pastor was standing at his door when Vavel ordered the coach to
+stop. He assisted the ladies to alight, and begged the pastor to grant
+them the hospitality of his roof. The request was not refused, and the
+ladies were made as comfortable as possible.
+
+"Do you care to see the sights of the village, madame?" asked Vavel of
+the mother, after they had partaken of the lunch prepared by the
+pastor's housekeeper. The young lady, who was exhausted by the journey,
+had gone to her room. "There is a very old church here which is
+interesting."
+
+"Are there any fine pictures in it?" inquired madame.
+
+"There is one,--a very touching scene,--'The Samaritan.'"
+
+"Ancient or modern?" queried the lady.
+
+"The subject is old--it dates back to the first years of Christianity,
+madame. The execution is modern."
+
+"Is it the work of a celebrated artist?"
+
+"No; it is the work of our clerical host."
+
+The lady shook her head; she was uncertain whether Count Vavel was
+making sport of her or of the pastor.
+
+But she understood him when she entered the church. The house
+consecrated to the service of God had become a hospital, and was crowded
+with wounded French soldiers. The women of the village, as volunteer
+nurses, were taking care of them, and performed the task as faithfully
+as if the invalids were their own sons and brothers. The pastor himself
+supplied the necessary medicines from his own cupboard; for no army
+surgeon came here at a time when twenty thousand wounded Frenchmen lay
+at Aspern, and twenty-two thousand at Wagram.
+
+"Is it not an affecting tableau, madame?" said Count Vavel. "It would be
+a suitable altar-piece for Notre Dame--and the name of its creator
+deserves perpetuation!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Monsieur le Capitaine Descourcelles rode an excellent horse, was a
+capital rider, and was plainly very much in love. These three
+circumstances combined brought back the gallant soldier from Raab by
+five o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+The captain of the cuirassiers was not a little surprised to find the
+general's wife playing cards with the hostile leader.
+
+"General Guillaume agrees to everything," he announced immediately, on
+entering the room. "He will release the ladies he has been holding as
+prisoners."
+
+Vavel hastened to shake hands with the bearer of these glad tidings, who
+was, however, more eager to kiss the hand of Vavel's partner, and to
+inquire:
+
+"I hope I find the ladies perfectly comfortable?"
+
+"Very comfortable indeed," replied madame. "_Messieurs les Cannibales_
+are very polite, and _leur Catzique_ plays an excellent hand at piquet."
+
+"And where is mademoiselle? I trust she is not suffering from the
+fatigue of the journey?"
+
+"Oh, no; she is very well. She is making her toilet, and will soon join
+us. I hope we shall leave here very soon."
+
+Madame now rose, and left the two soldiers alone in the room.
+
+"Here," observed the French captain, handing Vavel a paper, "is the
+_sauf conduit_."
+
+The pass contained the information that "Vavel de Versay, expatriated
+French nobleman and magnate of Hungary, together with the Countess
+Themire Dealba (alias Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild) and Sophie
+Botta (pretended Princess Marie Charlotte Capet), with attendants, were
+to be allowed to travel unmolested by any French troops they might
+chance to meet."
+
+Ludwig Vavel looked at this document a long time.
+
+"Do you doubt the assurance of a French officer, monsieur?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"No; I was just unable to understand why a word had been used here. I
+dare say it is a mistake. But no matter. I am greatly obliged to you."
+
+"Pray don't speak of it," responded the Frenchman, cordially shaking the
+hand Vavel extended toward him. "I must not forget to tell you that a
+four weeks' armistice was agreed upon to-day."
+
+The ladies now entered the room, prepared to continue their journey. The
+face of the younger one wore a more cheerful expression than on her
+arrival at the parsonage. Madame thanked Vavel for his courtesy, then,
+with her daughter, entered the carriage and drove away.
+
+Madame Guillaume was forgetful: she neglected to take leave of her host
+the pastor, and of her wounded countrymen in the church.
+
+Vavel communicated the news of the armistice to his adjutant, and
+commanded him to return at once with the Volons to Fertöszeg, there to
+quarter themselves in the Nameless Castle, and await further orders.
+Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by Master Matyas, galloped
+out of the village.
+
+Twilight had deepened into night when the two men arrived at Raab. The
+clocks were striking eight, and the French trumpets were sounding the
+retreat at every gate. Vavel, therefore, would not be allowed to enter
+the city until the next morning; but Master Matyas, who did not stop to
+inquire which was the proper way when he wanted to go anywhere, knew of
+a little garden that belonged to a certain tanner, and very soon found
+an entrance along a rather circuitous route among the tan-vats.
+
+Vavel had already seen battered walls, and dwellings ruined by bombs and
+flames, yet the thought that he should find his loved ones amid these
+smoke-blackened ruins oppressed his heart.
+
+The two men attracted no attention. In the last days there had been many
+strangers in the city, deputations from the militia camps, to assist in
+establishing the line of demarcation. Master Matyas, without difficulty,
+led the way among the ruins to the neat little abode where the worthy
+vice-palatine had established his protégés. When they came within sight
+of the house Matyas observed:
+
+"The two Frenchmen with their bearskin caps are not on guard to-day. The
+vice-palatine's servant seems to be doing sentry-duty."
+
+Vavel applied his spurs and cantered briskly toward the house, but
+moderated his speed when he came nearer. He remembered how easily Marie
+was frightened by the clatter of horse-hoofs.
+
+At the corner of the street he alighted, and cautioning Matyas to
+exercise slowly the fatigued horses, proceeded on foot to the house.
+
+The servant on guard at the door saluted in military fashion with drawn
+sword. Ludwig hurried into the house. In the hall he encountered the
+little Laczko, who, at sight of the visitor, dropped the boot and brush
+he held in his hands, and disappeared through a door at the end of the
+hall. Vavel followed him, and found himself in the kitchen, where the
+widow of Satan Laczi also dropped to the floor the cooking-utensil she
+had in her hand.
+
+The count did not stop to question her, but went on into the adjoining
+room, whence proceeded the sound of voices, and here he found three
+acquaintances--the vice-palatine, Dr. Tromfszky, and the surveyor, Herr
+Doboka. The three started in alarm when they beheld Vavel. The doctor
+even made as if he would rush from the room--as when in the Nameless
+Castle the furious invalid had seized his groom by the throat.
+
+The expressions on the three startled countenances brought a sudden fear
+to Ludwig's heart.
+
+"Is any one ill here?" he asked.
+
+The vice-palatine and the doctor looked at each other, but did not
+speak; the surveyor began to stammer:
+
+"I say--I say that--"
+
+"Is Marie ill?" interrupted Vavel, excitedly.
+
+Herr Bernat silently nodded assent, and pointed toward the door leading
+into the next room.
+
+Vavel did not stop to inquire further, but strode into the adjoining
+chamber.
+
+What a familiar little room it was, another fairy-like retreat like that
+of the Nameless Castle! Here were Marie's toys, her furniture; the four
+cats were purring in the window-seat, and the two pugs lay dozing on the
+sofa.
+
+A canopy-bed stood in the alcove, and among the pillows lay Marie.
+Katharina was sitting by the bedside.
+
+"Oh, God!" cried Vavel, in a tone so full of anguish that every one who
+heard it, man, woman, and child, burst into tears. The invalid among the
+pillows alone laughed--laughed aloud for joy.
+
+And had she not cause to rejoice? Ludwig--_her_ Ludwig--did not hasten
+first to embrace and kiss his betrothed wife. No, _she_, his little
+Marie, was the first!
+
+He flung himself on his knees by the bed and covered the pale face with
+kisses and tears.
+
+"Oh, my dearest! My adored saint! My idol!" he sobbed, while Marie's
+face glowed with the purest earthly happiness.
+
+She pressed Ludwig's head to her breast and whispered soothingly:
+
+"Don't grieve, Ludwig; I am not going to die. I have not got that horrid
+influenza poor papa Cambray brought with him from Paris. I took a little
+cold the night we ran away from the bombs; but I shall soon be well
+again, now that you are come. I want to live, Ludwig, and you, who
+rescued me from death once before, will know how to do it again."
+
+Katharina laid her hand tenderly on the maid's head, and said gently:
+
+"Don't talk any more now, dearest; you know you must not excite
+yourself."
+
+Marie grasped the white hand and drew it down to Ludwig's lips.
+
+"Kiss it, Liadwig; kiss this dear, good hand. Oh, she has been a good
+little mother to me! She has wept so much because of me. If only you
+knew what she had planned to do when they were going to tear me away
+from her! But that danger is past, and now that you are come everything
+will be well. We have been reading about you, Ludwig. What a hero you
+are--our knight, St. George! I have n't been really ill, you know,
+Ludwig; it was only anxiety about you. I shall soon be well again.
+Please tell the doctor I don't need any more medicine. I want to get
+up--I feel strong already. I want to put on my gown; then I will take
+your arm and Katharina's, and we three will promenade to the window. I
+want to see the evening star. Please send Frau Satan to me; she can lift
+me more easily than Katharina, for I am very heavy. Ludwig, take
+Katharina into the next room while I am dressing. I know you have much
+to say to each other."
+
+Frau Satan now entered in answer to the summons. The doctor had ordered
+that the invalid's wishes must be obeyed.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina went into the next room. They looked long into each
+other's eyes, and in the gaze lay many of the thoughts which, if they
+cannot be told to the one person on earth, are never heard by any one
+else. Suddenly Katharina, without word of warning, dropped on her knees
+at her lover's feet, seized his hand, and laid her face against it.
+
+"You are my guardian angel," she whispered (the invalid in the next room
+must not be disturbed by the sound of voices); "you have rescued that
+saint from her enemies and saved me from perdition. Oh, Ludwig, if only
+you knew what I have suffered! Marie's every sigh, the feverish words
+uttered in her delirium, have been so many accusations oppressing my
+heart. These have been terrible days! To be compelled hourly to dread
+either of two horrible blows, and to have to pray to God that, if both
+could not be averted, to let the milder one fall! Death would have been
+welcome, indeed, compared to the other one. To listen tremblingly, hour
+after hour, for the knock at the door which would announce the messenger
+sent to bear Marie to Paris, or death with his scythe to bear her to the
+grave! And then to have to look on her sufferings, and hear her pray for
+her betrayer! Oh, it was terrible, terrible! Ludwig, you are just--as
+God is just. I have suffered as any woman in the Bible suffered. You
+have taken my load of sorrow from me, have released my heart from the
+tortures of perdition. All the evil I have done, you have made good.
+Therefore, do you pronounce judgment on me. Condemn me or forgive me. I
+deserve both; I will accept either at your hands."
+
+Without a word Ludwig Vavel raised the woman to her feet, clasped her in
+his arms, and pressed his lips to hers in a long, long kiss. In it were
+forgiveness, love, union.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the adjoining room came the sounds of a piano. Some one was playing
+the hymn of the Hungarian militia.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina hurried into the room. Marie was seated at the
+piano, arrayed in her favorite blue gown. Her transparent hands hovered
+over the ivory keys, and lured from them the melancholy air, to which
+she sang, in a voice that seemed to come from the distant clouds:
+
+    "Was kleinliche Bosheit ausgedacht,
+    Hat unserer Liebe ein Ende gemacht."
+
+At the last word her arms sank to her sides; the exertion had completely
+exhausted her. But she struggled bravely to overcome her weakness. She
+smiled brightly at Ludwig and Katharina, and said:
+
+"This melancholy song was not intended for you two. It was only to show
+Ludwig how I have improved. You two will love each other very dearly,
+won't you? And you will go far, far away from here, and leave 'Marie'
+buried in her tomb. I don't mean myself; I mean the troublesome girl who
+has made so much ill feeling in the world, because of whom so many
+people have suffered; the girl whose ashes rest there in the steel
+casket, and whose life was so sad that she had no desire to live longer.
+But 'Sophie' is going with you out into the world. She will see how
+happy you two can be. And now, help me to the window; I want to look at
+the evening star,"
+
+They rolled her arm-chair to the window, and Vavel opened the sash to
+admit the fresh air from the garden.
+
+Marie clasped Ludwig's and Katharina's hands in both her own, and
+whispered in a faint voice:
+
+"You will forget the past, will you not? or think of it only as a
+dream--a disagreeable dream. And don't go back to the Nameless Castle.
+The veiled woman, the locked doors, the silent man, the telescope, the
+lonely promenades in the garden--all, all were dreams. Don't think of
+them! Forget them all! The clanking swords, the thunder of cannons--all
+these were not. We only dreamed it. We never lived under the shadow of a
+throne. Who was Marie? A sovereign of cats, and crown princess in the
+realm of little dogs and birds--a nursery tale to tell naughty little
+children who will not go to sleep! But Sophie Botta will be here
+to-morrow, and the next day, and always; she will be with you, the
+silly, stupid little maid, who can do nothing but obey those whom she
+loves with all her heart."
+
+Vavel with difficulty refrained from giving voice to his overwhelming
+grief.
+
+"Just see," Marie continued in a gay tone, "how much better I am!
+Heretofore, when the hour came for the evening star to appear, the fever
+would come too, and to-day it has failed to come with the star. Joy has
+cured me. Don't take your hands away from me, Ludwig--Katharina. They
+will--hold me--hold me--fast."
+
+But they did not "hold her fast."
+
+And why should such a being remain on this earth--a being that could do
+naught else but love and renounce, adoring her nation even when it
+persecuted her?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A dark thunder-cloud rose above the horizon out over the Hansag. The sky
+looked like a vaulted ceiling hung with mourning draperies. From time
+to time a distant flash of lightning illumined the cloud-curtain, then
+would be heard the rumbling of thunder, like the deep tones of a distant
+organ.
+
+Under the threatening sky lay the glittering lake. Its surface of
+quicksilver was streaked here and there with black shadows--the track of
+the wind-gusts racing across it. The trees were rustling in the wind,
+making a sound like a distant choral.
+
+On the shore of Lake Neusiedl stood the Volons in rank and file. They
+were waiting for something that was coming from the farther shore of the
+little cove.
+
+Presently the glistening surface of the water was ruffled by a black
+object that pushed out from the shore. It was a boat. Six men were
+rowing, a seventh held the rudder. There was a coffin in the boat,
+covered with a simple pall. No ostentatious trappings ornamented the
+coffin; only a myrtle wreath lay on it. A woman, sat at the head of it,
+another at the foot--the former a lady, the latter a peasant wife.
+
+The six men, with even and powerful strokes, sent the craft through the
+ripples which occasionally leaped into the boat, as if they would salute
+her who had so often toyed with them.
+
+At the moment the boat touched the shore the storm burst. Vivid
+lightning illumined the heavy downpour of rain, and it seemed as if the
+black-robed forms bore the coffin to its grave amid a flood of
+harpstrings that reached from heaven to earth.
+
+The two weeping women followed the coffin; at a little distance they
+seemed two shadows. The helmsmen of the funeral boat now stepped to the
+head of the grave and opened his lips to speak, but a heavy peal of
+thunder drowned his voice. When it had ceased he said:
+
+"My brave comrades, you are here to pay a last honor to your patroness.
+There is nothing left for us to fight for. Peace has been proclaimed.
+The conqueror takes from you a plot of ground twenty-four hundred square
+miles in extent. The one lying here takes from you only six feet of
+earth. To you remain your tattered flag and your wounds. Return to your
+homes. My sword has finished its work, and will accompany the saint for
+whom it was drawn!"
+
+As he spoke he broke the keen blade in twain and cast the pieces into
+the grave, adding impressively, "May God give us forgetfulness, and may
+we be forgotten!"
+
+The Volons fired three salvos over the grave, the reverberating thunder
+and the flashing lightning mingling with the noise of the muskets.
+
+When the storm had passed the moon rose in a cloudless sky. Only the
+waves, which had been stirred by the tempest, continued to murmur to
+their favorite who was sleeping peacefully in her grave on the shore.
+
+Marie had asked to be buried on the grassy slope by the side of her old
+friend the Marquis d'Avoncourt, and that no other monument should mark
+her resting-place save the imperishable tree which turns to stone after
+it dies.
+
+And what could have been graven on her tomb? A name that was not hers? A
+history that was not true?
+
+Or would it have been well to carve on the marble her true life-history,
+that those who would not believe it might wage a lawsuit against an
+epitaph?
+
+No; it was better so. No one would ever learn what had become of her.
+
+Vavel had prayed for forgetfulness--that he might be forgotten.
+
+His prayer was granted.
+
+For a few years afterward tales were repeated about Sophie Botta, and
+some of her kinsfolk came from a distance to claim the sum of money
+Vavel had placed in the hands of the authorities for the young girl's
+heirs. But none of the claimants could produce satisfactory proofs of
+kinship, and after a while Sophie Botta was forgotten by all the world,
+as were Count Vavel and Katharina.
+
+The Nameless Castle as well vanished from the face of the earth, as have
+entire villages which once stood on the treacherous shores of Lake
+Neusiedl.
+
+Gradually, imperceptibly, the castle disappeared; gradually,
+imperceptibly, bastion after bastion vanished, until not even the stone
+hand which held aloft the sword in the noble escutcheon, or the towering
+weathervane, could be seen above the placid waters of the lake.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jókai
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14048 ***
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+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="500" height="866" alt="Dr Maurus J&oacute;kai" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>WORKS OF MAURUS J&Oacute;KAI</h2>
+
+<h4>HUNGARIAN EDITION</h4>
+
+<h1>THE NAMELESS CASTLE</h1>
+
+<center><i>Translated from the Hungarian</i></center>
+
+<center><i>Under the Author's supervision</i></center>
+
+<center><i>By</i></center>
+
+<h3>S.&nbsp;E. BOGGS</h3>
+
+
+<center>NEW YORK</center>
+<center>DOUBLEDAY, PAGE &amp; COMPANY</center>
+<center>1898</center>
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION" /></a>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+<h3>TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY WORKS</h3>
+
+
+<p>This is not the first occasion upon which it has been my good fortune to
+win appreciation and approval for my works from the reading public of
+the United States. Up to the present, however, it has often been under
+difficulties; for many of my works which have been published in the
+English tongue were not translated from the original Hungarian text,
+while others, through want of a final perusal, were introduced to the
+public marred by numerous faults.</p>
+
+<p>In the present edition we have striven to give the English reading
+public a correct translation, for which an authorized text has been
+utilized by the Doubleday &amp; McClure Co., who have sole right for
+publishing future English translations of my books.</p>
+
+<p>Between the United States and Hungary we discover many common traits:
+the same state-creative energy in the predominant people, which finds
+expression in constitutional forms, relying upon the love of freedom,
+which unites so many different races in one uniform whole; the same
+independent institutions; the same ideas in religion, in ethics; the
+same respect for women, the same esteem of labor, the same mental
+culture; a striving after progress, yet side by side with this a high
+respect for traditions; the same poetry of agriculture, the same prose
+of industry; rapid progress of both, and in consequence thereof an
+impetuous growth of towns.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, while we find so many common traits between America and Hungary in
+the great field of theory, those typical figures which here in Hungary
+represent such theories must make a novel and extraordinary <i>entr&eacute;e</i> in
+the New World, that they may deserve to win the interest of the foreign
+reader.</p>
+
+<p>Hungary still represents a piece and parcel of the Old World; she is not
+so much Europe as a modern Asia. My novels centre round those peculiar
+figures of Hungarian common life; and in every work of mine a bit of
+history of true common life will be found described. I have had a
+particular delight, however, in occupying myself with foreign countries,
+especially with the East. There have been years when I was compelled to
+choose subjects for novel-writing in foreign parts.</p>
+
+<p>In English and in Hungarian literature we find a common trait in that
+humor which is discovered also in the tragic; a characteristic of the
+nation itself.</p>
+
+<p>It is with perfect confidence and in good hope that I present my present
+work (translated so faithfully) before the much-esteemed English reading
+public. May God bless that home of freedom, by whose example we have
+learnt how to unite the greatness of the state with the welfare of the
+people.</p>
+
+<p>DR. MAURUS JOKAI.</p>
+
+<p>BUDAPEST, May 11th, 1898.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="DR_MAURUS_JOKAI" id="DR_MAURUS_JOKAI" /></a>DR. MAURUS JOKAI</h2>
+
+<h3>A Sketch</h3>
+
+
+<p>To a man who has earned such titles as "The Shakespeare of Hungary" and
+"The Glory of Hungarian Literature"; who published in fifty years three
+hundred and fifty novels, dramas, and miscellaneous works, not to
+mention innumerable articles for the press that owes its freedom chiefly
+to him, it seems incredible that there was ever a time of indecision as
+to what career he was best fitted to follow. The idle life of the
+nobility into which Maurus J&oacute;kay was born in 1825 had no attractions for
+a strongly intellectual boy, fired with zeal and energy that carried him
+easily to the head of each class in school and college; nor did he feel
+any attraction for the prosaic practice of law, his father's profession,
+to which Austria's despotism drove many a nobleman in those wretched
+days for Hungary. It was P&eacute;tofi, the poet, who was his dearest friend
+during the student-life at P&aacute;pa; idealism ever attracted him, and, by
+natural gravitation toward the finest minds, he chose the friendship of
+young men who quickly rose into eminence during the days of revolution
+and invasion that tried men's souls.</p>
+
+<p>For a time J&oacute;kay, as he then wrote his name, was undecided whether to
+choose literature or art as an outlet for the idealism, imagination, and
+devotion that overflowed in two directions from this boy of seventeen.
+With some of the inherited artistic talent, which in his relative
+Munkacsy amounted to genius, he felt most inclined toward painting and
+sculpture, and finally consecrated himself to them. In his library at
+Budapest there now stands a small, well-executed bust of his wife in
+ivory; and on the walls hang several landscapes and still-life
+paintings, which he showed with a smile to an American visitor, who
+stood silent before them last winter, hoping for some inspiration of
+speech that would reconcile politeness with veracity and her own ideals
+of good art. If a "deep love for art and an ardent desire to excel" will
+"more than compensate for the want of method," to quote Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, then J&oacute;kay would have been a great painter indeed. While he
+never was that, his chisel and brushes have remained a recreation and
+delight to him always.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently he was diverted from art to literature by a trifle; but in
+the light of later developments it is simple enough to see which was
+really the greater force working within. The Academy of Arts and
+Sciences, founded by Sz&eacute;cheni, offered a prize for the best drama, and
+J&oacute;kay won it. He was then seventeen, for careers began early in olden
+times. When twenty-one his first novel, "Work Days," met with great
+applause; other romances quickly followed, and, as they dealt with the
+social and political tendencies that fanned the revolution into flame
+two years later, their success was instantaneous. His true
+representations of Hungarian life and character, his passionate love of
+liberty, his lofty idealism for his crushed and lethargic country,
+aroused a great wave of patriotism like a call to arms, and consecrated
+him to work with his pen for the freedom of the common people.
+Henceforth paint-brushes were cast aside.</p>
+
+<p>P&eacute;tofi and J&oacute;kay, teeming with great ideas, quickly attracted other
+writers and young men of the university about them, and, each helping
+the other, brought about a bloodless revolution that secured, among
+other inestimable boons, the freedom of a censored, degraded press. And
+yet the only act of violence these young revolutionists committed was in
+entering a printing establishment and setting up with their own hands
+the type for P&eacute;tofi's poem, that afterward became the war-song of the
+national movement. At that very establishment was soon to be printed a
+proclamation granting twelve of their dearest wishes to the people. From
+this time J&oacute;kay changed the spelling of his name to J&oacute;kai, <i>y</i> being a
+badge of nobility hateful to disciples of the doctrine of liberty,
+fraternity, equality.</p>
+
+<p>About this time J&oacute;kai married the Rachel of the Hungarian stage, Rosa
+Laborfalvy. The portrait of her that hangs in her husband's famous
+library shows a beautiful woman of intense sensitiveness, into whose
+face some of the sadness of her r&ocirc;les seems to have crept. It was to her
+powers of impersonation and disguise that J&oacute;kai owed his life many years
+later, when, imprisoned and suffering in a dungeon, he was enabled to
+escape in her clothes to join Kossuth in the desperate fight against the
+allied armies of Austria and Russia. Since her death he has lived in
+retirement.</p>
+
+<p>The bloodless revolution of 1848, which suddenly transformed Hungary
+into a modern state, possessing civil and religious liberty for which
+the young idealists led by Kossuth had labored with such passionate
+zeal, was not effected without antagonizing the old aristocracy, all of
+whose cherished institutions were suddenly swept away; or the
+semi-barbaric people of the peasant class, who could little appreciate
+the beneficent reforms. Into the awful civil war that followed, when the
+horrors of an Austrian-Russian invasion were added to the already
+desperate situation, J&oacute;kai plunged with magnificent heroism. Side by
+side with Kossuth, he fought with sword and pen. Those who heard him
+deliver an address at the Peace Congress at Brussels two years ago felt
+through his impassioned eloquence that the man had himself drained the
+bitterest dregs of war.</p>
+
+<p>While Kossuth lived in exile in England and the United States, and many
+other compatriots escaped to Turkey and beyond, J&oacute;kai, in concealment at
+home, writing under an assumed name and with a price on his head,
+continued his work for social reform, until a universal pardon was
+granted by Austria and the saddened idealists once more dared show their
+faces in devastated Hungary.</p>
+
+<p>Ripe with experience and full of splendid intellectual power, J&oacute;kai now
+turned his whole attention to literature. The pages of his novels glow
+with the warmth of the man's intensity of feeling: his pen had been
+touched by a living coal. He knew his country as no other man has known
+it; and transferred its types, its manners, its life in high degree and
+low, to the pages of his romances and dramas with a brilliancy and
+mastery of style that captivated the people, whose idol he still
+remains. Scenes from Turkish life&mdash;in which, next to Hungarian, he is
+particularly interested; historical novels, romances of pure
+imagination, short tales, dramatic works, essays on literature and
+social questions, came pouring from his surcharged brain and heart. The
+very virtues of his work, its intensity, and the boundless scope of its
+imagination, sometimes produce a lack of unity and an improbability to
+which the hypercritical in the West draw attention with a sense of
+superior wisdom; but the Hungarians themselves, who know whereof he
+writes, can see no faults whatever in his work. It is essentially
+idealistic; the true and the beautiful shine through it with radiant
+lustre, in sharp distinction from the scenes of famine and carnage that
+abound. His Turkish stories have been described as "full of blood and
+roses."</p>
+
+<p>Of his more mature productions, the best known are: "A Magyar Nabob";
+"The Fools of Love"; "The New Landlord"; "Black Diamonds"; "A Romance of
+the Coming Century"; "Handsome Michael"; "God is One," in which the
+Unitarians play an important part; "The Nameless Castle," that gives an
+account of the Hungarian army employed against Napoleon in 1809;
+"Captive R&aacute;by," a romance of the times of Joseph II.; and "As We Grow
+Old," the latter being the author's own favorite and, strangely enough,
+the people's also. Dr. J&oacute;kai greatly deplores that what the critics call
+his best work should not have been given to the English-speaking people.</p>
+
+<p>In 1896 Hungary celebrated the completion of his fifty years of literary
+labor by issuing a beautiful jubilee edition of his works, for which the
+people of all grades of society subscribed $100,000. Every county in the
+country sent him memorials in the form of albums wrought in gold and
+precious stones, two hundred of these souvenirs filling one side of the
+author's large library and reception-room. Low bookcases running around
+the walls are filled only with his own publications, the various
+editions of his three hundred and fifty books making a large library in
+themselves. The cabinets hold sketches and paintings sent by the artists
+of Hungary as a jubilee gift; there are cases containing carvings,
+embroidery, lace, and natural-history specimens sent him by the
+peasants, and orders in gold and silver, studded with jewels, with
+autograph letters from the kings and queens of Europe. In the midst of
+all this inspiring display of loving appreciation, Dr. J&oacute;kai has his
+desk; a pile of neatly written, even manuscript ever before him, for in
+his seventy-fourth year he still feels the old-time passion for work
+calling him to it early in the morning and holding him in its spell all
+the day long. A small room adjoining his library contains the books of
+reference he consults, a narrow bed like a soldier's, and a few window
+plants. It might be the room of a monk, so bare is it of what the world
+calls comforts. One devoted man-servant attends to Dr. J&oacute;kai's simple
+wants with abundant leisure to spare.</p>
+
+<p>While in Budapest Dr. J&oacute;kai is seldom seen away from home, except in
+Parliament, where he has a seat in the Upper House, or at the theatre
+where his plays are regularly performed, or at the table of a few dear
+relatives and old-time friends. His life is exceedingly simple and well
+ordered.</p>
+
+<p>Just a little way back on the hills that rise beyond Buda, across the
+Danube and overlooking wide stretches of beautiful, fertile country,
+stands Dr. J&oacute;kai's summer-home. His garden is a paradise. Quantities of
+roses climb over the unpretentious house, the paths are lined with them;
+gay beds of poppies and other familiar favorites in our Western gardens,
+but many new to American eyes, crowd the fruit that grows in delightful
+abundance everywhere, for Dr. J&oacute;kai tends his garden with his own hands,
+and his horticultural wisdom is only second to his knowledge of the
+Turkish wars. His apples, pears, and roses win prizes at all the shows,
+and his little book, "Hints on Gardening," propagates a large crop of
+like-minded enthusiasts year after year. Now, as ever, any knowledge he
+has he shares with the people. After a long life of bitter stress and
+labor, abundant peace has come in the latter days.</p>
+
+<p>Hungary boasts four great men: Liszt, Munkacsy, Kossuth, and J&oacute;kai, who
+was the intimate friend of the other three.</p>
+
+<p>NELTJE BLANCHAN.</p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS" /></a>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<center>I     <a href="#PART_I">CYTHERA'S BRIGADE</a></center>
+<center>II    <a href="#PART_II">THE HOME OF ANECDOTE</a></center>
+<center>III   <a href="#PART_III">THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS</a></center>
+<center>IV    <a href="#PART_IV">SATAN LACZI</a></center>
+<center>V     <a href="#PART_V">ANGE BARTHELMY</a></center>
+<center>VI    <a href="#PART_VI">DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE</a></center>
+<center>VII   <a href="#PART_VII">THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA</a></center>
+<center>VIII  <a href="#PART_VIII">KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?</a></center>
+<center>IX    <a href="#PART_IX">SATAN AND DEMON</a></center>
+<center>X     <a href="#PART_X">CONCLUSION</a></center>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I" /></a>PART I</h2>
+
+<h3>CYTHERA'S BRIGADE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>A snow-storm was raging with such vigor that any one who chanced to be
+passing along the silent thoroughfare might well have believed himself
+in St. Petersburg instead of in Paris, in the Rue des Ours, a side
+street leading into the Avenue St. Martin. The street, never a very busy
+one, was now almost deserted, as was also the avenue, as it was yet too
+early for vehicles of various sorts to be returning from the theatre.</p>
+
+<p>The street-lamps on the corners had not yet been lighted. In front of
+one of those old-fashioned houses which belong to a former Paris a heavy
+iron lantern swung, creaking in the wind, and, battling with the
+darkness, shed flickering rays of light on the child who, with a faded
+red cotton shawl wrapped about her, was cowering in the deep doorway of
+the house. From time to time there would emerge from the whirling
+snowflakes the dark form of a man clad as a laborer. He would walk
+leisurely toward the doorway in which the shivering child was concealed,
+but would turn when he came to the circle of light cast on the snowy
+pavement by the swinging lantern, and retrace his steps, thus appearing
+and disappearing at regular intervals. Surely a singular time and place
+for a promenade! The clocks struck ten&mdash;the hour which found every
+honest dweller within the Quartier St. Martin at home. On this evening,
+however, two belated citizens came from somewhere, their <a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" /></a>hurrying
+footsteps noiseless in the deep snow, their approach announced only by
+the lantern carried by one of them&mdash;an article without which no
+respectable citizen at the beginning of the century would have ventured
+on the street after nightfall. One of the pedestrians was tall and
+broad-shouldered, with a handsome countenance, which bore the impress of
+an inflexible determination; a dimple indented his smoothly shaven chin.
+His companion, and his senior by several years, was a slender,
+undersized man.</p>
+
+<p>When the two men came abreast of the doorway illumined by the swinging
+lamp, it was evident that they had arrived at their destination. They
+halted and prepared to enter the house.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the child crouching in the snow began to sob.</p>
+
+<p>"See here!" exclaimed the taller of the two gentlemen. "Here is a little
+girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so there is!" in turn exclaimed the elder, stooping and letting
+the light of his lantern fall on the child's face. "What are you doing
+here, little one?" he asked in a kindly tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I want my mama! I want my mama!" wailed the child, with a fresh burst
+of sobs.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is your mama?" queried the younger man.</p>
+
+<p>"My mama is the countess."</p>
+
+<p>"And where does she live?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the palace."</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally! In which avenue is the palace?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;don't&mdash;know."</p>
+
+<p>"A true child of Paris!" in an undertone exclaimed the elder gentleman.
+"She knows that her mother is a countess, and that she lives in a
+palace; but she has never been told the name of the street in which is
+her home."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" /></a>How come you to be here, little countess?" inquired the younger man.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana can tell you," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"And who may Diana be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, who else but mama's Diana?"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to question her," here interposed the elder man. Then, to the
+child: "Diana is the person who helps you put on your clothes, is she
+not?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is just the other way: she took off my clothes&mdash;just see; I have
+nothing on but this petticoat and this hideous shawl."</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she flung back the faded shawl and revealed how scantily
+she was clad.</p>
+
+<p>"You poor child!" compassionately ejaculated the young man; and when he
+saw that her thin morocco slippers were buried in the snow, he lifted
+her hastily in his arms. "You are half frozen."</p>
+
+<p>"But why did Diana leave you half clothed in this manner?" pursued the
+elder man. "Why did she undress you? Can't you tell us that much?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mama slapped her this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! then Diana is a servant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course; what else could she be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she might be a goddess or a hound, you know," smilingly returned
+the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"When mama went to the opera, this evening," explained the little one,
+"she ordered Diana to take me to the children's ball at the marquis's.
+Instead, she brought me to this street, made me get out of the carriage,
+took off my silk ball-gown and all my pretty ornaments, and left me here
+in this doorway&mdash;I am sure I don't know why, for there is&nbsp;n't any music
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"It is well she left this old shawl with you, else your <a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" /></a>mama would not
+have a little countess to tell the tale to-morrow," observed the elder
+man. Then, turning to his companion, he added in a lower tone: "What are
+we to do with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"We can't leave her here; that would be inhuman," was the reply, in the
+same cautious tone.</p>
+
+<p>"But we can't take her in; it would be a great risk."</p>
+
+<p>"What is there to fear from an innocent prattler who cannot even
+remember her mother's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"We might take her to the conciergerie," suggested the elder gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> think we had better not disturb the police when they are asleep,"
+in a significant tone responded his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true; but we can't take the child to our apartments. You know
+that we&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea!" suddenly interposed the young man. "This innocent
+child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may
+accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at
+one and the same time. Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are
+locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring
+this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the
+child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
+To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else
+she will send some one in search of you."</p>
+
+<p>He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.</p>
+
+<p>When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door
+at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning
+glance, announced that every<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" /></a>thing was ready for the reception of their
+small guest. They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily
+curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded
+tapestry.</p>
+
+<p>Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm. "Are you going to
+kill me?" she cried out in terror.</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, surely you don't take us to be <i>croquemitaines</i> who devour little
+children; do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got a little girl of your own?" queried the little one,
+suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the
+question. "I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl."</p>
+
+<p>"But my mama has no husband, and she&nbsp;'s got me," prattled the child.</p>
+
+<p>"That is different, my dear. But if I have not got a little girl, I know
+very well what to do for one."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed
+her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in
+the alcove.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had
+been sleeping here."</p>
+
+<p>The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded:</p>
+
+<p>"Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan?"</p>
+
+<p>"But where did you get hot coals?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the
+old man. Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going
+to sleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we
+grow old."</p>
+
+<p>"An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your
+convictions will not prevent you from <a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" /></a>drinking a cup of egg-punch, and
+partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit?"</p>
+
+<p>At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and
+while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man
+rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll. All thought
+of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind. She clasped the toy in
+her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby,
+to which she very soon fell asleep herself.</p>
+
+<p>"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing
+together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to
+the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh
+blaze.</p>
+
+<p>"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response. "We can't
+stop here much longer. Do you know what has happened to the duke?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know. He has been sentenced to death. To-morrow he will be
+executed. What have you discovered?"</p>
+
+<p>"A fox on the trail of a lion!" harshly replied the young man. "He who
+aroused so many hopes is, after all, nothing more than an impostor&mdash;Leon
+Maria Hervagault, the son of a tailor at St. Leu. The true dauphin, the
+son of Louis XVI., really died a natural death, after he had served a
+three years' apprenticeship as shoemaker under Master Simho; and in
+order that a later generation might not be able to secure his ashes, he
+was buried in quick-lime in the Chapel of St. Margarethe."</p>
+
+<p>"They were not so scrupulous concerning monsieur,"<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> observed the old
+man, restlessly pacing the floor. "I received a letter from my agent
+to-day; he writes that monsieur was secretly shot at Dillingen."</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Count de Provence, afterward Louis XVIII.</p></div>
+
+<p>"What! He, too? Then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" /></a>Hush!" cautiously interposed the elder man. "That child might not be
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"And if she were awake, what could she understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"True; but we must be cautious." He ceased his restless promenade, and
+came close to the young man's side. "Everything is at an end here," he
+added in a lower tone. "We must remove our treasure to a more secure
+hiding-place&mdash;this very night, indeed, if it be possible."</p>
+
+<p>"It is possible," assented his companion. "The plan of flight was
+arranged two days ago. The most difficult part was to get away from this
+house. It is watched day and night. Chance, however, has come to our
+aid."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," nodded the old gentleman, glancing significantly toward
+the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"The most serious question now is, where shall we find a secure
+hiding-place? Even England is not safe. The bullets of Dillingen can
+reach to that country! Indeed, wherever there are police no secret is
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>"I&nbsp;'ll tell you something," after a moment's deliberation observed the
+elder man. "I know of a country in Europe where order prevails, and
+where there are no police spies; and, what is more, the place of which I
+speak is beyond the range of a gunshot!"</p>
+
+<p>"I confess I am curious to learn where such a place may be found," with
+an incredulous smile returned the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Fetch the map, and I will point it out to you. Afterward we will
+arrange your route toward it." The two men spread a large map of Europe
+on the table, and, bending over it, were soon deeply absorbed in
+examining it, the while exchanging whispered remarks.</p>
+
+<p>At last they seemed to have agreed on something. The map was folded up
+and thrust into the younger man's pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" /></a>I shall start at once," he said, with an air of decision.</p>
+
+<p>"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And
+take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary
+documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own
+hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in
+English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to
+do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum
+from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our
+two trusty friends been apprised?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they await me hourly."</p>
+
+<p>"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with
+me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a
+terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already
+suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion&mdash;are not yet registered
+in the black book!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing
+from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the
+undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have
+you considered the fate which awaits you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have considered everything."</p>
+
+<p>"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your
+own prison."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded
+the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you
+may be buried alive?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will
+one day be overthrown."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" /></a>But when the child, who is only twelve years old now, becomes in three
+or four years a blooming maiden&mdash;what then? Already she is fond of you;
+then she will love you. You cannot hinder it; and yet, you will not even
+dare to dream of returning her love. Have you thought of this also?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet,"
+answered the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Your hand, my friend! You have undertaken a noble task&mdash;one that is
+greater than that of the captive knight who cut off his own foot, that
+his sovereign, who was chained to him, might escape&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray say no more about me," interposed his companion. "Is the child
+asleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"This one is; the one in the other room is awake."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us go to her and tell her what we have decided." He lifted the
+two-branched candlestick from the table; his companion carefully closed
+the iron doors of the fireplace; then the two went into the adjoining
+chamber, leaving the room they had quitted in darkness.</p>
+
+<p>The elder gentleman had made a mistake: "this" child was <i>not</i> asleep.
+She had listened attentively, half sitting up in bed, to as much of the
+conversation as she could hear.</p>
+
+<p>A ray of light penetrated through the keyhole. The little girl sprang
+nimbly from the bed, ran to the door, and peered through the tiny
+aperture. Suddenly footsteps came toward the door. When it opened,
+however, the little eavesdropper was back underneath the covers of the
+bed. The old gentleman entered the room. He had no candle. He left the
+door open, walked noiselessly to the bed, and drew aside the curtains to
+see if "this" child was still asleep. The long-drawn, regular breathing
+convinced him. Then he took something from the chair beside the bed, and
+<a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" /></a>went back into the other room. The object he had taken from the chair
+was the faded red shawl in which the stray child had been wrapped. He
+did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had
+been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.</p>
+
+<p>To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were
+whispering near her&mdash;as if she heard a stifled sob. Then cautious
+footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street
+door opened and closed.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the
+elder man came through the doorway&mdash;alone.</p>
+
+<p>He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then
+he proceeded to perform a singular task. First he tossed a number of
+letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of
+girls' clothing. He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he
+flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in
+which position he sat motionless for several hours.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the younger of the two men stepped into the street he carried in
+his arms a little girl wrapped in a faded red shawl, to whom he was
+speaking encouragingly, in tones loud enough for any passer-by to hear:</p>
+
+<p>"I know the little countess will be able to find her mama's palace; for
+there is a fountain in front of it in which there is a stone man with a
+three-pronged fork, and a stone lady with a fish-tail! Oh, yes; we shall
+be sure to find it; and very soon we shall be with mama."</p>
+
+<p>Here the child in his arms began to sob bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, do not weep; do not let your voice be heard,"
+whispered the young man in her ear.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a man wearing a coarse blouse, with his cap drawn over
+his eyes and a short pipe between his lips, came staggering toward them.
+The young man, in order to make room for him, pressed close to the wall,
+whereupon the new-comer, who seemed intoxicated, began in drunken tones:</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, citizen! What do you mean? Do you want me to walk in the
+gutter?&mdash;because you have got on fine boots, and I have only wooden
+sabots! I am a citizen like yourself, and as good as you. We are alike,
+are&nbsp;n't we?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man now knew with whom he had to deal&mdash;a police spy whose duty
+it was to watch him. He therefore replied quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" /></a>No, we are not alike, citizen; for I have in my arms an unfortunate
+child who has strayed from its mother. Every Frenchman respects a child
+and misfortune. Is not that so, citizen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is so, citizen. Let&nbsp;'s have a little conversation about it";
+and the pretended drunkard seized hold of the young man's mantle to
+detain him.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very cold," returned the young man. "Instead of talking here,
+suppose you help me get this child to its home. Go to the nearest corner
+and fetch a coach. I will wait here for you."</p>
+
+<p>The blouse-wearer hesitated a moment, then walked toward the
+street-corner, managing, however, to keep an eye on the young man and
+his charge. At the corner he whistled in a peculiar manner, whereupon
+the rumbling of wheels was heard. In a few moments the leather-covered
+vehicle drew up beside the curb where the young man was waiting.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, citizen," he said to
+the blouse-wearer, who had returned with the coach. "Here," pressing a
+twenty-sou piece into the man's palm, "is something for your trouble. I
+wish you would come with me to help hunt for this little girl's home. If
+you have time, and will come with me, you shall be paid for your
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't do it, citizen; my wife is expecting me at home. Just you trust
+this coachman; he will help you find the place. He&nbsp;'s a clever
+youth&mdash;are&nbsp;n't you, Peroquin? You have made many a night journey about
+Paris, have&nbsp;n't you? See that you earn your twenty francs to-night,
+too!"</p>
+
+<p>That the coachman was also in the service of the secret police the young
+man knew very well; but he did not betray his knowledge by word or mien.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" /></a>The blouse-wearer now shook hands cordially with the young man, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, citizen. I beg your pardon if I offended you. I&nbsp;'ll leave you
+now. I am going to my wife, or to the tavern; who can tell the future?"</p>
+
+<p>He waited until the young man had entered the coach with his charge;
+then, instead of betaking himself to his wife or to the tavern, he
+crossed the street, and took up his station in the recess of a doorway
+opposite the house with the swinging lantern. .&nbsp;.&nbsp;.</p>
+
+<p>"Where to?" asked the coachman of the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, citizen," was the smiling response, "if I knew that, all would be
+well. But that is just what I don't know; and the little countess, here,
+who has strayed from her home, can't remember the street, nor the number
+of the house, in which she lives. She can only remember that her mama's
+palace is on a square in which there is a fountain. We must therefore
+visit all the fountains in turn until we find the right one."</p>
+
+<p>The coachman made no further inquiries, but climbed to the box, and
+drove off in quest of the fountains of Paris.</p>
+
+<p>Two fountains were visited, but neither of them proved to be the right
+one. The young man now bade the coachman drive through a certain street
+to a third fountain. It was a narrow, winding street&mdash;the Rue des Blancs
+Manteaux.</p>
+
+<p>When the coach was opposite a low, one-storied house, the young man drew
+the strap, and told the driver he wished to stop for a few moments. As
+the vehicle drew up in front of the house, the door opened, and a tall,
+stalwart man in top-boots came forth, accompanied by a sturdy dame who
+held a candle, which she protected from the wind with the palm of her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" /></a>Is that you, Raoul?" called the young man from the coach window.</p>
+
+<p>There was no response from the giant, who, instead, sprang nimbly to the
+box, and, flinging one arm around the astonished coachman, thrust a gag
+into his mouth. Before the captive could make a move to defend himself,
+his fare was out of the coach, and had pinioned his arms behind his
+back. The giant and the young man now lifted the coachman from the box
+and carried him into the house, the woman followed with the trembling
+child, whom she had carefully lifted from the coach.</p>
+
+<p>In the house, the two men bound their captive securely, first removing
+his coat. Then they seated him on the couch, and placed a mirror in
+front of him.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not be alarmed, citizen," said the man in the top-boots. "No
+harm shall come to you. We are only going to copy your face&mdash;because of
+its beauty, you know!"</p>
+
+<p>The young man also seated himself in front of the mirror, and proceeded,
+with various brushes and colors, to paint his cheeks and nose a copper
+hue, exactly like that of the coachman's reflection in the glass. Then
+he exchanged his own peruke and hat for the shabby ones of the coachman.
+Lastly, he flung around his shoulders the mantle with its seven collars,
+and the resemblance was complete.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," observed the giant, addressing the captive, "you can rest
+without the least fear. At the latest, to-morrow about this time your
+coach, your horses, your mantle, and whatever else belongs to you will
+be returned. For the use of the things we have borrowed from you we
+shall leave in the pocket of your coat twenty francs for every hour, and
+an extra twenty francs as a <i>pourboire</i>; don't forget to look for it!
+To-morrow at eleven o'clock a girl will fetch milk; she will release
+you, and you can tell her <a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" /></a>what a singular dream you had! If you can't
+go to sleep, just repeat the multiplication table. I always do when I
+can't sleep, and I never have to go beyond seven times seven. Good
+night, citizen!"</p>
+
+<p>The door of the adjoining room opened, and the woman appeared, leading
+by the hand a pretty little boy.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ready," she announced.</p>
+
+<p>The two men thrust pistols into their pockets. Then the woman and the
+little boy entered the coach, the two men took seats on the box, and the
+coach rolled away.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the next morning the old gentleman paid a visit to his
+little guest. This time the child was really asleep, and opened her eyes
+only when the curtains were drawn back and the light from the window
+fell on her face.</p>
+
+<p>"How kind of you to waken me, monsieur!" she said, smiling; she was in a
+good humor, as children are who have slept well. "I have slept
+splendidly. This bed is as good as my own at home. And how delightful
+not to hear my governess scolding! You never scold, do you, monsieur? I
+deserve to be scolded, though, for I was very naughty last night, and
+you were so kind to me&mdash;gave me such nice egg-punch; see, there is a
+glass of it left over; it will do for my breakfast. I love cold punch,
+so you need not trouble to bring me any chocolate." With these words,
+the little maid sprang nimbly from the bed, ran with the na&iuml;vet&eacute; of an
+eight-year-old child to the table, where she settled herself in the
+corner of the sofa, drew her bare feet up under her, and proceeded to
+breakfast on the left-over punch and biscuits.</p>
+
+<p>"There! that was a good breakfast," she said, after she had finished her
+meal. "Oh, I almost forgot. Has mama sent for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, my dear! We are going, by and by, to look for her. The
+countess very likely has not yet learned <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" /></a>of your disappearance; and if
+she does know that you did not return home last night, she believes you
+safe with the marquis. She will think you were not allowed to return
+home in the storm, and will not expect to see you before noon."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very clever, monsieur. I should never have thought of that! I
+imagined that mama would be vexed, and when mama is cross she is <i>so</i>
+disagreeable. At other times, though, she is perfectly lovely! You will
+see how very beautiful she is, monsieur, for you are coming home with me
+to tell her how you found me&mdash;you are so very kind! How I wish you were
+my papa!"</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman was touched by the little one's artless prattle.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear little maid," he said tenderly, "we can't think of
+showing ourselves on the street in such a costume. Besides, it would
+frighten your mama to see you so. I am going out to one of the shops to
+buy you a frock. Tell me, what sort was it Diana took from you?"</p>
+
+<p>"A lovely pink silk, trimmed with lace, with short sleeves," promptly
+replied the little maid.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not forget&mdash;a pink silk, trimmed with lace. You need not be
+afraid to stay alone here. No one will come while I am away."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am not the least bit afraid. I like to be alone sometimes."</p>
+
+<p>"There is the doll to keep you company," suggested the old gentleman,
+more and more pleased with his affable little visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"Is&nbsp;n't she lovely!" enthusiastically exclaimed the child. "She slept
+with me last night, and every time I woke up I kissed her."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have her for your own, if you like her so much, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" /></a>Oh, thank you! Did the doll belong to your dear little daughter who is
+dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," sorrowfully murmured the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will not play with her, but keep her locked in my little
+cupboard, and call her Philine. That was the name of my little sister
+who is dead. Come here, Philine, and sit by me."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you might like to look at a book while I am away&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A book!" interrupted the child, with a merry laugh, clapping her hands.
+"Why, I am just learning the alphabet, and can't bring myself to call a
+two-pronged fork 'y.'"</p>
+
+<p>"You dear little innocent rogue!" tenderly ejaculated the old gentleman.
+"Are you fond of flowers?"</p>
+
+<p>He brought from the adjoining room a porcelain flowerpot containing a
+narcissus in bloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a charming flower!" cried the child, admiringly. "How I wish I
+might pluck just one!"</p>
+
+<p>"Help yourself, my dear," returned her host, pushing the plant toward
+her.</p>
+
+<p>The child daintily broke off one of the snowy blossoms, and, with
+childlike coquetry, fastened it in the trimming of her chemise.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this beautiful flower called, monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"The narcissus."</p>
+
+<p>At mention of the name the little maid suddenly clapped her hands and
+cried joyfully:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that is the name of our palace! Now don't you know where it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"The 'Palace of Narcissus'? I have heard of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will have no trouble finding my home. Oh, you dear good little
+flower!" and she kissed the snowy blossom rapturously.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" /></a>The old gentleman surveyed her smilingly for a few moments, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will go now, and buy the frock."</p>
+
+<p>"And while you are away I shall tell Philine the story of Gargantua,"
+responded the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Lock the door after me, my dear, and do not open it until I mention my
+name: Alfred Cambray&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I should forget the second one! Just say, 'Papa Alfred'; I can
+remember that."</p>
+
+<p>When the child was certain that the old gentleman had left the house,
+she began hastily to search the room. She peered into every corner and
+crevice. Then she went into the adjoining chamber, and opened every
+drawer and cupboard. In returning to the first room she saw some scraps
+of paper scattered about the floor. She collected them carefully, placed
+them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the
+entire note-sheet lay before her. It was covered with writing which had
+evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no
+difficulty in reading it.</p>
+
+<p>When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she
+brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the
+door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she
+danced for joy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is just like my ball-gown&mdash;exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing
+the hands of her benefactor. Then the old gentleman clothed the child as
+skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work. When the task was
+finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor;
+he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he
+descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of
+Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" /></a>of the
+celebrated danseuse, Mlle. Guimard, for whom it had been built by the
+Duke de Soubise. Like so many other fine houses, it had been confiscated
+by the Revolution and sold at auction&mdash;or, rather, had been disposed of
+by lottery, a lady who had paid one hundred and twenty francs for her
+ticket winning it.</p>
+
+<p>The winner of the palace sold it to M. P&eacute;rigaud, a banker and shrewd
+speculator, who divided the large dwelling into suites of apartments,
+which became the favorite lodgings of the young men of fashion. These
+young men were called the "narcissi," and later, the "incroyables" and
+"<i>petits crev&eacute;s</i>." The building, however, retained the name of the
+Palace of Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>When the fiacre stopped at the door of the palace which led to her
+mama's apartment, the little countess alighted with her escort, and said
+to the coachman:</p>
+
+<p>"You need not wait; the marquis will return home in my mama's carriage."</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray was obliged to submit to be called the "marquis." The
+harmless fib was due to the rank of the little countess; she could not
+have driven through the streets of Paris in the same fiacre with a
+<i>p&eacute;kin!</i></p>
+
+<p>"We will not go up the main staircase," said the child, taking her
+companion's arm and leading him into the palace. "I don't want to meet
+any of the servants. We will go directly to mama's boudoir, and take her
+by surprise."</p>
+
+<p>The countess mother, however, was not in her boudoir; only a screaming
+cockatoo, and a capuchin monkey that grimaced a welcome. Through the
+folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy
+tones of a harmonium; and M. Cambray recognized a favorite
+air&mdash;Beethoven's symphony, "<i>Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour</i>." He
+paused a moment to listen to it.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" /></a>That is mama playing," whispered the child. "You go in first, and tell
+her you have brought me home. Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
+Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon,
+filled with a brilliant company. Evidently the countess was holding a
+matin&eacute;e.</p>
+
+<p>The assembled company were in full toilet. The women, who were chiefly
+young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which
+draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless
+lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
+The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat,
+with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.</p>
+
+<p>Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty,
+Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders
+hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair. When M. Cambray, in his
+plain brown coat buttoned to the chin, with black gloves and dull
+buckle-shoes, appeared in the doorway of the boudoir, which was not open
+to all the world, every eye was turned in surprise toward him.</p>
+
+<p>The lady at the harpsichord rose, surveyed the intruder with a haughty
+stare, and was about to speak when a lackey in silver-embroidered livery
+came hastily toward her and said something in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What?" she ejaculated, with sudden terror. "My daughter lost?"</p>
+
+<p>The guests crowded around her, and a scene of great excitement followed.</p>
+
+<p>Here M. Cambray came forward and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have found your daughter, countess, and return her to you."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" /></a>The lovely woman made one step toward the child, who had followed M.
+Cambray into the room, then sank to the floor unconscious. She was
+tenderly lifted and borne into the boudoir. Two physicians, who were of
+the company, followed.</p>
+
+<p>When the door closed behind them, the entire company remaining in the
+salon gathered about M. Cambray. The ladies seized his hands; and while
+a blonde houri on his right sought to attract his attention, a brunette
+beauty claimed it on his left&mdash;both women ignoring the attempts of the
+men to shake hands with the hero of the hour.</p>
+
+<p>One of the men, an elderly and distinguished-looking personage with a
+commanding mien, now pressed forward to introduce himself. "Monsieur, I
+am the Marquis Lyonel de Fervlans," he repeated in a patronizing tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Alfred Cambray," was the simple response.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah? Pray, have the kindness to tell us&mdash;the friends of the
+countess&mdash;what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray related how and where he had found the lost child, the
+company listening with eager attention. All were deeply affected. Some
+of the women wept. When M. Cambray concluded his recital, the marquis
+grasped both his hands, and, pressing them warmly, said in a trembling
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, many thanks, you brave, good man! We will never forget your
+kindness."</p>
+
+<p>One of the physicians now came from the boudoir, and announced that the
+countess was better, and desired to speak to the deliverer of her child.</p>
+
+<p>The countess was reclining on an ottoman, half buried in luxurious
+cushions. Her little daughter was kneeling by her side, her head resting
+on her mother's knee. It was a charming tableau.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not able to express my gratitude, monsieur," <a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" /></a>began the countess,
+in a faint voice, extending both hands toward M. Cambray. "I hope you
+will allow me to call you my friend. I shall never cease to thank you!
+Am&eacute;lie, my love, kiss this hand; look at this face; impress it on your
+heart, and never, <i>never</i> forget it, for this brave gentleman rescued
+you from a most horrible fate."</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray listened to these profuse expressions of gratitude, but with
+heedless ear. His thoughts were with the fugitives. He longed to know if
+they had escaped pursuit. While the countess was speaking he could not
+help but think that a great ado was being made because a little countess
+had been abandoned half clad in the public street. <i>He</i> knew of another
+little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>His reply was brief:</p>
+
+<p>"Your little daughter is very charming."</p>
+
+<p>The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory
+locket from the black ribbon around her neck. It contained a portrait of
+the little countess Am&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you,
+monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your
+prot&eacute;g&eacute;e."</p>
+
+<p>It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most
+valued ornament.</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's
+hand, and kissed the little Am&eacute;lie, who smilingly lifted her face for
+the caress. Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon. He was
+met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully:</p>
+
+<p>"What, you are going to desert us already? Then, if you will go, you
+must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old
+gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of
+liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" /></a>The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew
+up before the door, himself assisted M. Cambray to enter it. Then he
+shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the
+doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M. Cambray,
+the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her
+handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Am&eacute;lie,
+overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the
+maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach
+with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his
+suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders. Even the more important of
+the two physicians pursed his lips into a smile, and proffered his
+snuff-box to his colleague, who, smothering with laughter, whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Are we not capital actors?"</p>
+
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Meanwhile M. Cambray drove rapidly in the Marquis de Fervlans's carriage
+through the streets of Paris. He was buried in thought. He glanced only
+now and then from the window. He was not altogether satisfied with
+himself that he was riding in a carriage which belonged to so important
+a person&mdash;a gentleman whose name he had never heard until that day.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he was surprised to find the carriage entering a gateway. A
+carriage could not enter the gate at his lodgings! The Swiss hussar
+sprang from the box, opened the carriage door, and M. Cambray found
+himself confronted by a sergeant with a drawn sword.</p>
+
+<p>"This is not my residence," said the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not," replied the sergeant. "This is the Prison of St.
+P&eacute;lagie."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" /></a>What have I to do here? My name is Alfred Cambray."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the very one we have been expecting."</p>
+
+<p>And now it was M. Cambray's turn to laugh merrily.</p>
+
+<p>When M. Cambray's pockets had been searched, and everything suspicious
+confiscated, he was conducted to a room in the second story, in which he
+was securely locked. He had plenty of time to look about his new
+lodgings.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the room had been occupied by many an important personage.
+The walls were covered with names. Above some of them impromptu verses
+had been scribbled; others had perpetuated their profiles; and still
+others had drawn caricatures of those who had been the means of lodging
+them here. The guillotine also figured among the illustrations.</p>
+
+<p>The new lodger was not specially surprised to find himself a prisoner;
+what he could not understand was the connection between the two events.
+How came it about that the courteous and sympathetic Marquis de
+Fervlans's carriage had brought him here from the palace of the deeply
+grateful countess?</p>
+
+<p>He was puzzling his brain over this question when his door suddenly
+opened, and a morose old jailer entered with some soup and bread for the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, I have dined," said M. Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>The jailer placed the food on the table, with the words: "I want you to
+understand, citizen, that if you have any idea of starving yourself to
+death, we shall pour the soup down your throat."</p>
+
+<p>Toward evening another visitor appeared. The door was opened with loud
+clanking of chains and bolts, and a tall man crossed the threshold. It
+was the Marquis de Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>His manner now was not so condescending and sympa<a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" /></a>thetic. He approached
+the prisoner, and said in a commanding tone that was evidently intended
+to be intimidating:</p>
+
+<p>"You have been betrayed, and may as well confess everything; it is the
+only thing that will save you."</p>
+
+<p>A scornful smile crossed the prisoner's lips. "That is the usual form of
+address to a criminal who has been arrested for burglary."</p>
+
+<p>The marquis laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I see, M. Cambray, that you are not the sort of person to be easily
+frightened. It is useless to adopt the usual prison methods with you.
+Very well; then we will try a different one. It may be that we shall
+part quite good friends! What do I say? Part? Say, rather, that we may
+continue together, hand in hand! But to the point. You have a friend who
+shared the same apartment with you. This gentleman deserted you last
+night, I believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"The ingrate!" ironically ejaculated M. Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon, but there was also a little girl secreted in your
+apartment, whom no one ever saw&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, monsieur," interrupted Cambray, "but it is not the custom
+for French gentlemen to spy out or chatter about secrets which relate to
+the fair sex."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not talking about the sort of female you refer to, monsieur, but
+about a child&mdash;a girl of perhaps twelve years."</p>
+
+<p>"How, pray, can one determine the age of a lady whom no one has seen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certain telltale circumstances give one a clue," retorted De Fervlans.
+"Why, for instance, do you keep a doll in your rooms?"</p>
+
+<p>"A doll? I play with it myself sometimes! I am a queer old fellow with
+peculiar tastes."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good; we will allow that you are telling the <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" /></a>truth. What have you
+to say to the fact that you took to your apartment yesterday evening a
+stray child, and an hour later your friend came out of the house with
+another child, wrapped in the shawl which had enveloped the lost child
+when you found her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have they been overtaken?" hastily interrupted Cambray, forgetting
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"No, they have not&mdash;more&nbsp;'s the pity!" returned the marquis. "My
+detective was not clever enough to perceive the difference between the
+eight-year-old girl who was carried to your apartments at ten o'clock,
+and the twelve-year-old little maid whom your friend brought downstairs
+at eleven, pretending that he was going in search of the lost child's
+mother. Besides, everything conspired to aid your friend to escape. He
+was too cunning for us, and got such a start of his pursuers that there
+was no use trying to follow him. We do not even know in what direction
+he has gone."</p>
+
+<p>Cambray repressed the sigh of relief which would have lightened his
+heart, and forced himself to say indifferently:</p>
+
+<p>"Neither the young man nor the child concern me. It is his own family
+affair, in which I never meddled."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a move I cannot allow, M. Cambray!" sharply responded the
+marquis. "There are proofs that you are perfectly familiar with his
+affairs."</p>
+
+<p>Again Cambray smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You have evidently searched my lodgings."</p>
+
+<p>"We have done our duty, monsieur. We even tore up the floors, broke your
+furniture and ornaments,&mdash;for which we apologize,&mdash;and found nothing
+suspicious. Notwithstanding this, however, we know very well that you
+received a letter yesterday warning you of approaching danger. We know
+very well that you and your friend traced out the route of his flight;
+we have a witness who listened to your <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" /></a>plans, and who fitted together
+the scraps of the torn letter of warning, and read it."</p>
+
+<p>"And who may this witness be?" queried Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>"The child you picked up in the street."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" ejaculated Cambray, incredulously. "The little girl who sat
+shivering in the snow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; she is our most skilful detective, and has entrapped more than one
+conspirator," triumphantly interrupted De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"Then"&mdash;and M. Cambray brought his hands together in a vehement
+gesture&mdash;"what I have believed a myth is really true. The police
+authorities really employ a number of beautiful women, handsome young
+men, and clever children to spy out and entrap suspected persons?
+'Cythera's Brigade' really exists?"</p>
+
+<p>"You had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated brigade this morning,"
+replied De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"And those grateful men and women, who gathered about me with tearful
+eyes and sympathetic words&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Were members of Cythera's Brigade," supplemented the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"And the mistress of the house&mdash;the beautiful woman who fainted at sight
+of her child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is the fair Cythera's substitute! She taught her little daughter the
+part she played so successfully."</p>
+
+<p>With sudden fury M. Cambray tore from his breast the ivory locket
+containing the little Am&eacute;lie's portrait, and was about to fling it on
+the floor and trample upon it. On second thought, he restrained himself,
+returned the locket to his breast, and muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"The child is not to blame. Those who have made her such a monster are
+at fault. I will keep the miniature as a talisman for the future."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, M. Cambray," pursued the marquis, "we <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" /></a>want to learn what has
+become of your young friend. In fact, we <i>must</i> know what has become of
+him and his charge."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know where he is."</p>
+
+<p>"You do know. According to the report from our witness, he has fled to a
+'country where order prevails, and where there are no police.' Where is
+this country, M. Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the moon, perhaps!" was the laconic response.</p>
+
+<p>"Our witness heard these words from your own lips, and you pointed out
+the spot on the map to your friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Your witness dreamed all this!"</p>
+
+<p>"M. Cambray, let us talk sensibly. You are a banker&mdash;at least, that is
+what you are registered in the police records. It is to the interest of
+the state to discover your secret. If you will reveal the hiding-place
+of your friend you may demand your own reward. Do you wish to be
+intrusted with the management of the state's finances? Or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I regret, monsieur le marquis," interrupted Cambray, "that I must
+refuse so handsome an opportunity to enrich myself. Although I am a
+banker, I am no swindler."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good! Then you require no money. You are <i>not</i> a banker, M.
+Cambray; that is merely a fable. What is your ambition? Should you
+prefer to be a governor? Name any office; let it be what it may, you
+shall receive the appointment to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you again, monsieur. I must repeat what I said before: I know
+nothing about the future residence of the fugitive gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"And if I tell you, M. Cambray, that your refusal may cost you your
+head?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should reply," returned Cambray, smiling calmly, as he took up the
+piece of bread lying on the table, "that <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" /></a>it is a matter of perfect
+indifference to me if this daily portion of bread is enjoyed by some one
+else to-morrow. That which I do not know I cannot tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then," in a harsh tone rejoined De Fervlans. "I will tell
+you that Cambray the banker may say what is not true; but the nobleman
+cannot lie. <i>Marquis d'Avoncourt</i>, do you know to what country your
+friend has flown?"</p>
+
+<p>At this question the old gentleman rose from his chair, drew himself up
+proudly, and gazing defiantly into the eyes of his questioner, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>Instantly De Fervlans's manner changed. He became the embodiment of
+courtesy. He bowed with extreme politeness, then, slipping his arm
+familiarly through that of the prisoner, whispered insinuatingly:</p>
+
+<p>"And what can we do to win this information from you?"</p>
+
+<p>The gray-haired man released himself from De Fervlans's arm, and
+answered with quiet irony:</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what you can do: have my head cut off, and send it to
+M. Bichet, the celebrated professor of anatomy; perhaps he may be able
+to discover the information in my skull&mdash;if it is there! And now I beg
+you to leave me; I wish to be alone."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans took up his hat, but turned at the door to say, in a meaning
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Marquis d'Avoncourt, we shall forget that you are a prisoner so long as
+it shall please you to remain obstinate. As for the fugitives, Cythera's
+Brigade will capture them, sooner or later. <i>Au revoir!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>That same night the old nobleman was removed to the prison at Ham.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>While the ensnared conspirators against the state were receiving
+sentence in one district of Paris, in another district the inhabitants
+were entertaining themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Paris does not mourn very long. Paris is like the earth: one half of it
+is always illumined by the sun. On this fateful evening the incroyables
+and the merveilleuses were amusing themselves within the walls of the
+Palace of Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>The members of Cythera's Brigade took great pains to make outsiders
+believe that they never troubled themselves about that half of the world
+which was in shadow&mdash;that half called politics.</p>
+
+<p>In the salon of the fascinating Countess Themire Dealba not a word was
+heard relating to affairs of state. The beautiful women who were banded
+together to learn the secrets which threatened the present order of
+government worked in an imperceptible manner. They did not belong to the
+ordinary class of spies&mdash;those who collect every ill-natured word, every
+trifling occurrence of the street. No, indeed! <i>They</i> did nothing but
+amuse themselves. They were merry society women, trusty friends and
+confidantes. They moved in the best circles; no one ever saw them
+exchange a word with a police commissioner. If any one in the company
+happened to speak of anything even remotely connected with politics,
+some one quickly changed the <a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" /></a>subject to a more innocent theme; and if a
+stranger chanced to mention so delicate a matter as, say, the dinner
+which had been given by the emperor's nephew at Very's, which cost
+seventy-five thousand francs, while forty thousand laborers were
+starving, then the witty Countess Themire herself turned the
+conversation to the "toilet rivalry" between the Mesdames Tallien and
+R&eacute;camier.</p>
+
+<p>On this particular evening the Countess Dealba was discussing the
+beauties of the latest opera with a few of her most intimate friends,
+when the Marquis de Fervlans approached, and, bending over her,
+whispered: "I must see you alone; find an opportunity to leave the room,
+and join me in the conservatory."</p>
+
+<p>At that time it was the fashion to clothe children in garments similar
+to those worn by their elders. A company of little ones, therefore,
+looked like an assemblage of Lilliputian merveilleuses and incroyables.
+The little men and women also accompanied their mamas to receptions and
+the theatre, where they joined in the conversation, danced vis-&agrave;-vis
+with their elders, made witty remarks, criticized the toilets and the
+play, gave an opinion as to whether Hardy's confections or those of
+Riches were the better, and if it were safe to depend on the friendship
+of the Czar Alexander.</p>
+
+<p>In this company of little ones the Countess Am&eacute;lie was, beyond a doubt,
+the most conspicuous.</p>
+
+<p>One could not have imagined anything more interesting or entertaining
+than the manner of this miniature dame when left by her mama to do the
+honors of the house. The dignity with which the child performed her
+duties was enchanting. She understood perfectly how to entertain her
+mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes,
+how to mimic the manner of affected personages. She was, in a word, a
+prodigy!</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" /></a>Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to
+perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.</p>
+
+<p>"We have been outwitted," he began at once. "They vanished twelve hours
+before we learned that they had flown."</p>
+
+<p>The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this?" she inquired, with a
+touch of asperity. "Have you not got enough police to arrest the
+fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the
+fugitives are a trifle more skilful. They have disguised themselves so
+effectually that it is impossible to trace them. They seized a public
+coach by force, changed the number on it, and sent it back from the
+boundary by an accomplice, who left it in the Rue Muffetard. Even should
+we succeed in tracing their flight, by the time we discovered them they
+would have crossed the boundary of Switzerland, or would be sailing over
+the ocean. No; we must begin all over again. There is but one expedient:
+<i>you</i> must travel in search of the fugitives, and bring them back."</p>
+
+<p>"I go in search of them and bring them back?" repeated the countess, in
+a startled tone.</p>
+
+<p>"The first part of your task will not be so difficult," continued De
+Fervlans. "The imprisoned marquis will not reveal the destination of the
+fugitives; but we have learned, through your clever little daughter,
+that they have gone to a country where there is order, but where there
+are no police. That, methinks, is not a very difficult riddle to solve.
+You need only journey from place to place until you find such a country.
+The fugitives will be certain to <a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" /></a>betray themselves by their secrecy,
+and I have not the least doubt but your search will be rewarded before
+the year is out. For one year you shall have the command of three
+hundred thousand francs. When you discover the fugitives you will know
+very well what to do. The man is young and an enthusiast&mdash;an easy
+conquest, I should fancy; and when you have ensnared him the maid's fate
+is decided. We want the man, the maid, and the steel casket; any one of
+the three, however, will be of great value to us. You will keep us
+advised as to your progress, and we, of course, will assist you all we
+can. You know that we have secret agents all over Europe. And now, you
+will do well to prepare for an immediate departure; there is not a
+moment to be lost."</p>
+
+<p>"But good, heavens! how can I take Am&eacute;lie on such a journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to take her with you&mdash;of what are you thinking? That man
+has already seen the child, and would recognize her at once."</p>
+
+<p>"You surely cannot mean that I am to desert my daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think Am&eacute;lie will be in safe hands if you leave her in <i>my</i>
+care?" asked De Fervlans, with a glance that would have made any one who
+had not heard his words believe he was making a declaration of love.
+"Besides, it will not be the first time you leave her to the care of
+another."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," sighed the countess; "I ought to be accustomed to
+parting with her. Have not I trusted her to the care of a police spy?
+and all for my own advantage! Oh, what a wretched profession I have
+chosen for myself and my child!"</p>
+
+<p>"A profession that yields a handsome income, madame," supplemented the
+marquis, a trifle sharply. "You ought <a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" /></a>not to complain. Surely the
+r&eacute;gime is not to blame that you married a rou&eacute;, who squandered your
+fortune, and then was killed in a duel about a rope-dancer, leaving you
+a clever little daughter and a half-million of debts! What else could
+you have done to have earned a living for yourself and child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I might have sent the child to a foundling asylum, and sought
+employment for myself in the gobelin factory. It would have been better
+had I done so!"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it, countess. The path of virtue is only for those women
+who&mdash;have large feet! You are too fairy-like, and would have found the
+way too rough. It is much better, believe me, to serve the state. What
+would you? Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the
+soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
+Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles
+of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
+We are all soldiers of the state. When we assault an enemy, we do not
+inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland
+hallows the deed."</p>
+
+<p>"But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.</p>
+
+<p>"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume? Are not
+their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our
+salons? We are only using their own weapons against them."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of
+children as instruments in this deadly game."</p>
+
+<p>"Were not they the first to set us an example? Was not it a repulsive
+thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people
+that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child? No,
+madame; we <a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" /></a>need not be ashamed of what we are doing. Our men are
+engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in
+warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged
+in warfare against their little children. Your little Am&eacute;lie is a
+historical figure, and deserves a monument."</p>
+
+<p>The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on
+the lovely woman, continued:</p>
+
+<p>"And then, madame, if you are weary of the r&ocirc;le you and your little
+daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered
+to you to quit your present mode of life. Your financial affairs are
+utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you
+inherited from your ancestors. If you succeed in the task which you are
+about to undertake, the entire sum of money, the interest of which you
+receive annually, becomes your own. Five millions of francs deserve some
+sacrifice. With this sum you can become an independent woman, and your
+daughter will never be reproached with having been, in her childhood, a
+member of Cythera's Brigade."</p>
+
+<p>Countess Themire deliberated a few moments; then she asked:</p>
+
+<p>"May I not kiss my daughter farewell?"</p>
+
+<p>"Leave your kiss with me, and I will deliver it faithfully!" smilingly
+responded the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"How can you jest at such a moment? Suppose my absence lasts a long
+time?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is very probable."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not even to hear from my child&mdash;not even to let her know that I am
+living?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, countess; you may communicate with her through me. Moreover,
+it rests with yourself how soon you will return. Until that time it
+shall be my pleasure to take care of Am&eacute;lie; you may rest in peace as to
+that!"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" /></a>Yes; she could not be in worse hands than in those of her mother!"
+bitterly rejoined the countess. "The first letter, then, must be one of
+farewell."</p>
+
+<p>She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey. I shall write to
+     you when I am ready to return. Until then, I leave you to perform
+     the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care. I
+     embrace you a thousand times.</p>
+
+<p>     "Your old friend and little mama,</p>
+
+<p>     "THEMIRE."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said. "And now, send Jocrisse for a
+fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this. You can leave the
+palace unperceived by the garden gate. Speak German wherever you go, and
+remember that you do not understand a word of French. I think you would
+better begin your search in Switzerland. And now, adieu, madame, until
+we meet again&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"If only I might take one last look at my little daughter!" pleadingly
+interrupted the countess.</p>
+
+<p>"Themire! You are actually beginning to grow sentimental. That does not
+become a soldier!"</p>
+
+<p>"Had I suspected this," returned Themire, "I would not have given
+Am&eacute;lie's portrait to M. Cambray in that ridiculous farce. I wonder if I
+might not get it from him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a
+talisman. Only M. Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of
+their trinkets, and Cambray is still <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" /></a>far enough from Sanson's reach! I
+shall have another portrait painted of Am&eacute;lie, and send it to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter!
+I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission&mdash;that you will end
+by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us
+to him."</p>
+
+<p>Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for
+the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes
+for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where
+he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.</p>
+
+<p>Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady
+of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian <i>grande
+dame</i>, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter&mdash;although I am only
+just learning the alphabet!"</p>
+
+<p>There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed
+the concluding words.</p>
+
+<p>The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and
+read her mother's letter.</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called
+suddenly away. She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the
+letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her
+mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also
+was a thought of her own). "I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the
+house."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" /></a>Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the
+lorgnette in front of her lips:</p>
+
+<p>"Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"&mdash;adding, with na&iuml;ve sarcasm,
+"which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors."</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II" /></a><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" /></a>PART II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOME OF ANECDOTE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>The entire population of Fert&ouml;szeg was assembled on the public highway
+to welcome the new proprietress of the estate. Elaborate preparations
+had been made for the reception. An arch of green boughs&mdash;at the top of
+which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses&mdash;spanned the road, on
+either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with
+flower-baskets in their hands. They were under the superintendence of
+the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies
+with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.</p>
+
+<p>On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to
+present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe
+melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes. Mortars
+crowned the summit of the neighboring hill. In the shadow of a spreading
+beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine,
+the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the
+justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state
+employees, belonging to these gentlemen. The vice-palatine's assistant
+ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last
+instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the
+hamper of fruit and cheeses.</p>
+
+<p>These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but <i>they</i> had stationed
+themselves along the trench at the side of the <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" /></a>road. <i>They</i> did not
+seek the shadow of a tree, because <i>they</i> wished people to know that
+<i>they</i> had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast. The fat
+young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was
+ready for the torch. Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of
+wine. In front of the inn a gypsy band were tuning their instruments,
+while at the window of the church tower might have been seen two or
+three child faces; they were on the lookout for the new lady of the
+manor, in order that they might be ready to ring the bells the moment
+she came in sight. There was only that one tower in the village, and
+there was a cross on it; but it was not a Romish church, for all that.
+The inhabitants were adherents of Luther&mdash;Swabians, mixed with Magyars.</p>
+
+<p>The municipal authorities, in their holiday attire of blue cloth, had
+grouped themselves about the town hall. The older men wore their long
+hair brushed back from the temples and held in place by a curved comb.
+The young men had thrust into the sides of their lambskin caps gay
+little nosegays of artificial flowers. <i>They</i> proposed to fire a grand
+salute from the pistols they had concealed in their pockets.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the dignitaries underneath the umbrageous beech-tree were
+passing the time of waiting pleasantly enough. Maple wine mixed with
+mineral water was a very refreshing drink in the intense heat; besides,
+it served as a stimulant to the appetite&mdash;<i>appetitorium</i>, they called
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Three wooden benches, joined together in a half-circle, formed a
+comfortable resting-place for the committee of reception, the chief of
+whom, the vice-palatine, was seated on the middle bench, drawing through
+the stem of his huge carved meerschaum the smoke of the sweet Veker
+tobacco. <a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" /></a>His figure was the living illustration of the ever true axiom:
+"<i>Extra Hungariam non est vita</i>,"&mdash;an axiom which his fat red face by no
+means confuted,&mdash;while his heavy, stiffly waxed mustache seemed to add
+menacingly: "Leave the Hungarian in peace."</p>
+
+<p>He shared his seat with the clergyman, whose ecclesiastical office
+entitled him to that honor. The reverend gentleman, however, was an
+extremely humble person, whom erudition had bent and warped to such a
+degree that one shoulder was lower than the other, one eyelid was
+elevated above its fellow, and only one half of his mouth opened when he
+gave utterance to a remark. His part in the festive ceremony was the
+performance of the <i>beneventatio</i>; and although he had committed the
+speech to memory, he could not help but tremble at thought of having to
+repeat it before so grand a dame as the new mistress of the manor. He
+always trembled whenever he began his sermons; but once fairly started,
+then he became a veritable Demosthenes.</p>
+
+<p>"I only hope, reverend sir," jestingly observed the vice-palatine, "that
+it will not happen to you as it did to the <i>csokonai</i>, not long ago.
+Some wags exchanged his sermon-book for one on cookery, and he did not
+notice it until he began to read in the pulpit: 'The vinegar was&mdash;' Then
+he saw that he was reading a recipe for pickled gherkins. He had the
+presence of mind, however, to continue, '&mdash;was offered to the Saviour,
+who said, "It is finished."' And on that text he extemporized a
+discourse that astounded the entire presbytery."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall manage somehow to say my speech," returned the pastor, meekly,
+"if only I do not stumble over the name of the lady."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a difficult name," assented the vice-palatine. "What is it? I
+have already forgotten it, reverend sir."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" /></a>Katharina von Landsknechtsschild."</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine's pointed mustaches essayed to give utterance to the
+name.</p>
+
+<p>"Lantz-k-nek-hisz-sild&mdash;that's asking a great deal from a body at one
+time!" he concluded, in disgust at his ill success.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, it is a good old Hungarian family name. The last Diet
+recognized her ancestors as belonging to the nobility."</p>
+
+<p>This remark was made by a third gentleman. He was sitting on the left of
+the vice-palatine, and was clad in snuff-colored clothes. His face was
+covered with small-pox marks; he had tangled yellow hair and inflamed
+eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you acquainted with the family, doctor?" asked the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I am," replied the doctor. "Baron Landsknechtsschild
+inherited this estate from his mother, who was a Markoczy. The baron
+sold the estate to his niece Katharina. You, Herr Surveyor, must have
+seen the baron, when the land was surveyed around the Nameless Castle
+for the mad count?"</p>
+
+<p>The surveyor, who was seated beside the doctor, was a clever man in his
+profession, but little given to conversation. When he did open his lips,
+he rarely got beyond: "I&mdash;say&mdash;what was it, now, I was going to say?"</p>
+
+<p>As no one seemed willing to-day to wait until he could remember what he
+wanted to remark, the doctor, who was never at a loss for words,
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"The Baroness Katharina paid one hundred thousand florins for the
+estate, with all its prerogatives&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That's quite a handsome sum," observed the vice-palatine. "And, what is
+handsomer, it is said the new proprietress intends to take up a
+permanent residence here. Is not that the report, Herr Justice? You
+ought to know."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" /></a>The justice had an odd habit, while speaking, of rubbing together the
+palms of his hands, as if he were rolling little dumplings between them.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," he replied, beginning his dumpling-rolling; "that is quite
+true. The baroness sent some beautiful furniture from Vienna; also a
+piano, and a tuner to tune it. All the rooms at the manor have been hung
+with new tapestry, and the conservatory has been completely renovated."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder how the baroness came to take such a fancy to this quiet
+neighborhood? It is very strange, too, that none of the neighboring
+nobles have been invited here to meet her. It is as if she intended to
+let them know in advance that she did&nbsp;n't want their acquaintance. At
+any other celebration of this sort half the county would have been
+invited, and here are only ourselves&mdash;and we are here because we are
+obliged, <i>ex officio</i>, to be present."</p>
+
+<p>This speech was delivered over the mouthpiece of the vice-palatine's
+meerschaum.</p>
+
+<p>"I fancy I can enlighten you," responded the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it likely that the 'county clock' could tell us something
+about it," laughingly interpolated the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"You may laugh as much as you like, but I always tell what is true,"
+retorted the "county clock." "They say that the baroness was betrothed
+to a gentleman from Bavaria, that the wedding-day was set, when the
+bridegroom heard that the lady he was about to marry was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" hastily whispered the justice; "the servants might hear you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is&nbsp;n't anything scandalous. All that the bridegroom heard was
+that the baroness was a Lutheran; and as the <i>matrimonia mixta</i> are
+forbidden in Vienna and in Bavaria, the bridegroom withdrew from the
+engagement. <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" /></a>In her grief over the affair, the <i>sposa repudiata</i> said
+farewell to the world, and determined to wear the <i>parta</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> for the
+remainder of her days. That is why she chose this remote region as a
+residence."</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> A head-covering worn only by Hungarian maidens.</p></div>
+
+<p>Here the bell in the church tower began to ring. It was followed by a
+roar from the mortars on the hilltop.</p>
+
+<p>The gypsy band began to play Biharis's "Vierzigmann Marsch"; a cloud of
+dust rose from the highway; and soon afterward there appeared an
+outrider with three ostrich-plumes in his hat. He was followed by a
+four-horse coach, with coachman and footman on the box.</p>
+
+<p>The committee of reception came forth from the shade of the beech and
+ranged themselves underneath the arch. The clergyman for the last time
+took his little black book from his pocket, and satisfied himself that
+his speech was still in it. The coach stopped, and it was discovered
+that no one occupied it; only the discarded shawl and traveling-wraps
+told that women had been riding in the conveyance.</p>
+
+<p>The general consternation which ensued was ended by the agent from
+Vienna, who drove up in a second vehicle. He explained that the baroness
+and her companion had alighted at the park gate, whence they would
+proceed on foot up the shorter foot-path to the manor. And thus ended
+all the magnificent preparations for the reception!</p>
+
+<p>A servant now came running from the village, his plumed <i>czako</i> in one
+hand, and announced that the baroness awaited the dignitaries at the
+manor.</p>
+
+<p>This was, to say the least, exasperating! A whole week spent in
+preparing&mdash;for nothing!</p>
+
+<p>You may be sure every one had something to say about it, audibly and to
+themselves, and some one was even heard to mutter:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" /></a>This is the <i>second</i> mad person come to live in Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>And then they all betook themselves, a disappointed company, to their
+homes.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, who had preferred to walk the shorter path through the
+park to driving around the village in the dust for the sake of receiving
+a ceremonious welcome, was a lovely blonde, a true Viennese,
+good-humored, and frank as a child. She treated every one with cordial
+friendliness. One might easily have seen that everything rural was new
+to her. While walking through the park she took off her hat and
+decorated it with the wild flowers which grew along the path. In the
+farm-yard she caught two or three little chickens, calling them
+canaries&mdash;a mistake the mother hen sought in the most emphatic manner to
+correct. The surly old watch-dog's head was patted. She brushed with her
+dainty fingers the hair from the eyes of the gaping farmer children. She
+was here and there in a moment, driving to despair her companion, whose
+gouty limbs were unable to keep pace with the flying feet of her
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>At the manor the baroness was received by the steward, who had been sent
+on in advance with orders to prepare the "installation dinner." Then she
+proceeded at once to inspect every corner and crevice&mdash;the kitchen as
+well as the dining-room, astonishing the cooks with her knowledge of
+their art. She was summoned from the kitchen to receive the dignitaries.</p>
+
+<p>"Let there be no ceremony, gentlemen," she exclaimed in her musical
+voice, hastening toward them. "I detest all formalities. I have had a
+surfeit of them in Vienna, and intend to breathe natural air here in the
+country, without 'fuss or feathers,' with no incense save that which
+rises from burning tobacco! This is why I avoided your <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" /></a>parade out
+yonder on the highway. I want nothing but a cordial shake of your hands;
+and as regards the official formalities of this 'installation' business,
+you must settle that with my agent, who has authority to act for me.
+After that has been arranged, we will all act as if we were old
+acquaintances, and every one of you must consider himself at home here."</p>
+
+<p>To this gracious speech the vice-palatine gave utterance to something
+which sounded like:</p>
+
+<p>"Kisz-ti-hand!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" returned the baroness, "you speak German?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes," replied the descendant of the Scythians; "only, I am likely
+to blunder when speaking it, as did the valiant Barkocz. When our
+glorious Queen Maria Theresa recovered from the chicken-pox, she was
+bemoaning the disfiguring scars left on her face, when the brave
+soldier, in order to comfort her, said: 'But your Majesty still has very
+beautiful <i>leather</i>.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" merrily laughed the baroness. "You are the gentleman who
+has an anecdote to suit every occasion. I have already heard about you.
+Pray introduce the other gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine proceeded to obey this request. "This is the Rev. Herr
+Tobias Mercatoris, our parish clergyman. He has a beautiful speech
+prepared to receive your ladyship; but he can't repeat it here, as it
+begins, 'Here in the grateful shadow of these green trees.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, your reverence, instead of the speech, I will listen to your
+sermons on Sundays. I intend to become a very zealous member of your
+congregation."</p>
+
+<p>"And this, your ladyship," continued the master of ceremonies, "is Dr.
+Philip Tromfszky, resident physician of Fert&ouml;szeg, who is celebrated not
+only for his surgical and medical skill, but is acknowledged here, as
+well as in Raab, <a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" /></a>Komorn, Eisenburg, <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'an'">and</ins> Odenburg, as
+the greatest gossip and news dispenser in the kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>"A most excellent accomplishment!" laughingly exclaimed the baroness. "I
+am devoted to gossip; and I shall manage to have some ailment every few
+days in order to have the doctor come to see me!"</p>
+
+<p>Then came the surveyor's turn.</p>
+
+<p>"This, your ladyship, is Herr Martin Doboka, county surveyor and expert
+mathematician. He will measure for you land, water, or fog; and if your
+watch stops going, he will repair it for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"And who may this be?" smilingly inquired the lady, indicating the
+vice-palatine's assistant, who had thrust his long neck inquisitively
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he is&nbsp;n't anybody!" replied the vice-palatine. "He is never called
+by name. When you want him just say: '<i>Audiat!</i>' He is one of those
+persons of whom Cziraky said: 'My lad, don't trouble yourself to inquire
+where you shall seat yourself at table; for wherever you sit will always
+be the lowest place!'"</p>
+
+<p>This anecdote caused "Audiat" to draw back his head and seek to make
+himself invisible.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, I must present myself: I am the vice-palatine of this county,
+and am called Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir!" ejaculated the baroness, laughing heartily, "I could&nbsp;n't
+commit all that to memory in three years!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is exactly the way your ladyship's name affects me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you what we will do. Instead of torturing each other
+with our unpronounceable names, let us at once adopt the familiar
+'thou,' and call each other by our Christian names."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but when I enter into a 'brotherhood' of that <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" /></a>sort, I always kiss
+the person with whom I form a compact."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that can also be done in this instance!" promptly responded the
+baroness, proffering, without affectation of maidenly coyness, the
+ceremonial kiss, and cordially shaking hands with the vice-palatine.
+Then she said:</p>
+
+<p>"We are now Bernat <i>b&aacute;csi</i>, and Katinka; and as that is happily
+arranged, I will ask the gentlemen to go into the agent's office and
+conclude our official business. Meanwhile, I shall make my toilet for
+dinner, where we will all meet again."</p>
+
+<p>"What a perfectly charming woman!" exclaimed the justice, when their
+hostess had vanished from the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what would happen," observed the doctor, with a malicious
+grin, "if the vice-palatine's wife should hear of that kiss? Would&nbsp;n't
+there be a row, though!"</p>
+
+<p>The heroic descendant of the Scythians at these words became seriously
+alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Doctor, I trust, will be honorable enough not to gossip about
+it," he said meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you may rest without fear, so far as <i>I</i> am concerned; but I
+would&nbsp;n't say as much for the surveyor, here. If ever he should succeed
+in getting beyond 'I say,' I won't answer for the safety of your secret,
+Herr Vice-palatine! When your wife hears, moreover, that it is 'Bernat'
+and 'Katinka' up here, it will require something besides an anecdote to
+parry what will follow!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the baroness appeared at the dinner-table, she was attired simply,
+yet with a certain elegance. She wore a plain black silk gown, with no
+other ornamentation save the string of genuine pearls about her throat.
+The sombre hue of her gown signified mourning; the gems represented
+tears; but her manner was by no means in keeping with either; she was
+cheerful, even gay. But laughter very often serves to mask a sorrowful
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Thy place is here by my side," said the baroness, mindful of the
+"thee-and-thou" compact with Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine, remembering his spouse, sought to modify the
+familiarity.</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot to tell you, baroness," he observed, as he seated himself in
+the chair beside her own, "that with us in this region 'thou' is used
+only by children and the gypsies. To those with whom we are on terms of
+intimacy we say 'he' or 'she,' to which we add, if we wish, the words
+<i>b&aacute;csi</i>, or <i>hugom</i>, which are equivalent to 'cousin.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And do you never say 'thou' to your wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"To her also I say 'she' or 'you.'"</p>
+
+<p>"What a singular country! Well, then, Bernat b&aacute;csi, if it pleases 'him,'
+will 'he' sit here by me?"</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katinka understood perfectly how to conduct the conversation
+during the repast&mdash;an art which was not appreciated by her right-hand
+neighbor, Herr Mercatoris. <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" /></a>The learned gentleman had bad teeth, in
+consequence of which eating was a sort of penitential performance that
+left him no time for discourse.</p>
+
+<p>But the doctor and the vice-palatine showed themselves all the more
+willing to share the conversation with their hostess.</p>
+
+<p>"The official business was satisfactorily arranged without me, was it
+not, Bernat b&aacute;csi?" after a brief pause, inquired the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Not altogether. We are like the gypsy who said that he was going to
+marry a countess. He was willing, and all that was yet necessary was the
+consent of a countess. Our business requires the consent of a
+baroness&mdash;that is, of Katinka hugom."</p>
+
+<p>"To what must I give my consent?"</p>
+
+<p>"That the conditions relating to the Nameless Castle shall continue the
+same as heretofore."</p>
+
+<p>"Nameless Castle?&mdash;Conditions?&mdash;What does that mean? I should like very
+much to know."</p>
+
+<p>"Katinka hugom can see the Nameless Castle from the terrace out yonder.
+It is a hunting-seat that was built by a Markoczy on the shore of Lake
+Neusiedl, on the site of a primitive pile-dwelling. Three years ago, a
+gentleman from a foreign country came to Fert&ouml;szeg, and took such a
+fancy to the isolated house that he leased it from the baron, the former
+owner, on condition that no one but himself and servants should be
+permitted to enter the grounds belonging to the castle. The question now
+is, will Katinka hugom consent to the conditions, or will she revoke
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>"And if I should choose to do the latter?" inquired the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Then your ladyship would be obliged to give a handsome bonus to the
+lessee. Shall you revoke the conditions?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" /></a>It depends entirely on the sort of person my tenant proves to be."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a very peculiar man, to say the least&mdash;one who avoids all contact
+with his fellow-men."</p>
+
+<p>"What is his name?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think any one around here knows it. That is why his residence
+has been called the Nameless Castle."</p>
+
+<p>"But how is it possible that the name of a man who has lived here three
+years is not known?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is easily explained. He never goes anywhere, never receives
+visitors, and his servants never call him anything but 'the count.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely he receives letters by post?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, frequently, and from all parts of the known world. Very often he
+receives letters which contain money, and for which he is obliged to
+give a receipt; but no one has yet been able to decipher the illegible
+characters on the letters addressed to him, or those of his own hand."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think the authorities had a right to demand the information?"</p>
+
+<p>"Which authorities?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;'he,' Bernat b&aacute;csi."</p>
+
+<p>"I? Why, what business is it of mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"The authorities ought to inquire who strangers are, and where they come
+from. And such an authority is 'he'&mdash;Bernat b&aacute;csi!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum; does 'she' take me to be a detective?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you surely have a right to demand to see his passport?"</p>
+
+<p>"Passport? I would rather allow myself to be thrown from the window of
+the county-house than demand a passport from any one who comes to
+Hungary, or set my foot in the house of a gentleman without his
+permission!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you don't care what people do here?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" /></a>Why should we? The noble does as he pleases, and the peasant as he
+must."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the man in the Nameless Castle were plotting some dreadful
+treason?"</p>
+
+<p>"That would be the affair of the king's attorney, not mine. Moreover,
+nothing whatever can be said against the tenant of the Nameless Castle.
+He is a quiet and inoffensive gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he alone? Has he no family?"</p>
+
+<p>"That the Herr Justice is better able to tell your ladyship than am I."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then, <i>Herr Hofrichter</i>," inquired the lady of the manor, turning
+toward the justice, "what do <i>you</i> know about this mysterious personage?
+Has he a wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"It seems as if he had a wife, your ladyship; but I really cannot say
+for certain if he has one."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I confess my curiosity is aroused! How is it possible not to know
+whether the man is married or not? Are the people invisible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Invisible? By no means, your ladyship. The nameless count and a lady
+drive out every morning at ten o'clock. They drive as far as the
+neighboring village, where they turn and come back to the castle. But
+the lady wears such a heavy veil that one can't tell if she be old or
+young."</p>
+
+<p>"If they drive out they certainly have a coachman; and one might easily
+learn from a servant what are the relations between his master and
+mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, so one might. The coachman comes often to the village, and he can
+speak German, too. There is a fat cook, who never leaves the castle,
+because she can't walk. Then, there are two more servants, Schmidt and
+his wife; but they live in a cottage near the castle. Every morning at
+five o'clock they go to the castle gate, where they receive from some
+one, through the wicket, orders for the day. At <a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" /></a>nine o'clock they
+return to the gate, where a basket has been placed for the things they
+have bought. But they never speak of the lady, because they have never
+seen her face, either."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a man is the groom?"</p>
+
+<p>"The people about here call him the man with the iron mouth. It is
+believed the fat cook is his wife, because he never even looks at the
+girls in the village. He will not answer any questions; only once he
+condescended to say that his mistress was a penniless orphan, who had
+nothing, yet who got everything she wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"Does no one visit them?"</p>
+
+<p>"If any one goes to the castle, the count alone receives the visitor;
+the lady never appears; and no one has yet had courage enough to ask for
+her. But that they are Christians, one may know from their kitchen:
+there is always a lamb for dinner on Easter; and the usual <i>heiligen
+Stritzel</i> on All Saints'. But they never go to church, nor is the pastor
+ever received at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>"What reason can they have for so much mystery, I wonder?" musingly
+observed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot say. I can furnish only the data; for the deductions I
+must refer your ladyship to the Herr Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, true!" ejaculated her ladyship, joining in the general laughter.
+"The doctor, to be sure! If you are the county clock, Herr Doctor,
+surely you ought to know something about our mysterious neighbors?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have two versions, either of which your ladyship is at liberty to
+accept," promptly responded the doctor. "According to the first
+'authentic' declaration, the nameless count is the chief of a band of
+robbers, who ply their nefarious trade in a foreign land. The lady is
+his mistress. She fell once into the hands of justice, in Germany, and
+was <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" /></a>branded as a criminal on her forehead. That accounts for the heavy
+veil she always wears&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is quite too horribly romantic, Herr Doctor!" interrupted the
+baroness. "We cannot accept that version. Let us hear the other one."</p>
+
+<p>"The second is more likely to be the true one. Four years ago the
+newspapers were full of a remarkable abduction case. A stranger&mdash;no one
+knew who he was&mdash;abducted the wife of a French officer from Dieppe.
+Since then the betrayed husband has been searching all over the world
+for his runaway wife and her lover; and the pair at the castle are
+supposed to be they."</p>
+
+<p>"That certainly is the more plausible solution of the mystery. But there
+is one flaw. If the lovers fled here to Fert&ouml;szeg to escape pursuit, the
+lady has chosen the very worst means to remain undiscovered. Who would
+recognize them here if they went about in the ordinary manner? The story
+of the veil will spread farther and farther, and will ultimately betray
+them to the pursuing husband."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the reverend Herr Mercatoris had got the better of his bad
+teeth, and was now ready to join the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen and ladies," he began, "allow me to say a word about this
+matter, the details of which no one knows better than myself, as I have
+for months been in communication with the nameless gentleman at the
+castle."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of communication?"</p>
+
+<p>"Through the medium of a correspondence, which has been conducted in
+quite a peculiar manner. The count&mdash;we will call him so, although we are
+not justified in so doing, for the gentleman did not announce himself as
+such&mdash;the count sends me every morning his copy of the Augsburg
+'Allgemeine Zeitung.' Moreover, I frequently receive letters from him
+through Frau Schmidt; but I always have <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" /></a>to return them as soon as I
+have read them. They are not written in a man's hand; the writing is
+unmistakably feminine. The seal is never stamped; only once I noticed on
+it a crest with three flowers&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of flowers?" hastily interposed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know the names of them, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you write about?" she asked again.</p>
+
+<p>"The correspondence began by the count asking a trifling favor of me. He
+complained that the dogs in the village barked so loud; then, that the
+children robbed the birds' nests; then, that the night-watchman called
+the hour unnecessarily loud. These complaints, however, were not made in
+his own name, but by another person whom he did not name. He wrote
+merely: 'Complainant is afraid when the dogs bark.' 'Complainant loves
+birds.' 'Complainant is made nervous by the night-watchman.' Then he
+sent some money for the owners of the barking dogs, asking that the curs
+be shut indoors nights; and some for the children, so they would cease
+to rob the birds' nests; and some for the watchman, whom he requested to
+shout his loudest at the other end of the village. When I had attended
+to his requests, he began to send me his newspaper, which is a great
+favor, for I can ill afford to subscribe for one myself. Later, he
+loaned me some books; he has the classics of all nations&mdash;the works of
+Wieland, Kleist, B&ouml;rne, Lessing, Locke, Schleiermacher. Then we began to
+write about the books, and became entangled in a most exciting argument.
+Frau Schmidt, who was the bearer of this exchange of opinions, very
+often passed to and fro between the castle and the parsonage a dozen
+times a day; and all the time we never said anything to each other, when
+we happened to meet in the road, but 'good day.' From the letters,
+however, I became convinced that the mysterious gentleman is neither a
+criminal, nor a fugitive from justice, <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" /></a>nor yet an adventurous hero who
+abducts women! Nor is he an unfortunate misanthrope. He is, on the
+contrary, a philanthropist in the widest sense&mdash;one who takes an
+interest in everything that goes on about him, and is eager to help his
+suffering fellows. In a word, he is a philosopher who is happy when he
+is surrounded by peace and quiet."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, who had listened with interest to the reverend gentleman's
+words, now made inquiry:</p>
+
+<p>"How does this nameless gentleman learn of his poor neighbors' needs,
+when neither he nor his servants associate with any one outside the
+castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a very simple manner, your ladyship. He has a very powerful
+telescope in the tower of the castle, with which he can view every
+portion of the surrounding region. He thus learns when there is illness
+or death, whether a house needs repair; and wherever anything is needed,
+the means to help are sent to me. On Christmas he has all the children
+from the village up at the castle, where he has a splendid Christmas
+tree with lighted tapers, and a gift for every child,&mdash;clothes, books,
+and sweets,&mdash;which he distributes with his own hand. I can tell you an
+incident which is characteristic of the man. One day the county arrested
+a poor woman, the wife of a notorious thief. The Herr Vice-palatine will
+remember the case&mdash;Rakoncza Jutka, the wife of the robber Satan Laczi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember. She is still in prison," assented the gentleman
+referred to.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Well, she has a little son. When the mother was taken to prison,
+the little lad was turned away from every door, was beaten and abused by
+the other children, until at last he fled to the marshes, where he ate
+the young shoots of the reeds, and slept in the mire. The nameless count
+discovered with his telescope the little outcast, and <a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" /></a>wrote to me to
+have him taken to Frau Schmidt, where he would be well taken care of
+until his mother came back."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the tears were running down the baroness's cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little lad!" she murmured brokenly. "Your story has affected me
+deeply, Herr Pastor."</p>
+
+<p>Then she summoned her steward, and bade him fill a large hamper with
+sweets and pasties, and send it to Frau Schmidt for the poor little boy.
+"And tell Frau Schmidt," she added, "to send the child to the manor. We
+will see to it that he has some suitable clothes. I am delighted,
+reverend sir, to learn that my tenant is a true nobleman."</p>
+
+<p>"His deeds certainly proclaim him as such, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"How do <i>you</i> explain the mystery of the veiled lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain it, your ladyship; she is never mentioned in our
+correspondence."</p>
+
+<p>"She may be a prisoner, detained at the castle by force."</p>
+
+<p>"That cannot be; for she has a hundred opportunities to escape, or to
+ask for help."</p>
+
+<p>Here the surveyor managed to express his belief that the reason the lady
+wore a veil was because of the repulsiveness of her face.</p>
+
+<p>At this, a voice that had not yet been heard said, at the lower end of
+the table:</p>
+
+<p>"But the lady is one the most beautiful creatures I ever saw&mdash;and quite
+young."</p>
+
+<p>Every eye was turned toward the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Audiat? How dares he say such a thing?" demanded the
+vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have seen her."</p>
+
+<p>"You have seen her? When did you see her? Where did you see her&mdash;her
+whom no one yet has seen?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" /></a>When I was returning from college last year, <i>per pedes apostolorum</i>,
+for my money had given out, and my knapsack was empty. I was picking
+hazelnuts from the bushes in the park of the Nameless Castle, when I
+heard a window open. I looked up, and saw in the open sash a face the
+like of which I have never seen, even in a picture."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" ejaculated the baroness. "Tell us what is she like. Come nearer to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>The clerk, however, was too bashful to leave his place, whereupon the
+baroness rose and took a seat by his side.</p>
+
+<p>"She has long, curling black hair," he went on. "Her face is fair as a
+lily and red as a rose, her brow pure and high, with no sign of the
+branding-iron. Her mouth is small and delicate. Indeed, her entire
+appearance that day was like that of an angel looking down from heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she a maid or a married woman?" inquired one of the company.</p>
+
+<p>A maid, in those days, was very easily distinguished from her married
+sister. The latter was never seen without a cap.</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl not more than fifteen, I should say," was the reply. "A
+cap would not suit her face."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Bernat b&aacute;csi. "And this enchanting fairy opened
+the window to show her lovely face to Audiat!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she did not open the window on my account," retorted the young man,
+"but for the beasts that were luckier than I&mdash;for four cats that were
+playing in the gutter of the roof; a white one, a black one, a yellow
+one, and a gray one; and all of them scampered toward her when they
+heard her call."</p>
+
+<p>"The cats are her only companions&mdash;that much we know from the servants,"
+affirmed the justice.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" /></a>The laurels which his clerk had won made the vice-palatine jealous.</p>
+
+<p>"Audiat," he said, in a reproving tone, "you ought to learn that a young
+person should speak only when spoken to; indeed,&mdash;as the learned
+Professor Hatvani says,&mdash;even then it is not necessary to answer all
+questions."</p>
+
+<p>But the company around the dinner-table did not share these views. The
+clerk was assailed on all sides&mdash;very much as would have been an
+a&euml;ronaut who had just alighted from a montgolfier&mdash;to relate all that he
+had seen in those regions not yet penetrated by man. What sort of gown
+did the mysterious lady wear? Was he certain that she had no cap on? Was
+she really no older than fifteen years?</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine at last put an end to his clerk's triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut! what can you expect to learn from a mere lad like him?&mdash;when
+he saw her only for an instant! Just wait; <i>I</i> will find out all about
+this nameless gentleman and lady."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray how do you propose to accomplish that?" queried the baroness, who
+had returned to her former seat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go to the Nameless Castle."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you are not permitted to enter?"</p>
+
+<p>"What? <i>I</i>, the vice-palatine, not permitted to enter? Wait; I will
+explain my plan to you over the coffee."</p>
+
+<p>When the time came to serve the black coffee, the amiable hostess
+suggested that it would be pleasant to enjoy it in the open air;
+whereupon the company repaired to the veranda where, on several small
+tables, the fragrant mocha was steaming in the cups. Here the baroness
+and the vice-palatine seated themselves where they could look directly
+at the Nameless Castle; and Herr Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi pro<a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" /></a>ceeded to explain
+how he intended to take the castle without force&mdash;which was forbidden a
+Hungarian official.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two ladies withdrew to make their toilets for the evening; and
+the gentlemen betook themselves to the smoking-room, to indulge in a
+little game of chance, without which no "installation" ceremony would
+have been complete.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the
+gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat b&aacute;csi lingering
+behind the rest to whisper significantly:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell
+you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and
+bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle. The
+Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into
+Lake Neusiedl. The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway,
+which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of
+fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns. A drawbridge at the
+farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the
+gate to ask permission.</p>
+
+<p>On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has
+already been described,&mdash;the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one
+person. He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and
+shoes without heels.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the count at home?" inquired the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"He is."</p>
+
+<p>"Announce us. I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an
+official visit."</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids
+them welcome."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" /></a>This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing
+proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to
+remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule&mdash;a
+sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, something curious happened.</p>
+
+<p>Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks,
+woven of strands of cloth,&mdash;<i>mamuss</i> they are called in this
+region,&mdash;and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their
+boots.</p>
+
+<p>"And why, pray?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant;
+and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the
+carpets."</p>
+
+<p>"This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to
+submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped,
+they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.</p>
+
+<p>An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
+Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used
+for peasants' clothing in Hungary. The walls were hung with glossy white
+paper. Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened. There were
+no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had
+anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either. The floor
+of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone
+like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom,
+and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber. Here, too, the
+furniture was white and gold. The oil-paintings in the rococo frames
+repre<a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" /></a>sented landscapes, fruit pieces, and game; there was not a
+portrait among them.</p>
+
+<p>Beside the oval table with tigers' feet stood the mysterious occupant of
+the Nameless Castle. He was a tall man, with knightly bearing,
+expressive face, a high, broad forehead left uncovered by his natural
+hair, a straight Greek nose, gray eyes, a short mustache and pointed
+beard, which where a shade lighter than his hair.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Magnifice comes</i>&mdash;" the vice-palatine was beginning in Latin, when the
+count interposed:</p>
+
+<p>"I speak Hungarian."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible!" exclaimed the visitor, whose astonishment was reflected in
+his face. "Hungarian? Why, where can your worship have learned it?"</p>
+
+<p>"From the grammar."</p>
+
+<p>"From the grammar?" For the vice-palatine this was the most astounding
+of all the strange things about the mysterious castle. Had he not always
+known that Hungarian could only be learned by beginning when a child and
+living in a Hungarian family? That any one had learned the language as
+one learns the <i>hic, h&aelig;c, hoc</i> was a marvel that deserved to be
+recorded. "From the grammar?" he repeated. "Well, that is wonderful! I
+certainly believed I should have to speak Latin to your worship. But
+allow me to introduce my humble self&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I already have the honor," quietly interrupted the count, "of knowing
+that you are Herr Vice-palatine Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur."</p>
+
+<p>He repeated the whole name without a single mistake!</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine bowed, and began again:</p>
+
+<p>"The object of my visit to-day is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Again he was interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"I know that also," said the count. "The Fert&ouml;szeg estate has passed
+into the hands of another proprietor, who <a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" /></a>has a legal right to withdraw
+the lease and revoke the conditions made and agreed to by her
+predecessor; and the Herr Vice-palatine is come, at the request of the
+baroness, to serve a notice to quit."</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat did not like it when any one interrupted him or knew
+beforehand what he intended to say.</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, I came because the baroness desires to renew the
+lease. She has learned how kind to the poor your worship is, and offers
+the castle and park at half the rent paid heretofore." He fancied this
+would melt the haughty lord of the castle, but it seemed to increase his
+hauteur.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," frigidly responded the count. "If the baroness thinks the rent
+too high, she will find in her own neighborhood poor people whom she can
+assist. I shall continue to pay the same rent I paid to the former
+owner."</p>
+
+<p>"Then my business will be easily settled. I have brought my clerk with
+me; he can write out the necessary papers, and the matter can be
+concluded at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much," returned the count, but without offering to shake
+hands. Instead, he kept his arms crossed behind his back.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we proceed to business," resumed the vice-palatine, "I must tell
+your worship an anecdote. A professor once told his pupils that he knew
+everything. Shortly afterward he asked one of the lads what his name
+was. 'Why,' responded the youth, 'how does it come that you don't know
+my name&mdash;you who know everything?'"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot see why you thought it necessary to relate this anecdote to
+me," observed the count, without a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I introduce it because I am compelled to inquire your worship's name
+and title, in order to draw up the contracts properly."</p>
+
+<p>This, then, was the strategem by which he proposed to <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" /></a>learn the name
+which no one yet had been able to decipher on the count's letters?</p>
+
+<p>The count gazed fixedly for several seconds at his questioner, then
+replied quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Count Ludwig Vavel de Versay&mdash;with a <i>y</i> after the <i>a</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks. I shall not forget it; I have a very good memory," said Herr
+Bernat, who was perfectly satisfied with his success. "Allow me, also,
+to inquire the family name of the worshipful Frau Countess?"</p>
+
+<p>At this question the count at last removed his hands from his back, and
+with the sort of gesture a man makes who would tear asunder an
+adversary. At the same time he cast upon Herr Bernat a glance that
+reminded the valiant official of the royal commissioner, as well as of
+his energetic spouse at home. The angry man seemed to have increased a
+head in stature.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of replying to the question, he turned on his heel and strode
+from the room, leaving his visitor standing in the middle of the floor.
+Herr Bernat was perplexed; he did not know what to do next. Was it not
+quite natural to ask the name of a man's wife when a legal contract was
+to be written? His question, therefore, had not been an insult.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as the count did not return, there was nothing left for Herr
+Bernat to do but go to his room and wait there for further developments.
+The contracts would have to be renewed, else the count would have to
+vacate the castle; and one could easily see that a great deal of money
+had been expended in fitting it up. The count had transformed the old
+hunting-seat, which had been a filthy little nest, into a veritable
+fairy castle. Yes, undoubtedly the contracts would be renewed.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine was pacing the floor of his room in his <a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" /></a>noiseless
+cloth socks, when he suddenly heard the voices of his clerk and his
+servant outside the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Janos, we are not going to dine here to-day; from what I can
+learn, we are going to be eaten ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"The groom told me his master was loading his pistols to shoot some one.
+The count challenges to a duel every one who inquires after the
+countess."</p>
+
+<p>The voices ceased. The vice-palatine opened wide his eyes, and muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"May the devil fly away with him! He wants to fight a duel, does he? I
+am not afraid of his pistols; I have one, too, and a sword into the
+bargain. But it&nbsp;'s a silly business altogether! I am to fight about a
+woman I have&nbsp;n't even seen! And what will my wife say? I wish I had&nbsp;n't
+come into this crazy castle! I wish I had&nbsp;n't sealed a compact of
+fraternity with the baroness! Why did not I leave this whole
+installation business to the second vice-palatine? If only I could think
+of an excuse to turn my back on this lunatic asylum! But I am not going
+to run away from a pistol. The Hungarian noble is a born soldier. If
+only I had my pipe! A man is only half a man without his pipe. A pipe
+inspires one with ideas. Where, I wonder, is that Audiat gadding?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the clerk opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Fetch our luggage, Audiat; we are going to leave this damned lunatic
+asylum. The Herr Count may see to it then how he renews his lease."
+Hereupon he kicked off the socks with such vigor that the very castle
+shook. Then, grasping his sword in his hand, he marched out of his room,
+and down the staircase, to prove that he was not fleeing like a coward,
+but was clearing his way by force.</p>
+
+<p>When the clerk, who went to fetch the luggage, was <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" /></a>about to enter the
+groom's apartment, the count came toward him and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You are the vice-palatine's clerk?"</p>
+
+<p>"That&nbsp;'s what they call me."</p>
+
+<p>"When do you expect to become a lawyer?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I have passed my examination."</p>
+
+<p>"When will that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I have served a year as jurat, and have paid a ducat for my
+diploma."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give you the ducat, and when you have become a lawyer I will
+employ you as my attorney at six hundred guilders a year. I know that a
+Hungarian gentleman will not accept a gift without making some return; I
+ask you, therefore, to give me for this ducat some information."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it you wish to know?"</p>
+
+<p>"How can I obtain possession of a portion of Lake Neusiedl for my own
+use alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"By becoming a naturalized citizen of the county, and by purchase of a
+portion of the shore. I dare say there are some landowners on the shore
+who would be glad to part with their possessions in exchange for solid
+cash. If you buy such an estate you will have sole right to that part of
+the water in front of your property, and to the middle of the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. One more question: if you were my attorney, what could you
+do to prevent me from being ejected from this castle, in case I did not
+sign a new contract with the present owner?"</p>
+
+<p>"First, I should take advantage of the law of possession, and drag the
+case through a twelve years' process; then I should appeal, which would
+postpone a settlement for three years longer. Would that be long
+enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite!"</p>
+
+<p>The count nodded a farewell to the youthful jurist with<a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" /></a>out even
+inquiring his name; nor did Audiat venture to propound a like question
+to his future employer.</p>
+
+<p>Bernat b&aacute;csi did not, as he had promised, return to the manor to tell
+the baroness the result of his visit. He drove direct to his home.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III" /></a><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" /></a>PART III</h2>
+
+
+<h3>THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When they heard the call, "Puss, puss!" they scampered down the roof,
+leaped from the eaves, and vanished, one after the other, between the
+curtains of the open window. It was quite an ethnographic, so to speak,
+collection of cats; a panther-like French pussy from Dund, a Caucasian
+with long pointed ears, one from China with wavy silken fur and drooping
+ears. Then the window was closed, for the company were all
+assembled&mdash;four cats, two pug-dogs, and a sparrow, and the hostess, a
+young girl.</p>
+
+<p>The girl, to judge from her figure, was perhaps fifteen years old; but
+her manner and speech were those of a much younger child. With her
+arched brow and rainbow-formed eyebrows, she might have served as a
+model for a saint, had not the roguish smile about the corners of her
+red lips betrayed an earthly origin. The sparkling dark eyes, delicately
+chiseled nostrils, and rounded chin gave to her face certain family
+characteristics which many persons would have recognized at a first
+glance.</p>
+
+<p>Her clothing was richly adorned with lace and embroidery, which was not
+the fashion for girls of her age; at the same time, there was about her
+attire a peculiar negligence, as if she had no one to advise her what
+was proper to wear, or how to wear it.</p>
+
+<p>Her room was furnished with luxurious elegance. Satin hangings covered
+the walls; the furniture was upholstered <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" /></a>with rare gobelin tapestry.
+Gilded cabinets veneered with tortoise-shell held, behind glass doors,
+all sorts of costly toys, and dolls in full costume. On a Venetian table
+with mosaic top lay a pack of cards and three heaps of money&mdash;one of
+gold, one of silver, the third of copper. On a low, three-legged table
+was a something shaped like an organ, with a long row of metal and
+wooden pipes. Near the window stood a drawing-table, on which were
+sheets of drawing-board, and glasses containing pulverized colors. There
+was also a bookcase; on the shelves were volumes of Vertuch's "Orbis
+pictus," the "Portefeuille des enfants," the "History of Robinson
+Crusoe," and several numbers of a fashion magazine, the "Album des
+salons," the illustrations of which lay scattered about on tables and
+chairs.</p>
+
+<p>The guests were all assembled; not one was missing. The little hostess
+inquired after the health of each one in turn, and how they had enjoyed
+their outing. They all had names. The cats were Hitz, Mitz, Pani, and
+Miura. They were introduced to the two pugs, Phryxus and Helle. Then the
+little maid fetched a porcelain basin, and with a sponge washed each
+nose and paw. Only after this operation had been thoroughly performed
+were the guests allowed to take their places at the breakfast-table&mdash;the
+four cats opposite the two pugs.</p>
+
+<p>Then a clean napkin was tied about the neck of each guest,&mdash;that their
+jabots might not get soiled with milk,&mdash;and a cup of bread and milk
+placed in front of each one.</p>
+
+<p>No complaints were allowed (the one that broke this rule was severely
+lectured), while all of them had patiently to submit when the sparrow
+helped himself from whichever cup he chose. The breakfast over, the
+guests bow-wowed and miaued their thanks, and were dismissed to their
+morning nap.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" /></a>The musical clock now began to play its shepherd's song; the brass
+Cyclops standing on the dial struck the hour; the cuckoo called, and the
+halberdier saluted. Then the little maid changed her toilet. She had a
+whole wardrobe full of clothes; she might select what she chose to wear.
+There was no one to tell her what to put on, or to help her attire
+herself. When her toilet was completed, a bell outside rang once,
+whereupon she donned her hat and tied over her face a heavy lace veil
+that effectually concealed her features. After a few minutes the bell
+rang a second time, and the sound of wheels in the courtyard was heard.
+Then three taps sounded on the door, and in answer to the little maid's
+clear-voiced "Come in!" a gentleman in promenade toilet entered the room
+and bowed respectfully. First he satisfied himself that the veil was
+securely fastened around the young girl's hat; then, drawing her hand
+through his arm, he led her to the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>On the box was seated the broad-shouldered groom, now clad in coachman's
+costume. The gentleman assisted the little maid into the carriage, took
+his seat by her side, and the black horses set off over the same road
+they had traversed a thousand times, in the regulation trot, avoiding
+the main thoroughfare of the village. Those persons whom they chanced to
+meet did not salute, for they knew that the occupants of the carriage
+from the Nameless Castle did not wish to be spoken to; and any of the
+villagers who were standing idly at their doors stepped inside until
+they had passed; no inquisitive woman face peered after them. And thus
+the carriage passed on its way, as if it had been invisible. When it
+arrived at the forest, the horses knew just where they had to halt. Here
+the gentleman assisted his veiled companion to alight, gave her his left
+arm, because he held in his right hand a heavy walking-stick, in the
+center of which was concealed a long, three-edged <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" /></a>poniard, an effective
+weapon in the hands of him who knew how to wield it.</p>
+
+<p>In silence the man and the maid promenaded along the green sward in the
+shade of the trees. A campanula had just opened its blue eye at the foot
+of one of the trees, and pale-blue forget-me-nots grew along the path.
+Blue was the little maid's favorite color; but she was not permitted to
+pluck the flowers herself. She had never been told why she must not do
+this; perhaps it was because the flowers belonged to some one else.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes the little maid's steps were so light and elastic, as if a
+fairy were gliding over the dewy grass; and sometimes she walked so
+slowly, so wearily, as if a little old grandmother came limping along,
+hunting for lichens on the mossy ground.</p>
+
+<p>After the promenade, they seated themselves again in the carriage, which
+returned to the Nameless Castle, and the gates were closed again.</p>
+
+<p>The man conducted the maid to her room, and the serious occupation of
+the day began. Books were produced, and the man proceeded to explain the
+classics. They were his own favorites; he could not give her any others.
+She had not yet seen or heard of romances, and she was still too young
+to begin the study of history. The man could teach the maid only what he
+<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'himelf'">himself</ins> knew; a strange tutor or governess was not
+allowed to enter the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Because her instructor could not play the piano, the little maid had not
+learned. But in order that she might enjoy listening to music, a
+hand-organ had been bought for her, and new melodies were inserted in it
+every four months.</p>
+
+<p>When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making, she
+seated herself at the card-table, and played <i>l'hombre</i>, or <i>tarok</i>,
+with two imaginary adversaries, <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" /></a>enjoying the manner in which the copper
+coins won the gold ones.</p>
+
+<p>At noon, when the bell rang a third time, the man tapped at the door
+again, offered his gloved hand to the maid, and conducted her to the
+dining-room. At either end of a large table was a plate. The maid took
+her place at the head; the man seated himself at the foot. They
+conversed during the meal. The maid talked about her cats and dogs; the
+man told her about his books. When the maid wanted anything, she called
+the man Ludwig; and when the man addressed his companion, he called her
+simply Marie.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, they went to the library to look at the late newspapers.
+Ludwig himself made the coffee, after which he read the papers, and
+dictated his comments and criticisms on certain articles to Marie, who
+wrote them out in her delicate hair-line chirography.</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig and Marie separated for the afternoon, he touched his lips
+to her hand and brow. Marie then returned to her own apartments, played
+the hand-organ for her pets, changed her dolls' toilets, counted her
+gains or losses at cards, colored with her paints a few of the
+illustrations in the magazines, looked through her "Orbis pictus,"
+reading without difficulty the text which was printed in four languages,
+and read for the hundredth time her favorite "Robinson Crusoe."</p>
+
+<p>And thus passed day after day, from spring until autumn, from autumn
+until spring.</p>
+
+<p>Evenings, when Marie prepared for bed, before she undressed herself, she
+spread a heavy silken coverlet over the leather lounge which stood near
+the door. She knew very well that the some one she called Ludwig slept
+every night on the lounge, but he came in so late, and went away so
+early in the morning, that she never heard his coming or his going.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" /></a>The little maid was a sound sleeper, and the pugs never barked at the
+master of the house, who gave them lumps of sugar.</p>
+
+<p>Often the little maid had determined that she would not go to sleep
+until she heard Ludwig come into the room. But all her attempts to
+remain awake were in vain. Her eyelids closed the moment her head
+touched the pillow. Then she tried to waken early, in order to wish him
+good morning; but when she thrust her little head from between the
+bed-curtains, and called cheerily, "Good morning, dear Ludwig!" there
+was no one there.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig never slept more than four hours of the twenty-four, and his
+slumber was so light that he woke at the slightest noise. Then, too, he
+slept like a soldier in the field&mdash;always clothed, with his weapons
+beside him.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>One day in the year formed an exception to all the rest. It was Marie's
+birthday. From her earliest childhood this one day had been entirely her
+own. On this day she addressed Ludwig with the familiar "thou," as she
+had been wont to do when he had taught her to walk. She always looked
+forward with great pleasure to this day, and made for it all sorts of
+plans whose accomplishment was extremely problematic.</p>
+
+<p>And who came to congratulate her on her birthday? First of all, the
+solitary sparrow, whose name was David&mdash;surely because he, too, was a
+tireless singer! Already at early dawn, when the first faint rosy hues
+of morning glimmered through the jalousie, he would fly to the head of
+her bed. Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until
+their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung
+open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would
+scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy
+returns of the day.</p>
+
+<p>When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little
+maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall
+folding screen. When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous
+Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and
+confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord. Her hair was twisted
+into a single knot on the crown of her head.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" /></a>Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests. The eight of
+them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one
+placed on her table every night while she slept. To-day Marie did not
+amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her
+picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the
+bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in!"</p>
+
+<p>The man who entered was surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"What? We are not yet ready for the drive?" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with
+childish abandon around his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"We are not going to drive to-day. Dost thou not know that this is my
+birthday&mdash;that I alone give orders in this house to-day? To-day
+everything must be done as <i>I</i> say; and <i>I</i> say that we will pass the
+time of the drive here in my room, and that thou shalt answer several
+silly questions which have come into my head. And forget not that we are
+to 'thou' each other to-day. And now, congratulate me nicely. Come, let
+us hear it!"</p>
+
+<p>The count almost imperceptibly bent his knee and his head, but spoke not
+one word. There are gratulations which are expressed in this manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good! Then I am a queen for to-day, and thou art my sole subject.
+Sit thou here at my feet on this taboret."</p>
+
+<p>The man obeyed. Marie seated herself on the ottoman, and drew her feet
+underneath the wide skirt of her robe.</p>
+
+<p>"Put that book away!" she commanded, when Ludwig stooped to lift from
+the floor the volume she had cast there. "I know every one of the four
+volumes by heart! Why dost not thou give me one of the books thou
+readest so often?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" /></a>Because they are medical works."</p>
+
+<p>"And why dost thou read such books?"</p>
+
+<p>"In order that, should any one in the castle become ill, I may be able
+to cure him or her without a doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"And must the person die who is ill and cannot be cured?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is generally the end of a fatal illness."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it hurt to die?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I am unable to tell, as I have never tried it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the maid. "Thou canst not put me off that way!
+Thou knowest many things thou hast not yet tried. Thou hast read about
+them; thou knowest! What is death like? Is it more unpleasant than a
+disagreeable dream? Is the pain all over when one has died, or is there
+more to come afterward? If death is painful, why must we die? If it is
+pleasant, why must we live?"</p>
+
+<p>Children ask such strange questions!</p>
+
+<p>"Life is a gift from God that must be preserved as long as possible,"
+returned Ludwig, evading the main question. "Through us the world
+exists&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What is the world?" interrupted Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"The entire human race and their habitations&mdash;the earth."</p>
+
+<p>"Then every person owns a plot of earth? Where is the plot which belongs
+to us? Answer me that!"</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, that reminds me!" exclaimed Ludwig, relieved to find an
+opportunity to change the subject. "I have not yet told thee that I
+intend to buy a lovely plot of ground on the shore of the lake, which is
+to be made into a pretty flower-garden for thy use alone. Will not that
+be pleasant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art very kind; the garden will be lovely. That plot of ground,
+then, will be our home, will it not? What is one's home called?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" /></a>It is called the fatherland."</p>
+
+<p>"Then every country is not one's fatherland?"</p>
+
+<p>"If our enemies live there, it is not."</p>
+
+<p>"What are enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Persons with whom we are angry."</p>
+
+<p>"What is angry? I have never yet seen anything like it. Why art thou
+never angry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have no reason to be angry with thee, and I never associate
+with any one else."</p>
+
+<p>"What do those persons do who become angry with one another?"</p>
+
+<p>"They avoid each other. If they are very angry they fight; and if they
+are very, very angry they kill each other."</p>
+
+<p>The maid was tortured with curiosity to-day. She drew a pin from her
+robe, and secretly thrust the point into Ludwig's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"What art thou doing?" he asked, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see what thou art like when thou art angry. Did it hurt
+thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly it hurt me; see, the blood is flowing."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, heaven!" cried the maid, in terror, drew the young man's head
+toward her, and pressed a kiss on his face.</p>
+
+<p>He sprang to his feet, his face pale as death, extreme horror depicted
+in his glance.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" exclaimed the maid. "Thou dost not kill me, and yet I have made
+thee very angry."</p>
+
+<p>"This is not anger," sighed the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"It has no name."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I may not kiss thee? Thou lettest me kiss thee last year, and the
+year before, and every other year."</p>
+
+<p>"But thou art fifteen years old to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then what was allowed last year, and always <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" /></a>before that, is not
+allowed now. Dost not thou love me any more?"</p>
+
+<p>"All my thoughts are filled with thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou knowest that I have always been allowed to make one wish on my
+birthday, and that it has always been granted. That is what some one
+accustomed me to&mdash;thou knowest very well who."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy desires have always been fulfilled."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and children understand how to desire what is impossible. But
+grown persons are clever enough to know how to impose on the children.
+Three years ago I asked thee to bring me some one with whom I could
+talk&mdash;some one who would be company for me. Thou broughtest me cats and
+dogs and a bird! Two years ago I wished I might learn how to make
+pictures; and I was given paper patterns to color with water-colors. One
+year ago to-day I wished I might learn how to make music; and a
+hand-organ was bought for me. Oh, yes; my wishes have always been
+fulfilled, but always in a way that cheated me. Children are always
+treated so. To-day thou sayest that I am fifteen years old, and that I
+am not any more to be treated as a child. Mark that! To-day, as
+heretofore, I ask something of thee which thou canst give me&mdash;and thou
+canst not cheat me, either!"</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever it may be, thou shalt have it, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy hand on it! Now, thou knowest that I asked thee not long ago to
+send to Paris for a 'Melusine costume' for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"And has it not already arrived? I myself delivered the box into thy
+hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Knowest thou what a Melusine costume is? See, this is it."</p>
+
+<p>With these words she sprang from her seat, untied the cord about her
+waist, flung off the silken wrapper, and stood <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" /></a>in front of the
+speechless young man in one of those costumes worn by Paris dames at the
+sea-shore when they disport themselves amid the waves of the ocean. The
+Melusine costume was a bathing-dress.</p>
+
+<p>"To-day, Ludwig, I ask that thou wilt teach me how to swim. The lake is
+just out yonder below the garden."</p>
+
+<p>The maid, in her pale-blue bathing-dress, looked like one of those
+fairy-like creatures in Shakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," innocent
+and alluring, child and siren.</p>
+
+<p>Disconcerted and embarrassed, Ludwig raised his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou going to strike me?" inquired the child, half crying, half
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray put on the wrapper again!" said Ludwig, taking the garment from
+the sofa and with it veiling the model for a Naiad. "What sort of a
+caprice is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have had the thought in my head for a long, long time, and I beg that
+thou wilt grant my request. Thou canst not say that thou canst not swim;
+for once, when we were traveling in great haste, I know not why, we came
+to a river, and found that the boat was on the farther shore. Thou
+swammest across, and broughtest back the boat in which the four of us
+then crossed to the other side. Already then the desire to swim arose in
+me. What a delicious sensation to swim through the water&mdash;to make wings
+of one's arms and fly like a bird! Since we live in this castle the wish
+has become stronger. Night after night I dream that I am cleaving
+through the waves. I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have
+to cover my face. It is just like looking at creation through a grating!
+I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am
+afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
+But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no
+one, where no one would see me. I could look up at the shining sky, and
+<a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" /></a>about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes,
+that would tell no one what they had seen or heard. That would be
+supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it?"</p>
+
+<p>The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had
+experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken. Perhaps, too, he
+had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam
+the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his
+hand to take hers.</p>
+
+<p>"And thou wilt grant my wish? Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in
+vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
+"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either?"</p>
+
+<p>"How canst thou behave so, Marie? Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up
+girl does not kiss a man's hand."</p>
+
+<p>He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Where art thou going? Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong
+to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject?"</p>
+
+<p>"I go to execute the commands of my little queen. If she desires to
+learn to swim, I must have a bath-house built on the shore, and look
+about for a suitable spot in the little cove."</p>
+
+<p>"When I have learned to swim all by myself, may not I go beyond the
+little cove&mdash;away out into the open lake?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, on two conditions. One is that I may follow in my canoe&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But not keep very near to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. The second condition is that in daylight thou wilt not
+swim beyond those willows which conceal the cove. Only on moonlight
+evenings mayest thou venture into the open lake."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" /></a>But why may not I venture by daylight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because a telescope does not enable one to distinguish features after
+night. Other people may have a telescope, like myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Who would have one in this village?"</p>
+
+<p>"The manor has a new occupant. A lady has taken possession there."</p>
+
+<p>"A lady? Is she pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is young."</p>
+
+<p>"Didst thou see her through the telescope? What kind of hair has she
+got?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blonde."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must be very pretty. May I take a look at her some time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid thou mightest fall in love with her; for she is very
+beautiful, and very good."</p>
+
+<p>"How dost thou know she is good?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because she visits the sick and the poor, and because she goes
+regularly to church."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do we never go to church?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because we profess a different belief from that acknowledged by those
+persons who attend this church."</p>
+
+<p>"Do they pray to a different God from ours?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; they pray to the same God."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why should&nbsp;n't we all go to the same church?"</p>
+
+<p>Unable longer to control himself, Ludwig took the shrewd little
+child-head between his hands, and said tenderly:</p>
+
+<p>"My darling! my little queen! not all the synods of the four quarters of
+the globe could answer thy questions&mdash;let alone this poor forgotten
+soldier!"</p>
+
+<p>"There! thou always pretendest to be stupid when I want to borrow a
+little bit of thy wisdom. Thou art like the rich man who tells the
+beggar that he has no money. <a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" /></a>By the way, I must not forget that I
+always send money to the poor children on my birthday. Come, tell me
+which of the heaps I shall send to-day&mdash;these small coins, or these
+large ones? If thou thinkest I ought to send these little yellow ones, I
+have no objections. I think I prefer to keep the white coins, they have
+such a musical sound; besides, they have the image of the Virgin. If
+thou thinkest I ought to send some of the large red ones, too, I will do
+so."</p>
+
+<p>The "little yellow ones" were gold sovereigns; the "white coins" were
+silver <i>Zwanziger</i>; and the "large red ones" were copper medals of the
+Austrian minister of finance, worth half a guilder.</p>
+
+<p>"We will send some of the small coins and some of the large ones,"
+decided Ludwig, smiling at the little maid's ignorance of the value of
+the money.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Tradition maintained that many years before, during the preceding
+century, the tongue of land now occupied by the Nameless Castle was part
+of the lake; and it may have been true, for Neusiedl Lake is a very
+capricious body of water. During the past two decades we ourselves have
+seen a greater portion of the lake suddenly recede, leaving dry land
+where once had been several feet of water. The owners of what had once
+been the shore took possession of the dry lake bottom; they used it for
+meadows and pastures; leased it, and the lessees built farm-houses and
+steam-mills on the "new ground." They cultivated wheat and maize, and
+for many years harvested two crops a year. Suddenly the lake took a
+notion to occupy its old bed again; and when the water had resumed its
+former level, fields and farms had vanished beneath the green flood;
+only here and there the top of a chimney indicated where a steam-mill
+had been. Magic tricks like this Neusiedl Lake has played more than once
+on trusting mortals.</p>
+
+<p>On either side of the peninsula on which stood the Nameless Castle was a
+little cove. One of these the count had spoken of to Marie; the other
+separated the castle from the village of Fert&ouml;szeg.</p>
+
+<p>The manor, the habitation of the owner of the Fert&ouml;szeg estate, stood on
+the slope of a hill at the eastern end of the village, and fronted, as
+did the neighboring castle, on the lake.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" /></a>In the second half of the month of August, in the year 1806, one might
+have seen from the veranda of the manor, after the sun had gone down and
+the marvelous tints of the evening sky were reflected in the water, a
+small boat speed out from the cove on the farther side of the Nameless
+Castle, trailing after it a long silvery streak on the parti-colored
+surface of the lake. A solitary man sat in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>But what could not be seen from the veranda of the manor was that a
+girlish form swam a little in advance of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had proved an excellent scholar in the school of the hydriads.
+Already after the fourth lesson she could swim alone, and sped over the
+waves as lightly and gracefully as a swan.</p>
+
+<p>She did not need to wear a hat on these evening swimming excursions; her
+long hair floated unbound after her on the waves. When the twilight
+shadows deepened, the swimmer would speed far ahead of the accompanying
+canoe. She had lost all fear of the water. The waves were her
+friends&mdash;they knew each other well. When she wished to rest, she would
+turn her face to the sky, fold her arms across her breast, and lie on
+the waves as among swelling cushions like a child in a rocking cradle.
+And here she was allowed the full privileges of a child. She shouted;
+called to the startled wild geese; teased the night-swallows, and the
+bats skimming along the surface of the lake in quest of water-spiders.
+Here she even ventured to sing, and gave voice to charming melodies,
+which floated over the water like the sounds of an &AElig;olian harp.</p>
+
+<p>Many hours were spent thus on the lake. The little maid never wearied of
+the water. The protecting element restored to her nerves the strength
+which the stepmotherly earth had taken from them. A promenade of a
+hundred steps would tire her so that she would have to stop and rest.
+<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" /></a>She had become unused to walking. But here in the water she moved about
+like a Naiad; her whole being was transformed; she lived! Then, when her
+guardian would call her, she would swim back to the canoe, clamber into
+it, and spread her long hair over his knees to dry while they rowed back
+to the shore. Poor little maid! She declared she had found happiness in
+the water.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>One evening, after the waning moon had risen, Ludwig's canoe, as usual,
+followed Marie, who was swimming a considerable distance ahead. Among
+the peculiarities of Neusiedl Lake are its numerous islets, the shores
+of which are thickly grown with rushes, and covered with broom and tall
+trees. Such an island lay not far from the shore in front of the
+Nameless Castle; it had frequently aroused Marie's curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>The little maid was now permitted to swim as far out into the open world
+of waves as she desired, only now and again signaling her whereabouts
+through a clear-toned "Ho, ho!"</p>
+
+<p>During this time Ludwig reclined in his boat, and while the waves gently
+rocked him, he gazed dreamily into the depths of the starry sky, and
+listened to the mysterious voices of the night&mdash;the moaning, murmuring,
+echoing voices floating across the surface of the water.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a piercing scream mingled with the mysterious voices of the
+night. It was Marie's voice.</p>
+
+<p>Frantic with terror, Ludwig seized his oars, and the canoe shot through
+the water in the direction of the scream.</p>
+
+<p>The trail of light left behind her by the swimmer was visible on the
+calm surface of the lake. Suddenly it made an abrupt turn, and began to
+form a gigantic V. Evidently the little maid was impelled by desperate
+terror to reach the protecting canoe. When she came abreast of it she
+uttered <a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" /></a>a second cry, convulsively grasped the edge of the boat, and
+cast a terrified glance backward.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie!" cried the count, greatly alarmed, seizing the girdle about her
+waist and lifting her into the canoe. "What has happened? Who is
+following you?"</p>
+
+<p>The child trembled violently; her teeth chattered, and she gasped for
+breath, unable to speak; only her large eyes were still fixed with an
+expression of horror on the water.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig looked searchingly around, but could see nothing. And yet, after
+a few seconds, something rose before him.</p>
+
+<p>What was it? Man or beast?</p>
+
+<p>The head, the face, were head and face of a human being&mdash;a man, perhaps.
+The cheeks and head were covered with short reddish hair like the fur of
+an otter. The long, pointed ears stood upright. The mouth was closed so
+tightly that the lips were invisible. The nose was flat. The eyes, like
+those of a fish, were round and staring. There was no expression
+whatever in the features.</p>
+
+<p>The mysterious monster had risen quite close to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig seized an oar with both hands to crush the monster's head; but
+the heavy blow fell on the water. The creature had vanished underneath
+the boat, and only the motion of the water on the other side indicated
+the direction it had taken. Terror and rage had benumbed Ludwig's
+nerves.</p>
+
+<p>What was it? Who had sent this nameless monster after his carefully
+guarded treasure? Even the bottom of the lake concealed her enemies! He
+could think of nothing but intrigues and malignant persecutions. Rage
+boiled in his veins.</p>
+
+<p>He enveloped the maid in her bath-mantle, and took up his oars.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" /></a>I will come back here to-morrow," he muttered to himself, "hunt up
+this creature, and shoot it&mdash;be it man or beast."</p>
+
+<p>Marie murmured something which sounded like a remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>"I will shoot the creature!" repeated Ludwig, savagely.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl withdrew trembling to the stern of the boat, and said
+nothing further; she even strove to suppress her nervous terror, like a
+child that has behaved naughtily.</p>
+
+<p>When the boat reached the shore, Ludwig bade Marie in a stern voice to
+make haste and change her bathing-dress, and became very impatient when
+she lingered longer than usual in the bath-house. Then he took her arm
+and walked rapidly with her to the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really going to shoot that creature?" asked Marie, still
+trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose it is a human being?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall certainly shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"I will never, never again venture into the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain of that! If you once become frightened in the water, you
+will always have a dread of it."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, beautiful lake!" sighed Marie, casting backward a sorrowful
+glance at the glittering expanse of water, at the paradise of her
+dreams, which the rising wind was curling into wavelets.</p>
+
+<p>"Go at once to bed," said Ludwig, when he had conducted his charge to
+the door of her room. "Cover yourself up well, and if you feel chilly I
+will make you a cup of camomile tea."</p>
+
+<p>All children have such a distaste for this herb tea that it was not to
+be wondered at if Marie declared she did not feel in the least chilly,
+and that she would go at once to bed.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" /></a>But she did not sleep well. She dreamed all night long of the
+water-monster. She saw it pursuing her. The staring fish-eyes rose
+before her in the darkness. Then she saw Ludwig with his gun searching
+for the monster&mdash;saw him shoot at it, but without effect. The hideous
+creature leaped merrily away.</p>
+
+<p>More than once she awoke from her restless slumber and called softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig, are you there?"</p>
+
+<p>But no one answered the question. Since her last birthday Ludwig had not
+occupied the lounge in her room. Marie had discovered this. She had
+placed a rose-leaf on the silken coverlet every evening, and found it
+still there in the morning. If any one had slept on the lounge, the
+rose-leaf would have fallen to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>The following day Ludwig was more silent than usual. He did not speak
+once during their drive, and ate hardly anything at meals.</p>
+
+<p>One could easily see how impatiently he waited for evening, when he
+might go down to the lake and search for the monster&mdash;a sorry object for
+a fury such as his! An otter, most likely, or a beaver&mdash;mayhap an
+abortion of the Dead Sea, which had survived the ages since the days of
+Sodom! All the same, it was a living creature, and must become food for
+fishes. Marie, however, prayed so fervently that nothing might come of
+Ludwig's fury that Heaven heard the prayer. The weather changed suddenly
+in the afternoon. A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August
+sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
+Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in
+the evening. He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to
+complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to
+what she said.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" /></a>The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might
+dream again of horrible things. The heavy rain beat against the windows;
+thunder rumbled in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said
+Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee. "Ugh-h! just
+think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods!
+Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the
+graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the
+crosses lift their heads from the darkness&mdash;ugh-h!"</p>
+
+<p>The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating
+knock at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully. She thought it was
+Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened slowly, only half-way, and the voice which began to
+speak was not Ludwig's; it was the groom.</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon, madame!" (thus he addressed the little maid).</p>
+
+<p>"Is it you, Henry? What do you want? You may come in. I am still up."</p>
+
+<p>The groom entered, and closed the door behind him. He was a tall,
+gray-haired man, with an honest face and enormously large hands.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Henry? Did the count send you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madame; I only wish he were able."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? What is the matter with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, indeed! I believe he is dying."</p>
+
+<p>"Who? Ludwig?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; my master."</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, tell me what you mean!"</p>
+
+<p>"He is lying on his bed, quite out of his mind. His face <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" /></a>is flushed,
+his eyes gleam like hot coals, and he is talking wildly. I have never
+seen him in such a condition."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, madame. When any of us gets sick the count knows what to
+do; but he does&nbsp;n't seem able to cure himself now; the contents of the
+medicine-chest are scattered all over the floor."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no doctor in the village?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; the county physician."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he must be sent for."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought of that, but I did not like to venture to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because the count has declared that he will shoot me if I attempt to
+bring a stranger into his room, or into madame's. He told me I must
+never admit within the castle gate a doctor, a preacher, or a woman; and
+I should not think of disobeying him."</p>
+
+<p>"But now that he is so ill? and you say he may die? Merciful God! Ludwig
+die! It cannot&mdash;must not&mdash;happen!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how will madame hinder it?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you will not venture to fetch the doctor, then I will go myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madame! you must not even think of doing this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think of nothing else but that he is ill unto death. I am going, and
+you are coming with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Holy Father! The count will kill me if I do that."</p>
+
+<p>"And if you don't do it you will kill the count."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, too, madame."</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't you do anything. <i>I</i> shall do what is necessary. I will put
+on my veil, and let no one see my face."</p>
+
+<p>"But in this storm? Just listen, madame, how it thunders."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" /></a>I am not afraid of thunder, you stupid Henry. Light a lantern, and arm
+yourself with a stout cudgel, while I am putting on my pattens. If
+Ludwig should get angry, I shall be on hand to pacify him. If only the
+dear Lord will spare his life! Oh, hasten, hasten, my good Henry!"</p>
+
+<p>"He will shoot me dead; I know it. But let him, in God's name! I do it
+at your command, madame. If madame is really determined to go herself
+for the doctor, then we will take the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed! Ludwig would hear the sound of wheels, and know what we
+were doing. Then he would jump out of bed, run into the court, and take
+a cold that would certainly be his death. No; we must go on foot, as
+noiselessly as possible. It is not so very far to the village. Go now,
+and fetch the lantern."</p>
+
+<p>Several minutes afterward, the gates of the Nameless Castle opened, and
+there came forth a veiled lady, who clung with one hand to the arm of a
+tall man, and carried a lantern in the other. Her companion held over
+her, to protect her from the pouring rain, a large red umbrella, and
+steadied his steps in the slippery mud with a stout walking-stick. The
+lady walked so rapidly that her companion with difficulty kept pace with
+her.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>Dr. Tromfszky had just returned from a <i>visum repertum</i> in a criminal
+case, and had concluded that he would go to bed so soon as he had
+finished his supper. The rain fell in torrents on the roof, and rushed
+through the gutters with a roaring noise.</p>
+
+<p>"Now just let any one send again for me this night!" he exclaimed, when
+his housekeeper came to remove the remnants of cheese from the
+supper-table. "I would&nbsp;n't go&mdash;not if the primate himself got a
+fish-bone fast in his throat; no, not for a hundred ducats. I swear it!"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there came a knock at the street door, and a very
+peremptory one, too.</p>
+
+<p>"There! did&nbsp;n't I know some one would take it into his head to let the
+devil fetch him to-night? Go to the door, Zsuzsa, and tell them that I
+have a pain in my foot&mdash;that I have just applied a poultice, and can't
+walk."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Zsuzsa, with the kitchen lamp in her hand, waddled into the
+corridor. After inquiring the second time through the door, "Who is it?"
+and the one outside had answered: "It is I," she became convinced, from
+the musical feminine tone, that it was not the notorious robber, Satan
+Laczi, who was seeking admittance.</p>
+
+<p>Then she opened the door a few inches, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Doctor can't go out any more to-night; he has gone to bed, and
+is poulticing his foot."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" /></a>The door was open wide enough to admit a delicate feminine hand, which
+pressed into the housekeeper's palm a little heap of money. By the light
+of the lamp Frau Zsuzsa recognized the shining silver coins, and the
+door was opened its full width.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw before her the veiled lady she became quite complaisant.
+Curiosity is a powerful lever.</p>
+
+<p>"I humbly beg your ladyship to enter."</p>
+
+<p>"Please tell the doctor the lady from the Nameless Castle wishes to see
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Zsuzsa placed the lamp on the kitchen table, and left the visitors
+standing in the middle of the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what were you talking about so long out yonder?" demanded the
+doctor, when she burst into his study.</p>
+
+<p>"Make haste and put on your coat again; the veiled lady from the
+Nameless Castle is here."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Well, that is an event!" exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly
+thrusting his arms into the sleeves of his coat. "Is the count with
+her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; the groom accompanied her."</p>
+
+<p>These magic words, "the veiled lady," had more influence on the doctor
+than any imaginable number of ducats.</p>
+
+<p>At last he was to behold the mythological appearance&mdash;yes, and even hear
+her voice!</p>
+
+<p>"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he
+ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of
+the looking-glass.</p>
+
+<p>Then she stood before him&mdash;the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as
+usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in
+the village was familiar.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was
+difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" /></a>young or an
+old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the
+gentleman is very seriously ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; I am delighted!&mdash;that is, I am not delighted to hear of the
+worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to
+be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray make haste."</p>
+
+<p>"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your
+ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."</p>
+
+<p>Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered
+with mud.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Came on foot in such weather&mdash;all the way from the Nameless
+Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cannot you come with us on foot, Herr Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should like very much to accompany your ladyship; but really, I have
+<i>rheumatismus acutus</i> in my foot, and were I to get wet I should
+certainly have an <i>ischias</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Marie lifted her clasped hands in despair to her lips, but the
+beseeching expression on her face was hidden by the heavy veil. Could
+the doctor have seen the tearful eyes, the trembling lips!</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that her voiceless petition was in vain, Marie drew from her
+bosom a silken purse, and emptied the contents, gold, silver, and copper
+coins, on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," she exclaimed proudly. "I have much more money like this, and
+will reward you richly if you will come with me."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor was amazed. There on the table lay more gold than the whole
+county could have mustered in these days of paper notes. Truly these
+people were not to be despised.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" /></a>If only it did not rain so heavily&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I will let you take my umbrella."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, your ladyship; I have one of my own."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us start at once."</p>
+
+<p>"But my foot&mdash;it pains dreadfully."</p>
+
+<p>"We can easily arrange that. Henry, here, is a very strong man; he will
+take you on his shoulders, and bring you back from the castle in the
+carriage."</p>
+
+<p>There were no further objections to be offered when Henry, with great
+willingness, placed his broad shoulders at the doctor's service.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor hastily thrust what was necessary into a bag, locked the
+money Marie had given him in a drawer, bade Frau <ins class="correction"
+title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Zuzsa'">Zsuzsa</ins> remain awake until he returned, and clambered on
+Henry's back. In one hand he held his umbrella, in the other the
+lantern; and thus the little company took their way to the castle&mdash;the
+"double man" in advance, the little maid following with her umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor had sufficient cause to be excited. What usurious
+gossip-interest might be collected from such a capitol! Dr. Tromfszky
+already had an enviable reputation in the county, but what would it
+become when it became known that he was physician in ordinary to the
+Nameless Castle?</p>
+
+<p>The rain was not falling so heavily when they arrived at the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Marie and Henry at once conducted the doctor to Ludwig's chamber. Henry
+first thrust his head cautiously through the partly open door, then
+whispered that his master was still tossing deliriously about on the
+bed; whereupon the doctor summoned courage to enter the room. His first
+act was to snuff the candle, the wick having become so charred it
+scarcely gave any light. He could now examine the invalid's face, which
+was covered with a burning flush. <a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" /></a>His eyes rolled wildly. He had not
+removed his clothes, but had torn them away from his breast.</p>
+
+<p>"H'm! h'm!" muttered the doctor, searching in his bag for his
+bloodletting instruments. Then he approached the bed, and laid his
+fingers on the invalid's pulse.</p>
+
+<p>At the touch of his cold hand the patient suddenly sat upright and
+uttered a cry of terror:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am the doctor&mdash;the county physician&mdash;Dr. Tromfszky. Pray, Herr Count,
+let me see your tongue."</p>
+
+<p>Instead of his tongue, the count exhibited a powerful fist.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want here? Who brought you here?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, pray be calm, Herr Count," soothingly responded the doctor, who
+was inclined to look upon this aggressive exhibition as a result of the
+fever. "Allow me to examine your pulse. We have here a slight paroxysm
+that requires medical aid. Come, let me feel your pulse; one, two&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The count snatched his wrist from the doctor's grasp, and cried angrily:</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't need a doctor, or any medicine. There is nothing at all the
+matter with me. I don't want anything from you, but to know who brought
+you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon," retorted the offended doctor. "I was summoned, and came
+through this dreadful storm. I was told that the Herr Count was
+seriously ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Who said so? Henry?" demanded the count, rising on one knee.</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not venture to move or speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you fetch this doctor, Henry?" again demanded the invalid, with
+expanded nostrils, panting with fury.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor, fancying that it would be well to tell the truth, now
+interposed politely:</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me, Herr Count! Herr Henry did not come <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" /></a>alone to fetch me, but
+he came with the gracious countess; and on foot, too, in this weather."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Marie?" gasped the invalid; and at that moment his face looked as
+if he had become suddenly insane. An involuntary epileptic convulsion
+shook his limbs. He fell from the bed, but sprang at the same instant to
+his feet again, flung himself like an angry lion upon Henry, caught him
+by the throat, and cried with the voice of a demon:</p>
+
+<p>"Wretch! Betrayer! What have you dared to do? I will kill you!"</p>
+
+<p>The doctor required nothing further. He did not stop to see the friendly
+promise fulfilled, but, leaving his lances, elixirs, and plasters behind
+him, he flew down the staircase, four steps at a time, and into the
+pouring rain, totally forgetting the ischias which threatened his leg.
+Nor did he once think of a carriage, or of a human dromedary,&mdash;not even
+of a lantern, or an umbrella,&mdash;as he galloped down the dark road through
+the thickest of the mud.</p>
+
+<p>When the count seized Henry by the throat and began to shake him, as a
+lion does the captured buffalo, Marie stepped suddenly to his side, and
+in a clear, commanding tone cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Louis!"</p>
+
+<p>At this word he released Henry, fell on his knees at Marie's feet,
+clasped both arms around her, and, sobbing convulsively, pressed kiss
+after kiss on the little maid's wet and muddy gown.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;why did you do this for me?" he exclaimed, in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor's visit had, after all, benefited the invalid. The
+spontaneous reaction which followed the violent fit of passion caused a
+sudden turn in his illness. The salutary crisis came of its own accord
+during the outburst of rage, <a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" /></a>which threw him into a profuse
+perspiration. The brain gradually returned to its normal condition.</p>
+
+<p>"You will get well again, will you not?" stammered the little maid
+shyly, laying her hand on the invalid's brow.</p>
+
+<p>"If you really want me to get well," returned Ludwig, "then you must
+comply with my request. Go to your room, take off these wet clothes, and
+go to bed. And you must promise never again to go on another errand like
+the one you performed this evening. I hope you may sleep soundly."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do whatever you wish, Ludwig&mdash;anything to prevent your getting
+angry again."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid returned to her room, took off her wet clothes, and lay
+down on the bed; but she could not sleep. Every hour she rose, threw on
+her wrapper, thrust her feet into her slippers, and stole to the door of
+Ludwig's room to whisper: "How is he now, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is sleeping quietly," Henry would answer encouragingly. The faithful
+fellow had forgotten his master's anger, and was watching over him as
+tenderly as a mother over her child.</p>
+
+<p>"He did not hurt you very much, did he, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it did not hurt, and I deserved what I got."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid pressed the old servant's hand, whereupon he sank to his
+knees at her feet, and, kissing her pretty fingers, whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"This fully repays me."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Ludwig was entirely recovered. He rose, and, as was his
+wont, drank six tumblerfuls of water&mdash;his usual breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Of the events of the past night he spoke not one word.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the occupants of the Nameless Castle were to be seen out
+driving as usual&mdash;the white-haired groom, the stern-visaged gentleman,
+and the veiled lady.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" /></a>That same morning Dr. Tromfszky received from the castle a packet
+containing his medical belongings, and an envelop in which he found a
+hundred-guilder bank-note, but not a single written word.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the days passed with their usual monotony for the occupants of
+the Nameless Castle, and September, with its delightfully warm weather
+drew on apace. In Hungary the long autumn makes ample amends for the
+brief spring&mdash;like the frugal mother who stores away in May gifts with
+which to surprise her children later in the season.</p>
+
+<p>Down at the lake, a merry crowd of naked children disported in the
+water; their shouts and laughter could be heard at the castle. Ludwig
+fully understood the deep melancholy which had settled on Marie's
+countenance. Her sole amusement, her greatest happiness, had been taken
+from her. Other high-born maidens had so many ways of enjoying
+themselves; she had none. No train of admirers paid court to her. No
+strains of merry dance-music entranced her ear. Celebrated actors came
+and went; she did not delight in their performances&mdash;she had never even
+seen a theater. She had no girl friends with whom to exchange
+confidences&mdash;with whom to make merry over the silly flatterers who paid
+court to them; no acquaintances whose envy she could arouse by the
+magnificence of her toilets&mdash;one of the greatest pleasures in life!</p>
+
+<p>She had no other flatterers but her cats; no other confidantes but her
+cats; no other actors but her cats. The world of waves had been her sole
+enjoyment. The water had been her theater, balls, concert&mdash;the great
+world. It was her freedom. The land was a prison.</p>
+
+<p>Again it was the full of the moon, and quite warm. The tulip-formed
+blossoms of the luxuriant water-lilies were in <a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" /></a>bloom along the lake
+shore. Ludwig's heart ached with pity for the little maid when he saw
+how sorrowfully she gazed from her window on the glittering lake.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Marie," he said, "fetch your bathing-dress, and let us try the
+lake again. I will stay close by you, and take good care that nothing
+frightens you. We will not go out of the cove."</p>
+
+<p>How delighted the child was to hear these words! She danced and skipped
+for joy; she called him her dear Ludwig. Then she hunted up the
+discarded Melusine costume, and hastened with such speed toward the
+shore that Ludwig was obliged to run to keep up with her. But the nearer
+she approached to the bath-house, the less quickly she walked; and when
+she stood in the doorway she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how my heart beats!"</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig appeared with the canoe from behind the willows, the
+charming Naiad stepped from the bath-house. The rippling waves bore the
+moonlight to her feet, where she stood on the narrow platform which
+projected into the lake. She knelt and, bending forward, kissed the
+water; it was her beloved! After a moment's hesitation she dropped
+gently from the platform, as she had been wont to do; but when she felt
+the waves about her shoulders, she uttered a cry of terror, and grasped
+the edge of the canoe with both hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Lift me out, Ludwig! I cannot bear it; I am afraid!"</p>
+
+<p>With a sorrowful heart the little maid took leave of her favorite
+element. The hot tears gushed from her eyes, and fell into the water; it
+was as if she were bidding an eternal, farewell to her beloved. From
+that hour the child became a silent and thoughtful woman.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Then followed the stormy days of autumn, the long evenings, the weeks
+and months when nothing could be <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" /></a>done but stay in doors and amuse one's
+self with books&mdash;Dante, Shakspere, Horace. To these were occasionally
+added learned folios sent from Stuttgart to Count Ludwig, who seemed to
+find his greatest enjoyment in perusing works on philosophy and science.
+Meanwhile the communication by letter between the count and the erudite
+shepherd of souls in the village was continued.</p>
+
+<p>One day Herr Mercatoris sent to the castle a brochure on which he had
+proudly written, "With the compliments of the author." The booklet was
+written in Latin, and was an account of the natural wonder which is, to
+this day, reckoned among the numerous memorable peculiarities of Lake
+Neusiedl,&mdash;a human being that lived in the water and ate live fishes.</p>
+
+<p>A little boy who had lost both parents, and had no one to care for him,
+had strayed into the morass of the Hansag, and, living there among the
+wild animals, had become a wild animal himself, an inhabitant of the
+water like the otters, a dumb creature from whose lips issued no human
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>The decade of years he had existed in the water had changed his skin to
+a thick hide covered with a heavy growth of hair. The phenomenon would
+doubtless be accepted by many as a convincing proof that the human being
+was really evolved from the wild animal.</p>
+
+<p>Accompanying the description was an engraved portrait of the natural
+wonder.</p>
+
+<p>The new owner of Fert&ouml;szeg, Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, had
+been told that a strange creature was frightening the village children
+who bathed in the lake. She had given orders to some fishermen to catch
+the monster, which they had been fortunate enough to do while fishing
+for sturgeon. The boy-fish had been taken to the manor, where he had
+been properly clothed, and placed in <a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" /></a>the care of a servant whose task
+it was to teach the poor lad to speak, and walk upright instead of on
+all fours, as had been his habit. Success had so far attended the
+efforts to tame the wild boy that he would eat bread and keep on his
+clothes. He had also learned to say "Ham-ham" when he wanted something
+to eat; and he had been taught to turn the spit in the kitchen. The
+kind-hearted baroness was sparing no pains to restore the lad to his
+original condition. No one was allowed to strike or abuse him in any
+way.</p>
+
+<p>This brochure had a twofold effect upon the count. He became convinced
+that the monster which had frightened Marie was not an assassin hired by
+her enemies, not an expert diver, but a natural abnormity that had acted
+innocently when he pursued the swimming maid. Second, the count could
+not help but reproach himself when he remembered that <i>he</i> would have
+destroyed the irresponsible creature whom his neighbor was endeavoring
+to transform again into a human being.</p>
+
+<p>How much nobler was this woman's heart than his own! His fair neighbor
+began to interest him.</p>
+
+<p>He took the pamphlet to Marie, who shuddered when her eyes fell on the
+engraving.</p>
+
+<p>"The creature is really a harmless human being, Marie, and I am sorry we
+became so excited over it. Our neighbor, the lovely baroness, is trying
+to restore the poor lad to his original condition. Next summer you will
+not need to be afraid to venture into the lake again."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid gazed thoughtfully into Ludwig's eyes for several
+moments; evidently she was pondering over something.</p>
+
+<p>There had risen in her mind a suspicion that Ludwig himself had written
+the pamphlet, and had had the monster's portrait engraved, in order to
+quiet her fears and restore her confidence in the water.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" /></a>Will you take me sometime to visit the baroness?" she asked suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"And why?" inquired Ludwig, in turn, rising from his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"That I, too, may see the wonderful improvement in the monster."</p>
+
+<p>"No," he returned shortly, and taking up the pamphlet, he quitted the
+room. "No!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why 'No'?"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_IV" id="PART_IV" /></a><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" /></a>PART IV</h2>
+
+<h3>SATAN LACZI</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel (thus he was addressed on his letters) had arranged an
+observatory in the tower of the Nameless Castle. Here was his telescope,
+by the aid of which he viewed the heavens by night, and by day observed
+the doings of his fellow-men. He noticed everything that went on about
+him. He peered into the neighboring farm-yards and cottages, was a
+spectator of the community's disputes as well as its diversions. Of
+late, the chief object of his telescopic observations during the day
+were the doings at the neighboring manor. He was the "Lion-head" and the
+"Council of Ten" in one person. The question was, whether the new
+mistress of the manor, the unmarried baroness, should "cross the Bridge
+of Sighs"? His telescope told him that this woman was young and very
+fair; and it told him also that she lived a very secluded life. She
+never went beyond the village, nor did she receive any visitors.</p>
+
+<p>In the neighborhood of Neusiedl Lake one village was joined to another,
+and these were populated by pleasure-loving and sociable families of
+distinction. It was therefore a difficult matter for the well-born man
+or woman who took up a residence in the neighborhood to avoid the jovial
+sociability which reigned in those aristocratic circles.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel himself had been overwhelmed with hospitable attentions the
+first year of his occupancy of the <a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" /></a>Nameless Castle; but his refusals to
+accept the numerous invitations had been so decided that they were not
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>He frequently saw through his telescope the same four-horse equipages
+which had once stopped in front of his own gates drive into the court at
+the manor; and he recognized in the occupants the same jovial blades,
+the eligible young nobles, who had honored him with their visits. He
+noticed, too, that none of the visitors spent a night at the manor. Very
+often the baroness did not leave her room when a caller came; it may
+have been that she had refused to receive him on the plea of illness.
+During the winter Count Vavel frequently saw his fair neighbor skating
+on the frozen cove; while a servant propelled her companion over the ice
+in a chair-sledge.</p>
+
+<p>On these occasions the count would admire the baroness's graceful
+figure, her intrepid movements, and her beautiful face, which was
+flushed with the exercise and by the cutting wind.</p>
+
+<p>But what pleased him most of all was that the baroness never once during
+her skating exercises cast an inquiring glance toward the windows of the
+Nameless Castle&mdash;not even when she came quite close to it.</p>
+
+<p>On Christmas eve she, like Count Vavel, arranged a Christmas tree for
+the village children. The little ones hastened from the manor to the
+castle, and repeated wonderful tales of the gifts they had received from
+the baroness's own hands.</p>
+
+<p>Every Sunday the count saw the lady from the manor take her way to
+church, on foot if the roads were good; and on her homeward way he could
+see her distribute alms among the beggars who were ranged along either
+side of the road. This the count did not approve. He, too, gave
+plenteously to the poor, but through the village pastor, and only to
+those needy ones who were too modest to beg openly. <a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" /></a>The street beggars
+he repulsed with great harshness&mdash;with one exception. This was a
+one-legged man, who had lost his limb at Marengo, and who stationed
+himself regularly beside the cross at the end of the village. Here he
+would stand, leaning on his crutches, and the count, in driving past,
+would always drop a coin into the maimed warrior's hat.</p>
+
+<p>One day when the carriage drew near the cross, Count Vavel saw the old
+soldier, as usual, but without his crutches. Instead, he leaned on a
+walking-stick, and stood on two legs.</p>
+
+<p>The count stopped the carriage, and asked: "Are not you the one-legged
+soldier?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am, your lordship," replied the man; "but that angel, the baroness,
+has had a wooden leg made for me,&mdash;I could dance with it if I
+wished,&mdash;so I don't need to beg any more, for I can cut wood now, and
+thus earn my living. May God bless her who has done this for me!"</p>
+
+<p>The count was dissatisfied with himself. This woman understood
+everything better than he did. He felt that she was his rival, and from
+this feeling sprang the desire to compete with her.</p>
+
+<p>An opportunity very soon offered. One day the count received from the
+reverend Herr Mercatoris a gracefully worded appeal for charity. The new
+owner of Fert&ouml;szeg had interested herself in the fate of the destitute
+children whose fathers had gone to the war, and, in order to render
+their condition more comfortable, had undertaken to found a home for
+them. She had already given the necessary buildings, and had furnished
+them. She now applied to the sympathies of the well-to-do residents of
+the county for assistance to educate the children. In addition to food
+and shelter, they required teachers. Such sums as were necessary for
+this purpose must be raised by a general subscription from the
+charitably inclined.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" /></a>The count promptly responded to this request. He sent the pastor fifty
+louis d'or. But in the letter which accompanied the gift he stipulated
+that the boy whose mother was in prison should not be removed from Frau
+Schmidt's care to the children's asylum.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite in the order of things that the baroness should acknowledge
+the munificent gift by a letter of thanks.</p>
+
+<p>This missive was beautifully written. The orthography was singularly
+faultless. The expressions were gracefully worded and artless; nothing
+of flattery or sentimentality&mdash;merely courteous gratefulness. The letter
+concluded thus:</p>
+
+<p>"You will pardon me, I trust, if I add that the stipulation which you
+append to your generous gift surprises me; for it means either that you
+disapprove the principle of my undertaking, or you do not wish to
+transfer to another the burden you have taken upon yourself. If the
+latter be the reason, I am perfectly willing to agree to the
+stipulation; if it be the former, then I should like very much to hear
+your objection, in order that I may justify my action."</p>
+
+<p>This was a challenge that could not be ignored. The count, of course,
+would have to convince his fair neighbor that he was in perfect sympathy
+with the principle of her philanthropic project, and he wrote
+accordingly; but he added that he disapproved the prison-like system of
+children's asylums, the convict-like regulations of such institutions.
+<i>He</i> thought the little ones would be better cared for, and much
+happier, were they placed in private homes, to grow up as useful men and
+women amid scenes and in the sphere of life to which they belonged.</p>
+
+<p>The count's polemic reply was not without effect. The baroness, who had
+her own views on the matter, was quite as ready to take the field, with
+as many theoretic and em<a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" /></a>piric data and recognized authorities as had
+been her opponent. The count one day would despatch a letter to the
+manor, and Baroness Katharina would send her reply the next&mdash;each
+determined not to remain the other's debtor. The count's epistles were
+dictated to Marie; he added only the letter V to the signature.</p>
+
+<p>This battle on paper was not without practical results. The baroness
+paid daily visits to her "Children's Home"; and on mild spring days the
+count very often saw her sitting on the open veranda, with her companion
+and one or two maid-servants, sewing at children's garments until late
+in the evening. The count, on his part, sent every day for his little
+prot&eacute;g&eacute;, and spent several hours patiently teaching the lad, in order
+that he might compete favorably with the baroness's charges. The task
+was by no means an easy one, as the lad possessed a very dull brain.
+This was, it must be confessed, an excellent thing for the orphans. If
+the motherly care which the baroness lavished on her charges were to be
+given to all destitute orphans in children's asylums, then the "convict
+system" certainly was a perfect one; while, on the other hand, if a
+preceptor like Count Vavel took it upon himself to instruct a forsaken
+lad, then one might certainly expect a genius to evolve from the little
+dullard growing up in a peasant's cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Ultimately, however, the victory fell to the lady. It happened as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>One day the count was again the recipient of a letter from his neighbor
+at the manor (they had not yet exchanged verbal communication).</p>
+
+<p>The letter ran thus:</p>
+
+<p>"HERR COUNT: I dare say you know that the father of your little prot&eacute;g&eacute;
+is no other than the notorious robber, Satan Laczi, whom it is
+impossible to capture. The mother of the lad was arrested on suspicion.
+She lived in <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" /></a>the village under her own honest family name&mdash;Satan Laczi
+being only a thief's appellation. As nothing could be proved against
+her, the woman has been set at liberty, and has returned to the village.
+Here she found every door closed against her&mdash;for who would care to
+shelter the wife of a robber? At last the poor woman came to me, and
+begged me to give her work. My servants are greatly excited because I
+have taken her into my employ; but I am convinced that the woman is
+innocent and honest. Were I to cast her adrift, she might become what
+she has been accused of being&mdash;the accomplice of thieves. I know she
+will conduct herself properly with me. I tell you all this because, if
+you approve what I have done, you will permit the lad you have taken
+under your protection to come to the manor, where he would be with his
+mother. If, however, you condemn my action, you will refuse to grant my
+request, and generously continue to care for the lad in your own way.
+The decision I leave to you."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was forced to capitulate. The baroness's action&mdash;taking into
+her household the woman who had been repulsed by all the world&mdash;was so
+praiseworthy, so sublime, that nothing could approach it. That same day
+he sent the lad with Frau Schmidt to the manor, and herewith the
+correspondence between himself and the baroness ceased. There was no
+further subject for argument.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, Count Vavel could not help but think of this woman. Who was
+she?</p>
+
+<p>He had sought to learn from his foreign correspondents something
+concerning the Baroness Katharina, but could gain no information save
+that which we have already heard from the county physician: disappointed
+love and shame at her rejection had driven the youthful baroness to this
+secluded neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>This reason, however, did not altogether satisfy Count <a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" /></a>Vavel. Women,
+especially young women, rarely quit the pleasures of the gay world
+because of one single disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>And for Count Vavel mistrust was a duty; for the reader must, ere this,
+have suspected that the count and the mysterious man of the Rue
+Mouffetard were identical, and that Marie was none other than the child
+he had rescued from her enemies. Here in this land, where order
+prevailed, but where there were no police, he was guarding the treasure
+intrusted to his care, and he would continue to guard her until relieved
+of the duty.</p>
+
+<p>But when would the relief come?</p>
+
+<p>One year after another passed, and the hour he dreamed of seemed still
+further away. When he had accepted the responsible mission he had said
+to himself: "In a year we shall gain our object, and I shall be
+released."</p>
+
+<p>But hope had deceived him; and as the years passed onward, he began to
+realize how vast, how enormous, was the task he had undertaken. It was
+within the possibilities that he, a young man in the flower of his
+youth, should be able to bury himself in an unknown corner of the world,
+to give up all his friends, to renounce everything that made life worth
+living, but that he should bury with himself in his silk-lined tomb a
+young girl to whom he had become everything, who yet might not even
+dream of becoming anything to him&mdash;that was beyond human might.</p>
+
+<p>More and more he realized that his old friend's prophetic words were
+approaching fulfilment: "The child will grow to be a lovely woman.
+Already she is fond of you; she will love you then. Then what?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet," he
+had replied; and he had kept his promise.</p>
+
+<p>But the little maid had not promised anything; and if, perchance, she
+guessed the weighty secret of her destiny, <a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" /></a>whence could she have taken
+the strength of mind to battle against what threatened to drive even the
+strong man to madness?</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was thirty-one years old, the fourth year in this house of
+voluntary madmen. With extreme solicitude he saw the child grow to
+womanhood, blessed with all the magic charms of her sex. Gladly would he
+have kept her a child had it been in his power. He treated her as a
+child&mdash;gave her dolls and the toys of a child; but this could not go on
+forever. Deeply concerned, Ludwig observed that Marie's countenance
+became more and more melancholy, and that now it rarely expressed
+childlike na&iuml;vet&eacute;. A dreamy melancholy had settled upon it. And of what
+did she dream? Why was she so sad? Why did she start? Why did the blood
+rush to her cheeks when he came suddenly into her presence?</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel had made his fair neighbor at the manor the object of study.
+He had ample time for the task; he had nothing else to do. And, as he
+was debarred from making direct inquiries concerning her, or from
+hearing the current gossip of the neighborhood, he learned only that
+about her which his telescope revealed; and from this, with the aid of
+his imagination, he formed a conclusion&mdash;and an erroneous one, very
+probably.</p>
+
+<p>His neighbor lived in strict seclusion, and was a man-hater. But, for
+all that, she was neither a nun nor an Amazon. She was a true woman,
+neither inconsolably melancholy nor wantonly merry. She proved herself
+an excellent housewife. She rose betimes mornings, sent her workmen
+about their various tasks, saw that everything was properly attended to.
+Very often she rode on horseback, or drove in a light wagon, to look
+about her estate. She had arranged an extensive dairy, and paid daily
+visits to her stables. She did not seem aware that an attentive observer
+constantly watched her with his telescope from the tower of the Nameless
+Castle. So, at least, it might be assumed; for the lady very often
+assisted in the labor of the garden, when, in transplanting tulip bulbs,
+she would so soil her pretty white hands to the wrists with black mold
+that it would be quite distressing to see them. Certainly this was
+sufficient proof that her labor was without design.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" /></a>And, what was more to the purpose, she acted as if perfectly unaware of
+the fact that a lady lived in the Nameless Castle who possibly might be
+the wife of her tenant. Common courtesy and the conventional usages of
+society demanded that the lady who took up a residence anywhere should
+call on the ladies of the neighborhood&mdash;if only to leave a card with the
+servant at the door. The baroness had omitted this ceremony, which
+proved that she either did not know of Marie's hiding-place, or that she
+possessed enough delicacy of feeling to understand that it would be
+inconvenient to the one concerned were she to take any notice of the
+circumstance. Either reason was satisfactory to Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>But a woman without curiosity!</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the count had learned something about her which might be of
+some use to Marie.</p>
+
+<p>He had received, during the winter, a letter from the young law student
+with whom he had become acquainted on the occasion of the
+vice-palatine's unpleasant visit to the castle. The young man wrote to
+say that he had passed his examination, and that when he should receive
+the necessary authority from the count he would be ready to proceed to
+the business they had talked about.</p>
+
+<p>The count replied that a renewal of his lease was not necessary. The new
+owner of the castle having neglected to serve a notice to quit within
+the proper time, the old contracts were still valid. Therefore, it was
+only necessary to secure the naturalization documents, and to purchase a
+plot of ground on the shore of the lake. The young lawyer arranged these
+matters satisfactorily, and the count had nothing further to do than to
+appoint an <i>absentium ablegatus</i> to the Diet, and to take possession of
+his new purchase, which lay adjacent to the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>The count at once had the plot of ground inclosed with <a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" /></a>a high fence of
+stout planks, engaged a gardener, and had it transformed into a
+beautiful flower-garden.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when the first spring blossoms began to open, he said to Marie,
+one balmy, sunshiny afternoon: "Come, we will take a promenade."</p>
+
+<p>He conducted the veiled maiden through the park, along the freshly
+graveled path to the inclosed plot of ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is your garden," he said, opening the gate. "Now you, too, own a
+plot of ground."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel had expected to see the little maid clap her hands with
+delight, and hasten to pluck the flowers for a nosegay.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, however, she clung to his arm and sighed heavily.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you sigh, Marie? Are you not pleased with your garden?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I think it beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why do you sigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I cannot thank you as I wish."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have already thanked me."</p>
+
+<p>"That was only with words. Tell me, can any one see us here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one; we are alone."</p>
+
+<p>At these words the little maid tore the veil from her face, and for the
+first time in many years God's free sunlight illumined her lovely
+features. What those features expressed, what those eyes flashed through
+their tears, that was her gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>When she had illumined the heart of her guardian with this expressive
+glance, she was about to draw the veil over her face again; but Ludwig
+laid a gently restraining hand on hers, and said: "Leave your face
+uncovered, Marie; no one can see it here; and every day for one hour you
+<a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" /></a>may walk thus here, without fear of being seen, for I shall send the
+gardener elsewhere during that time."</p>
+
+<p>When they were leaving the garden, Marie plucked two forget-me-nots, and
+gave one of them to Ludwig. From that day she had one more pleasure: the
+garden, a free sight of the sky, the warmth of the sunlight&mdash;enjoyments
+hitherto denied her; but, all the same, the childlike cheerfulness faded
+more and more from her countenance.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig, who was distressed to see this continued melancholy in the
+child's face, searched among his pedagogic remedies for a cure for such
+moods. A sixteen-year-old girl might begin the study of history. At this
+age she would already become interested in descriptions of national
+customs, in archaeological study, in travels. He therefore collected for
+Marie's edification quite a library, and became a zealous expounder of
+the various works.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time, however, he became aware that his pupil was not so
+studious as she had been formerly. She paid little heed to his learned
+discourses, and even neglected to learn her lessons. For this he was
+frequently obliged to reprove her. This was a sort of refrigerating
+process. For an instructor to scold a youthful pupil is the best proof
+that he is a being from a different planet!</p>
+
+<p>One day the tutor was delineating with great eloquence to his
+scholar&mdash;who, he imagined, was listening with special interest&mdash;the
+glorious deeds of heroism performed by St. Louis, and was tracing on the
+map the heroic king's memorable crusade. The scholar, however, was
+writing something on a sheet of paper which lay on the table in front of
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you writing, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>The little maid handed him the sheet of paper. On it were the words:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Ludwig, love me."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" /></a>Map and book dropped from the count's hands. The little maid's frank,
+sincere gaze met his own. She was not ashamed of what she had written,
+or that she had let him read it. She thought it quite in the order of
+things.</p>
+
+<p>"And don't I love you?" exclaimed Ludwig, with sudden sharpness. "Don't
+I love you as the fakir loves his Brahma&mdash;as the Carthusian loves his
+Virgin Mary? Don't I love you quite as dearly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't love me&mdash;quite so dearly," responded Marie, rising and going
+to her own room, where she began to play with her cats. From that hour
+she would not learn anything more from Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>The young man, however, placed the slip of paper containing the words,
+"Dear Ludwig, love me," among his relics.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Since the new mistress's advent in the neighboring manor Count Vavel had
+spent more time than usual in his observatory. At first suspicion had
+been his motive. Now, however, there was a certain fascination in
+bringing near to him with his telescope the woman with whom he had
+exchanged only written communication. If he was so eager to behold her,
+why did he not go to the manor? Why did he look at her only through his
+telescope? She would certainly receive his visits; and what then?</p>
+
+<p>This "what then?" was the fetter which bound him hand and foot, was the
+lock upon his lips. He must make no acquaintances. Results might follow;
+and what then?</p>
+
+<p>The entombed man must not quit his grave. He might only seat himself at
+the window of his tomb, and thence look out on the beautiful, forbidden
+world.</p>
+
+<p>What a stately appearance the lady makes as she strolls in her long
+white gown across the green sward over yonder! Her long golden hair
+falls in glittering masses from <a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" /></a>beneath her wide-rimmed straw hat. Now
+she stops; she seems to be looking for some one. Now her lips open; she
+is calling some one. Her form is quite near, but her voice stops over
+yonder, a thousand paces distant. The person she calls does not appear
+in the field of vision. Now she calls louder, and the listening ear
+hears the words, "Dear Ludwig!"</p>
+
+<p>He starts. These words have not come from the phantom of the
+object-glass, but from a living being that stands by his side&mdash;Marie.</p>
+
+<p>The count sprang to his feet, surprised and embarrassed, unable to say a
+word. Marie, however, did not wait for him to speak, but said with eager
+inquisitiveness:</p>
+
+<p>"What are you looking at through that great pipe?"</p>
+
+<p>Before Ludwig could turn the glass in another direction, the little maid
+had taken his seat, and was gazing, with a wilful smile on her lips,
+through the "great pipe."</p>
+
+<p>The smile gradually faded from her lips as she viewed the world revealed
+by the telescope&mdash;the beautiful woman over yonder amid her flowers, her
+form encircled by the nimbus of rainbow hues.</p>
+
+<p>When she withdrew her eye from the glass, her face betrayed the new
+emotion which had taken possession of her. The lengthened features, the
+half-opened lips, the contracted brows, the half-closed eyes, all these
+betrayed&mdash;Ludwig was perfectly familiar with the expression&mdash;jealousy.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had discovered that there was an enchantingly beautiful woman upon
+whose phenomenal charms <i>her</i> Ludwig came up here to feast his eyes. The
+faithless one!</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was going to speak, but Marie laid her hand against his lips, and
+turned again to the telescope. The "green-eyed monster" wanted to see
+some more!</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly her face brightened; a joyful smile wreathed <a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" /></a>her lips. She
+seized Ludwig's hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that sounded like a sigh
+of relief:</p>
+
+<p>"What you told me was true, after all! You did not want to deceive me."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you see?" asked Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"I see the water-monster that frightened me. I believed that you
+invented a fable and had it printed in that book in order to deceive me.
+And now I see the creature over yonder with the beautiful lady. She
+called to him, and he came walking on his hands and feet. Now he is
+standing upright. How ridiculous the poor thing looks in his red
+clothes! He does&nbsp;n't want to keep on his hat, and persists in wanting to
+walk on all fours like a poodle. Dear heaven! what a kind lady she must
+be to have so much patience with him!"</p>
+
+<p>Then she rose suddenly from the telescope, flung her arms around
+Ludwig's neck, and began to sob. Her warm tears moistened the young
+man's face; but they were not tears of grief.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon she ceased sobbing, and smiled through her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so thankful I came up here! You will let me come again, won't you,
+Ludwig? I will come only when you ask me. And to-morrow we will resume
+our swimming excursions. You will come with me in the canoe, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig assented, and the child skipped, humming cheerily, down the tower
+stairs; and the whole day long the old castle echoed with her merry
+singing.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>And why should not Baroness Landsknechtsschild take observations with a
+telescope, as well as her neighbor at the Nameless Castle?</p>
+
+<p>She could very easily do so unnoticed. From the outside of a house, when
+it is light, one cannot see what is going on in a dark room.</p>
+
+<p>This question Count Vavel was given an opportunity to decide.</p>
+
+<p>The astronomical calendar had announced a total eclipse of the moon on a
+certain night in July. The moon would enter the shadow at ten o'clock,
+and reach full obscuration toward midnight.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig had persuaded Marie to observe the phenomenon with him; and the
+young girl was astonished beyond measure when she beheld for the first
+time the full moon through the telescope.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig explained to her that the large, brilliant circles were extinct
+craters; the dark blotches, seas. At that time scientists still accepted
+the theory of oceans on the moon. What interested Marie most of all,
+however, was the question, "Were there people on the moon?" Ludwig
+promised to procure for her the fanciful descriptions of a supposed
+journey made to the moon by some naturalists in the preceding century.
+Innocent enough reading for a girl of sixteen!</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" /></a>I wonder what the people are like who live on the moon?"</p>
+
+<p>And Ludwig's mental reply was: "One of them stands here by your side!"</p>
+
+<p>After a while Marie wearied of the heavenly phenomena, and when the hour
+came at which she usually went to bed she was overcome by sleep.</p>
+
+<p>In vain Ludwig sought to keep her awake by telling her about the Imbrian
+Ocean, and relating the wonders of Mount Aristarchus. Marie could not
+keep from nodding, and several times she caught herself dreaming.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not wait to see the end of the eclipse," she said to Ludwig.
+"It is very pretty and interesting, but I am sleepy."</p>
+
+<p>She was yet so much a child that she would not have given up her sweet
+slumbers for an eclipse of all the planets of the universe.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig accompanied her to the door of her apartments, bade her good
+night, and returned to the observatory.</p>
+
+<p>Already the disk of the moon was half obscured. Ludwig removed the
+astronomical eye-piece from the telescope, and inserted the tellurian
+glass instead; then he turned the object-glass toward the neighboring
+manor instead of toward the moon. Now, if ever, was the time to find out
+if his fair neighbor possessed a telescope. If she had one, she would
+certainly be using it now.</p>
+
+<p>It was sufficiently light to enable him to see quite distinctly the
+baroness sitting, with two other women, on the veranda. She was
+observing the eclipse, but with an opera-glass&mdash;a magnifier that
+certainly could not reveal very much.</p>
+
+<p>Of this Count Ludwig might rest satisfied. And yet, in spite of the
+satisfaction this decision had given him, he continued to observe the
+disappearance of the moonlight from <a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" /></a>the veranda of the manor with far
+more attention than he bestowed upon the gradual darkening of the
+heavenly luminary itself. Then there happened to the baroness's
+companions what had happened to Marie: the women began to nod, whereupon
+the baroness sent them to bed. There remained now only the count and his
+fair neighbor to continue the astronomical observations. The lady looked
+at the moon; the count looked at the lady.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, as was evident, was thorough in whatever she undertook.
+She waited for the full obscuration&mdash;until the last vestige of moonlight
+had vanished, and only a strange-looking, dull, copper-hued ball hung in
+the sky.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness now rose and went into the house. The astronomer on the
+castle tower observed that she neglected to close the veranda door.</p>
+
+<p>It was now quite dark; the silence of midnight reigned over everything.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel waited in his observatory until the moon emerged from
+shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of the moon, something quite different came within the field of
+vision.</p>
+
+<p>From the shrubbery in the rear of the manor there emerged a man. He
+looked cautiously about him, then signaled backward with his hand,
+whereupon a second man, then a third and a fourth, appeared.</p>
+
+<p>Dark as it was, the count could distinguish that the men wore masks, and
+carried hatchets in their hands. He could not see what sort of clothes
+they wore.</p>
+
+<p>They were robbers.</p>
+
+<p>One of the men swung himself over the iron trellis of the veranda; his
+companions waited below, in the shadow of the gate.</p>
+
+<p>The count hastened from his observatory.</p>
+
+<p>First he wakened Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" /></a>Robbers have broken into the manor, Henry!"</p>
+
+<p>"The rascals certainly chose a good time to do it; now that the moon is
+in shadow, no one will see them," sleepily returned Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw them, and I am going to scare them away."</p>
+
+<p>"We can fire off our guns from here; that will scare them," suggested
+Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you out of your senses, Henry? We should frighten Marie; and were
+she to learn that there are robbers in the neighborhood, she would want
+to go away from here, and you know we are chained to this place."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; then I don't know what we can do. Shall I go down and rouse the
+village?"</p>
+
+<p>"So that you may be called on to testify before a court, and be
+compelled to tell who you are, what you are, and how you came here?"
+impatiently interposed the count.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. Then I can't raise an alarm?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Do as I tell you. Stop here in the castle, take your
+station in front of Marie's door, and I will go over to the manor. Give
+me your walking-stick."</p>
+
+<p>"What? You are going after the robbers with a walking-stick?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are only petty thieves; they are not real robbers. Men of this
+sort will run when they hear a footstep. Besides, there are only four of
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Four against one who has nothing but a cudgel!"</p>
+
+<p>"In which is concealed a sharp poniard&mdash;a very effective weapon at close
+quarters," supplemented the count. "But don't stop here talking, Henry.
+Fetch the stick, and my driving-coat, into the pocket of which put my
+bloodletting instruments. Some one might faint over yonder, and I should
+need them."</p>
+
+<p>Henry brought the stick and coat. Only after he had gone some distance
+from the castle did Count Vavel notice that <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" /></a>some heavy object kept
+thumping against his side. The faithful Henry had smuggled a
+double-barreled pistol into the pocket of his coat, in addition to the
+bloodletting instruments. The count did not take the road which ran
+around the cove to the manor, but hurried to the shore, where he sprang
+into his canoe, and with a few powerful strokes of the oars reached the
+opposite shore. A few steps took him to the manor. His heart beat
+rapidly. He had a certain dread of the coming meeting&mdash;not the meeting
+with the robbers, but with the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>The gates of the manor were open, as was usual in Hungarian manors day
+and night. The count crossed the court, and as he turned the corner of
+the house there happened what he had predicted: the masked man who was
+on watch at the door gave a shrill whistle, then dashed into the
+shrubbery. Count Vavel did not give chase to the fleeing thief, but,
+swinging his cudgel around his head, ran through the open door into the
+hall. Here a lamp was burning. He hurried into the salon, and saw, as he
+entered, two more of the robbers jump from the window into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig hurried on toward the adjoining room, whence came the faint
+light of a lamp. The light came from another room still farther on. It
+was the sleeping-chamber of the lady of the house. There were no robbers
+here, but on the table lay jewelry and articles of silver which had been
+emptied from the cases lying about the floor. In an arm-chair which
+stood near the bed-alcove reclined a female form, the arms and hands
+firmly bound with cords to the chair.</p>
+
+<p>What a beautiful creature! The clinging folds of her dressing-robe
+revealed the perfect proportions of her figure. Her hair fell like a
+golden cataract to the floor. Modest blushes and joy at her deliverance
+made the lovely face <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" /></a>even more enchanting when the knightly deliverer
+entered the room&mdash;a hero who came with a cudgel to do battle against a
+band of robbers, and conquered!</p>
+
+<p>"I am Count Vavel," he hastened to explain, cudgel in hand, that the
+lady might not think him another robber and fall into a faint.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray release me," in a low tone begged the lady, her cheeks crimsoning
+with modest shame when he bent over her to untie the cords.</p>
+
+<p>The task was quickly performed; the count took a knife from his pocket
+and cut the cords; then he turned to look for a bell.</p>
+
+<p>"Please don't ring," hastily interposed the baroness. "Don't rouse my
+people from their slumbers. The robbers are gone, and have taken
+nothing. You came in good time to help me."</p>
+
+<p>"Did the rascals ill-treat you, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"They only tied me to this chair; but they threatened to kill me if I
+refused to give them money&mdash;they were not content to take only my
+jewelry. I was about to give them an order to the steward, who has
+charge of my money, when your arrival suddenly ended the agreement we
+had made."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreement?" repeated the count. "A pretty business, truly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't speak so loudly; I don't want any one to be alarmed&mdash;and
+please go into the next room, where you will find my maid, who is also
+bound."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel went into the small chamber which communicated with that of
+the baroness, and saw lying on the bed a woman whose hands and feet were
+bound; a handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth. He quickly
+released her from the cords and handkerchief; but she did not stir: she
+had evidently lost consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the baroness had followed with a lighted <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" /></a>candle. She had
+flung a silken shawl about her shoulders, thrust her feet into Turkish
+slippers, and tucked her hair underneath a becoming lace cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Is she dead?" she asked, lifting an anxious glance to Ludwig's face.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she is not dead," replied the count, who was attentively scanning
+the unconscious woman's face.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with her?" pursued the baroness, with evident
+distress.</p>
+
+<p>The count now recognized the woman's face. He had seen her with the lad
+who had been his prot&eacute;g&eacute;, and who was now a member of the baroness's
+household. It was the wife of Satan Laczi.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she is not dead," he repeated; "she has only fainted."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness hastily fetched her smelling-salts, and held them to the
+unconscious woman's nostrils.</p>
+
+<p>"Peasant women have strong constitutions," observed the count. "When
+such a one loses consciousness a perfume like that will not restore her;
+she needs to be bled."</p>
+
+<p>"But good heavens! What are we to do? I can't think of sending for the
+doctor now! I don't want him to hear of what has happened here
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand bloodletting," observed Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"You, Herr Count?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have studied medicine and surgery."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have no lance."</p>
+
+<p>"I brought my chirurgic instruments with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you thought you might find here some one who had fainted?"
+exclaimed the baroness, wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I shall require the assistance of a maid to hold the woman's arm
+while I perform the operation."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want any of the servants wakened. Can't I&mdash;help you?" she
+suggested hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" /></a>Are not you afraid of the sight of blood, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I am; but I will endure that rather than have one of my maids
+see you here at this hour."</p>
+
+<p>"But this one will see me when she recovers consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I can trust this one; she will be silent."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us make an attempt."</p>
+
+<p>The result of the attempt was, the fainting maid was restored to
+consciousness by the skilfully applied lance, while the face of the
+assisting lady became deathly pale. Her eyes closed, her lips became
+blue. Fortunately, she had a more susceptible nature than her maid. A
+few drops of cold water sprinkled on her face, and the smelling-salts,
+quickly restored her to consciousness. During these few moments her head
+had rested on the young man's shoulder, her form had been supported on
+his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't trouble any further about me," she murmured, when she opened her
+eyes and saw herself in Vavel's arms; "but attend to that poor woman";
+and she hastily rose from her recumbent position.</p>
+
+<p>The woman was shivering with a chill&mdash;or was it the result of extreme
+terror? If the former, then a little medicine would soon help her; but
+if it was terror, there was no remedy for it.</p>
+
+<p>To all questions she returned but the one answer: "Oh, my God! my God!"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness and Count Vavel now returned to the outer room.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret very much, baroness, that you have had an unpleasant
+experience like this&mdash;here in our peaceful neighborhood, where every one
+is so honest that you might leave your purse lying out in the court; no
+one would take it."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness laughingly interrupted him:</p>
+
+<p>"The robber adventure amused more than it frightened <a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" /></a>me. All my life I
+have wanted to see a real Hungarian robber, of whom the Viennese tell
+such wonderful tales. My wish has been gratified, and I have had a real
+adventure&mdash;the sort one reads in romances."</p>
+
+<p>"Your romance might have had a sorrowful conclusion," responded Count
+Ludwig, seriously.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;if Heaven had not sent a brave deliverer to my rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"You may well say Heaven sent him," smilingly returned the count; "for
+if there had not been an eclipse of the moon to-night, which I was
+observing through my telescope, and at the same time taking a look about
+the neighborhood, I should not have seen the masked men enter the
+manor."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" in astonishment exclaimed the baroness; "you saw the men through
+a telescope? Truly, <i>I</i> shall have to be on my guard in future! But,"
+she added more seriously, lifting from the table the count's
+walking-stick, toward which he had extended his hand, "before you go I
+want to beg a favor. Please do not mention the occurrence of this night
+to any one. I don't want the authorities to make any inquiries
+concerning the attempted robbery."</p>
+
+<p>"That favor I grant most willingly," replied Count Vavel, who had not
+the least desire for a legal examination which would require him to tell
+who he was, what he was, whence he came, and what he was doing here.</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you why I don't want the affair known," continued the
+baroness. "The woman in yonder is the one of whom I wrote you some time
+ago&mdash;the wife of Ladislaus Satan, or, as he is called, Satan Laczi.
+Should it become known that a robbery was attempted here, the villagers
+will say at once, 'It was the wife of the robber Satan Laczi who helped
+the men to rob her mistress,' and the poor woman will be sent back to
+prison."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" /></a>And do you really believe her innocent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you that she knew nothing about this matter. I shall not
+send her away, but, as a proof that I trust her entirely, shall let her
+sleep in the room next to mine, and let her carry all my keys!" To
+emphasize her declaration, she thumped the floor vigorously with Vavel's
+iron-ferruled stick.</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily the count extended his hand to her. She grasped it
+cordially, and, shaking it, added: "Don't speak of our meeting to-night
+to any one; I shall not mention it, I can promise you! And now, I will
+give you your stick; I am certain some one at home is anxious about you.
+God be with you!"</p>
+
+<p>At home Count Vavel found Henry on guard at the door of Marie's room,
+his musket cocked, ready for action.</p>
+
+<p>"Did anything happen here?" asked the count. "Did Marie waken?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but she called out several times in her sleep, and once I heard her
+say quite distinctly: 'Ludwig, take care; she will bite!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Vavel could not deny that his fair neighbor had made a very
+favorable impression on him. In astronomy she had taken the place of the
+moon, in classic literature that of an ideal, and in metaphysics that of
+the absolutely good.</p>
+
+<p>He had sufficient command of himself, however, to suppress the desire to
+see her again. From that day he did not again turn his telescope toward
+the neighboring manor. But to prevent his thoughts from straying there
+was beyond his power. These straying thoughts after a while began to
+betray themselves in his countenance and in his eyes; and there are
+persons who understand how to read faces and eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" /></a>Are you troubled about anything, Ludwig?" one day inquired Marie,
+after they had been sitting in silence together for a long while.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig started guiltily.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es; I have bad news from abroad."</p>
+
+<p>Such a reply, however, cannot deceive those who understand the language
+of the face and eyes.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Marie stole noiselessly up to the observatory, and
+surprised Ludwig at the telescope.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see, too, Ludwig. Are you looking at something pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very pretty," answered Ludwig, giving place to the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>Marie looked through the glass, and saw a farm-yard overgrown with
+weeds. On an inverted tub near the door of the cottage sat a little old
+grandmother teaching her grandchildren how to knit a stocking.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you were not looking at our lovely neighbor," said Marie. "Why
+don't you look at her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because it is not necessary for me to know what she is doing."</p>
+
+<p>Marie turned the telescope toward the manor, and persisted until she had
+found what she was looking for.</p>
+
+<p>"How sad she looks!" she said to Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>But he paid no attention to her words.</p>
+
+<p>"Now it seems as though she were looking straight into my eyes; now she
+clasps her hands as if she were praying."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig said, with pedagogic calmness:</p>
+
+<p>"If you continue to gaze with such intensity through the telescope your
+face will become distorted."</p>
+
+<p>Marie laughed. "If I had a crooked mouth, and kept one eye shut, people
+would say, 'There goes that ugly little Marie!' Then I should not have
+to wear a veil any more."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" /></a>She distorted her face as she had described, and turned it toward
+Ludwig, who said hastily: "Don't&mdash;don't do that, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not all the same to you whether I am ugly or pretty?" she
+retorted. Then, as if to soften the harshness of her words, she added:
+"Even if I were ugly, would you love me&mdash;as the fakir loves his Brahma?"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Ludwig continued his correspondence with the learned Herr Mercatoris. He
+always dictated his letters to Marie. No one in the neighborhood had yet
+seen his own writing. Therefore, it would have been impossible for him
+to ask the pastor anything relating to the baroness without Marie
+knowing it. In one of his letters, however, he inquired how the mother
+of the lad he had once had in his care was conducting herself at the
+manor, and was informed that the woman had disappeared&mdash;and without
+leaving any explanation for her conduct&mdash;a few days after the eclipse of
+the moon. The baroness had been greatly troubled by the woman's going,
+but would not consent to having a search made for her, as she had taken
+nothing from the manor.</p>
+
+<p>This incident made Count Vavel believe that the woman had secretly
+joined the band of robbers, and that there would be another attempt made
+sometime to break into the manor.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the count slept more frequently in his observatory than
+he did in his bedchamber, where an entire arsenal of muskets and other
+firearms were always kept in readiness.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, when he approached the door of his room, he was surprised
+to see a light through the keyhole; some one was in the room.</p>
+
+<p>He entered hastily. On the table was a lighted candle, and standing with
+his back toward the table was a strange <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" /></a>man, clad in a costume unlike
+that worn by the dwellers in that neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Count Vavel surveyed the stranger, who was standing
+between him and his weapons; then he demanded imperiously:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you? How came you here, and what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Satan Laczi," coolly replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing the name, Count Vavel sprang suddenly toward the robber, and
+seized him by the arms. The fellow's arms were like the legs of a
+vulture&mdash;nothing but bone and sinew. Count Vavel was an athletic man,
+strong and powerful; but had the room been filled with men as strong and
+powerful as he, and had they every one hurled themselves upon Satan
+Laczi, he would have had no difficulty in defending himself. He had
+performed such a feat more than once. This evening, however, he made no
+move to defend himself, but looked calmly at his assailant, and said:
+"The Herr Count can see that I have no weapons; and yet, there are
+enough here, had I wanted to arm myself against an attack. I am not here
+for an evil purpose."</p>
+
+<p>The count released his hold on the man's arms, and looked at him in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"First, because I want to tell the Herr Count that it was not I who
+attempted to rob the baroness, nor were those thieves comrades of mine.
+I know that the people around here say it was Satan Laczi; but it
+was&nbsp;n't, and I came to tell you so. I confess I have robbed churches;
+but the house which has given shelter and food to my poor little lad is
+more sacred to me than a church. The people insist that I was guilty of
+such baseness because I am Satan Laczi; but the Herr Count, who has
+doubtless read a de<a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" /></a>scription of my person, can say whether or no it was
+I he saw at the manor."</p>
+
+<p>With these words he turned his face toward the light. It was a very
+repulsive countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think there is another face that the description of mine would
+fit, Herr Count?" he asked, a certain melancholy softening the
+repulsiveness of his features. "But what is the use of such senseless
+chatter?" he added hastily. "I am not silly enough to come here seeking
+honor and respect&mdash;though it does vex me when people say that one man
+with a cudgel put to flight Satan Laczi and three of his comrades. I
+came here to-night because the Herr Count rescued my poor little lad
+from the morass, gave him shelter and food, and even condescended to
+teach him. For all this I owe you, Herr Count, and I am come to return
+favor for favor. You are thinking: 'How can this robber repay me what he
+owes?' I will tell you: by giving you a robber's information. I want to
+prove to the Herr Count that the robber&mdash;the true robber who understands
+his trade&mdash;can enter this securely barred castle whenever he is so
+minded. The locks on the doors, the bolts on the windows, are no
+hindrance to the man who understands his business, and the way <i>I</i> came
+in another can come as well. It is said that the Herr Count guards a
+great treasure here in this castle. I don't know, and I don't ask, what
+this treasure is. If I should find it, I would&nbsp;n't take it from the Herr
+Count, and if any one else took it I should try to get it back for him.
+But some one may steal in here, as I did, while the Herr Count is
+looking at the stars up in the tower, and carry off his carefully
+guarded treasure."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel gave utterance to a groan of terror; his knees gave way
+beneath him; a chill shook his entire frame.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie!" he gasped, forgetting himself.</p>
+
+<p>Then, hastily snatching the candle from the table, he <a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" /></a>rushed
+frantically toward the young girl's sleeping-chamber, leaving Satan
+Laczi alone in his room.</p>
+
+<p>Since he had ceased guarding Marie's door at night by sleeping on the
+lounge in her room, he had cautioned her to lock the door before
+retiring. Now he found the door open.</p>
+
+<p>Breathless with fear, the count sprang toward the alcove and flung back
+the bed-curtains. The little maid was sleeping peacefully, her face
+resting against her arm. Her favorite cat was lying at her feet, and on
+the floor by the bedside lay the two pugs. But the door of the
+wall-cupboard in which was hidden the steel casket stood wide open, and
+on the casket was a singular toy&mdash;a miniature human figure turning a
+spinning-wheel.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Count Vavel's heart ceased beating. Here was sufficient
+proof that the maid, together with the steel casket, might have been
+carried away during his absence.</p>
+
+<p>He took the curious image, which was molded of black bread, and returned
+to his room.</p>
+
+<p>As he crossed the threshold, Satan Laczi pointed to the toy and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I left it on the casket as a remembrance in exchange for the little
+stockings some one in this house knit for my little lad. We learn to
+make such things in prison, where time hangs heavily on one's hands."</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you manage to open the door when it was locked and the key
+inside?" inquired the count.</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi showed him the tools which he used to turn keys from the
+outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Any burglar can open a door from the outside if the key is left in the
+lock, Herr Count. Only those doors can be securely locked which have no
+keyholes outside."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no idea how that could be arranged," said Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" /></a>I am acquainted with a jack of all trades here in the neighborhood who
+could make such a door for you if I told him how to make it. He is a
+carpenter, locksmith, and clock-maker, all in one person."</p>
+
+<p>The count shook his head wonderingly. The robber was to direct the
+locksmith how to fashion a lock that no one could open!</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I send the man to the castle?" asked Satan Laczi.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; if the fellow is sensible, and does not chatter."</p>
+
+<p>"But he is a fool that never knows when to stop talking. But he talks
+only on one subject, so you need not be afraid to employ him. He
+understands everything you tell him, will do just as you say, but will
+not talk about what he is doing for you. There is only one subject on
+which he will chatter, and that is, how Napoleon might be beaten. He is
+continually talking about stratagems, infernal machines, and how to win
+a battle. On this subject he is crazy. He will make doors for the Herr
+Count that can't be opened, and tell everybody else only how to make
+infernal machines, and how to build fortifications."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good; then send him to me."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;I must say something else, Herr Count&mdash;no matter how secure your
+locks may be, that treasure is best guarded against robbers which is
+kept in the room you sleep in. A man of courage is worth a hundred
+locks. I am not talking without a purpose when I say the Herr Count must
+look after his treasure. I know more than I say, and Satan Laczi is not
+the greatest robber in the world. Be on your guard!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does the Herr Count still believe that it was I and my comrades who
+broke into the manor?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I am convinced that it was not you."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" /></a>Then my mission here is accomplished&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet," interposed the count, stepping to a cupboard, and taking from
+it a straw-covered bottle and a goblet. "Here,"&mdash;filling the goblet and
+handing it to the robber,&mdash;"he who comes to my house as a guest must not
+quit it without a parting glass."</p>
+
+<p>"A strange guest, indeed!" responded the robber, taking the proffered
+glass. "I came without knocking for admittance. But I performed a
+masterpiece to-day; the Herr Count will find it out soon enough! I do
+not drink to your welfare Herr Count, for my good wishes don't go for
+much in heaven!"</p>
+
+<p>The count seated himself at the table, and said: "Don't go just yet, my
+friend; I want to give you a few words of advice. I believe you are a
+good man at heart. Quit your present mode of life, which will ultimately
+lead you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know&mdash;to the gallows and to hell," interposed the robber.</p>
+
+<p>"Take up some trade," pursued the count. "I will gladly assist you to
+become an honest man. I will lend you the money necessary to begin work,
+and you can pay me when you have succeeded. Surely honest labor is the
+best."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for the good advice, Herr Count, but it is too late. I know
+very well what would be best for me; but, as I said, it is too late now.
+There was a time when I would gladly have labored at my trade,&mdash;for I
+have one,&mdash;but no one would tolerate me because of my repulsive face.
+From my childhood I have been an object of ridicule and abuse. My father
+was well-born, but he died in a political prison, and I was left
+destitute with this hideous face. No one would employ me for anything
+but swine-herd; and even then luck was against me, for if anything went
+wrong with a litter of pigs, I was always blamed for <a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" /></a>the mishap, and
+sent about my business. Count Jharose gave me a job once; it was a
+ridiculous task, but I was glad to get any kind of honest work. I had to
+exercise the count's two tame bears&mdash;promenade with them through the
+village. The bears' fore paws were tied about their necks, so that they
+were obliged to walk on their hind feet, and I had to walk between them,
+my hands resting on a fore leg of each animal, as if I were escorting
+two young women. When we promenaded thus along the village street, the
+people would laugh and shout: 'There go Count Jharose's three tame
+bears.' At last I got out of the way of doing hard work, and got used to
+being ridiculed by all the world. But I had not yet learned to steal.
+The bears grew fat under my care. I was given every day two loaves of
+bread to feed to them. One day I saw, in a wretched hut at the end of
+the village, a poor woman and her daughter who were starving. From that
+day the bears began to grow thin; for I stole one of the loaves of bread
+and gave it to the poor women, who were glad enough to get it, I can
+tell you! But the steward found out my theft, and I was dismissed from
+the count's service. The poor women were turned out of their miserable
+hut. The mother froze to death,&mdash;for it was winter then,&mdash;and the
+daughter was left on my hands. We got a Franciscan monk, whom we met in
+the forest, to marry us&mdash;which was a bad move for the girl, for no one
+would employ her, because she was my wife. So the forest became our
+home, hollow trees our shelter; and what a friend an old tree can
+become! Well, to make a long story short, necessity very soon taught me
+how to take what belonged to others. I got used to the vagrant life. I
+could not sleep under a roof any more. I could&nbsp;n't live among men, and
+pull off my hat to my betters. When the little lad came into the world,
+I said to my wife: 'Do you quit the forest, and look for work in <a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" /></a>some
+village. Don't let the little one grow up to become a thief.' She did as
+I bade her; but the people who hired her always found out that she was
+the wife of Satan Laczi, and then they would not keep her, and she would
+have to come back to me in the forest. And that is where I shall end my
+days&mdash;in the forest. I am not good for anything any more; I could&nbsp;n't
+even plow a furrow any more. I shall end on the gallows&mdash;I feel it. I
+should have liked the life of a soldier, but they never would take me;
+they always said I would disgrace any regiment to which I might belong.
+Yes, I would rather have been a soldier than anything else; but what is
+not to be will not be! I shall keep to my forest. I am obliged to the
+Herr Count for his good wishes and this delicious brandy."</p>
+
+<p>The robber placed the empty glass on the table, took up his hat, and
+walked with heavy steps toward the door. Here he halted to say:</p>
+
+<p>"I must tell you that the touch-holes of all your firearms are filled
+with wax. Have them cleaned, or you will not be able to shoot with
+them."</p>
+
+<p>The count rose, and hastened to convince himself that this statement was
+true. He found that his firearms had indeed been rendered useless; the
+robber had taken good care to protect himself from an attack. When Vavel
+looked around again, Satan Laczi had disappeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>The afternoon of the following day, Henry entered the count's study to
+announce that a crazy person was below, who insisted on speaking to the
+lord of the castle. The stranger said he had invented a cannon that
+would at one shot destroy fifteen hundred men. He would take no denial,
+but insisted that Henry should tell the Herr Count that Master Matyas
+had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I sent for him to come here," answered the count. "Show him up."</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the man whom Henry conducted to his master's presence
+was certainly original. He wore a costume unlike any prevailing fashion.
+His upper garment was so made that it might be worn either as a coat or
+a mantle; if sleeves were desired there were sleeves, and none if none
+were required. Even his shoes were inventions of his own, for no regular
+shoemaker could have fashioned them. He held between the fingers of his
+right hand a bit of lead-pencil, with which he would illustrate what he
+described on the palm of his left hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You come in good time, Master Matyas," said the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes. If only I had been in good time at the battle of Marengo!"
+sighed the singular man.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late now for regrets of that sort, Master Matyas," smilingly
+responded Count Vavel. "Facts cannot be <a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" /></a>changed! I have a task for you
+which I desire to have completed as quickly as possible. Come, and I
+will show you what I want you to do."</p>
+
+<p>It was the hour Marie spent in her garden; consequently the count was at
+liberty to conduct the jack of all trades to the young girl's apartment,
+and explain what he wished to have done.</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas listened attentively to what the count said, and took the
+necessary measurements. When he had done so, he turned toward his
+patron, and said in a serious tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know why we lost the battle of Marengo? Because General
+Gvozdanovics, when Napoleon's cavalry made that famous assault, was not
+clever enough to order three men into every tree on that long
+avenue&mdash;two of the men to load the muskets, while the third kept up a
+continual fire. The French horsemen could not have ridden up the trees,
+and the entire troop of cavalry would have dropped under the continuous
+fire! The general certainly should have commanded: 'Half battalion&mdash;half
+left! Up the trees&mdash;forward!'"</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, Master Matyas," assented Count Vavel; "but I should like
+to know if you fully understand what I want you to do, and if you can do
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas's face brightened suddenly. "I&nbsp;'ll tell you what, Herr
+Count; if I succeed in doing what you want, I shall be able, if ever
+Napoleon makes another attack on us, to pen him up, with his entire
+army, so securely that he won't be able to stir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt of that!" again assented the count. "What I want,
+however, is a secure barrier that cannot be opened from the outside.
+Pray understand me. I want this barrier made in such a manner that the
+person within the barricade will have sufficient light and air, but be
+invisi<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" /></a>ble to any one outside, and be perfectly secure from intruders.
+Could not you let me have a little drawing of what you propose to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly"; and taking a small sketch-book from his pocket, Master
+Matyas proceeded to do as he was requested&mdash;first, however, explaining
+to the count a drawing of the cannon which would mow down at one shot
+fifteen hundred men. "You see," he explained, "here are two cannon
+welded together at the breech, with their muzzles ten degrees apart. But
+one touch-hole suffices for both. The balls are connected by a long
+chain, and when the cannon are fired off, the balls naturally fly in
+opposite directions and forward at the same time, and, stretching the
+chain, mow off the heads of every man jack with whom it comes in
+contact! Fire! Boom! Heads off!"</p>
+
+<p>The count was perfectly satisfied with Master Matyas. He had found a man
+who fully understood his business, and who knew how to hold his tongue
+on all subjects but on that of his infernal machines, and of his
+stratagems to defeat Napoleon. For two weeks Master Matyas labored
+diligently at his task in the Nameless Castle, during which time Henry
+heard so much about warlike stratagems that his sides ached from the
+continued laughter. But when the villagers questioned Master Matyas
+about his work at the castle, they could learn nothing from him but
+schemes to capture the ever-victorious Corsican.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Count," one day observed Henry, toward the close of the second
+week, "if I hear much more of Master Matyas's wonderful battles, I shall
+become as crazy as he is!"</p>
+
+<p>And the count replied:</p>
+
+<p>"You are crazy already, my good Henry&mdash;and so am I!"</p>
+
+<p>At last the task was completed. Count Vavel was sat<a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" /></a>isfied with the work
+Master Matyas had performed, and it only remained for Marie to express
+herself satisfied with the arrangement which would barricade her every
+night as securely as were the treasures of the "green vault" in Dresden.</p>
+
+<p>A few days afterward was Marie's sixteenth birthday. Count Vavel had
+come to her apartments, as usual, to congratulate her, and to hear what
+her birthday wish might be. But the young girl, whose sparkling eyes had
+become veiled with melancholy, whose red lips had already learned to
+express sadness, had no commands to give to-day.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the count, on some pretence, detained Marie in the library
+while Master Matyas completed his task in her room.</p>
+
+<p>This masterpiece was a peculiar curtain composed of small squares of
+steel so joined together that light and air could easily penetrate the
+screen. It was fitted between the two marble columns which supported the
+arch of the bed-alcove. When the metal curtain was lowered, by means of
+a cord, two springs in the floor caught and held it so securely that it
+could not be lifted from the outside. To raise the screen the person in
+the alcove had only to touch a secret spring near the bed, when the
+screen would roll up of itself.</p>
+
+<p>"And hast thou no wish this year, Marie?" asked the count, adopting, as
+usual on this anniversary, the familiar "thou."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have one, dear Ludwig," replied the young girl, but with no
+brightening of the melancholy features. "I have lost something, but thou
+canst not give it back to me."</p>
+
+<p>"And what may this something be? What hast thou lost, Marie? Tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"My former sweet, sound sleep! and thou canst not buy me another in
+Vienna or Paris. I used to sleep so soundly. <a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" /></a>I used to be so fond of my
+sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers, and often I
+would be in dreamland long before I got to the 'Amen.' And if by any
+chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike, I would beg of
+it not to hurry along the hours so fast&mdash;I did not want morning to come
+so soon! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors, I lie awake
+often until midnight&mdash;terrified by I know not what. I dread to be so
+entirely alone when everything is so quiet; and when it is dark I feel
+as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room. When I hear a
+noise I wonder what it can be, and my heart beats so rapidly! Then I
+draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound, and if I fall asleep
+thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
+Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
+soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
+restore my slumber."</p>
+
+<p>"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
+see."</p>
+
+<p>She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
+her wondering face.</p>
+
+<p>Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
+in the springs in the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
+own alcove."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" /></a>Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
+Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
+your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
+column to your left, you will be at liberty again."</p>
+
+<p>The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was filled with delight and astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another work of art connected with this wonderful mechanism,"
+said the count, after Marie had rolled and unrolled the screen several
+times. "The cord which releases the screen rings a bell in my room. When
+I hear the bell I shall know that you have retired; then I shall bring
+my books and papers into your room out yonder, and continue my work
+there. Only enough light will penetrate the screen to the alcove to
+prevent utter darkness. You will not need to be afraid hereafter, and
+perhaps the sweet, sound sleep will return to you."</p>
+
+<p>Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift. She
+merely held out both hands, and gave his a clasp that was so close and
+warm that it said more than words or kisses. She waited impatiently for
+evening to test the working of her wonderful screen. She did not amuse
+herself with her cards, as usual, but went to bed at ten o'clock. At the
+same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in
+the floor, Count Ludwig's footsteps were heard in the corridor. In one
+hand he carried a two-branched candlestick, in the other his pistol-case
+and ink-horn. His pen was between his lips; his books and papers were
+held under his arm. He seated himself at a table, and resumed his
+studies.</p>
+
+<p>Marie would have been untrue to her sex had she not watched him for
+several minutes through her metal screen&mdash;watched and admired the superb
+head, supported on one <a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" /></a>hand as he bent intently over his book, the
+broad brow, the classical nose, the chin and lips of an Achilles&mdash;all as
+motionless as if they had been molded in bronze. A true hero&mdash;a hero who
+battled with the most powerful demons of earth, the human passions, and
+conquered. From that day Marie found her old sweet sleep again.</p>
+
+<p>The second day Marie's curiosity prompted her to signal to Ludwig half
+an hour earlier. He heard, and came as readily at half-past nine
+o'clock. And then the little maid (like all indulged children) abused
+her privileges: she signaled at nine o'clock, and at last at eight
+o'clock&mdash;retiring with the birds in order to test if Ludwig would obey
+the signal.</p>
+
+<p>He always came promptly when the falling screen summoned him.</p>
+
+<p>And then Marie said to herself:</p>
+
+<p>"He loves me. He loves me very much&mdash;as the fakir loves his Brahma, as
+the Carthusian loves his sainted Virgin. That is how he loves me!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_V" id="PART_V" /></a><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" /></a>PART V</h2>
+
+<h3>ANGE BARTHELMY</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>So far as Marie's safety from robbers was concerned, Count Vavel might
+now rest content. Satan Laczi's advice had been obeyed to the letter.
+But how about Baroness Landsknechtsschild? Danger still threatened her.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was seriously concerned about his fair neighbor, and
+wondered how he might communicate his extraordinary discovery to her.
+What could he do to warn her of the danger which still threatened her?
+Should he call in person at the manor, and tell her of his interview
+with Satan Laczi?</p>
+
+<p>A propitious chance came to Count Vavel's aid in his perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon the sound of a trumpet drew him to his window. On looking
+out, he beheld a division of cavalry riding along the highway toward the
+village. They were dragoons, as their glistening helmets indicated.</p>
+
+<p>When the troop drew near to the village, the band struck up a lively
+mazurka, and to this spirited march the soldiers made their entry into
+Fert&ouml;szeg. Ludwig could see through his telescope how the men were
+quartered in the houses in the village; and in the evening, after the
+retreat had been sounded, he also saw that the windows of the hitherto
+unused wing of the manor were brilliantly illuminated. Evidently the
+officers in command of the troop had taken up their quarters there,
+which was proper. The armed guard on duty at the manor gates verified
+this supposition.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" /></a>Count Vavel might now feel perfectly sure that no robbers would attempt
+to break into the manor; they were too cunning to come prowling about a
+place where cavalry officers were quartered.</p>
+
+<p>And with the arrival of the troop another danger had been averted. Now
+Baroness Katharina would not break into the Nameless Castle and despoil
+Count Vavel of something which Satan Laczi could not, with all his
+cunning, have restored to him&mdash;his heart!</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig did not trouble himself further about the manor. He was
+convinced that enough gallant cavalrymen were over yonder to entertain
+the fair mistress, so that she would no longer wait for any more
+tiresome philosophizing from him.</p>
+
+<p>Every evening he could hear the band playing on the veranda of the
+manor, and very often, too, the merry dance-music, which floated from
+the open windows until a late hour of the night. They were enjoying
+themselves over yonder, and they were right in so doing.</p>
+
+<p>How did all this concern him?</p>
+
+<p>In one respect, however, the soldiers taking up their quarters in
+Fert&ouml;szeg concerned him: they exercised daily on the same road over
+which it was his custom to take his daily drive with Marie. In order to
+avoid meeting them, he was obliged to change the hour to noon, when the
+soldiers would be at dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Several days after the arrival of the troop at Fert&ouml;szeg, the officer in
+command paid a visit at the Nameless Castle&mdash;a courtesy required from
+one who was familiar with the usages of good society. At the door,
+however, he was told by the groom that Count Vavel was not at home. He
+left his card, which Henry at once delivered to his master, who was in
+his study.</p>
+
+<p>The card bore the name:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" /></a>Vicomte Leon Barthelmy, K.&nbsp;K., Colonel of Cavalry."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel tried to remember where he had heard the name before, but
+without success. He quieted his dread which this act of ceremony had
+aroused in him by the thought that it contained no further significance
+than the conventional courtesy which a stranger felt himself called upon
+to pay to a resident.</p>
+
+<p>The call would, of course, have to be returned. From his observatory
+Count Vavel informed himself at what hour the colonel betook himself to
+the exercise-ground, and chose that time to make his visit. Naturally he
+found the colonel absent, and left a card for him. A few days afterward
+Colonel Barthelmy again alighted from his horse at the door of the
+Nameless Castle, and again met with a disappointment&mdash;the Herr Count was
+not at home to visitors; he was engaged, and had given orders not to be
+disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>Again the troop's commander left his card, determining to remain indoors
+at the manor until the return visit had been paid, which would have to
+be done within twenty-four hours if no rudeness were intended.</p>
+
+<p>He was not a little astonished to find, on returning to the manor, that
+Count Vavel had left a card for him with the porter. Such promptness
+perplexed the colonel. How had the count managed to reach the manor
+before he did? The porter informed him that the gentleman from the
+Nameless Castle had rowed across the cove, which was a much shorter way
+than by the carriage-road around the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel now determined to prove that he was an obstinate and
+persistent admirer of the occupant of the Nameless Castle. He paid a
+third visit at eight o'clock the next evening. This time Henry informed
+the visitor that the count had gone to bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?" inquired the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" /></a>No; this is his usual hour for retiring."</p>
+
+<p>"But how can a man who is not ill go to bed at eight o'clock?"</p>
+
+<p>And again he handed Henry a card.</p>
+
+<p>This visit Count Vavel returned the next morning at three o'clock. At
+this hour, as may be supposed, every soul in the manor was still sound
+asleep. Only the guards on watch at the gate demanded: "Halt! Who comes
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>On learning that the intruder was a "friend," they allowed him to waken
+the porter, who thrust his frowzy head from the half-open door to ask,
+in surprise, what was wanted.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the Herr Colonel at home?" inquired Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your lordship; but he is in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, your lordship; but he is in bed, of course, at this hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how can a man who is not ill stay in bed until three o'clock?"</p>
+
+<p>The count turned over a corner of his card, and handed it to the porter.</p>
+
+<p>This, at last, the colonel understood, and left no more cards at the
+Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The officers quartered at the manor were agreeable companions. Vicomte
+Leon Barthelmy was a true courtier, a brave soldier, an entertaining
+comrade, and a generous master. Even his enemies would have admitted
+that his manners were irresistible in the salon, as well as on the
+battle-field. Every one knew that Colonel Barthelmy was a married
+man&mdash;that he had a wife with whom, however, he did not live, but from
+whom he had not been divorced.</p>
+
+<p>Susceptible feminine hearts did not risk a flirtation with the
+fascinating soldier, being forewarned by the canonical <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" /></a>laws of the
+church, which forbade more intimate relations. There was no need to fear
+for so prudent and discreet a woman as the Baroness Katharina
+Landsknechtsschild. Her principles were very sound, and firmly grounded.
+She permitted no familiarities beyond a certain limit, but made no coy
+pretence of avoiding innocent amusements. Her affable treatment of the
+officers was easily explained. She had not received the gentlemen
+residing in the neighborhood, because they would very soon have visited
+the manor with a special object&mdash;they would have come as suitors for her
+hand. She would have been compelled to reject such offers, and would
+have given rise to all sorts of gossip. Moreover, these country magnates
+were tiresome persons; for, when they were once gathered about a
+gaming-table, the four ladies in a pack of cards engrossed so much of
+their attention that they had no thought for any of the living women
+about them.</p>
+
+<p>The sons of Mars, on the contrary, were devoted entirely to the service
+of the fair sex. Many of the officers' wives accompanied the regiment,
+and these helped to make up the quadrille, the mazurka, the redowa,&mdash;at
+that time the latest dance,&mdash;and every day saw a merry gathering of
+revelers.</p>
+
+<p>One day there would be a series of entertaining games; another day there
+would be a play on a hastily improvised stage, in which the baroness
+herself would take a part, and win well-deserved applause by her
+graceful and artistic acting.</p>
+
+<p>There were several skilled amateur jugglers among the merry company, who
+would give performances <i>&agrave; la</i> Bosko and Philadelphia; and others would
+delight the audience with the wonderful scenes of a magic lantern.</p>
+
+<p>Once the baroness arranged a chase, and herself joined in the hunt after
+the pheasants and deer on her estate, prov<a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" /></a>ing herself a skilled Amazon
+in the saddle and in the management of her rifle. Then, the officers
+improvised a horse-race; and once they even got up a circus, in which
+all look part.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel, in his tower, was an interested spectator of many of these
+amusements. There had been a time when he, too, had taken part in and
+enjoyed just such sports. He was a lover of the chase and of
+horse-racing. No one knew better than he the keen delights of a clean
+vault over ditches and hedges. If only he might join the merry company
+down yonder, <i>he</i> could show them some riding!</p>
+
+<p>And as for hunting? He could spend whole days on the mountains,
+clambering after the fleet-footed chamois, following the larger game
+through morass and forest. He had grown up amid exhilarating sports such
+as these.</p>
+
+<p>And the dance-music! How alluring were the strains! and how often
+through the day he found himself humming the melodies which had floated
+to him from the open windows of the manor! Once he, too, had taken
+pleasure in jesting with fair women until their white shoulders would
+shake with merry laughter. And all this he must look upon and hear at a
+distance, since he had made himself his own jailer!</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>During these weeks Marie was very restless. The sound of the trumpets
+startled her; the unusual noises terrified her. She whose nightly
+slumbers had been guarded from the barking of dogs and the crowing of
+fowls now was obliged to listen half the night to clarionet, horn, and
+piccolo, and to wonder what these people could be doing that they kept
+their music going until such late hours.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" /></a>One circumstance, however, reconciled Marie to the excitement of these
+days: Ludwig spent more time with her; and though his face was as stern
+as ever, she could not detect in it the melancholy which cannot be
+concealed from the eyes of the woman who can look into the depths, of
+the soul.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>At last, one day late in the autumn, Count Vavel received from his
+correspondent, Herr Mercatoris, the information that the dragoon
+regiment was going to change its quarters, and that the departure from
+Fert&ouml;szeg would be celebrated by various amusements, among them a
+regatta with colored lanterns on the lake and magnificent fireworks on
+the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall manage somehow to live through it," was the count's mental
+comment on the news. He knew Marie's horror of fire&mdash;how she suffered
+with terror when she saw a conflagration, no matter how distant. She was
+even afraid of the rockets and paper dragons which were used at the
+celebration at the conclusion of the grape harvest every year. On the
+evening of the merrymaking Marie was afraid to go to bed. She begged
+Ludwig to close the blinds and to read to her in a loud voice, so that
+she might not see the light of the fireworks or hear the tumult on the
+lake shore. That which amused the revellers at the manor was a terror
+for this timid child.</p>
+
+<p>And that they were amusing themselves over at the manor was beyond a
+doubt. The program for the evening's entertainment was a varied one.
+Colonel Barthelmy was in the gayest of humors. The surprise of the
+evening was to conclude the entertainment, and was called on the program
+"The Militiaman." Every one in the <a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" /></a>audience expected that Colonel
+Barthelmy, who had arranged this part of the entertainment, would
+produce something extremely amusing. The reality surpassed all
+expectations.</p>
+
+<p>The figure conducted on to the stage by the colonel was no other than
+the little water-monster, Baroness Katharina's prot&eacute;g&eacute;. He was clad in
+the uniform of a soldier, with a wooden sword and gun, a hat decorated
+with crane-feathers, a canteen at his side, and a knapsack on his back.
+An enormous false mustache extended from ear to ear, and a short-stemmed
+pipe was thrust between his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"This, gentlemen and ladies, is a militiaman." The colonel was
+interrupted by a burst of merriment from his audience. Even the baroness
+laughed immoderately, but suppressed it hastily when she remembered the
+telescope on the tower of the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little fellow!" she murmured, with difficulty keeping her face
+straight.</p>
+
+<p>"Attention!" called the colonel, snapping the whip he held in his hand.
+"What does the militiaman do when he is in a good humor?"</p>
+
+<p>A bagpipe behind the curtain now began to play a familiar air, whereupon
+the little monster first touched his finger to his hat, then slapped his
+thighs with both hands, and lifted first one foot, then the other.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness hid with her fan that side of her face which was toward the
+neighboring castle, and joined in the uproarious laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, gracious baroness," continued the colonel, "that I have
+accomplished what I determined I would do&mdash;made quite a man of the
+little fellow."</p>
+
+<p>He snapped his whip again, and called sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Now let the militiaman show us what he does when he is in an ill
+humor."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" /></a>The bagpipe struck up a different air. The dwarf muttered something
+unintelligible into his mustache, and grimaced hideously. Then he took
+from his tobacco-pouch flint, tinder, and steel, and struck fire in the
+proper manner; he thrust the burning tinder into his pipe, and pressed
+it down with his finger.</p>
+
+<p>Tremendous applause rewarded this exhibition.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see, gracious baroness, what a complete man he is become? He can
+even strike fire and light a pipe!"</p>
+
+<p>By this time the gnome began to understand that his antics amused the
+audience, and he, too, enjoyed them. For the first time an emotion was
+expressed on his stolid countenance; but it was not an agreeable
+transformation. The corners of his mouth widened until they reached his
+ears, which stood still farther out from his head; he closed one eye,
+and opened the other to its farthest extent; and pressing the stem of
+his pipe more firmly between his teeth, he blew the smoke and fire from
+the bowl like a miniature volcano. The thicker the smoke and sparks came
+from the pipe, the more furious became the strange creature's glee,
+while the entire company shouted and clasped their hands. Even the
+colonel himself was amazed at the performance of his dull pupil.</p>
+
+<p>"Why have we not a Hogarth among us to perpetuate this caricature?" he
+exclaimed delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible! I cannot bear to look at him," said the baroness, holding her
+fan in front of her face. "Pray take him away, Herr Colonel&mdash;take him
+away."</p>
+
+<p>"Presently. Ho, there, my little man! What does the militiaman do when
+he sees the enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>The whip snapped, and the bagpipe set up a discordant shriek, upon which
+the actor sprang with one bound from the stage, and vanished behind the
+curtain, wooden sword <a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" /></a>and gun clattering after him, while the audience
+showered applause on the successful instructor.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Colonel," observed the baroness, when quiet had been restored, "I
+am very much afraid that your instructions will cause me some trouble in
+the future."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how so?" in surprise questioned the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"You have taught a wild creature to kindle a fire, and thus aroused in
+him a dangerous passion. His desire to amuse himself with the dangerous
+element will develop into a mania, and he will end by setting fire to
+houses and other buildings."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what to do, baroness. In order that the little monster
+may not play his tricks about here, give him to me; I will take him with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I had rather keep him here. I shall take good care, however, that
+he does not get hold of tinder and flint, and have him constantly
+watched. You have quite ruined my system of education. <i>I</i> taught him to
+kneel and fold his hands to the music of the organ; <i>you</i> taught him to
+dance and grimace to the drone of the bagpipe. You have even accustomed
+him to drink wine, which is unchristian."</p>
+
+<p>The company laughed at this harmless anger.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the fireworks.</p>
+
+<p>When the Roman candles and the fire-wheels illumined the darkness, it
+became impossible to control the little monster. He rushed into the
+thickest of the rain of fire, and tried to catch the red and blue stars
+in his hands. The sparks burned holes in his clothes, and he would not
+have escaped a severe burning himself had not some one thrown a pail of
+water over him. It was impossible to restrain him. He struck out with
+hands and feet, and bit at any one who attempted to prevent him from
+running into the fire. Suddenly a rocket shot in an oblique direction,
+and dropped <a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" /></a>into the lake. When the human beast saw this he uttered a
+yell, and dashed into the water. He thought that the beautiful fire
+belonged to him because it had fallen into his lake, and he went to hunt
+for it. He did not return. The baroness had search made for him; but he
+knew so well how to escape his pursuers that he was not seen again at
+the manor.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, while yet the stars were glittering in the sky, the
+trumpets sounded the departure of the regiment.</p>
+
+<p>The sounds were familiar to Count Vavel. Even yet, when the blare of
+trumpets roused him from sleep, he felt as if he must hasten to the
+stable, saddle his horse, and buckle on his sword. But those days were
+past. His trusty war-horse had become used to the carriage-pole, and the
+keen Toledo blades were drawn from their scabbards only when they were
+to be oiled to prevent the rust from corroding them.</p>
+
+<p>The departure of the troops removed one care from Count Ludwig's mind:
+the noise and turmoil would cease, and peace would again return to the
+silent neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>One morning when Frau Schmidt brought her basket, as usual, to the
+castle, there was a letter in it for the count. He recognized the hand
+at once; it was from his fair neighbor at the manor.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"HERR COUNT: As I have something of the utmost importance to
+     communicate to you, I beg that you will receive a call from me this
+     morning before you take your usual drive. Answer when it will be
+     convenient for you to see me."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>What did it mean? Something of the utmost importance? Why could she not
+have asked him to come to the manor? The count was puzzled. And how was
+he to an<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" /></a>swer this most singular request? He could not write it himself;
+was it not said that he was unable to hold a pen? He could not dictate
+the letter to Marie appointing a meeting with the baroness. Henry was a
+very shrewd fellow, but he had never learned to write.</p>
+
+<p>At last Count Vavel bethought him of an expedient. He marked on the back
+of his card the Roman numerals XI, and trusted that the baroness would
+understand that she was expected at eleven o'clock. When the appointed
+hour drew near, curiosity began to torture the count. He could not wait
+indoors, but hurried into the park, where he paced restlessly to and fro
+amid the fallen leaves.</p>
+
+<p>He listened anxiously to every sound, and consulted his watch every few
+minutes. At last the gate bell rang. He hastened to admit the visitor,
+and found that the baroness had understood his reply. He recognized her
+figure, for the face was closely veiled. She wore a pale-blue silk gown
+with wide sleeves&mdash;Marie's favorite costume.</p>
+
+<p>"It is I, Herr Count," she said in a low tone, looking anxiously about
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you come? I did not hear the carriage," said Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"I rowed across the cove&mdash;alone, because no one must know that I came.
+Can any one see us here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one."</p>
+
+<p>"We need not go into the house," she continued; "I can tell you here why
+I came."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was more and more perplexed. He had believed the baroness wished
+to enter the Nameless Castle out of curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"My visit," pursued the lady, "has as little conventionality about it as
+had yours. The magnitude of the danger which prompted yours must also
+excuse mine; I am come to repay the debt I owe you."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" /></a>Danger?" repeated the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; danger threatens you&mdash;and some one else! Let us come farther into
+the park, that no one may by a possible chance overhear me."</p>
+
+<p>When they had reached a sheltered spot the lady again spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know anything about Colonel Barthelmy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I received the cards he left here when he called," indifferently
+replied Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly have heard more about him," returned the baroness, a
+trifle impatiently. "His domestic troubles were in all the
+newspapers&mdash;it was a <i>cause c&eacute;l&egrave;bre</i>. He was a major in the French army,
+under the Directory, but entered our service when the Empire was
+established. The domestic troubles I referred to occurred while he was
+still in France. His young and beautiful wife ran away with another
+man&mdash;a man who is unknown to Barthelmy, who is pursuing the fugitives
+over the whole world&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I remember now reading something about it. That is why his name
+seemed familiar to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you must have heard something about him," responded the
+baroness, in a peculiar tone. Then, with a sudden movement, she seized
+his hand and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"And you are the unknown who abducted Colonel Barthelmy's wife."</p>
+
+<p>"I?" in boundless amazement ejaculated the count. Then he laughed
+heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you; and you are living here in seclusion with the lovely woman
+whose face no one is permitted to see."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig ceased laughing, and replied very seriously; "Gracious baroness,
+were I the person you believe me to be, I should have been glad to meet
+the man who compelled me to live here in seclusion. A skilful
+sword-thrust or a well-aimed bullet would have released me from this
+prison."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" /></a>And yet, everybody believes Count Vavel to be Ange Barthelmy's lover,"
+responded the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Do <i>you</i> believe it, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? Perhaps&mdash;not. But Colonel Barthelmy believes it all the more firmly
+because you refused to see him."</p>
+
+<p>"And suppose he had seen me?"</p>
+
+<p>"He would have asked you to introduce him to your&mdash;family."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he would have learned that I have no family."</p>
+
+<p>"But you could not have refused to tell him what relation you bear to
+the lady at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>"My answer would have been very brief had he asked the question," was
+the count's grim response.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what men mean by a 'brief' answer; the result is usually fatal."</p>
+
+<p>"And does your ladyship imagine that I fear such a result?"</p>
+
+<p>"So far as courage is concerned, I should not give any one precedence to
+Count Vavel. A regular duel, however, requires more than courage.
+Colonel Barthelmy is a soldier by profession; you are a philosopher who
+lives amid his studies, and whose right hand is unable to hold a pen,
+let alone a sword or a pistol!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was touched on the spot where men are most susceptible.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can tell whether I have always been a studious hermit?" he demanded
+proudly. "Besides, might it not be that my hand is unable only when I
+don't want to use it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That may be," retorted the lady. "But Barthelmy, who is perfectly
+insane on the subject of his wife's infamy, would have the advantage of
+you. He is suspicious of every stranger; and of all the gossip which
+environs you, the legend of that elopement is the mildest."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" /></a>Indeed? This is very flattering! Probably I am also said to be a
+counterfeiter?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not jesting, Herr Count. While Colonel Barthelmy was my guest I
+was able to prevent him from taking any aggressive steps toward you;
+this is why you did not hear from him again after his last call on
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly am greatly indebted to you," interrupted Count Vavel, with
+visible irony.</p>
+
+<p>"You owe me no thanks, Herr Count. When a woman tries to prevent a
+quarrel between two men, she does so, believe me, out of pure self-love.
+The emotions which electrify your nerves torment ours. I could not have
+continued to live here had a tragic occurrence made the place memorable.
+That is why I prevented an encounter between you and the colonel; so you
+need not thank me. However, the evening before the regiment took its
+departure the colonel said to me: 'I have kept my word to you, baroness;
+but to-morrow I cease to be your guest. I shall take steps then to learn
+if the mysterious lady at the Nameless Castle be Ange Barthelmy or some
+one else.'"</p>
+
+<p>At these words a deep flush crimsoned Count Vavel's face. "I should like
+to know how he proposes to settle that question?" he said, in a voice
+that trembled with suppressed rage.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you. Just listen to the ridiculous plan which the man
+betrayed in his fury. He is quartered in the neighboring village to the
+edge of which you and a certain person drive every day. He is going to
+rise, with several friends, along the road; and when he meets your
+carriage, he is going to stop it, introduce himself, and demand if the
+lady by your side be Mme. Ange Barthelmy."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel clenched his hands and closed his lips tightly. After a
+brief struggle he regained command of himself, and said quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" /></a>I shall, of course, reply: 'On my word as a man of honor, this lady is
+not Ange Barthelmy.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But if that does not satisfy him? Suppose he should insist on seeing
+the lady? Suppose he even attempts to lift the lady's veil?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then he dies!" The count gave utterance to these words in a tone that
+sounded more like the growl of a lion that has the neck of his prey
+between his teeth.</p>
+
+<p>"He is capable, in his present mood, of doing anything rash," murmured
+the baroness, with an expression of terror in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"And I am capable of an equally rash act," responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it; I have heard of such courage before. But <i>you</i> must not
+forget that you do not belong to yourself; there is some one else you
+must think of before you risk your life."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel started violently; he opened his lips as if to speak, but
+the baroness quickly raised her hand and interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not trying to pry into your secret, Herr Count; I am no spy&mdash;you
+must have seen that ere this. All I know is that there is under your
+protection a woman to whom you are everything, and who will have no one
+should she lose you."</p>
+
+<p>"But what can I do?" in desperation exclaimed Count Vavel. "I cannot
+hide in my castle until Colonel Barthelmy leaves the neighborhood. Would
+you have me confess to all the world that I am a coward?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me advise you, Herr Count," with sudden resolution responded the
+baroness. "Turn this matter, which you look upon as a tragedy, into a
+capital jest. Take <i>me</i> to drive with you to-day instead of
+your&mdash;friend."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel suddenly burst into a loud laugh&mdash;from extreme anger to
+unrestrained merriment.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" /></a>But the baroness did not laugh with him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in earnest, Count Vavel. Now you will understand why I came here
+this morning." She drew her veil over her face, and asked: "Am I enough
+like her to take her place in the carriage?"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was astounded. The likeness to Marie was perfect. The gown,
+the hat, and veil were exactly like those Marie was wont to wear when
+she drove out with him. The daring suggestion, however, amazed him more
+than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>"What! You, baroness? You would really venture to drive with me? Have
+you thought of the risk&mdash;the danger to yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have given it as much thought as did you when you risked coming to
+the manor with nothing but a walking-stick to battle with four thieves.
+One ought not stop to think of the risk when a danger is to be averted.
+This adventure may end as harmlessly as the other."</p>
+
+<p>"And suppose the colonel should by any chance see your face? No, no,
+baroness; there is no comparison between my venture and this plan you
+propose. If I had had an encounter with those thieves I might have
+received a wound that would soon have healed; but your pure reputation
+as a woman might receive a wound that would never heal."</p>
+
+<p>A bitter smile wreathed the lady's lips as she replied: "Could any wound
+that I might receive increase the burden on my heart?" She laughed
+harshly, then asked suddenly: "Perhaps you are afraid the colonel will
+think I am the mysterious lady of the Nameless Castle?"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel's face reddened to the roots of his hair.</p>
+
+<p>Again the lady laughed, then said apologetically: "Pardon me, but the
+idea amused me. But, to return to Colonel Barthelmy, he is going very
+shortly to Italy with <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" /></a>his regiment; therefore, I need not care what
+fables he thinks of me&mdash;or repeats. The few persons whose opinion I care
+for will not believe him; as for the others&mdash;pah! Come, your hand on it!
+Let us perpetrate this joke. If <i>I</i> am willing to run the risk, you
+surely need not hesitate."</p>
+
+<p>And yet he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak of this plan of yours as a mischievous trick, baroness," he
+said earnestly. "It is a great, a noble sacrifice&mdash;so great, indeed,
+that living woman could not perform a greater&mdash;to be willing to blush
+with shame while innocent. She who blushes for her love does not suffer;
+but to flush with shame out of friendship must be a torture like that
+endured by martyrs."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then; let it be a sacrifice&mdash;as you will! I am a willing
+victim! I owe you a debt of gratitude; I want to pay it. Now go and
+order the carriage; I will wait here for you."</p>
+
+<p>Every drop of blood in his body rebelled against his accepting this
+offer. A woman rescue a strong man from a threatened danger! And at what
+a risk!</p>
+
+<p>"Well," a trifle impatiently exclaimed the baroness, as he still
+lingered, "are&nbsp;n't you going to fetch your cloak? I am ready for the
+drive."</p>
+
+<p>Without another word the count turned and strode toward the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was satisfied with the excuse he made for not taking her with him
+as usual: he said he had urgent business in the neighboring village, and
+would have to drive there alone.</p>
+
+<p>Then he ordered Henry to harness the horses to the carriage, and drive
+down to the gate, where he would await him.</p>
+
+<p>He found the baroness waiting for him where he had left her.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" /></a>Well," she began, when he came near enough to hear her, "have you
+decided to take me with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are going to take the lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Not? Then who is going with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"These two pistols," replied the count, flinging back his cloak and
+revealing the weapons thrust into his pocket. "With these two companions
+I am going to meet the gentleman who is so determined to see the face of
+the veiled lady. I shall show him a lady whose face is not a subject of
+gossip."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness uttered a cry of terror, and seized Count Vavel's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; you shall not go alone. Listen. I was prepared for just such a
+decision on your part, so I wrote this letter. If you persist in going
+alone to meet the colonel, I shall hurry back to the manor, send my
+groom on the swiftest horse I own with this letter to Colonel Barthelmy.
+Read it."</p>
+
+<p>She unfolded the letter she had taken from her pocket, and held it so
+that Count Vavel might read, without taking it in his hands:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"HERR COLONEL: You need not seek Mme. Ange Barthelmy at the
+     Nameless Castle. The veiled lady seen in company with Count Vavel
+     is</p>
+
+<p>     "B. KATHARINA LANDSKNECHTSSCHILD."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In speechless amazement Count Vavel looked down at the baroness, who
+calmly folded the letter and returned it to her pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you may go if you like," she said coolly, "and I, too, shall do as
+<i>I</i> like! The colonel will then have written proof to justify him in
+dragging my name in the dust!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" /></a>The count gazed long and earnestly into the lovely face turned
+defiantly toward him. What was said by those glowing eyes, what was
+expressed by those lips trembling with excitement, could not be mere
+sport. There is only one name for the emotion which urges a woman to
+risk so much for a man; and if Count Vavel guessed the name, then there
+was nothing for him to do but offer his arm to the lady and say:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, baroness, we will go together."</p>
+
+<p>When the count assisted his veiled companion into the carriage, and took
+his seat by her side, not even Henry could have told that it was not his
+young mistress from the castle who was going to drive, as usual, with
+her guardian.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a singular feeling that Count Vavel looked at the woman
+beside him, to whom he was bound for one hour by the strongest, most
+dangerous of ties. Only for one hour! For this one hour the woman
+belonged to him as wholly, as entirely as the soul belongs to the living
+human being. And afterward? Afterward she would be no more to him than
+is the vanished soul to the dead human being.</p>
+
+<p>The carriage had arrived at the boundary of the neighboring village,
+where the usual turn was made for the homeward drive, and they had not
+yet seen any one. Had Colonel Barthelmy's words been merely an idle
+threat?</p>
+
+<p>Henry knew that he was not to drive beyond this point; he mechanically
+turned the horses' heads in the homeward direction, as he had done every
+day for years.</p>
+
+<p>On the return drive the carriage always stopped at the edge of the
+forest, where a shaded path led through the dense shrubbery to a cleared
+space some distance from the highway. This was the spot for their daily
+promenade.</p>
+
+<p>The count and his companion had gone but a short distance along the path
+when they saw coming toward them <a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" /></a>three men in uniform. They were
+cavalry officers. The two in the rear had on white cloaks; the one in
+front was without, an outer garment&mdash;merely his close-fitting uniform
+coal.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Barthelmy," whispered the baroness, pressing the arm on which
+she was leaning.</p>
+
+<p>The count's expression of calm indifference did not change. He walked
+with a firm step toward the approaching officers.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon they stood face to face.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel was a tall, distinguished-looking man; he carried his head
+well upright, and every movement spoke of haughty self-confidence and
+pride.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
+his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
+Barthelmy."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
+he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.</p>
+
+<p>"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the
+colonel<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads ') '"> (</ins>his companions had halted several paces
+distant). "I was so unfortunate as not to find you at home the three
+calls I made at your castle. Now, however, I shall take this opportunity
+to say to you what I wanted to say then. First, however, let me
+introduce my friends,"&mdash;waving his hand toward the two
+officers,&mdash;"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics, of Emperor
+Alexander's dragoons."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
+acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:</p>
+
+<p>"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
+had the peculiar misfortune which <a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" /></a>sometimes overtakes a married man; my
+wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
+As mine is not one of those phlegmatic natures which can meekly tolerate
+such an indignity, I am searching for the fugitives&mdash;for what purpose I
+fancy you can guess. For four years my quest has been fruitless; I have
+been unable to find a trace of the guilty pair. A lucky chance at last
+led me to this secluded corner of the earth, and here I learned
+that&mdash;but, to be brief, Herr Count, I owe it to my heart and to my honor
+to ask you this question: Is not this lady by your side, who is always
+closely veiled, Ange Barthelmy, my wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Vicomte Leon de Barthelmy," calmly replied Count Vavel, "I give
+you my word of honor as a cavalier that this lady never was your wife."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel laughed in a peculiar manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Your word of honor, Herr Count, would be entirely satisfactory in all
+other questions save those relating to the fair sex&mdash;and to war. You
+will excuse me, therefore, if I take the liberty to doubt your assertion
+in this case, and request you to prove that my suspicions are at fault.
+Without this proof I will not move from this spot."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am very sorry for you, Herr Colonel," returned Count Vavel, "but
+I shall be compelled to leave you and your suspicions in possession of
+this spot."</p>
+
+<p>He made as if he would pass onward; but the colonel politely but with
+decision barred the path.</p>
+
+<p>"I must request that you wait a little longer, Herr Count," he said, his
+face darkening.</p>
+
+<p>"And why should I?" demanded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"To convince me that the lady on your arm is not my wife," was the
+reply, in an excited tone.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to remain unconvinced," in an equally excited tone
+retorted Count Vavel; and for a brief instant <a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" /></a>it was a question which
+of the two enraged men would strike the first blow.</p>
+
+<p>The threatening scene was suddenly concluded by the baroness, who flung
+back her veil, exclaiming: "Here, Colonel Barthelmy, you may convince
+yourself that I am <i>not</i> your wife."</p>
+
+<p>Leon Barthelmy started in amazement, and hastily laid his hand against
+his lips as if to repress the words which had rushed to them. Then he
+bowed with exaggerated courtesy, and said: "I most humbly beg your
+pardon, Herr Count Vavel. This lady is <i>not</i> Ange Barthelmy. These
+gentlemen are witnesses that I have asked your pardon in the proper
+form."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel's companions, who had come hastily forward at the threatened
+conflict between their superior and the count, were gazing in a peculiar
+manner at the lady whose hospitality they had so lately enjoyed. Colonel
+Barthelmy also, although he bowed with elaborate courtesy before the
+baroness, cast upon her a glance that was full of insulting scorn.</p>
+
+<p>The situation had changed so rapidly&mdash;as when a sudden flash of
+lightning illumines the darkness of night; and like the electric flash a
+light sped into Vavel's heart and illumined it with a delicious, a
+heavenly warmth that made it throb madly. But only for an instant. Then
+he realized that this woman who had dared everything for his sake had
+been insulted by the glance of scorn and derision.</p>
+
+<p>He had now lost all control of himself. He snatched a pistol from his
+pocket, directed the muzzle toward Colonel Barthelmy's sneering face,
+and said in a voice that quivered with savage fury:</p>
+
+<p>"I demand that you beg this lady's pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"You do?" coolly returned the colonel, still smiling, and gazing calmly
+into the muzzle of the pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" /></a>Yes&mdash;or I will blow out your brains!"</p>
+
+<p>The two officers accompanying the colonel drew their swords. The
+baroness uttered a cry of terror, and flung herself on Vavel's breast.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you will allow me to inquire, first, what relation this lady
+bears to you?"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Barthelmy asked the question in measured tones; and without an
+instant's hesitation came Count Vavel's reply:</p>
+
+<p>"The lady is my betrothed wife."</p>
+
+<p>The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
+companions were returned to their scabbards.</p>
+
+<p>"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
+reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
+caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
+this salute."</p>
+
+<p>He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
+were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
+hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the curt reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us shake hands&mdash;without malice. Accept my sincerest
+congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
+taught me this morning."</p>
+
+<p>He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
+was clear.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
+the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
+officers following at a respectful distance.</p>
+
+<p>When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
+been left by the colonel and his compan<a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" /></a>ions in charge of the grooms.
+Henry must have told the gentlemen where to find his master.</p>
+
+<p>With what different emotions Count Vavel returned to the castle! The
+dreamer in his slumbers had given utterance to words which betrayed what
+he had been dreaming, and he compelled the vision to abide with him even
+after he had wakened. He felt that he had the right to do what he had
+done. This woman loved him as only a woman can love; and what he had
+done had only been his duty, for he loved her! What he had said was no
+falsehood&mdash;the words had not been forced from him merely to preserve her
+honor; they were the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel stopped the carriage at the park gate, assisted his
+companion to alight, and sent Henry on to the castle with the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you done?" in a deeply agitated voice exclaimed the baroness,
+when they were alone in the park.</p>
+
+<p>"I gave expression to the feeling which is in my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you realize what that has done?"</p>
+
+<p>"What has it done?"</p>
+
+<p>"It has made it impossible for us to meet again&mdash;for us ever to speak
+again to each other."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot see it in that light."</p>
+
+<p>"You could were you to give it but a moment's serious thought. I do not
+ask what the mysterious lady at the castle is to you; I know, however,
+that you must be everything to her. Pray don't believe me cruel enough
+to rob her of her whole world. I cannot ask you to believe a lie&mdash;I
+cannot pretend that you are nothing to me. I have allowed you to look
+too deeply into my heart to deny my feelings. But there is something
+besides love in my heart! it is pride. I am too proud to take you from
+the woman to whom you are bound&mdash;no matter by what ties. <a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" /></a>Therefore, we
+must not meet again in this life; we may meet again in another world!
+Pray do not come any farther with me; I can easily find the way to my
+boat. No one at the manor knows of my absence. I must be careful to
+return as I came&mdash;unseen. And now, one request: Do not try to see me
+again. Should you do so, it will compel me to flee from the
+neighborhood. Adieu!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew her veil closer over her face, and passed swiftly with
+noiseless steps through the gateway.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel stood where she had left him, and looked after her until
+she vanished from his sight amid the trees. Then he turned and walked
+slowly toward the castle.</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel did not see Marie, after his return from the drive with the
+baroness, until dinner. He had not ventured into her presence until
+then, when he fancied he had sufficiently mastered his emotions so that
+his countenance would not betray him. The consciousness of his
+disloyalty to the young girl troubled him, and he could not help but
+tremble when he came into her presence. It was not permitted to him to
+bestow his heart on any one. Did he not belong, soul and body, to this
+innocent creature, whom he had sworn to defend with his life?</p>
+
+<p>From that hour, however, Marie's behavior toward him was changed. He
+could see that she strove to be attentive and obedient, but she was shy
+and reserved. Did she suspect the change in him? or could it be possible
+that she had seen the baroness driving with him? It was very late when
+her bell signaled that she had retired, and when Ludwig entered the
+outer room, as usual, he found a number of books lying about on the
+table. Evidently the young girl had been studying.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Ludwig came at the usual hour to conduct her to the
+carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, but I don't care to drive to-day," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Riding out in a carriage does not benefit me."</p>
+
+<p>"When did you discover this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some time ago."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" /></a>Ludwig looked at her in astonishment. What was the meaning of this?
+Could she know that some one else had occupied her place in the carriage
+yesterday?</p>
+
+<p>"And will you not go with me to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you will allow me, I shall stay at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Is anything the matter with you, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I don't like the jolting of the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall sell the horses."</p>
+
+<p>"It might be well to do so&mdash;if you don't want them for your own use. I
+shall take my exercise in the garden."</p>
+
+<p>"And in the winter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will promenade in the court, and make snow images, as the
+farmers' children do."</p>
+
+<p>And the end of the matter was that Ludwig sold the horses, and Marie's
+outdoor exercises were restricted to the garden. Moreover, she studied
+and wrote all day long.</p>
+
+<p>When she went into the garden, Josef, the gardener's boy, was sent
+elsewhere so long as she chose to remain among the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Josef had been sent, as usual, to perform some task in the
+park while Marie promenaded in the garden. He was busily engaged raking
+together the fallen leaves, when Marie suddenly appeared by his side,
+and said breathlessly:</p>
+
+<p>"Please take this letter."</p>
+
+<p>The youth, who was speechless with astonishment and confusion at sight
+of the lady he had been forbidden to look at, slowly extended his hand
+to comply with her request when Count Vavel, who had swiftly approached,
+unseen by either the youth or Marie, with one hand seized the letter,
+and with the other sent Josef flying across the sward so rapidly that he
+fell head over heels into some shrubbery.</p>
+
+<p>Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and <a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" /></a>without a word
+drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her
+into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had
+not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said,
+fixing a reproachful glance on her:</p>
+
+<p>"You were going to send a letter to some one?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"To whom are you writing, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:</p>
+
+<p>"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."</p>
+
+<p>The count looked up in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not
+without some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know her name; that is why I addressed it so."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel turned the letter in his hands, and saw that the seal had been
+stamped with the crest which was familiar to all the world.</p>
+
+<p>He hurriedly crushed it into bits, and, unfolding the letter, read:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"DEAR, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LADY: I want you to love my Ludwig. Make
+     him happy. He is a good man. I am nothing at all to him.</p>
+
+<p>     "MARIE."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>When he had read the touching epistle, he buried his face in his hands,
+and a bitter sob burst from his tortured heart.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" /></a>Marie looked sorrowfully at his quivering frame, and sighed heavily.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Marie! To think you should write this! Nothing at all to me!"
+murmured the young man, in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>"'Nothing at all,'" in a low tone repeated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel moved swiftly to her side, and, looking down upon her with his
+burning eyes still filled with tears, asked in an unsteady voice:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want, Marie? Tell me what you wish me to do."</p>
+
+<p>Marie softly took his hand in both her own, and said tremulously:</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to give me a companion&mdash;a mother. I want some one to
+love,&mdash;a woman that I can love,&mdash;one who will love me and command me. I
+will be an obedient and dutiful daughter to such a woman. I will never
+grieve her, never disobey her. I am so very, very lonely!"</p>
+
+<p>"And am not I, too, alone and lonely, Marie?" sadly responded Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. I know that, Ludwig. It is your pale, melancholy face that
+oppresses me and makes me sad. Day after day I see the pale face which
+my cruel, curse-laden destiny has buried here with me. I know that you
+are unhappy, and that I am the cause of it."</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, Marie! who has given you such fancies?"</p>
+
+<p>"The long, weary nights! Oh, how much I have learned from the darkness!
+It was not merely caprice that prompted me to ask you once what death
+meant. Had you questioned me more fully then, I should have confessed
+something to you. That time, when you rescued me from death, you gave my
+name to Sophie Botta, who also took upon herself my fate. I don't know
+what became of her. <a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" /></a>If she died in my stead, may God comfort her! If
+she still lives, may God bless and help her to reign in my stead! But
+give me the name of Sophie Botta; give me the clothes of a working-girl;
+give me God's free world, which she enjoyed. Let me become Sophie Botta
+in reality, and let me wash clothes with the washerwomen at the brook.
+If Sophie and I exchanged lives, let the exchange become real. Let me
+learn what it is to live, or&mdash;let me learn what it is to die."</p>
+
+<p>In speechless astonishment Count Vavel had listened to this passionate
+outburst. It was the first time he had ever heard the gentle girl speak
+so excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," he said with peculiar intonation, when she had ceased
+speaking, "I am now convinced that I am the guardian of the most
+precious treasure on this terrestrial ball. Henceforward I shall watch
+over you with redoubled care."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be unnecessary," proudly returned the young girl. "If you
+wish to feel certain that I will patiently continue to abide in this
+Nameless Castle, then make a home here for me&mdash;bring some happiness into
+these rooms. If I see that you are happy I shall be content."</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, Marie, the day of my perfect happiness only awaits the dawn of
+your own! And that yours will come I firmly believe. But don't look for
+it here, Marie. Don't ask for impossibilities. Marie, were my own
+mother, whom I worshiped, still living, I could not bring her within
+these walls to learn our secret."</p>
+
+<p>"The woman who loves will not betray a secret."</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Ludwig did not reply; then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"And if it were true that some one loves me as you fancy, could I ask
+her to bury herself here&mdash;here where there is no intercourse with the
+outside world? No, no, Marie; we cannot expect any one else to become an
+oc<a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" /></a>cupant of this tomb&mdash;the gates of which will not open until the trump
+of deliverance sounds."</p>
+
+<p>"And will it be long before that trump sounds, Ludwig?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe&mdash;nay, I know it must come very soon. The signs of the times
+are not deceptive. Our resurrection may be nearer than we imagine; and
+until then, Marie, let us endure with patience."</p>
+
+<p>Marie pressed her guardian's hand, and drew a long sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we will endure&mdash;and wait," she repeated. "And now, give me back my
+letter."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you want it, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall keep it, and sometime send it to the proper address&mdash;when the
+angel of deliverance sounds his trump."</p>
+
+<p>"May God hasten his coming!" fervently appended the count.</p>
+
+<p>But he did not give her the letter.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Vavel now rarely ventured beyond the gate of the Nameless Castle.
+The weather had become stormy, and a severe frost had robbed the garden
+of its beauties. The very elements seemed to have combined against the
+dwellers in the castle. Even the lake suddenly began to extend its
+limits, overflowing its banks, and inundating meadows and gardens.
+Marie's little pleasure-garden suffered with the rest of the flooded
+lands, and threatened to become an unsightly swamp.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel, knowing how Marie delighted to ramble amid her flowers,
+determined to protect the garden from further destruction. Laborers were
+easily secured. The numerous families of working-people who had been
+rendered homeless by the inundation besieged the castle for assistance
+and work, and none were turned empty-handed away. A small army was put
+to work to construct an em<a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" /></a>bankment that would prevent further
+encroachment upon the garden by the water, while to Herr Mercatoris the
+count sent a liberal sum of money to be distributed among the sufferers
+by the flood.</p>
+
+<p>This gift renewed the correspondence between the castle and the
+parsonage, which had been dropped for several months.</p>
+
+<p>The pastor, in acknowledging the receipt of the money, wrote:</p>
+
+<p>"The flood has made a new survey of the lake necessary, as the evil
+cannot be remedied until it has been determined what obstructs the
+outlet. Our surveyor made a calculation as to the probable cost of the
+work, and found that it would require an enormous sum of money&mdash;almost
+five thousand guilders! Where was all this money to come from? The
+puzzling question was answered by that angel from heaven, Baroness
+Landsknechtsschild. When she heard of the sufferings of the poor people
+who had been driven from their homes by the inundation, she offered to
+supply the entire sum necessary. Now, it seems, something besides the
+money is required for the undertaking.</p>
+
+<p>"The surveyor, in order to calculate the distances which cannot be
+measured by the chain, needs a superior telescope, and such a glass
+would cost two or three thousand guilders more. As your lordship is the
+owner of a telescope, I take it upon myself to beg the loan of it&mdash;if
+your lordship can spare it to the surveyor for a short time."</p>
+
+<p>The next day Count Vavel sent his telescope to the parsonage, with the
+message that it was a present to the surveyor. Then, that he might not
+be again tempted to look out upon the world and its people, the count
+closed the tower windows.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VI" id="PART_VI" /></a><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" /></a>PART VI</h2>
+
+<h3>DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>Since Count Vavel had ceased to take outdoor exercise, he had renewed
+his fencing practice with Henry, who was also an expert swordsman.</p>
+
+<p>In a room on the ground floor of the castle, whence the clashing of
+steel could not penetrate to Marie's apartments, the two men, master and
+man, would fight their friendly battles twice daily, and with such vigor
+that their bodies (as they wore no plastrons) were covered with
+scratches and bruises.</p>
+
+<p>One morning the count waited in vain for Henry to make his appearance in
+the fencing-hall. It was long past the usual hour for their practice,
+and the count, becoming impatient, went in search of the old servant.</p>
+
+<p>The groom's apartment was on the same floor with the kitchen, adjoining
+the room occupied by his wife Lisette, the cook.</p>
+
+<p>The door of Henry's room which opened into the corridor was locked; the
+count, therefore, passed into the kitchen, where Lisette was preparing
+dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Henry?" he asked of the unwieldy mountain of flesh, topped by
+a face as broad and round as the full moon.</p>
+
+<p>"He is in bed," replied Lisette, without looking up from her work.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" /></a>I believe he has had a stroke of apoplexy."</p>
+
+<p>She said it with as little emotion as if she had spoken of an underdone
+pasty.</p>
+
+<p>The count hastened through Lisette's room to Henry's bedside.</p>
+
+<p>The poor fellow was lying among the pillows; his mouth and one eye were
+painfully distorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Henry!" ejaculated the count, in a tone of alarm; "my poor Henry, you
+are very ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es&mdash;your&mdash;lord-ship," he answered slowly, and with difficulty;
+"but&mdash;but&mdash;I shall soon&mdash;soon be&mdash;all right&mdash;again."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig lifted the sick man's hand from the coverlet, and felt the pulse.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are very ill indeed, Henry&mdash;so ill that I would not attempt to
+treat you. We must have a doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;he won't come&mdash;here; he is&mdash;afraid. Besides, there is nothing&mdash;the
+matter with&mdash;any part of me but&mdash;but my&mdash;tongue. I can&mdash;can
+hardly&mdash;move&mdash;it."</p>
+
+<p>"You must not die, Henry&mdash;you dare not!" in an agony of terror exclaimed
+Ludwig. "What would become of me&mdash;of Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"That&mdash;that is what&mdash;troubles&mdash;troubles me&mdash;most, Herr Count. Who
+will&mdash;take my&mdash;place? Perhaps&mdash;that old soldier&mdash;with the machine leg&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No! no! no! Oh, Henry, no one could take your place. You are to me what
+his arms are to a soldier. You are the guardian of all my thoughts&mdash;my
+only friend and comrade in this solitude."</p>
+
+<p>The poor old servant tried to draw his distorted features into a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I am&mdash;not sorry for&mdash;myself&mdash;Herr Count; only for you two. I have
+earned&mdash;a rest; I have&mdash;lost everything&mdash;and have long ago&mdash;ceased to
+hope for&mdash;anything. I <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" /></a>feel that&mdash;this is&mdash;the end. No doctor can&mdash;help
+me. I know&mdash;I am&mdash;dying." He paused to breathe heavily for several
+moments, then added: "There is&mdash;something&mdash;I should&mdash;like to
+have&mdash;before&mdash;before I&mdash;go."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know you&mdash;will be&mdash;angry&mdash;Herr Count, but&mdash;I cannot&mdash;cannot die
+without&mdash;consolation."</p>
+
+<p>"Consolation?" echoed Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;the last consolation&mdash;for the&mdash;dying. I have not&mdash;confessed
+for&mdash;sixteen years; and the&mdash;multitude of my&mdash;sins&mdash;oppresses me.
+Pray&mdash;pray, Herr Count, send for&mdash;a priest."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, Henry. Impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you&mdash;in the name of God&mdash;let me see a priest. Have mercy&mdash;on
+your poor old servant, Herr Count. My soul feels&mdash;the torments of hell;
+I see the everlasting flames&mdash;and the sneering devils&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, Henry," impatiently remonstrated his master, "don't be childish.
+You are only tormenting yourself with fancies. Does the soldier who
+falls in battle have time to confess his sins? Who grants him
+absolution?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps&mdash;were I in&mdash;the midst of the turmoil of battle&mdash;I should not
+feel this agony of mind. But here&mdash;there is so much time to think. Every
+sin that I have committed&mdash;rises before me like&mdash;like a troop of
+soldiers that&mdash;have been mustered for roll-call."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray cease these idle fancies, Henry. Of what are you thinking? You
+want to tell a priest that you are living here under a false name&mdash;tell
+him that I, too, am an impostor? You would say to him: 'When the
+revolutionists imprisoned my royal master and his family, to behead them
+afterward, I clothed my own daughter in the garments belonging to my
+master's daughter, in order to save the royal child from death, I gave
+up my own child to dan<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" /></a>ger, and carried my master's child to a place of
+safety. My own child I gave up to play the r&ocirc;le of king's daughter, when
+kings and their offspring were hunted down like wild beasts; and made of
+the king's daughter a servant, that she might be allowed to go free. I
+counterfeited certificates of baptism, registers, passports, in order to
+save the king's daughter from her enemies. I bore false
+witness&mdash;committed perjury in order to hide her from her persecutors&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," moaned the dying man, "all that have I done."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you imagine that you will be allowed to breathe such a
+confession into a human ear?" sternly responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I must&mdash;I must&mdash;to make my peace with God."</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, if you knew God as He is you would not tremble before him. If
+you could realize the immeasurable greatness of His benevolence, His
+love, His mercy, you would not be afraid to appear before Him with the
+plea: 'Master, Thou sentest me forth; Thou hast summoned me to return. I
+came from Thee; to Thee I return. And all that which has happened to me
+between my going and my coming Thou knowest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, Herr Count, you have a great soul. It will know how to rise to
+its Creator. But what can my poor, ignorant little soul do when it
+leaves my body? It will not be able to find its way to God. I am afraid;
+I tremble. Oh, my sins, my sins!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your sins are imaginary, Henry," almost irritably responded Count
+Vavel. "I swear to you, by the peace of my own soul, that the load
+beneath which you groan is not sin, but virtue. If it be true that human
+speech and thought are transmitted to the other world, and if there is a
+voice that questions us, and a countenance that looks upon us, then
+answer with confidence: 'Yes, I have transgressed many <a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" /></a>of Thy laws; but
+all my transgressions were committed to save one of Thy angels.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, Herr Count, if I could talk like that; but I can't."</p>
+
+<p>"And are not all your thoughts already known to Him who reads all
+hearts? It does not require the absolution of a priest to admit you to
+His paradise."</p>
+
+<p>But Henry refused to be comforted; his eyes burned with the fire of
+terror as he moaned again and again:</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be damned! I shall be damned!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel now lost all patience, and, forgetting himself in his anger,
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, if you persist in your foolishness you will deserve damnation.
+Did not you say so yourself, when you pledged your word to me on that
+eventful day? Did you not say, 'The wretch who would become a traitor
+deserves to be damned'?"</p>
+
+<p>With these words he rose and strode toward the door. But ere he reached
+it his feeling heart got the better of his anger. He turned and walked
+back to the bed, took the dying man's ice-cold hand in his, and said
+gently:</p>
+
+<p>"My old comrade&mdash;my brave old companion in arms! we must not part in
+anger. Don't you trust me any more? Listen, my old friend, to what I say
+to you. You are going on before to arrange quarters; then I will follow.
+When I arrive at the gates of paradise, my first question to St. Peter
+will be, 'Is my good old comrade, the honest, virtuous Henry, within?'
+And should the sainted gatekeeper reply, 'No, he is not here; he is down
+below,' then I shall say to him, 'I am very much obliged to you, old
+fellow, for your friendliness, but a paradise from which my old friend
+Henry is excluded is no place for me. I am going down below to be with
+him.' That is what I shall say, so help me Heaven!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" /></a>The sufferer who stood on the threshold of death strove to smile. He
+could not return the pressure of his master's hand, but he slowly and
+with painful effort turned his head so that his cold lips rested against
+the count's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," he whispered, and his dim eyes brightened for an instant.
+"If we were down there together&mdash;you and I&mdash;we should not have to stop
+long there; some one with her prayers would very soon win our release."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel suddenly beat his palm against his forehead, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"I never once thought of her! Wait, my brave Henry. I will return
+immediately. I cannot allow you to have a priest, but I will bring an
+angel to your bedside."</p>
+
+<p>He hastened to Marie's apartments.</p>
+
+<p>"You have been weeping?" she exclaimed, looking up into his tear-stained
+eyes with deep concern.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Marie; we are going to lose our poor old Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my God! How entirely alone we shall be then!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you come with me to his bedside? The sight of you will cheer his
+last moments."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; come quickly."</p>
+
+<p>A wonderful light brightened Henry's face when he saw his young
+mistress. She moved softly to the head of his bed, and with her delicate
+fingers gently stroked the cheeks of the trusty old servant.</p>
+
+<p>He closed his eyes and sighed when her hand touched his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he smiling?" whispered Marie to Ludwig, gazing with compassionate
+awe on the distorted countenance. Then she bent over him and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Henry&mdash;my good Henry, would you like me to pray with you?"</p>
+
+<p>She knelt beside the bed and in a feeling tone repeated the beautiful
+prayer which the good P&egrave;re Lacordaire com<a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" /></a>posed for those who journey to
+the other world, pausing from time to time to let the dying man repeat
+the words after her.</p>
+
+<p>Henry's tongue became heavier and heavier as he repeated, with visible
+effort, the soul-inspiring words.</p>
+
+<p>Then Marie repeated the Lord's Prayer. Even Ludwig could not do
+otherwise than bend his knee upon the chair by which he stood, and bow
+his skeptical head, while the innocent maid and his dying servant prayed
+together.</p>
+
+<p>When Marie rose from her knees, the painful smile had vanished from
+Henry's lips; his face was calm and peaceful; the distortion had
+disappeared from his countenance.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>After Henry's death, life for the occupants of the Nameless Castle
+became still more uncomfortable. Ludwig Vavel had lost his only
+friend&mdash;the only one who had shared his cares and his confidences. He
+was obliged to hire a servant to assist Lisette, and, remembering what
+Henry had advised, took the old soldier with the wooden leg into the
+castle. For the old invalid, the change from hard labor to comfortable
+quarters and easy work was certainly an improvement. Instead of cutting
+wood all day long for a mere pittance, he had now nothing to do but
+brush clothes which were never dusty, polish the furniture, receive the
+supplies from and deliver orders to Frau Schmidt every morning, to place
+the newspapers on the library table, and convey the victuals from the
+kitchen to the dining-room.</p>
+
+<p>But two weeks of this easy work and good wages, and the comforts of the
+castle, were all that the old soldier could endure. Then he took off his
+handsome livery, and begged to be allowed to return to his former life
+of hardship and poverty. Afterward he was heard to aver that not for the
+whole castle would he consent to live in it an entire year&mdash;where not
+one word was spoken all day long; even the <a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" /></a>cook never opened her lips.
+No, he could not stand it; he would rather, a hundred times over, cut
+wood for five groats the day.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner did Baroness Katharina learn that Count Vavel was again
+without a man-servant than she sent to the castle Satan Laczi's son, who
+was then twelve years old, and a useful lad.</p>
+
+<p>Two leading ideas now filled Count Vavel's entire soul.</p>
+
+<p>One was an enthusiastic admiration for a high ideal, whose embodiment he
+believed he had found in the lovely person of his young charge. All the
+emotions that a man of deep and profound nature lavishes on his faithful
+love, his only offspring, his queen, his guardian saint, Count Ludwig
+now bestowed on this one woman, who endured with patience, renounced
+with meekness, forgave and loved with her whole heart, and who, even in
+her banishment, adored her native land which had repulsed and cruelly
+persecuted her.</p>
+
+<p>The second idea encompassed all the emotions of an opposing passion: a
+boundless hatred for the giant who, with strides that covered kingdoms
+and empires, was marching over the entire eastern hemisphere, marking
+his every step with graves and human skeletons; an enmity toward the
+Titan who was using thrones as footstools, and who had made himself a
+god over a greater portion of Europe,</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was not the only one who cherished a hatred of this sort; it
+was felt all over Europe. What was happening in those days could be
+learned only through the English newspapers. Liberty of speech was
+prohibited throughout the entire continent. Only an indiscreet
+correspondent would trust his secret to the post; and Ludwig Vavel only
+by the exercise of extreme caution could learn from his banker in
+Holland what was necessary for him to know. Through this medium he
+learned of the general <a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" /></a>discontent with the methods of the all-powerful
+one. He learned of the plans of the Philadelphia Club, which counted
+among its members renowned officers in the army of France. He heard that
+a number of distinguished Frenchmen had offered their services and
+swords to the foreign imperial army against their own hated emperor. He
+heard of the dissatisfied murmuring among the French people against the
+frightful waste of human life, the never-ending intrigues, the
+approaching shadows of the coalition.</p>
+
+<p>All this he heard there in the Nameless Castle, while he waited for his
+watchword, ready when it came to reply: "Here!"</p>
+
+<p>And while he waited he interested himself also in what was going on in
+the land in which he sojourned. He had two sources for acquiring
+information on this subject&mdash;Herr Mercatoris in Fert&ouml;szeg, and the young
+attorney, who was now living in Pest. The count corresponded with both
+gentlemen,&mdash;personally he had never spoken to the pastor, and but once
+to his attorney,&mdash;and from their letters learned what was going on in
+that portion of the world in the vicinity of the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>However, as there was a wide difference between the characters of his
+two correspondents, the count was often puzzled to which of them he
+should give credence. The pastor, who was a student and a philosopher,
+and a defender of the existing state of affairs, affirmed that there was
+not on the face of the globe a more contented and peace-loving folk than
+the Hungarians. The young lawyer, on the other hand, asserted that the
+existing system was all wrong; that general dissatisfaction prevailed
+throughout Hungary. His irony did not spare the great ones who swayed
+the destiny of the country. In a word, resentment against oppression,
+and discontent, might be read in every line of his epistles.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" /></a>Count Vavel was rather inclined to believe that the younger man
+expressed the temper of the nation. In reality, however, it was only the
+discontent of a small social body, which found quite enough room for its
+meetings in the sleeping-chamber of one of the sympathizers. Within this
+circumscribed space, and amid a lively interchange of opinions,
+originated many a daring project that was never carried beyond the
+threshold of the hall of meeting.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel, on reading the young man's letters, had come to the
+conclusion that Hungary awaited his (Vavel's) enemy as its liberator.</p>
+
+<p>The Diet, it is true, had authorized the "recruit contingent," but the
+recruits were not taken from those who were inspired with love for the
+fatherland, and who would do battle for an idea. The enlisted men were
+chiefly homeless wanderers. This "cannon-fodder" would go into battle
+without enthusiasm, would perform what was required of them like
+obedient machines.</p>
+
+<p>Of what good would be such a crew against a host that had called into
+being a great national consciousness, a host that was made up of the
+best force of a vigorous people, a host whose every member was proud of
+his ensign with its eagle, and who held himself superior to every other
+soldier in the world?</p>
+
+<p>Vavel well knew that the giant of the century could be conquered only by
+heroes and patriots. A hireling crew could not enter the field against
+him.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When a sacrifice is demanded by one's fatherland, it becomes the duty of
+every true patriot to offer himself as the victim.</p>
+
+<p>Consequently, Herr Vice-palatine Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur
+did not hesitate to immolate himself on the sacrificial altar when his
+attention was directed by his superior to Section 1 of Article II. in
+the laws enacted by the Diet in the year 1808. Said clause required the
+vice-palatine to call in person on those "high and mighty persons" who,
+instead of appearing with their horses at the <i>Lustrations</i>,&mdash;according
+to Section 17 of Article III.,&mdash;preferred to send the fine of fifty
+marks for non-attendance.</p>
+
+<p>Among these absentees from the county meetings was Count Ludwig Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>The Vice-palatine's task was to teach these refractories, through
+patriotic reasoning, to amend their ways. The sacrifice attendant upon
+the performance of this duty was that Herr Bernat would be obliged,
+during his official visit to the Nameless Castle, to abstain from
+smoking.</p>
+
+<p>But duty is duty, and he decided to do it. He preceded his call at the
+castle by a letter to Count Vavel, in which he explained, with
+satisfaction to himself, the cause of his hasty retreat on the occasion
+of his former visit, and also announced his projected official
+attendance upon the Herr Count on the following day.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" /></a>He arrived at the castle in due time; and Count Vavel, who wished to
+make amends for his former rudeness to so important a personage, greeted
+him with great cordiality.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count has been ill, I understand?" began Herr Bernat, when
+greetings had been exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not been ill&mdash;at least, not to my knowledge," smilingly
+responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? I fancied you must be ill because you did not attend the
+Lustrations, but sent the fine instead."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask if many persons attended the meeting?" asked Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite a number of the lesser magnates were present; the more important
+nobles were conspicuous by their absence. I attributed this failure to
+appear at the Lustrations to Section I of Article III. of the militia
+law, which prohibits the noble militiaman from wearing gold or silver
+ornamentation on his uniform. This inhibition, you must know, is
+intended to prevent emulation in splendor of decoration among our own
+people, and also to restrain the rapacity of the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you imagine, Herr Vice-palatine, that I do not attend the meetings
+because I am not permitted to wear gold buttons and cords on my coat?"
+smilingly queried the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I confess I cannot think of any other reason, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you the true one," rather haughtily rejoined Count
+Vavel, believing that his visitor was inclined to be sarcastic. "I do
+not attend your meetings because I look upon the entire law as a
+jest&mdash;mere child's play. It begins with the mental reservation, 'The
+Hungarian noble militia will be called into service <i>only</i> in case of
+imminent danger of an attack from a foreign enemy, and then only if the
+attacking army be so powerful that the <a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" /></a>regular imperial troops shall be
+unable to withstand it!' That the enemy is the more powerful no
+commander-in-chief finds out until he has been thoroughly whipped! The
+mission of the Hungarian noble militia, therefore, is to move into the
+field&mdash;untrained for service&mdash;when the regular troops find they cannot
+cope with a superior foe! This is utterly ridiculous! And, moreover,
+what sort of an organization must that be in which 'all nobles who have
+an income of more than three thousand guilders shall become cavalry
+soldiers, those having less shall become foot-soldiers'? The money-bag
+decides the question between cavalry and infantry! Again, 'every village
+selects its own trooper, and equips him.' A fine squadron they will
+make! And to think of sending such a crew into the field against
+soldiers who have won their epaulets under the baptismal fires of
+battle! Again, to wage war requires money first of all; and this fact
+has been entirely ignored by the authorities. You have no money,
+gentlemen; do you propose that the noble militia host shall march only
+so long as the supply of food in their knapsacks holds out? Are they to
+return home when the provisions shall have given out? Never fear, Herr
+Vice-palatine! when it becomes necessary to shoulder arms and march
+against the enemy, I shall be among the first to respond to the first
+call. But I have no desire to be even a spectator of a comedy, much less
+take part in one. But let us not discuss this farce any further. I
+fancy, Herr Vice-palatine, we may be able to find a more sensible
+subject for discussion. There is a quiet little nook in this old castle
+where are to be found some excellent wines, and some of the best latakia
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?" with lively interest interrupted the vice-palatine. "Latakia?
+Why, that is tobacco."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly&mdash;and Turkish tobacco, too, at that!" responded <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" /></a>Count Vavel.
+"Come, we will retire to this nook, empty one glass after another, enjoy
+a smoke, and tell anecdotes without end!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you do smoke, Herr Count?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; but I never smoke anywhere but in the nook before mentioned,
+and never in the clothes I wear ordinarily."</p>
+
+<p>"Aha!&mdash;that a certain person may not detect the fumes, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have guessed it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there is not an atom of truth in the reports malicious tongues
+have spread abroad about you, for I know very well that a certain lady
+has not the least objection to tobacco smoke. I do not refer to the Herr
+Count's donna who lives here in the castle&mdash;you may be sure I shall take
+good care not to ask any more questions about <i>her</i>. No; I am not
+talking about that one, but about the other one, who has puzzled me a
+good deal of late. She takes the Herr Count's part everywhere, and is
+always ready to defend you. Had she not assured me that I might with
+perfect safety venture to call here again, I should have sent my
+secretary to you with the <i>Sigillum compulsorium</i>. I tell you, Herr
+Count, ardent partizanship of that sort from the other donna looks a
+trifle suspicious!"</p>
+
+<p>The count laughed, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Vice-palatine, you remind me of the critic who, at the conclusion
+of a concert, said to a gentleman near whom he was standing: 'Who is
+that lady who sings so frightfully out of tune?' 'The lady is my wife.'
+'Ah, I did not mean the one who sang, but the lady who accompanied her
+on the piano&mdash;the one who performs so execrably.' 'That lady is my
+sister.' 'I beg a thousand pardons! I made a mistake; it is the music,
+the composition, that is so horrible. I wonder who composed it?' 'I
+did.'"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" /></a>Herr Bernat was charmed&mdash;completely vanquished. This count not only
+smoked: he could also relate an anecdote! Truly he was a man worth
+knowing&mdash;a gentleman from crown to sole.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the conclusion of the excellent dinner, to which Herr Bernat did
+ample justice, he ventured to propose a toast:</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot refrain, Herr Count, from drinking to the welfare of this
+castle's mistress; and since I do not know whether there be one or two,
+I lift a glass in each hand. Vivant!"</p>
+
+<p>Without a word the count likewise raised two glasses, and drained first
+one, then the other, leaving not enough liquor in either to "wet his
+finger-nail."</p>
+
+<p>By the time the meal was over Herr Bernat was in a most generous mood;
+and when he took leave of his agreeable host, he assured him that the
+occupants of the Nameless Castle might always depend on the protection
+and good will of the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel waited until his guest was out of sight; then he changed his
+clothes, and when the regular dinner-hour arrived joined Marie, as
+usual, in the dining-room, to enjoy with her the delicate snail-soup and
+other dainties.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>At last war was declared; but it brought only days of increased
+unhappiness and discontent to the tiger imprisoned in his cage at the
+Nameless Castle&mdash;as if burning oil were being poured into his open
+wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The snail-like movements of the Austrian army had put an end to the
+appearance of the apocalyptic destroying angel.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel waited like the tiger crouched in ambush, ready to spring
+forth at the sound of his watchword, and heard at last what he had least
+expected to hear.</p>
+
+<p>The single-headed eagle had not hesitated to take possession of that
+which the double-headed eagle had hesitated to grasp.</p>
+
+<p>Napoleon had issued his memorable call to the Hungarian people to assert
+their independence and choose their king from among themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig received a copy of this proclamation still damp from the
+press, and at once decided that the cause to which he had sacrificed his
+best years was wholly lost.</p>
+
+<p>He was acquainted with but a few of the people among whom he dwelt in
+seclusion, but he believed he knew them well enough to decide that the
+incendiary proclamation could have no other result than an enthusiastic
+and far-reaching response. All was at an end, and he might as well go to
+his rest!</p>
+
+<p>In one of his gloomiest, most dissatisfied hours, he heard the sound of
+a spurred boot in the silent corridor.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" /></a>It was an old acquaintance, the vice-palatine. He did not remove his
+hat, which was ornamented with an eagle's feather, when he entered the
+count's study, and ostentatiously clinked the sword in its sheath which
+hung at his side. A wolfskin was flung with elaborate care over his left
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Herr Count," he began in a cheery tone, "I come like the gypsy
+who broke into a house through the oven, and, finding the family
+assembled in the room, asked if they did not want to buy a
+flue-cleanser. At last the watchword has arrived: 'To horse, soldier! To
+cow, farmer.' The militia law is no longer a dead letter. We shall
+march, <i>cum gentibus</i>, to repulse the invading foe. Here is the royal
+order, and here is the call to the nation."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Written by Alexander Kisfalndy, by order of the palatine. A
+memorable document.</p></div>
+
+<p>Count Vavel's face at these words became suddenly transfigured&mdash;like the
+features of a dead man who has been restored to life. His eyes sparkled,
+his lips parted, his cheeks glowed with color&mdash;his whole countenance was
+eloquent; his tongue alone was silent.</p>
+
+<p>He could not speak. He rushed toward his sword, which was hanging on the
+wall, tore it from its sheath, and pressed his lips to the keen blade.
+Then he laid it on the table, and dashed like a madman from the
+room&mdash;down the corridor to Marie's apartment. Without knocking, he
+opened the door, rushed toward the young girl, raised her in his arms as
+if she were a little child, and, carrying her thus, returned to his
+guest. "Here&mdash;here she is!" he cried breathlessly. "Behold her! Now you
+may look on her face&mdash;now the whole world may behold her countenance and
+read in it her illustrious descent. This is my idol&mdash;my goddess, for
+whom I have lived, for whom I would die!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" /></a>He had placed the maid on a sort of throne between the two bookcases,
+and alternately kissed the hem of her gown and his sword.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you imagine a more glorious queen?" he demanded, in a transport of
+ecstasy, flinging one arm over the vice-palatine's shoulder, and
+pointing with the other toward the confused and blushing girl. "Is there
+anywhere else on earth so much love, so much goodness and purity, a
+glance so benevolent&mdash;all the virtues God bestows upon his favorites? Is
+not this the angel who has been called to destroy the Leviathan of the
+Apocalypse?"</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a
+low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked
+just like that when she was a bride."</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She
+had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the
+questioning glances from strange eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;what does&mdash;this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I
+don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map
+concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a
+long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the
+ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.</p>
+
+<p>"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire
+equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."</p>
+
+<p>He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his
+terrible treasures.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" /></a>when his
+neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two
+thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Now <i>I</i> intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the
+count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the
+asking?"</p>
+
+<p>"I might answer as did the gypsy woman when her son asked for a piece of
+bread: 'You are always wanting what is not to be had.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that there are no men?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean," hastily interposed Herr Bernat, "that there are enough men,
+and horses, too; but the treasure-chest is empty, and the <i>Aerar</i> has
+not yet sent the promised subsidy."</p>
+
+<p>"What care I about the Aerar and its money!" ejaculated Count Vavel,
+contemptuously. "<i>I</i> will supply the funds necessary to equip a
+company&mdash;and support them, into the bargain! And if the county needs
+money, my purse-strings are loose! I give everything that belongs to
+me&mdash;and myself, too&mdash;to this cause!"</p>
+
+<p>He opened, as he spoke, a large iron chest that was fastened with iron
+bolts to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, help yourself, Herr Vice-palatine!" he added, waving his hand
+toward the contents of the chest. It was a more wonderful sight than the
+arsenal itself. Rolls of gold coin, sacks of silver, filled the chest to
+the brim.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat could only stare in speechless amazement. He made no move to
+obey the behest to "help himself," whereupon Count Vavel himself thrust
+his hands into the chest, lifted what he could hold between them of gold
+and silver, and filled the vice-palatine's hat, which that worthy was
+holding in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;pray&mdash;I beg of you&mdash;" remonstrated Herr Bernat, "at least, let us
+count it."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" /></a>You can count it when you get home," interrupted Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"But I must give you a receipt for it."</p>
+
+<p>"A receipt?" repeated his host. "A receipt between gentlemen? A receipt
+for money which is given for the defense of the fatherland?"</p>
+
+<p>"But I certainly cannot take all this money without something to show
+from whom I received it, and for what purpose. Give me at least a few
+words with your signature, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"That I will gladly do," responded the count, turning toward his desk,
+and coming face to face with Marie, who had descended from her throne.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Write."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to let strangers see your writing, and perhaps betray who
+you are?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a week the strokes from my hand will tell who I am," he replied,
+with double meaning.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you are terrible!" murmured Marie, turning her face away.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so for your sake, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"For my sake?" echoed the young girl, sorrowfully. "For my sake? Do you
+imagine that <i>I</i> shall take pleasure in seeing you go into battle?
+Suppose you should fall?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear on that score, Marie," returned the young man,
+confidently. "I shall have a guiding star to watch over me; and if there
+be a God in heaven&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Then may He take me to Himself!" interposed the young girl in a fervent
+tone, lifting a transfigured glance toward heaven. "And may He grant
+that there be not on earth one other Frenchwoman who is forced to pray
+for the defeat of her own nation! May He grant that there be <a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" /></a>not
+another woman in the world who is waiting until a pedestal is formed of
+her countrymen's and kinsmen's skeletons, that she may be elevated to it
+as an idol from which many, many of her brothers will turn with a curse!
+May God take me to Himself now&mdash;now, while yet my two hands are white,
+while yet I cherish toward my nation nothing but love and tenderness,
+now when I forgive and forget everything, and desire none of this
+world's splendor for myself!"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel was filled with admiration by this outburst from the
+innocent girl heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Your words, Marie, only increase the brilliancy of the halo which
+encircles your head. They legalize the rights of my sword. I, too, adore
+my native land&mdash;no one more than I! I, too, bow before the infinite
+judge and submit my case to His wise decision. O God, Thou who
+protecteth France, look down and behold him who rides yonder, his horse
+ankle-deep in the blood of his countrymen, who looks without pity on the
+dying legions and says, 'It is well!' Then, O God, look Thou upon this
+saint here, who prays for her persecutors, and pass judgment between the
+two: which of the two is Thy image on earth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray understand me," in a pleading voice interposed Marie, passing
+her trembling fingers over Ludwig's cheek. "Not one drop of heroic blood
+flows in my veins. I am not the offspring of those great women who
+crowned with their own hands their knights to send them into battle. I
+dread to lose you, Ludwig; I have no one in this wide world but you. On
+this whole earth there is not another orphan so desolate as I am! When
+you go to war, and I am left here all alone, what will become of me? Who
+will care for me and love me then?"</p>
+
+<p>Vavel gently drew the young girl to his breast.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, you said once to me: 'Give me a mother&mdash;a <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" /></a>woman whom I can
+love, one that will love me.' When I leave you, Marie, I shall not leave
+you here without some one to care for you. I will give you a mother&mdash;a
+woman you will love, and who will love you in return."</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of sunshine brightened the young girl's face; she flung her arms
+around Ludwig's neck, and laughed for very joy.</p>
+
+<p>"You will really, really do this, Ludwig?" she cried happily. "You will
+really bring her here? or shall I go to her? Oh, I shall be so happy if
+you will do this for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am in earnest," returned Ludwig, seriously. "This is no time for
+jesting. My superior here"&mdash;turning toward the vice-palatine&mdash;"will see
+that I keep the promise I made in his presence."</p>
+
+<p>"That he will!" promptly assented Herr Bernat. "I am not only the
+vice-palatine of your county: I am also the colonel of your regiment."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want you to add still another office to the two you fill so
+admirably: that of matrimonial emissary!" added Count Vavel. "In this
+patriarchal land I find that the custom still obtains of sending an
+emissary to the lady one desires to marry. Will you, Herr Vice-palatine
+and Colonel, undertake this mission for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of all my missions this will be the most agreeable!" heartily responded
+Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"You know to whom I would have you go," resumed the count. "It is not
+far from here. You know who the lady is without my repeating her name.
+Go to her, tell her what you have seen and heard here,&mdash;I send her my
+secret as a betrothal gift,&mdash;and then ask her to send me an answer to
+the words she heard me speak on a certain eventful occasion."</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust me!" with alacrity responded Herr <a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" /></a>Bernat. "Within half
+an hour I shall return with a reply: <i>Veni, vidi, vici!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>After he had shaken hands with his client, the worthy emissary
+remembered that it was becoming for even so important a personage as a
+Hungarian vice-palatine to show some respect to the distinguished young
+lady under Count Vavel's protection. He therefore turned toward her,
+brought his spurred heels together, and was on the point of making a
+suitable speech, accompanying it with a deep bow, when the young lady
+frustrated his ceremonious design by coming quickly toward him and
+saying in her frank, girlish manner:</p>
+
+<p>"He who goes on a matrimonial mission must wear a nosegay." With these
+words she drew the violets from her corsage, and fastened them in Herr
+Bernat's buttonhole.</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon the gallant vice-palatine forgot his ceremonious intentions. He
+seized the maid's hand, pressed it against his stiffly waxed mustache,
+and muttered, with a wary glance toward Count Vavel: "I am sorry this
+pretty little hand belongs to those messieurs Frenchmen!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he quitted the room, and in descending the stairs had all he could
+do to transfer without dropping them the coins from his hat to the
+pockets of his dolman.</p>
+
+<p>Marie skipped, singing joyously, into the dining-room, where the windows
+faced toward the neighboring manor. She did not ask if she might do so,
+but flung open the sash, leaned far out, and waved her handkerchief to
+the vice-palatine, who was driving swiftly across the causeway.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Herr Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi, in his character of emissary, arrived at
+the manor, he proceeded at once to state his errand:</p>
+
+<p>"My lovely sister Katinka, I am come a-wooing&mdash;as this nosegay on my
+breast indicates. I ask your hand for a brave, handsome, and young
+cavalier."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much for the honor, my dear Bernat b&aacute;csi, but I intend
+to remain faithful to my vow never to marry."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you send me out of your house with a mitten, Katinka hugom?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should prefer to detain you as a welcome guest."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks; but I cannot stop to-day. I am invited to a betrothal feast
+over at the Nameless Castle. The count intends to wed in a few weeks."</p>
+
+<p>He had been watching, while speaking, the effect of this announcement on
+the lovely face before him.</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katharina, however, acted as if nothing interested her so much
+as the letter she was embroidering with gold thread on a red streamer
+for a militia flag.</p>
+
+<p>"The count is in a hurry," continued Herr Bernat, "for he may have to
+ride at the head of a company of militia to the war in less than three
+weeks."</p>
+
+<p>Here the cruel needle thrust its point into the fair worker's rosy
+finger.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat smiled roguishly; and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" /></a>Would&nbsp;n't you like to hear the name of the bride, my pretty sister
+Katinka?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it is no secret," was the indifferent response.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no secret for me, and I am allowed to repeat it. The charming
+lady Count Vavel intends to wed is&mdash;Katharina Landsknechtsschild!"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness suddenly dropped her embroidery, sprang to her feet, and
+surveyed the smiling emissary with her brows drawn into a frown.</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
+beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
+you remember them?"</p>
+
+<p>The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
+veil that separates the two."</p>
+
+<p>"The veil has been removed."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
+pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"More than pretty!"</p>
+
+<p>"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
+nor betrothed to Count Vavel&mdash;nor yet his secret love."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must be his sister&mdash;or daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what is she? Not a servant?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she is his mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"His mistress?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, his mistress&mdash;as my queen is my mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
+came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
+believe the count&mdash;loves <i>me?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" /></a>That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
+know that he loves you. That he deserves your love I can swear! No one
+can become thoroughly acquainted with Count Vavel and not love him. I
+went to the castle to ask him to join the noble militia, and he let me
+see the lady about whom so much has been said. She had excellent
+reasons, baroness, for veiling her lovely face, for whoever had seen her
+mother's pictures would have recognized her at once. When Count Vavel
+goes into battle to help defend our fatherland, he must leave the royal
+maid in a mother's hands. Will you fill that office? Will you take the
+desolate maid to your heart? And now, Katinka hugom, give me your answer
+to the Count's words."</p>
+
+<p>With sudden impulsiveness the baroness extended both hands to Herr
+Bernat, and said earnestly:</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart I consent to be Count Vavel's betrothed wife!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I may fly to him with this answer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;on condition that you take me with you."</p>
+
+<p>"What, baroness? You wish to go to the castle&mdash;now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, now&mdash;this very moment&mdash;in these clothes! I have no one to ask what
+I should or should not do, and&mdash;<i>he</i> needs me."</p>
+
+<p>When his emissary had departed, Count Vavel began to reflect whether he
+had not been rather hasty. Had he done right in giving to the world his
+zealously guarded secret?</p>
+
+<p>But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
+that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
+free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!</p>
+
+<p>He seated himself at the table to write to his friends <a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" /></a>abroad; but he
+could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
+guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
+Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
+the same day a declaration of war and one of love.</p>
+
+<p>His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
+study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
+fingers, and flung it on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother&mdash;the beautiful lady from the
+manor."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
+nonsense?"</p>
+
+<p>"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in <i>two</i>
+carriages!" persisted the maid. "Come and see them for yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew him from his chair to the window in the dining-room, where his
+own eyes convinced him of the truth of Marie's announcement.</p>
+
+<p>Already the two vehicles were crossing the causeway, and the baroness's
+rose-colored parasol gleamed among the trees. Deeply agitated, Count
+Vavel hastened to meet her.</p>
+
+<p>"May I come with you?" shyly begged Marie, following him.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg that you will come," was the reply; and the two, guardian and
+ward, hand in hand, descended to the entrance-hall.</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katharina's countenance beamed with a magical charm&mdash;the result
+of the union of opposite emotions; as when shame and courage, timidity
+and daring, love and <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" /></a>heroism, meet and are blended together in a
+wonderful harmony&mdash;a miracle seen only in the magic mirror of a woman's
+face.</p>
+
+<p>While yet several paces distant, she held out her hand toward Count
+Vavel, and, with a charming mixture of embarrassment and candor, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am."</p>
+
+<p>This was her confirmation of the words Vavel had spoken in the forest in
+the presence of the three dragoon officers: "She is my betrothed."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel lifted the white hand to his lips. Then Katharina quickly passed
+onward toward Marie, who had timidly held back.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness grasped the young girl's hands in both her own, and looked
+long and earnestly into the fair face lifted shyly toward her. Then she
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"It was not for his sake I came so precipitately. He could have waited.
+They told me your heart yearned for a mother's care, and it must not be
+kept waiting."</p>
+
+<p>After this speech the two young women embraced. Which was the first to
+sob, which kiss was the warmer, cannot be known; but that Marie was the
+happier was certain. For the first time in years she was permitted to
+embrace a woman and tell her she loved her. Ludwig Vavel looked with
+delight on the meeting between the two, and gratefully pressed the hand
+of his successful emissary.</p>
+
+<p>When the two young women had sobbed out their hearts to each other, they
+began to laugh and jest. Was not the mother still a girl, like the
+daughter?</p>
+
+<p>"You must come with me to the manor?" said Katharina, as, with arms
+entwined about each other, they entered the castle. "I shall not allow
+you to stop longer in this lonely place."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would take me with you," responded <a name="Page_216" id="Page_216" /></a>Marie. "I shall be very
+obedient and dutiful. If I do anything that displeases you, you must
+scold me, and praise me when I do what is right."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am not to be asked if I consent to this abduction of my ward?"
+here smilingly interposed Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't you come with us?" innocently inquired Marie.</p>
+
+<p>The other young woman laughed merrily.</p>
+
+<p>"He may come for a brief visit; later we will let him come to stay
+always." Then she added in a more serious tone: "Count Vavel, you may
+rest perfectly content that your treasure will be safe with me. My house
+is prepared for assault. My people are brave and well armed. There is no
+possible chance of another attack from robbers like that from which you
+delivered me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig delivered you from robbers?" repeated Marie, in astonishment.
+"When? How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then he did not tell you about his adventure? What a singular man!"</p>
+
+<p>Here the vice-palatine interposed with: "What is this I hear? Robbers? I
+heard nothing about robbers."</p>
+
+<p>"The baroness herself asked me not to speak of the affair," explained
+the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I did not forbid you to tell Marie, Herr Count," responded
+Katharina.</p>
+
+<p>"'Baroness'&mdash;'Herr Count'?" repeated Marie, turning questioningly from
+her guardian to their fair neighbor. "Why don't you call each other by
+your Christian names?"</p>
+
+<p>They were spared an explanation by Herr Bernat, who again observed:</p>
+
+<p>"Robbers? I confess I should like to hear about this robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you all about it," returned the baroness; "but first, I
+must beg the vice-palatine not to make any arrests. <a name="Page_217" id="Page_217" /></a>For," she added,
+with an enchanting smile, "had it not been for those valiant knights of
+the road I should not have become acquainted with my brave Ludwig."</p>
+
+<p>"That is better!" applauded Marie, hurrying her "little mother" into the
+reception-room, where the wonderful story of the robbery was repeated.</p>
+
+<p>And what an attentive listener was the fair young girl! Her lips were
+pressed tightly together; her eyes were opened to their widest
+extent&mdash;like those of a child who hears a wonderful fairy tale. Even the
+vice-palatine from time to time ejaculated:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Darvalia!</i>" "<i>Beste karaffia!</i>"&mdash;which, doubtless, were the proper
+terms to apply to marauding rascals.</p>
+
+<p>But when the baroness came to that part of her story where Count Vavel,
+with his walking-stick, put to flight the four robbers, Marie's face
+glowed with pride. Surely there was not another brave man like her
+Ludwig in the whole world!</p>
+
+<p>"That was our first meeting," concluded Katharina laughingly, laying her
+hand on that of her betrothed husband, who was leaning against the arm
+of her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know why you both thought it best to keep this robbery
+a secret?" remarked Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"The real reason," explained Count Vavel, "was because the baroness did
+not want her prot&eacute;g&eacute;, Satan Laczi's wife, persecuted."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! if everybody was as generous as you two, then robbery would become
+a lucrative business!"</p>
+
+<p>"You must remember," Katharina made haste to protest, "that all this has
+been told to the matrimonial emissary, and not to the vice-palatine. On
+no account are any arrests to be made!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will suggest a plan to the Herr Vice-palatine," said Count Vavel.
+"Grant an amnesty to the robbers; not to <a name="Page_218" id="Page_218" /></a>the four who broke into the
+manor,&mdash;for they are merely common thieves,&mdash;but to Satan Laczi and his
+comrades, who will cheerfully exchange their nefarious calling for the
+purifying fire of the battle-field. I myself will undertake to form them
+into a company of foot-soldiers."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you know that Satan Laczi and his comrades will join the
+army?" inquired Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi told me so himself&mdash;one night here in the castle. He opened
+all the doors and cupboards, while I was in the observatory, and waited
+for me in my study."</p>
+
+<p>It was the ladies' turn now to exhibit the liveliest interest. Each
+seized a hand of the speaker, and listened attentively to his
+description of the robber's midnight visit to the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" was Herr Bernat's comment, when the count had concluded. "An
+amnesty shall be granted to Satan Laczi and his crew if they will submit
+themselves to the Herr Count's military discipline."</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219" /></a>CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+
+<p>The little servant, Satan Laczi, junior, interrupted the conversation.
+He came to announce dinner. Lisette had not needed any instructions. She
+knew what was expected of her when a visitor happened to be at the
+castle at meal-times. Besides, she wanted to show the lady from the
+manor what she could do. Not since the count's arrival at the Nameless
+Castle had there been so cheerful a meal as to-day. Marie sparkled with
+delight; the baroness was wit personified; and the vice-palatine bubbled
+over with anecdotes. When the roast appeared he raised his glass for a
+serious toast:</p>
+
+<p>"To our beloved fatherland. Vivat! To our revered king. Vivat! To our
+adored queen. Vivat!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel promptly responded, as did also the ladies. Then the count
+refilled the glasses, and, raising his own above his head, cried:</p>
+
+<p>"And now, another vivat to <i>my</i> queen! Long may she reign, and
+gloriously! And," he added, with sudden fierceness, "may all who are her
+enemies perish miserably!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig, for heaven's sake!" ejaculated Marie, in terror. "Look at
+Katharina; she is ill."</p>
+
+<p>And, indeed, the baroness's lovely face was pallid as that of a corpse.
+Her eyes were closed; her head had fallen back against her chair.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Marie sprang to her side, the young girl exclaiming
+reproachfully:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_220" id="Page_220" /></a>See how you have terrified her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be frightened," returned Ludwig, assuringly; "it is only a
+passing illness, and will soon be over."</p>
+
+<p>He had restored the fair woman to consciousness on another occasion; he
+knew, therefore, what to do now. After a few minutes the baroness opened
+her eyes again. She forced a smile to her lips, shivered once or twice,
+then whispered to Ludwig, who was bending over her with a glass of
+water:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't need any water. We were going to drink a toast; wine is
+required for that ceremony."</p>
+
+<p>She extended her trembling hand, clasped the stem of her glass, and,
+raising it, continued: "I drink to your toast, Count Vavel! And here is
+to my dear little daughter, my good little Marie. May God preserve her
+from all harm!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may safely drink to Ludwig's toast," gaily assented Marie, "safely
+wish that the enemies of your Marie may 'perish miserably,' for she has
+no enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"No; she has no enemies," repeated the baroness in a low tone, as she
+pressed the young girl closely to her breast.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later, when Katharina had regained her usual self-command,
+she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, my dear little daughter, I know that our friend Ludwig is eager
+to discuss war plans with his emissary. Let us, therefore, give him the
+opportunity to do so, while we make our plans for quite a different sort
+of war!"</p>
+
+<p>"What!" jestingly exclaimed Count Vavel, "my lovely betrothed speaks
+thus of her preparations for our wedding?"</p>
+
+<p>"The task is not so easy as you imagine," retorted Katharina. "There
+will be a great deal to do, and I mean to take Marie with me."</p>
+
+<p>"To-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; is she not my daughter? But seriously, Ludwig, Marie must
+not remain here if the recruiting-flag <a name="Page_221" id="Page_221" /></a>is to wave from the tower, and
+if the castle is to be open to every notorious bully in the county. You
+gentlemen may attend to your recruits here, while Marie and I, over at
+the manor, arrange a fitting ensign for your company. Before we bid
+adieu to the castle, however, we must pay a visit to the cook. If her
+mistress leaves here I fancy she will not want to stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette was very fond of me once," observed Marie; "and there was a
+time when she did everything for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must come with us to the manor to a well-deserved rest. I can
+send one of my servants over here to attend to the wants of the
+gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>The two ladies now took leave of Count Vavel and his visitor. Marie led
+the way to her own apartments, where she introduced the cats and dogs to
+Katharina. Then she drew her into the alcove, and secretly pulled the
+cord at the head of the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are my prisoner," she said to the baroness, who was looking
+about her in a startled manner. "Were I your enemy&mdash;your rival&mdash;I should
+not need to do anything to gratify my enmity but refuse to reveal the
+secret of this screen, and you would have to die here alone with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens, Marie! How can you frighten me so?" exclaimed Katharina,
+in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha!" merrily laughed the young girl, "then I have really frightened
+you? But don't be alarmed; directly some one will come who will not let
+you 'perish miserably.'"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness's face grew suddenly pallid; but she quickly recovered
+herself as Count Vavel came hastily into the outer room.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you summon me, Marie?" he called, when he saw that the screen was
+down.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I summoned you," replied Marie. "I want you to repeat the
+good-night wish you give me every night."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_222" id="Page_222" /></a>But it is not night."</p>
+
+<p>"No; but you will not see me again to-day, so you must wish me good
+night now."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig came near to the screen, and said in a low, earnest tone:</p>
+
+<p>"May God give you a good night, Marie! May angels watch over you! May
+Heaven receive your prayers, and may you dream of happiness and freedom.
+Good night!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned and walked out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"That is his daily custom," whispered Marie. Then she pressed her foot
+on the spring in the floor, and the screen was lifted.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223" /></a>CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lisette had finished her tasks in the kitchen when the two ladies came
+to pay her a visit. She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
+had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
+pack of cards when the ladies entered.</p>
+
+<p>She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
+when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
+the manor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
+beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
+gentleman and a beautiful lady&mdash;if they are thrown together then there
+follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."</p>
+
+<p>"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
+preparing for the war."</p>
+
+<p>This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
+than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the <a name="Page_224" id="Page_224" /></a>cards, and
+glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
+the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
+their names."</p>
+
+<p>"God help them!" again muttered the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to take your young mistress home with me, Lisette," again
+remarked the baroness. "It would not be well to leave her here, amid the
+turmoil of recruiting and the clashing of weapons, would it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't say. My business is in the kitchen; I don't know anything about
+matters out of it," replied Lisette, still shuffling her cards.</p>
+
+<p>"But I intend to take you out of the kitchen, Lisette," returned the
+baroness. "I don't intend to let you work any more. You shall live with
+us over at the manor, in a room of your own, and, if you wish, have a
+little kitchen all to yourself, and a little maid to wait on you. You
+will come with us, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your ladyship; but I had rather stay where I am."</p>
+
+<p>"But why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I should be a trouble to everybody over yonder. I am a person
+that suits only herself. I don't know how to win the good will of other
+people. I don't keep a cat or a dog, because I don't want to love
+anything. Besides, I have many disagreeable habits. I use snuff, and I
+can't agree with anybody. I am best left to myself, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"But what will become of you when both your master and mistress are gone
+from the castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall do what I have always done, your ladyship. The Herr Count
+promised that I should never want for anything to cook so long as I
+lived."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_225" id="Page_225" /></a>Don't misunderstand me, Lisette. I did not ask how you intended to
+live. What I meant was, how are you going to get on when you do not see
+or hear any one&mdash;when you are all alone here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid to be alone. I have no money, and I don't think anybody
+would undertake to carry <i>me</i> off! I am never lonely. I can't read,&mdash;for
+which I thank God!&mdash;so that never bothers me. I don't like to knit; for
+ever since I saw those terrible women sitting around the guillotine and
+knitting, knitting, knitting all day long, I can't bear to see the
+motion of five needles. So I just amuse myself with these cards; and I
+don't need anything else."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely your heart will grow sore when you do not see your little
+mistress daily?"</p>
+
+<p>"Daily&mdash;daily, your ladyship? This is the second time I have laid eyes
+on her face in six years! There was a time when I saw her daily,
+hourly&mdash;when she needed me all the time. Is not that so, my little
+mistress? Don't you remember how I had a little son, and how he called
+me <i>ch&egrave;re maman</i>, and I called him <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, she laid the cards one by one on her snowy apron. She
+looked intently at them for several moments, then continued:</p>
+
+<p>"No; I don't need to know anything, only that she is safe. <i>She</i> will
+always be carefully guarded from all harm, and my cards will always tell
+me all I need know about <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i>. No, your ladyship; I shall
+not go with you; I cannot leave the place where my poor Henry died."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Lisette! what a tender heart is yours!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mine?" suddenly and with unusual energy interrupted Lisette. "Mine a
+tender heart? Ask this little lady here&mdash;who cannot tell a lie&mdash;if I am
+not the woman who has the hardest, the most unfeeling heart in all the
+world. <a name="Page_226" id="Page_226" /></a>Ask her that, your ladyship. Tell her, <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i>," she
+added, turning to Marie,&mdash;"tell the lady it is as I say."</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette&mdash;dear Lisette," remonstrated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever seen me weep?" demanded the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Lisette; but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I ever sigh," interrupted Lisette, "or moan, or grieve, that time
+when we spent many days and nights together in one room?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; never, Lisette."</p>
+
+<p>The woman turned in her chair to a chest that stood by her side, opened
+it, and took out a package carefully wrapped first in paper, then in a
+linen cloth.</p>
+
+<p>When she had removed the wrappings, she held up in her hands a child's
+chemise and petticoat.</p>
+
+<p>"What is needed to complete these, your ladyship?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"A dear little child, I should say," answered Katharina, indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right&mdash;a dear little child."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the child, Lisette?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I don't know&mdash;do you understand? <i>I&mdash;don't&mdash;know.</i> And I don't
+inquire, either. Now, will you still imagine that I have a tender heart?
+It is years since I looked on these little garments. What did I do with
+the child that wore them? Whose business is it what I did with her? She
+was <i>my</i> child, and I had a right to do as I pleased with her. I was
+paid enough for it&mdash;an enormous price! You don't understand what I am
+talking about, your ladyship. Go; take <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i> with you; and
+may God do so to you as you deal with him. Take care of him. My cards
+will tell me everything, and sometime, when I have turned into a hideous
+hobgoblin, those whom I shall haunt will remember me! And now, <i>mon
+petit gar&ccedil;on</i>"&mdash;<a name="Page_227" id="Page_227" /></a>turning again to Marie,&mdash;"let me kiss your hand for the
+last time."</p>
+
+<p>Marie came close to the singular woman, bent over her, and pressed a
+kiss on the fat cheeks, then held her own for a return caress.</p>
+
+<p>This action of the young girl seemed to please the woman. She struggled
+to her feet, muttering: "She is still the same. May God guard her from
+all harm!" Then she waddled toward Katharina, took her slender hand in
+her own broad palm, and added: "Take good care of my treasure, your
+ladyship. Up to now, I have taken the broomstick every evening, before
+going to bed, and thrust it under all the furniture, to see if there
+might not be a thief hidden somewhere. You will have to do that now. A
+great treasure, great care! And, your ladyship, when you shall have in
+your house such a little chemise and petticoat, with the little child in
+them, trotting after you, chattering and laughing, clasping her arms
+round you and kissing you, and if some one should say to you, as they
+said to me, 'How great a treasure would induce you to exchange this
+little somebody in the red petticoat for it?' and if you should say, 'I
+will give up the child for so much,' then, your ladyship, you too may
+say, as I say, that your heart is a heart of stone."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's face had grown very white. She staggered toward Marie,
+caught her arm, and drew her toward the door, gasping:</p>
+
+<p>"Come&mdash;come&mdash;let us go. The steam&mdash;the heat of&mdash;the kitchen makes&mdash;me
+faint."</p>
+
+<p>The fresh air of the court soon revived her.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us play a trick on Ludwig," she suggested. "We will take his canoe,
+and cross the cove to the manor. We can send it back with a servant."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228" /></a>She ordered her coachman to take the carriage home; then she took
+Marie's hand and led her down to the lake.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon in the boat. Marie, who had learned to row from Ludwig,
+sent the little craft gliding over the water, while Katharina held the
+rudder.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon they were in the park belonging to the manor; and how
+delighted Marie was to see everything!</p>
+
+<p>A herd of deer crossed their path, summoned to the feeding-place by a
+blast from the game-keeper's horn. The graceful animals were so tame
+that a hind stopped in front of the two ladies, and allowed them to rub
+her head and neck. Oh, how much there was to see and enjoy over here!</p>
+
+<p>Katharina could hardly keep pace with the eager young girl, who would
+have liked to examine the entire park at once.</p>
+
+<p>What a number of questions she asked! And how astonished she was when
+Katharina told her the large birds in the farm-yard were hens and
+turkeys. She had never dreamed that these creatures could be so pretty.
+She had never seen them before&mdash;not even a whole one served on the
+table, only the slices of white meat which Lisette had always cut off
+for her. But what delighted her more than anything else was that she
+might meet people, look fearlessly at them, and be stared at in return,
+and cordially return their friendly "God give you a good day!"</p>
+
+<p>What a pleasure it was to stop the women and children, with all sorts
+and shapes of burdens on their heads or in their arms, and ask what they
+were carrying in the heavy hampers; to call to the peasant girls who
+were singing merrily, and ask where they had learned the pretty songs.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how delightful it is here!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around
+the baroness. "I should like to dig and work in the garden all day long
+with these merry girls. How happy I shall be here!"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_229" id="Page_229" /></a>To-morrow we will visit the fields," said Katharina "Can you ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ride?" echoed Marie, in smiling surprise. "Yes&mdash;on a rocking-horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will very soon learn to sit on a living horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really believe I shall?" breathlessly exclaimed Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have a very gentle horse which you shall have for your own."</p>
+
+<p>"One of those dear, tiny little horses from which one could not fall? I
+have seen them in picture-books."</p>
+
+<p>"He is not so very small; but you will not be afraid of falling off when
+you have learned to ride. Then, when you can manage your horse, we will
+ride after the hounds&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," hastily interposed the young girl; "I shall never do that. I
+could not bear to see an animal hurt or killed."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to accustom yourself to seeing such sights, my dear
+little daughter. Riding and hunting are necessary accomplishments;
+besides, they strengthen the nerves."</p>
+
+<p>"Have not the peasant women got strong nerves, little mama?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but they strengthen them by hard work, such as washing clothes."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us wash clothes, too."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina smiled indulgently on the innocent maid, and the two now
+entered the manor, where Marie made the acquaintance of Fr&auml;ulein Lotti,
+the baroness's companion.</p>
+
+<p>Marie's attention was attracted by the number of books she saw
+everywhere; and they were all new to her. Ludwig had never brought
+anything like them to the castle. There were poems, histories, romances,
+fables. Ah, how she would enjoy reading every one of them!</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_230" id="Page_230" /></a>Oh, who is doing this?" she exclaimed, when her eyes fell on an easel
+on which was a half-finished painting&mdash;a study head.</p>
+
+<p>Her admiration for the baroness increased when that lady told her the
+picture was the work of her own hand.</p>
+
+<p>"How very clever you must be, little mama! I wonder if you could paint
+my portrait?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will try it to-morrow," smilingly replied the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"And what is this&mdash;this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked,
+running to the piano.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in
+front of the "teeth," began to play.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such
+beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall learn to play, too; Fr&auml;ulein Lotti will teach you."</p>
+
+<p>For this promise Marie ran to <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Fr&auml;ulien'">Fr&auml;ulein</ins> Lotti and
+embraced her.</p>
+
+<p>While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the
+little water-monster, and inquired about him.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions
+in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her
+from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to
+swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his
+canoe.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the
+telescope," she answered, with some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_231" id="Page_231" /></a>Ah! then you also have been spying upon me?" jestingly exclaimed the
+baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"How else could I have learned that you are so good and beautiful?"
+frankly returned the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I have an idea," suddenly observed the baroness. "That spy-glass is
+here now. The surveyor to whom Ludwig gave it sent it to me when he had
+done with it. Come, we will pay Herr Ludwig back in his own coin! We
+will spy out what the gentlemen are doing over at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>Marie was charmed with this suggestion, and willingly accompanied her
+"little mama" to the veranda, where the familiar telescope greeted her
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the windows in that side of the Nameless Castle which faced the
+manor were lighted.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the dining-room; they are at dinner," explained Marie,
+adjusting the glass&mdash;a task of which the baroness was ignorant. When she
+had arranged the proper focus, she made room for Katharina, who had a
+better right than she had to watch Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you see?" she asked, when Katharina began to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I see Ludwig and the vice-palatine; they are leaning out of the window,
+and smoking&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Smoking?" interposed Marie. "Ludwig never smokes."</p>
+
+<p>"See for yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>Katharina stepped back, and Marie placed her eye to the glass. Yes;
+there, plainly enough, she beheld the remarkable sight: Ludwig, with
+evident enjoyment, drawing great clouds of smoke from a long-stemmed
+pipe. The two men were talking animatedly; but even while they were
+speaking, the pipes were not removed from their lips&mdash;Ludwig, indeed, at
+times vanished entirely behind the dense cloud of smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"For six whole years he never once let me see him smok<a name="Page_232" id="Page_232" /></a>ing a pipe!"
+murmured Marie to herself. "How much he enjoys it! Do you"&mdash;turning
+abruptly toward the baroness, who was smilingly watching her young
+guest&mdash;"do you object to tobacco smoke?"</p>
+
+<p>She seemed relieved when the baroness assured her that tobacco smoke was
+not in the least objectionable.</p>
+
+<p>Some time later, when reminded that it was time for little girls to be
+in bed, Marie protested stoutly that she was not sleepy.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, little mama," she begged, "let us look a little longer through
+the telescope; it is so interesting."</p>
+
+<p>But even while she was giving voice to her petition the windows in the
+dining-room over at the castle became darkened. The gentlemen evidently
+had retired to their rooms for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ah-h," yawned Marie, "I am sleepy, after all! Come, little mama, we
+will go to bed."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina herself conducted the young girl to her room. Marie exclaimed
+with surprise and delight when, on entering the room adjoining the
+baroness's own sleeping-chamber, she beheld her own furniture&mdash;the
+canopy-bed, the book-shelves, toys, card-table, everything. Even Hitz,
+Mitz, Pani, and Miura sat in a row on the sofa, and Phryxus and Helle
+came waddling toward her, and sat up on their hind legs.</p>
+
+<p>The things had been brought over from the castle while the baroness and
+Marie were in the park.</p>
+
+<p>"You will feel more at home with your belongings about you," said
+Katharina, as she returned the grateful girl's good-night kiss.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VII" id="PART_VII" /></a><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233" /></a>PART VII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Count Vavel and the vice-palatine disappeared from the window of
+the dining-room, they did not retire to their pillows. They went to
+Ludwig's study, where they refilled their pipes for another smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"But tell me, Herr Vice-palatine," said the count, continuing the
+conversation which had begun at the dining-table, "why is it that six
+months have been allowed to pass since the Diet passed the militia law
+without anything having been accomplished?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must know that there are three essential parts among the
+works of a clock," returned Herr Bernat, complacently puffing away at
+his pipe. "There is the spring, the pendulum, and the escapement. The
+wheels are the subordinates. The spring is the law passed by the Diet.
+The pendulum is the palatine office, which has to set the law in motion;
+the escapement is the imperial counselor of war. The wheels are the
+people. We will keep to the technical terms, if you please. When the
+spring was wound up, the pendulum began to set the wheels going. They
+turned, and the loyal nobles of the country began to enroll their
+names&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How many do you suppose enrolled their names?" interrupted the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry&mdash;which are not all
+the able-bodied men, as only one <a name="Page_235" id="Page_235" /></a>member from each family is required to
+join the army. After the names had been entered came the question of
+uniforms, arms, officering, drilling, provisions. You must admit that a
+clock cannot strike until the hands have made their regular passage
+through all the minutes and seconds that make up the hour!"</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake! What a preamble!" ejaculated the count. "But go on.
+The first minute?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the first minute a stoppage occurred caused by the escapement
+objecting to furnish canteens; if the militiamen wanted canteens they
+must provide them themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust the clock was not allowed to stop for want of a few canteens,"
+ironically observed Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Moreover," continued the vice-palatine, not heeding the interruption,
+"the escapement gave them to understand that brass drums could not be
+furnished&mdash;only wooden ones&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"They will do their duty, too, if properly handled," again interpolated
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"A more disastrous check, however, was the decision of the <i>Komitate</i>
+that the uniform was to consist of red trousers and light-blue dolman&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A picturesque uniform, at any rate!"</p>
+
+<p>"There was a good deal of argument about it; but at last it was decided
+that the companies from the Danube should adopt light-blue dolmans, and
+those from the Theiss dark-blue."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven something was decided!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too premature with your thanks, Herr Count! The escapement
+would not consent to the red trousers; red dye-stuff was not to be had,
+because of the continental embargo. The militia must content itself with
+trousers made of the coarse white cloth of which peasants' cloaks are
+made. You can imagine what a tempest that raised in the various
+<a name="Page_236" id="Page_236" /></a>counties! To offer Hungarian nobles trousers made of such stuff! At
+last the matter was arranged: trousers and dolman were to be made of the
+same material. The Komitate were satisfied with this. But the escapement
+then said there were not enough tailors to make so many uniforms. The
+government would supply the cloth, and have it cut, and the militiamen
+could have it made up at home."</p>
+
+<p>"That certainly would make the uniform of more value to the wearer!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Would have made</i>, Herr Count; would have made! The escapement suddenly
+announced that the cloth could not be purchased; for, while the dispute
+about the colors of the uniform had been going on, the greedy merchants
+had advanced the price of all cloths to such an exorbitant figure that
+the government could&nbsp;n't afford to buy it."</p>
+
+<p>"To the cuckoo with your escapement! The men have got to have uniforms!"</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon; don't begin yet to waste expletives, else you will not have
+any left at the end of the hour! The counties then agreed to pay the sum
+advanced on the original price of the cloth, whereupon the escapement
+said the money would have to be forthcoming at once, as the cloth could
+not be bought on credit."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, is there no treasury which could supply enough funds for this
+worthy object?" asked the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; there is the public treasury for current expenses. But the
+treasurer will not give any money to the militia until they are mounted
+and equipped; the escapement will not furnish the cloth for the uniforms
+without the money; and the treasury will not give any money until the
+militia has its uniforms!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, a man can fight without a uniform. If only these men have horses
+under them and weapons in their hands&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Two of these requisites we already have; but the es<a name="Page_237" id="Page_237" /></a>capement announces
+that arms of the latest improvements cannot be furnished, because the
+government has not got them."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the old ones will answer."</p>
+
+<p>"They <i>would</i> if we had enough flints; but they are not to be had,
+because the insurrectionary Poles have captured the flint depot in
+Lemberg."</p>
+
+<p>"Each man certainly could get a flint for himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Even then there are only enough guns for about one half of the men. The
+escapement suggested that to those who had no arms it would
+furnish&mdash;halberds!"</p>
+
+<p>"What? Halberds!" cried Vavel, losing all patience. "Halberds against
+Bonaparte? Halberds against the legions who have broken a path from one
+end of Europe to the other with their bayonets, and with them carved
+their triumphs on the pyramids? Halberds against them? Do you take me to
+be a fool, Herr Vice-palatine?"</p>
+
+<p>He sprang to his feet and began to pace the floor excitedly, his guest
+meanwhile eying him with a roguish glance.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" at last exclaimed Herr Bernat, "I will not tease you any
+longer. Fortunately, there is a clock-repairer who, so soon as he
+perceived how tardily the hands performed their task, with his finger
+twirled them around the entire dial, whereupon the clock struck the
+hour. This able repairer is our king, who at once advanced from his own
+exchequer enough money to equip the militia companies, distributed six
+thousand first-class cavalry sabers and sixteen cannon, and loaned the
+entire Hungarian life-guard to drill the newly formed regiments. And
+now, I will wager that our noble militia host will be ready for the
+field in less than thirty days, and that they will fight as well as the
+good Lord permitted them to learn how!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why in the world did you not tell me this at once?" demanded Count
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_238" id="Page_238" /></a>Because it is not customary to put the fire underneath the tobacco in
+the pipe! The king's example inspired our magnates. Those whom the law
+compelled to equip ten horsemen sent out whole companies, and placed
+themselves in command."</p>
+
+<p>"As I shall do!" appended Count Vavel. "I hope, Herr Vice-palatine, that
+you will not forget the amnesty for Satan Laczi and his men. They will
+be of special value as spies."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a knot in my handkerchief for that, Herr Count, and shall be
+sure to remember. The company to be commanded by Count Ludwig Fert&ouml;szeg
+will be complete in a week."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you call me Fert&ouml;szeg?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because a Hungarian name is better for your ensign than your own
+foreign one. Our people have an antipathy to everything foreign&mdash;and we
+have cause to complain of the Frenchmen who served in our army. Most of
+them were spies&mdash;tools of Napoleon's. Generals Moiselle and Lefebre
+surrendered fortified Laibach, together with its entire brigade, without
+discharging a gun. And even our quondam friend, the gallant Colonel
+Barthelmy, has taken Dutch leave and gone back to the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Gone back to the enemy!" repeated Ludwig, springing from his
+chair, and laughing delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"The news seems to rejoice you," observed Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shout for very joy! The thought that we might have to fight side by
+side annoyed me. Now, however, we shall be adversaries, and when we
+meet, the man who did not steal Ange Barthelmy will send her husband to
+the devil! And now, Herr Vice-palatine, I think it is time to say good
+night. It will be the first night in six years that I shall sleep
+quietly."</p>
+
+<p>They shook hands, and separated for the night.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>From early morning until evening the enrolment of names went on at the
+Nameless Castle, while from time to time a squad of volunteers,
+accompanied by Count Vavel himself, would depart amid the blare of
+trumpets for the drill-ground.</p>
+
+<p>The count made a fine-looking officer, with the crimson shako on his
+head, his mantle flung over one shoulder, his saber in his hand. When he
+saluted the ladies on their balconies, his spirited horse would rear and
+dance proudly. His company, the "Volons," had selected black and crimson
+as the colors for their uniform. The shako was ornamented in front with
+a white death's-head, and one would not have believed that a skull could
+be so ornamental.</p>
+
+<p>The Volons' ensign was not yet finished, but pretty white hands were
+embroidering gold letters on the silken streamers; lead would very soon
+add further ornamentation!</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig Vavel opened the door of his castle to the public, he very
+soon became acquainted with a very different life from that of the past
+six years. For six years he had dwelt among a people whom he imagined he
+had learned to know and understand through his telescope, and from the
+letters he had received from a clergyman and a young law student.</p>
+
+<p>The reality was quite different.</p>
+
+<p>Every man that was enrolled in his volunteer corps <a name="Page_240" id="Page_240" /></a>Count Vavel made an
+object of special study. He found among them many interesting
+characters, who would have deserved perpetuation, and made of all of
+them excellent soldiers. The men very soon became devoted to their
+leader. When the troop was complete&mdash;three hundred horsemen in handsome
+uniforms, on spirited horses&mdash;their ensign was ready for them. Marie
+thought it would have been only proper for Katharina, the betrothed of
+the leader, to present the flag; but Count Vavel insisted that Marie
+must perform the duty. The flag was hers; it would wave over the men who
+were going to fight for her cause.</p>
+
+<p>It was an inspiriting sight&mdash;three hundred horsemen, every one of noble
+Hungarian blood. There were among them fathers of families, and
+brothers; and all of them soldiers of their own free will. Of such
+material was the troop of Volons, commanded by "Count Vavel von
+Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel had a second volunteer company, composed of Satan Laczi and
+his comrades. This company, however, had been formed and drilled in
+secret, as the noble Volons would not have tolerated such vagabonds in
+their ranks. There were only twenty-four men in Satan Laczi's squad, and
+they were expected to undertake only the most hazardous missions of the
+campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, how Marie's hand trembled when she knotted the gay streamers to the
+flag Ludwig held in his hands! She whispered, in a tone so low that only
+he could hear what she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go away, Ludwig! Stay here with us. Don't waste your precious
+blood for me, but let us three fly far away from here."</p>
+
+<p>Those standing apart from the count and his fair ward fancied that the
+whispered words were a blessing on the ensign. She did not bless it in
+words, but when she saw that Ludwig would not renounce his undertaking,
+she <a name="Page_241" id="Page_241" /></a>pressed her lips to the standard which bore the <i>patrona Hungaria</i>.
+That was her blessing! Then she turned and flung herself into
+Katharina's arms, sobbing, while hearty cheers rose from the Volons:</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't <i>you</i> try to prevent him from going away from us? Why don't
+you say to him, 'To-morrow we are to be wedded. Why not wait until
+then?'"</p>
+
+<p>But there was no time now to think of marriage. There was one who was in
+greater haste than any bridegroom or bride. The great leader of armies
+was striding onward, whole kingdoms between his paces. From the
+slaughter at Ebersburg he passed at once to the walls of Vienna, to the
+square in front of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. From the south, also,
+came Job's messengers, thick and fast. Archduke John had retreated from
+Italy back into Hungary, the viceroy Eugene following on his heels.</p>
+
+<p>General Chasteler had become alarmed at Napoleon's proclamation
+threatening him with death, and had removed his entire army from the
+Tyrol. His divisions were surrendering, one after another, to the
+pursuing foe.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the border on the south and west was open to the enemy; and to
+augment the peril which threatened Hungary, Poland menaced her from the
+north, from the Carpathians; and Russia at the same time sent out
+declarations of war.</p>
+
+<p>The countries which had been on friendly terms with one another suddenly
+became enemies&mdash;Poland against Hungary, Russia against Austria. Prussia
+waited. England hastened to seize an island from Holland. The patriotic
+calls of Gentz and Schlegel failed to inspire Germany. The heroic
+attempts of Kalt, D&ouml;rnberg, Schill, and L&uuml;tzow fell resultless on the
+indifference of the people. Only Turkey remained a faithful ally, and
+the assurance that the Mussulman would protect Hungary in the rear
+against <a name="Page_242" id="Page_242" /></a>an invasion on the part of Moldavia was the only ray of light
+amid the darkness of those days.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a fresh Job's messenger.</p>
+
+<p>General Jelachich, with his five thousand men, had laid down his arms in
+the open field before the enemy. Now, indeed, it might be said: "The
+time is come to be up and doing, Hungary!"</p>
+
+<p>He who had neglected to celebrate his nuptials yesterday would have no
+time for marriage feasts to-morrow. Hannibal was at the gates! The noble
+militia host was set in motion. The Veszprime and Pest regiments moved
+toward the Marczal to join Archduke John's forces. The primatial troops
+joined the main body of the army on the banks of the March, and what
+there was of soldiery on the farther side of the Danube hastened to
+concentrate in the neighborhood of the Raab&mdash;only half equipped, muskets
+without flints, without cartridges, without saddles, with halters in
+lieu of bridles!</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances a fully equipped troop like that commanded by
+"Count Fert&ouml;szeg," with sabers, pistols, carbines, and a leader trained
+in the battle-field, was of some value.</p>
+
+<p>The days which followed the flag presentation were <ins class="correction"
+title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'cetainly'">certainly</ins> not calculated to whispers of happy love,
+while the nights were illumined only by the light of watch-fires, and
+the glare over against the horizon of cannonading. Count Ludwig had so
+many demands on his time that he rarely found a few minutes free to
+visit his dear ones at the manor. Sometimes he came unexpectedly early
+in the morning, and sometimes late in the evening. And always, when he
+came, like the insurgent who dashes unceremoniously into your door,
+there was a confusion and a bustling to conceal what he was not yet to
+see&mdash;Marie's first attempts at drawing, her piano practices, or the
+miniature <a name="Page_243" id="Page_243" /></a>portrait Katharina was painting of her. Sometimes, too, he
+came when they were at a meal; and then, despite his protests that he
+had already dined or supped in camp, he would be compelled to take his
+seat between the two ladies at the table. Hardly would he have taken up
+his fork, however, when a messenger would arrive in great haste to
+summon him for something or other&mdash;some question he alone could decide;
+then all attempts to detain him would prove futile.</p>
+
+<p>The day he received his orders to march, he was forced to take enough
+time to speak on some very important matters to his betrothed wife. He
+delivered into her hands the steel casket, of which so much has been
+written. When he entered the room where the two ladies were sitting,
+Marie discreetly rose and left the lovers alone; but she did not go very
+far: she knew that she would be sent for very soon. Why should she stop
+to hear the exchange of lovers' confidences, hear the mutual confessions
+which made <i>them</i> so happy? She did not want to see the tears which <i>he</i>
+would kiss away.</p>
+
+<p>"May God protect you," sobbed Katharina, reflecting at the same moment
+that it would be a great pity were a bullet to strike the spot on the
+noble brow where she pressed her farewell kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"You will guard my treasure, Katharina? Take good care of my palladium
+and of yourself. Before I go, let me show you what this casket which you
+must guard with unceasing care contains."</p>
+
+<p>He drew the steel ring from his thumb, and pushed to one side the crown
+which formed the seal, whereupon a tiny key was revealed. With it he
+unlocked the casket.</p>
+
+<p>On top lay a packet of English bank-notes of ten thousand pounds each.</p>
+
+<p>"This sum," explained Ludwig, "will defray the ex<a name="Page_244" id="Page_244" /></a>penses of our
+undertaking. When I shall have attained my object, I shall be just so
+much the poorer. I am not a rich man, Katharina; I must tell you this
+before our marriage."</p>
+
+<p>"I should love you even were you a beggar," was the sincere response.</p>
+
+<p>A kiss was her reward.</p>
+
+<p>Underneath the bank-notes were several articles of child's clothing,
+such as little girls wear.</p>
+
+<p>"Her mother embroidered the three lilies on these with her own hands,"
+said Ludwig, laying the little garments to one side. Then he took from
+the casket several time-stained documents, and added: "These are the
+certificate of baptism, the last lines from the mother to her daughter,
+and the deposition of the two men who witnessed the exchange of the
+children. This," taking up a miniature-case, "contains a likeness of
+Marie, and one of the other little girl who exchanged destinies with
+her. The Marquis d'Avoncourt, who is now a prisoner in the Castle of
+Ham,&mdash;if he is still alive!&mdash;is the only one besides ourselves who knows
+of the existence of these things. And now, Katharina, let me beg of you
+to take good care of them; no matter what happens, do not lose sight of
+this casket."</p>
+
+<p>He locked the casket, and returned the ring to his thumb.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness placed the treasure intrusted to her care in a secret
+cupboard in the wall of her own room.</p>
+
+<p>And now, one more kiss!</p>
+
+<p>The girl waiting in the adjoining room was doubtless getting weary.
+Suddenly Ludwig heard the tones of a piano. Some one was playing, in the
+timid, uncertain manner of a new beginner, Miska's martial song. Ludwig
+listened, and turned questioningly toward his betrothed. Katharina did
+not speak; she merely smiled, <a name="Page_245" id="Page_245" /></a>and walked toward the door of the
+adjoining room, which she opened.</p>
+
+<p>Marie sprang from the piano toward Ludwig, who caught her in his arms
+and rewarded her for the surprise. And thus it happened that Marie,
+after all, was the one to receive Ludwig's last kiss of farewell.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>The camp on the bank of the Rabcza was shared by the troop from
+Fert&ouml;szeg and by a militia company of infantry from Wieselburg.</p>
+
+<p>The parole had been given out for the night. Count Vavel had completed
+his round of the outposts, and had returned to the officers' tent. Here
+he found awaiting him two old acquaintances&mdash;the vice-palatine and the
+young attorney from Pest, each of them wearing the light-blue dolman.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful attorney, whose letters to the count had voiced the
+national discontent, had at once girded on his sword when the call to
+arms had sounded throughout the land, and was now of one mind with his
+quondam patron: if he got near enough to a Frenchman to strike him, the
+result would certainly be disastrous&mdash;for the Frenchman. Bernat b&aacute;csi
+also found himself at last in his element, with ample time and
+opportunity for anecdotes. Seated on a clump of sod the root side up,
+with both hands clasping the hilt of his sword, the point of which
+rested on the ground, he repeated what he had heard from the palatine's
+own lips, while dining with that exalted personage in the camp by the
+Raab.</p>
+
+<p>At a very interesting point in his recital he was unceremoniously
+interrupted by the challenging call of the outposts:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_247" id="Page_247" /></a>Halt! who comes there?"</p>
+
+<p>Vavel hastened from the tent, flung himself on his horse, and galloped
+in the direction of the call. The patrol had stopped an armed man who
+would not give the password, but insisted that he had a right to enter
+the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel recognized Satan Laczi, and said to the guard:</p>
+
+<p>"Release him; he is a friend of mine." Then to the ex-robber: "Come with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He led the way to his own private tent, where he bade his companion rest
+himself on a pallet of straw.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say you are tired, my good fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Not very," was the reply. "I have come only from Kapuvar to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"On foot?"</p>
+
+<p>"Part of the way, and part of the way swimming."</p>
+
+<p>"What news do you bring?"</p>
+
+<p>"We captured a French courier in the marshes near Vitnyed just as he was
+about to ride into the stream."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, one of my fellows happened to grasp him a little too
+tightly by the collar, because he resisted so obstinately&mdash;and, besides,
+it must have been a very weak cord that fastened his soul to his body."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not done well, Satan Laczi," reproved the count. "Another time
+you must bring the prisoner to me alive, for I may learn something of
+importance from him. Did not I tell you that I would pay a reward for a
+living captive?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your lordship, and we shall lose our reward this time. But we
+did&nbsp;n't capture the fellow for nothing, after all. We searched his
+pockets, and found this sealed letter addressed to a general in the
+enemy's army."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel took the letter, and said: "Rest here until I return. <a name="Page_248" id="Page_248" /></a>You will
+find something to eat and drink in the corner there. I may want you to
+ride farther to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"If I am to go on a horse, that will rest me sufficiently," was the
+response.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel quitted the tent to read the letter by the nearest watch-fire. It
+was addressed to "General Guillaume."</p>
+
+<p>That the general commanded a brigade of the viceroy of Italy's troops,
+Vavel knew.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was a long one&mdash;four closely written pages. Before reading it
+Vavel glanced at the signature: "Marquis de Fervlans." The name seemed
+familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it. He was fully
+informed when he read the contents:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"M. GENERAL: The intrigue has been successfully carried out.
+     Themire has found the fugitives! They are hidden in a secluded nook
+     on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, where their extreme
+     caution has attracted much attention. Themire's first move was to
+     take up her abode in the same neighborhood, which she did in a
+     masterly manner. The estate she bought belonged to a Viennese baron
+     who had ruined himself by extravagance. Themire bought the
+     property, paying one hundred thousand guilders for it, on condition
+     that she might also assume the baron's name; such transfers are
+     possible, I believe, in Austria. In this wise Themire became the
+     Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, and, as she thoroughly
+     understands the art of transformation, became a perfect German
+     woman before she took possession of her purchase. In order not to
+     arouse suspicion on the part of the fugitives, she carefully
+     avoided meeting either of them, and played to perfection the r&ocirc;le
+     of a lady that had been jilted by her lover.</p>
+
+<p>     "Themire learned that our fugitive owned a powerful <a name="Page_249" id="Page_249" /></a>telescope with
+     which he kept himself informed of everything that happened in the
+     neighborhood, and this prompted her to adopt a very amusing plan of
+     action. <i>I</i> wanted to put an end at once to the matter, and had
+     gone to Vienna for the purpose of so doing. I entered the Austrian
+     army as Count Leon Barthelmy, in order to be near my chosen
+     emissary. But my scheme was without result. I had planned that a
+     notorious robber of that region should steal the girl and the
+     documents from the Nameless Castle,&mdash;as the abode of the fugitives
+     is called,&mdash;but my robber proved unequal to the task. Consequently
+     I was forced to accept Themire's more tedious but successful plan.
+     The difficulty was for Themire to become acquainted with our
+     fugitive without arousing his suspicions. An opportunity offered.
+     One night, when we knew to a certainty that the hermit in the
+     Nameless Castle would be in his observatory because of an eclipse
+     of the moon, Themire put her plan into operation. The hermit, who
+     is only a man, after all, found a lovely woman more attractive than
+     all the planets in the universe; he was captured in the net laid
+     for him! When the moon entered the shadow, four masked robbers
+     (Jocrisse was their leader!) climbed into the Baroness
+     Landsknechtsschild's windows. The hermit in his observatory beheld
+     this incursion, and, being a knight as well as a recluse, what else
+     could he do but rush to the rescue of his fair neighbor? His
+     telescope had told him she was fair. Jocrisse played his part
+     admirably. At the approach of the deliverer the "robbers" took to
+     their heels, and the brave knight unbound the fettered and charming
+     lady he had delivered from the ruffians. As Themire had prepared
+     herself for the meeting, you may guess the result: the hermit was
+     captured!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Oh, how every drop of blood in Vavel's veins boiled and <a name="Page_250" id="Page_250" /></a>seethed! His
+face was crimsoned with shame and rage. He read further:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Themire was perfectly certain that the mysterious hermit of the
+     Nameless Castle had fallen in love with her; and <i>I</i> am not so sure
+     but Themire has ended by falling in love with the knight! Women's
+     hearts are so impressionable.</p>
+
+<p>     "I managed to have my regiment sent to her neighborhood, and took
+     up my quarters in her house. I sought by every means to lure the
+     hermit from his den; but he is a cunning fox, is this protector of
+     fair ladies! I could not get a sight of him. I decided at last to
+     waylay him (when he would be out driving with the veiled lady), to
+     pretend that I was a betrayed husband in search of his errant wife,
+     and ask to see the face of his veiled companion. This, naturally,
+     he would refuse. A duel would be the result; and as he has not for
+     years had a weapon in his hand, and as I am a dead shot, you can
+     guess the result&mdash;a hermit against a Spadassin! With a bullet in
+     his brain, the mysterious maid would become my property."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Here an icy chill shook Vavel's frame. He read on:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"That was my intention. But something on which I had not counted
+     prevented me from carrying it out. When I insisted on seeing the
+     face of the veiled lady, after telling him I believed her to be my
+     wife, Ange Barthelmy (I need not tell you that that entire story
+     was an invention of my own; I published it in a provincial
+     newspaper, whence it spread all over Europe), my brave hermit
+     showed a very bold front, and we were on the point of exchanging
+     blows, when the lady suddenly flung back her veil and revealed the
+     face of&mdash;Themire! You may believe that I was dumfounded for an
+     instant; then I began to believe that my faith in <a name="Page_251" id="Page_251" /></a>this woman had
+     been misplaced. Could it be possible that she had been caught in
+     her own trap&mdash;that she had found this Vavel's eyes more alluring
+     than the fortune we promised her, and that instead of betraying him
+     to us she would do the very opposite&mdash;betray us to him? It may be
+     that she has woven a more delicate web than I can detect with which
+     to entangle her romantic victim the more securely. At all events,
+     when I asked Vavel what relation the lady at his side bore to him,
+     he replied: 'She is my betrothed wife.'</p>
+
+<p>     "I confess I am puzzled. But I have the means of compelling Themire
+     to keep her promise. Her daughter is in my power!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>("Her daughter?" gasped Vavel. "Her daughter? Then Katharina is a
+married woman!")</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"But," he continued to read, "it might happen that a woman who is
+     in love would sacrifice her child. So soon as this war broke out,
+     Vavel threw off his hermit's mask, and is now leading a company of
+     troopers&mdash;which he equipped at his own expense&mdash;against us.</p>
+
+<p>     "From Jocrisse's letters I learn that Vavel's treasures are now in
+     Themire's hands. That which our fair emissary was commissioned to
+     find is in her possession. Now, however, the question is, What will
+     she do with it?</p>
+
+<p>     "Jocrisse also informs me that Themire is quite bewitched with the
+     amiability of the maid who has been intrusted to her care. If this
+     be true, then matters are in a bad way. If this is not another of
+     Themire's schemes, but actual sympathy, if this girl, whose
+     remarkable loveliness of character (even Jocrisse is compelled to
+     praise her) has won the piquant little Am&eacute;lie's place in her
+     mother's heart, then it will be more difficult to separate Themire
+     from the girl than to win her from her lover."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252" /></a>This was a solitary ray of sunshine amid the threatening clouds which
+enveloped Ludwig. He continued to read with rapidly beating heart:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I must know to a certainty what Themire proposes to do. To-day I
+     sent her a message by a trusty courier, informing her that I should
+     be at a certain place at an appointed time&mdash;that I wanted her to
+     meet me and deliver into my hands the treasures she now holds. She
+     will have an excellent excuse for leaving the manor. Our troops are
+     approaching Steiermark, and have already crossed the Hungarian
+     border. Thus it will seem as if she fell by accident into the hands
+     of the enemy."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel's heart almost ceased to beat. The letter shook in his trembling
+hands.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I shall not, however," he continued to read, "depend on the fickle
+     mood of a woman, who may be swayed by a tear or a love-letter. If
+     Themire does not appear with the maid and the documents at the
+     designated spot to-morrow evening, then I shall ride with my troop
+     to the manor. My troop, as you know, belongs to the 'Legion of
+     Demons,' and they do not know the definition of the word
+     'impossible'! If Themire of her own free will delivers the
+     treasures into my hands, I shall thank her becomingly. If, however,
+     she fails to meet me, I shall take the maid and the documents by
+     force."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel did not notice that the firelight by which he was reading the
+letter had begun to grow dim; he believed the characters on the page
+before him were swimming in a blood-red mist.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"And now," the letter went on, "I come to my instructions to you,
+     general. You will move with your division <a name="Page_253" id="Page_253" /></a>toward the southern
+     shore of Lake Neusiedl, and cut off the way of our fugitives toward
+     the Tyrol. There is also another task which you must undertake. The
+     mysterious maid, once she is in our hands, must be treated with the
+     utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
+     know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
+     will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
+     yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
+     crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
+     crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
+     Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
+     with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
+     hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
+     sovereign can be."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
+that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
+But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
+become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
+nature was concentrated&mdash;this was more horrible than all the torments of
+hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
+     and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
+     the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
+     to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
+     exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
+     persons. Countess Themire Dealba's r&ocirc;le is concluded. She must not
+     be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
+     sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five <a name="Page_254" id="Page_254" /></a>millions of francs,
+     as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
+     her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
+     them prepare for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>     "Very truly,</p>
+
+<p>     "MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
+action.</p>
+
+<p>He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
+enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
+on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig shook him vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>"Awake&mdash;awake! You must depart at once."</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
+Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>"And what am I to do there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
+kept concealed in the Nameless Castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I did&nbsp;n't do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I want you to do it now for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Which do you want, the maid or the casket?"</p>
+
+<p>"Both, if possible; the maid in any case. But you must be sure that she
+is alone when you approach her. Then say merely the name 'Sophie Botta,'
+and she will listen quietly to what you have to say. Then show her this
+ring,&mdash;here, put it on your left thumb"&mdash;he drew the steel ring from his
+own thumb and slipped it on to Satan Laczi's,&mdash;"and say, 'The person who
+wears this ring sent me to fetch you away from here. You are to come
+with me at once.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And where am I to take her?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_255" id="Page_255" /></a>You will have a carriage with four swift horses at the park gate
+nearest the cemetery, and must drive with the maid to Raab.&mdash;Don't stop
+on any account until you get there. In Raab you will inquire for the
+house of Dr. Tromfszky, who is our army physician. He will have been
+advised of your coming, and will take charge of the maid. Then you will
+return to me here, and report what you have done. Here is a passport; if
+you are stopped at our lines show it to the guard. And here is a purse;
+don't spare the contents. And do not speak to a living soul about your
+mission."</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed," responded Satan Laczi, as he turned to
+leave the tent.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel did not go back to the officers' tent. He went out into the night,
+and stood with folded arms, gazing with unseeing eyes into the darkness.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VIII" id="PART_VIII" /></a><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256" /></a>PART VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was a delightful May evening. Marie was practising diligently her
+piano lesson, in order to surprise Ludwig with her progress when he
+should return from the war. That he would return Marie was quite
+certain.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina had gone into the park for a solitary promenade. She had
+complained all day of a headache&mdash;a headache that began to trouble her
+after she had read the letter she had received that morning from the
+Marquis de Fervlans. She held the letter in her hand now, and read it
+again for the hundredth time.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, she had accomplished her mission successfully; the fugitive maid
+and the important documents were in her possession; and yet her
+trembling hand refused to grasp the promised reward. A fortune awaited
+her for the comedy she had played with such success&mdash;a comedy in which
+she had acted the part of the charitable lady of the manor.</p>
+
+<p>And what if there had been something of reality in the farce? Suppose
+her heart had learned to thrill with emotions hitherto unknown to it?
+Suppose it had learned to know the true meaning of gratitude&mdash;of love?</p>
+
+<p>But five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>If she were alone in the world! But there was Am&eacute;lie, her dear little
+daughter, who was now almost fifteen years old&mdash;almost a young lady.
+Should she leave Am&eacute;lie in <a name="Page_258" id="Page_258" /></a>her present disagreeable position, a member
+of "Cythera's Brigade," or should she send for her, and confess to the
+man whose respect she desired to retain that the child was her daughter,
+and that she was a widow? Could she tell him what she had once been?
+Would he continue to respect, to love her?</p>
+
+<p>Five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>It was an enormous sum, and would become hers if she should order the
+carriage, and, taking Marie and the casket with her, drive leisurely
+along the highway until stopped by a troop of soldiers that would
+suddenly surround the carriage. A politely smiling face would then
+appear at the window of the carriage, and a courteous voice would say:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed, ladies. You are with friends. We are Frenchmen."</p>
+
+<p>But to renounce the love and respect so hardly won! Ah, how very dearly
+she loved the man to whom she had betrothed herself in jest! In jest?
+No, no; it was not a jest!</p>
+
+<p>But five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>Would all the millions in the world buy one faithful heart?</p>
+
+<p>Katharina was suffering for her transgressions. She had intended to play
+with the heart of another, and had lost her own. Besides, she could not
+bear to think of betraying the innocent girl who loved and trusted her
+and called her "mother."</p>
+
+<p>But time pressed. Three times already Jocrisse had interrupted her
+meditations to inquire if her answer to the marquis's letter was ready.
+And still she struggled with herself. When Jocrisse appeared again, she
+said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"My letter is of such importance that I cannot think of <a name="Page_259" id="Page_259" /></a>intrusting it
+to the hands of a stranger. You yourself, Jocrisse, must take it to the
+marquis."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to depart at once, madame."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina wrote her reply, sealed it carefully, and gave it to Jocrisse,
+who set out at once on his errand.</p>
+
+<p>In the letter he carried were but three words:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Io non posso</i>" ("I cannot").</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Katharina locked herself in the pavilion in the park, and gave orders to
+the servants not to admit any visitors, whether acquaintances or
+strangers.</p>
+
+<p>An hour or more had passed when she heard a timid knock at the door, and
+an apologetic voice said:</p>
+
+<p>"A strange gentleman is here. I told him your ladyship would see no one;
+then he bade me give your ladyship this, which he said he had brought
+from Paris."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina opened the door wide enough to receive the object. It was a
+small ivory locket, yellow with age. Katharina's hand shook violently as
+she pressed the spring to open it. She cast a hasty glance at the
+miniature,&mdash;the likeness of her daughter Am&eacute;lie,&mdash;then said in a
+faltering voice: "You may tell the gentleman I will see him."</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the visitor entered the pavilion.</p>
+
+<p>"M. Cambray!" exclaimed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; I am Cambray, with my other name, Marquis Richard
+d'Avoncourt. I am he to whom you once said: 'I shall be grateful to you
+so long as I live.'"</p>
+
+<p>"How&mdash;how came you here?" gasped the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I managed to escape from my prison at Ham, went to Paris, where I saw
+your daughter&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You saw my daughter?" interrupted the baroness, excitedly. "Did you
+speak to her? Oh, tell me&mdash;tell me what you know about her."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_260" id="Page_260" /></a>You shall hear all directly, madame. I told the countess that I
+intended to search for her mother, and asked if she had any message to
+send to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she send a letter with you?" again interrupted the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"She did, madame. But before I give it to you I should like to have a
+shovel of hot coals and a bit of camphor."</p>
+
+<p>"But why&mdash;why?" demanded the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you. Do you know what Napoleon brought home with him from
+the bloody battle of Eilau?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not heard."</p>
+
+<p>"The 'influenza.' I dare say you have never even heard the name; but you
+will very soon hear it often enough! It is a pestilential disease that
+is rather harmless where it originated, but when it takes hold of a
+strange region it becomes a deadly pestilence&mdash;as in Paris, where a
+special hospital has been established for patients with the disease. It
+was in this hospital I found your daughter as a nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Jesu Maria!</i>" shrieked the mother, in a tone of agony. "A nurse in
+that pest-house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded the marquis. Then he took from his pocket a letter, and
+added: "She wrote this to you from there."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness eagerly extended her hand to take the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Would it not be better to fumigate it first?" said the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; I am not afraid! Give it to me, I beg of you!"</p>
+
+<p>She caught the letter from his hand, tore it open, and read:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"DEAR LITTLE MAMA: What sort of a life are you leading out yonder
+     in that strange land? Do you never get weary or feel bored? Have
+     you anything to amuse <a name="Page_261" id="Page_261" /></a>you? <i>I</i> have become satiated with my
+     life&mdash;lying, cheating, deceiving every day in order to live! While
+     I was a little girl I was proud of the praises heaped upon me for
+     my cleverness. But a day came when everything disgusted me. It is
+     an infamous trade, this of ours, little mama, and I have given it
+     up. I have begun to lead a different life&mdash;one with which I am
+     satisfied; and if you will take the advice of one who wishes you
+     well, you, too, will quit the old ways. You can embroider
+     beautifully and play the piano like a master. You could earn a
+     livelihood giving lessons in either. Do not trouble any further
+     about me, for I can take care of myself. If only you knew how much
+     happier I am now, you would rejoice, I know! Let me beg you to
+     become honest and truthful, and think often of your old friend and
+     little daughter,</p>
+
+<p>     "AM&Eacute;LIE (now SOEU&Eacute;R AGNES)."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Katharina's nerveless hands dropped to her lap. This sharp rebuke from
+her only child was deserved.</p>
+
+<p>Then she sprang suddenly toward her visitor, grasped his arm, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me&mdash;tell me about my daughter, my little Am&eacute;lie! How does she look
+now? Is she much changed? Has she grown? Oh, M. Cambray! in pity tell
+me&mdash;tell me about her!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have brought you a portrait of her as she looked when I saw her
+last."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from his pocket a small case, and, opening it, disclosed a
+pallid face with closed eyes. A wreath of myrtle encircled the head,
+which rested on the pillow of a coffin.</p>
+
+<p>"She is dead!" screamed the horror-stricken mother, staring with wild
+eyes at the sorrowful picture.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame, she is dead," assented the marquis. "This portrait is sent
+by your daughter as a remembrance <a name="Page_262" id="Page_262" /></a>to the mother who exposed her on the
+streets, one stormy winter night, in order that she might spy upon
+another little child&mdash;a persecuted and homeless little child."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness cowered beneath the merciless words as beneath a stinging
+lash: but the man knew no pity; he would not spare the heartbroken
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, madame," he continued in a sharp tone, "you can go back to
+your home and take possession of your reward. You have worked hard to
+earn the blood-money."</p>
+
+<p>Here the baroness sat suddenly upright, tore from her bosom a small gold
+note-case, in which was the order for the five millions of francs. She
+opened the case, took out the order, and tore it into tiny bits. Then
+she flung them from her, crying savagely:</p>
+
+<p>"Curse him who brought me to this! God's curse be upon him who brought
+this on me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," calmly interposed the marquis, "you have not yet completed the
+task you were set to do."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; I have not&mdash;I have not," was the excited response, "and I never
+will. Come&mdash;come with me! The maid and what belongs to her are
+here&mdash;safe, unharmed. Take her&mdash;fly with her and hers whithersoever you
+choose to go; I shall not hinder you."</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot do, madame. I am a stranger in a strange land. I know not
+who is my friend or who is my foe. <i>You</i> must save the maid. If
+atonement is possible for you, that is the way you may win it. You know
+best where the maid will be safe from her persecutors. Save her, and
+atone for your transgression against her. Ludwig Vavel gave you his love
+and, more than that, his respect. Would you retain both, or will you
+tear them to tatters, as you have the order for the five million francs?
+Will you let me advise you?" he asked, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_263" id="Page_263" /></a>Advise me, and I will follow it to the letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then disguise yourself as a peasant, hide the steel casket in a hamper,
+and take it to Ludwig Vavel, wherever he may be."</p>
+
+<p>"And Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot with safety take her with you. The maid and the casket must
+not remain together. You must conceal Marie somewhere until you return
+from the camp."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not stay here and keep watch over her until I return?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, madame, for your hospitality, but I must not accept it. I
+come direct from the influenza hospital. I feel that the disease has
+laid hold of me. I have comfortable quarters at the Nameless Castle,
+where my old friend Lisette will take care of me. Don't let Marie come
+to see me; and if I should not recover from this illness, which I feel
+will be a severe one, let me be buried down yonder on the shore of the
+lake."</p>
+
+<p>When the Marquis d'Avoncourt left the pavilion he was shaking with a
+violent chill, and as he took his way with tottering steps toward the
+Nameless Castle, Katharina, broken-hearted and filled with anguish, wept
+out her heart in bitter tears.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>Marie had finished practising her lesson, and hastened to join Katharina
+in the park. She found her in the pavilion, and was filled with alarm
+when she saw her "little mama" kneeling among the fragments of her
+fortune. Katharina's tear-stained eyes, swollen face, and drawn lips
+betrayed how terribly she was suffering.</p>
+
+<p>"My dearest little mama!" exclaimed Marie, hastening toward the kneeling
+woman, and trying to lift her from the floor, "what is the matter? What
+has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't touch me," moaned the baroness. "Don't come near me. I am a
+murderess. I murdered her who called me mother."</p>
+
+<p>She held the ivory locket toward Marie, and added: "See, this is what
+she was like when I deserted her&mdash;my little daughter Am&eacute;lie!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your daughter?" repeated Marie, wonderingly. "You have been married?
+Are you a widow?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina now held toward the young girl the portrait M. Cambray had
+given her. "And this," she explained in a hollow tone, "is what she is
+like now&mdash;now, when I wanted her to come to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heaven!" ejaculated Marie, gazing in terror at the miniature, "she
+is dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_265" id="Page_265" /></a>Yes&mdash;murdered&mdash;as you, too, will be if you stay with me! You must
+fly&mdash;fly at once!"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina!" interposed the young girl, "why do you speak so?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say that you must leave me. Go&mdash;go at once! Go down to the parsonage,
+and ask Herr Mercatoris to give you shelter. Tell him to clothe you in
+rags; and when you hear the tramp of horses, hide yourself, and don't
+venture from your concealment until they are gone. I, too, am going away
+from here."</p>
+
+<p>"But why may not I come with you?" asked Marie, in a troubled tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Where I go you cannot accompany me. I am going to steal through the
+lines of Ludwig's camp."</p>
+
+<p>"You are going to Ludwig?" interrupted the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, to deliver into his hands the casket containing your belongings.
+After that I&mdash;I don't know what will become of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina! Don't frighten me so! Do you imagine that Ludwig will cease
+to love you when he learns you are a widow, and that you had a
+daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; he will not hate me because I had a daughter," returned
+Katharina, shaking her head sadly, "but because my wickedness destroyed
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk so, Katharina," again expostulated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, don't you see that she is dead? Look at these closed eyes, the
+white face! Ask these closed lips to open and tell you that I did not
+murder her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina, this is not true! Your enemies have told you this to grieve
+you. Look at these two pictures! There is not the least resemblance
+between them. This pale one is not your daughter. He who told you so
+lied cruelly."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266" /></a>Katharina sighed mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"He who told me so does not lie. It was your old friend Cambray."</p>
+
+<p>"Cambray?" echoed Marie, with mingled delight and astonishment. "Cambray
+is here? My deliverer, my second father! Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is gone. He accomplished that for which he came,&mdash;to crush me to the
+earth, and to serve you,&mdash;and has gone away again."</p>
+
+<p>"Gone away?" repeated Marie, incredulously. "Gone away? Impossible!
+Cambray would not go away without seeing me! Which way did he go? I will
+run after him and overtake him."</p>
+
+<p>"No; stay where you are!" commanded Katharina, seizing her arm. "You
+must not follow him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, and I will tell you. Cambray brought these pictures and this
+letter from Paris. The letter was written by my daughter in the
+hospital, where she caught the dreadful disease which caused her death.
+She had been nursing the sick, like a heroine, and died like a saint. It
+is well with her now, for she is in heaven. If I weep, it is not for
+her, but for myself. The deadly disease Am&eacute;lie died of has seized upon
+your friend Cambray; and the noble old man is unselfish even in dying.
+He does not want you to come near him, lest you, too, become affected by
+the pestilence. He is gone to the Nameless Castle, where Lisette will
+take care of him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette?" interrupted Marie, excitedly. "Lisette, who was afraid to go
+near her own husband when he lay dying!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what would you? Shall I send some one to nurse him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no. <i>I</i> am the one to take care of him! He <a name="Page_267" id="Page_267" /></a>was a father to me. For
+my sake he was imprisoned, persecuted, buried alive all these years! And
+I am to let him die over yonder&mdash;alone, without a friend near him! No; I
+am going to him. That which your other daughter had the courage to do,
+this one also will do!"</p>
+
+<p>"Marie! Think of Ludwig! Do you wish to drive him to despair?"</p>
+
+<p>"God watches over us. He will do what is well for all of us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Marie"&mdash;Katharina made a last effort to detain the young girl&mdash;"Marie,
+do you wish to go to Cambray to learn from him that I am the curse-laden
+creature who was sent after you to capture you and deliver you into the
+hands of your enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie turned at these desperate words, held out her hand, and said
+gently:</p>
+
+<p>"And if he were to tell me that, Katharina, I should say to him that,
+instead of destroying me you liberated me, and instead of hating me you
+love me as I love you."</p>
+
+<p>She made as if she would kiss Katharina; but the excited woman turned
+away her face, and held toward Marie the letter Cambray had given her.</p>
+
+<p>"Read this, and learn to know me as I am," she said in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>While Marie was reading the letter, Katharina covered her burning face
+with both hands; but they were gently drawn away and held in the young
+girl's warm clasp, while she spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"A reply must be sent to this letter, little mother. I shall say to her,
+through the soul now on the eve of departure to the better land where
+she dwells: 'Little sister, your mother will wear the pure white
+garment, as you desired, in mourning for you. Instead of you, she will
+have me, and will love me, as I shall love her, in your <a name="Page_268" id="Page_268" /></a>stead. Bless us
+both, and be happy.' Shall I not send this message to your Am&eacute;lie with
+my good friend Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go, then; go&mdash;go," convulsively sobbed Katharina, and fell upon her
+face on the floor as Marie hastened from the pavilion.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>When her grief had exhausted itself, Katharina stole back to the manor,
+where she removed the steel casket from its hiding-place, wrapped it in
+her shawl, and, passing noiselessly and unseen down a staircase that was
+rarely used, crossed the park to the farmer's cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Here she told the farmer's wife that she was going to play a trick on
+her betrothed, that she wanted to borrow a gown and a kerchief. She bade
+the farmer saddle the mule which his wife rode when she went to the
+village, and to hang the hampers, as usual, from the pommel. In one of
+these she placed the steel casket, in the other a pistol, and filled
+them both with all sorts of provisions. Thus disguised, she mounted the
+quadruped, and set out alone on her way toward the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Almost at the same moment that Ludwig Vavel had learned of the deceit of
+the woman he loved, he became convinced that his ambitious designs had
+come to naught. The rising of the German patriots against Napoleon had
+ended in their defeat, and not a trace was left of the uprising among
+the French people themselves.</p>
+
+<p>It was the third day after the battle of Aspern when Master Matyas
+entered Count Vavel's tent.</p>
+
+<p>The jack of all trades had proved himself a useful member of the
+army&mdash;not, indeed, where there was any <a name="Page_270" id="Page_270" /></a>fighting, for he much preferred
+looking on, when a battle was in progress, to taking an active part in
+the fray. But as a spy he was invaluable.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen everything," he announced. "I saw the balloon in which a
+French engineer made an ascent to the clouds, to reconnoiter the
+Austrian camp. He went up as high as a kite, and they held on to the
+rope below, down which he sent his messages&mdash;observations of the
+Austrians' movements. I saw the bridge, which is two hundred and forty
+fathoms long, which can be transported from place to place, and reaches
+from one bank of the Danube to the other. And I saw that demi-god flying
+on his white horse. He was pale, and trembled."</p>
+
+<p>"And how came you to see all these sights, Master Matyas?" interrupted
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"I allowed the Frenchmen to capture me; then I was set to work in the
+intrenchments with the other prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you manage to deliver my letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes. The Philadelphians are easily recognized from the silver arrow
+they wear in their ears. When I whispered the password to one of them,
+he gave it back to me, whereupon I handed him your letter. I came away
+as soon as he brought me the answer. Here it is."</p>
+
+<p>This letter by no means lightened Vavel's gloomy mood. Colonel Oudet,
+the secret chief of the Philadelphians in the French army, heartily
+thanked Count Vavel for his offer of assistance to overthrow Napoleon;
+but he also gave the count to understand that, were Bonaparte defeated,
+the republic would be restored to France. In this case, what would
+become of Vavel's cherished plans?</p>
+
+<p>It was after midnight. The pole of "Charles's Wain" in the heavens stood
+upward. Ludwig approached the watch-fire, and told the lieutenant on
+guard that he might <a name="Page_271" id="Page_271" /></a>go to his tent, that he, Vavel, would take his
+place for the remainder of the night. Then he let the reins drop on the
+neck of his horse, and while the beast grazed on the luxuriant grass,
+his rider, with his carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, continued
+the night watch. The night was very still; the air was filled with
+odorous exhalations, which rose from the earth after the shower in the
+early part of the evening. From time to time a shooting star sped on its
+course across the sky.</p>
+
+<p>One after the other, Ludwig Vavel read the two letters he carried in his
+breast. He did not need to take them from their hiding-place in order to
+read them. He knew the contents by heart&mdash;every word. One of them was a
+love-letter he had received from his betrothed; the other was the Judas
+message of his enemy and Marie's.</p>
+
+<p>At one time he would read the love-letter first; then that of the
+arch-plotter. Again, he would change the order of perusal, and test the
+different sensations&mdash;the bitter after the sweet, the sweet after the
+bitter.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, through the silence of the night, he heard the distant tinkle
+of a mule-bell. It came nearer and nearer. He heard the outpost's "Halt!
+Who comes there?" and heard the pleasant-voiced response: "Good evening,
+friend. God bless you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" muttered Ludwig, with a scornful smile, "my beautiful bride is
+sending another supply of dainties. How much she thinks of me!"</p>
+
+<p>The mule-bell came nearer and nearer.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of the watch-fire Vavel could see the familiar red kerchief
+the farmer's wife from the manor was wont to wear over her head. The
+mule came directly toward the watch-fire, and stopped when close to
+Vavel's horse. The woman riding the beast slipped quickly to the ground,
+emptied the provisions from the hampers, then, lifting the <a name="Page_272" id="Page_272" /></a>object which
+had been concealed in the bottom of one of them, came around to Vavel's
+side, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"It is I. I have come to seek you."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it?" he demanded sternly, recognizing the voice; "Katharina or
+Themire?"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina&mdash;Katharina; it is Katharina," stammered the trembling woman,
+looking pleadingly up into his forbidding face.</p>
+
+<p>"And why have you come here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came to bring you this," she replied, holding toward him the steel
+casket.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is safe&mdash;with the Marquis d'Avoncourt."</p>
+
+<p>"What?" exclaimed Vavel, in amazement, flinging his carbine on the
+ground. "Cambray&mdash;d'Avoncourt&mdash;<i>here?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he is at the Nameless Castle, and Marie is with him."</p>
+
+<p>"After all, there is a God in heaven!" with deep-toned thankfulness
+ejaculated Ludwig. Then he added: "Oh, Katharina, how I have suffered
+because of&mdash;Themire!"</p>
+
+<p>"Themire is dead!" solemnly returned the baroness. "Let us not speak of
+her. Here, take these treasures into your own keeping; they are no
+longer safe with me. Open the casket and convince yourself that
+everything is there."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot open it; I have not got the key."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you lost your ring?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I have trusted the most notorious thief in the country with it. I
+have sent him with the ring to Marie. I bade him show it to her, and
+tell her that she was to follow him wherever he might lead her. Satan
+Laczi has the ring."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina covered her eyes with her hand, and stood with drooping head
+before her lover.</p>
+
+<p>"I have deserved this," she murmured brokenly.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273" /></a>Vavel passed his hand over his face, and sighed. "It was all a dream!
+It was madness to expect impossibilities," he murmured. "I am familiar
+enough with the stars to have known that there are constellations which
+never descend to the horizon. The 'Crown' is one of them! Of what use
+are these rags now?" he exclaimed, with sudden vehemence, pointing to
+the casket, which Katharina still held on her arm. "Whom can they serve?
+They have brought only sorrow to him who has guarded them, and to her to
+whom they belong. I cannot open the casket; but I need not do that to
+destroy the contents. Pray throw it into the fire yonder."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina obeyed without an instant's hesitation. After a while the
+metal casket began to glow in the midst of the flames. It became red,
+then a pale rose-color, while a thin cord of vapor trailed through the
+keyhole.</p>
+
+<p>"The little garments are burning," whispered Vavel, "and the documents,
+and the portraits, and the heap of worthless money. From to-day," he
+added, in a louder tone, "I begin to learn what it is to be a poor man."</p>
+
+<p>"I have already learned what poverty means," said Katharina. "Look at
+these clothes! I have no others, and even these are borrowed."</p>
+
+<p>"I love you in them," involuntarily exclaimed Vavel, extending his hand
+toward her.</p>
+
+<p>"What? You offer me your hand? Do you believe that I am Katharina&mdash;only
+Katharina?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I may wholly and entirely believe that you are Katharina, and not
+Themire, answer one question. A creature who calls himself the Marquis
+de Fervlans and Leon Barthelmy is lying in ambush somewhere in this
+neighborhood, waiting for you to settle an old account with him. If you
+are the same to me that you once were, and if I am the same to you that
+I was once, tell me where <a name="Page_274" id="Page_274" /></a>I shall find De Fervlans, for it will be <i>my</i>
+duty then to settle with him."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's face suddenly blazed with eager excitement. She flung back
+her head with a proud gesture.</p>
+
+<p>"I will lead you to the place. Together we will seek him!" she cried,
+with animation in every feature.</p>
+
+<p>"Then give me your hand. You <i>are</i> Katharina&mdash;<i>my</i> Katharina!"</p>
+
+<p>He bent toward her, and the two hands met in a close clasp.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Fert&ouml;szeg ordered the drums to beat a reveille; then he selected
+from his troop one hundred trusty men, and galloped with them in the
+direction of Neusiedl Lake. Katharina on her mule, without the tinkling
+bell, trotted soberly by his side.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_IX" id="PART_IX" /></a><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275" /></a>PART IX</h2>
+
+<h3>SATAN AND DEMON</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>There was a notorious troop with Napoleon's army, the sixth Italian
+regiment, which was called the "Legion of Demons."</p>
+
+<p>The troop was made up of worthless members of society&mdash;idlers,
+highwaymen, outcasts, and desperate characters, who had lost all sense
+of respectability and morality. The majority of them had sought the
+asylum of the battle-field to escape imprisonment or worse.</p>
+
+<p>When their commander led his "demons" to an attack, he was wont to urge
+them thus:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Avanti, avanti, Signori briganti! Cavalieri ladroni, avanti!</i>"
+("Forward, forward, Messieurs Highwaymen! My chivalrous footpads,
+forward!")</p>
+
+<p>A division of this legion of demons had made its way with the vice-king
+of Italy thus far through the belt-line, and had been intrusted with the
+mission mentioned in De Fervlans's letter to General Guillaume. The
+marquis commanded this body of the demons, he having, as Colonel
+Barthelmy in the Austrian army, become thoroughly familiar with that
+part of Hungary.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Lisette and Satan Laczi's little son were living alone at the Nameless
+Castle.</p>
+
+<p>When Marie, who was come in quest of her friend Cambray, rang the bell,
+the door was opened by the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_277" id="Page_277" /></a>Is there a strange gentleman here?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. He went to see Lisette, and I did not see him come away,"
+was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me come in," said the young girl. "I want to speak to Lisette,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"She will beat me if I let you come in," returned the boy, opening the
+door after a moment's hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>The fumes of camphor were perceptible even in the vestibule; and when
+Marie's little conductor knocked at the door of the kitchen, a heaping
+shovelful of hot and smoking coals was thrust toward him, and a scolding
+voice demanded irritably:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want again? Why do you keep annoying me, you little
+torment!"</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Lisette," humbly apologized the lad, "but our young mistress
+from the manor is here."</p>
+
+<p>At this announcement Lisette hastily shut the door again, and opened a
+small loophole in an upper panel, through which she spoke in a sharp
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you come here? Has the Lord forsaken you over yonder, that you
+come back to this pest-house? Get out of it as quickly as you can. Go
+down and hide yourself in the Schmidt's cottage&mdash;perhaps they will not
+betray you. Anyway, you can't stop here with us."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,&mdash;stop here with you,"
+smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is&nbsp;n't
+anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M.
+Cambray, for he does&nbsp;n't want to see you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her <a name="Page_278" id="Page_278" /></a>side, "Come with
+me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened
+Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her
+little escort had disappeared down the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were
+covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the
+varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on
+the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her
+former immaculate asylum.</p>
+
+<p>She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray!
+father! art thou here?" but received no reply.</p>
+
+<p>Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open
+like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not
+been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected
+guest in this only habitable chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!</p>
+
+<p>She hastened toward it. There was a light burning in the alcove, and she
+could see through the links by placing her eyes close to them. The noble
+old knight was lying on the bare floor, with his hands forming a pillow
+for his head. His glassy eyes were fixed and staring, and burning with a
+startling brightness. His parched lips were half-open, as if he were
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"Cambray! father!" called Marie; in a tone of distress.</p>
+
+<p>"Who calls? Marie?" gasped the fever-stricken man, making a vain attempt
+to rise. He fell back with a deep groan, but flung out his hand as if to
+ward off her approach.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me come in, Cambray. It is I, your little Marie. <a name="Page_279" id="Page_279" /></a>Please let me
+come in. There, close to your right hand, is a button in the floor.
+Press it, and this screen will rise."</p>
+
+<p>The sick man began to laugh; only his face showed that he was laughing,
+no sound came from his parched throat. He was laughing because he had
+prevented his favorite from coming to his pestilential resting-place.</p>
+
+<p>Marie deliberated a moment, then decided to resort to stratagem:</p>
+
+<p>"If you will not let me come in to you, papa Cambray," she called,
+simulating a petulant tone, "I shall go away, and not come back again.
+If you should want anything there will be a little boy here, outside;
+you can summon him by pressing that button. Good night, dear papa
+Cambray!"</p>
+
+<p>The sick man turned his face toward the screen and listened in dreamy
+ecstasy to the sweet voice. He raised his hand, waved it weakly toward
+the speaker, then clasped it with the other on his breast, while his
+lips moved as if in prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"Go fetch candles, and the tinder-box," whispered Marie to the little
+Laczko. "Place them here by the sofa, then light the lamp in the
+corridor."</p>
+
+<p>"May I fetch my gun, too?" asked the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Your gun? What for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should&nbsp;n't be afraid if I had it with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then fetch it; but don't come into the room with it, for I am
+dreadfully afraid of guns. Leave it just outside the door."</p>
+
+<p>It was quite dark when Laczko returned with the candles and a heavy
+double-barreled fowling-piece. He carefully placed the latter in the
+corner, then asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I light the candles now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. I don't want the gentleman to know that I am here. Maybe
+he may want something, and open <a name="Page_280" id="Page_280" /></a>the screen. I am going to lie down on
+this sofa, and you are to stand close by the alcove and watch the
+gentleman. If he should lift the screen, and I have fallen asleep, you
+must waken me at once."</p>
+
+<p>Marie wrapped herself in her shawl, and lay down on the leather couch.
+Laczko took up his station as directed, close by the metal screen,
+through which he peered from time to time.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no danger of Marie falling asleep. She could not even keep
+her eyes closed. Every few moments she would sit up and ask in a
+cautious whisper:</p>
+
+<p>"What is he doing now?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is tossing from side to side."</p>
+
+<p>This reply was repeated several times.</p>
+
+<p>At last the answer came that the invalid was perfectly quiet, whereupon
+Marie decided not to inquire again for an hour.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she heard the lad say, in a trembling voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I am dreadfully frightened."</p>
+
+<p>"What of?" whispered Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"The gentleman lies so still. He has&nbsp;n't stirred for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"He is asleep, I dare say."</p>
+
+<p>"If he were sleeping his breast would rise and fall; but he is perfectly
+still."</p>
+
+<p>Marie rose, and hastened to the screen. The smoking wick in the
+night-lamp near Cambray's head illumined his ghastly face. Marie had
+already seen one such pallid countenance&mdash;that of the old servant Henry
+when he lay dead on his bier.</p>
+
+<p>She shuddered, and retreated with trembling limbs, drawing the lad with
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"You may light the candle now," she whispered; "then we will go back to
+Lisette."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281" /></a>Laczko lighted the candle, then shouldered his gun, and preceded his
+young mistress down the staircase to the lower story.</p>
+
+<p>They had almost reached the door of Lisette's room when Marie, who had
+been peering sharply ahead, stopped abruptly, and exclaimed in a
+startled tone:</p>
+
+<p>"There is a man!"</p>
+
+<p>Even as she spoke a dark form stepped from a doorway into the corridor
+in front of them. Marie retreated several steps; but her little escort
+proved that he was made of sterner stuff. He placed himself valiantly in
+front of his young mistress, laid his gun against his cheek, and aiming
+directly for the stranger's breast, said, in a brave tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I will shoot you."</p>
+
+<p>"That's my brave lad," commented the stranger. "But don't shoot. It is
+I, your father."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't come any nearer, I tell you!" responded the lad, threateningly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I am not moving a muscle, lad; don't be foolish."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want here?" demanded Laczko. "I will not let you do any
+harm to my mistress."</p>
+
+<p>Here Marie, who had recovered from her alarm, came forward, and laid her
+hand over her small defender's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Take down your gun, Laczko," she commanded. Then turning to the
+stranger asked: "What do you want, my good man?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer the man merely pronounced a name:</p>
+
+<p>"Sophie Botta."</p>
+
+<p>Without an instant's hesitation, and although she shuddered
+involuntarily when her eyes fell on the stranger's repulsive
+countenance, the young girl went close to his side, and said calmly:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish me to do?"</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi held the thumb-ring toward her, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_282" id="Page_282" /></a>The person who wears this sent me to fetch you away from here. Are you
+ready to come with me at once?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," replied Marie, who seemed unable to remove her eyes from the
+hideously ugly face before her.</p>
+
+<p>"My master," continued the ex-robber, "also bade me fetch a little steel
+casket. Do you know where it is hidden?"</p>
+
+<p>"The person who had it in her care has already taken it to your master,"
+was Marie's response.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, she has taken it to him?" repeated Satan Laczi. "Then it is all
+right. I know now what I have to do. My master bade me convey you to a
+place of concealment; but my face is not exactly the sort to win
+anybody's confidence. Besides, I know some one who can perform this
+errand as well as I. The way to Raab is clear. Instead of taking you
+there myself, my wife will go with you. I think you would rather have
+her for a companion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think I would rather go with a woman," diplomatically assented
+Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"As an additional protection, take this little lad with you." Here the
+ex-robber laid his hand on his son's shoulder, and looked proudly down
+on him. "His heart is already in the right place. And then he is not a
+wicked rascal like his father."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent a moment, then added: "But I intend to reform. When my
+master has spoken with the woman to whom he intrusted his treasures, and
+if she has not betrayed him, then I know where he will be to-morrow. And
+Satan Laczi will be there, too! Then I and my comrades will show them
+what we can do. But come, we must make haste, and get on as far as
+possible while the moon is shining."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not properly clad for a journey," interposed Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_283" id="Page_283" /></a>My wife brought a nice warm <i>bunda</i> to wrap you in; it is in the
+carriage out yonder," returned the ex-robber.</p>
+
+<p>"One word first: you are acquainted with the man who made the metal
+screen in my apartments. Could you see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is in Count Vavel's service, and I can see him when I return to the
+camp."</p>
+
+<p>"Then tell him to come to the Nameless Castle at once. He understands
+the secret spring of the screen, behind which he will find a dead man.
+This man was a very good friend, and I want him properly buried."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give Master Matyas your order."</p>
+
+<p>Marie now took leave of the Nameless Castle, feeling that she would
+never again come back to it. But she had not the courage to enter her
+apartments again.</p>
+
+<p>The four-horse coach waited at the park gate. Marie entered it, wrapped
+the warm sheep-skin around her, and tied a cotton kerchief over her head
+in peasant fashion. Satan Laczi's wife took a seat by her side; the
+little Laczko climbed to the coachman's box, where he sat with his gun
+between his knees. Then the coachman cracked his whip, and the vehicle
+rattled down the road amid a cloud of dust. Satan Laczi looked after the
+coach until it disappeared around a turn in the road. Then he blew a
+shrill blast on his whistle, whereupon a number of wild-looking men,
+each armed to the teeth, emerged from the shrubbery and came toward him.
+Whispered orders were given, then the men in a body moved toward the
+willow-copse on the shore of the lake. Here were two flatboats drawn up
+on the beach. These were pushed into the water; the men entered them,
+each took an oar, and the unwieldy vessels were propelled along the
+shore toward the marshes.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de Fervlans had camped with his company <a name="Page_284" id="Page_284" /></a>of demons on the
+shore of Neusiedl Lake. The marquis himself had taken quarters at the
+inn in the nearest village, where, assisted by two companions of
+questionable respectability but of undoubted valor, he was testing the
+quality of the fiery wine of the region, when a peasant cart, drawn by
+three horses, drew up before the inn, and Jocrisse, Baroness Katharina's
+messenger, alighted.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here comes a sensible fellow," exclaimed the marquis. "I wonder
+what news he brings."</p>
+
+<p>He was very soon enlightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! '<i>Io non posso!</i>'" he repeated, after reading the brief message
+Jocrisse delivered to him. "Very well, madame, I think I shall know what
+to do if you 'cannot'! Jocrisse, how is the country around Odenburg
+garrisoned?"</p>
+
+<p>"A division of militia cavalry occupies every town,"</p>
+
+<p>"That is exasperating! Not that I fear these militiamen might give my
+demons too much work; but I am afraid I may alarm them; then they will
+scamper in all directions, and frighten the entire Neusiedl region, so
+that when I arrive at Fert&ouml;szeg I shall find the birds flown and the
+nest empty. We must take them by surprise. Have you ever before been in
+this part of the country, Jocrisse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I accompanied the county surveyor once as far as Frauenkirchen."</p>
+
+<p>"Is the road practicable for wheels?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Frauenkirchen it is good for wagons; but beyond the city it is in a
+wretched condition."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You will engage a post-chaise here, and follow us to
+Frauenkirchen, where you will wait for further orders. What time did you
+leave Fert&ouml;szeg?"</p>
+
+<p>"About noon."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen. I suspect that your mistress will try to escape with the maid.
+If that is the case, we must bestir ourselves. But women are afraid to
+travel by night; and even if they <a name="Page_285" id="Page_285" /></a>have already left the manor, they
+cannot have gone very far. The water in the Danube was unusually high on
+the day of the battle at Aspern; that would cause the Raab to rise, and
+overflow the bridges crossing it. I shall doubtless overtake the
+fugitives at Vitnyed."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be rather risky crossing the Hansag at night," observed
+Jocrisse, "and no amount of money would induce one of these natives
+about here to act as guide. They are a peculiar folk."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I shall not need a guide. I have an excellent map of the
+neighborhood, which I used when I was in garrison here. I used to hunt
+all over this region after wild boars and turkeys, and never had any
+difficulty finding my way, even at night."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans now sent orders to his troop to break camp at once, with as
+little stir as possible; and before twilight shadows fell upon the land,
+the demons were riding toward the Hansag.</p>
+
+<p>If we assume that Marie left the Nameless Castle in company with the
+wife of Satan Laczi at midnight, we can easily see that she would have
+but a few hours' advantage of the demons, who broke camp at sunset. If
+the latter met with no hindrance on their way, they would overtake the
+coach of the fugitives at the crossing of the Raab. As it was after
+midnight when Ludwig Vavel learned of the danger which threatened Marie,
+he could not, even if he had set out at once, have reached the Hansag
+before noon of the following day, by which time De Fervlans and his
+demons would have accomplished their errand. Therefore nothing short of
+a miracle could save the maid.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>The miracle happened&mdash;a true miracle, like the one of the biblical
+legend, when the Red Sea obstructed the way of the persecutor Pharaoh.</p>
+
+<p>Those who may doubt this assertion are referred to the "Monograph on
+Lake Neusiedl," in which may be read a description of the phenomenon. In
+the last years Lake Neusiedl had been drained, and where it had joined
+the lakes of the Hansag, a stout dam had been built. When the waters of
+the Hansag chain rose, the muddy undercurrent threw up great mounds of
+earth, like enormous excrescences on a diseased body. One of these huge
+mounds burst open at the top and emitted a black, slimy mud that
+inundated the surrounding morass for a considerable distance.</p>
+
+<p>Already in the neighborhood of St. Andras this slimy ooze was noticeable
+when the troop of demons galloped over the plantain-covered flats which
+here and there bent under the weight of the horsemen. As they proceeded,
+the enormous numbers of frogs became surprising, as if this host of
+amphibia had leagued against the invading demons. Then flocks of
+water-fowl, with clamorous cries and rustling wings, rose here and
+there, startled from their quiet nests by the approaching inundation,
+which by this time had completely hidden what was called in that region
+the public road. De Fervlans, at a loss what to make of <a name="Page_287" id="Page_287" /></a>this singular
+freak of nature, sent a horseman to the right, and one to the left, to
+examine the ground, and learn whence came the sea of slime, and how it
+might be avoided. Each of his messengers returned with the information
+that the slime was flowing in the direction he had ridden. The source,
+then, must be near where they had halted.</p>
+
+<p>"This is bad," said De Fervlans, impatiently. "This eruption of mud will
+hinder our progress. We can't run a race with it. We must look up
+another route, and this will delay us perhaps for hours. But we can make
+that up when on a hard road again."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans, who was familiar with the neighborhood, now led his troop
+in the direction of the path which ran through the morass toward the
+village of Banfalva, hoping thus to gain the excellent highway of
+Eszterhaza. Here and there from the swamp rose slight elevations of dry
+earth which were overgrown with alders and willows. On one of these
+"hills" De Fervlans concluded to halt for a rest, as both men and horses
+were weary with the toilsome journey over the wretched roads.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon enough dry wood was collected for a fire. There was no need to
+fear that the light might attract attention; the camp was far enough
+from human habitation, and neither man nor beast ever spent the night in
+the morass of the Hansag. Besides, they could have seen, from the top of
+a tree, if any one were approaching. They could see in the bright
+moonlight the long poplar avenue which led to Eszterhaza; and even a
+gilded steeple might be seen gleaming in the Hungarian Versailles, which
+was perhaps a two hours' ride distant.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the sharp call, "<i>Qui vive?</i>" was heard. It was answered by a
+sort of grunt, half-brute, half-human. Again the challenging call broke
+the silence, and was followed in a few seconds by a gunshot. Then a wild
+laugh was <a name="Page_288" id="Page_288" /></a>heard at some distance from the hill. De Fervlans hurried
+toward the guard.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether it was a wild beast or a devil in human form," was
+the reply. "It was a strange-looking monster with a large head and
+pointed ears."</p>
+
+<p>"I&nbsp;'ll wager it is my runaway fish-boy!" exclaimed the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"When I challenged the creature he stood up on his feet, and barked, or
+grunted, or whatever you might call it; and when I called out the second
+time he seemed to strike fire with something; at any rate, he did not
+act in the proper manner, so I fired at him. But I did&nbsp;n't hit him."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be sorry if you had," responded the marquis. "I am convinced
+that it was my little monster. I taught him to strike fire; and he was
+evidently attracted by the light of our camp-fire."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it would have been better had the guard shot the amphibious
+dwarf. Hardly had De Fervlans returned to his seat when the adjutant
+called his attention to a suspicious flashing in the morass a short
+distance from the hill on which they were resting. Suddenly, while they
+were watching the flashes of light, a column of flame rose toward the
+sky, then another, and another&mdash;the morass was on fire in a dozen
+places.</p>
+
+<p>"Hell, and all devils!" shouted De Fervlans, springing toward his horse.
+"The little monster has set the marsh-grass on fire, and it was I who
+taught the devil's spawn how to use touchwood! Give chase to the
+creature!"</p>
+
+<p>But the order for a chase came too late. In ten minutes the reeds
+growing about the hill were burning, and the demons were compelled to
+use their spurs in order to speed their horses from the dangerous
+conflagration.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289" /></a>They did not stop until they had reached the Valla plain&mdash;driven to
+their mad gallop by the caricature of the "militiaman"!</p>
+
+<p>"This is a pretty state of affairs!" grumbled De Fervlans. "Mire first,
+then flames, bar our way. <i>Quis quid peccat, in eo punitur</i>&mdash;he who sins
+will be punished by his sin! I sinned in teaching that monster to strike
+fire. It has made us lose four more hours."</p>
+
+<p>The four hours were of some consequence to the fugitive maid and Ludwig
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn broke before the demons found the road between the groups of hills,
+and when they reached it, they still had before them that half of the
+Hansag which is formed by a series of small lakes.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans now became anxious to shorten their route. A lakelet of
+fifty or sixty paces in width is not an impassable hindrance for a
+horseman. Therefore it was not necessary to ride perhaps a thousand
+paces in making a detour of the lakelets&mdash;the demons must ride through
+them. How often had he, when following a deer, swam with his horse
+through just such a body of water. Only then it was autumn, and now it
+was spring.</p>
+
+<p>The flora of this marsh country has many species which hide underneath
+the water, and in the springtime send their long stems and tendrils
+toward the surface. De Fervlans was yet to learn that even plants may
+become foes. Those of his demons who were the first to plunge into the
+water suddenly began to call for help. Neither man nor beast can swim
+through a network of growing plants; at every movement they become
+entangled among the clinging tendrils and swaying stems, and sink to the
+bottom unless promptly rescued. The men on shore were obliged to grasp
+the tails of the struggling horses and draw them back to land. De
+Fervlans, who could not be convinced <a name="Page_290" id="Page_290" /></a>that it was impossible to swim
+across the narrow stretch of water, came very near losing his life among
+the aquatic growths. There was now no likelihood of their reaching the
+highway before sunrise.</p>
+
+<p>There was still another hindrance. The fire in the morass had alarmed
+the entire neighborhood, and the inhabitants were out, to a man,
+fighting the flames which threatened their meadows. Therefore De
+Fervlans, who wished to avoid attracting attention to his troop, was
+obliged to make his way through thickets and over rough byways, which
+was very tedious work.</p>
+
+<p>It was noon when they arrived at the bridge which crossed the Raab half
+a mile from Pomogy. At the farther end of this bridge was the
+custom-house, which was also a public inn.</p>
+
+<p>"We must rest there," said De Fervlans, "or our worn-out beasts will
+drop under us."</p>
+
+<p>Just as the troop rode on to the bridge, two men ran swiftly from the
+custom-house toward the swampy lowland. Before they entered the marsh
+they stopped, and bound long wooden stilts to their feet; and, thus
+equipped, stepped without difficulty from one earth-clod to another. No
+horseman could have followed them across the treacherous ground. De
+Fervlans's adjutant became uneasy when he saw these two men, whose
+actions seemed suspicious to him; but the marquis assured him that they
+were only shepherds whose herds pastured in the marshes.</p>
+
+<p>The troop dismounted at the inn, and demanded of the host whatever he
+had of victuals and drinks. He could offer them nothing better than sour
+cider, mead, and wild ducks' eggs. But when a demon is hungry and
+thirsty, even these will satisfy him. De Fervlans, who had not for one
+instant doubted that his expedition would be successful, spread out his
+map and planned their further march. <a name="Page_291" id="Page_291" /></a>General Guillaume would have
+received one of his letters at least,&mdash;he had sent two, with two
+different couriers in different directions,&mdash;and would now be waiting at
+Friedberg for the arrival of the demons and their distinguished captive.
+Therefore the most direct route to that point must be selected. It was
+not likely that any militia troops would be idling about that cart of
+the country; and if there were, the demons could very easily manage
+them.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>One of the two men who crossed the morass on stilts was Master Matyas,
+whose distance marches during this campaign were something phenomenal.
+Matyas found Count Vavel with his troop already at Eszterhaza, and
+apprized him at once of De Fervlans's arrival at the bridge-inn. The
+Volons had not yet rested, but they had traveled over passable roads,
+and were not so exhausted. Their leader at once gave orders to mount.</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig saw that Katharina also prepared to accompany the troop, he
+hurried to her side.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't come any farther, Katharina," he begged. "Remain here, where you
+will be perfectly safe. Something might happen to you when we meet the
+enemy."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's smiling reply was:</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear friend. I have paid a very high entrance-fee to see this
+tragedy, for that you will kill Barthelmy Fervlans I am as certain as
+that there is a just God in heaven!"</p>
+
+<p>"But <i>your</i> presence will make me fear at a moment when I must not feel
+afraid&mdash;afraid for your safety."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't trouble about yourself. I know you better. When you come in
+sight of the enemy you will forget all about <i>me</i>. As for me, I am going
+with you."</p>
+
+<p>The troop now set out on the march through the poplar avenue. When they
+drew near to Pomogy, Vavel sent a <a name="Page_293" id="Page_293" /></a>squad in advance to act as
+skirmishers, while he, with the rest of his men, took possession of a
+solitary elevation near the road, which was the work of human hands. It
+was composed of the refuse from a soda-factory, and encircled on three
+sides a low building. Vavel concealed his horsemen behind this
+artificial hillock, then, accompanied by Katharina, he ascended to the
+top to take a view of the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>He could see through his field-glass the bridge across the Raab and the
+inn at the farther end. The entire region was nothing but morass. A
+trench ran from the highway toward Lake Neusiedl; it could be traced by
+the dense growth of broom along its edges.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my adjutant," jestingly remarked Vavel to Katharina. "I am
+going down now; for if I should be seen here it will be known what is
+behind me. You are a farmer's wife, and will not arouse suspicion; stop
+here, therefore, and take observations with my glass, and keep me
+informed of what happens."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de Fervlans was enjoying a tankard of foaming mead when his
+adjutant came hastily into the room with the announcement that some
+troopers were approaching the bridge on the farther side of the river.
+De Fervlans hurried from the inn and gave orders to mount. As yet only
+the crimson hats of the troopers could be seen above the tall reeds on
+the farther shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Those are Vavel's Volons," said De Fervlans, taking a look through his
+glass. "I recognize the uniform from Jocrisse's description. Madame
+Themire has turned traitor, and sent the count to deal with me instead
+of coming herself. Very good! We will show the gentleman that war and
+star-gazing are different occupations. He was a soldier once; but I
+don't think he paid much attention to military tactics, else he would
+not have neg<a name="Page_294" id="Page_294" /></a>lected to occupy yon hill, on which I see a peasant woman
+with a red kerchief over her head. That is an old soda-factory&mdash;I know
+the place well. I should&nbsp;n't wonder if Vavel had concealed some men
+there after all! That small body coming this way is evidently bent on a
+skirmishing errand. Well, our tactics will be to lure him from his
+concealment."</p>
+
+<p>He held a consultation with his subordinates; after which he turned
+toward the waiting demons, and called:</p>
+
+<p>"Signor Trentatrante!"</p>
+
+<p>The man came forward&mdash;a true type of the gladiator of the Vatican.</p>
+
+<p>"Dismount," ordered the marquis. "Take thirty men, and proceed on foot
+to the farther side of yon thicket, where you will lie in ambush until I
+have begun an assault on the soda-factory over yonder. The men in hiding
+there will show up when we approach; I shall then pretend to retreat,
+and lure them toward the thicket. You will know what to do then&mdash;fall
+upon them in the rear. When you have arrived at the thicket let me know.
+Set fire to that tallest clump of reeds near the willow-shrubs."</p>
+
+<p>"All right!" returned the signor. Then he selected thirty of his
+companions, who also dismounted, and they started at once to obey the
+orders of their leader.</p>
+
+<p>The "peasant woman with a red kerchief over her head," who was standing
+on the soda-factory hill, called in a low, clear tone to Ludwig:</p>
+
+<p>"De Fervlans is coming with his troop."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we must prepare a greeting for him," responded Vavel. He ordered
+his men into their saddles, then sallied forth with them to meet the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The two bodies of soldiers moving toward each other were very nearly
+alike in numbers. Neither seemed to be in a particular hurry to begin an
+assault. Suddenly a <a name="Page_295" id="Page_295" /></a>column of smoke rose from the thicket near the
+bridge&mdash;it was the signal De Fervlans was waiting for. He gave orders to
+halt. The next instant there was a rattling salute from the demons'
+carbines. The "peasant woman" on the hill covered her face with both
+hands and shivered. The messengers of death flew about the head of her
+lover, but left him unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel now moved nearer to the attacking foe, and himself made straight
+for the leader. One of De Fervlans's lieutenants, however, a thick-set,
+sun-browned Sicilian, met the count's assault. There was a little
+sword-play, then Vavel struck his adversary's blade from his hand with a
+force that sent it whizzing through the air, and with his left hand
+thrust the Sicilian, who was reaching for his pistols, from the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Nor had Vavel's companions been idle the while. The first assault was a
+success for the count's troop. De Fervlans now ordered a retreat. The
+death-heads looked upon this as a victory, and eagerly pursued the
+retreating foe. But the woman on the hill had already perceived that the
+retreat was but a feint. She saw the demons crouching among the reeds in
+the thicket, and guessed their intention.</p>
+
+<p>"Vavel!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "Vavel, take care! Look to
+your rear!"</p>
+
+<p>She imagined that her lover would hear her amid the tumult of the fight.</p>
+
+<p>But Vavel had ears and eyes only for what was in front of him. Nearer
+and nearer he approached to the trap De Fervlans had laid for him. He
+was in it! The trench was behind him now, and the demons in ambush were
+preparing to spring upon their prey.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina could look no longer. She ran down the hill, sprang on her
+mule, and galloped after her lover.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296" /></a>De Fervlans's retreat was conducted in proper order, step by step, from
+earth-clod to earth-clod.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Katharina discovered that a mule was an obstinate beast. The
+one she was riding stopped abruptly, and would not advance another step.
+In vain she urged and coaxed. At last she sprang from the saddle, and on
+foot made her way toward the scene of the fray.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the demons creeping steathily along the trench sprang
+from their concealment, their bayonets ready for action. They were on
+the point of firing a volley into the black backs of the Volons, when a
+rattling fire in their own rear brought down half of them dead and
+wounded. The uninjured on turning found themselves confronted by Satan
+Laczi and his comrades, who, black and slimy from their passage through
+the morass, sprang like tigers upon the foe.</p>
+
+<p>"Strike for their heads!" commanded Satan Laczi, as, with sabers drawn,
+the ex-robbers rushed upon the bewildered demons, who had at last met
+their match.</p>
+
+<p>When De Fervlans heard the firing in the neighborhood of the trench, he
+believed it to come from the muskets of his own men, and quickly sounded
+an attack. The demons, who had been feigning to retreat, now turned and
+met their pursuers, and a hand-to-hand conflict began.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel also had heard the firing behind him, and believed himself
+surrounded by the enemy. He beckoned to his trumpeter, to whom he wished
+to give orders to sound a retreat, but the man's horse unfortunately
+stumbled, and threw his rider to the earth. Three demons, at once sprang
+to capture the fallen trumpeter; but Vavel, who knew how necessary the
+man was to him, hastened to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans in amazement watched this unequal encounter. A masterly
+conflict arouses admiration even in <a name="Page_297" id="Page_297" /></a>an enemy; and Vavel certainly
+proved himself a master in the art of fighting.</p>
+
+<p>He fought in cold blood; he was not in the least excited. He made no
+unnecessary thrusts, but wounded his three adversaries in the hand, the
+elbow, the forearm, whereby he rendered them incapable of further
+combat. De Fervlans saw how his skilled demons gave way before Vavel's
+masterly thrusts, while the Volons drew their unfortunate trumpeter from
+beneath his horse, and assisted him to mount again, after they had also
+helped the horse to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>But the trumpet was now useless; it was filled with mud. Consequently a
+signal for retreat could not be sounded.</p>
+
+<p>A dense mass of wild-hop vines inclosed the eastern side of the scene of
+action. De Fervlans glanced impatiently toward this green wall. The
+armed men who should penetrate it would decide the victory.</p>
+
+<p>Even as the thought flashed through his brain, the tangle of vines began
+to shake violently; but the first man to appear therefrom was not Signor
+Trentatrante, as De Fervlans had expected, but Satan Laczi, with his
+ferocious followers.</p>
+
+<p>The attack from this point was so unexpected that De Fervlans for a
+moment seemed stupefied; then quickly recovering himself, he dashed into
+the thick of the fight, Vavel following his example. By this time the
+trumpet had been cleansed, but no orders were received for a retreat
+signal; instead, the sound it shrilled above the fearful turmoil was:
+"Forward! forward!"</p>
+
+<p>With the blood pouring from a gaping wound in his head, Satan Laczi,
+swinging a saber he had captured from a foe, now rushed to meet De
+Fervlans, who at once recognized the former robber.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed, preparing to meet the furious <a name="Page_298" id="Page_298" /></a>onslaught, "you have
+not yet found your way to the gallows!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; here in Hungary only traitors are hanged," retorted Satan Laczi, in
+a loud voice, as, with a mighty leap that would have done credit to a
+horse, he sprang toward the marquis, caught the reins from his hands,
+and with true robber-wit called: "Surrender, brother-rascal!"</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans raised himself in his stirrups and brought his saber
+savagely down on the robber's head. This was the second serious cut
+Satan Laczi had received that day, and was evidently enough to calm his
+enthusiasm. He staggered to one side, made several vain attempts to
+straighten himself, then fell suddenly to the earth. His own blade,
+however, remained in the breast of De Fervlans's horse, where he had
+thrust it to the hilt.</p>
+
+<p>The marquis hardly had time to leap from the saddle before the poor
+beast fell under him.</p>
+
+<p>All seemed lost now. His men were confused and thrown into disorder. In
+desperation he tore his pistols from the saddle of his fallen horse.
+Only a single shrub separated him from his enemy,&mdash;twenty paces,&mdash;and De
+Fervlans was a celebrated shot.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel saw what was coming, and he too drew his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Good night, Chevalier Vavel!" in a mocking tone called De Fervlans, as
+his finger pressed the trigger. There was a sharp report, the ball
+whistled through the air&mdash;but Vavel did not fall.</p>
+
+<p>"Accept <i>my</i> greeting, marquis!" responded Vavel, He raised his pistol,
+and fired without taking aim. De Fervlans fell backward to the ground.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>When De Fervlans's men saw that their leader had fallen they retreated
+toward the bridge, where a portion of the troop alighted and held at bay
+their pursuers, while the rest tore up and flung into the stream the
+planks of the bridge. Then the men who had prevented the Volons from
+following crossed on foot the narrow lengthwise beam to the opposite
+shore&mdash;a feat impossible for a man on horseback.</p>
+
+<p>The spot where the fiercest fighting had occurred was already cleared
+when Katharina arrived upon it. She shuddered with horror, and staggered
+like one who walks in his sleep as she moved about the desert place.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she came upon a large wild-rose bush covered with bloom. Close
+by it lay a horse with the hilt of a sword protruding from his breast.
+Near the dead animal lay a metal helmet ornamented with the gilded
+imperial eagle, and a little farther on lay a mud-stained form in a
+uniform of coarse gray cloth, with a gaping wound in his head; his left
+hand clutched the rushes among which he had fallen. As Katharina, in her
+peasant gown, moved timidly across the open space, she heard a voice say
+faintly in Hungarian:</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, good woman, give me a drink of water."</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to question whether he was friend or foe, Katharina
+caught up the metal helmet to fetch the water.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300" /></a>There was water everywhere about her, but it was the filthy water of
+the morass.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina remembered having heard that the shepherds of the Hansag, when
+they were thirsty, cut a reed and thrust it deep into the swampy earth,
+when clear, drinkable water would rise from the lower soil. She
+therefore thrust a long cane into the moist earth, then put her lips to
+it, and sucked up the water. On removing her lips a clear stream shot
+upward from the cane. She held the helmet under this improvised fountain
+until it was full, then returned with it to the rose-bush.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man was lying on his back, his bloodstained face upturned
+toward the sky. Katharina knelt by his side, and held the helmet to his
+lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Themire!" gasped the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>At sound of the name a sudden fury seemed to seize the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"De Fervlans!" she cried, in a hoarse voice. "<i>You!</i> you, the accursed
+destroyer of my daughter! May God refuse to forgive you for making of me
+the wretched creature I am!"</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she raised the helmet, of water above her head, as if she
+would dash it upon the dying man's face; but he turned his head away
+from her furious gaze, and did not stir again.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Katharina lowered the helmet, and struggled with her excited
+feelings. She looked about her, and saw another motionless form lying
+across a clump of turf. Perhaps he was still alive. Perhaps she might
+help him.</p>
+
+<p>She stepped quickly to his side with the helmet of water and washed the
+blood and mud-stains from his face. Ah, what a hideous face it was! All
+the same, she carefully washed it, then bathed the gaping wounds in his
+head. They were horribly deep, and she was almost overcome by the
+fearful sight. But she looked upward for a moment, <a name="Page_301" id="Page_301" /></a>and it seemed to her
+as if she recognized amid the fleecy clouds a snow-white form, and heard
+an encouraging voice say:</p>
+
+<p>"That is right, mother. I, too, performed such work."</p>
+
+<p>Then she took her handkerchief and bound it around the wounded man's
+head. While so doing her eyes fell on the steel ring on his thumb.</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi!" she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>She put her arms around him, and lifted him to a more comfortable
+position, wondering the while how he came to be there. Had he failed to
+find Marie, whom he was to accompany to Raab? Had Cambray, perhaps,
+prevented her from leaving the castle?</p>
+
+<p>She bent over the wounded man and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi, awake! Look up&mdash;come back to life!"</p>
+
+<p>And Satan Laczi was such an obedient fellow, he opened his eyes and saw
+the lady kneeling by his side.</p>
+
+<p>Then he opened his lips, and said in a very weak voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I should like a drink of water."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina made haste to fill the helmet again at her fountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sister."</p>
+
+<p>"Look at me, Laczi b&aacute;csi;" commanded Katharina, in a cheerful tone.
+"Don't you know me? I am the woman who gave shelter to your wife and
+child. I am little Laczko's foster-mother."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man smiled faintly, and murmured: "Yes, yes&mdash;Laczko&mdash;Laczko
+is a fine lad! He came near&mdash;shooting me because&mdash;because of the maid."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me what you know about the maid," eagerly questioned Katharina.
+"Where is she?"</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man opened his eyes, and seemed to be trying to recall
+something. After a pause, he said slowly, and with evident difficulty:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_302" id="Page_302" /></a>You need&nbsp;n't&mdash;trouble about the&mdash;pretty maid. Laczko is a brave
+lad&mdash;and my wife&mdash;my wife is&mdash;an honest woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I know," returned Katharina. "A good lad, and an honest
+woman. But tell me, in heaven's name, where is the maid?"</p>
+
+<p>"The maid&mdash;Sophie Botta went with&mdash;my wife to Raab&mdash;they are there
+now&mdash;and Laczko too."</p>
+
+<p>How gently the lady bathed the wounded man's face and hands! How
+carefully she renewed the bandages on the horrible wounds!</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel, who hart approached noiselessly, stood and watched her
+perform the labor of love. He saw, heard, and admired. Then he came
+close to the kneeling woman, and clasped his arms around her.</p>
+
+<p>"My Katharina! Oh, what a woman art thou!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_X" id="PART_X" /></a><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303" /></a>PART X</h2>
+
+<h3>CONCLUSION</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Count Vavel returned from his skirmish with De Fervlans's demons,
+he sent his betrothed at once to Raab, with instructions not to separate
+herself again from Marie.</p>
+
+<p>He had not been able to accompany Katharina on her journey, as he had
+received marching orders immediately on his return to camp. On parting
+with his betrothed, however, he had promised to pay a visit to her and
+Marie at an early day, and to write to both of them daily.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of his promise he had not been able to fulfil; his time
+was too fully occupied with the duties of the field. But he sent
+frequent messages to his loved ones; while every day, no matter where he
+might be, he would be sure to receive his letter from Raab&mdash;one sheet
+covered to the edges with Katharina's writing, and the other with
+Marie's.</p>
+
+<p>Their letters were always cheerful, and filled with hope and confidence
+for the future. Ludwig fancied he could see the scene as Katharina
+described it, when Marie had opened the steel casket.</p>
+
+<p>He knew just how delighted the young girl had been when she beheld
+nothing but ashes instead of the little garments, the documents, the
+portraits, the bank-notes; and he could hear her joyous laugh on finding
+herself relieved of the burden of her greatness. But what he could not
+hear was Katharina reciting his brave exploits during <a name="Page_305" id="Page_305" /></a>the fierce
+struggle on the Hansag, a recital Marie insisted on hearing every day.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two, Marie and Katharina, would go every morning to church, to
+pray for Ludwig, to ask God to protect him, and bring him safely back to
+them. This was their daily pleasure and consolation.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the bloody days of Karako, Papa, Raab, and Acs. The militia
+troops took active part in all these battles, and proved themselves
+valiant warriors.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel with his Volons had been assigned to Mesko's brigade, and had
+shared its adventurous march from Abda, around Lake Balaton to Veszprim.
+Here he found his spy and scout, Master Matyas, awaiting him.</p>
+
+<p>For weeks he had not had a word from his loved ones. When he had sent
+them to Raab he believed he had selected a secure haven for them, but
+the course which events had taken proved that he had made a mistake in
+his calculations. Katharina and Marie were now surrounded on all sides
+by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>It was while he was oppressed with these gloomy thoughts that his spy
+and scout suddenly appeared before him. Noah in his ark had not looked
+more longingly for the dove than had he for his brave Matyas.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Master Matyas, what news?"</p>
+
+<p>"All sorts, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Good or bad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, mixed. Both good and bad. I will leave the good till the last. To
+begin: Poor Satan Laczi was buried yesterday&mdash;may God have mercy on his
+sinful soul! They fired three salvos over his grave, and the primate
+himself said the prayers for his soul. If Satan Laczi himself could have
+seen it all, he could hardly have believed that so much honor would be
+shown to his dead body. Poor Laczi! His last words were a greeting to
+his kind patron."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_306" id="Page_306" /></a>His life closed well!" observed the count. "He got what he longed
+for&mdash;a soldier's death. But tell me what you know about Raab."</p>
+
+<p>"I know all about it. I come from there."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, did you see them? Has not the enemy besieged the city?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the city as well as the fortress is in the hands of the enemy, and
+the baroness and the princess are both in it."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you to call her a princess?" demanded Count Vavel, his face
+darkening.</p>
+
+<p>"I will come to that all in good time," composedly replied Matyas, who
+was not to be hurried. "Colonel Pechy," he went on, "bravely defended
+the fortress for ten days against the Frenchmen; but he had to yield at
+last&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Where are Katharina and Marie?" impatiently interrupted Vavel. "What
+became of them when the city capitulated?"</p>
+
+<p>"All in good time, Herr Count, all in good time! I can tell you all
+about them, for I am just come from them."</p>
+
+<p>"Were they in any danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Danger? No, indeed! When the city surrendered they were concealed in a
+house where they passed as the nieces of the Herr Vice-palatine
+G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi."</p>
+
+<p>"Is the vice-palatine with them now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. He has surrendered, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent man! Who commands the Frenchmen at Raab?"</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume?" excitedly interrupted Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly; Guillaume&mdash;that is his name. And he is a very polite
+gentleman. He does not ill-treat the citizens; on the contrary, the very
+next day after he entered the city he gave a ball in the large hotel,
+and invited all the <a name="Page_307" id="Page_307" /></a>distinguished citizens with their wives and
+daughters. The Herr Count's dear ones also received an invitation."</p>
+
+<p>"As the nieces of the vice-palatine, of course?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly! I saw the invitation-card, and it was to 'Madame la
+Comtesse de Alba, avec la Princesse Marie.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Princess Marie?" echoed Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"As I tell you; and that is how I come to know she is a princess."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel's brain seemed paralyzed. He could not even think.</p>
+
+<p>"The vice-palatine," nonchalantly continued Matyas, "protested that a
+mistake had been made; but the French general replied that he knew very
+well who the ladies were, and that he had received instructions how to
+treat them. From that day, two French grenadiers began to guard the
+baroness's door, day and night, just exactly as if they were standing
+guard over a potentate."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel paced the floor, mute with rage and fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did I desert them!" he exclaimed at last, in desperation. "Why did
+I not do as Marie wished&mdash;flee with her and Katharina into the wide
+world&mdash;we three alone!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see you did&nbsp;n't, and this is the way matters stand now,"
+responded Master Matyas. "The general's adjutant visits the house twice
+every day to inquire after the ladies; then he reports to his superior."</p>
+
+<p>"If only Cambray had not died!" ejaculated the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I helped to bury him, too," added Matyas, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, so I was told. How did you manage to get the body from behind the
+metal screen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that was easy enough. You know the spring is connected with the
+bell in your study; when the screen unrolled, the bell rang. It was only
+necessary to reverse <a name="Page_308" id="Page_308" /></a>the operation: by pulling the bell-wire in the
+Herr Count's study the screen was rolled up."</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple arrangement, indeed," observed Count Vavel, smiling in
+spite of his gloom. "Ah, Master Matyas, if only you were clever enough
+to open for me the locks which now imprison my dear ones! That would be
+a masterpiece, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can do that easily enough," was the confident rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"You can? How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did&nbsp;n't I say I would leave the good news until the last?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. Tell me what you have in view."</p>
+
+<p>"I must whisper the secret in your ear; I have often overheard important
+secrets listening at the keyhole or while hiding under a bed, and what I
+have done another may be doing."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel bent his head so that Master Matyas might whisper the important
+information in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>The words were few, but they served to restore Vavel to a cheerful mood.</p>
+
+<p>He laughed heartily, slapped Master Matyas on the shoulder, and
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"You are truly a wonderful fellow!" Then he took a roll of bank-notes
+from his pocket, and pressed it into Matyas's hand. "Here&mdash;take these,
+and buy what is necessary. We will make the attempt at once."</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas thrust the money into his own pocket, and darted from the
+room as if he had stolen it. Ludwig hastened to his general, to beg for
+leave of absence.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Everything is ready," said Master Matyas to Vavel, pointing toward
+three covered luggage-wagons, which the Volons had captured from the
+Frenchmen at Klein-Zell.</p>
+
+<p>The "Death-head troop," as Vavel's Volons were designated, marched in
+the rear of the brigade; consequently they could drop out from it any
+time without attracting special notice.</p>
+
+<p>To-day the brigade marched toward Palota, and the Volons turned into the
+road which led to Zircz. They seemed, however, to have been swallowed up
+by the Bakonye forest, for nothing was seen again of them after they
+entered it. The inhabitants of Ratota still repeat tales of the handsome
+troopers&mdash;every man of them a true Magyar!&mdash;who rode through their
+village to the sound of the trumpet, nodding to the pretty girls, and
+paying gold coin for their refreshment at the inn. But the dwellers in
+Zircz complained that, instead of Magyar troopers, a squad of hostile
+cavalry passed through their village&mdash;Frenchmen in blue mantles, with
+cocks' feathers in their helmets, with a commandant who had given all
+sorts of orders that no one could understand. Luckily, the prior of the
+Premonstrants could speak French, and he acted as interpreter for the
+French commandant. And everybody felt relieved when he marched farther
+with his troop.</p>
+
+<p>These were the transformed Volons. They had ex<a name="Page_310" id="Page_310" /></a>changed their crimson
+shakos in the dense forest for the French helmets, and wrapped
+themselves in the blue mantles taken from the luggage-wagons. No one
+would have doubted that they were French <i>chasseurs</i>&mdash;even the trumpeter
+sounded the calls according to the regulations in the armies of France.</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas hurried on in advance of the troop to learn if the way was
+clear. It would have been equally unpleasant to have met either
+Hungarian or French soldiery. They encountered neither, however; and at
+daybreak on the second day arrived at the village of B&ouml;rcs, on the
+Rabcza, where is an interesting monument of times long past&mdash;a redoubt
+of considerable extent, in the center of which stands the village
+church.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel's troop camped within this redoubt, where they could escape
+attracting attention. The country about them, for a long distance, was
+occupied by French troops.</p>
+
+<p>The highway which led to Raab might be seen from the steeple of the
+church, and here Vavel took up his station with a field-glass.</p>
+
+<p>He had not been long in his tower of observation when he saw a heavy
+cloud of dust moving along the highway, and very soon was able to
+distinguish a body of horsemen. It was a company of cuirassiers, whose
+polished breastplates glittered in the sunlight like stars. The company
+was divided into two squads: one rode in front of a four-horse
+traveling-coach, the other in the rear of it.</p>
+
+<p>There were two ladies in the coach. The elder of the two shielded her
+face from the dust with a heavy veil; the younger lady wore no veil over
+her pale face, but held in front of it a fan, from behind which she took
+an occasional look at the variegated plain, where the ripening grain,
+blended with the green of the meadows, formed a rich, carpet on either
+side of the road.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311" /></a>The young officer riding beside the coach sought to entertain the elder
+lady with observations on the country through which they were passing,
+and from time to time exchanged tender glances with the younger. These
+ladies were the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. They were on
+their way to Raab, where they expected an addition to their party in the
+person of <i>la Princesse Marie</i>, whom they were going to accompany to
+Paris. The troop of cuirassiers was their escort.</p>
+
+<p>"There come some <i>chasseurs</i> on a foraging expedition," observed the
+young officer, pointing toward a body of horsemen that was approaching
+across the green plain.</p>
+
+<p>And, judging from the appearance of the riders, he was right; for the
+Volons, in order to deceive the Frenchmen, were bringing with them a
+couple of loaded hay-wagons, which they were dragging through the middle
+of the highway.</p>
+
+<p>While yet a considerable distance away from the approaching <i>chasseurs</i>,
+the postilions began to blow their horns for a clear way.</p>
+
+<p>The hay-wagons were turned, in obedience to the signal, but, in turning,
+the second one ran into the one in advance with such force that the pole
+was broken clean off.</p>
+
+<p>In front of the barricade thus formed Vavel halted his men, and
+commanded them to throw off their French cloaks and helmets. In a second
+the order was obeyed; the crimson shakos with their grim death-heads
+were donned, and the troop dashed forward upon the escort accompanying
+the coach.</p>
+
+<p>The astonished cuirassiers, who were wholly unprepared for the assault,
+were soon overpowered by the Volons, who also outnumbered them.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful leader had at once placed himself in front of the coach,
+ready for combat with the leader of the <a name="Page_312" id="Page_312" /></a>attacking foe, and Vavel was
+obliged to exercise all his skill to disarm without injuring him.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when the young French champion's sword flew from his hand,
+the younger lady, forgetting all ceremony, cried in terror:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Oh mon Dieu, ne tuez pas Arthur!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel turned toward her, bowed courteously, and said in Talma's
+most exquisite French:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be alarmed, ladies. You are perfectly safe. We are Hungarian
+gentlemen!"</p>
+
+<p>"But what do you want of us?" demanded the elder lady, haughtily
+surveying the count. "What business have we with you? We do not belong
+to the combatants."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell this brave young chevalier what I want," replied Vavel,
+turning toward the youthful leader. "First, let me restore your sword,
+monsieur. You handle it admirably, only you need to grasp it more
+firmly. Then, let me beg of you to mount your horse&mdash;a beautiful animal!
+And third, I beg you to ride as quickly as possible to Raab, and give
+General Guillaume this message: 'I, Count Vavel de Versay, have this day
+taken captive the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. The general
+holds as prisoners my betrothed wife, Countess Themire Dealba, and my
+adopted daughter, Sophie Botta, or, if he prefers, <i>la Princess Marie</i>.
+I demand my loved ones in exchange for Madame and Mademoiselle
+Guillaume.' I have no further demands, monsieur, and the sooner you
+return the better. I shall await you in yonder redoubt, where you see
+the church-steeple. Adieu."</p>
+
+<p>The younger lady, with hands clasped pleadingly, mutely besought the
+youthful officer to assent. As if he would not do everything in his
+power to urge the general to consent to the exchange! The young
+Frenchman galloped down the road toward Raab. Count Vavel took his place
+beside <a name="Page_313" id="Page_313" /></a>the coach, and ordered the postilions to drive to B&ouml;rcs. At
+first, the general's wife heaped reproaches on her captor.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a violation of national courtesies," she exclaimed irately. "It
+is brigandage, to waylay and take as prisoners two distinguished women."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame's husband has also detained as prisoners two distinguished
+women," in a respectful tone responded Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"But my daughter is so nervous."</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a more timid creature in the world than my poor little
+Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, monsieur, you are a Frenchman, and know what is due to
+ladies of our station."</p>
+
+<p>"In that respect, madame, I shall follow General Guillaume's example."</p>
+
+<p>They were now among the gardens of B&ouml;rcs, where the cherry-trees,
+heavily laden with fruit, rose above the tall hedges; and very soon they
+turned into a beautiful street shaded by walnut-trees, which led to the
+redoubt. The parsonage was the only house of importance in the village.
+The pastor was standing at his door when Vavel ordered the coach to
+stop. He assisted the ladies to alight, and begged the pastor to grant
+them the hospitality of his roof. The request was not refused, and the
+ladies were made as comfortable as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you care to see the sights of the village, madame?" asked Vavel of
+the mother, after they had partaken of the lunch prepared by the
+pastor's housekeeper. The young lady, who was exhausted by the journey,
+had gone to her room. "There is a very old church here which is
+interesting."</p>
+
+<p>"Are there any fine pictures in it?" inquired madame.</p>
+
+<p>"There is one,&mdash;a very touching scene,&mdash;'The Samaritan.'"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_314" id="Page_314" /></a>Ancient or modern?" queried the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"The subject is old&mdash;it dates back to the first years of Christianity,
+madame. The execution is modern."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the work of a celebrated artist?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is the work of our clerical host."</p>
+
+<p>The lady shook her head; she was uncertain whether Count Vavel was
+making sport of her or of the pastor.</p>
+
+<p>But she understood him when she entered the church. The house
+consecrated to the service of God had become a hospital, and was crowded
+with wounded French soldiers. The women of the village, as volunteer
+nurses, were taking care of them, and performed the task as faithfully
+as if the invalids were their own sons and brothers. The pastor himself
+supplied the necessary medicines from his own cupboard; for no army
+surgeon came here at a time when twenty thousand wounded Frenchmen lay
+at Aspern, and twenty-two thousand at Wagram.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not an affecting tableau, madame?" said Count Vavel. "It would be
+a suitable altar-piece for Notre Dame&mdash;and the name of its creator
+deserves perpetuation!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Monsieur le Capitaine Descourcelles rode an excellent horse, was a
+capital rider, and was plainly very much in love. These three
+circumstances combined brought back the gallant soldier from Raab by
+five o'clock in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>The captain of the cuirassiers was not a little surprised to find the
+general's wife playing cards with the hostile leader.</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume agrees to everything," he announced immediately, on
+entering the room. "He will release the ladies he has been holding as
+prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel hastened to shake hands with the bearer of these glad tidings, who
+was, however, more eager to kiss the hand of Vavel's partner, and to
+inquire:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I find the ladies perfectly comfortable?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very comfortable indeed," replied madame. "<i>Messieurs les Cannibales</i>
+are very polite, and <i>leur Catzique</i> plays an excellent hand at piquet."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is mademoiselle? I trust she is not suffering from the
+fatigue of the journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; she is very well. She is making her toilet, and will soon join
+us. I hope we shall leave here very soon."</p>
+
+<p>Madame now rose, and left the two soldiers alone in the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," observed the French captain, handing Vavel a paper, "is the
+<i>sauf conduit</i>."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316" /></a>The pass contained the information that "Vavel de Versay, expatriated
+French nobleman and magnate of Hungary, together with the Countess
+Themire Dealba (alias Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild) and Sophie
+Botta (pretended Princess Marie Charlotte Capet), with attendants, were
+to be allowed to travel unmolested by any French troops they might
+chance to meet."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel looked at this document a long time.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you doubt the assurance of a French officer, monsieur?" asked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I was just unable to understand why a word had been used here. I
+<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'day'">dare</ins> say it is a mistake. But no matter. I am greatly
+obliged to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't speak of it," responded the Frenchman, cordially shaking the
+hand Vavel extended toward him. "I must not forget to tell you that a
+four weeks' armistice was agreed upon to-day."</p>
+
+<p>The ladies now entered the room, prepared to continue their journey. The
+face of the younger one wore a more cheerful expression than on her
+arrival at the parsonage. Madame thanked Vavel for his courtesy, then,
+with her daughter, entered the carriage and drove away.</p>
+
+<p>Madame Guillaume was forgetful: she neglected to take leave of her host
+the pastor, and of her wounded countrymen in the church.</p>
+
+<p><ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Vaval'">Vavel</ins> communicated the news of the armistice to his
+adjutant, and commanded him to return at once with the Volons to
+Fert&ouml;szeg, there to quarter themselves in the Nameless Castle, and await
+further orders. Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by Master
+Matyas, galloped out of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight had deepened into night when the two men arrived at Raab. The
+clocks were striking eight, and the French trumpets were sounding the
+retreat at every gate. <a name="Page_317" id="Page_317" /></a>Vavel, therefore, would not be allowed to enter
+the city until the next morning; but Master Matyas, who did not stop to
+inquire which was the proper way when he wanted to go anywhere, knew of
+a little garden that belonged to a certain tanner, and very soon found
+an entrance along a rather circuitous route among the tan-vats.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel had already seen battered walls, and dwellings ruined by bombs and
+flames, yet the thought that he should find his loved ones amid these
+smoke-blackened ruins oppressed his heart.</p>
+
+<p>The two men attracted no attention. In the last days there had been many
+strangers in the city, deputations from the militia camps, to assist in
+establishing the line of demarcation. Master Matyas, without difficulty,
+led the way among the ruins to the neat little abode where the worthy
+vice-palatine had <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'establshed'">established</ins> his prot&eacute;g&eacute;s.
+When they came within sight of the house Matyas observed:</p>
+
+<p>"The two Frenchmen with their bearskin caps are not on guard to-day. The
+vice-palatine's servant seems to be doing sentry-duty."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel applied his spurs and cantered briskly toward the house, but
+moderated his speed when he came nearer. He remembered how easily Marie
+was frightened by the clatter of horse-hoofs.</p>
+
+<p>At the corner of the street he alighted, and cautioning Matyas to
+exercise slowly the fatigued horses, proceeded on foot to the house.</p>
+
+<p>The servant on guard at the door saluted in military fashion with drawn
+sword. Ludwig hurried into the house. In the hall he encountered the
+little Laczko, who, at sight of the visitor, dropped the boot and brush
+he held in his hands, and disappeared through a door at the end of the
+hall. Vavel followed him, and found himself in the kitchen, <a name="Page_318" id="Page_318" /></a>where the
+widow of Satan Laczi also dropped to the floor the cooking-utensil she
+had in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>The count did not stop to question her, but went on into the adjoining
+room, whence proceeded the sound of voices, and here he found three
+acquaintances&mdash;the vice-palatine, Dr. Tromfszky, and the surveyor, Herr
+Doboka. The three started in alarm when they beheld Vavel. The doctor
+even made as if he would rush from the room&mdash;as when in the Nameless
+Castle the furious invalid had seized his groom by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>The expressions on the three startled countenances brought a sudden fear
+to Ludwig's heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Is any one ill here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine and the doctor looked at each other, but did not
+speak; the surveyor began to stammer:</p>
+
+<p>"I say&mdash;I say that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is Marie ill?" interrupted Vavel, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat silently nodded assent, and pointed toward the door leading
+into the next room.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel did not stop to inquire further, but strode into the adjoining
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p>What a familiar little room it was, another fairy-like retreat like that
+of the Nameless Castle! Here were Marie's toys, her furniture; the four
+cats were purring in the window-seat, and the two pugs lay dozing on the
+sofa.</p>
+
+<p>A canopy-bed stood in the alcove, and among the pillows lay Marie.
+Katharina was sitting by the bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, God!" cried Vavel, in a tone so full of anguish that every one who
+heard it, man, woman, and child, burst into tears. The invalid among the
+pillows alone laughed&mdash;laughed aloud for joy.</p>
+
+<p>And had she not cause to rejoice? Ludwig&mdash;<i>her</i> Lud<a name="Page_319" id="Page_319" /></a>wig&mdash;did not hasten
+first to embrace and kiss his betrothed wife. No, <i>she</i>, his little
+Marie, was the first!</p>
+
+<p>He flung himself on his knees by the bed and covered the pale face with
+kisses and tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dearest! My adored saint! My idol!" he sobbed, while Marie's
+face glowed with the purest earthly happiness.</p>
+
+<p>She pressed Ludwig's head to her breast and whispered soothingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't grieve, Ludwig; I am not going to die. I have not got that horrid
+influenza poor papa Cambray brought with him from Paris. I took a little
+cold the night we ran away from the bombs; but I shall soon be well
+again, now that you are come. I want to live, Ludwig, and you, who
+rescued me from death once before, will know how to do it again."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina laid her hand tenderly on the maid's head, and said gently:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk any more now, dearest; you know you must not excite
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Marie grasped the white hand and drew it down to Ludwig's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Kiss it, Liadwig; kiss this dear, good hand. Oh, she has been a good
+little mother to me! She has wept so much because of me. If only you
+knew what she had planned to do when they were going to tear me away
+from her! But that danger is past, and now that you are come everything
+will be well. We have been reading about you, Ludwig. What a hero you
+are&mdash;our knight, St. George! I have&nbsp;n't been really ill, you know,
+Ludwig; it was only anxiety about you. I shall soon be well again.
+Please tell the doctor I don't need any more medicine. I want to get
+up&mdash;I feel strong already. I want to put on my gown; then I will take
+your arm and Katharina's, and <a name="Page_320" id="Page_320" /></a>we three will promenade to the window. I
+want to see the evening star. Please send Frau Satan to me; she can lift
+me more easily than Katharina, for I am very heavy. Ludwig, take
+Katharina into the next room while I am dressing. I know you have much
+to say to each other."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Satan now entered in answer to the summons. The doctor had ordered
+that the invalid's wishes must be obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Katharina went into the next room. They looked long into each
+other's eyes, and in the gaze lay many of the thoughts which, if they
+cannot be told to the one person on earth, are never heard by any one
+else. Suddenly Katharina, without word of warning, dropped on her knees
+at her lover's feet, seized his hand, and laid her face against it.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my guardian angel," she whispered (the invalid in the next room
+must not be disturbed by the sound of voices); "you have rescued that
+saint from her enemies and saved me from perdition. Oh, Ludwig, if only
+you knew what I have suffered! Marie's every sigh, the feverish words
+uttered in her delirium, have been so many accusations oppressing my
+heart. These have been terrible days! To be compelled hourly to dread
+either of two horrible blows, and to have to pray to God that, if both
+could not be averted, to let the milder one fall! Death would have been
+welcome, indeed, compared to the other one. To listen tremblingly, hour
+after hour, for the knock at the door which would announce the messenger
+sent to bear Marie to Paris, or death with his scythe to bear her to the
+grave! And then to have to look on her sufferings, and hear her pray for
+her betrayer! Oh, it was terrible, terrible! Ludwig, you are just&mdash;as
+God is just. I have suffered as any woman in the Bible suffered. You
+have taken my load of sorrow from me, have released my heart <a name="Page_321" id="Page_321" /></a>from the
+tortures of perdition. All the evil I have done, you have made good.
+Therefore, do you pronounce judgment on me. Condemn me or forgive me. I
+deserve both; I will accept either at your hands."</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Ludwig Vavel raised the woman to her feet, clasped her in
+his arms, and pressed his lips to hers in a long, long kiss. In it were
+forgiveness, love, union.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>From the adjoining room came the sounds of a piano. Some one was playing
+the hymn of the Hungarian militia.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Katharina hurried into the room. Marie was seated at the
+piano, arrayed in her favorite blue gown. Her transparent hands hovered
+over the ivory keys, and lured from them the melancholy air, to which
+she sang, in a voice that seemed to come from the distant clouds:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>"Was kleinliche Bosheit ausgedacht,<br /></span>
+<span>Hat unserer Liebe ein Ende gemacht."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the last word her arms sank to her sides; the exertion had completely
+exhausted her. But she struggled bravely to overcome her weakness. She
+smiled brightly at Ludwig and Katharina, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"This melancholy song was not intended for you two. It was only to show
+Ludwig how I have improved. You two will love each other very dearly,
+won't you? And you will go far, far away from here, and leave 'Marie'
+buried in her tomb. I don't mean myself; I mean the troublesome girl who
+has made so much ill feeling in the world, because of whom so many
+people have suffered; the girl whose ashes rest there in the steel
+casket, and whose life was so sad that she had no desire to live longer.
+But 'Sophie' is going with you out into the world. She will see how
+happy you two can be. And now, help me to the window; I want to look at
+the evening star,"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322" /></a>They rolled her arm-chair to the window, and Vavel opened the sash to
+admit the fresh air from the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Marie clasped Ludwig's and Katharina's hands in both her own, and
+whispered in a faint voice:</p>
+
+<p>"You will forget the past, will you not? or think of it only as a
+dream&mdash;a disagreeable dream. And don't go back to the Nameless Castle.
+The veiled woman, the locked doors, the silent man, the telescope, the
+lonely promenades in the garden&mdash;all, all were dreams. Don't think of
+them! Forget them all! The clanking swords, the thunder of cannons&mdash;all
+these were not. We only dreamed it. We never lived under the shadow of a
+throne. Who was Marie? A sovereign of cats, and crown princess in the
+realm of little dogs and birds&mdash;a nursery tale to tell naughty little
+children who will not go to sleep! But Sophie Botta will be here
+to-morrow, and the next day, and always; she will be with you, the
+silly, stupid little maid, who can do nothing but obey those whom she
+loves with all her heart."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel with difficulty refrained from giving voice to his overwhelming
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>"Just see," Marie continued in a gay tone, "how much better I am!
+Heretofore, when the hour came for the evening star to appear, the fever
+would come too, and to-day it has failed to come with the star. Joy has
+cured me. Don't take your hands away from me, Ludwig&mdash;Katharina. They
+will&mdash;hold me&mdash;hold me&mdash;fast."</p>
+
+<p>But they did not "hold her fast."</p>
+
+<p>And why should such a being remain on this earth&mdash;a being that could do
+naught else but love and renounce, adoring her nation even when it
+persecuted her?</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>A dark thunder-cloud rose above the horizon out over the Hansag. The sky
+looked like a vaulted ceiling hung <a name="Page_323" id="Page_323" /></a>with mourning draperies. From time
+to time a distant flash of lightning illumined the cloud-curtain, then
+would be heard the rumbling of thunder, like the deep tones of a distant
+organ.</p>
+
+<p>Under the threatening sky lay the glittering lake. Its surface of
+quicksilver was streaked here and there with black shadows&mdash;the track of
+the wind-gusts racing across it. The trees were rustling in the wind,
+making a sound like a distant choral.</p>
+
+<p>On the shore of Lake Neusiedl stood the Volons in rank and file. They
+were waiting for something that was coming from the farther shore of the
+little cove.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the glistening surface of the water was ruffled by a black
+object that pushed out from the shore. It was a boat. Six men were
+rowing, a seventh held the rudder. There was a coffin in the boat,
+covered with a simple pall. No ostentatious trappings ornamented the
+coffin; only a myrtle wreath lay on it. A woman, sat at the head of it,
+another at the foot&mdash;the former a lady, the latter a peasant wife.</p>
+
+<p>The six men, with even and powerful strokes, sent the craft through the
+ripples which occasionally leaped into the boat, as if they would salute
+her who had so often toyed with them.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment the boat touched the shore the storm burst. Vivid
+lightning illumined the heavy downpour of rain, and it seemed as if the
+black-robed forms bore the coffin to its grave amid a flood of
+harpstrings that reached from heaven to earth.</p>
+
+<p>The two weeping women followed the coffin; at a little distance they
+seemed two shadows. The helmsmen of the funeral boat now stepped to the
+head of the grave and opened his lips to speak, but a heavy peal of
+thunder drowned his voice. When it had ceased he said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_324" id="Page_324" /></a>My brave comrades, you are here to pay a last honor to your patroness.
+There is nothing left for us to fight for. Peace has been proclaimed.
+The conqueror takes from you a plot of ground twenty-four hundred square
+miles in extent. The one lying here takes from you only six feet of
+earth. To you remain your tattered flag and your wounds. Return to your
+homes. My sword has finished its work, and will accompany the saint for
+whom it was drawn!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he broke the keen blade in twain and cast the pieces into
+the grave, adding impressively, "May God give us forgetfulness, and may
+we be forgotten!"</p>
+
+<p>The Volons fired three salvos over the grave, the reverberating thunder
+and the flashing lightning mingling with the noise of the muskets.</p>
+
+<p>When the storm had passed the moon rose in a cloudless sky. Only the
+waves, which had been stirred by the tempest, continued to murmur to
+their favorite who was sleeping peacefully in her grave on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had asked to be buried on the grassy slope by the side of her old
+friend the Marquis d'Avoncourt, and that no other monument should mark
+her resting-place save the imperishable tree which turns to stone after
+it dies.</p>
+
+<p>And what could have been graven on her tomb? A name that was not hers? A
+history that was not true?</p>
+
+<p>Or would it have been well to carve on the marble her true life-history,
+that those who would not believe it might wage a lawsuit against an
+epitaph?</p>
+
+<p>No; it was better so. No one would ever learn what had become of her.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel had prayed for forgetfulness&mdash;that he might be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>His prayer was granted.</p>
+
+<p>For a few years afterward tales were repeated about <a name="Page_325" id="Page_325" /></a>Sophie Botta, and
+some of her kinsfolk came from a distance to claim the sum of money
+Vavel had placed in the hands of the authorities for the young girl's
+heirs. But none of the claimants could produce satisfactory proofs of
+kinship, and after a while Sophie Botta was forgotten by all the world,
+as were Count Vavel and Katharina.</p>
+
+<p>The Nameless Castle as well vanished from the face of the earth, as have
+entire villages which once stood on the treacherous shores of Lake
+Neusiedl.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually, imperceptibly, the castle disappeared; gradually,
+imperceptibly, bastion after bastion vanished, until not even the stone
+hand which held aloft the sword in the noble escutcheon, or the towering
+weathervane, could be seen above the placid waters of the lake.</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14048 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #14048 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14048)
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jókai
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nameless Castle
+
+Author: Maurus Jókai
+
+Release Date: November 15, 2004 [EBook #14048]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS CASTLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Dr Maurus Jókai]
+
+WORKS OF MAURUS JÓKAI
+
+HUNGARIAN EDITION
+
+THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+Translated from the Hungarian
+Under the Author's supervision
+By S. E. BOGGS
+
+
+NEW YORK
+DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
+1898
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY WORKS
+
+
+This is not the first occasion upon which it has been my good fortune to
+win appreciation and approval for my works from the reading public of
+the United States. Up to the present, however, it has often been under
+difficulties; for many of my works which have been published in the
+English tongue were not translated from the original Hungarian text,
+while others, through want of a final perusal, were introduced to the
+public marred by numerous faults.
+
+In the present edition we have striven to give the English reading
+public a correct translation, for which an authorized text has been
+utilized by the Doubleday & McClure Co., who have sole right for
+publishing future English translations of my books.
+
+Between the United States and Hungary we discover many common traits:
+the same state-creative energy in the predominant people, which finds
+expression in constitutional forms, relying upon the love of freedom,
+which unites so many different races in one uniform whole; the same
+independent institutions; the same ideas in religion, in ethics; the
+same respect for women, the same esteem of labor, the same mental
+culture; a striving after progress, yet side by side with this a high
+respect for traditions; the same poetry of agriculture, the same prose
+of industry; rapid progress of both, and in consequence thereof an
+impetuous growth of towns.
+
+Yet, while we find so many common traits between America and Hungary in
+the great field of theory, those typical figures which here in Hungary
+represent such theories must make a novel and extraordinary _entrée_ in
+the New World, that they may deserve to win the interest of the foreign
+reader.
+
+Hungary still represents a piece and parcel of the Old World; she is not
+so much Europe as a modern Asia. My novels centre round those peculiar
+figures of Hungarian common life; and in every work of mine a bit of
+history of true common life will be found described. I have had a
+particular delight, however, in occupying myself with foreign countries,
+especially with the East. There have been years when I was compelled to
+choose subjects for novel-writing in foreign parts.
+
+In English and in Hungarian literature we find a common trait in that
+humor which is discovered also in the tragic; a characteristic of the
+nation itself.
+
+It is with perfect confidence and in good hope that I present my present
+work (translated so faithfully) before the much-esteemed English reading
+public. May God bless that home of freedom, by whose example we have
+learnt how to unite the greatness of the state with the welfare of the
+people.
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI.
+
+BUDAPEST, May 11th, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI
+
+A Sketch
+
+
+To a man who has earned such titles as "The Shakespeare of Hungary" and
+"The Glory of Hungarian Literature"; who published in fifty years three
+hundred and fifty novels, dramas, and miscellaneous works, not to
+mention innumerable articles for the press that owes its freedom chiefly
+to him, it seems incredible that there was ever a time of indecision as
+to what career he was best fitted to follow. The idle life of the
+nobility into which Maurus Jókay was born in 1825 had no attractions for
+a strongly intellectual boy, fired with zeal and energy that carried him
+easily to the head of each class in school and college; nor did he feel
+any attraction for the prosaic practice of law, his father's profession,
+to which Austria's despotism drove many a nobleman in those wretched
+days for Hungary. It was Pétofi, the poet, who was his dearest friend
+during the student-life at Pápa; idealism ever attracted him, and, by
+natural gravitation toward the finest minds, he chose the friendship of
+young men who quickly rose into eminence during the days of revolution
+and invasion that tried men's souls.
+
+For a time Jókay, as he then wrote his name, was undecided whether to
+choose literature or art as an outlet for the idealism, imagination, and
+devotion that overflowed in two directions from this boy of seventeen.
+With some of the inherited artistic talent, which in his relative
+Munkacsy amounted to genius, he felt most inclined toward painting and
+sculpture, and finally consecrated himself to them. In his library at
+Budapest there now stands a small, well-executed bust of his wife in
+ivory; and on the walls hang several landscapes and still-life
+paintings, which he showed with a smile to an American visitor, who
+stood silent before them last winter, hoping for some inspiration of
+speech that would reconcile politeness with veracity and her own ideals
+of good art. If a "deep love for art and an ardent desire to excel" will
+"more than compensate for the want of method," to quote Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, then Jókay would have been a great painter indeed. While he
+never was that, his chisel and brushes have remained a recreation and
+delight to him always.
+
+Apparently he was diverted from art to literature by a trifle; but in
+the light of later developments it is simple enough to see which was
+really the greater force working within. The Academy of Arts and
+Sciences, founded by Szécheni, offered a prize for the best drama, and
+Jókay won it. He was then seventeen, for careers began early in olden
+times. When twenty-one his first novel, "Work Days," met with great
+applause; other romances quickly followed, and, as they dealt with the
+social and political tendencies that fanned the revolution into flame
+two years later, their success was instantaneous. His true
+representations of Hungarian life and character, his passionate love of
+liberty, his lofty idealism for his crushed and lethargic country,
+aroused a great wave of patriotism like a call to arms, and consecrated
+him to work with his pen for the freedom of the common people.
+Henceforth paint-brushes were cast aside.
+
+Pétofi and Jókay, teeming with great ideas, quickly attracted other
+writers and young men of the university about them, and, each helping
+the other, brought about a bloodless revolution that secured, among
+other inestimable boons, the freedom of a censored, degraded press. And
+yet the only act of violence these young revolutionists committed was in
+entering a printing establishment and setting up with their own hands
+the type for Pétofi's poem, that afterward became the war-song of the
+national movement. At that very establishment was soon to be printed a
+proclamation granting twelve of their dearest wishes to the people. From
+this time Jókay changed the spelling of his name to Jókai, _y_ being a
+badge of nobility hateful to disciples of the doctrine of liberty,
+fraternity, equality.
+
+About this time Jókai married the Rachel of the Hungarian stage, Rosa
+Laborfalvy. The portrait of her that hangs in her husband's famous
+library shows a beautiful woman of intense sensitiveness, into whose
+face some of the sadness of her rôles seems to have crept. It was to her
+powers of impersonation and disguise that Jókai owed his life many years
+later, when, imprisoned and suffering in a dungeon, he was enabled to
+escape in her clothes to join Kossuth in the desperate fight against the
+allied armies of Austria and Russia. Since her death he has lived in
+retirement.
+
+The bloodless revolution of 1848, which suddenly transformed Hungary
+into a modern state, possessing civil and religious liberty for which
+the young idealists led by Kossuth had labored with such passionate
+zeal, was not effected without antagonizing the old aristocracy, all of
+whose cherished institutions were suddenly swept away; or the
+semi-barbaric people of the peasant class, who could little appreciate
+the beneficent reforms. Into the awful civil war that followed, when the
+horrors of an Austrian-Russian invasion were added to the already
+desperate situation, Jókai plunged with magnificent heroism. Side by
+side with Kossuth, he fought with sword and pen. Those who heard him
+deliver an address at the Peace Congress at Brussels two years ago felt
+through his impassioned eloquence that the man had himself drained the
+bitterest dregs of war.
+
+While Kossuth lived in exile in England and the United States, and many
+other compatriots escaped to Turkey and beyond, Jókai, in concealment at
+home, writing under an assumed name and with a price on his head,
+continued his work for social reform, until a universal pardon was
+granted by Austria and the saddened idealists once more dared show their
+faces in devastated Hungary.
+
+Ripe with experience and full of splendid intellectual power, Jókai now
+turned his whole attention to literature. The pages of his novels glow
+with the warmth of the man's intensity of feeling: his pen had been
+touched by a living coal. He knew his country as no other man has known
+it; and transferred its types, its manners, its life in high degree and
+low, to the pages of his romances and dramas with a brilliancy and
+mastery of style that captivated the people, whose idol he still
+remains. Scenes from Turkish life--in which, next to Hungarian, he is
+particularly interested; historical novels, romances of pure
+imagination, short tales, dramatic works, essays on literature and
+social questions, came pouring from his surcharged brain and heart. The
+very virtues of his work, its intensity, and the boundless scope of its
+imagination, sometimes produce a lack of unity and an improbability to
+which the hypercritical in the West draw attention with a sense of
+superior wisdom; but the Hungarians themselves, who know whereof he
+writes, can see no faults whatever in his work. It is essentially
+idealistic; the true and the beautiful shine through it with radiant
+lustre, in sharp distinction from the scenes of famine and carnage that
+abound. His Turkish stories have been described as "full of blood and
+roses."
+
+Of his more mature productions, the best known are: "A Magyar Nabob";
+"The Fools of Love"; "The New Landlord"; "Black Diamonds"; "A Romance of
+the Coming Century"; "Handsome Michael"; "God is One," in which the
+Unitarians play an important part; "The Nameless Castle," that gives an
+account of the Hungarian army employed against Napoleon in 1809;
+"Captive Ráby," a romance of the times of Joseph II.; and "As We Grow
+Old," the latter being the author's own favorite and, strangely enough,
+the people's also. Dr. Jókai greatly deplores that what the critics call
+his best work should not have been given to the English-speaking people.
+
+In 1896 Hungary celebrated the completion of his fifty years of literary
+labor by issuing a beautiful jubilee edition of his works, for which the
+people of all grades of society subscribed $100,000. Every county in the
+country sent him memorials in the form of albums wrought in gold and
+precious stones, two hundred of these souvenirs filling one side of the
+author's large library and reception-room. Low bookcases running around
+the walls are filled only with his own publications, the various
+editions of his three hundred and fifty books making a large library in
+themselves. The cabinets hold sketches and paintings sent by the artists
+of Hungary as a jubilee gift; there are cases containing carvings,
+embroidery, lace, and natural-history specimens sent him by the
+peasants, and orders in gold and silver, studded with jewels, with
+autograph letters from the kings and queens of Europe. In the midst of
+all this inspiring display of loving appreciation, Dr. Jókai has his
+desk; a pile of neatly written, even manuscript ever before him, for in
+his seventy-fourth year he still feels the old-time passion for work
+calling him to it early in the morning and holding him in its spell all
+the day long. A small room adjoining his library contains the books of
+reference he consults, a narrow bed like a soldier's, and a few window
+plants. It might be the room of a monk, so bare is it of what the world
+calls comforts. One devoted man-servant attends to Dr. Jókai's simple
+wants with abundant leisure to spare.
+
+While in Budapest Dr. Jókai is seldom seen away from home, except in
+Parliament, where he has a seat in the Upper House, or at the theatre
+where his plays are regularly performed, or at the table of a few dear
+relatives and old-time friends. His life is exceedingly simple and well
+ordered.
+
+Just a little way back on the hills that rise beyond Buda, across the
+Danube and overlooking wide stretches of beautiful, fertile country,
+stands Dr. Jókai's summer-home. His garden is a paradise. Quantities of
+roses climb over the unpretentious house, the paths are lined with them;
+gay beds of poppies and other familiar favorites in our Western gardens,
+but many new to American eyes, crowd the fruit that grows in delightful
+abundance everywhere, for Dr. Jókai tends his garden with his own hands,
+and his horticultural wisdom is only second to his knowledge of the
+Turkish wars. His apples, pears, and roses win prizes at all the shows,
+and his little book, "Hints on Gardening," propagates a large crop of
+like-minded enthusiasts year after year. Now, as ever, any knowledge he
+has he shares with the people. After a long life of bitter stress and
+labor, abundant peace has come in the latter days.
+
+Hungary boasts four great men: Liszt, Munkacsy, Kossuth, and Jókai, who
+was the intimate friend of the other three.
+
+NELTJE BLANCHAN.
+
+NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+I     CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+II    THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+III   THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+IV    SATAN LACZI
+V     ANGE BARTHELMY
+VI    DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+VII   THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+VIII  KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+IX    SATAN AND DEMON
+X     CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+PART I
+
+CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+A snow-storm was raging with such vigor that any one who chanced to be
+passing along the silent thoroughfare might well have believed himself
+in St. Petersburg instead of in Paris, in the Rue des Ours, a side
+street leading into the Avenue St. Martin. The street, never a very busy
+one, was now almost deserted, as was also the avenue, as it was yet too
+early for vehicles of various sorts to be returning from the theatre.
+
+The street-lamps on the corners had not yet been lighted. In front of
+one of those old-fashioned houses which belong to a former Paris a heavy
+iron lantern swung, creaking in the wind, and, battling with the
+darkness, shed flickering rays of light on the child who, with a faded
+red cotton shawl wrapped about her, was cowering in the deep doorway of
+the house. From time to time there would emerge from the whirling
+snowflakes the dark form of a man clad as a laborer. He would walk
+leisurely toward the doorway in which the shivering child was concealed,
+but would turn when he came to the circle of light cast on the snowy
+pavement by the swinging lantern, and retrace his steps, thus appearing
+and disappearing at regular intervals. Surely a singular time and place
+for a promenade! The clocks struck ten--the hour which found every
+honest dweller within the Quartier St. Martin at home. On this evening,
+however, two belated citizens came from somewhere, their hurrying
+footsteps noiseless in the deep snow, their approach announced only by
+the lantern carried by one of them--an article without which no
+respectable citizen at the beginning of the century would have ventured
+on the street after nightfall. One of the pedestrians was tall and
+broad-shouldered, with a handsome countenance, which bore the impress of
+an inflexible determination; a dimple indented his smoothly shaven chin.
+His companion, and his senior by several years, was a slender,
+undersized man.
+
+When the two men came abreast of the doorway illumined by the swinging
+lamp, it was evident that they had arrived at their destination. They
+halted and prepared to enter the house.
+
+At this moment the child crouching in the snow began to sob.
+
+"See here!" exclaimed the taller of the two gentlemen. "Here is a little
+girl."
+
+"Why, so there is!" in turn exclaimed the elder, stooping and letting
+the light of his lantern fall on the child's face. "What are you doing
+here, little one?" he asked in a kindly tone.
+
+"I want my mama! I want my mama!" wailed the child, with a fresh burst
+of sobs.
+
+"Who is your mama?" queried the younger man.
+
+"My mama is the countess."
+
+"And where does she live?"
+
+"In the palace."
+
+"Naturally! In which avenue is the palace?"
+
+"I--don't--know."
+
+"A true child of Paris!" in an undertone exclaimed the elder gentleman.
+"She knows that her mother is a countess, and that she lives in a
+palace; but she has never been told the name of the street in which is
+her home."
+
+"How come you to be here, little countess?" inquired the younger man.
+
+"Diana can tell you," was the reply.
+
+"And who may Diana be?"
+
+"Why, who else but mama's Diana?"
+
+"Allow me to question her," here interposed the elder man. Then, to the
+child: "Diana is the person who helps you put on your clothes, is she
+not?"
+
+"It is just the other way: she took off my clothes--just see; I have
+nothing on but this petticoat and this hideous shawl."
+
+As she spoke she flung back the faded shawl and revealed how scantily
+she was clad.
+
+"You poor child!" compassionately ejaculated the young man; and when he
+saw that her thin morocco slippers were buried in the snow, he lifted
+her hastily in his arms. "You are half frozen."
+
+"But why did Diana leave you half clothed in this manner?" pursued the
+elder man. "Why did she undress you? Can't you tell us that much?"
+
+"Mama slapped her this morning."
+
+"Ah! then Diana is a servant?"
+
+"Why, of course; what else could she be?"
+
+"Well, she might be a goddess or a hound, you know," smilingly returned
+the old gentleman.
+
+"When mama went to the opera, this evening," explained the little one,
+"she ordered Diana to take me to the children's ball at the marquis's.
+Instead, she brought me to this street, made me get out of the carriage,
+took off my silk ball-gown and all my pretty ornaments, and left me here
+in this doorway--I am sure I don't know why, for there is n't any music
+here."
+
+"It is well she left this old shawl with you, else your mama would not
+have a little countess to tell the tale to-morrow," observed the elder
+man. Then, turning to his companion, he added in a lower tone: "What are
+we to do with her?"
+
+"We can't leave her here; that would be inhuman," was the reply, in the
+same cautious tone.
+
+"But we can't take her in; it would be a great risk."
+
+"What is there to fear from an innocent prattler who cannot even
+remember her mother's name?"
+
+"We might take her to the conciergerie," suggested the elder gentleman.
+
+"_I_ think we had better not disturb the police when they are asleep,"
+in a significant tone responded his companion.
+
+"That is true; but we can't take the child to our apartments. You know
+that we--"
+
+"I have an idea!" suddenly interposed the young man. "This innocent
+child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may
+accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken."
+
+"I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at
+one and the same time. Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are
+locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring
+this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the
+child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
+To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else
+she will send some one in search of you."
+
+He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.
+
+When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door
+at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning
+glance, announced that everything was ready for the reception of their
+small guest. They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily
+curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded
+tapestry.
+
+Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm. "Are you going to
+kill me?" she cried out in terror.
+
+The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said:
+
+"Why, surely you don't take us to be _croquemitaines_ who devour little
+children; do you?"
+
+"Have you got a little girl of your own?" queried the little one,
+suddenly.
+
+"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the
+question. "I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl."
+
+"But my mama has no husband, and she 's got me," prattled the child.
+
+"That is different, my dear. But if I have not got a little girl, I know
+very well what to do for one."
+
+As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed
+her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in
+the alcove.
+
+"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had
+been sleeping here."
+
+The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded:
+
+"Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan?"
+
+"But where did you get hot coals?"
+
+"Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the
+old man. Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going
+to sleep?"
+
+"No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we
+grow old."
+
+"An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your
+convictions will not prevent you from drinking a cup of egg-punch, and
+partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit?"
+
+At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and
+while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man
+rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll. All thought
+of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind. She clasped the toy in
+her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby,
+to which she very soon fell asleep herself.
+
+"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing
+together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to
+the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh
+blaze.
+
+"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response. "We can't
+stop here much longer. Do you know what has happened to the duke?"
+
+"Yes, I know. He has been sentenced to death. To-morrow he will be
+executed. What have you discovered?"
+
+"A fox on the trail of a lion!" harshly replied the young man. "He who
+aroused so many hopes is, after all, nothing more than an impostor--Leon
+Maria Hervagault, the son of a tailor at St. Leu. The true dauphin, the
+son of Louis XVI., really died a natural death, after he had served a
+three years' apprenticeship as shoemaker under Master Simho; and in
+order that a later generation might not be able to secure his ashes, he
+was buried in quick-lime in the Chapel of St. Margarethe."
+
+"They were not so scrupulous concerning monsieur,"[1] observed the old
+man, restlessly pacing the floor. "I received a letter from my agent
+to-day; he writes that monsieur was secretly shot at Dillingen."
+
+[Footnote 1: Count de Provence, afterward Louis XVIII.]
+
+"What! He, too? Then--"
+
+"Hush!" cautiously interposed the elder man. "That child might not be
+asleep."
+
+"And if she were awake, what could she understand?"
+
+"True; but we must be cautious." He ceased his restless promenade, and
+came close to the young man's side. "Everything is at an end here," he
+added in a lower tone. "We must remove our treasure to a more secure
+hiding-place--this very night, indeed, if it be possible."
+
+"It is possible," assented his companion. "The plan of flight was
+arranged two days ago. The most difficult part was to get away from this
+house. It is watched day and night. Chance, however, has come to our
+aid."
+
+"I understand," nodded the old gentleman, glancing significantly toward
+the bed.
+
+"The most serious question now is, where shall we find a secure
+hiding-place? Even England is not safe. The bullets of Dillingen can
+reach to that country! Indeed, wherever there are police no secret is
+safe."
+
+"I 'll tell you something," after a moment's deliberation observed the
+elder man. "I know of a country in Europe where order prevails, and
+where there are no police spies; and, what is more, the place of which I
+speak is beyond the range of a gunshot!"
+
+"I confess I am curious to learn where such a place may be found," with
+an incredulous smile returned the young man.
+
+"Fetch the map, and I will point it out to you. Afterward we will
+arrange your route toward it." The two men spread a large map of Europe
+on the table, and, bending over it, were soon deeply absorbed in
+examining it, the while exchanging whispered remarks.
+
+At last they seemed to have agreed on something. The map was folded up
+and thrust into the younger man's pocket.
+
+"I shall start at once," he said, with an air of decision.
+
+"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And
+take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary
+documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own
+hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in
+English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to
+do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum
+from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our
+two trusty friends been apprised?"
+
+"Yes; they await me hourly."
+
+"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with
+me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a
+terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already
+suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion--are not yet registered
+in the black book!"
+
+"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing
+from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.
+
+"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the
+undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have
+you considered the fate which awaits you?"
+
+"I have considered everything."
+
+"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your
+own prison."
+
+"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded
+the young man.
+
+"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you
+may be buried alive?"
+
+"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will
+one day be overthrown."
+
+"But when the child, who is only twelve years old now, becomes in three
+or four years a blooming maiden--what then? Already she is fond of you;
+then she will love you. You cannot hinder it; and yet, you will not even
+dare to dream of returning her love. Have you thought of this also?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet,"
+answered the young man.
+
+"Your hand, my friend! You have undertaken a noble task--one that is
+greater than that of the captive knight who cut off his own foot, that
+his sovereign, who was chained to him, might escape--"
+
+"Pray say no more about me," interposed his companion. "Is the child
+asleep?"
+
+"This one is; the one in the other room is awake."
+
+"Then let us go to her and tell her what we have decided." He lifted the
+two-branched candlestick from the table; his companion carefully closed
+the iron doors of the fireplace; then the two went into the adjoining
+chamber, leaving the room they had quitted in darkness.
+
+The elder gentleman had made a mistake: "this" child was _not_ asleep.
+She had listened attentively, half sitting up in bed, to as much of the
+conversation as she could hear.
+
+A ray of light penetrated through the keyhole. The little girl sprang
+nimbly from the bed, ran to the door, and peered through the tiny
+aperture. Suddenly footsteps came toward the door. When it opened,
+however, the little eavesdropper was back underneath the covers of the
+bed. The old gentleman entered the room. He had no candle. He left the
+door open, walked noiselessly to the bed, and drew aside the curtains to
+see if "this" child was still asleep. The long-drawn, regular breathing
+convinced him. Then he took something from the chair beside the bed, and
+went back into the other room. The object he had taken from the chair
+was the faded red shawl in which the stray child had been wrapped. He
+did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had
+been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.
+
+To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were
+whispering near her--as if she heard a stifled sob. Then cautious
+footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street
+door opened and closed.
+
+Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the
+elder man came through the doorway--alone.
+
+He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then
+he proceeded to perform a singular task. First he tossed a number of
+letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of
+girls' clothing. He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he
+flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in
+which position he sat motionless for several hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the younger of the two men stepped into the street he carried in
+his arms a little girl wrapped in a faded red shawl, to whom he was
+speaking encouragingly, in tones loud enough for any passer-by to hear:
+
+"I know the little countess will be able to find her mama's palace; for
+there is a fountain in front of it in which there is a stone man with a
+three-pronged fork, and a stone lady with a fish-tail! Oh, yes; we shall
+be sure to find it; and very soon we shall be with mama."
+
+Here the child in his arms began to sob bitterly.
+
+"For heaven's sake, do not weep; do not let your voice be heard,"
+whispered the young man in her ear.
+
+At this moment a man wearing a coarse blouse, with his cap drawn over
+his eyes and a short pipe between his lips, came staggering toward them.
+The young man, in order to make room for him, pressed close to the wall,
+whereupon the new-comer, who seemed intoxicated, began in drunken tones:
+
+"Hello, citizen! What do you mean? Do you want me to walk in the
+gutter?--because you have got on fine boots, and I have only wooden
+sabots! I am a citizen like yourself, and as good as you. We are alike,
+are n't we?"
+
+The young man now knew with whom he had to deal--a police spy whose duty
+it was to watch him. He therefore replied quietly:
+
+"No, we are not alike, citizen; for I have in my arms an unfortunate
+child who has strayed from its mother. Every Frenchman respects a child
+and misfortune. Is not that so, citizen?"
+
+"Yes, that is so, citizen. Let 's have a little conversation about it";
+and the pretended drunkard seized hold of the young man's mantle to
+detain him.
+
+"It is very cold," returned the young man. "Instead of talking here,
+suppose you help me get this child to its home. Go to the nearest corner
+and fetch a coach. I will wait here for you."
+
+The blouse-wearer hesitated a moment, then walked toward the
+street-corner, managing, however, to keep an eye on the young man and
+his charge. At the corner he whistled in a peculiar manner, whereupon
+the rumbling of wheels was heard. In a few moments the leather-covered
+vehicle drew up beside the curb where the young man was waiting.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, citizen," he said to
+the blouse-wearer, who had returned with the coach. "Here," pressing a
+twenty-sou piece into the man's palm, "is something for your trouble. I
+wish you would come with me to help hunt for this little girl's home. If
+you have time, and will come with me, you shall be paid for your
+trouble."
+
+"Can't do it, citizen; my wife is expecting me at home. Just you trust
+this coachman; he will help you find the place. He 's a clever
+youth--are n't you, Peroquin? You have made many a night journey about
+Paris, have n't you? See that you earn your twenty francs to-night,
+too!"
+
+That the coachman was also in the service of the secret police the young
+man knew very well; but he did not betray his knowledge by word or mien.
+
+The blouse-wearer now shook hands cordially with the young man, and
+said:
+
+"Adieu, citizen. I beg your pardon if I offended you. I 'll leave you
+now. I am going to my wife, or to the tavern; who can tell the future?"
+
+He waited until the young man had entered the coach with his charge;
+then, instead of betaking himself to his wife or to the tavern, he
+crossed the street, and took up his station in the recess of a doorway
+opposite the house with the swinging lantern. . . .
+
+"Where to?" asked the coachman of the young man.
+
+"Well, citizen," was the smiling response, "if I knew that, all would be
+well. But that is just what I don't know; and the little countess, here,
+who has strayed from her home, can't remember the street, nor the number
+of the house, in which she lives. She can only remember that her mama's
+palace is on a square in which there is a fountain. We must therefore
+visit all the fountains in turn until we find the right one."
+
+The coachman made no further inquiries, but climbed to the box, and
+drove off in quest of the fountains of Paris.
+
+Two fountains were visited, but neither of them proved to be the right
+one. The young man now bade the coachman drive through a certain street
+to a third fountain. It was a narrow, winding street--the Rue des Blancs
+Manteaux.
+
+When the coach was opposite a low, one-storied house, the young man drew
+the strap, and told the driver he wished to stop for a few moments. As
+the vehicle drew up in front of the house, the door opened, and a tall,
+stalwart man in top-boots came forth, accompanied by a sturdy dame who
+held a candle, which she protected from the wind with the palm of her
+hand.
+
+"Is that you, Raoul?" called the young man from the coach window.
+
+There was no response from the giant, who, instead, sprang nimbly to the
+box, and, flinging one arm around the astonished coachman, thrust a gag
+into his mouth. Before the captive could make a move to defend himself,
+his fare was out of the coach, and had pinioned his arms behind his
+back. The giant and the young man now lifted the coachman from the box
+and carried him into the house, the woman followed with the trembling
+child, whom she had carefully lifted from the coach.
+
+In the house, the two men bound their captive securely, first removing
+his coat. Then they seated him on the couch, and placed a mirror in
+front of him.
+
+"You need not be alarmed, citizen," said the man in the top-boots. "No
+harm shall come to you. We are only going to copy your face--because of
+its beauty, you know!"
+
+The young man also seated himself in front of the mirror, and proceeded,
+with various brushes and colors, to paint his cheeks and nose a copper
+hue, exactly like that of the coachman's reflection in the glass. Then
+he exchanged his own peruke and hat for the shabby ones of the coachman.
+Lastly, he flung around his shoulders the mantle with its seven collars,
+and the resemblance was complete.
+
+"And now," observed the giant, addressing the captive, "you can rest
+without the least fear. At the latest, to-morrow about this time your
+coach, your horses, your mantle, and whatever else belongs to you will
+be returned. For the use of the things we have borrowed from you we
+shall leave in the pocket of your coat twenty francs for every hour, and
+an extra twenty francs as a _pourboire_; don't forget to look for it!
+To-morrow at eleven o'clock a girl will fetch milk; she will release
+you, and you can tell her what a singular dream you had! If you can't
+go to sleep, just repeat the multiplication table. I always do when I
+can't sleep, and I never have to go beyond seven times seven. Good
+night, citizen!"
+
+The door of the adjoining room opened, and the woman appeared, leading
+by the hand a pretty little boy.
+
+"We are ready," she announced.
+
+The two men thrust pistols into their pockets. Then the woman and the
+little boy entered the coach, the two men took seats on the box, and the
+coach rolled away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At ten o'clock the next morning the old gentleman paid a visit to his
+little guest. This time the child was really asleep, and opened her eyes
+only when the curtains were drawn back and the light from the window
+fell on her face.
+
+"How kind of you to waken me, monsieur!" she said, smiling; she was in a
+good humor, as children are who have slept well. "I have slept
+splendidly. This bed is as good as my own at home. And how delightful
+not to hear my governess scolding! You never scold, do you, monsieur? I
+deserve to be scolded, though, for I was very naughty last night, and
+you were so kind to me--gave me such nice egg-punch; see, there is a
+glass of it left over; it will do for my breakfast. I love cold punch,
+so you need not trouble to bring me any chocolate." With these words,
+the little maid sprang nimbly from the bed, ran with the naïveté of an
+eight-year-old child to the table, where she settled herself in the
+corner of the sofa, drew her bare feet up under her, and proceeded to
+breakfast on the left-over punch and biscuits.
+
+"There! that was a good breakfast," she said, after she had finished her
+meal. "Oh, I almost forgot. Has mama sent for me?"
+
+"Certainly not, my dear! We are going, by and by, to look for her. The
+countess very likely has not yet learned of your disappearance; and if
+she does know that you did not return home last night, she believes you
+safe with the marquis. She will think you were not allowed to return
+home in the storm, and will not expect to see you before noon."
+
+"You are very clever, monsieur. I should never have thought of that! I
+imagined that mama would be vexed, and when mama is cross she is _so_
+disagreeable. At other times, though, she is perfectly lovely! You will
+see how very beautiful she is, monsieur, for you are coming home with me
+to tell her how you found me--you are so very kind! How I wish you were
+my papa!"
+
+The old gentleman was touched by the little one's artless prattle.
+
+"Well, my dear little maid," he said tenderly, "we can't think of
+showing ourselves on the street in such a costume. Besides, it would
+frighten your mama to see you so. I am going out to one of the shops to
+buy you a frock. Tell me, what sort was it Diana took from you?"
+
+"A lovely pink silk, trimmed with lace, with short sleeves," promptly
+replied the little maid.
+
+"I shall not forget--a pink silk, trimmed with lace. You need not be
+afraid to stay alone here. No one will come while I am away."
+
+"Oh, I am not the least bit afraid. I like to be alone sometimes."
+
+"There is the doll to keep you company," suggested the old gentleman,
+more and more pleased with his affable little visitor.
+
+"Is n't she lovely!" enthusiastically exclaimed the child. "She slept
+with me last night, and every time I woke up I kissed her."
+
+"You shall have her for your own, if you like her so much, my dear."
+
+"Oh, thank you! Did the doll belong to your dear little daughter who is
+dead?"
+
+"Yes--yes," sorrowfully murmured the old gentleman.
+
+"Then I will not play with her, but keep her locked in my little
+cupboard, and call her Philine. That was the name of my little sister
+who is dead. Come here, Philine, and sit by me."
+
+"Perhaps you might like to look at a book while I am away--"
+
+"A book!" interrupted the child, with a merry laugh, clapping her hands.
+"Why, I am just learning the alphabet, and can't bring myself to call a
+two-pronged fork 'y.'"
+
+"You dear little innocent rogue!" tenderly ejaculated the old gentleman.
+"Are you fond of flowers?"
+
+He brought from the adjoining room a porcelain flowerpot containing a
+narcissus in bloom.
+
+"Oh, what a charming flower!" cried the child, admiringly. "How I wish I
+might pluck just one!"
+
+"Help yourself, my dear," returned her host, pushing the plant toward
+her.
+
+The child daintily broke off one of the snowy blossoms, and, with
+childlike coquetry, fastened it in the trimming of her chemise.
+
+"What is this beautiful flower called, monsieur?"
+
+"The narcissus."
+
+At mention of the name the little maid suddenly clapped her hands and
+cried joyfully:
+
+"Why, that is the name of our palace! Now don't you know where it is?"
+
+"The 'Palace of Narcissus'? I have heard of it."
+
+"Then you will have no trouble finding my home. Oh, you dear good little
+flower!" and she kissed the snowy blossom rapturously.
+
+The old gentleman surveyed her smilingly for a few moments, then said:
+
+"I will go now, and buy the frock."
+
+"And while you are away I shall tell Philine the story of Gargantua,"
+responded the child.
+
+"Lock the door after me, my dear, and do not open it until I mention my
+name: Alfred Cambray--"
+
+"Oh, I should forget the second one! Just say, 'Papa Alfred'; I can
+remember that."
+
+When the child was certain that the old gentleman had left the house,
+she began hastily to search the room. She peered into every corner and
+crevice. Then she went into the adjoining chamber, and opened every
+drawer and cupboard. In returning to the first room she saw some scraps
+of paper scattered about the floor. She collected them carefully, placed
+them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the
+entire note-sheet lay before her. It was covered with writing which had
+evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no
+difficulty in reading it.
+
+When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she
+brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the
+door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she
+danced for joy.
+
+"It is just like my ball-gown--exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing
+the hands of her benefactor. Then the old gentleman clothed the child as
+skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work. When the task was
+finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor;
+he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.
+
+Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he
+descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of
+Narcissus.
+
+The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property of the
+celebrated danseuse, Mlle. Guimard, for whom it had been built by the
+Duke de Soubise. Like so many other fine houses, it had been confiscated
+by the Revolution and sold at auction--or, rather, had been disposed of
+by lottery, a lady who had paid one hundred and twenty francs for her
+ticket winning it.
+
+The winner of the palace sold it to M. Périgaud, a banker and shrewd
+speculator, who divided the large dwelling into suites of apartments,
+which became the favorite lodgings of the young men of fashion. These
+young men were called the "narcissi," and later, the "incroyables" and
+"_petits crevés_." The building, however, retained the name of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+When the fiacre stopped at the door of the palace which led to her
+mama's apartment, the little countess alighted with her escort, and said
+to the coachman:
+
+"You need not wait; the marquis will return home in my mama's carriage."
+
+M. Cambray was obliged to submit to be called the "marquis." The
+harmless fib was due to the rank of the little countess; she could not
+have driven through the streets of Paris in the same fiacre with a
+_pékin_!
+
+"We will not go up the main staircase," said the child, taking her
+companion's arm and leading him into the palace. "I don't want to meet
+any of the servants. We will go directly to mama's boudoir, and take her
+by surprise."
+
+The countess mother, however, was not in her boudoir; only a screaming
+cockatoo, and a capuchin monkey that grimaced a welcome. Through the
+folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy
+tones of a harmonium; and M. Cambray recognized a favorite
+air--Beethoven's symphony, "_Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour_." He
+paused a moment to listen to it.
+
+"That is mama playing," whispered the child. "You go in first, and tell
+her you have brought me home. Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
+Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.
+
+The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon,
+filled with a brilliant company. Evidently the countess was holding a
+matinée.
+
+The assembled company were in full toilet. The women, who were chiefly
+young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which
+draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless
+lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
+The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat,
+with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.
+
+Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty,
+Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders
+hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair. When M. Cambray, in his
+plain brown coat buttoned to the chin, with black gloves and dull
+buckle-shoes, appeared in the doorway of the boudoir, which was not open
+to all the world, every eye was turned in surprise toward him.
+
+The lady at the harpsichord rose, surveyed the intruder with a haughty
+stare, and was about to speak when a lackey in silver-embroidered livery
+came hastily toward her and said something in a low tone.
+
+"What?" she ejaculated, with sudden terror. "My daughter lost?"
+
+The guests crowded around her, and a scene of great excitement followed.
+
+Here M. Cambray came forward and said:
+
+"I have found your daughter, countess, and return her to you."
+
+The lovely woman made one step toward the child, who had followed M.
+Cambray into the room, then sank to the floor unconscious. She was
+tenderly lifted and borne into the boudoir. Two physicians, who were of
+the company, followed.
+
+When the door closed behind them, the entire company remaining in the
+salon gathered about M. Cambray. The ladies seized his hands; and while
+a blonde houri on his right sought to attract his attention, a brunette
+beauty claimed it on his left--both women ignoring the attempts of the
+men to shake hands with the hero of the hour.
+
+One of the men, an elderly and distinguished-looking personage with a
+commanding mien, now pressed forward to introduce himself. "Monsieur, I
+am the Marquis Lyonel de Fervlans," he repeated in a patronizing tone.
+
+"I am Alfred Cambray," was the simple response.
+
+"Ah? Pray, have the kindness to tell us--the friends of the
+countess--what has happened?"
+
+M. Cambray related how and where he had found the lost child, the
+company listening with eager attention. All were deeply affected. Some
+of the women wept. When M. Cambray concluded his recital, the marquis
+grasped both his hands, and, pressing them warmly, said in a trembling
+voice:
+
+"Thanks, many thanks, you brave, good man! We will never forget your
+kindness."
+
+One of the physicians now came from the boudoir, and announced that the
+countess was better, and desired to speak to the deliverer of her child.
+
+The countess was reclining on an ottoman, half buried in luxurious
+cushions. Her little daughter was kneeling by her side, her head resting
+on her mother's knee. It was a charming tableau.
+
+"I am not able to express my gratitude, monsieur," began the countess,
+in a faint voice, extending both hands toward M. Cambray. "I hope you
+will allow me to call you my friend. I shall never cease to thank you!
+Amélie, my love, kiss this hand; look at this face; impress it on your
+heart, and never, _never_ forget it, for this brave gentleman rescued
+you from a most horrible fate."
+
+M. Cambray listened to these profuse expressions of gratitude, but with
+heedless ear. His thoughts were with the fugitives. He longed to know if
+they had escaped pursuit. While the countess was speaking he could not
+help but think that a great ado was being made because a little countess
+had been abandoned half clad in the public street. _He_ knew of another
+little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.
+
+His reply was brief:
+
+"Your little daughter is very charming."
+
+The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory
+locket from the black ribbon around her neck. It contained a portrait of
+the little countess Amélie.
+
+"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you,
+monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your
+protégée."
+
+It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most
+valued ornament.
+
+M. Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's
+hand, and kissed the little Amélie, who smilingly lifted her face for
+the caress. Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon. He was
+met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully:
+
+"What, you are going to desert us already? Then, if you will go, you
+must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old
+gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of
+liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.
+
+The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew
+up before the door, himself assisted M. Cambray to enter it. Then he
+shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the
+doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M. Cambray,
+the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her
+handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Amélie,
+overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the
+maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach
+with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his
+suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders. Even the more important of
+the two physicians pursed his lips into a smile, and proffered his
+snuff-box to his colleague, who, smothering with laughter, whispered:
+
+"Are we not capital actors?"
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Meanwhile M. Cambray drove rapidly in the Marquis de Fervlans's carriage
+through the streets of Paris. He was buried in thought. He glanced only
+now and then from the window. He was not altogether satisfied with
+himself that he was riding in a carriage which belonged to so important
+a person--a gentleman whose name he had never heard until that day.
+
+Suddenly he was surprised to find the carriage entering a gateway. A
+carriage could not enter the gate at his lodgings! The Swiss hussar
+sprang from the box, opened the carriage door, and M. Cambray found
+himself confronted by a sergeant with a drawn sword.
+
+"This is not my residence," said the old gentleman.
+
+"Certainly not," replied the sergeant. "This is the Prison of St.
+Pélagie."
+
+"What have I to do here? My name is Alfred Cambray."
+
+"You are the very one we have been expecting."
+
+And now it was M. Cambray's turn to laugh merrily.
+
+When M. Cambray's pockets had been searched, and everything suspicious
+confiscated, he was conducted to a room in the second story, in which he
+was securely locked. He had plenty of time to look about his new
+lodgings.
+
+Apparently the room had been occupied by many an important personage.
+The walls were covered with names. Above some of them impromptu verses
+had been scribbled; others had perpetuated their profiles; and still
+others had drawn caricatures of those who had been the means of lodging
+them here. The guillotine also figured among the illustrations.
+
+The new lodger was not specially surprised to find himself a prisoner;
+what he could not understand was the connection between the two events.
+How came it about that the courteous and sympathetic Marquis de
+Fervlans's carriage had brought him here from the palace of the deeply
+grateful countess?
+
+He was puzzling his brain over this question when his door suddenly
+opened, and a morose old jailer entered with some soup and bread for the
+prisoner.
+
+"Thanks, I have dined," said M. Cambray.
+
+The jailer placed the food on the table, with the words: "I want you to
+understand, citizen, that if you have any idea of starving yourself to
+death, we shall pour the soup down your throat."
+
+Toward evening another visitor appeared. The door was opened with loud
+clanking of chains and bolts, and a tall man crossed the threshold. It
+was the Marquis de Fervlans.
+
+His manner now was not so condescending and sympathetic. He approached
+the prisoner, and said in a commanding tone that was evidently intended
+to be intimidating:
+
+"You have been betrayed, and may as well confess everything; it is the
+only thing that will save you."
+
+A scornful smile crossed the prisoner's lips. "That is the usual form of
+address to a criminal who has been arrested for burglary."
+
+The marquis laughed.
+
+"I see, M. Cambray, that you are not the sort of person to be easily
+frightened. It is useless to adopt the usual prison methods with you.
+Very well; then we will try a different one. It may be that we shall
+part quite good friends! What do I say? Part? Say, rather, that we may
+continue together, hand in hand! But to the point. You have a friend who
+shared the same apartment with you. This gentleman deserted you last
+night, I believe?"
+
+"The ingrate!" ironically ejaculated M. Cambray.
+
+"Beg pardon, but there was also a little girl secreted in your
+apartment, whom no one ever saw--"
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," interrupted Cambray, "but it is not the custom
+for French gentlemen to spy out or chatter about secrets which relate to
+the fair sex."
+
+"I am not talking about the sort of female you refer to, monsieur, but
+about a child--a girl of perhaps twelve years."
+
+"How, pray, can one determine the age of a lady whom no one has seen?"
+
+"Certain telltale circumstances give one a clue," retorted De Fervlans.
+"Why, for instance, do you keep a doll in your rooms?"
+
+"A doll? I play with it myself sometimes! I am a queer old fellow with
+peculiar tastes."
+
+"Very good; we will allow that you are telling the truth. What have you
+to say to the fact that you took to your apartment yesterday evening a
+stray child, and an hour later your friend came out of the house with
+another child, wrapped in the shawl which had enveloped the lost child
+when you found her--"
+
+"Have they been overtaken?" hastily interrupted Cambray, forgetting
+himself.
+
+"No, they have not--more 's the pity!" returned the marquis. "My
+detective was not clever enough to perceive the difference between the
+eight-year-old girl who was carried to your apartments at ten o'clock,
+and the twelve-year-old little maid whom your friend brought downstairs
+at eleven, pretending that he was going in search of the lost child's
+mother. Besides, everything conspired to aid your friend to escape. He
+was too cunning for us, and got such a start of his pursuers that there
+was no use trying to follow him. We do not even know in what direction
+he has gone."
+
+Cambray repressed the sigh of relief which would have lightened his
+heart, and forced himself to say indifferently:
+
+"Neither the young man nor the child concern me. It is his own family
+affair, in which I never meddled."
+
+"That is a move I cannot allow, M. Cambray!" sharply responded the
+marquis. "There are proofs that you are perfectly familiar with his
+affairs."
+
+Again Cambray smiled scornfully.
+
+"You have evidently searched my lodgings."
+
+"We have done our duty, monsieur. We even tore up the floors, broke your
+furniture and ornaments,--for which we apologize,--and found nothing
+suspicious. Notwithstanding this, however, we know very well that you
+received a letter yesterday warning you of approaching danger. We know
+very well that you and your friend traced out the route of his flight;
+we have a witness who listened to your plans, and who fitted together
+the scraps of the torn letter of warning, and read it."
+
+"And who may this witness be?" queried Cambray.
+
+"The child you picked up in the street."
+
+"What!" ejaculated Cambray, incredulously. "The little girl who sat
+shivering in the snow?"
+
+"Yes; she is our most skilful detective, and has entrapped more than one
+conspirator," triumphantly interrupted De Fervlans.
+
+"Then"--and M. Cambray brought his hands together in a vehement
+gesture--"what I have believed a myth is really true. The police
+authorities really employ a number of beautiful women, handsome young
+men, and clever children to spy out and entrap suspected persons?
+'Cythera's Brigade' really exists?"
+
+"You had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated brigade this morning,"
+replied De Fervlans.
+
+"And those grateful men and women, who gathered about me with tearful
+eyes and sympathetic words--"
+
+"Were members of Cythera's Brigade," supplemented the marquis.
+
+"And the mistress of the house--the beautiful woman who fainted at sight
+of her child?"
+
+"Is the fair Cythera's substitute! She taught her little daughter the
+part she played so successfully."
+
+With sudden fury M. Cambray tore from his breast the ivory locket
+containing the little Amélie's portrait, and was about to fling it on
+the floor and trample upon it. On second thought, he restrained himself,
+returned the locket to his breast, and muttered:
+
+"The child is not to blame. Those who have made her such a monster are
+at fault. I will keep the miniature as a talisman for the future."
+
+"And now, M. Cambray," pursued the marquis, "we want to learn what has
+become of your young friend. In fact, we _must_ know what has become of
+him and his charge."
+
+"I don't know where he is."
+
+"You do know. According to the report from our witness, he has fled to a
+'country where order prevails, and where there are no police.' Where is
+this country, M. Cambray?"
+
+"In the moon, perhaps!" was the laconic response.
+
+"Our witness heard these words from your own lips, and you pointed out
+the spot on the map to your friend."
+
+"Your witness dreamed all this!"
+
+"M. Cambray, let us talk sensibly. You are a banker--at least, that is
+what you are registered in the police records. It is to the interest of
+the state to discover your secret. If you will reveal the hiding-place
+of your friend you may demand your own reward. Do you wish to be
+intrusted with the management of the state's finances? Or--"
+
+"I regret, monsieur le marquis," interrupted Cambray, "that I must
+refuse so handsome an opportunity to enrich myself. Although I am a
+banker, I am no swindler."
+
+"Very good! Then you require no money. You are _not_ a banker, M.
+Cambray; that is merely a fable. What is your ambition? Should you
+prefer to be a governor? Name any office; let it be what it may, you
+shall receive the appointment to-morrow."
+
+"Thank you again, monsieur. I must repeat what I said before: I know
+nothing about the future residence of the fugitive gentleman."
+
+"And if I tell you, M. Cambray, that your refusal may cost you your
+head?"
+
+"I should reply," returned Cambray, smiling calmly, as he took up the
+piece of bread lying on the table, "that it is a matter of perfect
+indifference to me if this daily portion of bread is enjoyed by some one
+else to-morrow. That which I do not know I cannot tell you."
+
+"Very well, then," in a harsh tone rejoined De Fervlans. "I will tell
+you that Cambray the banker may say what is not true; but the nobleman
+cannot lie. _Marquis d'Avoncourt_, do you know to what country your
+friend has flown?"
+
+At this question the old gentleman rose from his chair, drew himself up
+proudly, and gazing defiantly into the eyes of his questioner, replied:
+
+"I do."
+
+Instantly De Fervlans's manner changed. He became the embodiment of
+courtesy. He bowed with extreme politeness, then, slipping his arm
+familiarly through that of the prisoner, whispered insinuatingly:
+
+"And what can we do to win this information from you?"
+
+The gray-haired man released himself from De Fervlans's arm, and
+answered with quiet irony:
+
+"I will tell you what you can do: have my head cut off, and send it to
+M. Bichet, the celebrated professor of anatomy; perhaps he may be able
+to discover the information in my skull--if it is there! And now I beg
+you to leave me; I wish to be alone."
+
+De Fervlans took up his hat, but turned at the door to say, in a meaning
+tone:
+
+"Marquis d'Avoncourt, we shall forget that you are a prisoner so long as
+it shall please you to remain obstinate. As for the fugitives, Cythera's
+Brigade will capture them, sooner or later. _Au revoir_!"
+
+That same night the old nobleman was removed to the prison at Ham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+While the ensnared conspirators against the state were receiving
+sentence in one district of Paris, in another district the inhabitants
+were entertaining themselves.
+
+Paris does not mourn very long. Paris is like the earth: one half of it
+is always illumined by the sun. On this fateful evening the incroyables
+and the merveilleuses were amusing themselves within the walls of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+The members of Cythera's Brigade took great pains to make outsiders
+believe that they never troubled themselves about that half of the world
+which was in shadow--that half called politics.
+
+In the salon of the fascinating Countess Themire Dealba not a word was
+heard relating to affairs of state. The beautiful women who were banded
+together to learn the secrets which threatened the present order of
+government worked in an imperceptible manner. They did not belong to the
+ordinary class of spies--those who collect every ill-natured word, every
+trifling occurrence of the street. No, indeed! _They_ did nothing but
+amuse themselves. They were merry society women, trusty friends and
+confidantes. They moved in the best circles; no one ever saw them
+exchange a word with a police commissioner. If any one in the company
+happened to speak of anything even remotely connected with politics,
+some one quickly changed the subject to a more innocent theme; and if a
+stranger chanced to mention so delicate a matter as, say, the dinner
+which had been given by the emperor's nephew at Very's, which cost
+seventy-five thousand francs, while forty thousand laborers were
+starving, then the witty Countess Themire herself turned the
+conversation to the "toilet rivalry" between the Mesdames Tallien and
+Récamier.
+
+On this particular evening the Countess Dealba was discussing the
+beauties of the latest opera with a few of her most intimate friends,
+when the Marquis de Fervlans approached, and, bending over her,
+whispered: "I must see you alone; find an opportunity to leave the room,
+and join me in the conservatory."
+
+At that time it was the fashion to clothe children in garments similar
+to those worn by their elders. A company of little ones, therefore,
+looked like an assemblage of Lilliputian merveilleuses and incroyables.
+The little men and women also accompanied their mamas to receptions and
+the theatre, where they joined in the conversation, danced vis-à-vis
+with their elders, made witty remarks, criticized the toilets and the
+play, gave an opinion as to whether Hardy's confections or those of
+Riches were the better, and if it were safe to depend on the friendship
+of the Czar Alexander.
+
+In this company of little ones the Countess Amélie was, beyond a doubt,
+the most conspicuous.
+
+One could not have imagined anything more interesting or entertaining
+than the manner of this miniature dame when left by her mama to do the
+honors of the house. The dignity with which the child performed her
+duties was enchanting. She understood perfectly how to entertain her
+mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes,
+how to mimic the manner of affected personages. She was, in a word, a
+prodigy!
+
+Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to
+perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.
+
+"We have been outwitted," he began at once. "They vanished twelve hours
+before we learned that they had flown."
+
+The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.
+
+"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this?" she inquired, with a
+touch of asperity. "Have you not got enough police to arrest the
+fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight?"
+
+"Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the
+fugitives are a trifle more skilful. They have disguised themselves so
+effectually that it is impossible to trace them. They seized a public
+coach by force, changed the number on it, and sent it back from the
+boundary by an accomplice, who left it in the Rue Muffetard. Even should
+we succeed in tracing their flight, by the time we discovered them they
+would have crossed the boundary of Switzerland, or would be sailing over
+the ocean. No; we must begin all over again. There is but one expedient:
+_you_ must travel in search of the fugitives, and bring them back."
+
+"I go in search of them and bring them back?" repeated the countess, in
+a startled tone.
+
+"The first part of your task will not be so difficult," continued De
+Fervlans. "The imprisoned marquis will not reveal the destination of the
+fugitives; but we have learned, through your clever little daughter,
+that they have gone to a country where there is order, but where there
+are no police. That, methinks, is not a very difficult riddle to solve.
+You need only journey from place to place until you find such a country.
+The fugitives will be certain to betray themselves by their secrecy,
+and I have not the least doubt but your search will be rewarded before
+the year is out. For one year you shall have the command of three
+hundred thousand francs. When you discover the fugitives you will know
+very well what to do. The man is young and an enthusiast--an easy
+conquest, I should fancy; and when you have ensnared him the maid's fate
+is decided. We want the man, the maid, and the steel casket; any one of
+the three, however, will be of great value to us. You will keep us
+advised as to your progress, and we, of course, will assist you all we
+can. You know that we have secret agents all over Europe. And now, you
+will do well to prepare for an immediate departure; there is not a
+moment to be lost."
+
+"But good, heavens! how can I take Amélie on such a journey?"
+
+"You are not to take her with you--of what are you thinking? That man
+has already seen the child, and would recognize her at once."
+
+"You surely cannot mean that I am to desert my daughter?"
+
+"Don't you think Amélie will be in safe hands if you leave her in _my_
+care?" asked De Fervlans, with a glance that would have made any one who
+had not heard his words believe he was making a declaration of love.
+"Besides, it will not be the first time you leave her to the care of
+another."
+
+"That is true," sighed the countess; "I ought to be accustomed to
+parting with her. Have not I trusted her to the care of a police spy?
+and all for my own advantage! Oh, what a wretched profession I have
+chosen for myself and my child!"
+
+"A profession that yields a handsome income, madame," supplemented the
+marquis, a trifle sharply. "You ought not to complain. Surely the
+régime is not to blame that you married a roué, who squandered your
+fortune, and then was killed in a duel about a rope-dancer, leaving you
+a clever little daughter and a half-million of debts! What else could
+you have done to have earned a living for yourself and child?"
+
+"I might have sent the child to a foundling asylum, and sought
+employment for myself in the gobelin factory. It would have been better
+had I done so!"
+
+"I doubt it, countess. The path of virtue is only for those women
+who--have large feet! You are too fairy-like, and would have found the
+way too rough. It is much better, believe me, to serve the state. What
+would you? Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the
+soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
+Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles
+of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
+We are all soldiers of the state. When we assault an enemy, we do not
+inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland
+hallows the deed."
+
+"But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.
+
+"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume? Are not
+their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our
+salons? We are only using their own weapons against them."
+
+"That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of
+children as instruments in this deadly game."
+
+"Were not they the first to set us an example? Was not it a repulsive
+thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people
+that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child? No,
+madame; we need not be ashamed of what we are doing. Our men are
+engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in
+warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged
+in warfare against their little children. Your little Amélie is a
+historical figure, and deserves a monument."
+
+The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on
+the lovely woman, continued:
+
+"And then, madame, if you are weary of the rôle you and your little
+daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered
+to you to quit your present mode of life. Your financial affairs are
+utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you
+inherited from your ancestors. If you succeed in the task which you are
+about to undertake, the entire sum of money, the interest of which you
+receive annually, becomes your own. Five millions of francs deserve some
+sacrifice. With this sum you can become an independent woman, and your
+daughter will never be reproached with having been, in her childhood, a
+member of Cythera's Brigade."
+
+Countess Themire deliberated a few moments; then she asked:
+
+"May I not kiss my daughter farewell?"
+
+"Leave your kiss with me, and I will deliver it faithfully!" smilingly
+responded the marquis.
+
+"How can you jest at such a moment? Suppose my absence lasts a long
+time?"
+
+"That is very probable."
+
+"Am I not even to hear from my child--not even to let her know that I am
+living?"
+
+"Certainly, countess; you may communicate with her through me. Moreover,
+it rests with yourself how soon you will return. Until that time it
+shall be my pleasure to take care of Amélie; you may rest in peace as to
+that!"
+
+"Yes; she could not be in worse hands than in those of her mother!"
+bitterly rejoined the countess. "The first letter, then, must be one of
+farewell."
+
+She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper:
+
+     "MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey. I shall write to
+     you when I am ready to return. Until then, I leave you to perform
+     the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care. I
+     embrace you a thousand times.
+
+     "Your old friend and little mama,
+
+     "THEMIRE."
+
+She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.
+
+"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said. "And now, send Jocrisse for a
+fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this. You can leave the
+palace unperceived by the garden gate. Speak German wherever you go, and
+remember that you do not understand a word of French. I think you would
+better begin your search in Switzerland. And now, adieu, madame, until
+we meet again--"
+
+"If only I might take one last look at my little daughter!" pleadingly
+interrupted the countess.
+
+"Themire! You are actually beginning to grow sentimental. That does not
+become a soldier!"
+
+"Had I suspected this," returned Themire, "I would not have given
+Amélie's portrait to M. Cambray in that ridiculous farce. I wonder if I
+might not get it from him?"
+
+"No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a
+talisman. Only M. Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of
+their trinkets, and Cambray is still far enough from Sanson's reach! I
+shall have another portrait painted of Amélie, and send it to you."
+
+"But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child."
+
+"Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter!
+I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission--that you will end
+by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us
+to him."
+
+Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.
+
+De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for
+the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes
+for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where
+he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.
+
+Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady
+of the house.
+
+"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian _grande
+dame_, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter--although I am only
+just learning the alphabet!"
+
+There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed
+the concluding words.
+
+The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and
+read her mother's letter.
+
+She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue
+eyes.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called
+suddenly away. She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the
+letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her
+mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also
+was a thought of her own). "I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the
+house."
+
+Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the
+lorgnette in front of her lips:
+
+"Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"--adding, with naïve sarcasm,
+"which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors."
+
+
+
+
+PART II
+
+THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+The entire population of Fertöszeg was assembled on the public highway
+to welcome the new proprietress of the estate. Elaborate preparations
+had been made for the reception. An arch of green boughs--at the top of
+which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses--spanned the road, on
+either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with
+flower-baskets in their hands. They were under the superintendence of
+the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies
+with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.
+
+On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to
+present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe
+melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes. Mortars
+crowned the summit of the neighboring hill. In the shadow of a spreading
+beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine,
+the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the
+justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state
+employees, belonging to these gentlemen. The vice-palatine's assistant
+ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last
+instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the
+hamper of fruit and cheeses.
+
+These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but _they_ had stationed
+themselves along the trench at the side of the road. _They_ did not
+seek the shadow of a tree, because _they_ wished people to know that
+_they_ had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small
+matter.
+
+Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast. The fat
+young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was
+ready for the torch. Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of
+wine. In front of the inn a gypsy band were tuning their instruments,
+while at the window of the church tower might have been seen two or
+three child faces; they were on the lookout for the new lady of the
+manor, in order that they might be ready to ring the bells the moment
+she came in sight. There was only that one tower in the village, and
+there was a cross on it; but it was not a Romish church, for all that.
+The inhabitants were adherents of Luther--Swabians, mixed with Magyars.
+
+The municipal authorities, in their holiday attire of blue cloth, had
+grouped themselves about the town hall. The older men wore their long
+hair brushed back from the temples and held in place by a curved comb.
+The young men had thrust into the sides of their lambskin caps gay
+little nosegays of artificial flowers. _They_ proposed to fire a grand
+salute from the pistols they had concealed in their pockets.
+
+Meanwhile, the dignitaries underneath the umbrageous beech-tree were
+passing the time of waiting pleasantly enough. Maple wine mixed with
+mineral water was a very refreshing drink in the intense heat; besides,
+it served as a stimulant to the appetite--_appetitorium_, they called
+it.
+
+Three wooden benches, joined together in a half-circle, formed a
+comfortable resting-place for the committee of reception, the chief of
+whom, the vice-palatine, was seated on the middle bench, drawing through
+the stem of his huge carved meerschaum the smoke of the sweet Veker
+tobacco. His figure was the living illustration of the ever true axiom:
+"_Extra Hungariam non est vita_,"--an axiom which his fat red face by no
+means confuted,--while his heavy, stiffly waxed mustache seemed to add
+menacingly: "Leave the Hungarian in peace."
+
+He shared his seat with the clergyman, whose ecclesiastical office
+entitled him to that honor. The reverend gentleman, however, was an
+extremely humble person, whom erudition had bent and warped to such a
+degree that one shoulder was lower than the other, one eyelid was
+elevated above its fellow, and only one half of his mouth opened when he
+gave utterance to a remark. His part in the festive ceremony was the
+performance of the _beneventatio_; and although he had committed the
+speech to memory, he could not help but tremble at thought of having to
+repeat it before so grand a dame as the new mistress of the manor. He
+always trembled whenever he began his sermons; but once fairly started,
+then he became a veritable Demosthenes.
+
+"I only hope, reverend sir," jestingly observed the vice-palatine, "that
+it will not happen to you as it did to the _csokonai_, not long ago.
+Some wags exchanged his sermon-book for one on cookery, and he did not
+notice it until he began to read in the pulpit: 'The vinegar was--' Then
+he saw that he was reading a recipe for pickled gherkins. He had the
+presence of mind, however, to continue, '--was offered to the Saviour,
+who said, "It is finished."' And on that text he extemporized a
+discourse that astounded the entire presbytery."
+
+"I shall manage somehow to say my speech," returned the pastor, meekly,
+"if only I do not stumble over the name of the lady."
+
+"It is a difficult name," assented the vice-palatine. "What is it? I
+have already forgotten it, reverend sir."
+
+"Katharina von Landsknechtsschild."
+
+The vice-palatine's pointed mustaches essayed to give utterance to the
+name.
+
+"Lantz-k-nek-hisz-sild--that's asking a great deal from a body at one
+time!" he concluded, in disgust at his ill success.
+
+"And yet, it is a good old Hungarian family name. The last Diet
+recognized her ancestors as belonging to the nobility."
+
+This remark was made by a third gentleman. He was sitting on the left of
+the vice-palatine, and was clad in snuff-colored clothes. His face was
+covered with small-pox marks; he had tangled yellow hair and inflamed
+eyelids.
+
+"Are you acquainted with the family, doctor?" asked the vice-palatine.
+
+"Of course I am," replied the doctor. "Baron Landsknechtsschild
+inherited this estate from his mother, who was a Markoczy. The baron
+sold the estate to his niece Katharina. You, Herr Surveyor, must have
+seen the baron, when the land was surveyed around the Nameless Castle
+for the mad count?"
+
+The surveyor, who was seated beside the doctor, was a clever man in his
+profession, but little given to conversation. When he did open his lips,
+he rarely got beyond: "I--say--what was it, now, I was going to say?"
+
+As no one seemed willing to-day to wait until he could remember what he
+wanted to remark, the doctor, who was never at a loss for words,
+continued:
+
+"The Baroness Katharina paid one hundred thousand florins for the
+estate, with all its prerogatives--"
+
+"That's quite a handsome sum," observed the vice-palatine. "And, what is
+handsomer, it is said the new proprietress intends to take up a
+permanent residence here. Is not that the report, Herr Justice? You
+ought to know."
+
+The justice had an odd habit, while speaking, of rubbing together the
+palms of his hands, as if he were rolling little dumplings between them.
+
+"Yes--yes," he replied, beginning his dumpling-rolling; "that is quite
+true. The baroness sent some beautiful furniture from Vienna; also a
+piano, and a tuner to tune it. All the rooms at the manor have been hung
+with new tapestry, and the conservatory has been completely renovated."
+
+"I wonder how the baroness came to take such a fancy to this quiet
+neighborhood? It is very strange, too, that none of the neighboring
+nobles have been invited here to meet her. It is as if she intended to
+let them know in advance that she did n't want their acquaintance. At
+any other celebration of this sort half the county would have been
+invited, and here are only ourselves--and we are here because we are
+obliged, _ex officio_, to be present."
+
+This speech was delivered over the mouthpiece of the vice-palatine's
+meerschaum.
+
+"I fancy I can enlighten you," responded the doctor.
+
+"I thought it likely that the 'county clock' could tell us something
+about it," laughingly interpolated the vice-palatine.
+
+"You may laugh as much as you like, but I always tell what is true,"
+retorted the "county clock." "They say that the baroness was betrothed
+to a gentleman from Bavaria, that the wedding-day was set, when the
+bridegroom heard that the lady he was about to marry was--"
+
+"Hush!" hastily whispered the justice; "the servants might hear you."
+
+"Oh, it is n't anything scandalous. All that the bridegroom heard was
+that the baroness was a Lutheran; and as the _matrimonia mixta_ are
+forbidden in Vienna and in Bavaria, the bridegroom withdrew from the
+engagement. In her grief over the affair, the _sposa repudiata_ said
+farewell to the world, and determined to wear the_parta_[2] for the
+remainder of her days. That is why she chose this remote region as a
+residence."
+
+[Footnote 2: A head-covering worn only by Hungarian maidens.]
+
+Here the bell in the church tower began to ring. It was followed by a
+roar from the mortars on the hilltop.
+
+The gypsy band began to play Biharis's "Vierzigmann Marsch"; a cloud of
+dust rose from the highway; and soon afterward there appeared an
+outrider with three ostrich-plumes in his hat. He was followed by a
+four-horse coach, with coachman and footman on the box.
+
+The committee of reception came forth from the shade of the beech and
+ranged themselves underneath the arch. The clergyman for the last time
+took his little black book from his pocket, and satisfied himself that
+his speech was still in it. The coach stopped, and it was discovered
+that no one occupied it; only the discarded shawl and traveling-wraps
+told that women had been riding in the conveyance.
+
+The general consternation which ensued was ended by the agent from
+Vienna, who drove up in a second vehicle. He explained that the baroness
+and her companion had alighted at the park gate, whence they would
+proceed on foot up the shorter foot-path to the manor. And thus ended
+all the magnificent preparations for the reception!
+
+A servant now came running from the village, his plumed _czako_ in one
+hand, and announced that the baroness awaited the dignitaries at the
+manor.
+
+This was, to say the least, exasperating! A whole week spent in
+preparing--for nothing!
+
+You may be sure every one had something to say about it, audibly and to
+themselves, and some one was even heard to mutter:
+
+"This is the _second_ mad person come to live in Fertöszeg."
+
+And then they all betook themselves, a disappointed company, to their
+homes.
+
+The baroness, who had preferred to walk the shorter path through the
+park to driving around the village in the dust for the sake of receiving
+a ceremonious welcome, was a lovely blonde, a true Viennese,
+good-humored, and frank as a child. She treated every one with cordial
+friendliness. One might easily have seen that everything rural was new
+to her. While walking through the park she took off her hat and
+decorated it with the wild flowers which grew along the path. In the
+farm-yard she caught two or three little chickens, calling them
+canaries--a mistake the mother hen sought in the most emphatic manner to
+correct. The surly old watch-dog's head was patted. She brushed with her
+dainty fingers the hair from the eyes of the gaping farmer children. She
+was here and there in a moment, driving to despair her companion, whose
+gouty limbs were unable to keep pace with the flying feet of her
+mistress.
+
+At the manor the baroness was received by the steward, who had been sent
+on in advance with orders to prepare the "installation dinner." Then she
+proceeded at once to inspect every corner and crevice--the kitchen as
+well as the dining-room, astonishing the cooks with her knowledge of
+their art. She was summoned from the kitchen to receive the dignitaries.
+
+"Let there be no ceremony, gentlemen," she exclaimed in her musical
+voice, hastening toward them. "I detest all formalities. I have had a
+surfeit of them in Vienna, and intend to breathe natural air here in the
+country, without 'fuss or feathers,' with no incense save that which
+rises from burning tobacco! This is why I avoided your parade out
+yonder on the highway. I want nothing but a cordial shake of your hands;
+and as regards the official formalities of this 'installation' business,
+you must settle that with my agent, who has authority to act for me.
+After that has been arranged, we will all act as if we were old
+acquaintances, and every one of you must consider himself at home here."
+
+To this gracious speech the vice-palatine gave utterance to something
+which sounded like:
+
+"Kisz-ti-hand!"
+
+"Ah!" returned the baroness, "you speak German?"
+
+"Well, yes," replied the descendant of the Scythians; "only, I am likely
+to blunder when speaking it, as did the valiant Barkocz. When our
+glorious Queen Maria Theresa recovered from the chicken-pox, she was
+bemoaning the disfiguring scars left on her face, when the brave
+soldier, in order to comfort her, said: 'But your Majesty still has very
+beautiful _leather_.'"
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" merrily laughed the baroness. "You are the gentleman who
+has an anecdote to suit every occasion. I have already heard about you.
+Pray introduce the other gentlemen."
+
+The vice-palatine proceeded to obey this request. "This is the Rev. Herr
+Tobias Mercatoris, our parish clergyman. He has a beautiful speech
+prepared to receive your ladyship; but he can't repeat it here, as it
+begins, 'Here in the grateful shadow of these green trees.'"
+
+"Oh, well, your reverence, instead of the speech, I will listen to your
+sermons on Sundays. I intend to become a very zealous member of your
+congregation."
+
+"And this, your ladyship," continued the master of ceremonies, "is Dr.
+Philip Tromfszky, resident physician of Fertöszeg, who is celebrated not
+only for his surgical and medical skill, but is acknowledged here, as
+well as in Raab, Komorn, Eisenburg, and Odenburg, as the greatest gossip
+and news dispenser in the kingdom."
+
+"A most excellent accomplishment!" laughingly exclaimed the baroness. "I
+am devoted to gossip; and I shall manage to have some ailment every few
+days in order to have the doctor come to see me!"
+
+Then came the surveyor's turn.
+
+"This, your ladyship, is Herr Martin Doboka, county surveyor and expert
+mathematician. He will measure for you land, water, or fog; and if your
+watch stops going, he will repair it for you!"
+
+"And who may this be?" smilingly inquired the lady, indicating the
+vice-palatine's assistant, who had thrust his long neck inquisitively
+forward.
+
+"Oh, he is n't anybody!" replied the vice-palatine. "He is never called
+by name. When you want him just say: '_Audiat!_' He is one of those
+persons of whom Cziraky said: 'My lad, don't trouble yourself to inquire
+where you shall seat yourself at table; for wherever you sit will always
+be the lowest place!'"
+
+This anecdote caused "Audiat" to draw back his head and seek to make
+himself invisible.
+
+"And now, I must present myself: I am the vice-palatine of this county,
+and am called Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+"My dear sir!" ejaculated the baroness, laughing heartily, "I could n't
+commit all that to memory in three years!"
+
+"That is exactly the way your ladyship's name affects me!"
+
+"Then I will tell you what we will do. Instead of torturing each other
+with our unpronounceable names, let us at once adopt the familiar
+'thou,' and call each other by our Christian names."
+
+"Yes; but when I enter into a 'brotherhood' of that sort, I always kiss
+the person with whom I form a compact."
+
+"Well, that can also be done in this instance!" promptly responded the
+baroness, proffering, without affectation of maidenly coyness, the
+ceremonial kiss, and cordially shaking hands with the vice-palatine.
+Then she said:
+
+"We are now Bernat _bácsi_, and Katinka; and as that is happily
+arranged, I will ask the gentlemen to go into the agent's office and
+conclude our official business. Meanwhile, I shall make my toilet for
+dinner, where we will all meet again."
+
+"What a perfectly charming woman!" exclaimed the justice, when their
+hostess had vanished from the room.
+
+"I wonder what would happen," observed the doctor, with a malicious
+grin, "if the vice-palatine's wife should hear of that kiss? Would n't
+there be a row, though!"
+
+The heroic descendant of the Scythians at these words became seriously
+alarmed.
+
+"The Herr Doctor, I trust, will be honorable enough not to gossip about
+it," he said meekly.
+
+"Oh, you may rest without fear, so far as _I_ am concerned; but I
+would n't say as much for the surveyor, here. If ever he should succeed
+in getting beyond 'I say,' I won't answer for the safety of your secret,
+Herr Vice-palatine! When your wife hears, moreover, that it is 'Bernat'
+and 'Katinka' up here, it will require something besides an anecdote to
+parry what will follow!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the baroness appeared at the dinner-table, she was attired simply,
+yet with a certain elegance. She wore a plain black silk gown, with no
+other ornamentation save the string of genuine pearls about her throat.
+The sombre hue of her gown signified mourning; the gems represented
+tears; but her manner was by no means in keeping with either; she was
+cheerful, even gay. But laughter very often serves to mask a sorrowful
+heart.
+
+"Thy place is here by my side," said the baroness, mindful of the
+"thee-and-thou" compact with Herr Bernat.
+
+The vice-palatine, remembering his spouse, sought to modify the
+familiarity.
+
+"I forgot to tell you, baroness," he observed, as he seated himself in
+the chair beside her own, "that with us in this region 'thou' is used
+only by children and the gypsies. To those with whom we are on terms of
+intimacy we say 'he' or 'she,' to which we add, if we wish, the words
+_bácsi_, or _hugom_, which are equivalent to 'cousin.'"
+
+"And do you never say 'thou' to your wife?"
+
+"To her also I say 'she' or 'you.'"
+
+"What a singular country! Well, then, Bernat bácsi, if it pleases 'him,'
+will 'he' sit here by me?"
+
+Baroness Katinka understood perfectly how to conduct the conversation
+during the repast--an art which was not appreciated by her right-hand
+neighbor, Herr Mercatoris. The learned gentleman had bad teeth, in
+consequence of which eating was a sort of penitential performance that
+left him no time for discourse.
+
+But the doctor and the vice-palatine showed themselves all the more
+willing to share the conversation with their hostess.
+
+"The official business was satisfactorily arranged without me, was it
+not, Bernat bácsi?" after a brief pause, inquired the baroness.
+
+"Not altogether. We are like the gypsy who said that he was going to
+marry a countess. He was willing, and all that was yet necessary was the
+consent of a countess. Our business requires the consent of a
+baroness--that is, of Katinka hugom."
+
+"To what must I give my consent?"
+
+"That the conditions relating to the Nameless Castle shall continue the
+same as heretofore."
+
+"Nameless Castle?--Conditions?--What does that mean? I should like very
+much to know."
+
+"Katinka hugom can see the Nameless Castle from the terrace out yonder.
+It is a hunting-seat that was built by a Markoczy on the shore of Lake
+Neusiedl, on the site of a primitive pile-dwelling. Three years ago, a
+gentleman from a foreign country came to Fertöszeg, and took such a
+fancy to the isolated house that he leased it from the baron, the former
+owner, on condition that no one but himself and servants should be
+permitted to enter the grounds belonging to the castle. The question now
+is, will Katinka hugom consent to the conditions, or will she revoke
+them?"
+
+"And if I should choose to do the latter?" inquired the baroness.
+
+"Then your ladyship would be obliged to give a handsome bonus to the
+lessee. Shall you revoke the conditions?"
+
+"It depends entirely on the sort of person my tenant proves to be."
+
+"He is a very peculiar man, to say the least--one who avoids all contact
+with his fellow-men."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"I don't think any one around here knows it. That is why his residence
+has been called the Nameless Castle."
+
+"But how is it possible that the name of a man who has lived here three
+years is not known?"
+
+"Well, that is easily explained. He never goes anywhere, never receives
+visitors, and his servants never call him anything but 'the count.'"
+
+"Surely he receives letters by post?"
+
+"Yes, frequently, and from all parts of the known world. Very often he
+receives letters which contain money, and for which he is obliged to
+give a receipt; but no one has yet been able to decipher the illegible
+characters on the letters addressed to him, or those of his own hand."
+
+"I should think the authorities had a right to demand the information?"
+
+"Which authorities?"
+
+"Why--'he,' Bernat bácsi."
+
+"I? Why, what business is it of mine?"
+
+"The authorities ought to inquire who strangers are, and where they come
+from. And such an authority is 'he'--Bernat bácsi!"
+
+"Hum; does 'she' take me to be a detective?"
+
+"But you surely have a right to demand to see his passport?"
+
+"Passport? I would rather allow myself to be thrown from the window of
+the county-house than demand a passport from any one who comes to
+Hungary, or set my foot in the house of a gentleman without his
+permission!"
+
+"Then you don't care what people do here?"
+
+"Why should we? The noble does as he pleases, and the peasant as he
+must."
+
+"Suppose the man in the Nameless Castle were plotting some dreadful
+treason?"
+
+"That would be the affair of the king's attorney, not mine. Moreover,
+nothing whatever can be said against the tenant of the Nameless Castle.
+He is a quiet and inoffensive gentleman."
+
+"Is he alone? Has he no family?"
+
+"That the Herr Justice is better able to tell your ladyship than am I."
+
+"Ah! Then, _Herr Hofrichter_," inquired the lady of the manor, turning
+toward the justice, "what do _you_ know about this mysterious personage?
+Has he a wife?"
+
+"It seems as if he had a wife, your ladyship; but I really cannot say
+for certain if he has one."
+
+"Well, I confess my curiosity is aroused! How is it possible not to know
+whether the man is married or not? Are the people invisible?"
+
+"Invisible? By no means, your ladyship. The nameless count and a lady
+drive out every morning at ten o'clock. They drive as far as the
+neighboring village, where they turn and come back to the castle. But
+the lady wears such a heavy veil that one can't tell if she be old or
+young."
+
+"If they drive out they certainly have a coachman; and one might easily
+learn from a servant what are the relations between his master and
+mistress."
+
+"Yes, so one might. The coachman comes often to the village, and he can
+speak German, too. There is a fat cook, who never leaves the castle,
+because she can't walk. Then, there are two more servants, Schmidt and
+his wife; but they live in a cottage near the castle. Every morning at
+five o'clock they go to the castle gate, where they receive from some
+one, through the wicket, orders for the day. At nine o'clock they
+return to the gate, where a basket has been placed for the things they
+have bought. But they never speak of the lady, because they have never
+seen her face, either."
+
+"What sort of a man is the groom?"
+
+"The people about here call him the man with the iron mouth. It is
+believed the fat cook is his wife, because he never even looks at the
+girls in the village. He will not answer any questions; only once he
+condescended to say that his mistress was a penniless orphan, who had
+nothing, yet who got everything she wanted."
+
+"Does no one visit them?"
+
+"If any one goes to the castle, the count alone receives the visitor;
+the lady never appears; and no one has yet had courage enough to ask for
+her. But that they are Christians, one may know from their kitchen:
+there is always a lamb for dinner on Easter; and the usual _heiligen
+Stritzel_ on All Saints'. But they never go to church, nor is the pastor
+ever received at the castle."
+
+"What reason can they have for so much mystery, I wonder?" musingly
+observed the baroness.
+
+"That I cannot say. I can furnish only the data; for the deductions I
+must refer your ladyship to the Herr Doctor."
+
+"Ah, true!" ejaculated her ladyship, joining in the general laughter.
+"The doctor, to be sure! If you are the county clock, Herr Doctor,
+surely you ought to know something about our mysterious neighbors?"
+
+"I have two versions, either of which your ladyship is at liberty to
+accept," promptly responded the doctor. "According to the first
+'authentic' declaration, the nameless count is the chief of a band of
+robbers, who ply their nefarious trade in a foreign land. The lady is
+his mistress. She fell once into the hands of justice, in Germany, and
+was branded as a criminal on her forehead. That accounts for the heavy
+veil she always wears--"
+
+"Oh, that is quite too horribly romantic, Herr Doctor!" interrupted the
+baroness. "We cannot accept that version. Let us hear the other one."
+
+"The second is more likely to be the true one. Four years ago the
+newspapers were full of a remarkable abduction case. A stranger--no one
+knew who he was--abducted the wife of a French officer from Dieppe.
+Since then the betrayed husband has been searching all over the world
+for his runaway wife and her lover; and the pair at the castle are
+supposed to be they."
+
+"That certainly is the more plausible solution of the mystery. But there
+is one flaw. If the lovers fled here to Fertöszeg to escape pursuit, the
+lady has chosen the very worst means to remain undiscovered. Who would
+recognize them here if they went about in the ordinary manner? The story
+of the veil will spread farther and farther, and will ultimately betray
+them to the pursuing husband."
+
+By this time the reverend Herr Mercatoris had got the better of his bad
+teeth, and was now ready to join the conversation.
+
+"Gentlemen and ladies," he began, "allow me to say a word about this
+matter, the details of which no one knows better than myself, as I have
+for months been in communication with the nameless gentleman at the
+castle."
+
+"What sort of communication?"
+
+"Through the medium of a correspondence, which has been conducted in
+quite a peculiar manner. The count--we will call him so, although we are
+not justified in so doing, for the gentleman did not announce himself as
+such--the count sends me every morning his copy of the Augsburg
+'Allgemeine Zeitung.' Moreover, I frequently receive letters from him
+through Frau Schmidt; but I always have to return them as soon as I
+have read them. They are not written in a man's hand; the writing is
+unmistakably feminine. The seal is never stamped; only once I noticed on
+it a crest with three flowers--"
+
+"What sort of flowers?" hastily interposed the baroness.
+
+"I don't know the names of them, your ladyship."
+
+"And what do you write about?" she asked again.
+
+"The correspondence began by the count asking a trifling favor of me. He
+complained that the dogs in the village barked so loud; then, that the
+children robbed the birds' nests; then, that the night-watchman called
+the hour unnecessarily loud. These complaints, however, were not made in
+his own name, but by another person whom he did not name. He wrote
+merely: 'Complainant is afraid when the dogs bark.' 'Complainant loves
+birds.' 'Complainant is made nervous by the night-watchman.' Then he
+sent some money for the owners of the barking dogs, asking that the curs
+be shut indoors nights; and some for the children, so they would cease
+to rob the birds' nests; and some for the watchman, whom he requested to
+shout his loudest at the other end of the village. When I had attended
+to his requests, he began to send me his newspaper, which is a great
+favor, for I can ill afford to subscribe for one myself. Later, he
+loaned me some books; he has the classics of all nations--the works of
+Wieland, Kleist, Börne, Lessing, Locke, Schleiermacher. Then we began to
+write about the books, and became entangled in a most exciting argument.
+Frau Schmidt, who was the bearer of this exchange of opinions, very
+often passed to and fro between the castle and the parsonage a dozen
+times a day; and all the time we never said anything to each other, when
+we happened to meet in the road, but 'good day.' From the letters,
+however, I became convinced that the mysterious gentleman is neither a
+criminal, nor a fugitive from justice, nor yet an adventurous hero who
+abducts women! Nor is he an unfortunate misanthrope. He is, on the
+contrary, a philanthropist in the widest sense--one who takes an
+interest in everything that goes on about him, and is eager to help his
+suffering fellows. In a word, he is a philosopher who is happy when he
+is surrounded by peace and quiet."
+
+The baroness, who had listened with interest to the reverend gentleman's
+words, now made inquiry:
+
+"How does this nameless gentleman learn of his poor neighbors' needs,
+when neither he nor his servants associate with any one outside the
+castle?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, your ladyship. He has a very powerful
+telescope in the tower of the castle, with which he can view every
+portion of the surrounding region. He thus learns when there is illness
+or death, whether a house needs repair; and wherever anything is needed,
+the means to help are sent to me. On Christmas he has all the children
+from the village up at the castle, where he has a splendid Christmas
+tree with lighted tapers, and a gift for every child,--clothes, books,
+and sweets,--which he distributes with his own hand. I can tell you an
+incident which is characteristic of the man. One day the county arrested
+a poor woman, the wife of a notorious thief. The Herr Vice-palatine will
+remember the case--Rakoncza Jutka, the wife of the robber Satan Laczi?"
+
+"Yes, I remember. She is still in prison," assented the gentleman
+referred to.
+
+"Yes. Well, she has a little son. When the mother was taken to prison,
+the little lad was turned away from every door, was beaten and abused by
+the other children, until at last he fled to the marshes, where he ate
+the young shoots of the reeds, and slept in the mire. The nameless count
+discovered with his telescope the little outcast, and wrote to me to
+have him taken to Frau Schmidt, where he would be well taken care of
+until his mother came back."
+
+By this time the tears were running down the baroness's cheeks.
+
+"Poor little lad!" she murmured brokenly. "Your story has affected me
+deeply, Herr Pastor."
+
+Then she summoned her steward, and bade him fill a large hamper with
+sweets and pasties, and send it to Frau Schmidt for the poor little boy.
+"And tell Frau Schmidt," she added, "to send the child to the manor. We
+will see to it that he has some suitable clothes. I am delighted,
+reverend sir, to learn that my tenant is a true nobleman."
+
+"His deeds certainly proclaim him as such, your ladyship."
+
+"How do _you_ explain the mystery of the veiled lady?"
+
+"I cannot explain it, your ladyship; she is never mentioned in our
+correspondence."
+
+"She may be a prisoner, detained at the castle by force."
+
+"That cannot be; for she has a hundred opportunities to escape, or to
+ask for help."
+
+Here the surveyor managed to express his belief that the reason the lady
+wore a veil was because of the repulsiveness of her face.
+
+At this, a voice that had not yet been heard said, at the lower end of
+the table:
+
+"But the lady is one the most beautiful creatures I ever saw--and quite
+young."
+
+Every eye was turned toward the speaker.
+
+"What? Audiat? How dares he say such a thing?" demanded the
+vice-palatine.
+
+"Because I have seen her."
+
+"You have seen her? When did you see her? Where did you see her--her
+whom no one yet has seen?"
+
+"When I was returning from college last year, _per pedes apostolorum_,
+for my money had given out, and my knapsack was empty. I was picking
+hazelnuts from the bushes in the park of the Nameless Castle, when I
+heard a window open. I looked up, and saw in the open sash a face the
+like of which I have never seen, even in a picture."
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated the baroness. "Tell us what is she like. Come nearer to
+me."
+
+The clerk, however, was too bashful to leave his place, whereupon the
+baroness rose and took a seat by his side.
+
+"She has long, curling black hair," he went on. "Her face is fair as a
+lily and red as a rose, her brow pure and high, with no sign of the
+branding-iron. Her mouth is small and delicate. Indeed, her entire
+appearance that day was like that of an angel looking down from heaven."
+
+"Is she a maid or a married woman?" inquired one of the company.
+
+A maid, in those days, was very easily distinguished from her married
+sister. The latter was never seen without a cap.
+
+"A young girl not more than fifteen, I should say," was the reply. "A
+cap would not suit her face."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Bernat bácsi. "And this enchanting fairy opened
+the window to show her lovely face to Audiat!"
+
+"No; she did not open the window on my account," retorted the young man,
+"but for the beasts that were luckier than I--for four cats that were
+playing in the gutter of the roof; a white one, a black one, a yellow
+one, and a gray one; and all of them scampered toward her when they
+heard her call."
+
+"The cats are her only companions--that much we know from the servants,"
+affirmed the justice.
+
+The laurels which his clerk had won made the vice-palatine jealous.
+
+"Audiat," he said, in a reproving tone, "you ought to learn that a young
+person should speak only when spoken to; indeed,--as the learned
+Professor Hatvani says,--even then it is not necessary to answer all
+questions."
+
+But the company around the dinner-table did not share these views. The
+clerk was assailed on all sides--very much as would have been an
+aëronaut who had just alighted from a montgolfier--to relate all that he
+had seen in those regions not yet penetrated by man. What sort of gown
+did the mysterious lady wear? Was he certain that she had no cap on? Was
+she really no older than fifteen years?
+
+The vice-palatine at last put an end to his clerk's triumph.
+
+"Tut, tut! what can you expect to learn from a mere lad like him?--when
+he saw her only for an instant! Just wait; _I_ will find out all about
+this nameless gentleman and lady."
+
+"Pray how do you propose to accomplish that?" queried the baroness, who
+had returned to her former seat.
+
+"I shall go to the Nameless Castle."
+
+"Suppose you are not permitted to enter?"
+
+"What? _I_, the vice-palatine, not permitted to enter? Wait; I will
+explain my plan to you over the coffee."
+
+When the time came to serve the black coffee, the amiable hostess
+suggested that it would be pleasant to enjoy it in the open air;
+whereupon the company repaired to the veranda where, on several small
+tables, the fragrant mocha was steaming in the cups. Here the baroness
+and the vice-palatine seated themselves where they could look directly
+at the Nameless Castle; and Herr Bernat Görömbölyi proceeded to explain
+how he intended to take the castle without force--which was forbidden a
+Hungarian official.
+
+Then the two ladies withdrew to make their toilets for the evening; and
+the gentlemen betook themselves to the smoking-room, to indulge in a
+little game of chance, without which no "installation" ceremony would
+have been complete.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the
+gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat bácsi lingering
+behind the rest to whisper significantly:
+
+"I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell
+you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and
+bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle. The
+Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into
+Lake Neusiedl. The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway,
+which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of
+fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns. A drawbridge at the
+farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the
+gate to ask permission.
+
+On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has
+already been described,--the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one
+person. He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and
+shoes without heels.
+
+"Is the count at home?" inquired the vice-palatine.
+
+"He is."
+
+"Announce us. I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an
+official visit."
+
+"The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids
+them welcome."
+
+This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing
+proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to
+remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule--a
+sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.
+
+Now, however, something curious happened.
+
+Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks,
+woven of strands of cloth,--_mamuss_ they are called in this
+region,--and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their
+boots.
+
+"And why, pray?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.
+
+"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant;
+and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the
+carpets."
+
+"This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to
+submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped,
+they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.
+
+An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
+Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used
+for peasants' clothing in Hungary. The walls were hung with glossy white
+paper. Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened. There were
+no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had
+anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either. The floor
+of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone
+like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.
+
+"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom,
+and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber. Here, too, the
+furniture was white and gold. The oil-paintings in the rococo frames
+represented landscapes, fruit pieces, and game; there was not a
+portrait among them.
+
+Beside the oval table with tigers' feet stood the mysterious occupant of
+the Nameless Castle. He was a tall man, with knightly bearing,
+expressive face, a high, broad forehead left uncovered by his natural
+hair, a straight Greek nose, gray eyes, a short mustache and pointed
+beard, which where a shade lighter than his hair.
+
+"_Magnifice comes_--" the vice-palatine was beginning in Latin, when the
+count interposed:
+
+"I speak Hungarian."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed the visitor, whose astonishment was reflected in
+his face. "Hungarian? Why, where can your worship have learned it?"
+
+"From the grammar."
+
+"From the grammar?" For the vice-palatine this was the most astounding
+of all the strange things about the mysterious castle. Had he not always
+known that Hungarian could only be learned by beginning when a child and
+living in a Hungarian family? That any one had learned the language as
+one learns the _hic, hæc, hoc_ was a marvel that deserved to be
+recorded. "From the grammar?" he repeated. "Well, that is wonderful! I
+certainly believed I should have to speak Latin to your worship. But
+allow me to introduce my humble self--"
+
+"I already have the honor," quietly interrupted the count, "of knowing
+that you are Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+He repeated the whole name without a single mistake!
+
+The vice-palatine bowed, and began again:
+
+"The object of my visit to-day is--"
+
+Again he was interrupted.
+
+"I know that also," said the count. "The Fertöszeg estate has passed
+into the hands of another proprietor, who has a legal right to withdraw
+the lease and revoke the conditions made and agreed to by her
+predecessor; and the Herr Vice-palatine is come, at the request of the
+baroness, to serve a notice to quit."
+
+Herr Bernat did not like it when any one interrupted him or knew
+beforehand what he intended to say.
+
+"On the contrary, I came because the baroness desires to renew the
+lease. She has learned how kind to the poor your worship is, and offers
+the castle and park at half the rent paid heretofore." He fancied this
+would melt the haughty lord of the castle, but it seemed to increase his
+hauteur.
+
+"Thanks," frigidly responded the count. "If the baroness thinks the rent
+too high, she will find in her own neighborhood poor people whom she can
+assist. I shall continue to pay the same rent I paid to the former
+owner."
+
+"Then my business will be easily settled. I have brought my clerk with
+me; he can write out the necessary papers, and the matter can be
+concluded at once."
+
+"Thank you very much," returned the count, but without offering to shake
+hands. Instead, he kept his arms crossed behind his back.
+
+"Before we proceed to business," resumed the vice-palatine, "I must tell
+your worship an anecdote. A professor once told his pupils that he knew
+everything. Shortly afterward he asked one of the lads what his name
+was. 'Why,' responded the youth, 'how does it come that you don't know
+my name--you who know everything?'"
+
+"I cannot see why you thought it necessary to relate this anecdote to
+me," observed the count, without a smile.
+
+"I introduce it because I am compelled to inquire your worship's name
+and title, in order to draw up the contracts properly."
+
+This, then, was the strategem by which he proposed to learn the name
+which no one yet had been able to decipher on the count's letters?
+
+The count gazed fixedly for several seconds at his questioner, then
+replied quietly:
+
+"My name is Count Ludwig Vavel de Versay--with a _y_ after the _a_."
+
+"Thanks. I shall not forget it; I have a very good memory," said Herr
+Bernat, who was perfectly satisfied with his success. "Allow me, also,
+to inquire the family name of the worshipful Frau Countess?"
+
+At this question the count at last removed his hands from his back, and
+with the sort of gesture a man makes who would tear asunder an
+adversary. At the same time he cast upon Herr Bernat a glance that
+reminded the valiant official of the royal commissioner, as well as of
+his energetic spouse at home. The angry man seemed to have increased a
+head in stature.
+
+Instead of replying to the question, he turned on his heel and strode
+from the room, leaving his visitor standing in the middle of the floor.
+Herr Bernat was perplexed; he did not know what to do next. Was it not
+quite natural to ask the name of a man's wife when a legal contract was
+to be written? His question, therefore, had not been an insult.
+
+At last, as the count did not return, there was nothing left for Herr
+Bernat to do but go to his room and wait there for further developments.
+The contracts would have to be renewed, else the count would have to
+vacate the castle; and one could easily see that a great deal of money
+had been expended in fitting it up. The count had transformed the old
+hunting-seat, which had been a filthy little nest, into a veritable
+fairy castle. Yes, undoubtedly the contracts would be renewed.
+
+The vice-palatine was pacing the floor of his room in his noiseless
+cloth socks, when he suddenly heard the voices of his clerk and his
+servant outside the door.
+
+"Well, Janos, we are not going to dine here to-day; from what I can
+learn, we are going to be eaten ourselves."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"The groom told me his master was loading his pistols to shoot some one.
+The count challenges to a duel every one who inquires after the
+countess."
+
+The voices ceased. The vice-palatine opened wide his eyes, and muttered:
+
+"May the devil fly away with him! He wants to fight a duel, does he? I
+am not afraid of his pistols; I have one, too, and a sword into the
+bargain. But it 's a silly business altogether! I am to fight about a
+woman I have n't even seen! And what will my wife say? I wish I had n't
+come into this crazy castle! I wish I had n't sealed a compact of
+fraternity with the baroness! Why did not I leave this whole
+installation business to the second vice-palatine? If only I could think
+of an excuse to turn my back on this lunatic asylum! But I am not going
+to run away from a pistol. The Hungarian noble is a born soldier. If
+only I had my pipe! A man is only half a man without his pipe. A pipe
+inspires one with ideas. Where, I wonder, is that Audiat gadding?"
+
+At this moment the clerk opened the door.
+
+"Fetch our luggage, Audiat; we are going to leave this damned lunatic
+asylum. The Herr Count may see to it then how he renews his lease."
+Hereupon he kicked off the socks with such vigor that the very castle
+shook. Then, grasping his sword in his hand, he marched out of his room,
+and down the staircase, to prove that he was not fleeing like a coward,
+but was clearing his way by force.
+
+When the clerk, who went to fetch the luggage, was about to enter the
+groom's apartment, the count came toward him and said:
+
+"You are the vice-palatine's clerk?"
+
+"That 's what they call me."
+
+"When do you expect to become a lawyer?"
+
+"When I have passed my examination."
+
+"When will that be?"
+
+"When I have served a year as jurat, and have paid a ducat for my
+diploma."
+
+"I will give you the ducat, and when you have become a lawyer I will
+employ you as my attorney at six hundred guilders a year. I know that a
+Hungarian gentleman will not accept a gift without making some return; I
+ask you, therefore, to give me for this ducat some information."
+
+"What is it you wish to know?"
+
+"How can I obtain possession of a portion of Lake Neusiedl for my own
+use alone?"
+
+"By becoming a naturalized citizen of the county, and by purchase of a
+portion of the shore. I dare say there are some landowners on the shore
+who would be glad to part with their possessions in exchange for solid
+cash. If you buy such an estate you will have sole right to that part of
+the water in front of your property, and to the middle of the lake."
+
+"Thank you. One more question: if you were my attorney, what could you
+do to prevent me from being ejected from this castle, in case I did not
+sign a new contract with the present owner?"
+
+"First, I should take advantage of the law of possession, and drag the
+case through a twelve years' process; then I should appeal, which would
+postpone a settlement for three years longer. Would that be long
+enough?"
+
+"Quite!"
+
+The count nodded a farewell to the youthful jurist without even
+inquiring his name; nor did Audiat venture to propound a like question
+to his future employer.
+
+Bernat bácsi did not, as he had promised, return to the manor to tell
+the baroness the result of his visit. He drove direct to his home.
+
+
+
+
+PART III
+
+
+THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When they heard the call, "Puss, puss!" they scampered down the roof,
+leaped from the eaves, and vanished, one after the other, between the
+curtains of the open window. It was quite an ethnographic, so to speak,
+collection of cats; a panther-like French pussy from Dund, a Caucasian
+with long pointed ears, one from China with wavy silken fur and drooping
+ears. Then the window was closed, for the company were all
+assembled--four cats, two pug-dogs, and a sparrow, and the hostess, a
+young girl.
+
+The girl, to judge from her figure, was perhaps fifteen years old; but
+her manner and speech were those of a much younger child. With her
+arched brow and rainbow-formed eyebrows, she might have served as a
+model for a saint, had not the roguish smile about the corners of her
+red lips betrayed an earthly origin. The sparkling dark eyes, delicately
+chiseled nostrils, and rounded chin gave to her face certain family
+characteristics which many persons would have recognized at a first
+glance.
+
+Her clothing was richly adorned with lace and embroidery, which was not
+the fashion for girls of her age; at the same time, there was about her
+attire a peculiar negligence, as if she had no one to advise her what
+was proper to wear, or how to wear it.
+
+Her room was furnished with luxurious elegance. Satin hangings covered
+the walls; the furniture was upholstered with rare gobelin tapestry.
+Gilded cabinets veneered with tortoise-shell held, behind glass doors,
+all sorts of costly toys, and dolls in full costume. On a Venetian table
+with mosaic top lay a pack of cards and three heaps of money--one of
+gold, one of silver, the third of copper. On a low, three-legged table
+was a something shaped like an organ, with a long row of metal and
+wooden pipes. Near the window stood a drawing-table, on which were
+sheets of drawing-board, and glasses containing pulverized colors. There
+was also a bookcase; on the shelves were volumes of Vertuch's "Orbis
+pictus," the "Portefeuille des enfants," the "History of Robinson
+Crusoe," and several numbers of a fashion magazine, the "Album des
+salons," the illustrations of which lay scattered about on tables and
+chairs.
+
+The guests were all assembled; not one was missing. The little hostess
+inquired after the health of each one in turn, and how they had enjoyed
+their outing. They all had names. The cats were Hitz, Mitz, Pani, and
+Miura. They were introduced to the two pugs, Phryxus and Helle. Then the
+little maid fetched a porcelain basin, and with a sponge washed each
+nose and paw. Only after this operation had been thoroughly performed
+were the guests allowed to take their places at the breakfast-table--the
+four cats opposite the two pugs.
+
+Then a clean napkin was tied about the neck of each guest,--that their
+jabots might not get soiled with milk,--and a cup of bread and milk
+placed in front of each one.
+
+No complaints were allowed (the one that broke this rule was severely
+lectured), while all of them had patiently to submit when the sparrow
+helped himself from whichever cup he chose. The breakfast over, the
+guests bow-wowed and miaued their thanks, and were dismissed to their
+morning nap.
+
+The musical clock now began to play its shepherd's song; the brass
+Cyclops standing on the dial struck the hour; the cuckoo called, and the
+halberdier saluted. Then the little maid changed her toilet. She had a
+whole wardrobe full of clothes; she might select what she chose to wear.
+There was no one to tell her what to put on, or to help her attire
+herself. When her toilet was completed, a bell outside rang once,
+whereupon she donned her hat and tied over her face a heavy lace veil
+that effectually concealed her features. After a few minutes the bell
+rang a second time, and the sound of wheels in the courtyard was heard.
+Then three taps sounded on the door, and in answer to the little maid's
+clear-voiced "Come in!" a gentleman in promenade toilet entered the room
+and bowed respectfully. First he satisfied himself that the veil was
+securely fastened around the young girl's hat; then, drawing her hand
+through his arm, he led her to the carriage.
+
+On the box was seated the broad-shouldered groom, now clad in coachman's
+costume. The gentleman assisted the little maid into the carriage, took
+his seat by her side, and the black horses set off over the same road
+they had traversed a thousand times, in the regulation trot, avoiding
+the main thoroughfare of the village. Those persons whom they chanced to
+meet did not salute, for they knew that the occupants of the carriage
+from the Nameless Castle did not wish to be spoken to; and any of the
+villagers who were standing idly at their doors stepped inside until
+they had passed; no inquisitive woman face peered after them. And thus
+the carriage passed on its way, as if it had been invisible. When it
+arrived at the forest, the horses knew just where they had to halt. Here
+the gentleman assisted his veiled companion to alight, gave her his left
+arm, because he held in his right hand a heavy walking-stick, in the
+center of which was concealed a long, three-edged poniard, an effective
+weapon in the hands of him who knew how to wield it.
+
+In silence the man and the maid promenaded along the green sward in the
+shade of the trees. A campanula had just opened its blue eye at the foot
+of one of the trees, and pale-blue forget-me-nots grew along the path.
+Blue was the little maid's favorite color; but she was not permitted to
+pluck the flowers herself. She had never been told why she must not do
+this; perhaps it was because the flowers belonged to some one else.
+
+Sometimes the little maid's steps were so light and elastic, as if a
+fairy were gliding over the dewy grass; and sometimes she walked so
+slowly, so wearily, as if a little old grandmother came limping along,
+hunting for lichens on the mossy ground.
+
+After the promenade, they seated themselves again in the carriage, which
+returned to the Nameless Castle, and the gates were closed again.
+
+The man conducted the maid to her room, and the serious occupation of
+the day began. Books were produced, and the man proceeded to explain the
+classics. They were his own favorites; he could not give her any others.
+She had not yet seen or heard of romances, and she was still too young
+to begin the study of history. The man could teach the maid only what he
+himself knew; a strange tutor or governess was not allowed to enter the
+castle.
+
+Because her instructor could not play the piano, the little maid had not
+learned. But in order that she might enjoy listening to music, a
+hand-organ had been bought for her, and new melodies were inserted in it
+every four months.
+
+When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making, she
+seated herself at the card-table, and played _l'hombre_, or _tarok_,
+with two imaginary adversaries, enjoying the manner in which the copper
+coins won the gold ones.
+
+At noon, when the bell rang a third time, the man tapped at the door
+again, offered his gloved hand to the maid, and conducted her to the
+dining-room. At either end of a large table was a plate. The maid took
+her place at the head; the man seated himself at the foot. They
+conversed during the meal. The maid talked about her cats and dogs; the
+man told her about his books. When the maid wanted anything, she called
+the man Ludwig; and when the man addressed his companion, he called her
+simply Marie.
+
+After dinner, they went to the library to look at the late newspapers.
+Ludwig himself made the coffee, after which he read the papers, and
+dictated his comments and criticisms on certain articles to Marie, who
+wrote them out in her delicate hair-line chirography.
+
+When Ludwig and Marie separated for the afternoon, he touched his lips
+to her hand and brow. Marie then returned to her own apartments, played
+the hand-organ for her pets, changed her dolls' toilets, counted her
+gains or losses at cards, colored with her paints a few of the
+illustrations in the magazines, looked through her "Orbis pictus,"
+reading without difficulty the text which was printed in four languages,
+and read for the hundredth time her favorite "Robinson Crusoe."
+
+And thus passed day after day, from spring until autumn, from autumn
+until spring.
+
+Evenings, when Marie prepared for bed, before she undressed herself, she
+spread a heavy silken coverlet over the leather lounge which stood near
+the door. She knew very well that the some one she called Ludwig slept
+every night on the lounge, but he came in so late, and went away so
+early in the morning, that she never heard his coming or his going.
+
+The little maid was a sound sleeper, and the pugs never barked at the
+master of the house, who gave them lumps of sugar.
+
+Often the little maid had determined that she would not go to sleep
+until she heard Ludwig come into the room. But all her attempts to
+remain awake were in vain. Her eyelids closed the moment her head
+touched the pillow. Then she tried to waken early, in order to wish him
+good morning; but when she thrust her little head from between the
+bed-curtains, and called cheerily, "Good morning, dear Ludwig!" there
+was no one there.
+
+Ludwig never slept more than four hours of the twenty-four, and his
+slumber was so light that he woke at the slightest noise. Then, too, he
+slept like a soldier in the field--always clothed, with his weapons
+beside him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+One day in the year formed an exception to all the rest. It was Marie's
+birthday. From her earliest childhood this one day had been entirely her
+own. On this day she addressed Ludwig with the familiar "thou," as she
+had been wont to do when he had taught her to walk. She always looked
+forward with great pleasure to this day, and made for it all sorts of
+plans whose accomplishment was extremely problematic.
+
+And who came to congratulate her on her birthday? First of all, the
+solitary sparrow, whose name was David--surely because he, too, was a
+tireless singer! Already at early dawn, when the first faint rosy hues
+of morning glimmered through the jalousie, he would fly to the head of
+her bed. Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until
+their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung
+open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would
+scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy
+returns of the day.
+
+When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little
+maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall
+folding screen. When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous
+Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and
+confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord. Her hair was twisted
+into a single knot on the crown of her head.
+
+Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests. The eight of
+them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one
+placed on her table every night while she slept. To-day Marie did not
+amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her
+picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the
+bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.
+
+"Come in!"
+
+The man who entered was surprised.
+
+"What? We are not yet ready for the drive?" he exclaimed.
+
+The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with
+childish abandon around his neck.
+
+"We are not going to drive to-day. Dost thou not know that this is my
+birthday--that I alone give orders in this house to-day? To-day
+everything must be done as _I_ say; and _I_ say that we will pass the
+time of the drive here in my room, and that thou shalt answer several
+silly questions which have come into my head. And forget not that we are
+to 'thou' each other to-day. And now, congratulate me nicely. Come, let
+us hear it!"
+
+The count almost imperceptibly bent his knee and his head, but spoke not
+one word. There are gratulations which are expressed in this manner.
+
+"Very good! Then I am a queen for to-day, and thou art my sole subject.
+Sit thou here at my feet on this taboret."
+
+The man obeyed. Marie seated herself on the ottoman, and drew her feet
+underneath the wide skirt of her robe.
+
+"Put that book away!" she commanded, when Ludwig stooped to lift from
+the floor the volume she had cast there. "I know every one of the four
+volumes by heart! Why dost not thou give me one of the books thou
+readest so often?"
+
+"Because they are medical works."
+
+"And why dost thou read such books?"
+
+"In order that, should any one in the castle become ill, I may be able
+to cure him or her without a doctor."
+
+"And must the person die who is ill and cannot be cured?"
+
+"That is generally the end of a fatal illness."
+
+"Does it hurt to die?"
+
+"That I am unable to tell, as I have never tried it."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the maid. "Thou canst not put me off that way!
+Thou knowest many things thou hast not yet tried. Thou hast read about
+them; thou knowest! What is death like? Is it more unpleasant than a
+disagreeable dream? Is the pain all over when one has died, or is there
+more to come afterward? If death is painful, why must we die? If it is
+pleasant, why must we live?"
+
+Children ask such strange questions!
+
+"Life is a gift from God that must be preserved as long as possible,"
+returned Ludwig, evading the main question. "Through us the world
+exists--"
+
+"What is the world?" interrupted Marie.
+
+"The entire human race and their habitations--the earth."
+
+"Then every person owns a plot of earth? Where is the plot which belongs
+to us? Answer me that!"
+
+"By the way, that reminds me!" exclaimed Ludwig, relieved to find an
+opportunity to change the subject. "I have not yet told thee that I
+intend to buy a lovely plot of ground on the shore of the lake, which is
+to be made into a pretty flower-garden for thy use alone. Will not that
+be pleasant?"
+
+"Thou art very kind; the garden will be lovely. That plot of ground,
+then, will be our home, will it not? What is one's home called?"
+
+"It is called the fatherland."
+
+"Then every country is not one's fatherland?"
+
+"If our enemies live there, it is not."
+
+"What are enemies?"
+
+"Persons with whom we are angry."
+
+"What is angry? I have never yet seen anything like it. Why art thou
+never angry?"
+
+"Because I have no reason to be angry with thee, and I never associate
+with any one else."
+
+"What do those persons do who become angry with one another?"
+
+"They avoid each other. If they are very angry they fight; and if they
+are very, very angry they kill each other."
+
+The maid was tortured with curiosity to-day. She drew a pin from her
+robe, and secretly thrust the point into Ludwig's hand.
+
+"What art thou doing?" he asked, in surprise.
+
+"I want to see what thou art like when thou art angry. Did it hurt
+thee?"
+
+"Certainly it hurt me; see, the blood is flowing."
+
+"Ah, heaven!" cried the maid, in terror, drew the young man's head
+toward her, and pressed a kiss on his face.
+
+He sprang to his feet, his face pale as death, extreme horror depicted
+in his glance.
+
+"There!" exclaimed the maid. "Thou dost not kill me, and yet I have made
+thee very angry."
+
+"This is not anger," sighed the young man.
+
+"What is it, then?"
+
+"It has no name."
+
+"Then I may not kiss thee? Thou lettest me kiss thee last year, and the
+year before, and every other year."
+
+"But thou art fifteen years old to-day."
+
+"Ah! Then what was allowed last year, and always before that, is not
+allowed now. Dost not thou love me any more?"
+
+"All my thoughts are filled with thee."
+
+"Thou knowest that I have always been allowed to make one wish on my
+birthday, and that it has always been granted. That is what some one
+accustomed me to--thou knowest very well who."
+
+"Thy desires have always been fulfilled."
+
+"Yes; and children understand how to desire what is impossible. But
+grown persons are clever enough to know how to impose on the children.
+Three years ago I asked thee to bring me some one with whom I could
+talk--some one who would be company for me. Thou broughtest me cats and
+dogs and a bird! Two years ago I wished I might learn how to make
+pictures; and I was given paper patterns to color with water-colors. One
+year ago to-day I wished I might learn how to make music; and a
+hand-organ was bought for me. Oh, yes; my wishes have always been
+fulfilled, but always in a way that cheated me. Children are always
+treated so. To-day thou sayest that I am fifteen years old, and that I
+am not any more to be treated as a child. Mark that! To-day, as
+heretofore, I ask something of thee which thou canst give me--and thou
+canst not cheat me, either!"
+
+"Whatever it may be, thou shalt have it, Marie."
+
+"Thy hand on it! Now, thou knowest that I asked thee not long ago to
+send to Paris for a 'Melusine costume' for me!"
+
+"And has it not already arrived? I myself delivered the box into thy
+hands."
+
+"Knowest thou what a Melusine costume is? See, this is it."
+
+With these words she sprang from her seat, untied the cord about her
+waist, flung off the silken wrapper, and stood in front of the
+speechless young man in one of those costumes worn by Paris dames at the
+sea-shore when they disport themselves amid the waves of the ocean. The
+Melusine costume was a bathing-dress.
+
+"To-day, Ludwig, I ask that thou wilt teach me how to swim. The lake is
+just out yonder below the garden."
+
+The maid, in her pale-blue bathing-dress, looked like one of those
+fairy-like creatures in Shakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," innocent
+and alluring, child and siren.
+
+Disconcerted and embarrassed, Ludwig raised his hand.
+
+"Art thou going to strike me?" inquired the child, half crying, half
+laughing.
+
+"Pray put on the wrapper again!" said Ludwig, taking the garment from
+the sofa and with it veiling the model for a Naiad. "What sort of a
+caprice is this?"
+
+"I have had the thought in my head for a long, long time, and I beg that
+thou wilt grant my request. Thou canst not say that thou canst not swim;
+for once, when we were traveling in great haste, I know not why, we came
+to a river, and found that the boat was on the farther shore. Thou
+swammest across, and broughtest back the boat in which the four of us
+then crossed to the other side. Already then the desire to swim arose in
+me. What a delicious sensation to swim through the water--to make wings
+of one's arms and fly like a bird! Since we live in this castle the wish
+has become stronger. Night after night I dream that I am cleaving
+through the waves. I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have
+to cover my face. It is just like looking at creation through a grating!
+I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am
+afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
+But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no
+one, where no one would see me. I could look up at the shining sky, and
+about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes,
+that would tell no one what they had seen or heard. That would be
+supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it?"
+
+The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had
+experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken. Perhaps, too, he
+had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam
+the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.
+
+"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his
+hand to take hers.
+
+"And thou wilt grant my wish? Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in
+vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
+"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either?"
+
+"How canst thou behave so, Marie? Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up
+girl does not kiss a man's hand."
+
+He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to
+his feet.
+
+"Where art thou going? Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong
+to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject?"
+
+"I go to execute the commands of my little queen. If she desires to
+learn to swim, I must have a bath-house built on the shore, and look
+about for a suitable spot in the little cove."
+
+"When I have learned to swim all by myself, may not I go beyond the
+little cove--away out into the open lake?"
+
+"Yes, on two conditions. One is that I may follow in my canoe--"
+
+"But not keep very near to me?"
+
+"Of course not. The second condition is that in daylight thou wilt not
+swim beyond those willows which conceal the cove. Only on moonlight
+evenings mayest thou venture into the open lake."
+
+"But why may not I venture by daylight?"
+
+"Because a telescope does not enable one to distinguish features after
+night. Other people may have a telescope, like myself."
+
+"Who would have one in this village?"
+
+"The manor has a new occupant. A lady has taken possession there."
+
+"A lady? Is she pretty?"
+
+"She is young."
+
+"Didst thou see her through the telescope? What kind of hair has she
+got?"
+
+"Blonde."
+
+"Then she must be very pretty. May I take a look at her some time?"
+
+"I am afraid thou mightest fall in love with her; for she is very
+beautiful, and very good."
+
+"How dost thou know she is good?"
+
+"Because she visits the sick and the poor, and because she goes
+regularly to church."
+
+"Why do we never go to church?"
+
+"Because we profess a different belief from that acknowledged by those
+persons who attend this church."
+
+"Do they pray to a different God from ours?"
+
+"No; they pray to the same God."
+
+"Then why should n't we all go to the same church?"
+
+Unable longer to control himself, Ludwig took the shrewd little
+child-head between his hands, and said tenderly:
+
+"My darling! my little queen! not all the synods of the four quarters of
+the globe could answer thy questions--let alone this poor forgotten
+soldier!"
+
+"There! thou always pretendest to be stupid when I want to borrow a
+little bit of thy wisdom. Thou art like the rich man who tells the
+beggar that he has no money. By the way, I must not forget that I
+always send money to the poor children on my birthday. Come, tell me
+which of the heaps I shall send to-day--these small coins, or these
+large ones? If thou thinkest I ought to send these little yellow ones, I
+have no objections. I think I prefer to keep the white coins, they have
+such a musical sound; besides, they have the image of the Virgin. If
+thou thinkest I ought to send some of the large red ones, too, I will do
+so."
+
+The "little yellow ones" were gold sovereigns; the "white coins" were
+silver _Zwanziger_; and the "large red ones" were copper medals of the
+Austrian minister of finance, worth half a guilder.
+
+"We will send some of the small coins and some of the large ones,"
+decided Ludwig, smiling at the little maid's ignorance of the value of
+the money.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Tradition maintained that many years before, during the preceding
+century, the tongue of land now occupied by the Nameless Castle was part
+of the lake; and it may have been true, for Neusiedl Lake is a very
+capricious body of water. During the past two decades we ourselves have
+seen a greater portion of the lake suddenly recede, leaving dry land
+where once had been several feet of water. The owners of what had once
+been the shore took possession of the dry lake bottom; they used it for
+meadows and pastures; leased it, and the lessees built farm-houses and
+steam-mills on the "new ground." They cultivated wheat and maize, and
+for many years harvested two crops a year. Suddenly the lake took a
+notion to occupy its old bed again; and when the water had resumed its
+former level, fields and farms had vanished beneath the green flood;
+only here and there the top of a chimney indicated where a steam-mill
+had been. Magic tricks like this Neusiedl Lake has played more than once
+on trusting mortals.
+
+On either side of the peninsula on which stood the Nameless Castle was a
+little cove. One of these the count had spoken of to Marie; the other
+separated the castle from the village of Fertöszeg.
+
+The manor, the habitation of the owner of the Fertöszeg estate, stood on
+the slope of a hill at the eastern end of the village, and fronted, as
+did the neighboring castle, on the lake.
+
+In the second half of the month of August, in the year 1806, one might
+have seen from the veranda of the manor, after the sun had gone down and
+the marvelous tints of the evening sky were reflected in the water, a
+small boat speed out from the cove on the farther side of the Nameless
+Castle, trailing after it a long silvery streak on the parti-colored
+surface of the lake. A solitary man sat in the boat.
+
+But what could not be seen from the veranda of the manor was that a
+girlish form swam a little in advance of the boat.
+
+Marie had proved an excellent scholar in the school of the hydriads.
+Already after the fourth lesson she could swim alone, and sped over the
+waves as lightly and gracefully as a swan.
+
+She did not need to wear a hat on these evening swimming excursions; her
+long hair floated unbound after her on the waves. When the twilight
+shadows deepened, the swimmer would speed far ahead of the accompanying
+canoe. She had lost all fear of the water. The waves were her
+friends--they knew each other well. When she wished to rest, she would
+turn her face to the sky, fold her arms across her breast, and lie on
+the waves as among swelling cushions like a child in a rocking cradle.
+And here she was allowed the full privileges of a child. She shouted;
+called to the startled wild geese; teased the night-swallows, and the
+bats skimming along the surface of the lake in quest of water-spiders.
+Here she even ventured to sing, and gave voice to charming melodies,
+which floated over the water like the sounds of an Æolian harp.
+
+Many hours were spent thus on the lake. The little maid never wearied of
+the water. The protecting element restored to her nerves the strength
+which the stepmotherly earth had taken from them. A promenade of a
+hundred steps would tire her so that she would have to stop and rest.
+She had become unused to walking. But here in the water she moved about
+like a Naiad; her whole being was transformed; she lived! Then, when her
+guardian would call her, she would swim back to the canoe, clamber into
+it, and spread her long hair over his knees to dry while they rowed back
+to the shore. Poor little maid! She declared she had found happiness in
+the water.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One evening, after the waning moon had risen, Ludwig's canoe, as usual,
+followed Marie, who was swimming a considerable distance ahead. Among
+the peculiarities of Neusiedl Lake are its numerous islets, the shores
+of which are thickly grown with rushes, and covered with broom and tall
+trees. Such an island lay not far from the shore in front of the
+Nameless Castle; it had frequently aroused Marie's curiosity.
+
+The little maid was now permitted to swim as far out into the open world
+of waves as she desired, only now and again signaling her whereabouts
+through a clear-toned "Ho, ho!"
+
+During this time Ludwig reclined in his boat, and while the waves gently
+rocked him, he gazed dreamily into the depths of the starry sky, and
+listened to the mysterious voices of the night--the moaning, murmuring,
+echoing voices floating across the surface of the water.
+
+Suddenly a piercing scream mingled with the mysterious voices of the
+night. It was Marie's voice.
+
+Frantic with terror, Ludwig seized his oars, and the canoe shot through
+the water in the direction of the scream.
+
+The trail of light left behind her by the swimmer was visible on the
+calm surface of the lake. Suddenly it made an abrupt turn, and began to
+form a gigantic V. Evidently the little maid was impelled by desperate
+terror to reach the protecting canoe. When she came abreast of it she
+uttered a second cry, convulsively grasped the edge of the boat, and
+cast a terrified glance backward.
+
+"Marie!" cried the count, greatly alarmed, seizing the girdle about her
+waist and lifting her into the canoe. "What has happened? Who is
+following you?"
+
+The child trembled violently; her teeth chattered, and she gasped for
+breath, unable to speak; only her large eyes were still fixed with an
+expression of horror on the water.
+
+Ludwig looked searchingly around, but could see nothing. And yet, after
+a few seconds, something rose before him.
+
+What was it? Man or beast?
+
+The head, the face, were head and face of a human being--a man, perhaps.
+The cheeks and head were covered with short reddish hair like the fur of
+an otter. The long, pointed ears stood upright. The mouth was closed so
+tightly that the lips were invisible. The nose was flat. The eyes, like
+those of a fish, were round and staring. There was no expression
+whatever in the features.
+
+The mysterious monster had risen quite close to the boat.
+
+Ludwig seized an oar with both hands to crush the monster's head; but
+the heavy blow fell on the water. The creature had vanished underneath
+the boat, and only the motion of the water on the other side indicated
+the direction it had taken. Terror and rage had benumbed Ludwig's
+nerves.
+
+What was it? Who had sent this nameless monster after his carefully
+guarded treasure? Even the bottom of the lake concealed her enemies! He
+could think of nothing but intrigues and malignant persecutions. Rage
+boiled in his veins.
+
+He enveloped the maid in her bath-mantle, and took up his oars.
+
+"I will come back here to-morrow," he muttered to himself, "hunt up
+this creature, and shoot it--be it man or beast."
+
+Marie murmured something which sounded like a remonstrance.
+
+"I will shoot the creature!" repeated Ludwig, savagely.
+
+The young girl withdrew trembling to the stern of the boat, and said
+nothing further; she even strove to suppress her nervous terror, like a
+child that has behaved naughtily.
+
+When the boat reached the shore, Ludwig bade Marie in a stern voice to
+make haste and change her bathing-dress, and became very impatient when
+she lingered longer than usual in the bath-house. Then he took her arm
+and walked rapidly with her to the castle.
+
+"Are you really going to shoot that creature?" asked Marie, still
+trembling.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But suppose it is a human being?"
+
+"Then I shall certainly shoot him."
+
+"I will never, never again venture into the lake."
+
+"I am certain of that! If you once become frightened in the water, you
+will always have a dread of it."
+
+"My dear, beautiful lake!" sighed Marie, casting backward a sorrowful
+glance at the glittering expanse of water, at the paradise of her
+dreams, which the rising wind was curling into wavelets.
+
+"Go at once to bed," said Ludwig, when he had conducted his charge to
+the door of her room. "Cover yourself up well, and if you feel chilly I
+will make you a cup of camomile tea."
+
+All children have such a distaste for this herb tea that it was not to
+be wondered at if Marie declared she did not feel in the least chilly,
+and that she would go at once to bed.
+
+But she did not sleep well. She dreamed all night long of the
+water-monster. She saw it pursuing her. The staring fish-eyes rose
+before her in the darkness. Then she saw Ludwig with his gun searching
+for the monster--saw him shoot at it, but without effect. The hideous
+creature leaped merrily away.
+
+More than once she awoke from her restless slumber and called softly:
+
+"Ludwig, are you there?"
+
+But no one answered the question. Since her last birthday Ludwig had not
+occupied the lounge in her room. Marie had discovered this. She had
+placed a rose-leaf on the silken coverlet every evening, and found it
+still there in the morning. If any one had slept on the lounge, the
+rose-leaf would have fallen to the floor.
+
+The following day Ludwig was more silent than usual. He did not speak
+once during their drive, and ate hardly anything at meals.
+
+One could easily see how impatiently he waited for evening, when he
+might go down to the lake and search for the monster--a sorry object for
+a fury such as his! An otter, most likely, or a beaver--mayhap an
+abortion of the Dead Sea, which had survived the ages since the days of
+Sodom! All the same, it was a living creature, and must become food for
+fishes. Marie, however, prayed so fervently that nothing might come of
+Ludwig's fury that Heaven heard the prayer. The weather changed suddenly
+in the afternoon. A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August
+sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
+Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in
+the evening. He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to
+complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to
+what she said.
+
+The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might
+dream again of horrible things. The heavy rain beat against the windows;
+thunder rumbled in the distance.
+
+"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said
+Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee. "Ugh-h! just
+think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods!
+Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the
+graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the
+crosses lift their heads from the darkness--ugh-h!"
+
+The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating
+knock at her door.
+
+"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully. She thought it was
+Ludwig.
+
+The door opened slowly, only half-way, and the voice which began to
+speak was not Ludwig's; it was the groom.
+
+"Beg pardon, madame!" (thus he addressed the little maid).
+
+"Is it you, Henry? What do you want? You may come in. I am still up."
+
+The groom entered, and closed the door behind him. He was a tall,
+gray-haired man, with an honest face and enormously large hands.
+
+"What is it, Henry? Did the count send you?"
+
+"No, madame; I only wish he were able."
+
+"Why? What is the matter with him?"
+
+"I don't know, indeed! I believe he is dying."
+
+"Who? Ludwig?"
+
+"Yes, madame; my master."
+
+"For God's sake, tell me what you mean!"
+
+"He is lying on his bed, quite out of his mind. His face is flushed,
+his eyes gleam like hot coals, and he is talking wildly. I have never
+seen him in such a condition."
+
+"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?"
+
+"I don't know, madame. When any of us gets sick the count knows what to
+do; but he does n't seem able to cure himself now; the contents of the
+medicine-chest are scattered all over the floor."
+
+"Is there no doctor in the village?"
+
+"Yes, madame; the county physician."
+
+"Then he must be sent for."
+
+"I thought of that, but I did not like to venture to do so."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because the count has declared that he will shoot me if I attempt to
+bring a stranger into his room, or into madame's. He told me I must
+never admit within the castle gate a doctor, a preacher, or a woman; and
+I should not think of disobeying him."
+
+"But now that he is so ill? and you say he may die? Merciful God! Ludwig
+die! It cannot--must not--happen!"
+
+"But how will madame hinder it?"
+
+"If you will not venture to fetch the doctor, then I will go myself."
+
+"Oh, madame! you must not even think of doing this!"
+
+"I think of nothing else but that he is ill unto death. I am going, and
+you are coming with me."
+
+"Holy Father! The count will kill me if I do that."
+
+"And if you don't do it you will kill the count."
+
+"That is true, too, madame."
+
+"Then don't you do anything. _I_ shall do what is necessary. I will put
+on my veil, and let no one see my face."
+
+"But in this storm? Just listen, madame, how it thunders."
+
+"I am not afraid of thunder, you stupid Henry. Light a lantern, and arm
+yourself with a stout cudgel, while I am putting on my pattens. If
+Ludwig should get angry, I shall be on hand to pacify him. If only the
+dear Lord will spare his life! Oh, hasten, hasten, my good Henry!"
+
+"He will shoot me dead; I know it. But let him, in God's name! I do it
+at your command, madame. If madame is really determined to go herself
+for the doctor, then we will take the carriage."
+
+"No, indeed! Ludwig would hear the sound of wheels, and know what we
+were doing. Then he would jump out of bed, run into the court, and take
+a cold that would certainly be his death. No; we must go on foot, as
+noiselessly as possible. It is not so very far to the village. Go now,
+and fetch the lantern."
+
+Several minutes afterward, the gates of the Nameless Castle opened, and
+there came forth a veiled lady, who clung with one hand to the arm of a
+tall man, and carried a lantern in the other. Her companion held over
+her, to protect her from the pouring rain, a large red umbrella, and
+steadied his steps in the slippery mud with a stout walking-stick. The
+lady walked so rapidly that her companion with difficulty kept pace with
+her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+Dr. Tromfszky had just returned from a _visum repertum_ in a criminal
+case, and had concluded that he would go to bed so soon as he had
+finished his supper. The rain fell in torrents on the roof, and rushed
+through the gutters with a roaring noise.
+
+"Now just let any one send again for me this night!" he exclaimed, when
+his housekeeper came to remove the remnants of cheese from the
+supper-table. "I would n't go--not if the primate himself got a
+fish-bone fast in his throat; no, not for a hundred ducats. I swear it!"
+
+At that moment there came a knock at the street door, and a very
+peremptory one, too.
+
+"There! did n't I know some one would take it into his head to let the
+devil fetch him to-night? Go to the door, Zsuzsa, and tell them that I
+have a pain in my foot--that I have just applied a poultice, and can't
+walk."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa, with the kitchen lamp in her hand, waddled into the
+corridor. After inquiring the second time through the door, "Who is it?"
+and the one outside had answered: "It is I," she became convinced, from
+the musical feminine tone, that it was not the notorious robber, Satan
+Laczi, who was seeking admittance.
+
+Then she opened the door a few inches, and said:
+
+"The Herr Doctor can't go out any more to-night; he has gone to bed, and
+is poulticing his foot."
+
+The door was open wide enough to admit a delicate feminine hand, which
+pressed into the housekeeper's palm a little heap of money. By the light
+of the lamp Frau Zsuzsa recognized the shining silver coins, and the
+door was opened its full width.
+
+When she saw before her the veiled lady she became quite complaisant.
+Curiosity is a powerful lever.
+
+"I humbly beg your ladyship to enter."
+
+"Please tell the doctor the lady from the Nameless Castle wishes to see
+him."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa placed the lamp on the kitchen table, and left the visitors
+standing in the middle of the floor.
+
+"Well, what were you talking about so long out yonder?" demanded the
+doctor, when she burst into his study.
+
+"Make haste and put on your coat again; the veiled lady from the
+Nameless Castle is here."
+
+"What? Well, that is an event!" exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly
+thrusting his arms into the sleeves of his coat. "Is the count with
+her?"
+
+"No; the groom accompanied her."
+
+These magic words, "the veiled lady," had more influence on the doctor
+than any imaginable number of ducats.
+
+At last he was to behold the mythological appearance--yes, and even hear
+her voice!
+
+"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he
+ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of
+the looking-glass.
+
+Then she stood before him--the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as
+usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in
+the village was familiar.
+
+"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was
+difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a young or an
+old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the
+gentleman is very seriously ill."
+
+"Certainly; I am delighted!--that is, I am not delighted to hear of the
+worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to
+be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."
+
+"Oh, pray make haste."
+
+"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your
+ladyship."
+
+"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."
+
+Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered
+with mud.
+
+"What? Came on foot in such weather--all the way from the Nameless
+Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"
+
+"Cannot you come with us on foot, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"I should like very much to accompany your ladyship; but really, I have
+_rheumatismus acutus_ in my foot, and were I to get wet I should
+certainly have an _ischias_."
+
+Marie lifted her clasped hands in despair to her lips, but the
+beseeching expression on her face was hidden by the heavy veil. Could
+the doctor have seen the tearful eyes, the trembling lips!
+
+Seeing that her voiceless petition was in vain, Marie drew from her
+bosom a silken purse, and emptied the contents, gold, silver, and copper
+coins, on the table.
+
+"Here," she exclaimed proudly. "I have much more money like this, and
+will reward you richly if you will come with me."
+
+The doctor was amazed. There on the table lay more gold than the whole
+county could have mustered in these days of paper notes. Truly these
+people were not to be despised.
+
+"If only it did not rain so heavily--"
+
+"I will let you take my umbrella."
+
+"Thanks, your ladyship; I have one of my own."
+
+"Then let us start at once."
+
+"But my foot--it pains dreadfully."
+
+"We can easily arrange that. Henry, here, is a very strong man; he will
+take you on his shoulders, and bring you back from the castle in the
+carriage."
+
+There were no further objections to be offered when Henry, with great
+willingness, placed his broad shoulders at the doctor's service.
+
+The doctor hastily thrust what was necessary into a bag, locked the
+money Marie had given him in a drawer, bade Frau Zsuzsa remain awake
+until he returned, and clambered on Henry's back. In one hand he held
+his umbrella, in the other the lantern; and thus the little company took
+their way to the castle--the "double man" in advance, the little maid
+following with her umbrella.
+
+The doctor had sufficient cause to be excited. What usurious
+gossip-interest might be collected from such a capitol! Dr. Tromfszky
+already had an enviable reputation in the county, but what would it
+become when it became known that he was physician in ordinary to the
+Nameless Castle?
+
+The rain was not falling so heavily when they arrived at the castle.
+
+Marie and Henry at once conducted the doctor to Ludwig's chamber. Henry
+first thrust his head cautiously through the partly open door, then
+whispered that his master was still tossing deliriously about on the
+bed; whereupon the doctor summoned courage to enter the room. His first
+act was to snuff the candle, the wick having become so charred it
+scarcely gave any light. He could now examine the invalid's face, which
+was covered with a burning flush. His eyes rolled wildly. He had not
+removed his clothes, but had torn them away from his breast.
+
+"H'm! h'm!" muttered the doctor, searching in his bag for his
+bloodletting instruments. Then he approached the bed, and laid his
+fingers on the invalid's pulse.
+
+At the touch of his cold hand the patient suddenly sat upright and
+uttered a cry of terror:
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"I am the doctor--the county physician--Dr. Tromfszky. Pray, Herr Count,
+let me see your tongue."
+
+Instead of his tongue, the count exhibited a powerful fist.
+
+"What do you want here? Who brought you here?" he demanded.
+
+"Pray, pray be calm, Herr Count," soothingly responded the doctor, who
+was inclined to look upon this aggressive exhibition as a result of the
+fever. "Allow me to examine your pulse. We have here a slight paroxysm
+that requires medical aid. Come, let me feel your pulse; one, two--"
+
+The count snatched his wrist from the doctor's grasp, and cried angrily:
+
+"But I don't need a doctor, or any medicine. There is nothing at all the
+matter with me. I don't want anything from you, but to know who brought
+you here."
+
+"Beg pardon," retorted the offended doctor. "I was summoned, and came
+through this dreadful storm. I was told that the Herr Count was
+seriously ill."
+
+"Who said so? Henry?" demanded the count, rising on one knee.
+
+Henry did not venture to move or speak.
+
+"Did you fetch this doctor, Henry?" again demanded the invalid, with
+expanded nostrils, panting with fury.
+
+The doctor, fancying that it would be well to tell the truth, now
+interposed politely:
+
+"Allow me, Herr Count! Herr Henry did not come alone to fetch me, but
+he came with the gracious countess; and on foot, too, in this weather."
+
+"What? Marie?" gasped the invalid; and at that moment his face looked as
+if he had become suddenly insane. An involuntary epileptic convulsion
+shook his limbs. He fell from the bed, but sprang at the same instant to
+his feet again, flung himself like an angry lion upon Henry, caught him
+by the throat, and cried with the voice of a demon:
+
+"Wretch! Betrayer! What have you dared to do? I will kill you!"
+
+The doctor required nothing further. He did not stop to see the friendly
+promise fulfilled, but, leaving his lances, elixirs, and plasters behind
+him, he flew down the staircase, four steps at a time, and into the
+pouring rain, totally forgetting the ischias which threatened his leg.
+Nor did he once think of a carriage, or of a human dromedary,--not even
+of a lantern, or an umbrella,--as he galloped down the dark road through
+the thickest of the mud.
+
+When the count seized Henry by the throat and began to shake him, as a
+lion does the captured buffalo, Marie stepped suddenly to his side, and
+in a clear, commanding tone cried:
+
+"Louis!"
+
+At this word he released Henry, fell on his knees at Marie's feet,
+clasped both arms around her, and, sobbing convulsively, pressed kiss
+after kiss on the little maid's wet and muddy gown.
+
+"Why--why did you do this for me?" he exclaimed, in a choking voice.
+
+The doctor's visit had, after all, benefited the invalid. The
+spontaneous reaction which followed the violent fit of passion caused a
+sudden turn in his illness. The salutary crisis came of its own accord
+during the outburst of rage, which threw him into a profuse
+perspiration. The brain gradually returned to its normal condition.
+
+"You will get well again, will you not?" stammered the little maid
+shyly, laying her hand on the invalid's brow.
+
+"If you really want me to get well," returned Ludwig, "then you must
+comply with my request. Go to your room, take off these wet clothes, and
+go to bed. And you must promise never again to go on another errand like
+the one you performed this evening. I hope you may sleep soundly."
+
+"I will do whatever you wish, Ludwig--anything to prevent your getting
+angry again."
+
+The little maid returned to her room, took off her wet clothes, and lay
+down on the bed; but she could not sleep. Every hour she rose, threw on
+her wrapper, thrust her feet into her slippers, and stole to the door of
+Ludwig's room to whisper: "How is he now, Henry?"
+
+"He is sleeping quietly," Henry would answer encouragingly. The faithful
+fellow had forgotten his master's anger, and was watching over him as
+tenderly as a mother over her child.
+
+"He did not hurt you very much, did he, Henry?"
+
+"No; it did not hurt, and I deserved what I got."
+
+The little maid pressed the old servant's hand, whereupon he sank to his
+knees at her feet, and, kissing her pretty fingers, whispered:
+
+"This fully repays me."
+
+The next morning Ludwig was entirely recovered. He rose, and, as was his
+wont, drank six tumblerfuls of water--his usual breakfast.
+
+Of the events of the past night he spoke not one word.
+
+At ten o'clock the occupants of the Nameless Castle were to be seen out
+driving as usual--the white-haired groom, the stern-visaged gentleman,
+and the veiled lady.
+
+That same morning Dr. Tromfszky received from the castle a packet
+containing his medical belongings, and an envelop in which he found a
+hundred-guilder bank-note, but not a single written word.
+
+Meanwhile the days passed with their usual monotony for the occupants of
+the Nameless Castle, and September, with its delightfully warm weather
+drew on apace. In Hungary the long autumn makes ample amends for the
+brief spring--like the frugal mother who stores away in May gifts with
+which to surprise her children later in the season.
+
+Down at the lake, a merry crowd of naked children disported in the
+water; their shouts and laughter could be heard at the castle. Ludwig
+fully understood the deep melancholy which had settled on Marie's
+countenance. Her sole amusement, her greatest happiness, had been taken
+from her. Other high-born maidens had so many ways of enjoying
+themselves; she had none. No train of admirers paid court to her. No
+strains of merry dance-music entranced her ear. Celebrated actors came
+and went; she did not delight in their performances--she had never even
+seen a theater. She had no girl friends with whom to exchange
+confidences--with whom to make merry over the silly flatterers who paid
+court to them; no acquaintances whose envy she could arouse by the
+magnificence of her toilets--one of the greatest pleasures in life!
+
+She had no other flatterers but her cats; no other confidantes but her
+cats; no other actors but her cats. The world of waves had been her sole
+enjoyment. The water had been her theater, balls, concert--the great
+world. It was her freedom. The land was a prison.
+
+Again it was the full of the moon, and quite warm. The tulip-formed
+blossoms of the luxuriant water-lilies were in bloom along the lake
+shore. Ludwig's heart ached with pity for the little maid when he saw
+how sorrowfully she gazed from her window on the glittering lake.
+
+"Come, Marie," he said, "fetch your bathing-dress, and let us try the
+lake again. I will stay close by you, and take good care that nothing
+frightens you. We will not go out of the cove."
+
+How delighted the child was to hear these words! She danced and skipped
+for joy; she called him her dear Ludwig. Then she hunted up the
+discarded Melusine costume, and hastened with such speed toward the
+shore that Ludwig was obliged to run to keep up with her. But the nearer
+she approached to the bath-house, the less quickly she walked; and when
+she stood in the doorway she said:
+
+"Oh, how my heart beats!"
+
+When Ludwig appeared with the canoe from behind the willows, the
+charming Naiad stepped from the bath-house. The rippling waves bore the
+moonlight to her feet, where she stood on the narrow platform which
+projected into the lake. She knelt and, bending forward, kissed the
+water; it was her beloved! After a moment's hesitation she dropped
+gently from the platform, as she had been wont to do; but when she felt
+the waves about her shoulders, she uttered a cry of terror, and grasped
+the edge of the canoe with both hands.
+
+"Lift me out, Ludwig! I cannot bear it; I am afraid!"
+
+With a sorrowful heart the little maid took leave of her favorite
+element. The hot tears gushed from her eyes, and fell into the water; it
+was as if she were bidding an eternal, farewell to her beloved. From
+that hour the child became a silent and thoughtful woman.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Then followed the stormy days of autumn, the long evenings, the weeks
+and months when nothing could be done but stay in doors and amuse one's
+self with books--Dante, Shakspere, Horace. To these were occasionally
+added learned folios sent from Stuttgart to Count Ludwig, who seemed to
+find his greatest enjoyment in perusing works on philosophy and science.
+Meanwhile the communication by letter between the count and the erudite
+shepherd of souls in the village was continued.
+
+One day Herr Mercatoris sent to the castle a brochure on which he had
+proudly written, "With the compliments of the author." The booklet was
+written in Latin, and was an account of the natural wonder which is, to
+this day, reckoned among the numerous memorable peculiarities of Lake
+Neusiedl,--a human being that lived in the water and ate live fishes.
+
+A little boy who had lost both parents, and had no one to care for him,
+had strayed into the morass of the Hansag, and, living there among the
+wild animals, had become a wild animal himself, an inhabitant of the
+water like the otters, a dumb creature from whose lips issued no human
+sound.
+
+The decade of years he had existed in the water had changed his skin to
+a thick hide covered with a heavy growth of hair. The phenomenon would
+doubtless be accepted by many as a convincing proof that the human being
+was really evolved from the wild animal.
+
+Accompanying the description was an engraved portrait of the natural
+wonder.
+
+The new owner of Fertöszeg, Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, had
+been told that a strange creature was frightening the village children
+who bathed in the lake. She had given orders to some fishermen to catch
+the monster, which they had been fortunate enough to do while fishing
+for sturgeon. The boy-fish had been taken to the manor, where he had
+been properly clothed, and placed in the care of a servant whose task
+it was to teach the poor lad to speak, and walk upright instead of on
+all fours, as had been his habit. Success had so far attended the
+efforts to tame the wild boy that he would eat bread and keep on his
+clothes. He had also learned to say "Ham-ham" when he wanted something
+to eat; and he had been taught to turn the spit in the kitchen. The
+kind-hearted baroness was sparing no pains to restore the lad to his
+original condition. No one was allowed to strike or abuse him in any
+way.
+
+This brochure had a twofold effect upon the count. He became convinced
+that the monster which had frightened Marie was not an assassin hired by
+her enemies, not an expert diver, but a natural abnormity that had acted
+innocently when he pursued the swimming maid. Second, the count could
+not help but reproach himself when he remembered that _he_ would have
+destroyed the irresponsible creature whom his neighbor was endeavoring
+to transform again into a human being.
+
+How much nobler was this woman's heart than his own! His fair neighbor
+began to interest him.
+
+He took the pamphlet to Marie, who shuddered when her eyes fell on the
+engraving.
+
+"The creature is really a harmless human being, Marie, and I am sorry we
+became so excited over it. Our neighbor, the lovely baroness, is trying
+to restore the poor lad to his original condition. Next summer you will
+not need to be afraid to venture into the lake again."
+
+The little maid gazed thoughtfully into Ludwig's eyes for several
+moments; evidently she was pondering over something.
+
+There had risen in her mind a suspicion that Ludwig himself had written
+the pamphlet, and had had the monster's portrait engraved, in order to
+quiet her fears and restore her confidence in the water.
+
+"Will you take me sometime to visit the baroness?" she asked suddenly.
+
+"And why?" inquired Ludwig, in turn, rising from his seat.
+
+"That I, too, may see the wonderful improvement in the monster."
+
+"No," he returned shortly, and taking up the pamphlet, he quitted the
+room. "No!"
+
+"But why 'No'?"
+
+
+
+
+PART IV
+
+SATAN LACZI
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Count Vavel (thus he was addressed on his letters) had arranged an
+observatory in the tower of the Nameless Castle. Here was his telescope,
+by the aid of which he viewed the heavens by night, and by day observed
+the doings of his fellow-men. He noticed everything that went on about
+him. He peered into the neighboring farm-yards and cottages, was a
+spectator of the community's disputes as well as its diversions. Of
+late, the chief object of his telescopic observations during the day
+were the doings at the neighboring manor. He was the "Lion-head" and the
+"Council of Ten" in one person. The question was, whether the new
+mistress of the manor, the unmarried baroness, should "cross the Bridge
+of Sighs"? His telescope told him that this woman was young and very
+fair; and it told him also that she lived a very secluded life. She
+never went beyond the village, nor did she receive any visitors.
+
+In the neighborhood of Neusiedl Lake one village was joined to another,
+and these were populated by pleasure-loving and sociable families of
+distinction. It was therefore a difficult matter for the well-born man
+or woman who took up a residence in the neighborhood to avoid the jovial
+sociability which reigned in those aristocratic circles.
+
+Count Vavel himself had been overwhelmed with hospitable attentions the
+first year of his occupancy of the Nameless Castle; but his refusals to
+accept the numerous invitations had been so decided that they were not
+repeated.
+
+He frequently saw through his telescope the same four-horse equipages
+which had once stopped in front of his own gates drive into the court at
+the manor; and he recognized in the occupants the same jovial blades,
+the eligible young nobles, who had honored him with their visits. He
+noticed, too, that none of the visitors spent a night at the manor. Very
+often the baroness did not leave her room when a caller came; it may
+have been that she had refused to receive him on the plea of illness.
+During the winter Count Vavel frequently saw his fair neighbor skating
+on the frozen cove; while a servant propelled her companion over the ice
+in a chair-sledge.
+
+On these occasions the count would admire the baroness's graceful
+figure, her intrepid movements, and her beautiful face, which was
+flushed with the exercise and by the cutting wind.
+
+But what pleased him most of all was that the baroness never once during
+her skating exercises cast an inquiring glance toward the windows of the
+Nameless Castle--not even when she came quite close to it.
+
+On Christmas eve she, like Count Vavel, arranged a Christmas tree for
+the village children. The little ones hastened from the manor to the
+castle, and repeated wonderful tales of the gifts they had received from
+the baroness's own hands.
+
+Every Sunday the count saw the lady from the manor take her way to
+church, on foot if the roads were good; and on her homeward way he could
+see her distribute alms among the beggars who were ranged along either
+side of the road. This the count did not approve. He, too, gave
+plenteously to the poor, but through the village pastor, and only to
+those needy ones who were too modest to beg openly. The street beggars
+he repulsed with great harshness--with one exception. This was a
+one-legged man, who had lost his limb at Marengo, and who stationed
+himself regularly beside the cross at the end of the village. Here he
+would stand, leaning on his crutches, and the count, in driving past,
+would always drop a coin into the maimed warrior's hat.
+
+One day when the carriage drew near the cross, Count Vavel saw the old
+soldier, as usual, but without his crutches. Instead, he leaned on a
+walking-stick, and stood on two legs.
+
+The count stopped the carriage, and asked: "Are not you the one-legged
+soldier?"
+
+"I am, your lordship," replied the man; "but that angel, the baroness,
+has had a wooden leg made for me,--I could dance with it if I
+wished,--so I don't need to beg any more, for I can cut wood now, and
+thus earn my living. May God bless her who has done this for me!"
+
+The count was dissatisfied with himself. This woman understood
+everything better than he did. He felt that she was his rival, and from
+this feeling sprang the desire to compete with her.
+
+An opportunity very soon offered. One day the count received from the
+reverend Herr Mercatoris a gracefully worded appeal for charity. The new
+owner of Fertöszeg had interested herself in the fate of the destitute
+children whose fathers had gone to the war, and, in order to render
+their condition more comfortable, had undertaken to found a home for
+them. She had already given the necessary buildings, and had furnished
+them. She now applied to the sympathies of the well-to-do residents of
+the county for assistance to educate the children. In addition to food
+and shelter, they required teachers. Such sums as were necessary for
+this purpose must be raised by a general subscription from the
+charitably inclined.
+
+The count promptly responded to this request. He sent the pastor fifty
+louis d'or. But in the letter which accompanied the gift he stipulated
+that the boy whose mother was in prison should not be removed from Frau
+Schmidt's care to the children's asylum.
+
+It was quite in the order of things that the baroness should acknowledge
+the munificent gift by a letter of thanks.
+
+This missive was beautifully written. The orthography was singularly
+faultless. The expressions were gracefully worded and artless; nothing
+of flattery or sentimentality--merely courteous gratefulness. The letter
+concluded thus:
+
+"You will pardon me, I trust, if I add that the stipulation which you
+append to your generous gift surprises me; for it means either that you
+disapprove the principle of my undertaking, or you do not wish to
+transfer to another the burden you have taken upon yourself. If the
+latter be the reason, I am perfectly willing to agree to the
+stipulation; if it be the former, then I should like very much to hear
+your objection, in order that I may justify my action."
+
+This was a challenge that could not be ignored. The count, of course,
+would have to convince his fair neighbor that he was in perfect sympathy
+with the principle of her philanthropic project, and he wrote
+accordingly; but he added that he disapproved the prison-like system of
+children's asylums, the convict-like regulations of such institutions.
+_He_ thought the little ones would be better cared for, and much
+happier, were they placed in private homes, to grow up as useful men and
+women amid scenes and in the sphere of life to which they belonged.
+
+The count's polemic reply was not without effect. The baroness, who had
+her own views on the matter, was quite as ready to take the field, with
+as many theoretic and empiric data and recognized authorities as had
+been her opponent. The count one day would despatch a letter to the
+manor, and Baroness Katharina would send her reply the next--each
+determined not to remain the other's debtor. The count's epistles were
+dictated to Marie; he added only the letter V to the signature.
+
+This battle on paper was not without practical results. The baroness
+paid daily visits to her "Children's Home"; and on mild spring days the
+count very often saw her sitting on the open veranda, with her companion
+and one or two maid-servants, sewing at children's garments until late
+in the evening. The count, on his part, sent every day for his little
+protégé, and spent several hours patiently teaching the lad, in order
+that he might compete favorably with the baroness's charges. The task
+was by no means an easy one, as the lad possessed a very dull brain.
+This was, it must be confessed, an excellent thing for the orphans. If
+the motherly care which the baroness lavished on her charges were to be
+given to all destitute orphans in children's asylums, then the "convict
+system" certainly was a perfect one; while, on the other hand, if a
+preceptor like Count Vavel took it upon himself to instruct a forsaken
+lad, then one might certainly expect a genius to evolve from the little
+dullard growing up in a peasant's cottage.
+
+Ultimately, however, the victory fell to the lady. It happened as
+follows:
+
+One day the count was again the recipient of a letter from his neighbor
+at the manor (they had not yet exchanged verbal communication).
+
+The letter ran thus:
+
+"HERR COUNT: I dare say you know that the father of your little protégé
+is no other than the notorious robber, Satan Laczi, whom it is
+impossible to capture. The mother of the lad was arrested on suspicion.
+She lived in the village under her own honest family name--Satan Laczi
+being only a thief's appellation. As nothing could be proved against
+her, the woman has been set at liberty, and has returned to the village.
+Here she found every door closed against her--for who would care to
+shelter the wife of a robber? At last the poor woman came to me, and
+begged me to give her work. My servants are greatly excited because I
+have taken her into my employ; but I am convinced that the woman is
+innocent and honest. Were I to cast her adrift, she might become what
+she has been accused of being--the accomplice of thieves. I know she
+will conduct herself properly with me. I tell you all this because, if
+you approve what I have done, you will permit the lad you have taken
+under your protection to come to the manor, where he would be with his
+mother. If, however, you condemn my action, you will refuse to grant my
+request, and generously continue to care for the lad in your own way.
+The decision I leave to you."
+
+Count Vavel was forced to capitulate. The baroness's action--taking into
+her household the woman who had been repulsed by all the world--was so
+praiseworthy, so sublime, that nothing could approach it. That same day
+he sent the lad with Frau Schmidt to the manor, and herewith the
+correspondence between himself and the baroness ceased. There was no
+further subject for argument.
+
+And yet, Count Vavel could not help but think of this woman. Who was
+she?
+
+He had sought to learn from his foreign correspondents something
+concerning the Baroness Katharina, but could gain no information save
+that which we have already heard from the county physician: disappointed
+love and shame at her rejection had driven the youthful baroness to this
+secluded neighborhood.
+
+This reason, however, did not altogether satisfy Count Vavel. Women,
+especially young women, rarely quit the pleasures of the gay world
+because of one single disappointment.
+
+And for Count Vavel mistrust was a duty; for the reader must, ere this,
+have suspected that the count and the mysterious man of the Rue
+Mouffetard were identical, and that Marie was none other than the child
+he had rescued from her enemies. Here in this land, where order
+prevailed, but where there were no police, he was guarding the treasure
+intrusted to his care, and he would continue to guard her until relieved
+of the duty.
+
+But when would the relief come?
+
+One year after another passed, and the hour he dreamed of seemed still
+further away. When he had accepted the responsible mission he had said
+to himself: "In a year we shall gain our object, and I shall be
+released."
+
+But hope had deceived him; and as the years passed onward, he began to
+realize how vast, how enormous, was the task he had undertaken. It was
+within the possibilities that he, a young man in the flower of his
+youth, should be able to bury himself in an unknown corner of the world,
+to give up all his friends, to renounce everything that made life worth
+living, but that he should bury with himself in his silk-lined tomb a
+young girl to whom he had become everything, who yet might not even
+dream of becoming anything to him--that was beyond human might.
+
+More and more he realized that his old friend's prophetic words were
+approaching fulfilment: "The child will grow to be a lovely woman.
+Already she is fond of you; she will love you then. Then what?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet," he
+had replied; and he had kept his promise.
+
+But the little maid had not promised anything; and if, perchance, she
+guessed the weighty secret of her destiny, whence could she have taken
+the strength of mind to battle against what threatened to drive even the
+strong man to madness?
+
+Ludwig was thirty-one years old, the fourth year in this house of
+voluntary madmen. With extreme solicitude he saw the child grow to
+womanhood, blessed with all the magic charms of her sex. Gladly would he
+have kept her a child had it been in his power. He treated her as a
+child--gave her dolls and the toys of a child; but this could not go on
+forever. Deeply concerned, Ludwig observed that Marie's countenance
+became more and more melancholy, and that now it rarely expressed
+childlike naïveté. A dreamy melancholy had settled upon it. And of what
+did she dream? Why was she so sad? Why did she start? Why did the blood
+rush to her cheeks when he came suddenly into her presence?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Count Vavel had made his fair neighbor at the manor the object of study.
+He had ample time for the task; he had nothing else to do. And, as he
+was debarred from making direct inquiries concerning her, or from
+hearing the current gossip of the neighborhood, he learned only that
+about her which his telescope revealed; and from this, with the aid of
+his imagination, he formed a conclusion--and an erroneous one, very
+probably.
+
+His neighbor lived in strict seclusion, and was a man-hater. But, for
+all that, she was neither a nun nor an Amazon. She was a true woman,
+neither inconsolably melancholy nor wantonly merry. She proved herself
+an excellent housewife. She rose betimes mornings, sent her workmen
+about their various tasks, saw that everything was properly attended to.
+Very often she rode on horseback, or drove in a light wagon, to look
+about her estate. She had arranged an extensive dairy, and paid daily
+visits to her stables. She did not seem aware that an attentive observer
+constantly watched her with his telescope from the tower of the Nameless
+Castle. So, at least, it might be assumed; for the lady very often
+assisted in the labor of the garden, when, in transplanting tulip bulbs,
+she would so soil her pretty white hands to the wrists with black mold
+that it would be quite distressing to see them. Certainly this was
+sufficient proof that her labor was without design.
+
+And, what was more to the purpose, she acted as if perfectly unaware of
+the fact that a lady lived in the Nameless Castle who possibly might be
+the wife of her tenant. Common courtesy and the conventional usages of
+society demanded that the lady who took up a residence anywhere should
+call on the ladies of the neighborhood--if only to leave a card with the
+servant at the door. The baroness had omitted this ceremony, which
+proved that she either did not know of Marie's hiding-place, or that she
+possessed enough delicacy of feeling to understand that it would be
+inconvenient to the one concerned were she to take any notice of the
+circumstance. Either reason was satisfactory to Count Vavel.
+
+But a woman without curiosity!
+
+Meanwhile the count had learned something about her which might be of
+some use to Marie.
+
+He had received, during the winter, a letter from the young law student
+with whom he had become acquainted on the occasion of the
+vice-palatine's unpleasant visit to the castle. The young man wrote to
+say that he had passed his examination, and that when he should receive
+the necessary authority from the count he would be ready to proceed to
+the business they had talked about.
+
+The count replied that a renewal of his lease was not necessary. The new
+owner of the castle having neglected to serve a notice to quit within
+the proper time, the old contracts were still valid. Therefore, it was
+only necessary to secure the naturalization documents, and to purchase a
+plot of ground on the shore of the lake. The young lawyer arranged these
+matters satisfactorily, and the count had nothing further to do than to
+appoint an _absentium ablegatus_ to the Diet, and to take possession of
+his new purchase, which lay adjacent to the Nameless Castle.
+
+The count at once had the plot of ground inclosed with a high fence of
+stout planks, engaged a gardener, and had it transformed into a
+beautiful flower-garden.
+
+Then, when the first spring blossoms began to open, he said to Marie,
+one balmy, sunshiny afternoon: "Come, we will take a promenade."
+
+He conducted the veiled maiden through the park, along the freshly
+graveled path to the inclosed plot of ground.
+
+"Here is your garden," he said, opening the gate. "Now you, too, own a
+plot of ground."
+
+Count Vavel had expected to see the little maid clap her hands with
+delight, and hasten to pluck the flowers for a nosegay.
+
+Instead, however, she clung to his arm and sighed heavily.
+
+"Why do you sigh, Marie? Are you not pleased with your garden?"
+
+"Yes; I think it beautiful."
+
+"Then why do you sigh?"
+
+"Because I cannot thank you as I wish."
+
+"But you have already thanked me."
+
+"That was only with words. Tell me, can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one; we are alone."
+
+At these words the little maid tore the veil from her face, and for the
+first time in many years God's free sunlight illumined her lovely
+features. What those features expressed, what those eyes flashed through
+their tears, that was her gratitude.
+
+When she had illumined the heart of her guardian with this expressive
+glance, she was about to draw the veil over her face again; but Ludwig
+laid a gently restraining hand on hers, and said: "Leave your face
+uncovered, Marie; no one can see it here; and every day for one hour you
+may walk thus here, without fear of being seen, for I shall send the
+gardener elsewhere during that time."
+
+When they were leaving the garden, Marie plucked two forget-me-nots, and
+gave one of them to Ludwig. From that day she had one more pleasure: the
+garden, a free sight of the sky, the warmth of the sunlight--enjoyments
+hitherto denied her; but, all the same, the childlike cheerfulness faded
+more and more from her countenance.
+
+Ludwig, who was distressed to see this continued melancholy in the
+child's face, searched among his pedagogic remedies for a cure for such
+moods. A sixteen-year-old girl might begin the study of history. At this
+age she would already become interested in descriptions of national
+customs, in archaeological study, in travels. He therefore collected for
+Marie's edification quite a library, and became a zealous expounder of
+the various works.
+
+In a short time, however, he became aware that his pupil was not so
+studious as she had been formerly. She paid little heed to his learned
+discourses, and even neglected to learn her lessons. For this he was
+frequently obliged to reprove her. This was a sort of refrigerating
+process. For an instructor to scold a youthful pupil is the best proof
+that he is a being from a different planet!
+
+One day the tutor was delineating with great eloquence to his
+scholar--who, he imagined, was listening with special interest--the
+glorious deeds of heroism performed by St. Louis, and was tracing on the
+map the heroic king's memorable crusade. The scholar, however, was
+writing something on a sheet of paper which lay on the table in front of
+her.
+
+"What are you writing, Marie?"
+
+The little maid handed him the sheet of paper. On it were the words:
+
+"Dear Ludwig, love me."
+
+Map and book dropped from the count's hands. The little maid's frank,
+sincere gaze met his own. She was not ashamed of what she had written,
+or that she had let him read it. She thought it quite in the order of
+things.
+
+"And don't I love you?" exclaimed Ludwig, with sudden sharpness. "Don't
+I love you as the fakir loves his Brahma--as the Carthusian loves his
+Virgin Mary? Don't I love you quite as dearly?"
+
+"Then don't love me--quite so dearly," responded Marie, rising and going
+to her own room, where she began to play with her cats. From that hour
+she would not learn anything more from Ludwig.
+
+The young man, however, placed the slip of paper containing the words,
+"Dear Ludwig, love me," among his relics.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Since the new mistress's advent in the neighboring manor Count Vavel had
+spent more time than usual in his observatory. At first suspicion had
+been his motive. Now, however, there was a certain fascination in
+bringing near to him with his telescope the woman with whom he had
+exchanged only written communication. If he was so eager to behold her,
+why did he not go to the manor? Why did he look at her only through his
+telescope? She would certainly receive his visits; and what then?
+
+This "what then?" was the fetter which bound him hand and foot, was the
+lock upon his lips. He must make no acquaintances. Results might follow;
+and what then?
+
+The entombed man must not quit his grave. He might only seat himself at
+the window of his tomb, and thence look out on the beautiful, forbidden
+world.
+
+What a stately appearance the lady makes as she strolls in her long
+white gown across the green sward over yonder! Her long golden hair
+falls in glittering masses from beneath her wide-rimmed straw hat. Now
+she stops; she seems to be looking for some one. Now her lips open; she
+is calling some one. Her form is quite near, but her voice stops over
+yonder, a thousand paces distant. The person she calls does not appear
+in the field of vision. Now she calls louder, and the listening ear
+hears the words, "Dear Ludwig!"
+
+He starts. These words have not come from the phantom of the
+object-glass, but from a living being that stands by his side--Marie.
+
+The count sprang to his feet, surprised and embarrassed, unable to say a
+word. Marie, however, did not wait for him to speak, but said with eager
+inquisitiveness:
+
+"What are you looking at through that great pipe?"
+
+Before Ludwig could turn the glass in another direction, the little maid
+had taken his seat, and was gazing, with a wilful smile on her lips,
+through the "great pipe."
+
+The smile gradually faded from her lips as she viewed the world revealed
+by the telescope--the beautiful woman over yonder amid her flowers, her
+form encircled by the nimbus of rainbow hues.
+
+When she withdrew her eye from the glass, her face betrayed the new
+emotion which had taken possession of her. The lengthened features, the
+half-opened lips, the contracted brows, the half-closed eyes, all these
+betrayed--Ludwig was perfectly familiar with the expression--jealousy.
+
+Marie had discovered that there was an enchantingly beautiful woman upon
+whose phenomenal charms _her_ Ludwig came up here to feast his eyes. The
+faithless one!
+
+Ludwig was going to speak, but Marie laid her hand against his lips, and
+turned again to the telescope. The "green-eyed monster" wanted to see
+some more!
+
+Suddenly her face brightened; a joyful smile wreathed her lips. She
+seized Ludwig's hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that sounded like a sigh
+of relief:
+
+"What you told me was true, after all! You did not want to deceive me."
+
+"What do you see?" asked Ludwig.
+
+"I see the water-monster that frightened me. I believed that you
+invented a fable and had it printed in that book in order to deceive me.
+And now I see the creature over yonder with the beautiful lady. She
+called to him, and he came walking on his hands and feet. Now he is
+standing upright. How ridiculous the poor thing looks in his red
+clothes! He does n't want to keep on his hat, and persists in wanting to
+walk on all fours like a poodle. Dear heaven! what a kind lady she must
+be to have so much patience with him!"
+
+Then she rose suddenly from the telescope, flung her arms around
+Ludwig's neck, and began to sob. Her warm tears moistened the young
+man's face; but they were not tears of grief.
+
+Very soon she ceased sobbing, and smiled through her tears.
+
+"I am so thankful I came up here! You will let me come again, won't you,
+Ludwig? I will come only when you ask me. And to-morrow we will resume
+our swimming excursions. You will come with me in the canoe, won't you?"
+
+Ludwig assented, and the child skipped, humming cheerily, down the tower
+stairs; and the whole day long the old castle echoed with her merry
+singing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+And why should not Baroness Landsknechtsschild take observations with a
+telescope, as well as her neighbor at the Nameless Castle?
+
+She could very easily do so unnoticed. From the outside of a house, when
+it is light, one cannot see what is going on in a dark room.
+
+This question Count Vavel was given an opportunity to decide.
+
+The astronomical calendar had announced a total eclipse of the moon on a
+certain night in July. The moon would enter the shadow at ten o'clock,
+and reach full obscuration toward midnight.
+
+Ludwig had persuaded Marie to observe the phenomenon with him; and the
+young girl was astonished beyond measure when she beheld for the first
+time the full moon through the telescope.
+
+Ludwig explained to her that the large, brilliant circles were extinct
+craters; the dark blotches, seas. At that time scientists still accepted
+the theory of oceans on the moon. What interested Marie most of all,
+however, was the question, "Were there people on the moon?" Ludwig
+promised to procure for her the fanciful descriptions of a supposed
+journey made to the moon by some naturalists in the preceding century.
+Innocent enough reading for a girl of sixteen!
+
+"I wonder what the people are like who live on the moon?"
+
+And Ludwig's mental reply was: "One of them stands here by your side!"
+
+After a while Marie wearied of the heavenly phenomena, and when the hour
+came at which she usually went to bed she was overcome by sleep.
+
+In vain Ludwig sought to keep her awake by telling her about the Imbrian
+Ocean, and relating the wonders of Mount Aristarchus. Marie could not
+keep from nodding, and several times she caught herself dreaming.
+
+"I shall not wait to see the end of the eclipse," she said to Ludwig.
+"It is very pretty and interesting, but I am sleepy."
+
+She was yet so much a child that she would not have given up her sweet
+slumbers for an eclipse of all the planets of the universe.
+
+Ludwig accompanied her to the door of her apartments, bade her good
+night, and returned to the observatory.
+
+Already the disk of the moon was half obscured. Ludwig removed the
+astronomical eye-piece from the telescope, and inserted the tellurian
+glass instead; then he turned the object-glass toward the neighboring
+manor instead of toward the moon. Now, if ever, was the time to find out
+if his fair neighbor possessed a telescope. If she had one, she would
+certainly be using it now.
+
+It was sufficiently light to enable him to see quite distinctly the
+baroness sitting, with two other women, on the veranda. She was
+observing the eclipse, but with an opera-glass--a magnifier that
+certainly could not reveal very much.
+
+Of this Count Ludwig might rest satisfied. And yet, in spite of the
+satisfaction this decision had given him, he continued to observe the
+disappearance of the moonlight from the veranda of the manor with far
+more attention than he bestowed upon the gradual darkening of the
+heavenly luminary itself. Then there happened to the baroness's
+companions what had happened to Marie: the women began to nod, whereupon
+the baroness sent them to bed. There remained now only the count and his
+fair neighbor to continue the astronomical observations. The lady looked
+at the moon; the count looked at the lady.
+
+The baroness, as was evident, was thorough in whatever she undertook.
+She waited for the full obscuration--until the last vestige of moonlight
+had vanished, and only a strange-looking, dull, copper-hued ball hung in
+the sky.
+
+The baroness now rose and went into the house. The astronomer on the
+castle tower observed that she neglected to close the veranda door.
+
+It was now quite dark; the silence of midnight reigned over everything.
+
+Count Vavel waited in his observatory until the moon emerged from
+shadow.
+
+Instead of the moon, something quite different came within the field of
+vision.
+
+From the shrubbery in the rear of the manor there emerged a man. He
+looked cautiously about him, then signaled backward with his hand,
+whereupon a second man, then a third and a fourth, appeared.
+
+Dark as it was, the count could distinguish that the men wore masks, and
+carried hatchets in their hands. He could not see what sort of clothes
+they wore.
+
+They were robbers.
+
+One of the men swung himself over the iron trellis of the veranda; his
+companions waited below, in the shadow of the gate.
+
+The count hastened from his observatory.
+
+First he wakened Henry.
+
+"Robbers have broken into the manor, Henry!"
+
+"The rascals certainly chose a good time to do it; now that the moon is
+in shadow, no one will see them," sleepily returned Henry.
+
+"I saw them, and I am going to scare them away."
+
+"We can fire off our guns from here; that will scare them," suggested
+Henry.
+
+"Are you out of your senses, Henry? We should frighten Marie; and were
+she to learn that there are robbers in the neighborhood, she would want
+to go away from here, and you know we are chained to this place."
+
+"Yes; then I don't know what we can do. Shall I go down and rouse the
+village?"
+
+"So that you may be called on to testify before a court, and be
+compelled to tell who you are, what you are, and how you came here?"
+impatiently interposed the count.
+
+"That is true. Then I can't raise an alarm?"
+
+"Certainly not. Do as I tell you. Stop here in the castle, take your
+station in front of Marie's door, and I will go over to the manor. Give
+me your walking-stick."
+
+"What? You are going after the robbers with a walking-stick?"
+
+"They are only petty thieves; they are not real robbers. Men of this
+sort will run when they hear a footstep. Besides, there are only four of
+them."
+
+"Four against one who has nothing but a cudgel!"
+
+"In which is concealed a sharp poniard--a very effective weapon at close
+quarters," supplemented the count. "But don't stop here talking, Henry.
+Fetch the stick, and my driving-coat, into the pocket of which put my
+bloodletting instruments. Some one might faint over yonder, and I should
+need them."
+
+Henry brought the stick and coat. Only after he had gone some distance
+from the castle did Count Vavel notice that some heavy object kept
+thumping against his side. The faithful Henry had smuggled a
+double-barreled pistol into the pocket of his coat, in addition to the
+bloodletting instruments. The count did not take the road which ran
+around the cove to the manor, but hurried to the shore, where he sprang
+into his canoe, and with a few powerful strokes of the oars reached the
+opposite shore. A few steps took him to the manor. His heart beat
+rapidly. He had a certain dread of the coming meeting--not the meeting
+with the robbers, but with the baroness.
+
+The gates of the manor were open, as was usual in Hungarian manors day
+and night. The count crossed the court, and as he turned the corner of
+the house there happened what he had predicted: the masked man who was
+on watch at the door gave a shrill whistle, then dashed into the
+shrubbery. Count Vavel did not give chase to the fleeing thief, but,
+swinging his cudgel around his head, ran through the open door into the
+hall. Here a lamp was burning. He hurried into the salon, and saw, as he
+entered, two more of the robbers jump from the window into the garden.
+
+Count Ludwig hurried on toward the adjoining room, whence came the faint
+light of a lamp. The light came from another room still farther on. It
+was the sleeping-chamber of the lady of the house. There were no robbers
+here, but on the table lay jewelry and articles of silver which had been
+emptied from the cases lying about the floor. In an arm-chair which
+stood near the bed-alcove reclined a female form, the arms and hands
+firmly bound with cords to the chair.
+
+What a beautiful creature! The clinging folds of her dressing-robe
+revealed the perfect proportions of her figure. Her hair fell like a
+golden cataract to the floor. Modest blushes and joy at her deliverance
+made the lovely face even more enchanting when the knightly deliverer
+entered the room--a hero who came with a cudgel to do battle against a
+band of robbers, and conquered!
+
+"I am Count Vavel," he hastened to explain, cudgel in hand, that the
+lady might not think him another robber and fall into a faint.
+
+"Pray release me," in a low tone begged the lady, her cheeks crimsoning
+with modest shame when he bent over her to untie the cords.
+
+The task was quickly performed; the count took a knife from his pocket
+and cut the cords; then he turned to look for a bell.
+
+"Please don't ring," hastily interposed the baroness. "Don't rouse my
+people from their slumbers. The robbers are gone, and have taken
+nothing. You came in good time to help me."
+
+"Did the rascals ill-treat you, baroness?"
+
+"They only tied me to this chair; but they threatened to kill me if I
+refused to give them money--they were not content to take only my
+jewelry. I was about to give them an order to the steward, who has
+charge of my money, when your arrival suddenly ended the agreement we
+had made."
+
+"Agreement?" repeated the count. "A pretty business, truly!"
+
+"Pray don't speak so loudly; I don't want any one to be alarmed--and
+please go into the next room, where you will find my maid, who is also
+bound."
+
+Count Vavel went into the small chamber which communicated with that of
+the baroness, and saw lying on the bed a woman whose hands and feet were
+bound; a handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth. He quickly
+released her from the cords and handkerchief; but she did not stir: she
+had evidently lost consciousness.
+
+By this time the baroness had followed with a lighted candle. She had
+flung a silken shawl about her shoulders, thrust her feet into Turkish
+slippers, and tucked her hair underneath a becoming lace cap.
+
+"Is she dead?" she asked, lifting an anxious glance to Ludwig's face.
+
+"No, she is not dead," replied the count, who was attentively scanning
+the unconscious woman's face.
+
+"What is the matter with her?" pursued the baroness, with evident
+distress.
+
+The count now recognized the woman's face. He had seen her with the lad
+who had been his protégé, and who was now a member of the baroness's
+household. It was the wife of Satan Laczi.
+
+"No, she is not dead," he repeated; "she has only fainted."
+
+The baroness hastily fetched her smelling-salts, and held them to the
+unconscious woman's nostrils.
+
+"Peasant women have strong constitutions," observed the count. "When
+such a one loses consciousness a perfume like that will not restore her;
+she needs to be bled."
+
+"But good heavens! What are we to do? I can't think of sending for the
+doctor now! I don't want him to hear of what has happened here
+to-night."
+
+"I understand bloodletting," observed Vavel.
+
+"You, Herr Count?"
+
+"Yes; I have studied medicine and surgery."
+
+"But you have no lance."
+
+"I brought my chirurgic instruments with me."
+
+"Then you thought you might find here some one who had fainted?"
+exclaimed the baroness, wonderingly.
+
+"Yes. I shall require the assistance of a maid to hold the woman's arm
+while I perform the operation."
+
+"I don't want any of the servants wakened. Can't I--help you?" she
+suggested hesitatingly.
+
+"Are not you afraid of the sight of blood, baroness?"
+
+"Of course I am; but I will endure that rather than have one of my maids
+see you here at this hour."
+
+"But this one will see me when she recovers consciousness."
+
+"Oh, I can trust this one; she will be silent."
+
+"Then let us make an attempt."
+
+The result of the attempt was, the fainting maid was restored to
+consciousness by the skilfully applied lance, while the face of the
+assisting lady became deathly pale. Her eyes closed, her lips became
+blue. Fortunately, she had a more susceptible nature than her maid. A
+few drops of cold water sprinkled on her face, and the smelling-salts,
+quickly restored her to consciousness. During these few moments her head
+had rested on the young man's shoulder, her form had been supported on
+his arm.
+
+"Don't trouble any further about me," she murmured, when she opened her
+eyes and saw herself in Vavel's arms; "but attend to that poor woman";
+and she hastily rose from her recumbent position.
+
+The woman was shivering with a chill--or was it the result of extreme
+terror? If the former, then a little medicine would soon help her; but
+if it was terror, there was no remedy for it.
+
+To all questions she returned but the one answer: "Oh, my God! my God!"
+
+The baroness and Count Vavel now returned to the outer room.
+
+"I regret very much, baroness, that you have had an unpleasant
+experience like this--here in our peaceful neighborhood, where every one
+is so honest that you might leave your purse lying out in the court; no
+one would take it."
+
+The baroness laughingly interrupted him:
+
+"The robber adventure amused more than it frightened me. All my life I
+have wanted to see a real Hungarian robber, of whom the Viennese tell
+such wonderful tales. My wish has been gratified, and I have had a real
+adventure--the sort one reads in romances."
+
+"Your romance might have had a sorrowful conclusion," responded Count
+Ludwig, seriously.
+
+"Yes--if Heaven had not sent a brave deliverer to my rescue."
+
+"You may well say Heaven sent him," smilingly returned the count; "for
+if there had not been an eclipse of the moon to-night, which I was
+observing through my telescope, and at the same time taking a look about
+the neighborhood, I should not have seen the masked men enter the
+manor."
+
+"What!" in astonishment exclaimed the baroness; "you saw the men through
+a telescope? Truly, _I_ shall have to be on my guard in future! But,"
+she added more seriously, lifting from the table the count's
+walking-stick, toward which he had extended his hand, "before you go I
+want to beg a favor. Please do not mention the occurrence of this night
+to any one. I don't want the authorities to make any inquiries
+concerning the attempted robbery."
+
+"That favor I grant most willingly," replied Count Vavel, who had not
+the least desire for a legal examination which would require him to tell
+who he was, what he was, whence he came, and what he was doing here.
+
+"I can tell you why I don't want the affair known," continued the
+baroness. "The woman in yonder is the one of whom I wrote you some time
+ago--the wife of Ladislaus Satan, or, as he is called, Satan Laczi.
+Should it become known that a robbery was attempted here, the villagers
+will say at once, 'It was the wife of the robber Satan Laczi who helped
+the men to rob her mistress,' and the poor woman will be sent back to
+prison."
+
+"And do you really believe her innocent?"
+
+"I can assure you that she knew nothing about this matter. I shall not
+send her away, but, as a proof that I trust her entirely, shall let her
+sleep in the room next to mine, and let her carry all my keys!" To
+emphasize her declaration, she thumped the floor vigorously with Vavel's
+iron-ferruled stick.
+
+Involuntarily the count extended his hand to her. She grasped it
+cordially, and, shaking it, added: "Don't speak of our meeting to-night
+to any one; I shall not mention it, I can promise you! And now, I will
+give you your stick; I am certain some one at home is anxious about you.
+God be with you!"
+
+At home Count Vavel found Henry on guard at the door of Marie's room,
+his musket cocked, ready for action.
+
+"Did anything happen here?" asked the count. "Did Marie waken?"
+
+"No; but she called out several times in her sleep, and once I heard her
+say quite distinctly: 'Ludwig, take care; she will bite!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel could not deny that his fair neighbor had made a very
+favorable impression on him. In astronomy she had taken the place of the
+moon, in classic literature that of an ideal, and in metaphysics that of
+the absolutely good.
+
+He had sufficient command of himself, however, to suppress the desire to
+see her again. From that day he did not again turn his telescope toward
+the neighboring manor. But to prevent his thoughts from straying there
+was beyond his power. These straying thoughts after a while began to
+betray themselves in his countenance and in his eyes; and there are
+persons who understand how to read faces and eyes.
+
+"Are you troubled about anything, Ludwig?" one day inquired Marie,
+after they had been sitting in silence together for a long while.
+
+Ludwig started guiltily.
+
+"Ye-es; I have bad news from abroad."
+
+Such a reply, however, cannot deceive those who understand the language
+of the face and eyes.
+
+One afternoon Marie stole noiselessly up to the observatory, and
+surprised Ludwig at the telescope.
+
+"Let me see, too, Ludwig. Are you looking at something pretty?"
+
+"Very pretty," answered Ludwig, giving place to the young girl.
+
+Marie looked through the glass, and saw a farm-yard overgrown with
+weeds. On an inverted tub near the door of the cottage sat a little old
+grandmother teaching her grandchildren how to knit a stocking.
+
+"Then you were not looking at our lovely neighbor," said Marie. "Why
+don't you look at her?"
+
+"Because it is not necessary for me to know what she is doing."
+
+Marie turned the telescope toward the manor, and persisted until she had
+found what she was looking for.
+
+"How sad she looks!" she said to Ludwig.
+
+But he paid no attention to her words.
+
+"Now it seems as though she were looking straight into my eyes; now she
+clasps her hands as if she were praying."
+
+Ludwig said, with pedagogic calmness:
+
+"If you continue to gaze with such intensity through the telescope your
+face will become distorted."
+
+Marie laughed. "If I had a crooked mouth, and kept one eye shut, people
+would say, 'There goes that ugly little Marie!' Then I should not have
+to wear a veil any more."
+
+She distorted her face as she had described, and turned it toward
+Ludwig, who said hastily: "Don't--don't do that, Marie."
+
+"Is it not all the same to you whether I am ugly or pretty?" she
+retorted. Then, as if to soften the harshness of her words, she added:
+"Even if I were ugly, would you love me--as the fakir loves his Brahma?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Ludwig continued his correspondence with the learned Herr Mercatoris. He
+always dictated his letters to Marie. No one in the neighborhood had yet
+seen his own writing. Therefore, it would have been impossible for him
+to ask the pastor anything relating to the baroness without Marie
+knowing it. In one of his letters, however, he inquired how the mother
+of the lad he had once had in his care was conducting herself at the
+manor, and was informed that the woman had disappeared--and without
+leaving any explanation for her conduct--a few days after the eclipse of
+the moon. The baroness had been greatly troubled by the woman's going,
+but would not consent to having a search made for her, as she had taken
+nothing from the manor.
+
+This incident made Count Vavel believe that the woman had secretly
+joined the band of robbers, and that there would be another attempt made
+sometime to break into the manor.
+
+From that time the count slept more frequently in his observatory than
+he did in his bedchamber, where an entire arsenal of muskets and other
+firearms were always kept in readiness.
+
+One evening, when he approached the door of his room, he was surprised
+to see a light through the keyhole; some one was in the room.
+
+He entered hastily. On the table was a lighted candle, and standing with
+his back toward the table was a strange man, clad in a costume unlike
+that worn by the dwellers in that neighborhood.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel surveyed the stranger, who was standing
+between him and his weapons; then he demanded imperiously:
+
+"Who are you? How came you here, and what do you want?"
+
+"I am Satan Laczi," coolly replied the man.
+
+On hearing the name, Count Vavel sprang suddenly toward the robber, and
+seized him by the arms. The fellow's arms were like the legs of a
+vulture--nothing but bone and sinew. Count Vavel was an athletic man,
+strong and powerful; but had the room been filled with men as strong and
+powerful as he, and had they every one hurled themselves upon Satan
+Laczi, he would have had no difficulty in defending himself. He had
+performed such a feat more than once. This evening, however, he made no
+move to defend himself, but looked calmly at his assailant, and said:
+"The Herr Count can see that I have no weapons; and yet, there are
+enough here, had I wanted to arm myself against an attack. I am not here
+for an evil purpose."
+
+The count released his hold on the man's arms, and looked at him in
+surprise.
+
+"Why are you here?" he asked.
+
+"First, because I want to tell the Herr Count that it was not I who
+attempted to rob the baroness, nor were those thieves comrades of mine.
+I know that the people around here say it was Satan Laczi; but it
+was n't, and I came to tell you so. I confess I have robbed churches;
+but the house which has given shelter and food to my poor little lad is
+more sacred to me than a church. The people insist that I was guilty of
+such baseness because I am Satan Laczi; but the Herr Count, who has
+doubtless read a description of my person, can say whether or no it was
+I he saw at the manor."
+
+With these words he turned his face toward the light. It was a very
+repulsive countenance.
+
+"Do you think there is another face that the description of mine would
+fit, Herr Count?" he asked, a certain melancholy softening the
+repulsiveness of his features. "But what is the use of such senseless
+chatter?" he added hastily. "I am not silly enough to come here seeking
+honor and respect--though it does vex me when people say that one man
+with a cudgel put to flight Satan Laczi and three of his comrades. I
+came here to-night because the Herr Count rescued my poor little lad
+from the morass, gave him shelter and food, and even condescended to
+teach him. For all this I owe you, Herr Count, and I am come to return
+favor for favor. You are thinking: 'How can this robber repay me what he
+owes?' I will tell you: by giving you a robber's information. I want to
+prove to the Herr Count that the robber--the true robber who understands
+his trade--can enter this securely barred castle whenever he is so
+minded. The locks on the doors, the bolts on the windows, are no
+hindrance to the man who understands his business, and the way _I_ came
+in another can come as well. It is said that the Herr Count guards a
+great treasure here in this castle. I don't know, and I don't ask, what
+this treasure is. If I should find it, I would n't take it from the Herr
+Count, and if any one else took it I should try to get it back for him.
+But some one may steal in here, as I did, while the Herr Count is
+looking at the stars up in the tower, and carry off his carefully
+guarded treasure."
+
+Count Vavel gave utterance to a groan of terror; his knees gave way
+beneath him; a chill shook his entire frame.
+
+"Marie!" he gasped, forgetting himself.
+
+Then, hastily snatching the candle from the table, he rushed
+frantically toward the young girl's sleeping-chamber, leaving Satan
+Laczi alone in his room.
+
+Since he had ceased guarding Marie's door at night by sleeping on the
+lounge in her room, he had cautioned her to lock the door before
+retiring. Now he found the door open.
+
+Breathless with fear, the count sprang toward the alcove and flung back
+the bed-curtains. The little maid was sleeping peacefully, her face
+resting against her arm. Her favorite cat was lying at her feet, and on
+the floor by the bedside lay the two pugs. But the door of the
+wall-cupboard in which was hidden the steel casket stood wide open, and
+on the casket was a singular toy--a miniature human figure turning a
+spinning-wheel.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel's heart ceased beating. Here was sufficient
+proof that the maid, together with the steel casket, might have been
+carried away during his absence.
+
+He took the curious image, which was molded of black bread, and returned
+to his room.
+
+As he crossed the threshold, Satan Laczi pointed to the toy and said:
+
+"I left it on the casket as a remembrance in exchange for the little
+stockings some one in this house knit for my little lad. We learn to
+make such things in prison, where time hangs heavily on one's hands."
+
+"But how did you manage to open the door when it was locked and the key
+inside?" inquired the count.
+
+Satan Laczi showed him the tools which he used to turn keys from the
+outside.
+
+"Any burglar can open a door from the outside if the key is left in the
+lock, Herr Count. Only those doors can be securely locked which have no
+keyholes outside."
+
+"I have no idea how that could be arranged," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I am acquainted with a jack of all trades here in the neighborhood who
+could make such a door for you if I told him how to make it. He is a
+carpenter, locksmith, and clock-maker, all in one person."
+
+The count shook his head wonderingly. The robber was to direct the
+locksmith how to fashion a lock that no one could open!
+
+"Shall I send the man to the castle?" asked Satan Laczi.
+
+"Yes; if the fellow is sensible, and does not chatter."
+
+"But he is a fool that never knows when to stop talking. But he talks
+only on one subject, so you need not be afraid to employ him. He
+understands everything you tell him, will do just as you say, but will
+not talk about what he is doing for you. There is only one subject on
+which he will chatter, and that is, how Napoleon might be beaten. He is
+continually talking about stratagems, infernal machines, and how to win
+a battle. On this subject he is crazy. He will make doors for the Herr
+Count that can't be opened, and tell everybody else only how to make
+infernal machines, and how to build fortifications."
+
+"Very good; then send him to me."
+
+"But--I must say something else, Herr Count--no matter how secure your
+locks may be, that treasure is best guarded against robbers which is
+kept in the room you sleep in. A man of courage is worth a hundred
+locks. I am not talking without a purpose when I say the Herr Count must
+look after his treasure. I know more than I say, and Satan Laczi is not
+the greatest robber in the world. Be on your guard!"
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"Does the Herr Count still believe that it was I and my comrades who
+broke into the manor?"
+
+"No; I am convinced that it was not you."
+
+"Then my mission here is accomplished--"
+
+"Not yet," interposed the count, stepping to a cupboard, and taking from
+it a straw-covered bottle and a goblet. "Here,"--filling the goblet and
+handing it to the robber,--"he who comes to my house as a guest must not
+quit it without a parting glass."
+
+"A strange guest, indeed!" responded the robber, taking the proffered
+glass. "I came without knocking for admittance. But I performed a
+masterpiece to-day; the Herr Count will find it out soon enough! I do
+not drink to your welfare Herr Count, for my good wishes don't go for
+much in heaven!"
+
+The count seated himself at the table, and said: "Don't go just yet, my
+friend; I want to give you a few words of advice. I believe you are a
+good man at heart. Quit your present mode of life, which will ultimately
+lead you--"
+
+"Yes, I know--to the gallows and to hell," interposed the robber.
+
+"Take up some trade," pursued the count. "I will gladly assist you to
+become an honest man. I will lend you the money necessary to begin work,
+and you can pay me when you have succeeded. Surely honest labor is the
+best."
+
+"I thank you for the good advice, Herr Count, but it is too late. I know
+very well what would be best for me; but, as I said, it is too late now.
+There was a time when I would gladly have labored at my trade,--for I
+have one,--but no one would tolerate me because of my repulsive face.
+From my childhood I have been an object of ridicule and abuse. My father
+was well-born, but he died in a political prison, and I was left
+destitute with this hideous face. No one would employ me for anything
+but swine-herd; and even then luck was against me, for if anything went
+wrong with a litter of pigs, I was always blamed for the mishap, and
+sent about my business. Count Jharose gave me a job once; it was a
+ridiculous task, but I was glad to get any kind of honest work. I had to
+exercise the count's two tame bears--promenade with them through the
+village. The bears' fore paws were tied about their necks, so that they
+were obliged to walk on their hind feet, and I had to walk between them,
+my hands resting on a fore leg of each animal, as if I were escorting
+two young women. When we promenaded thus along the village street, the
+people would laugh and shout: 'There go Count Jharose's three tame
+bears.' At last I got out of the way of doing hard work, and got used to
+being ridiculed by all the world. But I had not yet learned to steal.
+The bears grew fat under my care. I was given every day two loaves of
+bread to feed to them. One day I saw, in a wretched hut at the end of
+the village, a poor woman and her daughter who were starving. From that
+day the bears began to grow thin; for I stole one of the loaves of bread
+and gave it to the poor women, who were glad enough to get it, I can
+tell you! But the steward found out my theft, and I was dismissed from
+the count's service. The poor women were turned out of their miserable
+hut. The mother froze to death,--for it was winter then,--and the
+daughter was left on my hands. We got a Franciscan monk, whom we met in
+the forest, to marry us--which was a bad move for the girl, for no one
+would employ her, because she was my wife. So the forest became our
+home, hollow trees our shelter; and what a friend an old tree can
+become! Well, to make a long story short, necessity very soon taught me
+how to take what belonged to others. I got used to the vagrant life. I
+could not sleep under a roof any more. I could n't live among men, and
+pull off my hat to my betters. When the little lad came into the world,
+I said to my wife: 'Do you quit the forest, and look for work in some
+village. Don't let the little one grow up to become a thief.' She did as
+I bade her; but the people who hired her always found out that she was
+the wife of Satan Laczi, and then they would not keep her, and she would
+have to come back to me in the forest. And that is where I shall end my
+days--in the forest. I am not good for anything any more; I could n't
+even plow a furrow any more. I shall end on the gallows--I feel it. I
+should have liked the life of a soldier, but they never would take me;
+they always said I would disgrace any regiment to which I might belong.
+Yes, I would rather have been a soldier than anything else; but what is
+not to be will not be! I shall keep to my forest. I am obliged to the
+Herr Count for his good wishes and this delicious brandy."
+
+The robber placed the empty glass on the table, took up his hat, and
+walked with heavy steps toward the door. Here he halted to say:
+
+"I must tell you that the touch-holes of all your firearms are filled
+with wax. Have them cleaned, or you will not be able to shoot with
+them."
+
+The count rose, and hastened to convince himself that this statement was
+true. He found that his firearms had indeed been rendered useless; the
+robber had taken good care to protect himself from an attack. When Vavel
+looked around again, Satan Laczi had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+The afternoon of the following day, Henry entered the count's study to
+announce that a crazy person was below, who insisted on speaking to the
+lord of the castle. The stranger said he had invented a cannon that
+would at one shot destroy fifteen hundred men. He would take no denial,
+but insisted that Henry should tell the Herr Count that Master Matyas
+had arrived.
+
+"Yes; I sent for him to come here," answered the count. "Show him up."
+
+The appearance of the man whom Henry conducted to his master's presence
+was certainly original. He wore a costume unlike any prevailing fashion.
+His upper garment was so made that it might be worn either as a coat or
+a mantle; if sleeves were desired there were sleeves, and none if none
+were required. Even his shoes were inventions of his own, for no regular
+shoemaker could have fashioned them. He held between the fingers of his
+right hand a bit of lead-pencil, with which he would illustrate what he
+described on the palm of his left hand.
+
+"You come in good time, Master Matyas," said the count.
+
+"Yes--yes. If only I had been in good time at the battle of Marengo!"
+sighed the singular man.
+
+"Too late now for regrets of that sort, Master Matyas," smilingly
+responded Count Vavel. "Facts cannot be changed! I have a task for you
+which I desire to have completed as quickly as possible. Come, and I
+will show you what I want you to do."
+
+It was the hour Marie spent in her garden; consequently the count was at
+liberty to conduct the jack of all trades to the young girl's apartment,
+and explain what he wished to have done.
+
+Master Matyas listened attentively to what the count said, and took the
+necessary measurements. When he had done so, he turned toward his
+patron, and said in a serious tone:
+
+"Do you know why we lost the battle of Marengo? Because General
+Gvozdanovics, when Napoleon's cavalry made that famous assault, was not
+clever enough to order three men into every tree on that long
+avenue--two of the men to load the muskets, while the third kept up a
+continual fire. The French horsemen could not have ridden up the trees,
+and the entire troop of cavalry would have dropped under the continuous
+fire! The general certainly should have commanded: 'Half battalion--half
+left! Up the trees--forward!'"
+
+"That is true, Master Matyas," assented Count Vavel; "but I should like
+to know if you fully understand what I want you to do, and if you can do
+it?"
+
+Master Matyas's face brightened suddenly. "I 'll tell you what, Herr
+Count; if I succeed in doing what you want, I shall be able, if ever
+Napoleon makes another attack on us, to pen him up, with his entire
+army, so securely that he won't be able to stir!"
+
+"I have no doubt of that!" again assented the count. "What I want,
+however, is a secure barrier that cannot be opened from the outside.
+Pray understand me. I want this barrier made in such a manner that the
+person within the barricade will have sufficient light and air, but be
+invisible to any one outside, and be perfectly secure from intruders.
+Could not you let me have a little drawing of what you propose to do?"
+
+"Certainly"; and taking a small sketch-book from his pocket, Master
+Matyas proceeded to do as he was requested--first, however, explaining
+to the count a drawing of the cannon which would mow down at one shot
+fifteen hundred men. "You see," he explained, "here are two cannon
+welded together at the breech, with their muzzles ten degrees apart. But
+one touch-hole suffices for both. The balls are connected by a long
+chain, and when the cannon are fired off, the balls naturally fly in
+opposite directions and forward at the same time, and, stretching the
+chain, mow off the heads of every man jack with whom it comes in
+contact! Fire! Boom! Heads off!"
+
+The count was perfectly satisfied with Master Matyas. He had found a man
+who fully understood his business, and who knew how to hold his tongue
+on all subjects but on that of his infernal machines, and of his
+stratagems to defeat Napoleon. For two weeks Master Matyas labored
+diligently at his task in the Nameless Castle, during which time Henry
+heard so much about warlike stratagems that his sides ached from the
+continued laughter. But when the villagers questioned Master Matyas
+about his work at the castle, they could learn nothing from him but
+schemes to capture the ever-victorious Corsican.
+
+"Herr Count," one day observed Henry, toward the close of the second
+week, "if I hear much more of Master Matyas's wonderful battles, I shall
+become as crazy as he is!"
+
+And the count replied:
+
+"You are crazy already, my good Henry--and so am I!"
+
+At last the task was completed. Count Vavel was satisfied with the work
+Master Matyas had performed, and it only remained for Marie to express
+herself satisfied with the arrangement which would barricade her every
+night as securely as were the treasures of the "green vault" in Dresden.
+
+A few days afterward was Marie's sixteenth birthday. Count Vavel had
+come to her apartments, as usual, to congratulate her, and to hear what
+her birthday wish might be. But the young girl, whose sparkling eyes had
+become veiled with melancholy, whose red lips had already learned to
+express sadness, had no commands to give to-day.
+
+After dinner the count, on some pretence, detained Marie in the library
+while Master Matyas completed his task in her room.
+
+This masterpiece was a peculiar curtain composed of small squares of
+steel so joined together that light and air could easily penetrate the
+screen. It was fitted between the two marble columns which supported the
+arch of the bed-alcove. When the metal curtain was lowered, by means of
+a cord, two springs in the floor caught and held it so securely that it
+could not be lifted from the outside. To raise the screen the person in
+the alcove had only to touch a secret spring near the bed, when the
+screen would roll up of itself.
+
+"And hast thou no wish this year, Marie?" asked the count, adopting, as
+usual on this anniversary, the familiar "thou."
+
+"Yes, I have one, dear Ludwig," replied the young girl, but with no
+brightening of the melancholy features. "I have lost something, but thou
+canst not give it back to me."
+
+"And what may this something be? What hast thou lost, Marie? Tell me."
+
+"My former sweet, sound sleep! and thou canst not buy me another in
+Vienna or Paris. I used to sleep so soundly. I used to be so fond of my
+sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers, and often I
+would be in dreamland long before I got to the 'Amen.' And if by any
+chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike, I would beg of
+it not to hurry along the hours so fast--I did not want morning to come
+so soon! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors, I lie awake
+often until midnight--terrified by I know not what. I dread to be so
+entirely alone when everything is so quiet; and when it is dark I feel
+as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room. When I hear a
+noise I wonder what it can be, and my heart beats so rapidly! Then I
+draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound, and if I fall asleep
+thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again."
+
+Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.
+
+"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
+Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"
+
+The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
+soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
+restore my slumber."
+
+"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
+see."
+
+She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.
+
+Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.
+
+"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
+her wondering face.
+
+Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
+in the springs in the floor.
+
+"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
+own alcove."
+
+"Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
+Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
+your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
+column to your left, you will be at liberty again."
+
+The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.
+
+Marie was filled with delight and astonishment.
+
+"There is another work of art connected with this wonderful mechanism,"
+said the count, after Marie had rolled and unrolled the screen several
+times. "The cord which releases the screen rings a bell in my room. When
+I hear the bell I shall know that you have retired; then I shall bring
+my books and papers into your room out yonder, and continue my work
+there. Only enough light will penetrate the screen to the alcove to
+prevent utter darkness. You will not need to be afraid hereafter, and
+perhaps the sweet, sound sleep will return to you."
+
+Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift. She
+merely held out both hands, and gave his a clasp that was so close and
+warm that it said more than words or kisses. She waited impatiently for
+evening to test the working of her wonderful screen. She did not amuse
+herself with her cards, as usual, but went to bed at ten o'clock. At the
+same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in
+the floor, Count Ludwig's footsteps were heard in the corridor. In one
+hand he carried a two-branched candlestick, in the other his pistol-case
+and ink-horn. His pen was between his lips; his books and papers were
+held under his arm. He seated himself at a table, and resumed his
+studies.
+
+Marie would have been untrue to her sex had she not watched him for
+several minutes through her metal screen--watched and admired the superb
+head, supported on one hand as he bent intently over his book, the
+broad brow, the classical nose, the chin and lips of an Achilles--all as
+motionless as if they had been molded in bronze. A true hero--a hero who
+battled with the most powerful demons of earth, the human passions, and
+conquered. From that day Marie found her old sweet sleep again.
+
+The second day Marie's curiosity prompted her to signal to Ludwig half
+an hour earlier. He heard, and came as readily at half-past nine
+o'clock. And then the little maid (like all indulged children) abused
+her privileges: she signaled at nine o'clock, and at last at eight
+o'clock--retiring with the birds in order to test if Ludwig would obey
+the signal.
+
+He always came promptly when the falling screen summoned him.
+
+And then Marie said to herself:
+
+"He loves me. He loves me very much--as the fakir loves his Brahma, as
+the Carthusian loves his sainted Virgin. That is how he loves me!"
+
+
+
+
+PART V
+
+ANGE BARTHELMY
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+So far as Marie's safety from robbers was concerned, Count Vavel might
+now rest content. Satan Laczi's advice had been obeyed to the letter.
+But how about Baroness Landsknechtsschild? Danger still threatened her.
+
+Count Vavel was seriously concerned about his fair neighbor, and
+wondered how he might communicate his extraordinary discovery to her.
+What could he do to warn her of the danger which still threatened her?
+Should he call in person at the manor, and tell her of his interview
+with Satan Laczi?
+
+A propitious chance came to Count Vavel's aid in his perplexity.
+
+One afternoon the sound of a trumpet drew him to his window. On looking
+out, he beheld a division of cavalry riding along the highway toward the
+village. They were dragoons, as their glistening helmets indicated.
+
+When the troop drew near to the village, the band struck up a lively
+mazurka, and to this spirited march the soldiers made their entry into
+Fertöszeg. Ludwig could see through his telescope how the men were
+quartered in the houses in the village; and in the evening, after the
+retreat had been sounded, he also saw that the windows of the hitherto
+unused wing of the manor were brilliantly illuminated. Evidently the
+officers in command of the troop had taken up their quarters there,
+which was proper. The armed guard on duty at the manor gates verified
+this supposition.
+
+Count Vavel might now feel perfectly sure that no robbers would attempt
+to break into the manor; they were too cunning to come prowling about a
+place where cavalry officers were quartered.
+
+And with the arrival of the troop another danger had been averted. Now
+Baroness Katharina would not break into the Nameless Castle and despoil
+Count Vavel of something which Satan Laczi could not, with all his
+cunning, have restored to him--his heart!
+
+Count Ludwig did not trouble himself further about the manor. He was
+convinced that enough gallant cavalrymen were over yonder to entertain
+the fair mistress, so that she would no longer wait for any more
+tiresome philosophizing from him.
+
+Every evening he could hear the band playing on the veranda of the
+manor, and very often, too, the merry dance-music, which floated from
+the open windows until a late hour of the night. They were enjoying
+themselves over yonder, and they were right in so doing.
+
+How did all this concern him?
+
+In one respect, however, the soldiers taking up their quarters in
+Fertöszeg concerned him: they exercised daily on the same road over
+which it was his custom to take his daily drive with Marie. In order to
+avoid meeting them, he was obliged to change the hour to noon, when the
+soldiers would be at dinner.
+
+Several days after the arrival of the troop at Fertöszeg, the officer in
+command paid a visit at the Nameless Castle--a courtesy required from
+one who was familiar with the usages of good society. At the door,
+however, he was told by the groom that Count Vavel was not at home. He
+left his card, which Henry at once delivered to his master, who was in
+his study.
+
+The card bore the name:
+
+"Vicomte Leon Barthelmy, K. K., Colonel of Cavalry."
+
+Count Vavel tried to remember where he had heard the name before, but
+without success. He quieted his dread which this act of ceremony had
+aroused in him by the thought that it contained no further significance
+than the conventional courtesy which a stranger felt himself called upon
+to pay to a resident.
+
+The call would, of course, have to be returned. From his observatory
+Count Vavel informed himself at what hour the colonel betook himself to
+the exercise-ground, and chose that time to make his visit. Naturally he
+found the colonel absent, and left a card for him. A few days afterward
+Colonel Barthelmy again alighted from his horse at the door of the
+Nameless Castle, and again met with a disappointment--the Herr Count was
+not at home to visitors; he was engaged, and had given orders not to be
+disturbed.
+
+Again the troop's commander left his card, determining to remain indoors
+at the manor until the return visit had been paid, which would have to
+be done within twenty-four hours if no rudeness were intended.
+
+He was not a little astonished to find, on returning to the manor, that
+Count Vavel had left a card for him with the porter. Such promptness
+perplexed the colonel. How had the count managed to reach the manor
+before he did? The porter informed him that the gentleman from the
+Nameless Castle had rowed across the cove, which was a much shorter way
+than by the carriage-road around the shore.
+
+The colonel now determined to prove that he was an obstinate and
+persistent admirer of the occupant of the Nameless Castle. He paid a
+third visit at eight o'clock the next evening. This time Henry informed
+the visitor that the count had gone to bed.
+
+"Is he ill?" inquired the colonel.
+
+"No; this is his usual hour for retiring."
+
+"But how can a man who is not ill go to bed at eight o'clock?"
+
+And again he handed Henry a card.
+
+This visit Count Vavel returned the next morning at three o'clock. At
+this hour, as may be supposed, every soul in the manor was still sound
+asleep. Only the guards on watch at the gate demanded: "Halt! Who comes
+there?"
+
+On learning that the intruder was a "friend," they allowed him to waken
+the porter, who thrust his frowzy head from the half-open door to ask,
+in surprise, what was wanted.
+
+"Is the Herr Colonel at home?" inquired Count Vavel.
+
+"Yes, your lordship; but he is in bed."
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"No, your lordship; but he is in bed, of course, at this hour."
+
+"Why, how can a man who is not ill stay in bed until three o'clock?"
+
+The count turned over a corner of his card, and handed it to the porter.
+
+This, at last, the colonel understood, and left no more cards at the
+Nameless Castle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The officers quartered at the manor were agreeable companions. Vicomte
+Leon Barthelmy was a true courtier, a brave soldier, an entertaining
+comrade, and a generous master. Even his enemies would have admitted
+that his manners were irresistible in the salon, as well as on the
+battle-field. Every one knew that Colonel Barthelmy was a married
+man--that he had a wife with whom, however, he did not live, but from
+whom he had not been divorced.
+
+Susceptible feminine hearts did not risk a flirtation with the
+fascinating soldier, being forewarned by the canonical laws of the
+church, which forbade more intimate relations. There was no need to fear
+for so prudent and discreet a woman as the Baroness Katharina
+Landsknechtsschild. Her principles were very sound, and firmly grounded.
+She permitted no familiarities beyond a certain limit, but made no coy
+pretence of avoiding innocent amusements. Her affable treatment of the
+officers was easily explained. She had not received the gentlemen
+residing in the neighborhood, because they would very soon have visited
+the manor with a special object--they would have come as suitors for her
+hand. She would have been compelled to reject such offers, and would
+have given rise to all sorts of gossip. Moreover, these country magnates
+were tiresome persons; for, when they were once gathered about a
+gaming-table, the four ladies in a pack of cards engrossed so much of
+their attention that they had no thought for any of the living women
+about them.
+
+The sons of Mars, on the contrary, were devoted entirely to the service
+of the fair sex. Many of the officers' wives accompanied the regiment,
+and these helped to make up the quadrille, the mazurka, the redowa,--at
+that time the latest dance,--and every day saw a merry gathering of
+revelers.
+
+One day there would be a series of entertaining games; another day there
+would be a play on a hastily improvised stage, in which the baroness
+herself would take a part, and win well-deserved applause by her
+graceful and artistic acting.
+
+There were several skilled amateur jugglers among the merry company, who
+would give performances _à la_ Bosko and Philadelphia; and others would
+delight the audience with the wonderful scenes of a magic lantern.
+
+Once the baroness arranged a chase, and herself joined in the hunt after
+the pheasants and deer on her estate, proving herself a skilled Amazon
+in the saddle and in the management of her rifle. Then, the officers
+improvised a horse-race; and once they even got up a circus, in which
+all look part.
+
+Count Vavel, in his tower, was an interested spectator of many of these
+amusements. There had been a time when he, too, had taken part in and
+enjoyed just such sports. He was a lover of the chase and of
+horse-racing. No one knew better than he the keen delights of a clean
+vault over ditches and hedges. If only he might join the merry company
+down yonder, _he_ could show them some riding!
+
+And as for hunting? He could spend whole days on the mountains,
+clambering after the fleet-footed chamois, following the larger game
+through morass and forest. He had grown up amid exhilarating sports such
+as these.
+
+And the dance-music! How alluring were the strains! and how often
+through the day he found himself humming the melodies which had floated
+to him from the open windows of the manor! Once he, too, had taken
+pleasure in jesting with fair women until their white shoulders would
+shake with merry laughter. And all this he must look upon and hear at a
+distance, since he had made himself his own jailer!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+During these weeks Marie was very restless. The sound of the trumpets
+startled her; the unusual noises terrified her. She whose nightly
+slumbers had been guarded from the barking of dogs and the crowing of
+fowls now was obliged to listen half the night to clarionet, horn, and
+piccolo, and to wonder what these people could be doing that they kept
+their music going until such late hours.
+
+One circumstance, however, reconciled Marie to the excitement of these
+days: Ludwig spent more time with her; and though his face was as stern
+as ever, she could not detect in it the melancholy which cannot be
+concealed from the eyes of the woman who can look into the depths, of
+the soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+At last, one day late in the autumn, Count Vavel received from his
+correspondent, Herr Mercatoris, the information that the dragoon
+regiment was going to change its quarters, and that the departure from
+Fertöszeg would be celebrated by various amusements, among them a
+regatta with colored lanterns on the lake and magnificent fireworks on
+the shore.
+
+"We shall manage somehow to live through it," was the count's mental
+comment on the news. He knew Marie's horror of fire--how she suffered
+with terror when she saw a conflagration, no matter how distant. She was
+even afraid of the rockets and paper dragons which were used at the
+celebration at the conclusion of the grape harvest every year. On the
+evening of the merrymaking Marie was afraid to go to bed. She begged
+Ludwig to close the blinds and to read to her in a loud voice, so that
+she might not see the light of the fireworks or hear the tumult on the
+lake shore. That which amused the revellers at the manor was a terror
+for this timid child.
+
+And that they were amusing themselves over at the manor was beyond a
+doubt. The program for the evening's entertainment was a varied one.
+Colonel Barthelmy was in the gayest of humors. The surprise of the
+evening was to conclude the entertainment, and was called on the program
+"The Militiaman." Every one in the audience expected that Colonel
+Barthelmy, who had arranged this part of the entertainment, would
+produce something extremely amusing. The reality surpassed all
+expectations.
+
+The figure conducted on to the stage by the colonel was no other than
+the little water-monster, Baroness Katharina's protégé. He was clad in
+the uniform of a soldier, with a wooden sword and gun, a hat decorated
+with crane-feathers, a canteen at his side, and a knapsack on his back.
+An enormous false mustache extended from ear to ear, and a short-stemmed
+pipe was thrust between his lips.
+
+"This, gentlemen and ladies, is a militiaman." The colonel was
+interrupted by a burst of merriment from his audience. Even the baroness
+laughed immoderately, but suppressed it hastily when she remembered the
+telescope on the tower of the Nameless Castle.
+
+"Poor little fellow!" she murmured, with difficulty keeping her face
+straight.
+
+"Attention!" called the colonel, snapping the whip he held in his hand.
+"What does the militiaman do when he is in a good humor?"
+
+A bagpipe behind the curtain now began to play a familiar air, whereupon
+the little monster first touched his finger to his hat, then slapped his
+thighs with both hands, and lifted first one foot, then the other.
+
+The baroness hid with her fan that side of her face which was toward the
+neighboring castle, and joined in the uproarious laughter.
+
+"You see, gracious baroness," continued the colonel, "that I have
+accomplished what I determined I would do--made quite a man of the
+little fellow."
+
+He snapped his whip again, and called sharply:
+
+"Now let the militiaman show us what he does when he is in an ill
+humor."
+
+The bagpipe struck up a different air. The dwarf muttered something
+unintelligible into his mustache, and grimaced hideously. Then he took
+from his tobacco-pouch flint, tinder, and steel, and struck fire in the
+proper manner; he thrust the burning tinder into his pipe, and pressed
+it down with his finger.
+
+Tremendous applause rewarded this exhibition.
+
+"Do you see, gracious baroness, what a complete man he is become? He can
+even strike fire and light a pipe!"
+
+By this time the gnome began to understand that his antics amused the
+audience, and he, too, enjoyed them. For the first time an emotion was
+expressed on his stolid countenance; but it was not an agreeable
+transformation. The corners of his mouth widened until they reached his
+ears, which stood still farther out from his head; he closed one eye,
+and opened the other to its farthest extent; and pressing the stem of
+his pipe more firmly between his teeth, he blew the smoke and fire from
+the bowl like a miniature volcano. The thicker the smoke and sparks came
+from the pipe, the more furious became the strange creature's glee,
+while the entire company shouted and clasped their hands. Even the
+colonel himself was amazed at the performance of his dull pupil.
+
+"Why have we not a Hogarth among us to perpetuate this caricature?" he
+exclaimed delightedly.
+
+"Horrible! I cannot bear to look at him," said the baroness, holding her
+fan in front of her face. "Pray take him away, Herr Colonel--take him
+away."
+
+"Presently. Ho, there, my little man! What does the militiaman do when
+he sees the enemy?"
+
+The whip snapped, and the bagpipe set up a discordant shriek, upon which
+the actor sprang with one bound from the stage, and vanished behind the
+curtain, wooden sword and gun clattering after him, while the audience
+showered applause on the successful instructor.
+
+"Herr Colonel," observed the baroness, when quiet had been restored, "I
+am very much afraid that your instructions will cause me some trouble in
+the future."
+
+"Why, how so?" in surprise questioned the colonel.
+
+"You have taught a wild creature to kindle a fire, and thus aroused in
+him a dangerous passion. His desire to amuse himself with the dangerous
+element will develop into a mania, and he will end by setting fire to
+houses and other buildings."
+
+"I will tell you what to do, baroness. In order that the little monster
+may not play his tricks about here, give him to me; I will take him with
+me."
+
+"No; I had rather keep him here. I shall take good care, however, that
+he does not get hold of tinder and flint, and have him constantly
+watched. You have quite ruined my system of education. _I_ taught him to
+kneel and fold his hands to the music of the organ; _you_ taught him to
+dance and grimace to the drone of the bagpipe. You have even accustomed
+him to drink wine, which is unchristian."
+
+The company laughed at this harmless anger.
+
+Then came the fireworks.
+
+When the Roman candles and the fire-wheels illumined the darkness, it
+became impossible to control the little monster. He rushed into the
+thickest of the rain of fire, and tried to catch the red and blue stars
+in his hands. The sparks burned holes in his clothes, and he would not
+have escaped a severe burning himself had not some one thrown a pail of
+water over him. It was impossible to restrain him. He struck out with
+hands and feet, and bit at any one who attempted to prevent him from
+running into the fire. Suddenly a rocket shot in an oblique direction,
+and dropped into the lake. When the human beast saw this he uttered a
+yell, and dashed into the water. He thought that the beautiful fire
+belonged to him because it had fallen into his lake, and he went to hunt
+for it. He did not return. The baroness had search made for him; but he
+knew so well how to escape his pursuers that he was not seen again at
+the manor.
+
+The next morning, while yet the stars were glittering in the sky, the
+trumpets sounded the departure of the regiment.
+
+The sounds were familiar to Count Vavel. Even yet, when the blare of
+trumpets roused him from sleep, he felt as if he must hasten to the
+stable, saddle his horse, and buckle on his sword. But those days were
+past. His trusty war-horse had become used to the carriage-pole, and the
+keen Toledo blades were drawn from their scabbards only when they were
+to be oiled to prevent the rust from corroding them.
+
+The departure of the troops removed one care from Count Ludwig's mind:
+the noise and turmoil would cease, and peace would again return to the
+silent neighborhood.
+
+One morning when Frau Schmidt brought her basket, as usual, to the
+castle, there was a letter in it for the count. He recognized the hand
+at once; it was from his fair neighbor at the manor.
+
+     "HERR COUNT: As I have something of the utmost importance to
+     communicate to you, I beg that you will receive a call from me this
+     morning before you take your usual drive. Answer when it will be
+     convenient for you to see me."
+
+What did it mean? Something of the utmost importance? Why could she not
+have asked him to come to the manor? The count was puzzled. And how was
+he to answer this most singular request? He could not write it himself;
+was it not said that he was unable to hold a pen? He could not dictate
+the letter to Marie appointing a meeting with the baroness. Henry was a
+very shrewd fellow, but he had never learned to write.
+
+At last Count Vavel bethought him of an expedient. He marked on the back
+of his card the Roman numerals XI, and trusted that the baroness would
+understand that she was expected at eleven o'clock. When the appointed
+hour drew near, curiosity began to torture the count. He could not wait
+indoors, but hurried into the park, where he paced restlessly to and fro
+amid the fallen leaves.
+
+He listened anxiously to every sound, and consulted his watch every few
+minutes. At last the gate bell rang. He hastened to admit the visitor,
+and found that the baroness had understood his reply. He recognized her
+figure, for the face was closely veiled. She wore a pale-blue silk gown
+with wide sleeves--Marie's favorite costume.
+
+"It is I, Herr Count," she said in a low tone, looking anxiously about
+her.
+
+"How did you come? I did not hear the carriage," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I rowed across the cove--alone, because no one must know that I came.
+Can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"We need not go into the house," she continued; "I can tell you here why
+I came."
+
+Ludwig was more and more perplexed. He had believed the baroness wished
+to enter the Nameless Castle out of curiosity.
+
+"My visit," pursued the lady, "has as little conventionality about it as
+had yours. The magnitude of the danger which prompted yours must also
+excuse mine; I am come to repay the debt I owe you."
+
+"Danger?" repeated the count.
+
+"Yes; danger threatens you--and some one else! Let us come farther into
+the park, that no one may by a possible chance overhear me."
+
+When they had reached a sheltered spot the lady again spoke:
+
+"Do you know anything about Colonel Barthelmy?"
+
+"I received the cards he left here when he called," indifferently
+replied Count Vavel.
+
+"You certainly have heard more about him," returned the baroness, a
+trifle impatiently. "His domestic troubles were in all the
+newspapers--it was a _cause célèbre_. He was a major in the French army,
+under the Directory, but entered our service when the Empire was
+established. The domestic troubles I referred to occurred while he was
+still in France. His young and beautiful wife ran away with another
+man--a man who is unknown to Barthelmy, who is pursuing the fugitives
+over the whole world--"
+
+"Ah! I remember now reading something about it. That is why his name
+seemed familiar to me."
+
+"I thought you must have heard something about him," responded the
+baroness, in a peculiar tone. Then, with a sudden movement, she seized
+his hand and whispered:
+
+"And you are the unknown who abducted Colonel Barthelmy's wife."
+
+"I?" in boundless amazement ejaculated the count. Then he laughed
+heartily.
+
+"Yes, you; and you are living here in seclusion with the lovely woman
+whose face no one is permitted to see."
+
+Ludwig ceased laughing, and replied very seriously; "Gracious baroness,
+were I the person you believe me to be, I should have been glad to meet
+the man who compelled me to live here in seclusion. A skilful
+sword-thrust or a well-aimed bullet would have released me from this
+prison."
+
+"And yet, everybody believes Count Vavel to be Ange Barthelmy's lover,"
+responded the baroness.
+
+"Do _you_ believe it, baroness?"
+
+"I? Perhaps--not. But Colonel Barthelmy believes it all the more firmly
+because you refused to see him."
+
+"And suppose he had seen me?"
+
+"He would have asked you to introduce him to your--family."
+
+"Then he would have learned that I have no family."
+
+"But you could not have refused to tell him what relation you bear to
+the lady at the castle."
+
+"My answer would have been very brief had he asked the question," was
+the count's grim response.
+
+"I know what men mean by a 'brief' answer; the result is usually fatal."
+
+"And does your ladyship imagine that I fear such a result?"
+
+"So far as courage is concerned, I should not give any one precedence to
+Count Vavel. A regular duel, however, requires more than courage.
+Colonel Barthelmy is a soldier by profession; you are a philosopher who
+lives amid his studies, and whose right hand is unable to hold a pen,
+let alone a sword or a pistol!"
+
+Count Vavel was touched on the spot where men are most susceptible.
+
+"Who can tell whether I have always been a studious hermit?" he demanded
+proudly. "Besides, might it not be that my hand is unable only when I
+don't want to use it?"
+
+"That may be," retorted the lady. "But Barthelmy, who is perfectly
+insane on the subject of his wife's infamy, would have the advantage of
+you. He is suspicious of every stranger; and of all the gossip which
+environs you, the legend of that elopement is the mildest."
+
+"Indeed? This is very flattering! Probably I am also said to be a
+counterfeiter?"
+
+"I am not jesting, Herr Count. While Colonel Barthelmy was my guest I
+was able to prevent him from taking any aggressive steps toward you;
+this is why you did not hear from him again after his last call on
+you--"
+
+"I certainly am greatly indebted to you," interrupted Count Vavel, with
+visible irony.
+
+"You owe me no thanks, Herr Count. When a woman tries to prevent a
+quarrel between two men, she does so, believe me, out of pure self-love.
+The emotions which electrify your nerves torment ours. I could not have
+continued to live here had a tragic occurrence made the place memorable.
+That is why I prevented an encounter between you and the colonel; so you
+need not thank me. However, the evening before the regiment took its
+departure the colonel said to me: 'I have kept my word to you, baroness;
+but to-morrow I cease to be your guest. I shall take steps then to learn
+if the mysterious lady at the Nameless Castle be Ange Barthelmy or some
+one else.'"
+
+At these words a deep flush crimsoned Count Vavel's face. "I should like
+to know how he proposes to settle that question?" he said, in a voice
+that trembled with suppressed rage.
+
+"I will tell you. Just listen to the ridiculous plan which the man
+betrayed in his fury. He is quartered in the neighboring village to the
+edge of which you and a certain person drive every day. He is going to
+rise, with several friends, along the road; and when he meets your
+carriage, he is going to stop it, introduce himself, and demand if the
+lady by your side be Mme. Ange Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel clenched his hands and closed his lips tightly. After a
+brief struggle he regained command of himself, and said quietly:
+
+"I shall, of course, reply: 'On my word as a man of honor, this lady is
+not Ange Barthelmy.'"
+
+"But if that does not satisfy him? Suppose he should insist on seeing
+the lady? Suppose he even attempts to lift the lady's veil?"
+
+"Then he dies!" The count gave utterance to these words in a tone that
+sounded more like the growl of a lion that has the neck of his prey
+between his teeth.
+
+"He is capable, in his present mood, of doing anything rash," murmured
+the baroness, with an expression of terror in her eyes.
+
+"And I am capable of an equally rash act," responded the count.
+
+"I believe it; I have heard of such courage before. But _you_ must not
+forget that you do not belong to yourself; there is some one else you
+must think of before you risk your life."
+
+Count Vavel started violently; he opened his lips as if to speak, but
+the baroness quickly raised her hand and interposed.
+
+"I am not trying to pry into your secret, Herr Count; I am no spy--you
+must have seen that ere this. All I know is that there is under your
+protection a woman to whom you are everything, and who will have no one
+should she lose you."
+
+"But what can I do?" in desperation exclaimed Count Vavel. "I cannot
+hide in my castle until Colonel Barthelmy leaves the neighborhood. Would
+you have me confess to all the world that I am a coward?"
+
+"Let me advise you, Herr Count," with sudden resolution responded the
+baroness. "Turn this matter, which you look upon as a tragedy, into a
+capital jest. Take _me_ to drive with you to-day instead of
+your--friend."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly burst into a loud laugh--from extreme anger to
+unrestrained merriment.
+
+But the baroness did not laugh with him.
+
+"I am in earnest, Count Vavel. Now you will understand why I came here
+this morning." She drew her veil over her face, and asked: "Am I enough
+like her to take her place in the carriage?"
+
+Count Vavel was astounded. The likeness to Marie was perfect. The gown,
+the hat, and veil were exactly like those Marie was wont to wear when
+she drove out with him. The daring suggestion, however, amazed him more
+than anything else.
+
+"What! You, baroness? You would really venture to drive with me? Have
+you thought of the risk--the danger to yourself?"
+
+"I have given it as much thought as did you when you risked coming to
+the manor with nothing but a walking-stick to battle with four thieves.
+One ought not stop to think of the risk when a danger is to be averted.
+This adventure may end as harmlessly as the other."
+
+"And suppose the colonel should by any chance see your face? No, no,
+baroness; there is no comparison between my venture and this plan you
+propose. If I had had an encounter with those thieves I might have
+received a wound that would soon have healed; but your pure reputation
+as a woman might receive a wound that would never heal."
+
+A bitter smile wreathed the lady's lips as she replied: "Could any wound
+that I might receive increase the burden on my heart?" She laughed
+harshly, then asked suddenly: "Perhaps you are afraid the colonel will
+think I am the mysterious lady of the Nameless Castle?"
+
+Count Vavel's face reddened to the roots of his hair.
+
+Again the lady laughed, then said apologetically: "Pardon me, but the
+idea amused me. But, to return to Colonel Barthelmy, he is going very
+shortly to Italy with his regiment; therefore, I need not care what
+fables he thinks of me--or repeats. The few persons whose opinion I care
+for will not believe him; as for the others--pah! Come, your hand on it!
+Let us perpetrate this joke. If _I_ am willing to run the risk, you
+surely need not hesitate."
+
+And yet he hesitated.
+
+"Don't speak of this plan of yours as a mischievous trick, baroness," he
+said earnestly. "It is a great, a noble sacrifice--so great, indeed,
+that living woman could not perform a greater--to be willing to blush
+with shame while innocent. She who blushes for her love does not suffer;
+but to flush with shame out of friendship must be a torture like that
+endured by martyrs."
+
+"Very well, then; let it be a sacrifice--as you will! I am a willing
+victim! I owe you a debt of gratitude; I want to pay it. Now go and
+order the carriage; I will wait here for you."
+
+Every drop of blood in his body rebelled against his accepting this
+offer. A woman rescue a strong man from a threatened danger! And at what
+a risk!
+
+"Well," a trifle impatiently exclaimed the baroness, as he still
+lingered, "are n't you going to fetch your cloak? I am ready for the
+drive."
+
+Without another word the count turned and strode toward the castle.
+
+Marie was satisfied with the excuse he made for not taking her with him
+as usual: he said he had urgent business in the neighboring village, and
+would have to drive there alone.
+
+Then he ordered Henry to harness the horses to the carriage, and drive
+down to the gate, where he would await him.
+
+He found the baroness waiting for him where he had left her.
+
+"Well," she began, when he came near enough to hear her, "have you
+decided to take me with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then you are going to take the lady?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Not? Then who is going with you?"
+
+"These two pistols," replied the count, flinging back his cloak and
+revealing the weapons thrust into his pocket. "With these two companions
+I am going to meet the gentleman who is so determined to see the face of
+the veiled lady. I shall show him a lady whose face is not a subject of
+gossip."
+
+The baroness uttered a cry of terror, and seized Count Vavel's hand.
+
+"No, no; you shall not go alone. Listen. I was prepared for just such a
+decision on your part, so I wrote this letter. If you persist in going
+alone to meet the colonel, I shall hurry back to the manor, send my
+groom on the swiftest horse I own with this letter to Colonel Barthelmy.
+Read it."
+
+She unfolded the letter she had taken from her pocket, and held it so
+that Count Vavel might read, without taking it in his hands:
+
+     "HERR COLONEL: You need not seek Mme. Ange Barthelmy at the
+     Nameless Castle. The veiled lady seen in company with Count Vavel
+     is
+
+     "B. KATHARINA LANDSKNECHTSSCHILD."
+
+In speechless amazement Count Vavel looked down at the baroness, who
+calmly folded the letter and returned it to her pocket.
+
+"Now you may go if you like," she said coolly, "and I, too, shall do as
+_I_ like! The colonel will then have written proof to justify him in
+dragging my name in the dust!"
+
+The count gazed long and earnestly into the lovely face turned
+defiantly toward him. What was said by those glowing eyes, what was
+expressed by those lips trembling with excitement, could not be mere
+sport. There is only one name for the emotion which urges a woman to
+risk so much for a man; and if Count Vavel guessed the name, then there
+was nothing for him to do but offer his arm to the lady and say:
+
+"Come, baroness, we will go together."
+
+When the count assisted his veiled companion into the carriage, and took
+his seat by her side, not even Henry could have told that it was not his
+young mistress from the castle who was going to drive, as usual, with
+her guardian.
+
+It was with a singular feeling that Count Vavel looked at the woman
+beside him, to whom he was bound for one hour by the strongest, most
+dangerous of ties. Only for one hour! For this one hour the woman
+belonged to him as wholly, as entirely as the soul belongs to the living
+human being. And afterward? Afterward she would be no more to him than
+is the vanished soul to the dead human being.
+
+The carriage had arrived at the boundary of the neighboring village,
+where the usual turn was made for the homeward drive, and they had not
+yet seen any one. Had Colonel Barthelmy's words been merely an idle
+threat?
+
+Henry knew that he was not to drive beyond this point; he mechanically
+turned the horses' heads in the homeward direction, as he had done every
+day for years.
+
+On the return drive the carriage always stopped at the edge of the
+forest, where a shaded path led through the dense shrubbery to a cleared
+space some distance from the highway. This was the spot for their daily
+promenade.
+
+The count and his companion had gone but a short distance along the path
+when they saw coming toward them three men in uniform. They were
+cavalry officers. The two in the rear had on white cloaks; the one in
+front was without, an outer garment--merely his close-fitting uniform
+coal.
+
+"That is Barthelmy," whispered the baroness, pressing the arm on which
+she was leaning.
+
+The count's expression of calm indifference did not change. He walked
+with a firm step toward the approaching officers.
+
+Very soon they stood face to face.
+
+The colonel was a tall, distinguished-looking man; he carried his head
+well upright, and every movement spoke of haughty self-confidence and
+pride.
+
+"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
+his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
+Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
+he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.
+
+"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the colonel
+(his companions had halted several paces distant). "I was so unfortunate
+as not to find you at home the three calls I made at your castle. Now,
+however, I shall take this opportunity to say to you what I wanted to
+say then. First, however, let me introduce my friends,"--waving his hand
+toward the two officers,--"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics,
+of Emperor Alexander's dragoons."
+
+Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
+acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:
+
+"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
+had the peculiar misfortune which sometimes overtakes a married man; my
+wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
+As mine is not one of those phlegmatic natures which can meekly tolerate
+such an indignity, I am searching for the fugitives--for what purpose I
+fancy you can guess. For four years my quest has been fruitless; I have
+been unable to find a trace of the guilty pair. A lucky chance at last
+led me to this secluded corner of the earth, and here I learned
+that--but, to be brief, Herr Count, I owe it to my heart and to my honor
+to ask you this question: Is not this lady by your side, who is always
+closely veiled, Ange Barthelmy, my wife?"
+
+"Herr Vicomte Leon de Barthelmy," calmly replied Count Vavel, "I give
+you my word of honor as a cavalier that this lady never was your wife."
+
+The colonel laughed in a peculiar manner.
+
+"Your word of honor, Herr Count, would be entirely satisfactory in all
+other questions save those relating to the fair sex--and to war. You
+will excuse me, therefore, if I take the liberty to doubt your assertion
+in this case, and request you to prove that my suspicions are at fault.
+Without this proof I will not move from this spot."
+
+"Then I am very sorry for you, Herr Colonel," returned Count Vavel, "but
+I shall be compelled to leave you and your suspicions in possession of
+this spot."
+
+He made as if he would pass onward; but the colonel politely but with
+decision barred the path.
+
+"I must request that you wait a little longer, Herr Count," he said, his
+face darkening.
+
+"And why should I?" demanded the count.
+
+"To convince me that the lady on your arm is not my wife," was the
+reply, in an excited tone.
+
+"You will have to remain unconvinced," in an equally excited tone
+retorted Count Vavel; and for a brief instant it was a question which
+of the two enraged men would strike the first blow.
+
+The threatening scene was suddenly concluded by the baroness, who flung
+back her veil, exclaiming: "Here, Colonel Barthelmy, you may convince
+yourself that I am _not_ your wife."
+
+Leon Barthelmy started in amazement, and hastily laid his hand against
+his lips as if to repress the words which had rushed to them. Then he
+bowed with exaggerated courtesy, and said: "I most humbly beg your
+pardon, Herr Count Vavel. This lady is _not_ Ange Barthelmy. These
+gentlemen are witnesses that I have asked your pardon in the proper
+form."
+
+The colonel's companions, who had come hastily forward at the threatened
+conflict between their superior and the count, were gazing in a peculiar
+manner at the lady whose hospitality they had so lately enjoyed. Colonel
+Barthelmy also, although he bowed with elaborate courtesy before the
+baroness, cast upon her a glance that was full of insulting scorn.
+
+The situation had changed so rapidly--as when a sudden flash of
+lightning illumines the darkness of night; and like the electric flash a
+light sped into Vavel's heart and illumined it with a delicious, a
+heavenly warmth that made it throb madly. But only for an instant. Then
+he realized that this woman who had dared everything for his sake had
+been insulted by the glance of scorn and derision.
+
+He had now lost all control of himself. He snatched a pistol from his
+pocket, directed the muzzle toward Colonel Barthelmy's sneering face,
+and said in a voice that quivered with savage fury:
+
+"I demand that you beg this lady's pardon."
+
+"You do?" coolly returned the colonel, still smiling, and gazing calmly
+into the muzzle of the pistol.
+
+"Yes--or I will blow out your brains!"
+
+The two officers accompanying the colonel drew their swords. The
+baroness uttered a cry of terror, and flung herself on Vavel's breast.
+
+"I presume you will allow me to inquire, first, what relation this lady
+bears to you?"
+
+Colonel Barthelmy asked the question in measured tones; and without an
+instant's hesitation came Count Vavel's reply:
+
+"The lady is my betrothed wife."
+
+The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
+companions were returned to their scabbards.
+
+"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
+reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
+caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
+this salute."
+
+He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
+were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
+hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Yes," was the curt reply.
+
+"Then let us shake hands--without malice. Accept my sincerest
+congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
+taught me this morning."
+
+He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
+was clear.
+
+The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
+the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
+officers following at a respectful distance.
+
+When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
+been left by the colonel and his companions in charge of the grooms.
+Henry must have told the gentlemen where to find his master.
+
+With what different emotions Count Vavel returned to the castle! The
+dreamer in his slumbers had given utterance to words which betrayed what
+he had been dreaming, and he compelled the vision to abide with him even
+after he had wakened. He felt that he had the right to do what he had
+done. This woman loved him as only a woman can love; and what he had
+done had only been his duty, for he loved her! What he had said was no
+falsehood--the words had not been forced from him merely to preserve her
+honor; they were the truth.
+
+Count Vavel stopped the carriage at the park gate, assisted his
+companion to alight, and sent Henry on to the castle with the horses.
+
+"What have you done?" in a deeply agitated voice exclaimed the baroness,
+when they were alone in the park.
+
+"I gave expression to the feeling which is in my heart."
+
+"And do you realize what that has done?"
+
+"What has it done?"
+
+"It has made it impossible for us to meet again--for us ever to speak
+again to each other."
+
+"I cannot see it in that light."
+
+"You could were you to give it but a moment's serious thought. I do not
+ask what the mysterious lady at the castle is to you; I know, however,
+that you must be everything to her. Pray don't believe me cruel enough
+to rob her of her whole world. I cannot ask you to believe a lie--I
+cannot pretend that you are nothing to me. I have allowed you to look
+too deeply into my heart to deny my feelings. But there is something
+besides love in my heart! it is pride. I am too proud to take you from
+the woman to whom you are bound--no matter by what ties. Therefore, we
+must not meet again in this life; we may meet again in another world!
+Pray do not come any farther with me; I can easily find the way to my
+boat. No one at the manor knows of my absence. I must be careful to
+return as I came--unseen. And now, one request: Do not try to see me
+again. Should you do so, it will compel me to flee from the
+neighborhood. Adieu!"
+
+She drew her veil closer over her face, and passed swiftly with
+noiseless steps through the gateway.
+
+Ludwig Vavel stood where she had left him, and looked after her until
+she vanished from his sight amid the trees. Then he turned and walked
+slowly toward the castle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Count Vavel did not see Marie, after his return from the drive with the
+baroness, until dinner. He had not ventured into her presence until
+then, when he fancied he had sufficiently mastered his emotions so that
+his countenance would not betray him. The consciousness of his
+disloyalty to the young girl troubled him, and he could not help but
+tremble when he came into her presence. It was not permitted to him to
+bestow his heart on any one. Did he not belong, soul and body, to this
+innocent creature, whom he had sworn to defend with his life?
+
+From that hour, however, Marie's behavior toward him was changed. He
+could see that she strove to be attentive and obedient, but she was shy
+and reserved. Did she suspect the change in him? or could it be possible
+that she had seen the baroness driving with him? It was very late when
+her bell signaled that she had retired, and when Ludwig entered the
+outer room, as usual, he found a number of books lying about on the
+table. Evidently the young girl had been studying.
+
+The next morning Ludwig came at the usual hour to conduct her to the
+carriage.
+
+"Thank you, but I don't care to drive to-day," she said.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Riding out in a carriage does not benefit me."
+
+"When did you discover this?"
+
+"Some time ago."
+
+Ludwig looked at her in astonishment. What was the meaning of this?
+Could she know that some one else had occupied her place in the carriage
+yesterday?
+
+"And will you not go with me to-morrow?"
+
+"If you will allow me, I shall stay at home."
+
+"Is anything the matter with you, Marie?"
+
+"Nothing. I don't like the jolting of the carriage."
+
+"Then I shall sell the horses."
+
+"It might be well to do so--if you don't want them for your own use. I
+shall take my exercise in the garden."
+
+"And in the winter?"
+
+"Then I will promenade in the court, and make snow images, as the
+farmers' children do."
+
+And the end of the matter was that Ludwig sold the horses, and Marie's
+outdoor exercises were restricted to the garden. Moreover, she studied
+and wrote all day long.
+
+When she went into the garden, Josef, the gardener's boy, was sent
+elsewhere so long as she chose to remain among the flowers.
+
+One afternoon Josef had been sent, as usual, to perform some task in the
+park while Marie promenaded in the garden. He was busily engaged raking
+together the fallen leaves, when Marie suddenly appeared by his side,
+and said breathlessly:
+
+"Please take this letter."
+
+The youth, who was speechless with astonishment and confusion at sight
+of the lady he had been forbidden to look at, slowly extended his hand
+to comply with her request when Count Vavel, who had swiftly approached,
+unseen by either the youth or Marie, with one hand seized the letter,
+and with the other sent Josef flying across the sward so rapidly that he
+fell head over heels into some shrubbery.
+
+Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and without a word
+drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her
+into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had
+not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and
+terror.
+
+When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said,
+fixing a reproachful glance on her:
+
+"You were going to send a letter to some one?"
+
+The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.
+
+"To whom are you writing, Marie?"
+
+Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.
+
+Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:
+
+"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."
+
+The count looked up in surprise.
+
+"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not
+without some confusion.
+
+"I did not know her name; that is why I addressed it so."
+
+Vavel turned the letter in his hands, and saw that the seal had been
+stamped with the crest which was familiar to all the world.
+
+He hurriedly crushed it into bits, and, unfolding the letter, read:
+
+     "DEAR, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LADY: I want you to love my Ludwig. Make
+     him happy. He is a good man. I am nothing at all to him.
+
+     "MARIE."
+
+When he had read the touching epistle, he buried his face in his hands,
+and a bitter sob burst from his tortured heart.
+
+Marie looked sorrowfully at his quivering frame, and sighed heavily.
+
+"Oh, Marie! To think you should write this! Nothing at all to me!"
+murmured the young man, in a choking voice.
+
+"'Nothing at all,'" in a low tone repeated Marie.
+
+Vavel moved swiftly to her side, and, looking down upon her with his
+burning eyes still filled with tears, asked in an unsteady voice:
+
+"What do you want, Marie? Tell me what you wish me to do."
+
+Marie softly took his hand in both her own, and said tremulously:
+
+"I want you to give me a companion--a mother. I want some one to
+love,--a woman that I can love,--one who will love me and command me. I
+will be an obedient and dutiful daughter to such a woman. I will never
+grieve her, never disobey her. I am so very, very lonely!"
+
+"And am not I, too, alone and lonely, Marie?" sadly responded Vavel.
+
+"Yes, yes. I know that, Ludwig. It is your pale, melancholy face that
+oppresses me and makes me sad. Day after day I see the pale face which
+my cruel, curse-laden destiny has buried here with me. I know that you
+are unhappy, and that I am the cause of it."
+
+"For heaven's sake, Marie! who has given you such fancies?"
+
+"The long, weary nights! Oh, how much I have learned from the darkness!
+It was not merely caprice that prompted me to ask you once what death
+meant. Had you questioned me more fully then, I should have confessed
+something to you. That time, when you rescued me from death, you gave my
+name to Sophie Botta, who also took upon herself my fate. I don't know
+what became of her. If she died in my stead, may God comfort her! If
+she still lives, may God bless and help her to reign in my stead! But
+give me the name of Sophie Botta; give me the clothes of a working-girl;
+give me God's free world, which she enjoyed. Let me become Sophie Botta
+in reality, and let me wash clothes with the washerwomen at the brook.
+If Sophie and I exchanged lives, let the exchange become real. Let me
+learn what it is to live, or--let me learn what it is to die."
+
+In speechless astonishment Count Vavel had listened to this passionate
+outburst. It was the first time he had ever heard the gentle girl speak
+so excitedly.
+
+"Madame," he said with peculiar intonation, when she had ceased
+speaking, "I am now convinced that I am the guardian of the most
+precious treasure on this terrestrial ball. Henceforward I shall watch
+over you with redoubled care."
+
+"That will be unnecessary," proudly returned the young girl. "If you
+wish to feel certain that I will patiently continue to abide in this
+Nameless Castle, then make a home here for me--bring some happiness into
+these rooms. If I see that you are happy I shall be content."
+
+"Marie, Marie, the day of my perfect happiness only awaits the dawn of
+your own! And that yours will come I firmly believe. But don't look for
+it here, Marie. Don't ask for impossibilities. Marie, were my own
+mother, whom I worshiped, still living, I could not bring her within
+these walls to learn our secret."
+
+"The woman who loves will not betray a secret."
+
+For an instant Ludwig did not reply; then he said:
+
+"And if it were true that some one loves me as you fancy, could I ask
+her to bury herself here--here where there is no intercourse with the
+outside world? No, no, Marie; we cannot expect any one else to become an
+occupant of this tomb--the gates of which will not open until the trump
+of deliverance sounds."
+
+"And will it be long before that trump sounds, Ludwig?"
+
+"I believe--nay, I know it must come very soon. The signs of the times
+are not deceptive. Our resurrection may be nearer than we imagine; and
+until then, Marie, let us endure with patience."
+
+Marie pressed her guardian's hand, and drew a long sigh.
+
+"Yes; we will endure--and wait," she repeated. "And now, give me back my
+letter."
+
+"Why do you want it, Marie?"
+
+"I shall keep it, and sometime send it to the proper address--when the
+angel of deliverance sounds his trump."
+
+"May God hasten his coming!" fervently appended the count.
+
+But he did not give her the letter.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel now rarely ventured beyond the gate of the Nameless Castle.
+The weather had become stormy, and a severe frost had robbed the garden
+of its beauties. The very elements seemed to have combined against the
+dwellers in the castle. Even the lake suddenly began to extend its
+limits, overflowing its banks, and inundating meadows and gardens.
+Marie's little pleasure-garden suffered with the rest of the flooded
+lands, and threatened to become an unsightly swamp.
+
+Count Vavel, knowing how Marie delighted to ramble amid her flowers,
+determined to protect the garden from further destruction. Laborers were
+easily secured. The numerous families of working-people who had been
+rendered homeless by the inundation besieged the castle for assistance
+and work, and none were turned empty-handed away. A small army was put
+to work to construct an embankment that would prevent further
+encroachment upon the garden by the water, while to Herr Mercatoris the
+count sent a liberal sum of money to be distributed among the sufferers
+by the flood.
+
+This gift renewed the correspondence between the castle and the
+parsonage, which had been dropped for several months.
+
+The pastor, in acknowledging the receipt of the money, wrote:
+
+"The flood has made a new survey of the lake necessary, as the evil
+cannot be remedied until it has been determined what obstructs the
+outlet. Our surveyor made a calculation as to the probable cost of the
+work, and found that it would require an enormous sum of money--almost
+five thousand guilders! Where was all this money to come from? The
+puzzling question was answered by that angel from heaven, Baroness
+Landsknechtsschild. When she heard of the sufferings of the poor people
+who had been driven from their homes by the inundation, she offered to
+supply the entire sum necessary. Now, it seems, something besides the
+money is required for the undertaking.
+
+"The surveyor, in order to calculate the distances which cannot be
+measured by the chain, needs a superior telescope, and such a glass
+would cost two or three thousand guilders more. As your lordship is the
+owner of a telescope, I take it upon myself to beg the loan of it--if
+your lordship can spare it to the surveyor for a short time."
+
+The next day Count Vavel sent his telescope to the parsonage, with the
+message that it was a present to the surveyor. Then, that he might not
+be again tempted to look out upon the world and its people, the count
+closed the tower windows.
+
+
+
+
+PART VI
+
+DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Since Count Vavel had ceased to take outdoor exercise, he had renewed
+his fencing practice with Henry, who was also an expert swordsman.
+
+In a room on the ground floor of the castle, whence the clashing of
+steel could not penetrate to Marie's apartments, the two men, master and
+man, would fight their friendly battles twice daily, and with such vigor
+that their bodies (as they wore no plastrons) were covered with
+scratches and bruises.
+
+One morning the count waited in vain for Henry to make his appearance in
+the fencing-hall. It was long past the usual hour for their practice,
+and the count, becoming impatient, went in search of the old servant.
+
+The groom's apartment was on the same floor with the kitchen, adjoining
+the room occupied by his wife Lisette, the cook.
+
+The door of Henry's room which opened into the corridor was locked; the
+count, therefore, passed into the kitchen, where Lisette was preparing
+dinner.
+
+"Where is Henry?" he asked of the unwieldy mountain of flesh, topped by
+a face as broad and round as the full moon.
+
+"He is in bed," replied Lisette, without looking up from her work.
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"I believe he has had a stroke of apoplexy."
+
+She said it with as little emotion as if she had spoken of an underdone
+pasty.
+
+The count hastened through Lisette's room to Henry's bedside.
+
+The poor fellow was lying among the pillows; his mouth and one eye were
+painfully distorted.
+
+"Henry!" ejaculated the count, in a tone of alarm; "my poor Henry, you
+are very ill."
+
+"Ye-es--your--lord-ship," he answered slowly, and with difficulty;
+"but--but--I shall soon--soon be--all right--again."
+
+Ludwig lifted the sick man's hand from the coverlet, and felt the pulse.
+
+"Yes, you are very ill indeed, Henry--so ill that I would not attempt to
+treat you. We must have a doctor."
+
+"He--he won't come--here; he is--afraid. Besides, there is nothing--the
+matter with--any part of me but--but my--tongue. I can--can
+hardly--move--it."
+
+"You must not die, Henry--you dare not!" in an agony of terror exclaimed
+Ludwig. "What would become of me--of Marie?"
+
+"That--that is what--troubles--troubles me--most, Herr Count. Who
+will--take my--place? Perhaps--that old soldier--with the machine leg--"
+
+"No! no! no! Oh, Henry, no one could take your place. You are to me what
+his arms are to a soldier. You are the guardian of all my thoughts--my
+only friend and comrade in this solitude."
+
+The poor old servant tried to draw his distorted features into a smile.
+
+"I am--not sorry for--myself--Herr Count; only for you two. I have
+earned--a rest; I have--lost everything--and have long ago--ceased to
+hope for--anything. I feel that--this is--the end. No doctor can--help
+me. I know--I am--dying." He paused to breathe heavily for several
+moments, then added: "There is--something--I should--like to
+have--before--before I--go."
+
+"What is it, Henry?"
+
+"I know you--will be--angry--Herr Count, but--I cannot--cannot die
+without--consolation."
+
+"Consolation?" echoed Ludwig.
+
+"Yes--the last consolation--for the--dying. I have not--confessed
+for--sixteen years; and the--multitude of my--sins--oppresses me.
+Pray--pray, Herr Count, send for--a priest."
+
+"Impossible, Henry. Impossible!"
+
+"I beseech you--in the name of God--let me see a priest. Have mercy--on
+your poor old servant, Herr Count. My soul feels--the torments of hell;
+I see the everlasting flames--and the sneering devils--"
+
+"Henry, Henry," impatiently remonstrated his master, "don't be childish.
+You are only tormenting yourself with fancies. Does the soldier who
+falls in battle have time to confess his sins? Who grants him
+absolution?"
+
+"Perhaps--were I in--the midst of the turmoil of battle--I should not
+feel this agony of mind. But here--there is so much time to think. Every
+sin that I have committed--rises before me like--like a troop of
+soldiers that--have been mustered for roll-call."
+
+"Pray cease these idle fancies, Henry. Of what are you thinking? You
+want to tell a priest that you are living here under a false name--tell
+him that I, too, am an impostor? You would say to him: 'When the
+revolutionists imprisoned my royal master and his family, to behead them
+afterward, I clothed my own daughter in the garments belonging to my
+master's daughter, in order to save the royal child from death, I gave
+up my own child to danger, and carried my master's child to a place of
+safety. My own child I gave up to play the rôle of king's daughter, when
+kings and their offspring were hunted down like wild beasts; and made of
+the king's daughter a servant, that she might be allowed to go free. I
+counterfeited certificates of baptism, registers, passports, in order to
+save the king's daughter from her enemies. I bore false
+witness--committed perjury in order to hide her from her persecutors--'"
+
+"Yes--yes," moaned the dying man, "all that have I done."
+
+"And do you imagine that you will be allowed to breathe such a
+confession into a human ear?" sternly responded the count.
+
+"I must--I must--to make my peace with God."
+
+"Henry, if you knew God as He is you would not tremble before him. If
+you could realize the immeasurable greatness of His benevolence, His
+love, His mercy, you would not be afraid to appear before Him with the
+plea: 'Master, Thou sentest me forth; Thou hast summoned me to return. I
+came from Thee; to Thee I return. And all that which has happened to me
+between my going and my coming Thou knowest.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, you have a great soul. It will know how to rise to
+its Creator. But what can my poor, ignorant little soul do when it
+leaves my body? It will not be able to find its way to God. I am afraid;
+I tremble. Oh, my sins, my sins!"
+
+"Your sins are imaginary, Henry," almost irritably responded Count
+Vavel. "I swear to you, by the peace of my own soul, that the load
+beneath which you groan is not sin, but virtue. If it be true that human
+speech and thought are transmitted to the other world, and if there is a
+voice that questions us, and a countenance that looks upon us, then
+answer with confidence: 'Yes, I have transgressed many of Thy laws; but
+all my transgressions were committed to save one of Thy angels.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, if I could talk like that; but I can't."
+
+"And are not all your thoughts already known to Him who reads all
+hearts? It does not require the absolution of a priest to admit you to
+His paradise."
+
+But Henry refused to be comforted; his eyes burned with the fire of
+terror as he moaned again and again:
+
+"I shall be damned! I shall be damned!"
+
+Count Vavel now lost all patience, and, forgetting himself in his anger,
+exclaimed:
+
+"Henry, if you persist in your foolishness you will deserve damnation.
+Did not you say so yourself, when you pledged your word to me on that
+eventful day? Did you not say, 'The wretch who would become a traitor
+deserves to be damned'?"
+
+With these words he rose and strode toward the door. But ere he reached
+it his feeling heart got the better of his anger. He turned and walked
+back to the bed, took the dying man's ice-cold hand in his, and said
+gently:
+
+"My old comrade--my brave old companion in arms! we must not part in
+anger. Don't you trust me any more? Listen, my old friend, to what I say
+to you. You are going on before to arrange quarters; then I will follow.
+When I arrive at the gates of paradise, my first question to St. Peter
+will be, 'Is my good old comrade, the honest, virtuous Henry, within?'
+And should the sainted gatekeeper reply, 'No, he is not here; he is down
+below,' then I shall say to him, 'I am very much obliged to you, old
+fellow, for your friendliness, but a paradise from which my old friend
+Henry is excluded is no place for me. I am going down below to be with
+him.' That is what I shall say, so help me Heaven!"
+
+The sufferer who stood on the threshold of death strove to smile. He
+could not return the pressure of his master's hand, but he slowly and
+with painful effort turned his head so that his cold lips rested against
+the count's hand.
+
+"Yes--yes," he whispered, and his dim eyes brightened for an instant.
+"If we were down there together--you and I--we should not have to stop
+long there; some one with her prayers would very soon win our release."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly beat his palm against his forehead, and exclaimed:
+
+"I never once thought of her! Wait, my brave Henry. I will return
+immediately. I cannot allow you to have a priest, but I will bring an
+angel to your bedside."
+
+He hastened to Marie's apartments.
+
+"You have been weeping?" she exclaimed, looking up into his tear-stained
+eyes with deep concern.
+
+"Yes, Marie; we are going to lose our poor old Henry."
+
+"Oh, my God! How entirely alone we shall be then!"
+
+"Will you come with me to his bedside? The sight of you will cheer his
+last moments."
+
+"Yes, yes; come quickly."
+
+A wonderful light brightened Henry's face when he saw his young
+mistress. She moved softly to the head of his bed, and with her delicate
+fingers gently stroked the cheeks of the trusty old servant.
+
+He closed his eyes and sighed when her hand touched his face.
+
+"Is he smiling?" whispered Marie to Ludwig, gazing with compassionate
+awe on the distorted countenance. Then she bent over him and said:
+
+"Henry--my good Henry, would you like me to pray with you?"
+
+She knelt beside the bed and in a feeling tone repeated the beautiful
+prayer which the good Père Lacordaire composed for those who journey to
+the other world, pausing from time to time to let the dying man repeat
+the words after her.
+
+Henry's tongue became heavier and heavier as he repeated, with visible
+effort, the soul-inspiring words.
+
+Then Marie repeated the Lord's Prayer. Even Ludwig could not do
+otherwise than bend his knee upon the chair by which he stood, and bow
+his skeptical head, while the innocent maid and his dying servant prayed
+together.
+
+When Marie rose from her knees, the painful smile had vanished from
+Henry's lips; his face was calm and peaceful; the distortion had
+disappeared from his countenance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After Henry's death, life for the occupants of the Nameless Castle
+became still more uncomfortable. Ludwig Vavel had lost his only
+friend--the only one who had shared his cares and his confidences. He
+was obliged to hire a servant to assist Lisette, and, remembering what
+Henry had advised, took the old soldier with the wooden leg into the
+castle. For the old invalid, the change from hard labor to comfortable
+quarters and easy work was certainly an improvement. Instead of cutting
+wood all day long for a mere pittance, he had now nothing to do but
+brush clothes which were never dusty, polish the furniture, receive the
+supplies from and deliver orders to Frau Schmidt every morning, to place
+the newspapers on the library table, and convey the victuals from the
+kitchen to the dining-room.
+
+But two weeks of this easy work and good wages, and the comforts of the
+castle, were all that the old soldier could endure. Then he took off his
+handsome livery, and begged to be allowed to return to his former life
+of hardship and poverty. Afterward he was heard to aver that not for the
+whole castle would he consent to live in it an entire year--where not
+one word was spoken all day long; even the cook never opened her lips.
+No, he could not stand it; he would rather, a hundred times over, cut
+wood for five groats the day.
+
+No sooner did Baroness Katharina learn that Count Vavel was again
+without a man-servant than she sent to the castle Satan Laczi's son, who
+was then twelve years old, and a useful lad.
+
+Two leading ideas now filled Count Vavel's entire soul.
+
+One was an enthusiastic admiration for a high ideal, whose embodiment he
+believed he had found in the lovely person of his young charge. All the
+emotions that a man of deep and profound nature lavishes on his faithful
+love, his only offspring, his queen, his guardian saint, Count Ludwig
+now bestowed on this one woman, who endured with patience, renounced
+with meekness, forgave and loved with her whole heart, and who, even in
+her banishment, adored her native land which had repulsed and cruelly
+persecuted her.
+
+The second idea encompassed all the emotions of an opposing passion: a
+boundless hatred for the giant who, with strides that covered kingdoms
+and empires, was marching over the entire eastern hemisphere, marking
+his every step with graves and human skeletons; an enmity toward the
+Titan who was using thrones as footstools, and who had made himself a
+god over a greater portion of Europe,
+
+Count Vavel was not the only one who cherished a hatred of this sort; it
+was felt all over Europe. What was happening in those days could be
+learned only through the English newspapers. Liberty of speech was
+prohibited throughout the entire continent. Only an indiscreet
+correspondent would trust his secret to the post; and Ludwig Vavel only
+by the exercise of extreme caution could learn from his banker in
+Holland what was necessary for him to know. Through this medium he
+learned of the general discontent with the methods of the all-powerful
+one. He learned of the plans of the Philadelphia Club, which counted
+among its members renowned officers in the army of France. He heard that
+a number of distinguished Frenchmen had offered their services and
+swords to the foreign imperial army against their own hated emperor. He
+heard of the dissatisfied murmuring among the French people against the
+frightful waste of human life, the never-ending intrigues, the
+approaching shadows of the coalition.
+
+All this he heard there in the Nameless Castle, while he waited for his
+watchword, ready when it came to reply: "Here!"
+
+And while he waited he interested himself also in what was going on in
+the land in which he sojourned. He had two sources for acquiring
+information on this subject--Herr Mercatoris in Fertöszeg, and the young
+attorney, who was now living in Pest. The count corresponded with both
+gentlemen,--personally he had never spoken to the pastor, and but once
+to his attorney,--and from their letters learned what was going on in
+that portion of the world in the vicinity of the Nameless Castle.
+
+However, as there was a wide difference between the characters of his
+two correspondents, the count was often puzzled to which of them he
+should give credence. The pastor, who was a student and a philosopher,
+and a defender of the existing state of affairs, affirmed that there was
+not on the face of the globe a more contented and peace-loving folk than
+the Hungarians. The young lawyer, on the other hand, asserted that the
+existing system was all wrong; that general dissatisfaction prevailed
+throughout Hungary. His irony did not spare the great ones who swayed
+the destiny of the country. In a word, resentment against oppression,
+and discontent, might be read in every line of his epistles.
+
+Count Vavel was rather inclined to believe that the younger man
+expressed the temper of the nation. In reality, however, it was only the
+discontent of a small social body, which found quite enough room for its
+meetings in the sleeping-chamber of one of the sympathizers. Within this
+circumscribed space, and amid a lively interchange of opinions,
+originated many a daring project that was never carried beyond the
+threshold of the hall of meeting.
+
+Ludwig Vavel, on reading the young man's letters, had come to the
+conclusion that Hungary awaited his (Vavel's) enemy as its liberator.
+
+The Diet, it is true, had authorized the "recruit contingent," but the
+recruits were not taken from those who were inspired with love for the
+fatherland, and who would do battle for an idea. The enlisted men were
+chiefly homeless wanderers. This "cannon-fodder" would go into battle
+without enthusiasm, would perform what was required of them like
+obedient machines.
+
+Of what good would be such a crew against a host that had called into
+being a great national consciousness, a host that was made up of the
+best force of a vigorous people, a host whose every member was proud of
+his ensign with its eagle, and who held himself superior to every other
+soldier in the world?
+
+Vavel well knew that the giant of the century could be conquered only by
+heroes and patriots. A hireling crew could not enter the field against
+him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When a sacrifice is demanded by one's fatherland, it becomes the duty of
+every true patriot to offer himself as the victim.
+
+Consequently, Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Görömbölyi von Dravakeresztur
+did not hesitate to immolate himself on the sacrificial altar when his
+attention was directed by his superior to Section 1 of Article II. in
+the laws enacted by the Diet in the year 1808. Said clause required the
+vice-palatine to call in person on those "high and mighty persons" who,
+instead of appearing with their horses at the _Lustrations_,--according
+to Section 17 of Article III.,--preferred to send the fine of fifty
+marks for non-attendance.
+
+Among these absentees from the county meetings was Count Ludwig Vavel.
+
+The Vice-palatine's task was to teach these refractories, through
+patriotic reasoning, to amend their ways. The sacrifice attendant upon
+the performance of this duty was that Herr Bernat would be obliged,
+during his official visit to the Nameless Castle, to abstain from
+smoking.
+
+But duty is duty, and he decided to do it. He preceded his call at the
+castle by a letter to Count Vavel, in which he explained, with
+satisfaction to himself, the cause of his hasty retreat on the occasion
+of his former visit, and also announced his projected official
+attendance upon the Herr Count on the following day.
+
+He arrived at the castle in due time; and Count Vavel, who wished to
+make amends for his former rudeness to so important a personage, greeted
+him with great cordiality.
+
+"The Herr Count has been ill, I understand?" began Herr Bernat, when
+greetings had been exchanged.
+
+"I have not been ill--at least, not to my knowledge," smilingly
+responded the count.
+
+"Indeed? I fancied you must be ill because you did not attend the
+Lustrations, but sent the fine instead."
+
+"May I ask if many persons attended the meeting?" asked Count Vavel.
+
+"Quite a number of the lesser magnates were present; the more important
+nobles were conspicuous by their absence. I attributed this failure to
+appear at the Lustrations to Section I of Article III. of the militia
+law, which prohibits the noble militiaman from wearing gold or silver
+ornamentation on his uniform. This inhibition, you must know, is
+intended to prevent emulation in splendor of decoration among our own
+people, and also to restrain the rapacity of the enemy."
+
+"Then you imagine, Herr Vice-palatine, that I do not attend the meetings
+because I am not permitted to wear gold buttons and cords on my coat?"
+smilingly queried the count.
+
+"I confess I cannot think of any other reason, Herr Count."
+
+"Then I will tell you the true one," rather haughtily rejoined Count
+Vavel, believing that his visitor was inclined to be sarcastic. "I do
+not attend your meetings because I look upon the entire law as a
+jest--mere child's play. It begins with the mental reservation, 'The
+Hungarian noble militia will be called into service _only_ in case of
+imminent danger of an attack from a foreign enemy, and then only if the
+attacking army be so powerful that the regular imperial troops shall be
+unable to withstand it!' That the enemy is the more powerful no
+commander-in-chief finds out until he has been thoroughly whipped! The
+mission of the Hungarian noble militia, therefore, is to move into the
+field--untrained for service--when the regular troops find they cannot
+cope with a superior foe! This is utterly ridiculous! And, moreover,
+what sort of an organization must that be in which 'all nobles who have
+an income of more than three thousand guilders shall become cavalry
+soldiers, those having less shall become foot-soldiers'? The money-bag
+decides the question between cavalry and infantry! Again, 'every village
+selects its own trooper, and equips him.' A fine squadron they will
+make! And to think of sending such a crew into the field against
+soldiers who have won their epaulets under the baptismal fires of
+battle! Again, to wage war requires money first of all; and this fact
+has been entirely ignored by the authorities. You have no money,
+gentlemen; do you propose that the noble militia host shall march only
+so long as the supply of food in their knapsacks holds out? Are they to
+return home when the provisions shall have given out? Never fear, Herr
+Vice-palatine! when it becomes necessary to shoulder arms and march
+against the enemy, I shall be among the first to respond to the first
+call. But I have no desire to be even a spectator of a comedy, much less
+take part in one. But let us not discuss this farce any further. I
+fancy, Herr Vice-palatine, we may be able to find a more sensible
+subject for discussion. There is a quiet little nook in this old castle
+where are to be found some excellent wines, and some of the best latakia
+you--"
+
+"What?" with lively interest interrupted the vice-palatine. "Latakia?
+Why, that is tobacco."
+
+"Certainly--and Turkish tobacco, too, at that!" responded Count Vavel.
+"Come, we will retire to this nook, empty one glass after another, enjoy
+a smoke, and tell anecdotes without end!"
+
+"Then you do smoke, Herr Count?"
+
+"Certainly; but I never smoke anywhere but in the nook before mentioned,
+and never in the clothes I wear ordinarily."
+
+"Aha!--that a certain person may not detect the fumes, eh?"
+
+"You have guessed it."
+
+"Then there is not an atom of truth in the reports malicious tongues
+have spread abroad about you, for I know very well that a certain lady
+has not the least objection to tobacco smoke. I do not refer to the Herr
+Count's donna who lives here in the castle--you may be sure I shall take
+good care not to ask any more questions about _her_. No; I am not
+talking about that one, but about the other one, who has puzzled me a
+good deal of late. She takes the Herr Count's part everywhere, and is
+always ready to defend you. Had she not assured me that I might with
+perfect safety venture to call here again, I should have sent my
+secretary to you with the _Sigillum compulsorium_. I tell you, Herr
+Count, ardent partizanship of that sort from the other donna looks a
+trifle suspicious!"
+
+The count laughed, then said:
+
+"Herr Vice-palatine, you remind me of the critic who, at the conclusion
+of a concert, said to a gentleman near whom he was standing: 'Who is
+that lady who sings so frightfully out of tune?' 'The lady is my wife.'
+'Ah, I did not mean the one who sang, but the lady who accompanied her
+on the piano--the one who performs so execrably.' 'That lady is my
+sister.' 'I beg a thousand pardons! I made a mistake; it is the music,
+the composition, that is so horrible. I wonder who composed it?' 'I
+did.'"
+
+Herr Bernat was charmed--completely vanquished. This count not only
+smoked: he could also relate an anecdote! Truly he was a man worth
+knowing--a gentleman from crown to sole.
+
+Toward the conclusion of the excellent dinner, to which Herr Bernat did
+ample justice, he ventured to propose a toast:
+
+"I cannot refrain, Herr Count, from drinking to the welfare of this
+castle's mistress; and since I do not know whether there be one or two,
+I lift a glass in each hand. Vivant!"
+
+Without a word the count likewise raised two glasses, and drained first
+one, then the other, leaving not enough liquor in either to "wet his
+finger-nail."
+
+By the time the meal was over Herr Bernat was in a most generous mood;
+and when he took leave of his agreeable host, he assured him that the
+occupants of the Nameless Castle might always depend on the protection
+and good will of the vice-palatine.
+
+Count Vavel waited until his guest was out of sight; then he changed his
+clothes, and when the regular dinner-hour arrived joined Marie, as
+usual, in the dining-room, to enjoy with her the delicate snail-soup and
+other dainties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At last war was declared; but it brought only days of increased
+unhappiness and discontent to the tiger imprisoned in his cage at the
+Nameless Castle--as if burning oil were being poured into his open
+wounds.
+
+The snail-like movements of the Austrian army had put an end to the
+appearance of the apocalyptic destroying angel.
+
+Ludwig Vavel waited like the tiger crouched in ambush, ready to spring
+forth at the sound of his watchword, and heard at last what he had least
+expected to hear.
+
+The single-headed eagle had not hesitated to take possession of that
+which the double-headed eagle had hesitated to grasp.
+
+Napoleon had issued his memorable call to the Hungarian people to assert
+their independence and choose their king from among themselves.
+
+Count Ludwig received a copy of this proclamation still damp from the
+press, and at once decided that the cause to which he had sacrificed his
+best years was wholly lost.
+
+He was acquainted with but a few of the people among whom he dwelt in
+seclusion, but he believed he knew them well enough to decide that the
+incendiary proclamation could have no other result than an enthusiastic
+and far-reaching response. All was at an end, and he might as well go to
+his rest!
+
+In one of his gloomiest, most dissatisfied hours, he heard the sound of
+a spurred boot in the silent corridor.
+
+It was an old acquaintance, the vice-palatine. He did not remove his
+hat, which was ornamented with an eagle's feather, when he entered the
+count's study, and ostentatiously clinked the sword in its sheath which
+hung at his side. A wolfskin was flung with elaborate care over his left
+shoulder.
+
+"Well, Herr Count," he began in a cheery tone, "I come like the gypsy
+who broke into a house through the oven, and, finding the family
+assembled in the room, asked if they did not want to buy a
+flue-cleanser. At last the watchword has arrived: 'To horse, soldier! To
+cow, farmer.' The militia law is no longer a dead letter. We shall
+march, _cum gentibus_, to repulse the invading foe. Here is the royal
+order, and here is the call to the nation."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: Written by Alexander Kisfalndy, by order of the palatine. A
+memorable document.]
+
+Count Vavel's face at these words became suddenly transfigured--like the
+features of a dead man who has been restored to life. His eyes sparkled,
+his lips parted, his cheeks glowed with color--his whole countenance was
+eloquent; his tongue alone was silent.
+
+He could not speak. He rushed toward his sword, which was hanging on the
+wall, tore it from its sheath, and pressed his lips to the keen blade.
+Then he laid it on the table, and dashed like a madman from the
+room--down the corridor to Marie's apartment. Without knocking, he
+opened the door, rushed toward the young girl, raised her in his arms as
+if she were a little child, and, carrying her thus, returned to his
+guest. "Here--here she is!" he cried breathlessly. "Behold her! Now you
+may look on her face--now the whole world may behold her countenance and
+read in it her illustrious descent. This is my idol--my goddess, for
+whom I have lived, for whom I would die!"
+
+He had placed the maid on a sort of throne between the two bookcases,
+and alternately kissed the hem of her gown and his sword.
+
+"Can you imagine a more glorious queen?" he demanded, in a transport of
+ecstasy, flinging one arm over the vice-palatine's shoulder, and
+pointing with the other toward the confused and blushing girl. "Is there
+anywhere else on earth so much love, so much goodness and purity, a
+glance so benevolent--all the virtues God bestows upon his favorites? Is
+not this the angel who has been called to destroy the Leviathan of the
+Apocalypse?"
+
+The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a
+low tone:
+
+"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked
+just like that when she was a bride."
+
+Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She
+had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the
+questioning glances from strange eyes.
+
+"What--what does--this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I
+don't understand you."
+
+Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map
+concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a
+long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the
+ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.
+
+"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire
+equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."
+
+He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his
+terrible treasures.
+
+"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.
+
+"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer when his
+neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two
+thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"
+
+"Now _I_ intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the
+count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the
+asking?"
+
+"I might answer as did the gypsy woman when her son asked for a piece of
+bread: 'You are always wanting what is not to be had.'"
+
+"Do you mean that there are no men?"
+
+"I mean," hastily interposed Herr Bernat, "that there are enough men,
+and horses, too; but the treasure-chest is empty, and the _Aerar_ has
+not yet sent the promised subsidy."
+
+"What care I about the Aerar and its money!" ejaculated Count Vavel,
+contemptuously. "_I_ will supply the funds necessary to equip a
+company--and support them, into the bargain! And if the county needs
+money, my purse-strings are loose! I give everything that belongs to
+me--and myself, too--to this cause!"
+
+He opened, as he spoke, a large iron chest that was fastened with iron
+bolts to the floor.
+
+"Here, help yourself, Herr Vice-palatine!" he added, waving his hand
+toward the contents of the chest. It was a more wonderful sight than the
+arsenal itself. Rolls of gold coin, sacks of silver, filled the chest to
+the brim.
+
+Herr Bernat could only stare in speechless amazement. He made no move to
+obey the behest to "help himself," whereupon Count Vavel himself thrust
+his hands into the chest, lifted what he could hold between them of gold
+and silver, and filled the vice-palatine's hat, which that worthy was
+holding in his hand.
+
+"But--pray--I beg of you--" remonstrated Herr Bernat, "at least, let us
+count it."
+
+"You can count it when you get home," interrupted Count Vavel.
+
+"But I must give you a receipt for it."
+
+"A receipt?" repeated his host. "A receipt between gentlemen? A receipt
+for money which is given for the defense of the fatherland?"
+
+"But I certainly cannot take all this money without something to show
+from whom I received it, and for what purpose. Give me at least a few
+words with your signature, Herr Count."
+
+"That I will gladly do," responded the count, turning toward his desk,
+and coming face to face with Marie, who had descended from her throne.
+
+"What are you going to do?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.
+
+"Write."
+
+"Are you going to let strangers see your writing, and perhaps betray who
+you are?"
+
+"In a week the strokes from my hand will tell who I am," he replied,
+with double meaning.
+
+"Oh, you are terrible!" murmured Marie, turning her face away.
+
+"I am so for your sake, Marie."
+
+"For my sake?" echoed the young girl, sorrowfully. "For my sake? Do you
+imagine that _I_ shall take pleasure in seeing you go into battle?
+Suppose you should fall?"
+
+"Have no fear on that score, Marie," returned the young man,
+confidently. "I shall have a guiding star to watch over me; and if there
+be a God in heaven--"
+
+"Then may He take me to Himself!" interposed the young girl in a fervent
+tone, lifting a transfigured glance toward heaven. "And may He grant
+that there be not on earth one other Frenchwoman who is forced to pray
+for the defeat of her own nation! May He grant that there be not
+another woman in the world who is waiting until a pedestal is formed of
+her countrymen's and kinsmen's skeletons, that she may be elevated to it
+as an idol from which many, many of her brothers will turn with a curse!
+May God take me to Himself now--now, while yet my two hands are white,
+while yet I cherish toward my nation nothing but love and tenderness,
+now when I forgive and forget everything, and desire none of this
+world's splendor for myself!"
+
+Ludwig Vavel was filled with admiration by this outburst from the
+innocent girl heart.
+
+"Your words, Marie, only increase the brilliancy of the halo which
+encircles your head. They legalize the rights of my sword. I, too, adore
+my native land--no one more than I! I, too, bow before the infinite
+judge and submit my case to His wise decision. O God, Thou who
+protecteth France, look down and behold him who rides yonder, his horse
+ankle-deep in the blood of his countrymen, who looks without pity on the
+dying legions and says, 'It is well!' Then, O God, look Thou upon this
+saint here, who prays for her persecutors, and pass judgment between the
+two: which of the two is Thy image on earth?"
+
+"Oh, pray understand me," in a pleading voice interposed Marie, passing
+her trembling fingers over Ludwig's cheek. "Not one drop of heroic blood
+flows in my veins. I am not the offspring of those great women who
+crowned with their own hands their knights to send them into battle. I
+dread to lose you, Ludwig; I have no one in this wide world but you. On
+this whole earth there is not another orphan so desolate as I am! When
+you go to war, and I am left here all alone, what will become of me? Who
+will care for me and love me then?"
+
+Vavel gently drew the young girl to his breast.
+
+"Marie, you said once to me: 'Give me a mother--a woman whom I can
+love, one that will love me.' When I leave you, Marie, I shall not leave
+you here without some one to care for you. I will give you a mother--a
+woman you will love, and who will love you in return."
+
+A gleam of sunshine brightened the young girl's face; she flung her arms
+around Ludwig's neck, and laughed for very joy.
+
+"You will really, really do this, Ludwig?" she cried happily. "You will
+really bring her here? or shall I go to her? Oh, I shall be so happy if
+you will do this for me!"
+
+"I am in earnest," returned Ludwig, seriously. "This is no time for
+jesting. My superior here"--turning toward the vice-palatine--"will see
+that I keep the promise I made in his presence."
+
+"That he will!" promptly assented Herr Bernat. "I am not only the
+vice-palatine of your county: I am also the colonel of your regiment."
+
+"And I want you to add still another office to the two you fill so
+admirably: that of matrimonial emissary!" added Count Vavel. "In this
+patriarchal land I find that the custom still obtains of sending an
+emissary to the lady one desires to marry. Will you, Herr Vice-palatine
+and Colonel, undertake this mission for me?"
+
+"Of all my missions this will be the most agreeable!" heartily responded
+Herr Bernat.
+
+"You know to whom I would have you go," resumed the count. "It is not
+far from here. You know who the lady is without my repeating her name.
+Go to her, tell her what you have seen and heard here,--I send her my
+secret as a betrothal gift,--and then ask her to send me an answer to
+the words she heard me speak on a certain eventful occasion."
+
+"You may trust me!" with alacrity responded Herr Bernat. "Within half
+an hour I shall return with a reply: _Veni, vidi, vici!_"
+
+After he had shaken hands with his client, the worthy emissary
+remembered that it was becoming for even so important a personage as a
+Hungarian vice-palatine to show some respect to the distinguished young
+lady under Count Vavel's protection. He therefore turned toward her,
+brought his spurred heels together, and was on the point of making a
+suitable speech, accompanying it with a deep bow, when the young lady
+frustrated his ceremonious design by coming quickly toward him and
+saying in her frank, girlish manner:
+
+"He who goes on a matrimonial mission must wear a nosegay." With these
+words she drew the violets from her corsage, and fastened them in Herr
+Bernat's buttonhole.
+
+Hereupon the gallant vice-palatine forgot his ceremonious intentions. He
+seized the maid's hand, pressed it against his stiffly waxed mustache,
+and muttered, with a wary glance toward Count Vavel: "I am sorry this
+pretty little hand belongs to those messieurs Frenchmen!"
+
+Then he quitted the room, and in descending the stairs had all he could
+do to transfer without dropping them the coins from his hat to the
+pockets of his dolman.
+
+Marie skipped, singing joyously, into the dining-room, where the windows
+faced toward the neighboring manor. She did not ask if she might do so,
+but flung open the sash, leaned far out, and waved her handkerchief to
+the vice-palatine, who was driving swiftly across the causeway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When Herr Bernat Görömbölyi, in his character of emissary, arrived at
+the manor, he proceeded at once to state his errand:
+
+"My lovely sister Katinka, I am come a-wooing--as this nosegay on my
+breast indicates. I ask your hand for a brave, handsome, and young
+cavalier."
+
+"Thank you very much for the honor, my dear Bernat bácsi, but I intend
+to remain faithful to my vow never to marry."
+
+"Then you send me out of your house with a mitten, Katinka hugom?"
+
+"I should prefer to detain you as a welcome guest."
+
+"Thanks; but I cannot stop to-day. I am invited to a betrothal feast
+over at the Nameless Castle. The count intends to wed in a few weeks."
+
+He had been watching, while speaking, the effect of this announcement on
+the lovely face before him.
+
+Baroness Katharina, however, acted as if nothing interested her so much
+as the letter she was embroidering with gold thread on a red streamer
+for a militia flag.
+
+"The count is in a hurry," continued Herr Bernat, "for he may have to
+ride at the head of a company of militia to the war in less than three
+weeks."
+
+Here the cruel needle thrust its point into the fair worker's rosy
+finger.
+
+Herr Bernat smiled roguishly; and said:
+
+"Would n't you like to hear the name of the bride, my pretty sister
+Katinka?"
+
+"If it is no secret," was the indifferent response.
+
+"It is no secret for me, and I am allowed to repeat it. The charming
+lady Count Vavel intends to wed is--Katharina Landsknechtsschild!"
+
+The baroness suddenly dropped her embroidery, sprang to her feet, and
+surveyed the smiling emissary with her brows drawn into a frown.
+
+"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
+beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
+you remember them?"
+
+The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:
+
+"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
+veil that separates the two."
+
+"The veil has been removed."
+
+"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
+pretty?"
+
+"More than pretty!"
+
+"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"
+
+"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
+nor betrothed to Count Vavel--nor yet his secret love."
+
+"Then she must be his sister--or daughter."
+
+"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."
+
+"Then what is she? Not a servant?"
+
+"No; she is his mistress."
+
+"His mistress?"
+
+"Yes, his mistress--as my queen is my mistress."
+
+"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
+came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
+believe the count--loves _me_?"
+
+"That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
+know that he loves you. That he deserves your love I can swear! No one
+can become thoroughly acquainted with Count Vavel and not love him. I
+went to the castle to ask him to join the noble militia, and he let me
+see the lady about whom so much has been said. She had excellent
+reasons, baroness, for veiling her lovely face, for whoever had seen her
+mother's pictures would have recognized her at once. When Count Vavel
+goes into battle to help defend our fatherland, he must leave the royal
+maid in a mother's hands. Will you fill that office? Will you take the
+desolate maid to your heart? And now, Katinka hugom, give me your answer
+to the Count's words."
+
+With sudden impulsiveness the baroness extended both hands to Herr
+Bernat, and said earnestly:
+
+"With all my heart I consent to be Count Vavel's betrothed wife!"
+
+"And I may fly to him with this answer?"
+
+"Yes--on condition that you take me with you."
+
+"What, baroness? You wish to go to the castle--now?"
+
+"Yes, now--this very moment--in these clothes! I have no one to ask what
+I should or should not do, and--_he_ needs me."
+
+When his emissary had departed, Count Vavel began to reflect whether he
+had not been rather hasty. Had he done right in giving to the world his
+zealously guarded secret?
+
+But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
+that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
+free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!
+
+He seated himself at the table to write to his friends abroad; but he
+could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
+guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
+Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
+the same day a declaration of war and one of love.
+
+His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
+study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
+fingers, and flung it on the floor.
+
+"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.
+
+"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.
+
+"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother--the beautiful lady from the
+manor."
+
+"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
+nonsense?"
+
+"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in _two_
+carriages!" persisted the maid. "Come and see them for yourself!"
+
+She drew him from his chair to the window in the dining-room, where his
+own eyes convinced him of the truth of Marie's announcement.
+
+Already the two vehicles were crossing the causeway, and the baroness's
+rose-colored parasol gleamed among the trees. Deeply agitated, Count
+Vavel hastened to meet her.
+
+"May I come with you?" shyly begged Marie, following him.
+
+"I beg that you will come," was the reply; and the two, guardian and
+ward, hand in hand, descended to the entrance-hall.
+
+Baroness Katharina's countenance beamed with a magical charm--the result
+of the union of opposite emotions; as when shame and courage, timidity
+and daring, love and heroism, meet and are blended together in a
+wonderful harmony--a miracle seen only in the magic mirror of a woman's
+face.
+
+While yet several paces distant, she held out her hand toward Count
+Vavel, and, with a charming mixture of embarrassment and candor, said:
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+This was her confirmation of the words Vavel had spoken in the forest in
+the presence of the three dragoon officers: "She is my betrothed."
+
+Vavel lifted the white hand to his lips. Then Katharina quickly passed
+onward toward Marie, who had timidly held back.
+
+The baroness grasped the young girl's hands in both her own, and looked
+long and earnestly into the fair face lifted shyly toward her. Then she
+said:
+
+"It was not for his sake I came so precipitately. He could have waited.
+They told me your heart yearned for a mother's care, and it must not be
+kept waiting."
+
+After this speech the two young women embraced. Which was the first to
+sob, which kiss was the warmer, cannot be known; but that Marie was the
+happier was certain. For the first time in years she was permitted to
+embrace a woman and tell her she loved her. Ludwig Vavel looked with
+delight on the meeting between the two, and gratefully pressed the hand
+of his successful emissary.
+
+When the two young women had sobbed out their hearts to each other, they
+began to laugh and jest. Was not the mother still a girl, like the
+daughter?
+
+"You must come with me to the manor?" said Katharina, as, with arms
+entwined about each other, they entered the castle. "I shall not allow
+you to stop longer in this lonely place."
+
+"I wish you would take me with you," responded Marie. "I shall be very
+obedient and dutiful. If I do anything that displeases you, you must
+scold me, and praise me when I do what is right."
+
+"And I am not to be asked if I consent to this abduction of my ward?"
+here smilingly interposed Count Vavel.
+
+"Why can't you come with us?" innocently inquired Marie.
+
+The other young woman laughed merrily.
+
+"He may come for a brief visit; later we will let him come to stay
+always." Then she added in a more serious tone: "Count Vavel, you may
+rest perfectly content that your treasure will be safe with me. My house
+is prepared for assault. My people are brave and well armed. There is no
+possible chance of another attack from robbers like that from which you
+delivered me."
+
+"Ludwig delivered you from robbers?" repeated Marie, in astonishment.
+"When? How?"
+
+"Then he did not tell you about his adventure? What a singular man!"
+
+Here the vice-palatine interposed with: "What is this I hear? Robbers? I
+heard nothing about robbers."
+
+"The baroness herself asked me not to speak of the affair," explained
+the count.
+
+"Yes, but I did not forbid you to tell Marie, Herr Count," responded
+Katharina.
+
+"'Baroness'--'Herr Count'?" repeated Marie, turning questioningly from
+her guardian to their fair neighbor. "Why don't you call each other by
+your Christian names?"
+
+They were spared an explanation by Herr Bernat, who again observed:
+
+"Robbers? I confess I should like to hear about this robbery?"
+
+"I will tell you all about it," returned the baroness; "but first, I
+must beg the vice-palatine not to make any arrests. For," she added,
+with an enchanting smile, "had it not been for those valiant knights of
+the road I should not have become acquainted with my brave Ludwig."
+
+"That is better!" applauded Marie, hurrying her "little mother" into the
+reception-room, where the wonderful story of the robbery was repeated.
+
+And what an attentive listener was the fair young girl! Her lips were
+pressed tightly together; her eyes were opened to their widest
+extent--like those of a child who hears a wonderful fairy tale. Even the
+vice-palatine from time to time ejaculated:
+
+"_Darvalia_!" "_Beste karaffia_!"--which, doubtless, were the proper
+terms to apply to marauding rascals.
+
+But when the baroness came to that part of her story where Count Vavel,
+with his walking-stick, put to flight the four robbers, Marie's face
+glowed with pride. Surely there was not another brave man like her
+Ludwig in the whole world!
+
+"That was our first meeting," concluded Katharina laughingly, laying her
+hand on that of her betrothed husband, who was leaning against the arm
+of her chair.
+
+"I should like to know why you both thought it best to keep this robbery
+a secret?" remarked Herr Bernat.
+
+"The real reason," explained Count Vavel, "was because the baroness did
+not want her protégé, Satan Laczi's wife, persecuted."
+
+"Hum! if everybody was as generous as you two, then robbery would become
+a lucrative business!"
+
+"You must remember," Katharina made haste to protest, "that all this has
+been told to the matrimonial emissary, and not to the vice-palatine. On
+no account are any arrests to be made!"
+
+"I will suggest a plan to the Herr Vice-palatine," said Count Vavel.
+"Grant an amnesty to the robbers; not to the four who broke into the
+manor,--for they are merely common thieves,--but to Satan Laczi and his
+comrades, who will cheerfully exchange their nefarious calling for the
+purifying fire of the battle-field. I myself will undertake to form them
+into a company of foot-soldiers."
+
+"But how do you know that Satan Laczi and his comrades will join the
+army?" inquired Herr Bernat.
+
+"Satan Laczi told me so himself--one night here in the castle. He opened
+all the doors and cupboards, while I was in the observatory, and waited
+for me in my study."
+
+It was the ladies' turn now to exhibit the liveliest interest. Each
+seized a hand of the speaker, and listened attentively to his
+description of the robber's midnight visit to the castle.
+
+"Good!" was Herr Bernat's comment, when the count had concluded. "An
+amnesty shall be granted to Satan Laczi and his crew if they will submit
+themselves to the Herr Count's military discipline."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+The little servant, Satan Laczi, junior, interrupted the conversation.
+He came to announce dinner. Lisette had not needed any instructions. She
+knew what was expected of her when a visitor happened to be at the
+castle at meal-times. Besides, she wanted to show the lady from the
+manor what she could do. Not since the count's arrival at the Nameless
+Castle had there been so cheerful a meal as to-day. Marie sparkled with
+delight; the baroness was wit personified; and the vice-palatine bubbled
+over with anecdotes. When the roast appeared he raised his glass for a
+serious toast:
+
+"To our beloved fatherland. Vivat! To our revered king. Vivat! To our
+adored queen. Vivat!"
+
+Count Vavel promptly responded, as did also the ladies. Then the count
+refilled the glasses, and, raising his own above his head, cried:
+
+"And now, another vivat to _my_ queen! Long may she reign, and
+gloriously! And," he added, with sudden fierceness, "may all who are her
+enemies perish miserably!"
+
+"Ludwig, for heaven's sake!" ejaculated Marie, in terror. "Look at
+Katharina; she is ill."
+
+And, indeed, the baroness's lovely face was pallid as that of a corpse.
+Her eyes were closed; her head had fallen back against her chair.
+
+Ludwig and Marie sprang to her side, the young girl exclaiming
+reproachfully:
+
+"See how you have terrified her."
+
+"Don't be frightened," returned Ludwig, assuringly; "it is only a
+passing illness, and will soon be over."
+
+He had restored the fair woman to consciousness on another occasion; he
+knew, therefore, what to do now. After a few minutes the baroness opened
+her eyes again. She forced a smile to her lips, shivered once or twice,
+then whispered to Ludwig, who was bending over her with a glass of
+water:
+
+"I don't need any water. We were going to drink a toast; wine is
+required for that ceremony."
+
+She extended her trembling hand, clasped the stem of her glass, and,
+raising it, continued: "I drink to your toast, Count Vavel! And here is
+to my dear little daughter, my good little Marie. May God preserve her
+from all harm!"
+
+"You may safely drink to Ludwig's toast," gaily assented Marie, "safely
+wish that the enemies of your Marie may 'perish miserably,' for she has
+no enemies."
+
+"No; she has no enemies," repeated the baroness in a low tone, as she
+pressed the young girl closely to her breast.
+
+A few minutes later, when Katharina had regained her usual self-command,
+she said:
+
+"Marie, my dear little daughter, I know that our friend Ludwig is eager
+to discuss war plans with his emissary. Let us, therefore, give him the
+opportunity to do so, while we make our plans for quite a different sort
+of war!"
+
+"What!" jestingly exclaimed Count Vavel, "my lovely betrothed speaks
+thus of her preparations for our wedding?"
+
+"The task is not so easy as you imagine," retorted Katharina. "There
+will be a great deal to do, and I mean to take Marie with me."
+
+"To-day?"
+
+"Certainly; is she not my daughter? But seriously, Ludwig, Marie must
+not remain here if the recruiting-flag is to wave from the tower, and
+if the castle is to be open to every notorious bully in the county. You
+gentlemen may attend to your recruits here, while Marie and I, over at
+the manor, arrange a fitting ensign for your company. Before we bid
+adieu to the castle, however, we must pay a visit to the cook. If her
+mistress leaves here I fancy she will not want to stop."
+
+"Lisette was very fond of me once," observed Marie; "and there was a
+time when she did everything for me."
+
+"Then she must come with us to the manor to a well-deserved rest. I can
+send one of my servants over here to attend to the wants of the
+gentlemen."
+
+The two ladies now took leave of Count Vavel and his visitor. Marie led
+the way to her own apartments, where she introduced the cats and dogs to
+Katharina. Then she drew her into the alcove, and secretly pulled the
+cord at the head of the bed.
+
+"Now you are my prisoner," she said to the baroness, who was looking
+about her in a startled manner. "Were I your enemy--your rival--I should
+not need to do anything to gratify my enmity but refuse to reveal the
+secret of this screen, and you would have to die here alone with me."
+
+"Good heavens, Marie! How can you frighten me so?" exclaimed Katharina,
+in alarm.
+
+"Ha, ha!" merrily laughed the young girl, "then I have really frightened
+you? But don't be alarmed; directly some one will come who will not let
+you 'perish miserably.'"
+
+The baroness's face grew suddenly pallid; but she quickly recovered
+herself as Count Vavel came hastily into the outer room.
+
+"Did you summon me, Marie?" he called, when he saw that the screen was
+down.
+
+"Yes, I summoned you," replied Marie. "I want you to repeat the
+good-night wish you give me every night."
+
+"But it is not night."
+
+"No; but you will not see me again to-day, so you must wish me good
+night now."
+
+Ludwig came near to the screen, and said in a low, earnest tone:
+
+"May God give you a good night, Marie! May angels watch over you! May
+Heaven receive your prayers, and may you dream of happiness and freedom.
+Good night!"
+
+Then he turned and walked out of the room.
+
+"That is his daily custom," whispered Marie. Then she pressed her foot
+on the spring in the floor, and the screen was lifted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+Lisette had finished her tasks in the kitchen when the two ladies came
+to pay her a visit. She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
+had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
+pack of cards when the ladies entered.
+
+She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
+when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:
+
+"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
+the manor?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
+beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."
+
+"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"
+
+"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
+gentleman and a beautiful lady--if they are thrown together then there
+follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."
+
+"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
+preparing for the war."
+
+This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
+than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.
+
+"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the cards, and
+glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!
+
+"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
+the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
+their names."
+
+"God help them!" again muttered the woman.
+
+"I am going to take your young mistress home with me, Lisette," again
+remarked the baroness. "It would not be well to leave her here, amid the
+turmoil of recruiting and the clashing of weapons, would it?"
+
+"I can't say. My business is in the kitchen; I don't know anything about
+matters out of it," replied Lisette, still shuffling her cards.
+
+"But I intend to take you out of the kitchen, Lisette," returned the
+baroness. "I don't intend to let you work any more. You shall live with
+us over at the manor, in a room of your own, and, if you wish, have a
+little kitchen all to yourself, and a little maid to wait on you. You
+will come with us, will you not?"
+
+"I thank your ladyship; but I had rather stay where I am."
+
+"But why?"
+
+"Because I should be a trouble to everybody over yonder. I am a person
+that suits only herself. I don't know how to win the good will of other
+people. I don't keep a cat or a dog, because I don't want to love
+anything. Besides, I have many disagreeable habits. I use snuff, and I
+can't agree with anybody. I am best left to myself, your ladyship."
+
+"But what will become of you when both your master and mistress are gone
+from the castle?"
+
+"I shall do what I have always done, your ladyship. The Herr Count
+promised that I should never want for anything to cook so long as I
+lived."
+
+"Don't misunderstand me, Lisette. I did not ask how you intended to
+live. What I meant was, how are you going to get on when you do not see
+or hear any one--when you are all alone here?"
+
+"I am not afraid to be alone. I have no money, and I don't think anybody
+would undertake to carry _me_ off! I am never lonely. I can't read,--for
+which I thank God!--so that never bothers me. I don't like to knit; for
+ever since I saw those terrible women sitting around the guillotine and
+knitting, knitting, knitting all day long, I can't bear to see the
+motion of five needles. So I just amuse myself with these cards; and I
+don't need anything else."
+
+"But surely your heart will grow sore when you do not see your little
+mistress daily?"
+
+"Daily--daily, your ladyship? This is the second time I have laid eyes
+on her face in six years! There was a time when I saw her daily,
+hourly--when she needed me all the time. Is not that so, my little
+mistress? Don't you remember how I had a little son, and how he called
+me _chère maman_, and I called him _mon petit garçon_?"
+
+As she spoke, she laid the cards one by one on her snowy apron. She
+looked intently at them for several moments, then continued:
+
+"No; I don't need to know anything, only that she is safe. _She_ will
+always be carefully guarded from all harm, and my cards will always tell
+me all I need know about _mon petit garçon_. No, your ladyship; I shall
+not go with you; I cannot leave the place where my poor Henry died."
+
+"Poor Lisette! what a tender heart is yours!"
+
+"Mine?" suddenly and with unusual energy interrupted Lisette. "Mine a
+tender heart? Ask this little lady here--who cannot tell a lie--if I am
+not the woman who has the hardest, the most unfeeling heart in all the
+world. Ask her that, your ladyship. Tell her, _mon petit garçon_," she
+added, turning to Marie,--"tell the lady it is as I say."
+
+"Lisette--dear Lisette," remonstrated Marie.
+
+"Have you ever seen me weep?" demanded the woman.
+
+"No, Lisette; but--"
+
+"Did I ever sigh," interrupted Lisette, "or moan, or grieve, that time
+when we spent many days and nights together in one room?"
+
+"No, no; never, Lisette."
+
+The woman turned in her chair to a chest that stood by her side, opened
+it, and took out a package carefully wrapped first in paper, then in a
+linen cloth.
+
+When she had removed the wrappings, she held up in her hands a child's
+chemise and petticoat.
+
+"What is needed to complete these, your ladyship?" she asked.
+
+"A dear little child, I should say," answered Katharina, indulgently.
+
+"You are right--a dear little child."
+
+"Where is the child, Lisette?"
+
+"That I don't know--do you understand? _I--don't--know._ And I don't
+inquire, either. Now, will you still imagine that I have a tender heart?
+It is years since I looked on these little garments. What did I do with
+the child that wore them? Whose business is it what I did with her? She
+was _my_ child, and I had a right to do as I pleased with her. I was
+paid enough for it--an enormous price! You don't understand what I am
+talking about, your ladyship. Go; take _mon petit garçon_ with you; and
+may God do so to you as you deal with him. Take care of him. My cards
+will tell me everything, and sometime, when I have turned into a hideous
+hobgoblin, those whom I shall haunt will remember me! And now, _mon
+petit garçon_"--turning again to Marie,--"let me kiss your hand for the
+last time."
+
+Marie came close to the singular woman, bent over her, and pressed a
+kiss on the fat cheeks, then held her own for a return caress.
+
+This action of the young girl seemed to please the woman. She struggled
+to her feet, muttering: "She is still the same. May God guard her from
+all harm!" Then she waddled toward Katharina, took her slender hand in
+her own broad palm, and added: "Take good care of my treasure, your
+ladyship. Up to now, I have taken the broomstick every evening, before
+going to bed, and thrust it under all the furniture, to see if there
+might not be a thief hidden somewhere. You will have to do that now. A
+great treasure, great care! And, your ladyship, when you shall have in
+your house such a little chemise and petticoat, with the little child in
+them, trotting after you, chattering and laughing, clasping her arms
+round you and kissing you, and if some one should say to you, as they
+said to me, 'How great a treasure would induce you to exchange this
+little somebody in the red petticoat for it?' and if you should say, 'I
+will give up the child for so much,' then, your ladyship, you too may
+say, as I say, that your heart is a heart of stone."
+
+Katharina's face had grown very white. She staggered toward Marie,
+caught her arm, and drew her toward the door, gasping:
+
+"Come--come--let us go. The steam--the heat of--the kitchen makes--me
+faint."
+
+The fresh air of the court soon revived her.
+
+"Let us play a trick on Ludwig," she suggested. "We will take his canoe,
+and cross the cove to the manor. We can send it back with a servant."
+
+She ordered her coachman to take the carriage home; then she took
+Marie's hand and led her down to the lake.
+
+They were soon in the boat. Marie, who had learned to row from Ludwig,
+sent the little craft gliding over the water, while Katharina held the
+rudder.
+
+Very soon they were in the park belonging to the manor; and how
+delighted Marie was to see everything!
+
+A herd of deer crossed their path, summoned to the feeding-place by a
+blast from the game-keeper's horn. The graceful animals were so tame
+that a hind stopped in front of the two ladies, and allowed them to rub
+her head and neck. Oh, how much there was to see and enjoy over here!
+
+Katharina could hardly keep pace with the eager young girl, who would
+have liked to examine the entire park at once.
+
+What a number of questions she asked! And how astonished she was when
+Katharina told her the large birds in the farm-yard were hens and
+turkeys. She had never dreamed that these creatures could be so pretty.
+She had never seen them before--not even a whole one served on the
+table, only the slices of white meat which Lisette had always cut off
+for her. But what delighted her more than anything else was that she
+might meet people, look fearlessly at them, and be stared at in return,
+and cordially return their friendly "God give you a good day!"
+
+What a pleasure it was to stop the women and children, with all sorts
+and shapes of burdens on their heads or in their arms, and ask what they
+were carrying in the heavy hampers; to call to the peasant girls who
+were singing merrily, and ask where they had learned the pretty songs.
+
+"Oh, how delightful it is here!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around
+the baroness. "I should like to dig and work in the garden all day long
+with these merry girls. How happy I shall be here!"
+
+"To-morrow we will visit the fields," said Katharina "Can you ride?"
+
+"Ride?" echoed Marie, in smiling surprise. "Yes--on a rocking-horse."
+
+"Then you will very soon learn to sit on a living horse."
+
+"Do you really believe I shall?" breathlessly exclaimed Marie.
+
+"Yes; I have a very gentle horse which you shall have for your own."
+
+"One of those dear, tiny little horses from which one could not fall? I
+have seen them in picture-books."
+
+"He is not so very small; but you will not be afraid of falling off when
+you have learned to ride. Then, when you can manage your horse, we will
+ride after the hounds--"
+
+"No, no," hastily interposed the young girl; "I shall never do that. I
+could not bear to see an animal hurt or killed."
+
+"You will have to accustom yourself to seeing such sights, my dear
+little daughter. Riding and hunting are necessary accomplishments;
+besides, they strengthen the nerves."
+
+"Have not the peasant women got strong nerves, little mama?"
+
+"Yes; but they strengthen them by hard work, such as washing clothes."
+
+"Then let us wash clothes, too."
+
+Katharina smiled indulgently on the innocent maid, and the two now
+entered the manor, where Marie made the acquaintance of Fräulein Lotti,
+the baroness's companion.
+
+Marie's attention was attracted by the number of books she saw
+everywhere; and they were all new to her. Ludwig had never brought
+anything like them to the castle. There were poems, histories, romances,
+fables. Ah, how she would enjoy reading every one of them!
+
+"Oh, who is doing this?" she exclaimed, when her eyes fell on an easel
+on which was a half-finished painting--a study head.
+
+Her admiration for the baroness increased when that lady told her the
+picture was the work of her own hand.
+
+"How very clever you must be, little mama! I wonder if you could paint
+my portrait?"
+
+"I will try it to-morrow," smilingly replied the baroness.
+
+"And what is this--this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked,
+running to the piano.
+
+Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in
+front of the "teeth," began to play.
+
+Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.
+
+"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such
+beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.
+
+"You shall learn to play, too; Fräulein Lotti will teach you."
+
+For this promise Marie ran to Fräulein Lotti and embraced her.
+
+While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the
+little water-monster, and inquired about him.
+
+The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions
+in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"
+
+Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her
+from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to
+swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his
+canoe.
+
+"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the
+telescope," she answered, with some confusion.
+
+"Ah! then you also have been spying upon me?" jestingly exclaimed the
+baroness.
+
+"How else could I have learned that you are so good and beautiful?"
+frankly returned the young girl.
+
+"Ah, I have an idea," suddenly observed the baroness. "That spy-glass is
+here now. The surveyor to whom Ludwig gave it sent it to me when he had
+done with it. Come, we will pay Herr Ludwig back in his own coin! We
+will spy out what the gentlemen are doing over at the castle."
+
+Marie was charmed with this suggestion, and willingly accompanied her
+"little mama" to the veranda, where the familiar telescope greeted her
+sight.
+
+Two of the windows in that side of the Nameless Castle which faced the
+manor were lighted.
+
+"That is the dining-room; they are at dinner," explained Marie,
+adjusting the glass--a task of which the baroness was ignorant. When she
+had arranged the proper focus, she made room for Katharina, who had a
+better right than she had to watch Ludwig.
+
+"What do you see?" she asked, when Katharina began to smile.
+
+"I see Ludwig and the vice-palatine; they are leaning out of the window,
+and smoking--"
+
+"Smoking?" interposed Marie. "Ludwig never smokes."
+
+"See for yourself!"
+
+Katharina stepped back, and Marie placed her eye to the glass. Yes;
+there, plainly enough, she beheld the remarkable sight: Ludwig, with
+evident enjoyment, drawing great clouds of smoke from a long-stemmed
+pipe. The two men were talking animatedly; but even while they were
+speaking, the pipes were not removed from their lips--Ludwig, indeed, at
+times vanished entirely behind the dense cloud of smoke.
+
+"For six whole years he never once let me see him smoking a pipe!"
+murmured Marie to herself. "How much he enjoys it! Do you"--turning
+abruptly toward the baroness, who was smilingly watching her young
+guest--"do you object to tobacco smoke?"
+
+She seemed relieved when the baroness assured her that tobacco smoke was
+not in the least objectionable.
+
+Some time later, when reminded that it was time for little girls to be
+in bed, Marie protested stoutly that she was not sleepy.
+
+"Pray, little mama," she begged, "let us look a little longer through
+the telescope; it is so interesting."
+
+But even while she was giving voice to her petition the windows in the
+dining-room over at the castle became darkened. The gentlemen evidently
+had retired to their rooms for the night.
+
+"Oh, ah-h," yawned Marie, "I am sleepy, after all! Come, little mama, we
+will go to bed."
+
+Katharina herself conducted the young girl to her room. Marie exclaimed
+with surprise and delight when, on entering the room adjoining the
+baroness's own sleeping-chamber, she beheld her own furniture--the
+canopy-bed, the book-shelves, toys, card-table, everything. Even Hitz,
+Mitz, Pani, and Miura sat in a row on the sofa, and Phryxus and Helle
+came waddling toward her, and sat up on their hind legs.
+
+The things had been brought over from the castle while the baroness and
+Marie were in the park.
+
+"You will feel more at home with your belongings about you," said
+Katharina, as she returned the grateful girl's good-night kiss.
+
+
+
+
+PART VII
+
+THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel and the vice-palatine disappeared from the window of
+the dining-room, they did not retire to their pillows. They went to
+Ludwig's study, where they refilled their pipes for another smoke.
+
+"But tell me, Herr Vice-palatine," said the count, continuing the
+conversation which had begun at the dining-table, "why is it that six
+months have been allowed to pass since the Diet passed the militia law
+without anything having been accomplished?"
+
+"Well, you must know that there are three essential parts among the
+works of a clock," returned Herr Bernat, complacently puffing away at
+his pipe. "There is the spring, the pendulum, and the escapement. The
+wheels are the subordinates. The spring is the law passed by the Diet.
+The pendulum is the palatine office, which has to set the law in motion;
+the escapement is the imperial counselor of war. The wheels are the
+people. We will keep to the technical terms, if you please. When the
+spring was wound up, the pendulum began to set the wheels going. They
+turned, and the loyal nobles of the country began to enroll their
+names--"
+
+"How many do you suppose enrolled their names?" interrupted the count.
+
+"Thirty thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry--which are not all
+the able-bodied men, as only one member from each family is required to
+join the army. After the names had been entered came the question of
+uniforms, arms, officering, drilling, provisions. You must admit that a
+clock cannot strike until the hands have made their regular passage
+through all the minutes and seconds that make up the hour!"
+
+"For heaven's sake! What a preamble!" ejaculated the count. "But go on.
+The first minute?"
+
+"Yes; the first minute a stoppage occurred caused by the escapement
+objecting to furnish canteens; if the militiamen wanted canteens they
+must provide them themselves."
+
+"I trust the clock was not allowed to stop for want of a few canteens,"
+ironically observed Count Vavel.
+
+"Moreover," continued the vice-palatine, not heeding the interruption,
+"the escapement gave them to understand that brass drums could not be
+furnished--only wooden ones--"
+
+"They will do their duty, too, if properly handled," again interpolated
+Vavel.
+
+"A more disastrous check, however, was the decision of the _Komitate_
+that the uniform was to consist of red trousers and light-blue dolman--"
+
+"A picturesque uniform, at any rate!"
+
+"There was a good deal of argument about it; but at last it was decided
+that the companies from the Danube should adopt light-blue dolmans, and
+those from the Theiss dark-blue."
+
+"Thank heaven something was decided!"
+
+"Don't be too premature with your thanks, Herr Count! The escapement
+would not consent to the red trousers; red dye-stuff was not to be had,
+because of the continental embargo. The militia must content itself with
+trousers made of the coarse white cloth of which peasants' cloaks are
+made. You can imagine what a tempest that raised in the various
+counties! To offer Hungarian nobles trousers made of such stuff! At
+last the matter was arranged: trousers and dolman were to be made of the
+same material. The Komitate were satisfied with this. But the escapement
+then said there were not enough tailors to make so many uniforms. The
+government would supply the cloth, and have it cut, and the militiamen
+could have it made up at home."
+
+"That certainly would make the uniform of more value to the wearer!"
+
+"_Would have made_, Herr Count; would have made! The escapement suddenly
+announced that the cloth could not be purchased; for, while the dispute
+about the colors of the uniform had been going on, the greedy merchants
+had advanced the price of all cloths to such an exorbitant figure that
+the government could n't afford to buy it."
+
+"To the cuckoo with your escapement! The men have got to have uniforms!"
+
+"Beg pardon; don't begin yet to waste expletives, else you will not have
+any left at the end of the hour! The counties then agreed to pay the sum
+advanced on the original price of the cloth, whereupon the escapement
+said the money would have to be forthcoming at once, as the cloth could
+not be bought on credit."
+
+"Well, is there no treasury which could supply enough funds for this
+worthy object?" asked the count.
+
+"Yes; there is the public treasury for current expenses. But the
+treasurer will not give any money to the militia until they are mounted
+and equipped; the escapement will not furnish the cloth for the uniforms
+without the money; and the treasury will not give any money until the
+militia has its uniforms!"
+
+"Well, a man can fight without a uniform. If only these men have horses
+under them and weapons in their hands--"
+
+"Two of these requisites we already have; but the escapement announces
+that arms of the latest improvements cannot be furnished, because the
+government has not got them."
+
+"Well, the old ones will answer."
+
+"They _would_ if we had enough flints; but they are not to be had,
+because the insurrectionary Poles have captured the flint depot in
+Lemberg."
+
+"Each man certainly could get a flint for himself."
+
+"Even then there are only enough guns for about one half of the men. The
+escapement suggested that to those who had no arms it would
+furnish--halberds!"
+
+"What? Halberds!" cried Vavel, losing all patience. "Halberds against
+Bonaparte? Halberds against the legions who have broken a path from one
+end of Europe to the other with their bayonets, and with them carved
+their triumphs on the pyramids? Halberds against them? Do you take me to
+be a fool, Herr Vice-palatine?"
+
+He sprang to his feet and began to pace the floor excitedly, his guest
+meanwhile eying him with a roguish glance.
+
+"There!" at last exclaimed Herr Bernat, "I will not tease you any
+longer. Fortunately, there is a clock-repairer who, so soon as he
+perceived how tardily the hands performed their task, with his finger
+twirled them around the entire dial, whereupon the clock struck the
+hour. This able repairer is our king, who at once advanced from his own
+exchequer enough money to equip the militia companies, distributed six
+thousand first-class cavalry sabers and sixteen cannon, and loaned the
+entire Hungarian life-guard to drill the newly formed regiments. And
+now, I will wager that our noble militia host will be ready for the
+field in less than thirty days, and that they will fight as well as the
+good Lord permitted them to learn how!"
+
+"Why in the world did you not tell me this at once?" demanded Count
+Vavel.
+
+"Because it is not customary to put the fire underneath the tobacco in
+the pipe! The king's example inspired our magnates. Those whom the law
+compelled to equip ten horsemen sent out whole companies, and placed
+themselves in command."
+
+"As I shall do!" appended Count Vavel. "I hope, Herr Vice-palatine, that
+you will not forget the amnesty for Satan Laczi and his men. They will
+be of special value as spies."
+
+"I have a knot in my handkerchief for that, Herr Count, and shall be
+sure to remember. The company to be commanded by Count Ludwig Fertöszeg
+will be complete in a week."
+
+"Why do you call me Fertöszeg?"
+
+"Because a Hungarian name is better for your ensign than your own
+foreign one. Our people have an antipathy to everything foreign--and we
+have cause to complain of the Frenchmen who served in our army. Most of
+them were spies--tools of Napoleon's. Generals Moiselle and Lefebre
+surrendered fortified Laibach, together with its entire brigade, without
+discharging a gun. And even our quondam friend, the gallant Colonel
+Barthelmy, has taken Dutch leave and gone back to the enemy."
+
+"What? Gone back to the enemy!" repeated Ludwig, springing from his
+chair, and laughing delightedly.
+
+"The news seems to rejoice you," observed Herr Bernat.
+
+"I shout for very joy! The thought that we might have to fight side by
+side annoyed me. Now, however, we shall be adversaries, and when we
+meet, the man who did not steal Ange Barthelmy will send her husband to
+the devil! And now, Herr Vice-palatine, I think it is time to say good
+night. It will be the first night in six years that I shall sleep
+quietly."
+
+They shook hands, and separated for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+From early morning until evening the enrolment of names went on at the
+Nameless Castle, while from time to time a squad of volunteers,
+accompanied by Count Vavel himself, would depart amid the blare of
+trumpets for the drill-ground.
+
+The count made a fine-looking officer, with the crimson shako on his
+head, his mantle flung over one shoulder, his saber in his hand. When he
+saluted the ladies on their balconies, his spirited horse would rear and
+dance proudly. His company, the "Volons," had selected black and crimson
+as the colors for their uniform. The shako was ornamented in front with
+a white death's-head, and one would not have believed that a skull could
+be so ornamental.
+
+The Volons' ensign was not yet finished, but pretty white hands were
+embroidering gold letters on the silken streamers; lead would very soon
+add further ornamentation!
+
+When Ludwig Vavel opened the door of his castle to the public, he very
+soon became acquainted with a very different life from that of the past
+six years. For six years he had dwelt among a people whom he imagined he
+had learned to know and understand through his telescope, and from the
+letters he had received from a clergyman and a young law student.
+
+The reality was quite different.
+
+Every man that was enrolled in his volunteer corps Count Vavel made an
+object of special study. He found among them many interesting
+characters, who would have deserved perpetuation, and made of all of
+them excellent soldiers. The men very soon became devoted to their
+leader. When the troop was complete--three hundred horsemen in handsome
+uniforms, on spirited horses--their ensign was ready for them. Marie
+thought it would have been only proper for Katharina, the betrothed of
+the leader, to present the flag; but Count Vavel insisted that Marie
+must perform the duty. The flag was hers; it would wave over the men who
+were going to fight for her cause.
+
+It was an inspiriting sight--three hundred horsemen, every one of noble
+Hungarian blood. There were among them fathers of families, and
+brothers; and all of them soldiers of their own free will. Of such
+material was the troop of Volons, commanded by "Count Vavel von
+Fertöszeg."
+
+Count Vavel had a second volunteer company, composed of Satan Laczi and
+his comrades. This company, however, had been formed and drilled in
+secret, as the noble Volons would not have tolerated such vagabonds in
+their ranks. There were only twenty-four men in Satan Laczi's squad, and
+they were expected to undertake only the most hazardous missions of the
+campaign.
+
+Ah, how Marie's hand trembled when she knotted the gay streamers to the
+flag Ludwig held in his hands! She whispered, in a tone so low that only
+he could hear what she said:
+
+"Don't go away, Ludwig! Stay here with us. Don't waste your precious
+blood for me, but let us three fly far away from here."
+
+Those standing apart from the count and his fair ward fancied that the
+whispered words were a blessing on the ensign. She did not bless it in
+words, but when she saw that Ludwig would not renounce his undertaking,
+she pressed her lips to the standard which bore the _patrona Hungaria_.
+That was her blessing! Then she turned and flung herself into
+Katharina's arms, sobbing, while hearty cheers rose from the Volons:
+
+"Why don't _you_ try to prevent him from going away from us? Why don't
+you say to him, 'To-morrow we are to be wedded. Why not wait until
+then?'"
+
+But there was no time now to think of marriage. There was one who was in
+greater haste than any bridegroom or bride. The great leader of armies
+was striding onward, whole kingdoms between his paces. From the
+slaughter at Ebersburg he passed at once to the walls of Vienna, to the
+square in front of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. From the south, also,
+came Job's messengers, thick and fast. Archduke John had retreated from
+Italy back into Hungary, the viceroy Eugene following on his heels.
+
+General Chasteler had become alarmed at Napoleon's proclamation
+threatening him with death, and had removed his entire army from the
+Tyrol. His divisions were surrendering, one after another, to the
+pursuing foe.
+
+Thus the border on the south and west was open to the enemy; and to
+augment the peril which threatened Hungary, Poland menaced her from the
+north, from the Carpathians; and Russia at the same time sent out
+declarations of war.
+
+The countries which had been on friendly terms with one another suddenly
+became enemies--Poland against Hungary, Russia against Austria. Prussia
+waited. England hastened to seize an island from Holland. The patriotic
+calls of Gentz and Schlegel failed to inspire Germany. The heroic
+attempts of Kalt, Dörnberg, Schill, and Lützow fell resultless on the
+indifference of the people. Only Turkey remained a faithful ally, and
+the assurance that the Mussulman would protect Hungary in the rear
+against an invasion on the part of Moldavia was the only ray of light
+amid the darkness of those days.
+
+Then came a fresh Job's messenger.
+
+General Jelachich, with his five thousand men, had laid down his arms in
+the open field before the enemy. Now, indeed, it might be said: "The
+time is come to be up and doing, Hungary!"
+
+He who had neglected to celebrate his nuptials yesterday would have no
+time for marriage feasts to-morrow. Hannibal was at the gates! The noble
+militia host was set in motion. The Veszprime and Pest regiments moved
+toward the Marczal to join Archduke John's forces. The primatial troops
+joined the main body of the army on the banks of the March, and what
+there was of soldiery on the farther side of the Danube hastened to
+concentrate in the neighborhood of the Raab--only half equipped, muskets
+without flints, without cartridges, without saddles, with halters in
+lieu of bridles!
+
+Under such circumstances a fully equipped troop like that commanded by
+"Count Fertöszeg," with sabers, pistols, carbines, and a leader trained
+in the battle-field, was of some value.
+
+The days which followed the flag presentation were certainly not
+calculated to whispers of happy love, while the nights were illumined
+only by the light of watch-fires, and the glare over against the horizon
+of cannonading. Count Ludwig had so many demands on his time that he
+rarely found a few minutes free to visit his dear ones at the manor.
+Sometimes he came unexpectedly early in the morning, and sometimes late
+in the evening. And always, when he came, like the insurgent who dashes
+unceremoniously into your door, there was a confusion and a bustling to
+conceal what he was not yet to see--Marie's first attempts at drawing,
+her piano practices, or the miniature portrait Katharina was painting of
+her. Sometimes, too, he came when they were at a meal; and then, despite
+his protests that he had already dined or supped in camp, he would be
+compelled to take his seat between the two ladies at the table. Hardly
+would he have taken up his fork, however, when a messenger would arrive
+in great haste to summon him for something or other--some question he
+alone could decide; then all attempts to detain him would prove futile.
+
+The day he received his orders to march, he was forced to take enough
+time to speak on some very important matters to his betrothed wife. He
+delivered into her hands the steel casket, of which so much has been
+written. When he entered the room where the two ladies were sitting,
+Marie discreetly rose and left the lovers alone; but she did not go very
+far: she knew that she would be sent for very soon. Why should she stop
+to hear the exchange of lovers' confidences, hear the mutual confessions
+which made _them_ so happy? She did not want to see the tears which _he_
+would kiss away.
+
+"May God protect you," sobbed Katharina, reflecting at the same moment
+that it would be a great pity were a bullet to strike the spot on the
+noble brow where she pressed her farewell kiss.
+
+"You will guard my treasure, Katharina? Take good care of my palladium
+and of yourself. Before I go, let me show you what this casket which you
+must guard with unceasing care contains."
+
+He drew the steel ring from his thumb, and pushed to one side the crown
+which formed the seal, whereupon a tiny key was revealed. With it he
+unlocked the casket.
+
+On top lay a packet of English bank-notes of ten thousand pounds each.
+
+"This sum," explained Ludwig, "will defray the expenses of our
+undertaking. When I shall have attained my object, I shall be just so
+much the poorer. I am not a rich man, Katharina; I must tell you this
+before our marriage."
+
+"I should love you even were you a beggar," was the sincere response.
+
+A kiss was her reward.
+
+Underneath the bank-notes were several articles of child's clothing,
+such as little girls wear.
+
+"Her mother embroidered the three lilies on these with her own hands,"
+said Ludwig, laying the little garments to one side. Then he took from
+the casket several time-stained documents, and added: "These are the
+certificate of baptism, the last lines from the mother to her daughter,
+and the deposition of the two men who witnessed the exchange of the
+children. This," taking up a miniature-case, "contains a likeness of
+Marie, and one of the other little girl who exchanged destinies with
+her. The Marquis d'Avoncourt, who is now a prisoner in the Castle of
+Ham,--if he is still alive!--is the only one besides ourselves who knows
+of the existence of these things. And now, Katharina, let me beg of you
+to take good care of them; no matter what happens, do not lose sight of
+this casket."
+
+He locked the casket, and returned the ring to his thumb.
+
+The baroness placed the treasure intrusted to her care in a secret
+cupboard in the wall of her own room.
+
+And now, one more kiss!
+
+The girl waiting in the adjoining room was doubtless getting weary.
+Suddenly Ludwig heard the tones of a piano. Some one was playing, in the
+timid, uncertain manner of a new beginner, Miska's martial song. Ludwig
+listened, and turned questioningly toward his betrothed. Katharina did
+not speak; she merely smiled, and walked toward the door of the
+adjoining room, which she opened.
+
+Marie sprang from the piano toward Ludwig, who caught her in his arms
+and rewarded her for the surprise. And thus it happened that Marie,
+after all, was the one to receive Ludwig's last kiss of farewell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The camp on the bank of the Rabcza was shared by the troop from
+Fertöszeg and by a militia company of infantry from Wieselburg.
+
+The parole had been given out for the night. Count Vavel had completed
+his round of the outposts, and had returned to the officers' tent. Here
+he found awaiting him two old acquaintances--the vice-palatine and the
+young attorney from Pest, each of them wearing the light-blue dolman.
+
+The youthful attorney, whose letters to the count had voiced the
+national discontent, had at once girded on his sword when the call to
+arms had sounded throughout the land, and was now of one mind with his
+quondam patron: if he got near enough to a Frenchman to strike him, the
+result would certainly be disastrous--for the Frenchman. Bernat bácsi
+also found himself at last in his element, with ample time and
+opportunity for anecdotes. Seated on a clump of sod the root side up,
+with both hands clasping the hilt of his sword, the point of which
+rested on the ground, he repeated what he had heard from the palatine's
+own lips, while dining with that exalted personage in the camp by the
+Raab.
+
+At a very interesting point in his recital he was unceremoniously
+interrupted by the challenging call of the outposts:
+
+"Halt! who comes there?"
+
+Vavel hastened from the tent, flung himself on his horse, and galloped
+in the direction of the call. The patrol had stopped an armed man who
+would not give the password, but insisted that he had a right to enter
+the camp.
+
+Vavel recognized Satan Laczi, and said to the guard:
+
+"Release him; he is a friend of mine." Then to the ex-robber: "Come with
+me."
+
+He led the way to his own private tent, where he bade his companion rest
+himself on a pallet of straw.
+
+"I dare say you are tired, my good fellow."
+
+"Not very," was the reply. "I have come only from Kapuvar to-day."
+
+"On foot?"
+
+"Part of the way, and part of the way swimming."
+
+"What news do you bring?"
+
+"We captured a French courier in the marshes near Vitnyed just as he was
+about to ride into the stream."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Well, you see, one of my fellows happened to grasp him a little too
+tightly by the collar, because he resisted so obstinately--and, besides,
+it must have been a very weak cord that fastened his soul to his body."
+
+"You have not done well, Satan Laczi," reproved the count. "Another time
+you must bring the prisoner to me alive, for I may learn something of
+importance from him. Did not I tell you that I would pay a reward for a
+living captive?"
+
+"Yes, your lordship, and we shall lose our reward this time. But we
+did n't capture the fellow for nothing, after all. We searched his
+pockets, and found this sealed letter addressed to a general in the
+enemy's army."
+
+Vavel took the letter, and said: "Rest here until I return. You will
+find something to eat and drink in the corner there. I may want you to
+ride farther to-night."
+
+"If I am to go on a horse, that will rest me sufficiently," was the
+response.
+
+Vavel quitted the tent to read the letter by the nearest watch-fire. It
+was addressed to "General Guillaume."
+
+That the general commanded a brigade of the viceroy of Italy's troops,
+Vavel knew.
+
+The letter was a long one--four closely written pages. Before reading it
+Vavel glanced at the signature: "Marquis de Fervlans." The name seemed
+familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it. He was fully
+informed when he read the contents:
+
+     "M. GENERAL: The intrigue has been successfully carried out.
+     Themire has found the fugitives! They are hidden in a secluded nook
+     on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, where their extreme
+     caution has attracted much attention. Themire's first move was to
+     take up her abode in the same neighborhood, which she did in a
+     masterly manner. The estate she bought belonged to a Viennese baron
+     who had ruined himself by extravagance. Themire bought the
+     property, paying one hundred thousand guilders for it, on condition
+     that she might also assume the baron's name; such transfers are
+     possible, I believe, in Austria. In this wise Themire became the
+     Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, and, as she thoroughly
+     understands the art of transformation, became a perfect German
+     woman before she took possession of her purchase. In order not to
+     arouse suspicion on the part of the fugitives, she carefully
+     avoided meeting either of them, and played to perfection the rôle
+     of a lady that had been jilted by her lover.
+
+     "Themire learned that our fugitive owned a powerful telescope with
+     which he kept himself informed of everything that happened in the
+     neighborhood, and this prompted her to adopt a very amusing plan of
+     action. _I_ wanted to put an end at once to the matter, and had
+     gone to Vienna for the purpose of so doing. I entered the Austrian
+     army as Count Leon Barthelmy, in order to be near my chosen
+     emissary. But my scheme was without result. I had planned that a
+     notorious robber of that region should steal the girl and the
+     documents from the Nameless Castle,--as the abode of the fugitives
+     is called,--but my robber proved unequal to the task. Consequently
+     I was forced to accept Themire's more tedious but successful plan.
+     The difficulty was for Themire to become acquainted with our
+     fugitive without arousing his suspicions. An opportunity offered.
+     One night, when we knew to a certainty that the hermit in the
+     Nameless Castle would be in his observatory because of an eclipse
+     of the moon, Themire put her plan into operation. The hermit, who
+     is only a man, after all, found a lovely woman more attractive than
+     all the planets in the universe; he was captured in the net laid
+     for him! When the moon entered the shadow, four masked robbers
+     (Jocrisse was their leader!) climbed into the Baroness
+     Landsknechtsschild's windows. The hermit in his observatory beheld
+     this incursion, and, being a knight as well as a recluse, what else
+     could he do but rush to the rescue of his fair neighbor? His
+     telescope had told him she was fair. Jocrisse played his part
+     admirably. At the approach of the deliverer the "robbers" took to
+     their heels, and the brave knight unbound the fettered and charming
+     lady he had delivered from the ruffians. As Themire had prepared
+     herself for the meeting, you may guess the result: the hermit was
+     captured!"
+
+Oh, how every drop of blood in Vavel's veins boiled and seethed! His
+face was crimsoned with shame and rage. He read further:
+
+     "Themire was perfectly certain that the mysterious hermit of the
+     Nameless Castle had fallen in love with her; and _I_ am not so sure
+     but Themire has ended by falling in love with the knight! Women's
+     hearts are so impressionable.
+
+     "I managed to have my regiment sent to her neighborhood, and took
+     up my quarters in her house. I sought by every means to lure the
+     hermit from his den; but he is a cunning fox, is this protector of
+     fair ladies! I could not get a sight of him. I decided at last to
+     waylay him (when he would be out driving with the veiled lady), to
+     pretend that I was a betrayed husband in search of his errant wife,
+     and ask to see the face of his veiled companion. This, naturally,
+     he would refuse. A duel would be the result; and as he has not for
+     years had a weapon in his hand, and as I am a dead shot, you can
+     guess the result--a hermit against a Spadassin! With a bullet in
+     his brain, the mysterious maid would become my property."
+
+Here an icy chill shook Vavel's frame. He read on:
+
+     "That was my intention. But something on which I had not counted
+     prevented me from carrying it out. When I insisted on seeing the
+     face of the veiled lady, after telling him I believed her to be my
+     wife, Ange Barthelmy (I need not tell you that that entire story
+     was an invention of my own; I published it in a provincial
+     newspaper, whence it spread all over Europe), my brave hermit
+     showed a very bold front, and we were on the point of exchanging
+     blows, when the lady suddenly flung back her veil and revealed the
+     face of--Themire! You may believe that I was dumfounded for an
+     instant; then I began to believe that my faith in this woman had
+     been misplaced. Could it be possible that she had been caught in
+     her own trap--that she had found this Vavel's eyes more alluring
+     than the fortune we promised her, and that instead of betraying him
+     to us she would do the very opposite--betray us to him? It may be
+     that she has woven a more delicate web than I can detect with which
+     to entangle her romantic victim the more securely. At all events,
+     when I asked Vavel what relation the lady at his side bore to him,
+     he replied: 'She is my betrothed wife.'
+
+     "I confess I am puzzled. But I have the means of compelling Themire
+     to keep her promise. Her daughter is in my power!"
+
+("Her daughter?" gasped Vavel. "Her daughter? Then Katharina is a
+married woman!")
+
+     "But," he continued to read, "it might happen that a woman who is
+     in love would sacrifice her child. So soon as this war broke out,
+     Vavel threw off his hermit's mask, and is now leading a company of
+     troopers--which he equipped at his own expense--against us.
+
+     "From Jocrisse's letters I learn that Vavel's treasures are now in
+     Themire's hands. That which our fair emissary was commissioned to
+     find is in her possession. Now, however, the question is, What will
+     she do with it?
+
+     "Jocrisse also informs me that Themire is quite bewitched with the
+     amiability of the maid who has been intrusted to her care. If this
+     be true, then matters are in a bad way. If this is not another of
+     Themire's schemes, but actual sympathy, if this girl, whose
+     remarkable loveliness of character (even Jocrisse is compelled to
+     praise her) has won the piquant little Amélie's place in her
+     mother's heart, then it will be more difficult to separate Themire
+     from the girl than to win her from her lover."
+
+This was a solitary ray of sunshine amid the threatening clouds which
+enveloped Ludwig. He continued to read with rapidly beating heart:
+
+     "I must know to a certainty what Themire proposes to do. To-day I
+     sent her a message by a trusty courier, informing her that I should
+     be at a certain place at an appointed time--that I wanted her to
+     meet me and deliver into my hands the treasures she now holds. She
+     will have an excellent excuse for leaving the manor. Our troops are
+     approaching Steiermark, and have already crossed the Hungarian
+     border. Thus it will seem as if she fell by accident into the hands
+     of the enemy.
+
+Vavel's heart almost ceased to beat. The letter shook in his trembling
+hands.
+
+     "I shall not, however," he continued to read, "depend on the fickle
+     mood of a woman, who may be swayed by a tear or a love-letter. If
+     Themire does not appear with the maid and the documents at the
+     designated spot to-morrow evening, then I shall ride with my troop
+     to the manor. My troop, as you know, belongs to the 'Legion of
+     Demons,' and they do not know the definition of the word
+     'impossible'! If Themire of her own free will delivers the
+     treasures into my hands, I shall thank her becomingly. If, however,
+     she fails to meet me, I shall take the maid and the documents by
+     force."
+
+Vavel did not notice that the firelight by which he was reading the
+letter had begun to grow dim; he believed the characters on the page
+before him were swimming in a blood-red mist.
+
+     "And now," the letter went on, "I come to my instructions to you,
+     general. You will move with your division toward the southern
+     shore of Lake Neusiedl, and cut off the way of our fugitives toward
+     the Tyrol. There is also another task which you must undertake. The
+     mysterious maid, once she is in our hands, must be treated with the
+     utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
+     know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
+     will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
+     yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
+     crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
+     crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
+     Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
+     with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
+     hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
+     sovereign can be."
+
+Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
+that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
+But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
+become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
+nature was concentrated--this was more horrible than all the torments of
+hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.
+
+     "With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
+     and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
+     the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
+     to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
+     exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
+     persons. Countess Themire Dealba's rôle is concluded. She must not
+     be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
+     sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five millions of francs,
+     as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
+     her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
+     them prepare for the journey.
+
+     "Very truly,
+
+     "MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."
+
+Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
+action.
+
+He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
+enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
+on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.
+
+Ludwig shook him vigorously.
+
+"Awake--awake! You must depart at once."
+
+Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.
+
+"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
+Fertöszeg."
+
+"And what am I to do there?"
+
+"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
+kept concealed in the Nameless Castle?"
+
+"Yes; but I did n't do it."
+
+"Well, I want you to do it now for me."
+
+"Which do you want, the maid or the casket?"
+
+"Both, if possible; the maid in any case. But you must be sure that she
+is alone when you approach her. Then say merely the name 'Sophie Botta,'
+and she will listen quietly to what you have to say. Then show her this
+ring,--here, put it on your left thumb"--he drew the steel ring from his
+own thumb and slipped it on to Satan Laczi's,--"and say, 'The person who
+wears this ring sent me to fetch you away from here. You are to come
+with me at once.'"
+
+"And where am I to take her?"
+
+"You will have a carriage with four swift horses at the park gate
+nearest the cemetery, and must drive with the maid to Raab.--Don't stop
+on any account until you get there. In Raab you will inquire for the
+house of Dr. Tromfszky, who is our army physician. He will have been
+advised of your coming, and will take charge of the maid. Then you will
+return to me here, and report what you have done. Here is a passport; if
+you are stopped at our lines show it to the guard. And here is a purse;
+don't spare the contents. And do not speak to a living soul about your
+mission."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed," responded Satan Laczi, as he turned to
+leave the tent.
+
+Vavel did not go back to the officers' tent. He went out into the night,
+and stood with folded arms, gazing with unseeing eyes into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+PART VIII
+
+KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+It was a delightful May evening. Marie was practising diligently her
+piano lesson, in order to surprise Ludwig with her progress when he
+should return from the war. That he would return Marie was quite
+certain.
+
+Katharina had gone into the park for a solitary promenade. She had
+complained all day of a headache--a headache that began to trouble her
+after she had read the letter she had received that morning from the
+Marquis de Fervlans. She held the letter in her hand now, and read it
+again for the hundredth time.
+
+Yes, she had accomplished her mission successfully; the fugitive maid
+and the important documents were in her possession; and yet her
+trembling hand refused to grasp the promised reward. A fortune awaited
+her for the comedy she had played with such success--a comedy in which
+she had acted the part of the charitable lady of the manor.
+
+And what if there had been something of reality in the farce? Suppose
+her heart had learned to thrill with emotions hitherto unknown to it?
+Suppose it had learned to know the true meaning of gratitude--of love?
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+If she were alone in the world! But there was Amélie, her dear little
+daughter, who was now almost fifteen years old--almost a young lady.
+Should she leave Amélie in her present disagreeable position, a member
+of "Cythera's Brigade," or should she send for her, and confess to the
+man whose respect she desired to retain that the child was her daughter,
+and that she was a widow? Could she tell him what she had once been?
+Would he continue to respect, to love her?
+
+Five millions of francs!
+
+It was an enormous sum, and would become hers if she should order the
+carriage, and, taking Marie and the casket with her, drive leisurely
+along the highway until stopped by a troop of soldiers that would
+suddenly surround the carriage. A politely smiling face would then
+appear at the window of the carriage, and a courteous voice would say:
+
+"Don't be alarmed, ladies. You are with friends. We are Frenchmen."
+
+But to renounce the love and respect so hardly won! Ah, how very dearly
+she loved the man to whom she had betrothed herself in jest! In jest?
+No, no; it was not a jest!
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+Would all the millions in the world buy one faithful heart?
+
+Katharina was suffering for her transgressions. She had intended to play
+with the heart of another, and had lost her own. Besides, she could not
+bear to think of betraying the innocent girl who loved and trusted her
+and called her "mother."
+
+But time pressed. Three times already Jocrisse had interrupted her
+meditations to inquire if her answer to the marquis's letter was ready.
+And still she struggled with herself. When Jocrisse appeared again, she
+said to him:
+
+"My letter is of such importance that I cannot think of intrusting it
+to the hands of a stranger. You yourself, Jocrisse, must take it to the
+marquis."
+
+"I am ready to depart at once, madame."
+
+Katharina wrote her reply, sealed it carefully, and gave it to Jocrisse,
+who set out at once on his errand.
+
+In the letter he carried were but three words:
+
+     "_Io non posso_" ("I cannot").
+
+Katharina locked herself in the pavilion in the park, and gave orders to
+the servants not to admit any visitors, whether acquaintances or
+strangers.
+
+An hour or more had passed when she heard a timid knock at the door, and
+an apologetic voice said:
+
+"A strange gentleman is here. I told him your ladyship would see no one;
+then he bade me give your ladyship this, which he said he had brought
+from Paris."
+
+Katharina opened the door wide enough to receive the object. It was a
+small ivory locket, yellow with age. Katharina's hand shook violently as
+she pressed the spring to open it. She cast a hasty glance at the
+miniature,--the likeness of her daughter Amélie,--then said in a
+faltering voice: "You may tell the gentleman I will see him."
+
+In a few minutes the visitor entered the pavilion.
+
+"M. Cambray!" exclaimed the baroness.
+
+"Yes, madame; I am Cambray, with my other name, Marquis Richard
+d'Avoncourt. I am he to whom you once said: 'I shall be grateful to you
+so long as I live.'"
+
+"How--how came you here?" gasped the baroness.
+
+"I managed to escape from my prison at Ham, went to Paris, where I saw
+your daughter--"
+
+"You saw my daughter?" interrupted the baroness, excitedly. "Did you
+speak to her? Oh, tell me--tell me what you know about her."
+
+"You shall hear all directly, madame. I told the countess that I
+intended to search for her mother, and asked if she had any message to
+send to her."
+
+"Did she send a letter with you?" again interrupted the baroness.
+
+"She did, madame. But before I give it to you I should like to have a
+shovel of hot coals and a bit of camphor."
+
+"But why--why?" demanded the baroness.
+
+"I will tell you. Do you know what Napoleon brought home with him from
+the bloody battle of Eilau?"
+
+"I have not heard."
+
+"The 'influenza.' I dare say you have never even heard the name; but you
+will very soon hear it often enough! It is a pestilential disease that
+is rather harmless where it originated, but when it takes hold of a
+strange region it becomes a deadly pestilence--as in Paris, where a
+special hospital has been established for patients with the disease. It
+was in this hospital I found your daughter as a nurse."
+
+"_Jesu Maria!_" shrieked the mother, in a tone of agony. "A nurse in
+that pest-house?"
+
+"Yes," nodded the marquis. Then he took from his pocket a letter, and
+added: "She wrote this to you from there."
+
+The baroness eagerly extended her hand to take the letter.
+
+"Would it not be better to fumigate it first?" said the marquis.
+
+"No, no; I am not afraid! Give it to me, I beg of you!"
+
+She caught the letter from his hand, tore it open, and read:
+
+     "DEAR LITTLE MAMA: What sort of a life are you leading out yonder
+     in that strange land? Do you never get weary or feel bored? Have
+     you anything to amuse you? _I_ have become satiated with my
+     life--lying, cheating, deceiving every day in order to live! While
+     I was a little girl I was proud of the praises heaped upon me for
+     my cleverness. But a day came when everything disgusted me. It is
+     an infamous trade, this of ours, little mama, and I have given it
+     up. I have begun to lead a different life--one with which I am
+     satisfied; and if you will take the advice of one who wishes you
+     well, you, too, will quit the old ways. You can embroider
+     beautifully and play the piano like a master. You could earn a
+     livelihood giving lessons in either. Do not trouble any further
+     about me, for I can take care of myself. If only you knew how much
+     happier I am now, you would rejoice, I know! Let me beg you to
+     become honest and truthful, and think often of your old friend and
+     little daughter,
+
+     "AMÉLIE (now SOEUÉR AGNES)."
+
+Katharina's nerveless hands dropped to her lap. This sharp rebuke from
+her only child was deserved.
+
+Then she sprang suddenly toward her visitor, grasped his arm, and cried:
+
+"Tell me--tell me about my daughter, my little Amélie! How does she look
+now? Is she much changed? Has she grown? Oh, M. Cambray! in pity tell
+me--tell me about her!"
+
+"I have brought you a portrait of her as she looked when I saw her
+last."
+
+He drew from his pocket a small case, and, opening it, disclosed a
+pallid face with closed eyes. A wreath of myrtle encircled the head,
+which rested on the pillow of a coffin.
+
+"She is dead!" screamed the horror-stricken mother, staring with wild
+eyes at the sorrowful picture.
+
+"Yes, madame, she is dead," assented the marquis. "This portrait is sent
+by your daughter as a remembrance to the mother who exposed her on the
+streets, one stormy winter night, in order that she might spy upon
+another little child--a persecuted and homeless little child."
+
+The baroness cowered beneath the merciless words as beneath a stinging
+lash: but the man knew no pity; he would not spare the heartbroken
+woman.
+
+"And now, madame," he continued in a sharp tone, "you can go back to
+your home and take possession of your reward. You have worked hard to
+earn the blood-money."
+
+Here the baroness sat suddenly upright, tore from her bosom a small gold
+note-case, in which was the order for the five millions of francs. She
+opened the case, took out the order, and tore it into tiny bits. Then
+she flung them from her, crying savagely:
+
+"Curse him who brought me to this! God's curse be upon him who brought
+this on me!"
+
+"Madame," calmly interposed the marquis, "you have not yet completed the
+task you were set to do."
+
+"No, no; I have not--I have not," was the excited response, "and I never
+will. Come--come with me! The maid and what belongs to her are
+here--safe, unharmed. Take her--fly with her and hers whithersoever you
+choose to go; I shall not hinder you."
+
+"That I cannot do, madame. I am a stranger in a strange land. I know not
+who is my friend or who is my foe. _You_ must save the maid. If
+atonement is possible for you, that is the way you may win it. You know
+best where the maid will be safe from her persecutors. Save her, and
+atone for your transgression against her. Ludwig Vavel gave you his love
+and, more than that, his respect. Would you retain both, or will you
+tear them to tatters, as you have the order for the five million francs?
+Will you let me advise you?" he asked, suddenly.
+
+"Advise me, and I will follow it to the letter!"
+
+"Then disguise yourself as a peasant, hide the steel casket in a hamper,
+and take it to Ludwig Vavel, wherever he may be."
+
+"And Marie?"
+
+"You cannot with safety take her with you. The maid and the casket must
+not remain together. You must conceal Marie somewhere until you return
+from the camp."
+
+"Will you not stay here and keep watch over her until I return?"
+
+"I thank you, madame, for your hospitality, but I must not accept it. I
+come direct from the influenza hospital. I feel that the disease has
+laid hold of me. I have comfortable quarters at the Nameless Castle,
+where my old friend Lisette will take care of me. Don't let Marie come
+to see me; and if I should not recover from this illness, which I feel
+will be a severe one, let me be buried down yonder on the shore of the
+lake."
+
+When the Marquis d'Avoncourt left the pavilion he was shaking with a
+violent chill, and as he took his way with tottering steps toward the
+Nameless Castle, Katharina, broken-hearted and filled with anguish, wept
+out her heart in bitter tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Marie had finished practising her lesson, and hastened to join Katharina
+in the park. She found her in the pavilion, and was filled with alarm
+when she saw her "little mama" kneeling among the fragments of her
+fortune. Katharina's tear-stained eyes, swollen face, and drawn lips
+betrayed how terribly she was suffering.
+
+"My dearest little mama!" exclaimed Marie, hastening toward the kneeling
+woman, and trying to lift her from the floor, "what is the matter? What
+has happened?"
+
+"Don't touch me," moaned the baroness. "Don't come near me. I am a
+murderess. I murdered her who called me mother."
+
+She held the ivory locket toward Marie, and added: "See, this is what
+she was like when I deserted her--my little daughter Amélie!"
+
+"Your daughter?" repeated Marie, wonderingly. "You have been married?
+Are you a widow?"
+
+"I am."
+
+Katharina now held toward the young girl the portrait M. Cambray had
+given her. "And this," she explained in a hollow tone, "is what she is
+like now--now, when I wanted her to come to me."
+
+"Good heaven!" ejaculated Marie, gazing in terror at the miniature, "she
+is dead?"
+
+"Yes--murdered--as you, too, will be if you stay with me! You must
+fly--fly at once!"
+
+"Katharina!" interposed the young girl, "why do you speak so?"
+
+"I say that you must leave me. Go--go at once! Go down to the parsonage,
+and ask Herr Mercatoris to give you shelter. Tell him to clothe you in
+rags; and when you hear the tramp of horses, hide yourself, and don't
+venture from your concealment until they are gone. I, too, am going away
+from here."
+
+"But why may not I come with you?" asked Marie, in a troubled tone.
+
+"Where I go you cannot accompany me. I am going to steal through the
+lines of Ludwig's camp."
+
+"You are going to Ludwig?" interrupted the young girl.
+
+"Yes, to deliver into his hands the casket containing your belongings.
+After that I--I don't know what will become of me."
+
+"Katharina! Don't frighten me so! Do you imagine that Ludwig will cease
+to love you when he learns you are a widow, and that you had a
+daughter?"
+
+"Oh, no; he will not hate me because I had a daughter," returned
+Katharina, shaking her head sadly, "but because my wickedness destroyed
+her."
+
+"Don't talk so, Katharina," again expostulated Marie.
+
+"Why, don't you see that she is dead? Look at these closed eyes, the
+white face! Ask these closed lips to open and tell you that I did not
+murder her!"
+
+"Katharina, this is not true! Your enemies have told you this to grieve
+you. Look at these two pictures! There is not the least resemblance
+between them. This pale one is not your daughter. He who told you so
+lied cruelly."
+
+Katharina sighed mournfully.
+
+"He who told me so does not lie. It was your old friend Cambray."
+
+"Cambray?" echoed Marie, with mingled delight and astonishment. "Cambray
+is here? My deliverer, my second father! Where is he?"
+
+"He is gone. He accomplished that for which he came,--to crush me to the
+earth, and to serve you,--and has gone away again."
+
+"Gone away?" repeated Marie, incredulously. "Gone away? Impossible!
+Cambray would not go away without seeing me! Which way did he go? I will
+run after him and overtake him."
+
+"No; stay where you are!" commanded Katharina, seizing her arm. "You
+must not follow him."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Listen, and I will tell you. Cambray brought these pictures and this
+letter from Paris. The letter was written by my daughter in the
+hospital, where she caught the dreadful disease which caused her death.
+She had been nursing the sick, like a heroine, and died like a saint. It
+is well with her now, for she is in heaven. If I weep, it is not for
+her, but for myself. The deadly disease Amélie died of has seized upon
+your friend Cambray; and the noble old man is unselfish even in dying.
+He does not want you to come near him, lest you, too, become affected by
+the pestilence. He is gone to the Nameless Castle, where Lisette will
+take care of him--"
+
+"Lisette?" interrupted Marie, excitedly. "Lisette, who was afraid to go
+near her own husband when he lay dying!"
+
+"Well, what would you? Shall I send some one to nurse him?"
+
+"No--no. _I_ am the one to take care of him! He was a father to me. For
+my sake he was imprisoned, persecuted, buried alive all these years! And
+I am to let him die over yonder--alone, without a friend near him! No; I
+am going to him. That which your other daughter had the courage to do,
+this one also will do!"
+
+"Marie! Think of Ludwig! Do you wish to drive him to despair?"
+
+"God watches over us. He will do what is well for all of us!"
+
+"Marie"--Katharina made a last effort to detain the young girl--"Marie,
+do you wish to go to Cambray to learn from him that I am the curse-laden
+creature who was sent after you to capture you and deliver you into the
+hands of your enemies?"
+
+Marie turned at these desperate words, held out her hand, and said
+gently:
+
+"And if he were to tell me that, Katharina, I should say to him that,
+instead of destroying me you liberated me, and instead of hating me you
+love me as I love you."
+
+She made as if she would kiss Katharina; but the excited woman turned
+away her face, and held toward Marie the letter Cambray had given her.
+
+"Read this, and learn to know me as I am," she said in a choking voice.
+
+While Marie was reading the letter, Katharina covered her burning face
+with both hands; but they were gently drawn away and held in the young
+girl's warm clasp, while she spoke:
+
+"A reply must be sent to this letter, little mother. I shall say to her,
+through the soul now on the eve of departure to the better land where
+she dwells: 'Little sister, your mother will wear the pure white
+garment, as you desired, in mourning for you. Instead of you, she will
+have me, and will love me, as I shall love her, in your stead. Bless us
+both, and be happy.' Shall I not send this message to your Amélie with
+my good friend Cambray?"
+
+"Go, then; go--go," convulsively sobbed Katharina, and fell upon her
+face on the floor as Marie hastened from the pavilion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+When her grief had exhausted itself, Katharina stole back to the manor,
+where she removed the steel casket from its hiding-place, wrapped it in
+her shawl, and, passing noiselessly and unseen down a staircase that was
+rarely used, crossed the park to the farmer's cottage.
+
+Here she told the farmer's wife that she was going to play a trick on
+her betrothed, that she wanted to borrow a gown and a kerchief. She bade
+the farmer saddle the mule which his wife rode when she went to the
+village, and to hang the hampers, as usual, from the pommel. In one of
+these she placed the steel casket, in the other a pistol, and filled
+them both with all sorts of provisions. Thus disguised, she mounted the
+quadruped, and set out alone on her way toward the camp.
+
+Almost at the same moment that Ludwig Vavel had learned of the deceit of
+the woman he loved, he became convinced that his ambitious designs had
+come to naught. The rising of the German patriots against Napoleon had
+ended in their defeat, and not a trace was left of the uprising among
+the French people themselves.
+
+It was the third day after the battle of Aspern when Master Matyas
+entered Count Vavel's tent.
+
+The jack of all trades had proved himself a useful member of the
+army--not, indeed, where there was any fighting, for he much preferred
+looking on, when a battle was in progress, to taking an active part in
+the fray. But as a spy he was invaluable.
+
+"I have seen everything," he announced. "I saw the balloon in which a
+French engineer made an ascent to the clouds, to reconnoiter the
+Austrian camp. He went up as high as a kite, and they held on to the
+rope below, down which he sent his messages--observations of the
+Austrians' movements. I saw the bridge, which is two hundred and forty
+fathoms long, which can be transported from place to place, and reaches
+from one bank of the Danube to the other. And I saw that demi-god flying
+on his white horse. He was pale, and trembled."
+
+"And how came you to see all these sights, Master Matyas?" interrupted
+Vavel.
+
+"I allowed the Frenchmen to capture me; then I was set to work in the
+intrenchments with the other prisoners."
+
+"And did you manage to deliver my letter?"
+
+"Oh, yes. The Philadelphians are easily recognized from the silver arrow
+they wear in their ears. When I whispered the password to one of them,
+he gave it back to me, whereupon I handed him your letter. I came away
+as soon as he brought me the answer. Here it is."
+
+This letter by no means lightened Vavel's gloomy mood. Colonel Oudet,
+the secret chief of the Philadelphians in the French army, heartily
+thanked Count Vavel for his offer of assistance to overthrow Napoleon;
+but he also gave the count to understand that, were Bonaparte defeated,
+the republic would be restored to France. In this case, what would
+become of Vavel's cherished plans?
+
+It was after midnight. The pole of "Charles's Wain" in the heavens stood
+upward. Ludwig approached the watch-fire, and told the lieutenant on
+guard that he might go to his tent, that he, Vavel, would take his
+place for the remainder of the night. Then he let the reins drop on the
+neck of his horse, and while the beast grazed on the luxuriant grass,
+his rider, with his carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, continued
+the night watch. The night was very still; the air was filled with
+odorous exhalations, which rose from the earth after the shower in the
+early part of the evening. From time to time a shooting star sped on its
+course across the sky.
+
+One after the other, Ludwig Vavel read the two letters he carried in his
+breast. He did not need to take them from their hiding-place in order to
+read them. He knew the contents by heart--every word. One of them was a
+love-letter he had received from his betrothed; the other was the Judas
+message of his enemy and Marie's.
+
+At one time he would read the love-letter first; then that of the
+arch-plotter. Again, he would change the order of perusal, and test the
+different sensations--the bitter after the sweet, the sweet after the
+bitter.
+
+Suddenly, through the silence of the night, he heard the distant tinkle
+of a mule-bell. It came nearer and nearer. He heard the outpost's "Halt!
+Who comes there?" and heard the pleasant-voiced response: "Good evening,
+friend. God bless you."
+
+"Ah!" muttered Ludwig, with a scornful smile, "my beautiful bride is
+sending another supply of dainties. How much she thinks of me!"
+
+The mule-bell came nearer and nearer.
+
+By the light of the watch-fire Vavel could see the familiar red kerchief
+the farmer's wife from the manor was wont to wear over her head. The
+mule came directly toward the watch-fire, and stopped when close to
+Vavel's horse. The woman riding the beast slipped quickly to the ground,
+emptied the provisions from the hampers, then, lifting the object which
+had been concealed in the bottom of one of them, came around to Vavel's
+side, saying:
+
+"It is I. I have come to seek you."
+
+"Who is it?" he demanded sternly, recognizing the voice; "Katharina or
+Themire?"
+
+"Katharina--Katharina; it is Katharina," stammered the trembling woman,
+looking pleadingly up into his forbidding face.
+
+"And why have you come here?"
+
+"I came to bring you this," she replied, holding toward him the steel
+casket.
+
+"Where is Marie?"
+
+"She is safe--with the Marquis d'Avoncourt."
+
+"What?" exclaimed Vavel, in amazement, flinging his carbine on the
+ground. "Cambray--d'Avoncourt--_here_?"
+
+"Yes; he is at the Nameless Castle, and Marie is with him."
+
+"After all, there is a God in heaven!" with deep-toned thankfulness
+ejaculated Ludwig. Then he added: "Oh, Katharina, how I have suffered
+because of--Themire!"
+
+"Themire is dead!" solemnly returned the baroness. "Let us not speak of
+her. Here, take these treasures into your own keeping; they are no
+longer safe with me. Open the casket and convince yourself that
+everything is there."
+
+"I cannot open it; I have not got the key."
+
+"Have you lost your ring?"
+
+"No. I have trusted the most notorious thief in the country with it. I
+have sent him with the ring to Marie. I bade him show it to her, and
+tell her that she was to follow him wherever he might lead her. Satan
+Laczi has the ring."
+
+Katharina covered her eyes with her hand, and stood with drooping head
+before her lover.
+
+"I have deserved this," she murmured brokenly.
+
+Vavel passed his hand over his face, and sighed. "It was all a dream!
+It was madness to expect impossibilities," he murmured. "I am familiar
+enough with the stars to have known that there are constellations which
+never descend to the horizon. The 'Crown' is one of them! Of what use
+are these rags now?" he exclaimed, with sudden vehemence, pointing to
+the casket, which Katharina still held on her arm. "Whom can they serve?
+They have brought only sorrow to him who has guarded them, and to her to
+whom they belong. I cannot open the casket; but I need not do that to
+destroy the contents. Pray throw it into the fire yonder."
+
+Katharina obeyed without an instant's hesitation. After a while the
+metal casket began to glow in the midst of the flames. It became red,
+then a pale rose-color, while a thin cord of vapor trailed through the
+keyhole.
+
+"The little garments are burning," whispered Vavel, "and the documents,
+and the portraits, and the heap of worthless money. From to-day," he
+added, in a louder tone, "I begin to learn what it is to be a poor man."
+
+"I have already learned what poverty means," said Katharina. "Look at
+these clothes! I have no others, and even these are borrowed."
+
+"I love you in them," involuntarily exclaimed Vavel, extending his hand
+toward her.
+
+"What? You offer me your hand? Do you believe that I am Katharina--only
+Katharina?"
+
+"That I may wholly and entirely believe that you are Katharina, and not
+Themire, answer one question. A creature who calls himself the Marquis
+de Fervlans and Leon Barthelmy is lying in ambush somewhere in this
+neighborhood, waiting for you to settle an old account with him. If you
+are the same to me that you once were, and if I am the same to you that
+I was once, tell me where I shall find De Fervlans, for it will be _my_
+duty then to settle with him."
+
+Katharina's face suddenly blazed with eager excitement. She flung back
+her head with a proud gesture.
+
+"I will lead you to the place. Together we will seek him!" she cried,
+with animation in every feature.
+
+"Then give me your hand. You _are_ Katharina--_my_ Katharina!"
+
+He bent toward her, and the two hands met in a close clasp.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Fertöszeg ordered the drums to beat a reveille; then he selected
+from his troop one hundred trusty men, and galloped with them in the
+direction of Neusiedl Lake. Katharina on her mule, without the tinkling
+bell, trotted soberly by his side.
+
+
+
+
+PART IX
+
+SATAN AND DEMON
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+There was a notorious troop with Napoleon's army, the sixth Italian
+regiment, which was called the "Legion of Demons."
+
+The troop was made up of worthless members of society--idlers,
+highwaymen, outcasts, and desperate characters, who had lost all sense
+of respectability and morality. The majority of them had sought the
+asylum of the battle-field to escape imprisonment or worse.
+
+When their commander led his "demons" to an attack, he was wont to urge
+them thus:
+
+"_Avanti, avanti, Signori briganti! Cavalieri ladroni, avanti!_"
+("Forward, forward, Messieurs Highwaymen! My chivalrous footpads,
+forward!")
+
+A division of this legion of demons had made its way with the vice-king
+of Italy thus far through the belt-line, and had been intrusted with the
+mission mentioned in De Fervlans's letter to General Guillaume. The
+marquis commanded this body of the demons, he having, as Colonel
+Barthelmy in the Austrian army, become thoroughly familiar with that
+part of Hungary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lisette and Satan Laczi's little son were living alone at the Nameless
+Castle.
+
+When Marie, who was come in quest of her friend Cambray, rang the bell,
+the door was opened by the lad.
+
+"Is there a strange gentleman here?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know. He went to see Lisette, and I did not see him come away,"
+was the reply.
+
+"Then let me come in," said the young girl. "I want to speak to Lisette,
+too."
+
+"She will beat me if I let you come in," returned the boy, opening the
+door after a moment's hesitation.
+
+The fumes of camphor were perceptible even in the vestibule; and when
+Marie's little conductor knocked at the door of the kitchen, a heaping
+shovelful of hot and smoking coals was thrust toward him, and a scolding
+voice demanded irritably:
+
+"What do you want again? Why do you keep annoying me, you little
+torment!"
+
+"Excuse me, Lisette," humbly apologized the lad, "but our young mistress
+from the manor is here."
+
+At this announcement Lisette hastily shut the door again, and opened a
+small loophole in an upper panel, through which she spoke in a sharp
+tone:
+
+"Why do you come here? Has the Lord forsaken you over yonder, that you
+come back to this pest-house? Get out of it as quickly as you can. Go
+down and hide yourself in the Schmidt's cottage--perhaps they will not
+betray you. Anyway, you can't stop here with us."
+
+"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,--stop here with you,"
+smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"
+
+"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is n't
+anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."
+
+"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."
+
+"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M.
+Cambray, for he does n't want to see you."
+
+"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her side, "Come with
+me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."
+
+Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened
+Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her
+little escort had disappeared down the corridor.
+
+There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were
+covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the
+varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on
+the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her
+former immaculate asylum.
+
+She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray!
+father! art thou here?" but received no reply.
+
+Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open
+like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not
+been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected
+guest in this only habitable chamber.
+
+Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!
+
+She hastened toward it. There was a light burning in the alcove, and she
+could see through the links by placing her eyes close to them. The noble
+old knight was lying on the bare floor, with his hands forming a pillow
+for his head. His glassy eyes were fixed and staring, and burning with a
+startling brightness. His parched lips were half-open, as if he were
+speaking.
+
+"Cambray! father!" called Marie; in a tone of distress.
+
+"Who calls? Marie?" gasped the fever-stricken man, making a vain attempt
+to rise. He fell back with a deep groan, but flung out his hand as if to
+ward off her approach.
+
+"Let me come in, Cambray. It is I, your little Marie. Please let me
+come in. There, close to your right hand, is a button in the floor.
+Press it, and this screen will rise."
+
+The sick man began to laugh; only his face showed that he was laughing,
+no sound came from his parched throat. He was laughing because he had
+prevented his favorite from coming to his pestilential resting-place.
+
+Marie deliberated a moment, then decided to resort to stratagem:
+
+"If you will not let me come in to you, papa Cambray," she called,
+simulating a petulant tone, "I shall go away, and not come back again.
+If you should want anything there will be a little boy here, outside;
+you can summon him by pressing that button. Good night, dear papa
+Cambray!"
+
+The sick man turned his face toward the screen and listened in dreamy
+ecstasy to the sweet voice. He raised his hand, waved it weakly toward
+the speaker, then clasped it with the other on his breast, while his
+lips moved as if in prayer.
+
+"Go fetch candles, and the tinder-box," whispered Marie to the little
+Laczko. "Place them here by the sofa, then light the lamp in the
+corridor."
+
+"May I fetch my gun, too?" asked the boy.
+
+"Your gun? What for?"
+
+"I should n't be afraid if I had it with me."
+
+"Then fetch it; but don't come into the room with it, for I am
+dreadfully afraid of guns. Leave it just outside the door."
+
+It was quite dark when Laczko returned with the candles and a heavy
+double-barreled fowling-piece. He carefully placed the latter in the
+corner, then asked:
+
+"Shall I light the candles now?"
+
+"Certainly not. I don't want the gentleman to know that I am here. Maybe
+he may want something, and open the screen. I am going to lie down on
+this sofa, and you are to stand close by the alcove and watch the
+gentleman. If he should lift the screen, and I have fallen asleep, you
+must waken me at once."
+
+Marie wrapped herself in her shawl, and lay down on the leather couch.
+Laczko took up his station as directed, close by the metal screen,
+through which he peered from time to time.
+
+But there was no danger of Marie falling asleep. She could not even keep
+her eyes closed. Every few moments she would sit up and ask in a
+cautious whisper:
+
+"What is he doing now?"
+
+"He is tossing from side to side."
+
+This reply was repeated several times.
+
+At last the answer came that the invalid was perfectly quiet, whereupon
+Marie decided not to inquire again for an hour.
+
+Suddenly she heard the lad say, in a trembling voice:
+
+"I am dreadfully frightened."
+
+"What of?" whispered Marie.
+
+"The gentleman lies so still. He has n't stirred for a long time."
+
+"He is asleep, I dare say."
+
+"If he were sleeping his breast would rise and fall; but he is perfectly
+still."
+
+Marie rose, and hastened to the screen. The smoking wick in the
+night-lamp near Cambray's head illumined his ghastly face. Marie had
+already seen one such pallid countenance--that of the old servant Henry
+when he lay dead on his bier.
+
+She shuddered, and retreated with trembling limbs, drawing the lad with
+her.
+
+"You may light the candle now," she whispered; "then we will go back to
+Lisette."
+
+Laczko lighted the candle, then shouldered his gun, and preceded his
+young mistress down the staircase to the lower story.
+
+They had almost reached the door of Lisette's room when Marie, who had
+been peering sharply ahead, stopped abruptly, and exclaimed in a
+startled tone:
+
+"There is a man!"
+
+Even as she spoke a dark form stepped from a doorway into the corridor
+in front of them. Marie retreated several steps; but her little escort
+proved that he was made of sterner stuff. He placed himself valiantly in
+front of his young mistress, laid his gun against his cheek, and aiming
+directly for the stranger's breast, said, in a brave tone:
+
+"Halt, or I will shoot you."
+
+"That's my brave lad," commented the stranger. "But don't shoot. It is
+I, your father."
+
+"Don't come any nearer, I tell you!" responded the lad, threateningly.
+
+"Why, I am not moving a muscle, lad; don't be foolish."
+
+"What do you want here?" demanded Laczko. "I will not let you do any
+harm to my mistress."
+
+Here Marie, who had recovered from her alarm, came forward, and laid her
+hand over her small defender's eyes.
+
+"Take down your gun, Laczko," she commanded. Then turning to the
+stranger asked: "What do you want, my good man?"
+
+For answer the man merely pronounced a name:
+
+"Sophie Botta."
+
+Without an instant's hesitation, and although she shuddered
+involuntarily when her eyes fell on the stranger's repulsive
+countenance, the young girl went close to his side, and said calmly:
+
+"What do you wish me to do?"
+
+Satan Laczi held the thumb-ring toward her, and said:
+
+"The person who wears this sent me to fetch you away from here. Are you
+ready to come with me at once?"
+
+"I am," replied Marie, who seemed unable to remove her eyes from the
+hideously ugly face before her.
+
+"My master," continued the ex-robber, "also bade me fetch a little steel
+casket. Do you know where it is hidden?"
+
+"The person who had it in her care has already taken it to your master,"
+was Marie's response.
+
+"Ah, she has taken it to him?" repeated Satan Laczi. "Then it is all
+right. I know now what I have to do. My master bade me convey you to a
+place of concealment; but my face is not exactly the sort to win
+anybody's confidence. Besides, I know some one who can perform this
+errand as well as I. The way to Raab is clear. Instead of taking you
+there myself, my wife will go with you. I think you would rather have
+her for a companion?"
+
+"Yes, I think I would rather go with a woman," diplomatically assented
+Marie.
+
+"As an additional protection, take this little lad with you." Here the
+ex-robber laid his hand on his son's shoulder, and looked proudly down
+on him. "His heart is already in the right place. And then he is not a
+wicked rascal like his father."
+
+He was silent a moment, then added: "But I intend to reform. When my
+master has spoken with the woman to whom he intrusted his treasures, and
+if she has not betrayed him, then I know where he will be to-morrow. And
+Satan Laczi will be there, too! Then I and my comrades will show them
+what we can do. But come, we must make haste, and get on as far as
+possible while the moon is shining."
+
+"But I am not properly clad for a journey," interposed Marie.
+
+"My wife brought a nice warm _bunda_ to wrap you in; it is in the
+carriage out yonder," returned the ex-robber.
+
+"One word first: you are acquainted with the man who made the metal
+screen in my apartments. Could you see him?"
+
+"He is in Count Vavel's service, and I can see him when I return to the
+camp."
+
+"Then tell him to come to the Nameless Castle at once. He understands
+the secret spring of the screen, behind which he will find a dead man.
+This man was a very good friend, and I want him properly buried."
+
+"I will give Master Matyas your order."
+
+Marie now took leave of the Nameless Castle, feeling that she would
+never again come back to it. But she had not the courage to enter her
+apartments again.
+
+The four-horse coach waited at the park gate. Marie entered it, wrapped
+the warm sheep-skin around her, and tied a cotton kerchief over her head
+in peasant fashion. Satan Laczi's wife took a seat by her side; the
+little Laczko climbed to the coachman's box, where he sat with his gun
+between his knees. Then the coachman cracked his whip, and the vehicle
+rattled down the road amid a cloud of dust. Satan Laczi looked after the
+coach until it disappeared around a turn in the road. Then he blew a
+shrill blast on his whistle, whereupon a number of wild-looking men,
+each armed to the teeth, emerged from the shrubbery and came toward him.
+Whispered orders were given, then the men in a body moved toward the
+willow-copse on the shore of the lake. Here were two flatboats drawn up
+on the beach. These were pushed into the water; the men entered them,
+each took an oar, and the unwieldy vessels were propelled along the
+shore toward the marshes.
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans had camped with his company of demons on the
+shore of Neusiedl Lake. The marquis himself had taken quarters at the
+inn in the nearest village, where, assisted by two companions of
+questionable respectability but of undoubted valor, he was testing the
+quality of the fiery wine of the region, when a peasant cart, drawn by
+three horses, drew up before the inn, and Jocrisse, Baroness Katharina's
+messenger, alighted.
+
+"Ah, here comes a sensible fellow," exclaimed the marquis. "I wonder
+what news he brings."
+
+He was very soon enlightened.
+
+"Hum! '_Io non posso!_'" he repeated, after reading the brief message
+Jocrisse delivered to him. "Very well, madame, I think I shall know what
+to do if you 'cannot'! Jocrisse, how is the country around Odenburg
+garrisoned?"
+
+"A division of militia cavalry occupies every town,"
+
+"That is exasperating! Not that I fear these militiamen might give my
+demons too much work; but I am afraid I may alarm them; then they will
+scamper in all directions, and frighten the entire Neusiedl region, so
+that when I arrive at Fertöszeg I shall find the birds flown and the
+nest empty. We must take them by surprise. Have you ever before been in
+this part of the country, Jocrisse?"
+
+"I accompanied the county surveyor once as far as Frauenkirchen."
+
+"Is the road practicable for wheels?"
+
+"To Frauenkirchen it is good for wagons; but beyond the city it is in a
+wretched condition."
+
+"Very well. You will engage a post-chaise here, and follow us to
+Frauenkirchen, where you will wait for further orders. What time did you
+leave Fertöszeg?"
+
+"About noon."
+
+"Listen. I suspect that your mistress will try to escape with the maid.
+If that is the case, we must bestir ourselves. But women are afraid to
+travel by night; and even if they have already left the manor, they
+cannot have gone very far. The water in the Danube was unusually high on
+the day of the battle at Aspern; that would cause the Raab to rise, and
+overflow the bridges crossing it. I shall doubtless overtake the
+fugitives at Vitnyed."
+
+"It will be rather risky crossing the Hansag at night," observed
+Jocrisse, "and no amount of money would induce one of these natives
+about here to act as guide. They are a peculiar folk."
+
+"Yes; but I shall not need a guide. I have an excellent map of the
+neighborhood, which I used when I was in garrison here. I used to hunt
+all over this region after wild boars and turkeys, and never had any
+difficulty finding my way, even at night."
+
+De Fervlans now sent orders to his troop to break camp at once, with as
+little stir as possible; and before twilight shadows fell upon the land,
+the demons were riding toward the Hansag.
+
+If we assume that Marie left the Nameless Castle in company with the
+wife of Satan Laczi at midnight, we can easily see that she would have
+but a few hours' advantage of the demons, who broke camp at sunset. If
+the latter met with no hindrance on their way, they would overtake the
+coach of the fugitives at the crossing of the Raab. As it was after
+midnight when Ludwig Vavel learned of the danger which threatened Marie,
+he could not, even if he had set out at once, have reached the Hansag
+before noon of the following day, by which time De Fervlans and his
+demons would have accomplished their errand. Therefore nothing short of
+a miracle could save the maid.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+The miracle happened--a true miracle, like the one of the biblical
+legend, when the Red Sea obstructed the way of the persecutor Pharaoh.
+
+Those who may doubt this assertion are referred to the "Monograph on
+Lake Neusiedl," in which may be read a description of the phenomenon. In
+the last years Lake Neusiedl had been drained, and where it had joined
+the lakes of the Hansag, a stout dam had been built. When the waters of
+the Hansag chain rose, the muddy undercurrent threw up great mounds of
+earth, like enormous excrescences on a diseased body. One of these huge
+mounds burst open at the top and emitted a black, slimy mud that
+inundated the surrounding morass for a considerable distance.
+
+Already in the neighborhood of St. Andras this slimy ooze was noticeable
+when the troop of demons galloped over the plantain-covered flats which
+here and there bent under the weight of the horsemen. As they proceeded,
+the enormous numbers of frogs became surprising, as if this host of
+amphibia had leagued against the invading demons. Then flocks of
+water-fowl, with clamorous cries and rustling wings, rose here and
+there, startled from their quiet nests by the approaching inundation,
+which by this time had completely hidden what was called in that region
+the public road. De Fervlans, at a loss what to make of this singular
+freak of nature, sent a horseman to the right, and one to the left, to
+examine the ground, and learn whence came the sea of slime, and how it
+might be avoided. Each of his messengers returned with the information
+that the slime was flowing in the direction he had ridden. The source,
+then, must be near where they had halted.
+
+"This is bad," said De Fervlans, impatiently. "This eruption of mud will
+hinder our progress. We can't run a race with it. We must look up
+another route, and this will delay us perhaps for hours. But we can make
+that up when on a hard road again."
+
+De Fervlans, who was familiar with the neighborhood, now led his troop
+in the direction of the path which ran through the morass toward the
+village of Banfalva, hoping thus to gain the excellent highway of
+Eszterhaza. Here and there from the swamp rose slight elevations of dry
+earth which were overgrown with alders and willows. On one of these
+"hills" De Fervlans concluded to halt for a rest, as both men and horses
+were weary with the toilsome journey over the wretched roads.
+
+Very soon enough dry wood was collected for a fire. There was no need to
+fear that the light might attract attention; the camp was far enough
+from human habitation, and neither man nor beast ever spent the night in
+the morass of the Hansag. Besides, they could have seen, from the top of
+a tree, if any one were approaching. They could see in the bright
+moonlight the long poplar avenue which led to Eszterhaza; and even a
+gilded steeple might be seen gleaming in the Hungarian Versailles, which
+was perhaps a two hours' ride distant.
+
+Suddenly the sharp call, "_Qui vive?_" was heard. It was answered by a
+sort of grunt, half-brute, half-human. Again the challenging call broke
+the silence, and was followed in a few seconds by a gunshot. Then a wild
+laugh was heard at some distance from the hill. De Fervlans hurried
+toward the guard.
+
+"What was it?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know whether it was a wild beast or a devil in human form," was
+the reply. "It was a strange-looking monster with a large head and
+pointed ears."
+
+"I 'll wager it is my runaway fish-boy!" exclaimed the marquis.
+
+"When I challenged the creature he stood up on his feet, and barked, or
+grunted, or whatever you might call it; and when I called out the second
+time he seemed to strike fire with something; at any rate, he did not
+act in the proper manner, so I fired at him. But I did n't hit him."
+
+"I should be sorry if you had," responded the marquis. "I am convinced
+that it was my little monster. I taught him to strike fire; and he was
+evidently attracted by the light of our camp-fire."
+
+Perhaps it would have been better had the guard shot the amphibious
+dwarf. Hardly had De Fervlans returned to his seat when the adjutant
+called his attention to a suspicious flashing in the morass a short
+distance from the hill on which they were resting. Suddenly, while they
+were watching the flashes of light, a column of flame rose toward the
+sky, then another, and another--the morass was on fire in a dozen
+places.
+
+"Hell, and all devils!" shouted De Fervlans, springing toward his horse.
+"The little monster has set the marsh-grass on fire, and it was I who
+taught the devil's spawn how to use touchwood! Give chase to the
+creature!"
+
+But the order for a chase came too late. In ten minutes the reeds
+growing about the hill were burning, and the demons were compelled to
+use their spurs in order to speed their horses from the dangerous
+conflagration.
+
+They did not stop until they had reached the Valla plain--driven to
+their mad gallop by the caricature of the "militiaman"!
+
+"This is a pretty state of affairs!" grumbled De Fervlans. "Mire first,
+then flames, bar our way. _Quis quid peccat, in eo punitur_--he who sins
+will be punished by his sin! I sinned in teaching that monster to strike
+fire. It has made us lose four more hours."
+
+The four hours were of some consequence to the fugitive maid and Ludwig
+Vavel.
+
+Dawn broke before the demons found the road between the groups of hills,
+and when they reached it, they still had before them that half of the
+Hansag which is formed by a series of small lakes.
+
+De Fervlans now became anxious to shorten their route. A lakelet of
+fifty or sixty paces in width is not an impassable hindrance for a
+horseman. Therefore it was not necessary to ride perhaps a thousand
+paces in making a detour of the lakelets--the demons must ride through
+them. How often had he, when following a deer, swam with his horse
+through just such a body of water. Only then it was autumn, and now it
+was spring.
+
+The flora of this marsh country has many species which hide underneath
+the water, and in the springtime send their long stems and tendrils
+toward the surface. De Fervlans was yet to learn that even plants may
+become foes. Those of his demons who were the first to plunge into the
+water suddenly began to call for help. Neither man nor beast can swim
+through a network of growing plants; at every movement they become
+entangled among the clinging tendrils and swaying stems, and sink to the
+bottom unless promptly rescued. The men on shore were obliged to grasp
+the tails of the struggling horses and draw them back to land. De
+Fervlans, who could not be convinced that it was impossible to swim
+across the narrow stretch of water, came very near losing his life among
+the aquatic growths. There was now no likelihood of their reaching the
+highway before sunrise.
+
+There was still another hindrance. The fire in the morass had alarmed
+the entire neighborhood, and the inhabitants were out, to a man,
+fighting the flames which threatened their meadows. Therefore De
+Fervlans, who wished to avoid attracting attention to his troop, was
+obliged to make his way through thickets and over rough byways, which
+was very tedious work.
+
+It was noon when they arrived at the bridge which crossed the Raab half
+a mile from Pomogy. At the farther end of this bridge was the
+custom-house, which was also a public inn.
+
+"We must rest there," said De Fervlans, "or our worn-out beasts will
+drop under us."
+
+Just as the troop rode on to the bridge, two men ran swiftly from the
+custom-house toward the swampy lowland. Before they entered the marsh
+they stopped, and bound long wooden stilts to their feet; and, thus
+equipped, stepped without difficulty from one earth-clod to another. No
+horseman could have followed them across the treacherous ground. De
+Fervlans's adjutant became uneasy when he saw these two men, whose
+actions seemed suspicious to him; but the marquis assured him that they
+were only shepherds whose herds pastured in the marshes.
+
+The troop dismounted at the inn, and demanded of the host whatever he
+had of victuals and drinks. He could offer them nothing better than sour
+cider, mead, and wild ducks' eggs. But when a demon is hungry and
+thirsty, even these will satisfy him. De Fervlans, who had not for one
+instant doubted that his expedition would be successful, spread out his
+map and planned their further march. General Guillaume would have
+received one of his letters at least,--he had sent two, with two
+different couriers in different directions,--and would now be waiting at
+Friedberg for the arrival of the demons and their distinguished captive.
+Therefore the most direct route to that point must be selected. It was
+not likely that any militia troops would be idling about that cart of
+the country; and if there were, the demons could very easily manage
+them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+One of the two men who crossed the morass on stilts was Master Matyas,
+whose distance marches during this campaign were something phenomenal.
+Matyas found Count Vavel with his troop already at Eszterhaza, and
+apprized him at once of De Fervlans's arrival at the bridge-inn. The
+Volons had not yet rested, but they had traveled over passable roads,
+and were not so exhausted. Their leader at once gave orders to mount.
+
+When Ludwig saw that Katharina also prepared to accompany the troop, he
+hurried to her side.
+
+"Don't come any farther, Katharina," he begged. "Remain here, where you
+will be perfectly safe. Something might happen to you when we meet the
+enemy."
+
+Katharina's smiling reply was:
+
+"No, my dear friend. I have paid a very high entrance-fee to see this
+tragedy, for that you will kill Barthelmy Fervlans I am as certain as
+that there is a just God in heaven!"
+
+"But _your_ presence will make me fear at a moment when I must not feel
+afraid--afraid for your safety."
+
+"Oh, don't trouble about yourself. I know you better. When you come in
+sight of the enemy you will forget all about _me_. As for me, I am going
+with you."
+
+The troop now set out on the march through the poplar avenue. When they
+drew near to Pomogy, Vavel sent a squad in advance to act as
+skirmishers, while he, with the rest of his men, took possession of a
+solitary elevation near the road, which was the work of human hands. It
+was composed of the refuse from a soda-factory, and encircled on three
+sides a low building. Vavel concealed his horsemen behind this
+artificial hillock, then, accompanied by Katharina, he ascended to the
+top to take a view of the surrounding country.
+
+He could see through his field-glass the bridge across the Raab and the
+inn at the farther end. The entire region was nothing but morass. A
+trench ran from the highway toward Lake Neusiedl; it could be traced by
+the dense growth of broom along its edges.
+
+"You are my adjutant," jestingly remarked Vavel to Katharina. "I am
+going down now; for if I should be seen here it will be known what is
+behind me. You are a farmer's wife, and will not arouse suspicion; stop
+here, therefore, and take observations with my glass, and keep me
+informed of what happens."
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans was enjoying a tankard of foaming mead when his
+adjutant came hastily into the room with the announcement that some
+troopers were approaching the bridge on the farther side of the river.
+De Fervlans hurried from the inn and gave orders to mount. As yet only
+the crimson hats of the troopers could be seen above the tall reeds on
+the farther shore.
+
+"Those are Vavel's Volons," said De Fervlans, taking a look through his
+glass. "I recognize the uniform from Jocrisse's description. Madame
+Themire has turned traitor, and sent the count to deal with me instead
+of coming herself. Very good! We will show the gentleman that war and
+star-gazing are different occupations. He was a soldier once; but I
+don't think he paid much attention to military tactics, else he would
+not have neglected to occupy yon hill, on which I see a peasant woman
+with a red kerchief over her head. That is an old soda-factory--I know
+the place well. I should n't wonder if Vavel had concealed some men
+there after all! That small body coming this way is evidently bent on a
+skirmishing errand. Well, our tactics will be to lure him from his
+concealment."
+
+He held a consultation with his subordinates; after which he turned
+toward the waiting demons, and called:
+
+"Signor Trentatrante!"
+
+The man came forward--a true type of the gladiator of the Vatican.
+
+"Dismount," ordered the marquis. "Take thirty men, and proceed on foot
+to the farther side of yon thicket, where you will lie in ambush until I
+have begun an assault on the soda-factory over yonder. The men in hiding
+there will show up when we approach; I shall then pretend to retreat,
+and lure them toward the thicket. You will know what to do then--fall
+upon them in the rear. When you have arrived at the thicket let me know.
+Set fire to that tallest clump of reeds near the willow-shrubs."
+
+"All right!" returned the signor. Then he selected thirty of his
+companions, who also dismounted, and they started at once to obey the
+orders of their leader.
+
+The "peasant woman with a red kerchief over her head," who was standing
+on the soda-factory hill, called in a low, clear tone to Ludwig:
+
+"De Fervlans is coming with his troop."
+
+"Then we must prepare a greeting for him," responded Vavel. He ordered
+his men into their saddles, then sallied forth with them to meet the
+enemy.
+
+The two bodies of soldiers moving toward each other were very nearly
+alike in numbers. Neither seemed to be in a particular hurry to begin an
+assault. Suddenly a column of smoke rose from the thicket near the
+bridge--it was the signal De Fervlans was waiting for. He gave orders to
+halt. The next instant there was a rattling salute from the demons'
+carbines. The "peasant woman" on the hill covered her face with both
+hands and shivered. The messengers of death flew about the head of her
+lover, but left him unharmed.
+
+Vavel now moved nearer to the attacking foe, and himself made straight
+for the leader. One of De Fervlans's lieutenants, however, a thick-set,
+sun-browned Sicilian, met the count's assault. There was a little
+sword-play, then Vavel struck his adversary's blade from his hand with a
+force that sent it whizzing through the air, and with his left hand
+thrust the Sicilian, who was reaching for his pistols, from the saddle.
+
+Nor had Vavel's companions been idle the while. The first assault was a
+success for the count's troop. De Fervlans now ordered a retreat. The
+death-heads looked upon this as a victory, and eagerly pursued the
+retreating foe. But the woman on the hill had already perceived that the
+retreat was but a feint. She saw the demons crouching among the reeds in
+the thicket, and guessed their intention.
+
+"Vavel!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "Vavel, take care! Look to
+your rear!"
+
+She imagined that her lover would hear her amid the tumult of the fight.
+
+But Vavel had ears and eyes only for what was in front of him. Nearer
+and nearer he approached to the trap De Fervlans had laid for him. He
+was in it! The trench was behind him now, and the demons in ambush were
+preparing to spring upon their prey.
+
+Katharina could look no longer. She ran down the hill, sprang on her
+mule, and galloped after her lover.
+
+De Fervlans's retreat was conducted in proper order, step by step, from
+earth-clod to earth-clod.
+
+Suddenly Katharina discovered that a mule was an obstinate beast. The
+one she was riding stopped abruptly, and would not advance another step.
+In vain she urged and coaxed. At last she sprang from the saddle, and on
+foot made her way toward the scene of the fray.
+
+At this moment the demons creeping steathily along the trench sprang
+from their concealment, their bayonets ready for action. They were on
+the point of firing a volley into the black backs of the Volons, when a
+rattling fire in their own rear brought down half of them dead and
+wounded. The uninjured on turning found themselves confronted by Satan
+Laczi and his comrades, who, black and slimy from their passage through
+the morass, sprang like tigers upon the foe.
+
+"Strike for their heads!" commanded Satan Laczi, as, with sabers drawn,
+the ex-robbers rushed upon the bewildered demons, who had at last met
+their match.
+
+When De Fervlans heard the firing in the neighborhood of the trench, he
+believed it to come from the muskets of his own men, and quickly sounded
+an attack. The demons, who had been feigning to retreat, now turned and
+met their pursuers, and a hand-to-hand conflict began.
+
+Vavel also had heard the firing behind him, and believed himself
+surrounded by the enemy. He beckoned to his trumpeter, to whom he wished
+to give orders to sound a retreat, but the man's horse unfortunately
+stumbled, and threw his rider to the earth. Three demons, at once sprang
+to capture the fallen trumpeter; but Vavel, who knew how necessary the
+man was to him, hastened to his assistance.
+
+De Fervlans in amazement watched this unequal encounter. A masterly
+conflict arouses admiration even in an enemy; and Vavel certainly
+proved himself a master in the art of fighting.
+
+He fought in cold blood; he was not in the least excited. He made no
+unnecessary thrusts, but wounded his three adversaries in the hand, the
+elbow, the forearm, whereby he rendered them incapable of further
+combat. De Fervlans saw how his skilled demons gave way before Vavel's
+masterly thrusts, while the Volons drew their unfortunate trumpeter from
+beneath his horse, and assisted him to mount again, after they had also
+helped the horse to his feet.
+
+But the trumpet was now useless; it was filled with mud. Consequently a
+signal for retreat could not be sounded.
+
+A dense mass of wild-hop vines inclosed the eastern side of the scene of
+action. De Fervlans glanced impatiently toward this green wall. The
+armed men who should penetrate it would decide the victory.
+
+Even as the thought flashed through his brain, the tangle of vines began
+to shake violently; but the first man to appear therefrom was not Signor
+Trentatrante, as De Fervlans had expected, but Satan Laczi, with his
+ferocious followers.
+
+The attack from this point was so unexpected that De Fervlans for a
+moment seemed stupefied; then quickly recovering himself, he dashed into
+the thick of the fight, Vavel following his example. By this time the
+trumpet had been cleansed, but no orders were received for a retreat
+signal; instead, the sound it shrilled above the fearful turmoil was:
+"Forward! forward!"
+
+With the blood pouring from a gaping wound in his head, Satan Laczi,
+swinging a saber he had captured from a foe, now rushed to meet De
+Fervlans, who at once recognized the former robber.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, preparing to meet the furious onslaught, "you have
+not yet found your way to the gallows!"
+
+"No; here in Hungary only traitors are hanged," retorted Satan Laczi, in
+a loud voice, as, with a mighty leap that would have done credit to a
+horse, he sprang toward the marquis, caught the reins from his hands,
+and with true robber-wit called: "Surrender, brother-rascal!"
+
+De Fervlans raised himself in his stirrups and brought his saber
+savagely down on the robber's head. This was the second serious cut
+Satan Laczi had received that day, and was evidently enough to calm his
+enthusiasm. He staggered to one side, made several vain attempts to
+straighten himself, then fell suddenly to the earth. His own blade,
+however, remained in the breast of De Fervlans's horse, where he had
+thrust it to the hilt.
+
+The marquis hardly had time to leap from the saddle before the poor
+beast fell under him.
+
+All seemed lost now. His men were confused and thrown into disorder. In
+desperation he tore his pistols from the saddle of his fallen horse.
+Only a single shrub separated him from his enemy,--twenty paces,--and De
+Fervlans was a celebrated shot.
+
+Count Vavel saw what was coming, and he too drew his pistol.
+
+"Good night, Chevalier Vavel!" in a mocking tone called De Fervlans, as
+his finger pressed the trigger. There was a sharp report, the ball
+whistled through the air--but Vavel did not fall.
+
+"Accept _my_ greeting, marquis!" responded Vavel, He raised his pistol,
+and fired without taking aim. De Fervlans fell backward to the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When De Fervlans's men saw that their leader had fallen they retreated
+toward the bridge, where a portion of the troop alighted and held at bay
+their pursuers, while the rest tore up and flung into the stream the
+planks of the bridge. Then the men who had prevented the Volons from
+following crossed on foot the narrow lengthwise beam to the opposite
+shore--a feat impossible for a man on horseback.
+
+The spot where the fiercest fighting had occurred was already cleared
+when Katharina arrived upon it. She shuddered with horror, and staggered
+like one who walks in his sleep as she moved about the desert place.
+
+Suddenly she came upon a large wild-rose bush covered with bloom. Close
+by it lay a horse with the hilt of a sword protruding from his breast.
+Near the dead animal lay a metal helmet ornamented with the gilded
+imperial eagle, and a little farther on lay a mud-stained form in a
+uniform of coarse gray cloth, with a gaping wound in his head; his left
+hand clutched the rushes among which he had fallen. As Katharina, in her
+peasant gown, moved timidly across the open space, she heard a voice say
+faintly in Hungarian:
+
+"For God's sake, good woman, give me a drink of water."
+
+Without stopping to question whether he was friend or foe, Katharina
+caught up the metal helmet to fetch the water.
+
+There was water everywhere about her, but it was the filthy water of
+the morass.
+
+Katharina remembered having heard that the shepherds of the Hansag, when
+they were thirsty, cut a reed and thrust it deep into the swampy earth,
+when clear, drinkable water would rise from the lower soil. She
+therefore thrust a long cane into the moist earth, then put her lips to
+it, and sucked up the water. On removing her lips a clear stream shot
+upward from the cane. She held the helmet under this improvised fountain
+until it was full, then returned with it to the rose-bush.
+
+The wounded man was lying on his back, his bloodstained face upturned
+toward the sky. Katharina knelt by his side, and held the helmet to his
+lips.
+
+"Themire!" gasped the wounded man.
+
+At sound of the name a sudden fury seemed to seize the woman.
+
+"De Fervlans!" she cried, in a hoarse voice. "_You!_ you, the accursed
+destroyer of my daughter! May God refuse to forgive you for making of me
+the wretched creature I am!"
+
+As she spoke she raised the helmet, of water above her head, as if she
+would dash it upon the dying man's face; but he turned his head away
+from her furious gaze, and did not stir again.
+
+Slowly Katharina lowered the helmet, and struggled with her excited
+feelings. She looked about her, and saw another motionless form lying
+across a clump of turf. Perhaps he was still alive. Perhaps she might
+help him.
+
+She stepped quickly to his side with the helmet of water and washed the
+blood and mud-stains from his face. Ah, what a hideous face it was! All
+the same, she carefully washed it, then bathed the gaping wounds in his
+head. They were horribly deep, and she was almost overcome by the
+fearful sight. But she looked upward for a moment, and it seemed to her
+as if she recognized amid the fleecy clouds a snow-white form, and heard
+an encouraging voice say:
+
+"That is right, mother. I, too, performed such work."
+
+Then she took her handkerchief and bound it around the wounded man's
+head. While so doing her eyes fell on the steel ring on his thumb.
+
+"Satan Laczi!" she exclaimed.
+
+She put her arms around him, and lifted him to a more comfortable
+position, wondering the while how he came to be there. Had he failed to
+find Marie, whom he was to accompany to Raab? Had Cambray, perhaps,
+prevented her from leaving the castle?
+
+She bent over the wounded man and said:
+
+"Satan Laczi, awake! Look up--come back to life!"
+
+And Satan Laczi was such an obedient fellow, he opened his eyes and saw
+the lady kneeling by his side.
+
+Then he opened his lips, and said in a very weak voice:
+
+"I should like a drink of water."
+
+Katharina made haste to fill the helmet again at her fountain.
+
+"Thank you, sister."
+
+"Look at me, Laczi bácsi;" commanded Katharina, in a cheerful tone.
+"Don't you know me? I am the woman who gave shelter to your wife and
+child. I am little Laczko's foster-mother."
+
+The wounded man smiled faintly, and murmured: "Yes, yes--Laczko--Laczko
+is a fine lad! He came near--shooting me because--because of the maid."
+
+"Tell me what you know about the maid," eagerly questioned Katharina.
+"Where is she?"
+
+The wounded man opened his eyes, and seemed to be trying to recall
+something. After a pause, he said slowly, and with evident difficulty:
+
+"You need n't--trouble about the--pretty maid. Laczko is a brave
+lad--and my wife--my wife is--an honest woman."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," returned Katharina. "A good lad, and an honest
+woman. But tell me, in heaven's name, where is the maid?"
+
+"The maid--Sophie Botta went with--my wife to Raab--they are there
+now--and Laczko too."
+
+How gently the lady bathed the wounded man's face and hands! How
+carefully she renewed the bandages on the horrible wounds!
+
+Ludwig Vavel, who hart approached noiselessly, stood and watched her
+perform the labor of love. He saw, heard, and admired. Then he came
+close to the kneeling woman, and clasped his arms around her.
+
+"My Katharina! Oh, what a woman art thou!"
+
+
+
+
+PART X
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel returned from his skirmish with De Fervlans's demons,
+he sent his betrothed at once to Raab, with instructions not to separate
+herself again from Marie.
+
+He had not been able to accompany Katharina on her journey, as he had
+received marching orders immediately on his return to camp. On parting
+with his betrothed, however, he had promised to pay a visit to her and
+Marie at an early day, and to write to both of them daily.
+
+The first part of his promise he had not been able to fulfil; his time
+was too fully occupied with the duties of the field. But he sent
+frequent messages to his loved ones; while every day, no matter where he
+might be, he would be sure to receive his letter from Raab--one sheet
+covered to the edges with Katharina's writing, and the other with
+Marie's.
+
+Their letters were always cheerful, and filled with hope and confidence
+for the future. Ludwig fancied he could see the scene as Katharina
+described it, when Marie had opened the steel casket.
+
+He knew just how delighted the young girl had been when she beheld
+nothing but ashes instead of the little garments, the documents, the
+portraits, the bank-notes; and he could hear her joyous laugh on finding
+herself relieved of the burden of her greatness. But what he could not
+hear was Katharina reciting his brave exploits during the fierce
+struggle on the Hansag, a recital Marie insisted on hearing every day.
+
+Then the two, Marie and Katharina, would go every morning to church, to
+pray for Ludwig, to ask God to protect him, and bring him safely back to
+them. This was their daily pleasure and consolation.
+
+Then came the bloody days of Karako, Papa, Raab, and Acs. The militia
+troops took active part in all these battles, and proved themselves
+valiant warriors.
+
+Vavel with his Volons had been assigned to Mesko's brigade, and had
+shared its adventurous march from Abda, around Lake Balaton to Veszprim.
+Here he found his spy and scout, Master Matyas, awaiting him.
+
+For weeks he had not had a word from his loved ones. When he had sent
+them to Raab he believed he had selected a secure haven for them, but
+the course which events had taken proved that he had made a mistake in
+his calculations. Katharina and Marie were now surrounded on all sides
+by the enemy.
+
+It was while he was oppressed with these gloomy thoughts that his spy
+and scout suddenly appeared before him. Noah in his ark had not looked
+more longingly for the dove than had he for his brave Matyas.
+
+"Well, Master Matyas, what news?"
+
+"All sorts, Herr Count."
+
+"Good or bad?"
+
+"Well, mixed. Both good and bad. I will leave the good till the last. To
+begin: Poor Satan Laczi was buried yesterday--may God have mercy on his
+sinful soul! They fired three salvos over his grave, and the primate
+himself said the prayers for his soul. If Satan Laczi himself could have
+seen it all, he could hardly have believed that so much honor would be
+shown to his dead body. Poor Laczi! His last words were a greeting to
+his kind patron."
+
+"His life closed well!" observed the count. "He got what he longed
+for--a soldier's death. But tell me what you know about Raab."
+
+"I know all about it. I come from there."
+
+"Ah, did you see them? Has not the enemy besieged the city?"
+
+"Yes; the city as well as the fortress is in the hands of the enemy, and
+the baroness and the princess are both in it."
+
+"Who told you to call her a princess?" demanded Count Vavel, his face
+darkening.
+
+"I will come to that all in good time," composedly replied Matyas, who
+was not to be hurried. "Colonel Pechy," he went on, "bravely defended
+the fortress for ten days against the Frenchmen; but he had to yield at
+last--"
+
+"Where are Katharina and Marie?" impatiently interrupted Vavel. "What
+became of them when the city capitulated?"
+
+"All in good time, Herr Count, all in good time! I can tell you all
+about them, for I am just come from them."
+
+"Were they in any danger?"
+
+"Danger? No, indeed! When the city surrendered they were concealed in a
+house where they passed as the nieces of the Herr Vice-palatine
+Görömbölyi."
+
+"Is the vice-palatine with them now?"
+
+"Certainly. He has surrendered, too."
+
+"Excellent man! Who commands the Frenchmen at Raab?"
+
+"General Guillaume--"
+
+"General Guillaume?" excitedly interrupted Vavel.
+
+"Yes, certainly; Guillaume--that is his name. And he is a very polite
+gentleman. He does not ill-treat the citizens; on the contrary, the very
+next day after he entered the city he gave a ball in the large hotel,
+and invited all the distinguished citizens with their wives and
+daughters. The Herr Count's dear ones also received an invitation."
+
+"As the nieces of the vice-palatine, of course?"
+
+"Not exactly! I saw the invitation-card, and it was to 'Madame la
+Comtesse de Alba, avec la Princesse Marie.'"
+
+"Princess Marie?" echoed Vavel.
+
+"As I tell you; and that is how I come to know she is a princess."
+
+Vavel's brain seemed paralyzed. He could not even think.
+
+"The vice-palatine," nonchalantly continued Matyas, "protested that a
+mistake had been made; but the French general replied that he knew very
+well who the ladies were, and that he had received instructions how to
+treat them. From that day, two French grenadiers began to guard the
+baroness's door, day and night, just exactly as if they were standing
+guard over a potentate."
+
+Vavel paced the floor, mute with rage and fear.
+
+"Why did I desert them!" he exclaimed at last, in desperation. "Why did
+I not do as Marie wished--flee with her and Katharina into the wide
+world--we three alone!"
+
+"Well, you see you did n't, and this is the way matters stand now,"
+responded Master Matyas. "The general's adjutant visits the house twice
+every day to inquire after the ladies; then he reports to his superior."
+
+"If only Cambray had not died!" ejaculated the count.
+
+"Yes, but I helped to bury him, too," added Matyas, shaking his head.
+
+"Yes, so I was told. How did you manage to get the body from behind the
+metal screen?"
+
+"Oh, that was easy enough. You know the spring is connected with the
+bell in your study; when the screen unrolled, the bell rang. It was only
+necessary to reverse the operation: by pulling the bell-wire in the
+Herr Count's study the screen was rolled up."
+
+"A very simple arrangement, indeed," observed Count Vavel, smiling in
+spite of his gloom. "Ah, Master Matyas, if only you were clever enough
+to open for me the locks which now imprison my dear ones! That would be
+a masterpiece, indeed!"
+
+"I can do that easily enough," was the confident rejoinder.
+
+"You can? How?"
+
+"Did n't I say I would leave the good news until the last?"
+
+"Yes, yes. Tell me what you have in view."
+
+"I must whisper the secret in your ear; I have often overheard important
+secrets listening at the keyhole or while hiding under a bed, and what I
+have done another may be doing."
+
+Vavel bent his head so that Master Matyas might whisper the important
+information in his ear.
+
+The words were few, but they served to restore Vavel to a cheerful mood.
+
+He laughed heartily, slapped Master Matyas on the shoulder, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"You are truly a wonderful fellow!" Then he took a roll of bank-notes
+from his pocket, and pressed it into Matyas's hand. "Here--take these,
+and buy what is necessary. We will make the attempt at once."
+
+Master Matyas thrust the money into his own pocket, and darted from the
+room as if he had stolen it. Ludwig hastened to his general, to beg for
+leave of absence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+"Everything is ready," said Master Matyas to Vavel, pointing toward
+three covered luggage-wagons, which the Volons had captured from the
+Frenchmen at Klein-Zell.
+
+The "Death-head troop," as Vavel's Volons were designated, marched in
+the rear of the brigade; consequently they could drop out from it any
+time without attracting special notice.
+
+To-day the brigade marched toward Palota, and the Volons turned into the
+road which led to Zircz. They seemed, however, to have been swallowed up
+by the Bakonye forest, for nothing was seen again of them after they
+entered it. The inhabitants of Ratota still repeat tales of the handsome
+troopers--every man of them a true Magyar!--who rode through their
+village to the sound of the trumpet, nodding to the pretty girls, and
+paying gold coin for their refreshment at the inn. But the dwellers in
+Zircz complained that, instead of Magyar troopers, a squad of hostile
+cavalry passed through their village--Frenchmen in blue mantles, with
+cocks' feathers in their helmets, with a commandant who had given all
+sorts of orders that no one could understand. Luckily, the prior of the
+Premonstrants could speak French, and he acted as interpreter for the
+French commandant. And everybody felt relieved when he marched farther
+with his troop.
+
+These were the transformed Volons. They had exchanged their crimson
+shakos in the dense forest for the French helmets, and wrapped
+themselves in the blue mantles taken from the luggage-wagons. No one
+would have doubted that they were French _chasseurs_--even the trumpeter
+sounded the calls according to the regulations in the armies of France.
+
+Master Matyas hurried on in advance of the troop to learn if the way was
+clear. It would have been equally unpleasant to have met either
+Hungarian or French soldiery. They encountered neither, however; and at
+daybreak on the second day arrived at the village of Börcs, on the
+Rabcza, where is an interesting monument of times long past--a redoubt
+of considerable extent, in the center of which stands the village
+church.
+
+Vavel's troop camped within this redoubt, where they could escape
+attracting attention. The country about them, for a long distance, was
+occupied by French troops.
+
+The highway which led to Raab might be seen from the steeple of the
+church, and here Vavel took up his station with a field-glass.
+
+He had not been long in his tower of observation when he saw a heavy
+cloud of dust moving along the highway, and very soon was able to
+distinguish a body of horsemen. It was a company of cuirassiers, whose
+polished breastplates glittered in the sunlight like stars. The company
+was divided into two squads: one rode in front of a four-horse
+traveling-coach, the other in the rear of it.
+
+There were two ladies in the coach. The elder of the two shielded her
+face from the dust with a heavy veil; the younger lady wore no veil over
+her pale face, but held in front of it a fan, from behind which she took
+an occasional look at the variegated plain, where the ripening grain,
+blended with the green of the meadows, formed a rich, carpet on either
+side of the road.
+
+The young officer riding beside the coach sought to entertain the elder
+lady with observations on the country through which they were passing,
+and from time to time exchanged tender glances with the younger. These
+ladies were the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. They were on
+their way to Raab, where they expected an addition to their party in the
+person of _la Princesse Marie_, whom they were going to accompany to
+Paris. The troop of cuirassiers was their escort.
+
+"There come some _chasseurs_ on a foraging expedition," observed the
+young officer, pointing toward a body of horsemen that was approaching
+across the green plain.
+
+And, judging from the appearance of the riders, he was right; for the
+Volons, in order to deceive the Frenchmen, were bringing with them a
+couple of loaded hay-wagons, which they were dragging through the middle
+of the highway.
+
+While yet a considerable distance away from the approaching _chasseurs_,
+the postilions began to blow their horns for a clear way.
+
+The hay-wagons were turned, in obedience to the signal, but, in turning,
+the second one ran into the one in advance with such force that the pole
+was broken clean off.
+
+In front of the barricade thus formed Vavel halted his men, and
+commanded them to throw off their French cloaks and helmets. In a second
+the order was obeyed; the crimson shakos with their grim death-heads
+were donned, and the troop dashed forward upon the escort accompanying
+the coach.
+
+The astonished cuirassiers, who were wholly unprepared for the assault,
+were soon overpowered by the Volons, who also outnumbered them.
+
+The youthful leader had at once placed himself in front of the coach,
+ready for combat with the leader of the attacking foe, and Vavel was
+obliged to exercise all his skill to disarm without injuring him.
+
+At the moment when the young French champion's sword flew from his hand,
+the younger lady, forgetting all ceremony, cried in terror:
+
+"_Oh mon Dieu, ne tuez pas Arthur!_"
+
+Ludwig Vavel turned toward her, bowed courteously, and said in Talma's
+most exquisite French:
+
+"Do not be alarmed, ladies. You are perfectly safe. We are Hungarian
+gentlemen!"
+
+"But what do you want of us?" demanded the elder lady, haughtily
+surveying the count. "What business have we with you? We do not belong
+to the combatants."
+
+"I will tell this brave young chevalier what I want," replied Vavel,
+turning toward the youthful leader. "First, let me restore your sword,
+monsieur. You handle it admirably, only you need to grasp it more
+firmly. Then, let me beg of you to mount your horse--a beautiful animal!
+And third, I beg you to ride as quickly as possible to Raab, and give
+General Guillaume this message: 'I, Count Vavel de Versay, have this day
+taken captive the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. The general
+holds as prisoners my betrothed wife, Countess Themire Dealba, and my
+adopted daughter, Sophie Botta, or, if he prefers, _la Princess Marie_.
+I demand my loved ones in exchange for Madame and Mademoiselle
+Guillaume.' I have no further demands, monsieur, and the sooner you
+return the better. I shall await you in yonder redoubt, where you see
+the church-steeple. Adieu."
+
+The younger lady, with hands clasped pleadingly, mutely besought the
+youthful officer to assent. As if he would not do everything in his
+power to urge the general to consent to the exchange! The young
+Frenchman galloped down the road toward Raab. Count Vavel took his place
+beside the coach, and ordered the postilions to drive to Börcs. At
+first, the general's wife heaped reproaches on her captor.
+
+"This is a violation of national courtesies," she exclaimed irately. "It
+is brigandage, to waylay and take as prisoners two distinguished women."
+
+"Madame's husband has also detained as prisoners two distinguished
+women," in a respectful tone responded Vavel.
+
+"But my daughter is so nervous."
+
+"There is not a more timid creature in the world than my poor little
+Marie."
+
+"At all events, monsieur, you are a Frenchman, and know what is due to
+ladies of our station."
+
+"In that respect, madame, I shall follow General Guillaume's example."
+
+They were now among the gardens of Börcs, where the cherry-trees,
+heavily laden with fruit, rose above the tall hedges; and very soon they
+turned into a beautiful street shaded by walnut-trees, which led to the
+redoubt. The parsonage was the only house of importance in the village.
+The pastor was standing at his door when Vavel ordered the coach to
+stop. He assisted the ladies to alight, and begged the pastor to grant
+them the hospitality of his roof. The request was not refused, and the
+ladies were made as comfortable as possible.
+
+"Do you care to see the sights of the village, madame?" asked Vavel of
+the mother, after they had partaken of the lunch prepared by the
+pastor's housekeeper. The young lady, who was exhausted by the journey,
+had gone to her room. "There is a very old church here which is
+interesting."
+
+"Are there any fine pictures in it?" inquired madame.
+
+"There is one,--a very touching scene,--'The Samaritan.'"
+
+"Ancient or modern?" queried the lady.
+
+"The subject is old--it dates back to the first years of Christianity,
+madame. The execution is modern."
+
+"Is it the work of a celebrated artist?"
+
+"No; it is the work of our clerical host."
+
+The lady shook her head; she was uncertain whether Count Vavel was
+making sport of her or of the pastor.
+
+But she understood him when she entered the church. The house
+consecrated to the service of God had become a hospital, and was crowded
+with wounded French soldiers. The women of the village, as volunteer
+nurses, were taking care of them, and performed the task as faithfully
+as if the invalids were their own sons and brothers. The pastor himself
+supplied the necessary medicines from his own cupboard; for no army
+surgeon came here at a time when twenty thousand wounded Frenchmen lay
+at Aspern, and twenty-two thousand at Wagram.
+
+"Is it not an affecting tableau, madame?" said Count Vavel. "It would be
+a suitable altar-piece for Notre Dame--and the name of its creator
+deserves perpetuation!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Monsieur le Capitaine Descourcelles rode an excellent horse, was a
+capital rider, and was plainly very much in love. These three
+circumstances combined brought back the gallant soldier from Raab by
+five o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+The captain of the cuirassiers was not a little surprised to find the
+general's wife playing cards with the hostile leader.
+
+"General Guillaume agrees to everything," he announced immediately, on
+entering the room. "He will release the ladies he has been holding as
+prisoners."
+
+Vavel hastened to shake hands with the bearer of these glad tidings, who
+was, however, more eager to kiss the hand of Vavel's partner, and to
+inquire:
+
+"I hope I find the ladies perfectly comfortable?"
+
+"Very comfortable indeed," replied madame. "_Messieurs les Cannibales_
+are very polite, and _leur Catzique_ plays an excellent hand at piquet."
+
+"And where is mademoiselle? I trust she is not suffering from the
+fatigue of the journey?"
+
+"Oh, no; she is very well. She is making her toilet, and will soon join
+us. I hope we shall leave here very soon."
+
+Madame now rose, and left the two soldiers alone in the room.
+
+"Here," observed the French captain, handing Vavel a paper, "is the
+_sauf conduit_."
+
+The pass contained the information that "Vavel de Versay, expatriated
+French nobleman and magnate of Hungary, together with the Countess
+Themire Dealba (alias Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild) and Sophie
+Botta (pretended Princess Marie Charlotte Capet), with attendants, were
+to be allowed to travel unmolested by any French troops they might
+chance to meet."
+
+Ludwig Vavel looked at this document a long time.
+
+"Do you doubt the assurance of a French officer, monsieur?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"No; I was just unable to understand why a word had been used here. I
+dare say it is a mistake. But no matter. I am greatly obliged to you."
+
+"Pray don't speak of it," responded the Frenchman, cordially shaking the
+hand Vavel extended toward him. "I must not forget to tell you that a
+four weeks' armistice was agreed upon to-day."
+
+The ladies now entered the room, prepared to continue their journey. The
+face of the younger one wore a more cheerful expression than on her
+arrival at the parsonage. Madame thanked Vavel for his courtesy, then,
+with her daughter, entered the carriage and drove away.
+
+Madame Guillaume was forgetful: she neglected to take leave of her host
+the pastor, and of her wounded countrymen in the church.
+
+Vavel communicated the news of the armistice to his adjutant, and
+commanded him to return at once with the Volons to Fertöszeg, there to
+quarter themselves in the Nameless Castle, and await further orders.
+Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by Master Matyas, galloped
+out of the village.
+
+Twilight had deepened into night when the two men arrived at Raab. The
+clocks were striking eight, and the French trumpets were sounding the
+retreat at every gate. Vavel, therefore, would not be allowed to enter
+the city until the next morning; but Master Matyas, who did not stop to
+inquire which was the proper way when he wanted to go anywhere, knew of
+a little garden that belonged to a certain tanner, and very soon found
+an entrance along a rather circuitous route among the tan-vats.
+
+Vavel had already seen battered walls, and dwellings ruined by bombs and
+flames, yet the thought that he should find his loved ones amid these
+smoke-blackened ruins oppressed his heart.
+
+The two men attracted no attention. In the last days there had been many
+strangers in the city, deputations from the militia camps, to assist in
+establishing the line of demarcation. Master Matyas, without difficulty,
+led the way among the ruins to the neat little abode where the worthy
+vice-palatine had established his protégés. When they came within sight
+of the house Matyas observed:
+
+"The two Frenchmen with their bearskin caps are not on guard to-day. The
+vice-palatine's servant seems to be doing sentry-duty."
+
+Vavel applied his spurs and cantered briskly toward the house, but
+moderated his speed when he came nearer. He remembered how easily Marie
+was frightened by the clatter of horse-hoofs.
+
+At the corner of the street he alighted, and cautioning Matyas to
+exercise slowly the fatigued horses, proceeded on foot to the house.
+
+The servant on guard at the door saluted in military fashion with drawn
+sword. Ludwig hurried into the house. In the hall he encountered the
+little Laczko, who, at sight of the visitor, dropped the boot and brush
+he held in his hands, and disappeared through a door at the end of the
+hall. Vavel followed him, and found himself in the kitchen, where the
+widow of Satan Laczi also dropped to the floor the cooking-utensil she
+had in her hand.
+
+The count did not stop to question her, but went on into the adjoining
+room, whence proceeded the sound of voices, and here he found three
+acquaintances--the vice-palatine, Dr. Tromfszky, and the surveyor, Herr
+Doboka. The three started in alarm when they beheld Vavel. The doctor
+even made as if he would rush from the room--as when in the Nameless
+Castle the furious invalid had seized his groom by the throat.
+
+The expressions on the three startled countenances brought a sudden fear
+to Ludwig's heart.
+
+"Is any one ill here?" he asked.
+
+The vice-palatine and the doctor looked at each other, but did not
+speak; the surveyor began to stammer:
+
+"I say--I say that--"
+
+"Is Marie ill?" interrupted Vavel, excitedly.
+
+Herr Bernat silently nodded assent, and pointed toward the door leading
+into the next room.
+
+Vavel did not stop to inquire further, but strode into the adjoining
+chamber.
+
+What a familiar little room it was, another fairy-like retreat like that
+of the Nameless Castle! Here were Marie's toys, her furniture; the four
+cats were purring in the window-seat, and the two pugs lay dozing on the
+sofa.
+
+A canopy-bed stood in the alcove, and among the pillows lay Marie.
+Katharina was sitting by the bedside.
+
+"Oh, God!" cried Vavel, in a tone so full of anguish that every one who
+heard it, man, woman, and child, burst into tears. The invalid among the
+pillows alone laughed--laughed aloud for joy.
+
+And had she not cause to rejoice? Ludwig--_her_ Ludwig--did not hasten
+first to embrace and kiss his betrothed wife. No, _she_, his little
+Marie, was the first!
+
+He flung himself on his knees by the bed and covered the pale face with
+kisses and tears.
+
+"Oh, my dearest! My adored saint! My idol!" he sobbed, while Marie's
+face glowed with the purest earthly happiness.
+
+She pressed Ludwig's head to her breast and whispered soothingly:
+
+"Don't grieve, Ludwig; I am not going to die. I have not got that horrid
+influenza poor papa Cambray brought with him from Paris. I took a little
+cold the night we ran away from the bombs; but I shall soon be well
+again, now that you are come. I want to live, Ludwig, and you, who
+rescued me from death once before, will know how to do it again."
+
+Katharina laid her hand tenderly on the maid's head, and said gently:
+
+"Don't talk any more now, dearest; you know you must not excite
+yourself."
+
+Marie grasped the white hand and drew it down to Ludwig's lips.
+
+"Kiss it, Liadwig; kiss this dear, good hand. Oh, she has been a good
+little mother to me! She has wept so much because of me. If only you
+knew what she had planned to do when they were going to tear me away
+from her! But that danger is past, and now that you are come everything
+will be well. We have been reading about you, Ludwig. What a hero you
+are--our knight, St. George! I have n't been really ill, you know,
+Ludwig; it was only anxiety about you. I shall soon be well again.
+Please tell the doctor I don't need any more medicine. I want to get
+up--I feel strong already. I want to put on my gown; then I will take
+your arm and Katharina's, and we three will promenade to the window. I
+want to see the evening star. Please send Frau Satan to me; she can lift
+me more easily than Katharina, for I am very heavy. Ludwig, take
+Katharina into the next room while I am dressing. I know you have much
+to say to each other."
+
+Frau Satan now entered in answer to the summons. The doctor had ordered
+that the invalid's wishes must be obeyed.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina went into the next room. They looked long into each
+other's eyes, and in the gaze lay many of the thoughts which, if they
+cannot be told to the one person on earth, are never heard by any one
+else. Suddenly Katharina, without word of warning, dropped on her knees
+at her lover's feet, seized his hand, and laid her face against it.
+
+"You are my guardian angel," she whispered (the invalid in the next room
+must not be disturbed by the sound of voices); "you have rescued that
+saint from her enemies and saved me from perdition. Oh, Ludwig, if only
+you knew what I have suffered! Marie's every sigh, the feverish words
+uttered in her delirium, have been so many accusations oppressing my
+heart. These have been terrible days! To be compelled hourly to dread
+either of two horrible blows, and to have to pray to God that, if both
+could not be averted, to let the milder one fall! Death would have been
+welcome, indeed, compared to the other one. To listen tremblingly, hour
+after hour, for the knock at the door which would announce the messenger
+sent to bear Marie to Paris, or death with his scythe to bear her to the
+grave! And then to have to look on her sufferings, and hear her pray for
+her betrayer! Oh, it was terrible, terrible! Ludwig, you are just--as
+God is just. I have suffered as any woman in the Bible suffered. You
+have taken my load of sorrow from me, have released my heart from the
+tortures of perdition. All the evil I have done, you have made good.
+Therefore, do you pronounce judgment on me. Condemn me or forgive me. I
+deserve both; I will accept either at your hands."
+
+Without a word Ludwig Vavel raised the woman to her feet, clasped her in
+his arms, and pressed his lips to hers in a long, long kiss. In it were
+forgiveness, love, union.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the adjoining room came the sounds of a piano. Some one was playing
+the hymn of the Hungarian militia.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina hurried into the room. Marie was seated at the
+piano, arrayed in her favorite blue gown. Her transparent hands hovered
+over the ivory keys, and lured from them the melancholy air, to which
+she sang, in a voice that seemed to come from the distant clouds:
+
+    "Was kleinliche Bosheit ausgedacht,
+    Hat unserer Liebe ein Ende gemacht."
+
+At the last word her arms sank to her sides; the exertion had completely
+exhausted her. But she struggled bravely to overcome her weakness. She
+smiled brightly at Ludwig and Katharina, and said:
+
+"This melancholy song was not intended for you two. It was only to show
+Ludwig how I have improved. You two will love each other very dearly,
+won't you? And you will go far, far away from here, and leave 'Marie'
+buried in her tomb. I don't mean myself; I mean the troublesome girl who
+has made so much ill feeling in the world, because of whom so many
+people have suffered; the girl whose ashes rest there in the steel
+casket, and whose life was so sad that she had no desire to live longer.
+But 'Sophie' is going with you out into the world. She will see how
+happy you two can be. And now, help me to the window; I want to look at
+the evening star,"
+
+They rolled her arm-chair to the window, and Vavel opened the sash to
+admit the fresh air from the garden.
+
+Marie clasped Ludwig's and Katharina's hands in both her own, and
+whispered in a faint voice:
+
+"You will forget the past, will you not? or think of it only as a
+dream--a disagreeable dream. And don't go back to the Nameless Castle.
+The veiled woman, the locked doors, the silent man, the telescope, the
+lonely promenades in the garden--all, all were dreams. Don't think of
+them! Forget them all! The clanking swords, the thunder of cannons--all
+these were not. We only dreamed it. We never lived under the shadow of a
+throne. Who was Marie? A sovereign of cats, and crown princess in the
+realm of little dogs and birds--a nursery tale to tell naughty little
+children who will not go to sleep! But Sophie Botta will be here
+to-morrow, and the next day, and always; she will be with you, the
+silly, stupid little maid, who can do nothing but obey those whom she
+loves with all her heart."
+
+Vavel with difficulty refrained from giving voice to his overwhelming
+grief.
+
+"Just see," Marie continued in a gay tone, "how much better I am!
+Heretofore, when the hour came for the evening star to appear, the fever
+would come too, and to-day it has failed to come with the star. Joy has
+cured me. Don't take your hands away from me, Ludwig--Katharina. They
+will--hold me--hold me--fast."
+
+But they did not "hold her fast."
+
+And why should such a being remain on this earth--a being that could do
+naught else but love and renounce, adoring her nation even when it
+persecuted her?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A dark thunder-cloud rose above the horizon out over the Hansag. The sky
+looked like a vaulted ceiling hung with mourning draperies. From time
+to time a distant flash of lightning illumined the cloud-curtain, then
+would be heard the rumbling of thunder, like the deep tones of a distant
+organ.
+
+Under the threatening sky lay the glittering lake. Its surface of
+quicksilver was streaked here and there with black shadows--the track of
+the wind-gusts racing across it. The trees were rustling in the wind,
+making a sound like a distant choral.
+
+On the shore of Lake Neusiedl stood the Volons in rank and file. They
+were waiting for something that was coming from the farther shore of the
+little cove.
+
+Presently the glistening surface of the water was ruffled by a black
+object that pushed out from the shore. It was a boat. Six men were
+rowing, a seventh held the rudder. There was a coffin in the boat,
+covered with a simple pall. No ostentatious trappings ornamented the
+coffin; only a myrtle wreath lay on it. A woman, sat at the head of it,
+another at the foot--the former a lady, the latter a peasant wife.
+
+The six men, with even and powerful strokes, sent the craft through the
+ripples which occasionally leaped into the boat, as if they would salute
+her who had so often toyed with them.
+
+At the moment the boat touched the shore the storm burst. Vivid
+lightning illumined the heavy downpour of rain, and it seemed as if the
+black-robed forms bore the coffin to its grave amid a flood of
+harpstrings that reached from heaven to earth.
+
+The two weeping women followed the coffin; at a little distance they
+seemed two shadows. The helmsmen of the funeral boat now stepped to the
+head of the grave and opened his lips to speak, but a heavy peal of
+thunder drowned his voice. When it had ceased he said:
+
+"My brave comrades, you are here to pay a last honor to your patroness.
+There is nothing left for us to fight for. Peace has been proclaimed.
+The conqueror takes from you a plot of ground twenty-four hundred square
+miles in extent. The one lying here takes from you only six feet of
+earth. To you remain your tattered flag and your wounds. Return to your
+homes. My sword has finished its work, and will accompany the saint for
+whom it was drawn!"
+
+As he spoke he broke the keen blade in twain and cast the pieces into
+the grave, adding impressively, "May God give us forgetfulness, and may
+we be forgotten!"
+
+The Volons fired three salvos over the grave, the reverberating thunder
+and the flashing lightning mingling with the noise of the muskets.
+
+When the storm had passed the moon rose in a cloudless sky. Only the
+waves, which had been stirred by the tempest, continued to murmur to
+their favorite who was sleeping peacefully in her grave on the shore.
+
+Marie had asked to be buried on the grassy slope by the side of her old
+friend the Marquis d'Avoncourt, and that no other monument should mark
+her resting-place save the imperishable tree which turns to stone after
+it dies.
+
+And what could have been graven on her tomb? A name that was not hers? A
+history that was not true?
+
+Or would it have been well to carve on the marble her true life-history,
+that those who would not believe it might wage a lawsuit against an
+epitaph?
+
+No; it was better so. No one would ever learn what had become of her.
+
+Vavel had prayed for forgetfulness--that he might be forgotten.
+
+His prayer was granted.
+
+For a few years afterward tales were repeated about Sophie Botta, and
+some of her kinsfolk came from a distance to claim the sum of money
+Vavel had placed in the hands of the authorities for the young girl's
+heirs. But none of the claimants could produce satisfactory proofs of
+kinship, and after a while Sophie Botta was forgotten by all the world,
+as were Count Vavel and Katharina.
+
+The Nameless Castle as well vanished from the face of the earth, as have
+entire villages which once stood on the treacherous shores of Lake
+Neusiedl.
+
+Gradually, imperceptibly, the castle disappeared; gradually,
+imperceptibly, bastion after bastion vanished, until not even the stone
+hand which held aloft the sword in the noble escutcheon, or the towering
+weathervane, could be seen above the placid waters of the lake.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jókai
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jókai
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nameless Castle
+
+Author: Maurus Jókai
+
+Release Date: November 15, 2004 [EBook #14048]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS CASTLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders.
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="500" height="866" alt="Dr Maurus J&oacute;kai" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>WORKS OF MAURUS J&Oacute;KAI</h2>
+
+<h4>HUNGARIAN EDITION</h4>
+
+<h1>THE NAMELESS CASTLE</h1>
+
+<center><i>Translated from the Hungarian</i></center>
+
+<center><i>Under the Author's supervision</i></center>
+
+<center><i>By</i></center>
+
+<h3>S.&nbsp;E. BOGGS</h3>
+
+
+<center>NEW YORK</center>
+<center>DOUBLEDAY, PAGE &amp; COMPANY</center>
+<center>1898</center>
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+
+<h2><a name="INTRODUCTION" id="INTRODUCTION" /></a>INTRODUCTION</h2>
+
+<h3>TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY WORKS</h3>
+
+
+<p>This is not the first occasion upon which it has been my good fortune to
+win appreciation and approval for my works from the reading public of
+the United States. Up to the present, however, it has often been under
+difficulties; for many of my works which have been published in the
+English tongue were not translated from the original Hungarian text,
+while others, through want of a final perusal, were introduced to the
+public marred by numerous faults.</p>
+
+<p>In the present edition we have striven to give the English reading
+public a correct translation, for which an authorized text has been
+utilized by the Doubleday &amp; McClure Co., who have sole right for
+publishing future English translations of my books.</p>
+
+<p>Between the United States and Hungary we discover many common traits:
+the same state-creative energy in the predominant people, which finds
+expression in constitutional forms, relying upon the love of freedom,
+which unites so many different races in one uniform whole; the same
+independent institutions; the same ideas in religion, in ethics; the
+same respect for women, the same esteem of labor, the same mental
+culture; a striving after progress, yet side by side with this a high
+respect for traditions; the same poetry of agriculture, the same prose
+of industry; rapid progress of both, and in consequence thereof an
+impetuous growth of towns.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, while we find so many common traits between America and Hungary in
+the great field of theory, those typical figures which here in Hungary
+represent such theories must make a novel and extraordinary <i>entr&eacute;e</i> in
+the New World, that they may deserve to win the interest of the foreign
+reader.</p>
+
+<p>Hungary still represents a piece and parcel of the Old World; she is not
+so much Europe as a modern Asia. My novels centre round those peculiar
+figures of Hungarian common life; and in every work of mine a bit of
+history of true common life will be found described. I have had a
+particular delight, however, in occupying myself with foreign countries,
+especially with the East. There have been years when I was compelled to
+choose subjects for novel-writing in foreign parts.</p>
+
+<p>In English and in Hungarian literature we find a common trait in that
+humor which is discovered also in the tragic; a characteristic of the
+nation itself.</p>
+
+<p>It is with perfect confidence and in good hope that I present my present
+work (translated so faithfully) before the much-esteemed English reading
+public. May God bless that home of freedom, by whose example we have
+learnt how to unite the greatness of the state with the welfare of the
+people.</p>
+
+<p>DR. MAURUS JOKAI.</p>
+
+<p>BUDAPEST, May 11th, 1898.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="DR_MAURUS_JOKAI" id="DR_MAURUS_JOKAI" /></a>DR. MAURUS JOKAI</h2>
+
+<h3>A Sketch</h3>
+
+
+<p>To a man who has earned such titles as "The Shakespeare of Hungary" and
+"The Glory of Hungarian Literature"; who published in fifty years three
+hundred and fifty novels, dramas, and miscellaneous works, not to
+mention innumerable articles for the press that owes its freedom chiefly
+to him, it seems incredible that there was ever a time of indecision as
+to what career he was best fitted to follow. The idle life of the
+nobility into which Maurus J&oacute;kay was born in 1825 had no attractions for
+a strongly intellectual boy, fired with zeal and energy that carried him
+easily to the head of each class in school and college; nor did he feel
+any attraction for the prosaic practice of law, his father's profession,
+to which Austria's despotism drove many a nobleman in those wretched
+days for Hungary. It was P&eacute;tofi, the poet, who was his dearest friend
+during the student-life at P&aacute;pa; idealism ever attracted him, and, by
+natural gravitation toward the finest minds, he chose the friendship of
+young men who quickly rose into eminence during the days of revolution
+and invasion that tried men's souls.</p>
+
+<p>For a time J&oacute;kay, as he then wrote his name, was undecided whether to
+choose literature or art as an outlet for the idealism, imagination, and
+devotion that overflowed in two directions from this boy of seventeen.
+With some of the inherited artistic talent, which in his relative
+Munkacsy amounted to genius, he felt most inclined toward painting and
+sculpture, and finally consecrated himself to them. In his library at
+Budapest there now stands a small, well-executed bust of his wife in
+ivory; and on the walls hang several landscapes and still-life
+paintings, which he showed with a smile to an American visitor, who
+stood silent before them last winter, hoping for some inspiration of
+speech that would reconcile politeness with veracity and her own ideals
+of good art. If a "deep love for art and an ardent desire to excel" will
+"more than compensate for the want of method," to quote Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, then J&oacute;kay would have been a great painter indeed. While he
+never was that, his chisel and brushes have remained a recreation and
+delight to him always.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently he was diverted from art to literature by a trifle; but in
+the light of later developments it is simple enough to see which was
+really the greater force working within. The Academy of Arts and
+Sciences, founded by Sz&eacute;cheni, offered a prize for the best drama, and
+J&oacute;kay won it. He was then seventeen, for careers began early in olden
+times. When twenty-one his first novel, "Work Days," met with great
+applause; other romances quickly followed, and, as they dealt with the
+social and political tendencies that fanned the revolution into flame
+two years later, their success was instantaneous. His true
+representations of Hungarian life and character, his passionate love of
+liberty, his lofty idealism for his crushed and lethargic country,
+aroused a great wave of patriotism like a call to arms, and consecrated
+him to work with his pen for the freedom of the common people.
+Henceforth paint-brushes were cast aside.</p>
+
+<p>P&eacute;tofi and J&oacute;kay, teeming with great ideas, quickly attracted other
+writers and young men of the university about them, and, each helping
+the other, brought about a bloodless revolution that secured, among
+other inestimable boons, the freedom of a censored, degraded press. And
+yet the only act of violence these young revolutionists committed was in
+entering a printing establishment and setting up with their own hands
+the type for P&eacute;tofi's poem, that afterward became the war-song of the
+national movement. At that very establishment was soon to be printed a
+proclamation granting twelve of their dearest wishes to the people. From
+this time J&oacute;kay changed the spelling of his name to J&oacute;kai, <i>y</i> being a
+badge of nobility hateful to disciples of the doctrine of liberty,
+fraternity, equality.</p>
+
+<p>About this time J&oacute;kai married the Rachel of the Hungarian stage, Rosa
+Laborfalvy. The portrait of her that hangs in her husband's famous
+library shows a beautiful woman of intense sensitiveness, into whose
+face some of the sadness of her r&ocirc;les seems to have crept. It was to her
+powers of impersonation and disguise that J&oacute;kai owed his life many years
+later, when, imprisoned and suffering in a dungeon, he was enabled to
+escape in her clothes to join Kossuth in the desperate fight against the
+allied armies of Austria and Russia. Since her death he has lived in
+retirement.</p>
+
+<p>The bloodless revolution of 1848, which suddenly transformed Hungary
+into a modern state, possessing civil and religious liberty for which
+the young idealists led by Kossuth had labored with such passionate
+zeal, was not effected without antagonizing the old aristocracy, all of
+whose cherished institutions were suddenly swept away; or the
+semi-barbaric people of the peasant class, who could little appreciate
+the beneficent reforms. Into the awful civil war that followed, when the
+horrors of an Austrian-Russian invasion were added to the already
+desperate situation, J&oacute;kai plunged with magnificent heroism. Side by
+side with Kossuth, he fought with sword and pen. Those who heard him
+deliver an address at the Peace Congress at Brussels two years ago felt
+through his impassioned eloquence that the man had himself drained the
+bitterest dregs of war.</p>
+
+<p>While Kossuth lived in exile in England and the United States, and many
+other compatriots escaped to Turkey and beyond, J&oacute;kai, in concealment at
+home, writing under an assumed name and with a price on his head,
+continued his work for social reform, until a universal pardon was
+granted by Austria and the saddened idealists once more dared show their
+faces in devastated Hungary.</p>
+
+<p>Ripe with experience and full of splendid intellectual power, J&oacute;kai now
+turned his whole attention to literature. The pages of his novels glow
+with the warmth of the man's intensity of feeling: his pen had been
+touched by a living coal. He knew his country as no other man has known
+it; and transferred its types, its manners, its life in high degree and
+low, to the pages of his romances and dramas with a brilliancy and
+mastery of style that captivated the people, whose idol he still
+remains. Scenes from Turkish life&mdash;in which, next to Hungarian, he is
+particularly interested; historical novels, romances of pure
+imagination, short tales, dramatic works, essays on literature and
+social questions, came pouring from his surcharged brain and heart. The
+very virtues of his work, its intensity, and the boundless scope of its
+imagination, sometimes produce a lack of unity and an improbability to
+which the hypercritical in the West draw attention with a sense of
+superior wisdom; but the Hungarians themselves, who know whereof he
+writes, can see no faults whatever in his work. It is essentially
+idealistic; the true and the beautiful shine through it with radiant
+lustre, in sharp distinction from the scenes of famine and carnage that
+abound. His Turkish stories have been described as "full of blood and
+roses."</p>
+
+<p>Of his more mature productions, the best known are: "A Magyar Nabob";
+"The Fools of Love"; "The New Landlord"; "Black Diamonds"; "A Romance of
+the Coming Century"; "Handsome Michael"; "God is One," in which the
+Unitarians play an important part; "The Nameless Castle," that gives an
+account of the Hungarian army employed against Napoleon in 1809;
+"Captive R&aacute;by," a romance of the times of Joseph II.; and "As We Grow
+Old," the latter being the author's own favorite and, strangely enough,
+the people's also. Dr. J&oacute;kai greatly deplores that what the critics call
+his best work should not have been given to the English-speaking people.</p>
+
+<p>In 1896 Hungary celebrated the completion of his fifty years of literary
+labor by issuing a beautiful jubilee edition of his works, for which the
+people of all grades of society subscribed $100,000. Every county in the
+country sent him memorials in the form of albums wrought in gold and
+precious stones, two hundred of these souvenirs filling one side of the
+author's large library and reception-room. Low bookcases running around
+the walls are filled only with his own publications, the various
+editions of his three hundred and fifty books making a large library in
+themselves. The cabinets hold sketches and paintings sent by the artists
+of Hungary as a jubilee gift; there are cases containing carvings,
+embroidery, lace, and natural-history specimens sent him by the
+peasants, and orders in gold and silver, studded with jewels, with
+autograph letters from the kings and queens of Europe. In the midst of
+all this inspiring display of loving appreciation, Dr. J&oacute;kai has his
+desk; a pile of neatly written, even manuscript ever before him, for in
+his seventy-fourth year he still feels the old-time passion for work
+calling him to it early in the morning and holding him in its spell all
+the day long. A small room adjoining his library contains the books of
+reference he consults, a narrow bed like a soldier's, and a few window
+plants. It might be the room of a monk, so bare is it of what the world
+calls comforts. One devoted man-servant attends to Dr. J&oacute;kai's simple
+wants with abundant leisure to spare.</p>
+
+<p>While in Budapest Dr. J&oacute;kai is seldom seen away from home, except in
+Parliament, where he has a seat in the Upper House, or at the theatre
+where his plays are regularly performed, or at the table of a few dear
+relatives and old-time friends. His life is exceedingly simple and well
+ordered.</p>
+
+<p>Just a little way back on the hills that rise beyond Buda, across the
+Danube and overlooking wide stretches of beautiful, fertile country,
+stands Dr. J&oacute;kai's summer-home. His garden is a paradise. Quantities of
+roses climb over the unpretentious house, the paths are lined with them;
+gay beds of poppies and other familiar favorites in our Western gardens,
+but many new to American eyes, crowd the fruit that grows in delightful
+abundance everywhere, for Dr. J&oacute;kai tends his garden with his own hands,
+and his horticultural wisdom is only second to his knowledge of the
+Turkish wars. His apples, pears, and roses win prizes at all the shows,
+and his little book, "Hints on Gardening," propagates a large crop of
+like-minded enthusiasts year after year. Now, as ever, any knowledge he
+has he shares with the people. After a long life of bitter stress and
+labor, abundant peace has come in the latter days.</p>
+
+<p>Hungary boasts four great men: Liszt, Munkacsy, Kossuth, and J&oacute;kai, who
+was the intimate friend of the other three.</p>
+
+<p>NELTJE BLANCHAN.</p>
+
+<p>NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS" /></a>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<center>I     <a href="#PART_I">CYTHERA'S BRIGADE</a></center>
+<center>II    <a href="#PART_II">THE HOME OF ANECDOTE</a></center>
+<center>III   <a href="#PART_III">THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS</a></center>
+<center>IV    <a href="#PART_IV">SATAN LACZI</a></center>
+<center>V     <a href="#PART_V">ANGE BARTHELMY</a></center>
+<center>VI    <a href="#PART_VI">DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE</a></center>
+<center>VII   <a href="#PART_VII">THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA</a></center>
+<center>VIII  <a href="#PART_VIII">KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?</a></center>
+<center>IX    <a href="#PART_IX">SATAN AND DEMON</a></center>
+<center>X     <a href="#PART_X">CONCLUSION</a></center>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_I" id="PART_I" /></a>PART I</h2>
+
+<h3>CYTHERA'S BRIGADE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>A snow-storm was raging with such vigor that any one who chanced to be
+passing along the silent thoroughfare might well have believed himself
+in St. Petersburg instead of in Paris, in the Rue des Ours, a side
+street leading into the Avenue St. Martin. The street, never a very busy
+one, was now almost deserted, as was also the avenue, as it was yet too
+early for vehicles of various sorts to be returning from the theatre.</p>
+
+<p>The street-lamps on the corners had not yet been lighted. In front of
+one of those old-fashioned houses which belong to a former Paris a heavy
+iron lantern swung, creaking in the wind, and, battling with the
+darkness, shed flickering rays of light on the child who, with a faded
+red cotton shawl wrapped about her, was cowering in the deep doorway of
+the house. From time to time there would emerge from the whirling
+snowflakes the dark form of a man clad as a laborer. He would walk
+leisurely toward the doorway in which the shivering child was concealed,
+but would turn when he came to the circle of light cast on the snowy
+pavement by the swinging lantern, and retrace his steps, thus appearing
+and disappearing at regular intervals. Surely a singular time and place
+for a promenade! The clocks struck ten&mdash;the hour which found every
+honest dweller within the Quartier St. Martin at home. On this evening,
+however, two belated citizens came from somewhere, their <a name="Page_4" id="Page_4" /></a>hurrying
+footsteps noiseless in the deep snow, their approach announced only by
+the lantern carried by one of them&mdash;an article without which no
+respectable citizen at the beginning of the century would have ventured
+on the street after nightfall. One of the pedestrians was tall and
+broad-shouldered, with a handsome countenance, which bore the impress of
+an inflexible determination; a dimple indented his smoothly shaven chin.
+His companion, and his senior by several years, was a slender,
+undersized man.</p>
+
+<p>When the two men came abreast of the doorway illumined by the swinging
+lamp, it was evident that they had arrived at their destination. They
+halted and prepared to enter the house.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the child crouching in the snow began to sob.</p>
+
+<p>"See here!" exclaimed the taller of the two gentlemen. "Here is a little
+girl."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so there is!" in turn exclaimed the elder, stooping and letting
+the light of his lantern fall on the child's face. "What are you doing
+here, little one?" he asked in a kindly tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I want my mama! I want my mama!" wailed the child, with a fresh burst
+of sobs.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is your mama?" queried the younger man.</p>
+
+<p>"My mama is the countess."</p>
+
+<p>"And where does she live?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the palace."</p>
+
+<p>"Naturally! In which avenue is the palace?"</p>
+
+<p>"I&mdash;don't&mdash;know."</p>
+
+<p>"A true child of Paris!" in an undertone exclaimed the elder gentleman.
+"She knows that her mother is a countess, and that she lives in a
+palace; but she has never been told the name of the street in which is
+her home."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_5" id="Page_5" /></a>How come you to be here, little countess?" inquired the younger man.</p>
+
+<p>"Diana can tell you," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"And who may Diana be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, who else but mama's Diana?"</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to question her," here interposed the elder man. Then, to the
+child: "Diana is the person who helps you put on your clothes, is she
+not?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is just the other way: she took off my clothes&mdash;just see; I have
+nothing on but this petticoat and this hideous shawl."</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she flung back the faded shawl and revealed how scantily
+she was clad.</p>
+
+<p>"You poor child!" compassionately ejaculated the young man; and when he
+saw that her thin morocco slippers were buried in the snow, he lifted
+her hastily in his arms. "You are half frozen."</p>
+
+<p>"But why did Diana leave you half clothed in this manner?" pursued the
+elder man. "Why did she undress you? Can't you tell us that much?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mama slapped her this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! then Diana is a servant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course; what else could she be?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she might be a goddess or a hound, you know," smilingly returned
+the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"When mama went to the opera, this evening," explained the little one,
+"she ordered Diana to take me to the children's ball at the marquis's.
+Instead, she brought me to this street, made me get out of the carriage,
+took off my silk ball-gown and all my pretty ornaments, and left me here
+in this doorway&mdash;I am sure I don't know why, for there is&nbsp;n't any music
+here."</p>
+
+<p>"It is well she left this old shawl with you, else your <a name="Page_6" id="Page_6" /></a>mama would not
+have a little countess to tell the tale to-morrow," observed the elder
+man. Then, turning to his companion, he added in a lower tone: "What are
+we to do with her?"</p>
+
+<p>"We can't leave her here; that would be inhuman," was the reply, in the
+same cautious tone.</p>
+
+<p>"But we can't take her in; it would be a great risk."</p>
+
+<p>"What is there to fear from an innocent prattler who cannot even
+remember her mother's name?"</p>
+
+<p>"We might take her to the conciergerie," suggested the elder gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>I</i> think we had better not disturb the police when they are asleep,"
+in a significant tone responded his companion.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true; but we can't take the child to our apartments. You know
+that we&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I have an idea!" suddenly interposed the young man. "This innocent
+child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may
+accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at
+one and the same time. Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are
+locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring
+this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the
+child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
+To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else
+she will send some one in search of you."</p>
+
+<p>He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.</p>
+
+<p>When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door
+at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning
+glance, announced that every<a name="Page_7" id="Page_7" /></a>thing was ready for the reception of their
+small guest. They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily
+curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded
+tapestry.</p>
+
+<p>Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm. "Are you going to
+kill me?" she cried out in terror.</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, surely you don't take us to be <i>croquemitaines</i> who devour little
+children; do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have you got a little girl of your own?" queried the little one,
+suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the
+question. "I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl."</p>
+
+<p>"But my mama has no husband, and she&nbsp;'s got me," prattled the child.</p>
+
+<p>"That is different, my dear. But if I have not got a little girl, I know
+very well what to do for one."</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed
+her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in
+the alcove.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had
+been sleeping here."</p>
+
+<p>The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded:</p>
+
+<p>"Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan?"</p>
+
+<p>"But where did you get hot coals?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the
+old man. Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going
+to sleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we
+grow old."</p>
+
+<p>"An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your
+convictions will not prevent you from <a name="Page_8" id="Page_8" /></a>drinking a cup of egg-punch, and
+partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit?"</p>
+
+<p>At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and
+while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man
+rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll. All thought
+of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind. She clasped the toy in
+her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby,
+to which she very soon fell asleep herself.</p>
+
+<p>"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing
+together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to
+the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh
+blaze.</p>
+
+<p>"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response. "We can't
+stop here much longer. Do you know what has happened to the duke?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know. He has been sentenced to death. To-morrow he will be
+executed. What have you discovered?"</p>
+
+<p>"A fox on the trail of a lion!" harshly replied the young man. "He who
+aroused so many hopes is, after all, nothing more than an impostor&mdash;Leon
+Maria Hervagault, the son of a tailor at St. Leu. The true dauphin, the
+son of Louis XVI., really died a natural death, after he had served a
+three years' apprenticeship as shoemaker under Master Simho; and in
+order that a later generation might not be able to secure his ashes, he
+was buried in quick-lime in the Chapel of St. Margarethe."</p>
+
+<p>"They were not so scrupulous concerning monsieur,"<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1" /></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a> observed the old
+man, restlessly pacing the floor. "I received a letter from my agent
+to-day; he writes that monsieur was secretly shot at Dillingen."</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Count de Provence, afterward Louis XVIII.</p></div>
+
+<p>"What! He, too? Then&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_9" id="Page_9" /></a>Hush!" cautiously interposed the elder man. "That child might not be
+asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"And if she were awake, what could she understand?"</p>
+
+<p>"True; but we must be cautious." He ceased his restless promenade, and
+came close to the young man's side. "Everything is at an end here," he
+added in a lower tone. "We must remove our treasure to a more secure
+hiding-place&mdash;this very night, indeed, if it be possible."</p>
+
+<p>"It is possible," assented his companion. "The plan of flight was
+arranged two days ago. The most difficult part was to get away from this
+house. It is watched day and night. Chance, however, has come to our
+aid."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand," nodded the old gentleman, glancing significantly toward
+the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"The most serious question now is, where shall we find a secure
+hiding-place? Even England is not safe. The bullets of Dillingen can
+reach to that country! Indeed, wherever there are police no secret is
+safe."</p>
+
+<p>"I&nbsp;'ll tell you something," after a moment's deliberation observed the
+elder man. "I know of a country in Europe where order prevails, and
+where there are no police spies; and, what is more, the place of which I
+speak is beyond the range of a gunshot!"</p>
+
+<p>"I confess I am curious to learn where such a place may be found," with
+an incredulous smile returned the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Fetch the map, and I will point it out to you. Afterward we will
+arrange your route toward it." The two men spread a large map of Europe
+on the table, and, bending over it, were soon deeply absorbed in
+examining it, the while exchanging whispered remarks.</p>
+
+<p>At last they seemed to have agreed on something. The map was folded up
+and thrust into the younger man's pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_10" id="Page_10" /></a>I shall start at once," he said, with an air of decision.</p>
+
+<p>"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And
+take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary
+documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own
+hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in
+English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to
+do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum
+from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our
+two trusty friends been apprised?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; they await me hourly."</p>
+
+<p>"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with
+me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a
+terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already
+suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion&mdash;are not yet registered
+in the black book!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing
+from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the
+undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have
+you considered the fate which awaits you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have considered everything."</p>
+
+<p>"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your
+own prison."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded
+the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you
+may be buried alive?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will
+one day be overthrown."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_11" id="Page_11" /></a>But when the child, who is only twelve years old now, becomes in three
+or four years a blooming maiden&mdash;what then? Already she is fond of you;
+then she will love you. You cannot hinder it; and yet, you will not even
+dare to dream of returning her love. Have you thought of this also?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet,"
+answered the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Your hand, my friend! You have undertaken a noble task&mdash;one that is
+greater than that of the captive knight who cut off his own foot, that
+his sovereign, who was chained to him, might escape&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray say no more about me," interposed his companion. "Is the child
+asleep?"</p>
+
+<p>"This one is; the one in the other room is awake."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us go to her and tell her what we have decided." He lifted the
+two-branched candlestick from the table; his companion carefully closed
+the iron doors of the fireplace; then the two went into the adjoining
+chamber, leaving the room they had quitted in darkness.</p>
+
+<p>The elder gentleman had made a mistake: "this" child was <i>not</i> asleep.
+She had listened attentively, half sitting up in bed, to as much of the
+conversation as she could hear.</p>
+
+<p>A ray of light penetrated through the keyhole. The little girl sprang
+nimbly from the bed, ran to the door, and peered through the tiny
+aperture. Suddenly footsteps came toward the door. When it opened,
+however, the little eavesdropper was back underneath the covers of the
+bed. The old gentleman entered the room. He had no candle. He left the
+door open, walked noiselessly to the bed, and drew aside the curtains to
+see if "this" child was still asleep. The long-drawn, regular breathing
+convinced him. Then he took something from the chair beside the bed, and
+<a name="Page_12" id="Page_12" /></a>went back into the other room. The object he had taken from the chair
+was the faded red shawl in which the stray child had been wrapped. He
+did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had
+been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.</p>
+
+<p>To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were
+whispering near her&mdash;as if she heard a stifled sob. Then cautious
+footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street
+door opened and closed.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the
+elder man came through the doorway&mdash;alone.</p>
+
+<p>He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then
+he proceeded to perform a singular task. First he tossed a number of
+letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of
+girls' clothing. He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he
+flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in
+which position he sat motionless for several hours.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the younger of the two men stepped into the street he carried in
+his arms a little girl wrapped in a faded red shawl, to whom he was
+speaking encouragingly, in tones loud enough for any passer-by to hear:</p>
+
+<p>"I know the little countess will be able to find her mama's palace; for
+there is a fountain in front of it in which there is a stone man with a
+three-pronged fork, and a stone lady with a fish-tail! Oh, yes; we shall
+be sure to find it; and very soon we shall be with mama."</p>
+
+<p>Here the child in his arms began to sob bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, do not weep; do not let your voice be heard,"
+whispered the young man in her ear.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment a man wearing a coarse blouse, with his cap drawn over
+his eyes and a short pipe between his lips, came staggering toward them.
+The young man, in order to make room for him, pressed close to the wall,
+whereupon the new-comer, who seemed intoxicated, began in drunken tones:</p>
+
+<p>"Hello, citizen! What do you mean? Do you want me to walk in the
+gutter?&mdash;because you have got on fine boots, and I have only wooden
+sabots! I am a citizen like yourself, and as good as you. We are alike,
+are&nbsp;n't we?"</p>
+
+<p>The young man now knew with whom he had to deal&mdash;a police spy whose duty
+it was to watch him. He therefore replied quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_14" id="Page_14" /></a>No, we are not alike, citizen; for I have in my arms an unfortunate
+child who has strayed from its mother. Every Frenchman respects a child
+and misfortune. Is not that so, citizen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that is so, citizen. Let&nbsp;'s have a little conversation about it";
+and the pretended drunkard seized hold of the young man's mantle to
+detain him.</p>
+
+<p>"It is very cold," returned the young man. "Instead of talking here,
+suppose you help me get this child to its home. Go to the nearest corner
+and fetch a coach. I will wait here for you."</p>
+
+<p>The blouse-wearer hesitated a moment, then walked toward the
+street-corner, managing, however, to keep an eye on the young man and
+his charge. At the corner he whistled in a peculiar manner, whereupon
+the rumbling of wheels was heard. In a few moments the leather-covered
+vehicle drew up beside the curb where the young man was waiting.</p>
+
+<p>"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, citizen," he said to
+the blouse-wearer, who had returned with the coach. "Here," pressing a
+twenty-sou piece into the man's palm, "is something for your trouble. I
+wish you would come with me to help hunt for this little girl's home. If
+you have time, and will come with me, you shall be paid for your
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't do it, citizen; my wife is expecting me at home. Just you trust
+this coachman; he will help you find the place. He&nbsp;'s a clever
+youth&mdash;are&nbsp;n't you, Peroquin? You have made many a night journey about
+Paris, have&nbsp;n't you? See that you earn your twenty francs to-night,
+too!"</p>
+
+<p>That the coachman was also in the service of the secret police the young
+man knew very well; but he did not betray his knowledge by word or mien.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15" /></a>The blouse-wearer now shook hands cordially with the young man, and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, citizen. I beg your pardon if I offended you. I&nbsp;'ll leave you
+now. I am going to my wife, or to the tavern; who can tell the future?"</p>
+
+<p>He waited until the young man had entered the coach with his charge;
+then, instead of betaking himself to his wife or to the tavern, he
+crossed the street, and took up his station in the recess of a doorway
+opposite the house with the swinging lantern. .&nbsp;.&nbsp;.</p>
+
+<p>"Where to?" asked the coachman of the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, citizen," was the smiling response, "if I knew that, all would be
+well. But that is just what I don't know; and the little countess, here,
+who has strayed from her home, can't remember the street, nor the number
+of the house, in which she lives. She can only remember that her mama's
+palace is on a square in which there is a fountain. We must therefore
+visit all the fountains in turn until we find the right one."</p>
+
+<p>The coachman made no further inquiries, but climbed to the box, and
+drove off in quest of the fountains of Paris.</p>
+
+<p>Two fountains were visited, but neither of them proved to be the right
+one. The young man now bade the coachman drive through a certain street
+to a third fountain. It was a narrow, winding street&mdash;the Rue des Blancs
+Manteaux.</p>
+
+<p>When the coach was opposite a low, one-storied house, the young man drew
+the strap, and told the driver he wished to stop for a few moments. As
+the vehicle drew up in front of the house, the door opened, and a tall,
+stalwart man in top-boots came forth, accompanied by a sturdy dame who
+held a candle, which she protected from the wind with the palm of her
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_16" id="Page_16" /></a>Is that you, Raoul?" called the young man from the coach window.</p>
+
+<p>There was no response from the giant, who, instead, sprang nimbly to the
+box, and, flinging one arm around the astonished coachman, thrust a gag
+into his mouth. Before the captive could make a move to defend himself,
+his fare was out of the coach, and had pinioned his arms behind his
+back. The giant and the young man now lifted the coachman from the box
+and carried him into the house, the woman followed with the trembling
+child, whom she had carefully lifted from the coach.</p>
+
+<p>In the house, the two men bound their captive securely, first removing
+his coat. Then they seated him on the couch, and placed a mirror in
+front of him.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not be alarmed, citizen," said the man in the top-boots. "No
+harm shall come to you. We are only going to copy your face&mdash;because of
+its beauty, you know!"</p>
+
+<p>The young man also seated himself in front of the mirror, and proceeded,
+with various brushes and colors, to paint his cheeks and nose a copper
+hue, exactly like that of the coachman's reflection in the glass. Then
+he exchanged his own peruke and hat for the shabby ones of the coachman.
+Lastly, he flung around his shoulders the mantle with its seven collars,
+and the resemblance was complete.</p>
+
+<p>"And now," observed the giant, addressing the captive, "you can rest
+without the least fear. At the latest, to-morrow about this time your
+coach, your horses, your mantle, and whatever else belongs to you will
+be returned. For the use of the things we have borrowed from you we
+shall leave in the pocket of your coat twenty francs for every hour, and
+an extra twenty francs as a <i>pourboire</i>; don't forget to look for it!
+To-morrow at eleven o'clock a girl will fetch milk; she will release
+you, and you can tell her <a name="Page_17" id="Page_17" /></a>what a singular dream you had! If you can't
+go to sleep, just repeat the multiplication table. I always do when I
+can't sleep, and I never have to go beyond seven times seven. Good
+night, citizen!"</p>
+
+<p>The door of the adjoining room opened, and the woman appeared, leading
+by the hand a pretty little boy.</p>
+
+<p>"We are ready," she announced.</p>
+
+<p>The two men thrust pistols into their pockets. Then the woman and the
+little boy entered the coach, the two men took seats on the box, and the
+coach rolled away.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the next morning the old gentleman paid a visit to his
+little guest. This time the child was really asleep, and opened her eyes
+only when the curtains were drawn back and the light from the window
+fell on her face.</p>
+
+<p>"How kind of you to waken me, monsieur!" she said, smiling; she was in a
+good humor, as children are who have slept well. "I have slept
+splendidly. This bed is as good as my own at home. And how delightful
+not to hear my governess scolding! You never scold, do you, monsieur? I
+deserve to be scolded, though, for I was very naughty last night, and
+you were so kind to me&mdash;gave me such nice egg-punch; see, there is a
+glass of it left over; it will do for my breakfast. I love cold punch,
+so you need not trouble to bring me any chocolate." With these words,
+the little maid sprang nimbly from the bed, ran with the na&iuml;vet&eacute; of an
+eight-year-old child to the table, where she settled herself in the
+corner of the sofa, drew her bare feet up under her, and proceeded to
+breakfast on the left-over punch and biscuits.</p>
+
+<p>"There! that was a good breakfast," she said, after she had finished her
+meal. "Oh, I almost forgot. Has mama sent for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, my dear! We are going, by and by, to look for her. The
+countess very likely has not yet learned <a name="Page_19" id="Page_19" /></a>of your disappearance; and if
+she does know that you did not return home last night, she believes you
+safe with the marquis. She will think you were not allowed to return
+home in the storm, and will not expect to see you before noon."</p>
+
+<p>"You are very clever, monsieur. I should never have thought of that! I
+imagined that mama would be vexed, and when mama is cross she is <i>so</i>
+disagreeable. At other times, though, she is perfectly lovely! You will
+see how very beautiful she is, monsieur, for you are coming home with me
+to tell her how you found me&mdash;you are so very kind! How I wish you were
+my papa!"</p>
+
+<p>The old gentleman was touched by the little one's artless prattle.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my dear little maid," he said tenderly, "we can't think of
+showing ourselves on the street in such a costume. Besides, it would
+frighten your mama to see you so. I am going out to one of the shops to
+buy you a frock. Tell me, what sort was it Diana took from you?"</p>
+
+<p>"A lovely pink silk, trimmed with lace, with short sleeves," promptly
+replied the little maid.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not forget&mdash;a pink silk, trimmed with lace. You need not be
+afraid to stay alone here. No one will come while I am away."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I am not the least bit afraid. I like to be alone sometimes."</p>
+
+<p>"There is the doll to keep you company," suggested the old gentleman,
+more and more pleased with his affable little visitor.</p>
+
+<p>"Is&nbsp;n't she lovely!" enthusiastically exclaimed the child. "She slept
+with me last night, and every time I woke up I kissed her."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have her for your own, if you like her so much, my dear."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_20" id="Page_20" /></a>Oh, thank you! Did the doll belong to your dear little daughter who is
+dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," sorrowfully murmured the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will not play with her, but keep her locked in my little
+cupboard, and call her Philine. That was the name of my little sister
+who is dead. Come here, Philine, and sit by me."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you might like to look at a book while I am away&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A book!" interrupted the child, with a merry laugh, clapping her hands.
+"Why, I am just learning the alphabet, and can't bring myself to call a
+two-pronged fork 'y.'"</p>
+
+<p>"You dear little innocent rogue!" tenderly ejaculated the old gentleman.
+"Are you fond of flowers?"</p>
+
+<p>He brought from the adjoining room a porcelain flowerpot containing a
+narcissus in bloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what a charming flower!" cried the child, admiringly. "How I wish I
+might pluck just one!"</p>
+
+<p>"Help yourself, my dear," returned her host, pushing the plant toward
+her.</p>
+
+<p>The child daintily broke off one of the snowy blossoms, and, with
+childlike coquetry, fastened it in the trimming of her chemise.</p>
+
+<p>"What is this beautiful flower called, monsieur?"</p>
+
+<p>"The narcissus."</p>
+
+<p>At mention of the name the little maid suddenly clapped her hands and
+cried joyfully:</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that is the name of our palace! Now don't you know where it is?"</p>
+
+<p>"The 'Palace of Narcissus'? I have heard of it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will have no trouble finding my home. Oh, you dear good little
+flower!" and she kissed the snowy blossom rapturously.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21" /></a>The old gentleman surveyed her smilingly for a few moments, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will go now, and buy the frock."</p>
+
+<p>"And while you are away I shall tell Philine the story of Gargantua,"
+responded the child.</p>
+
+<p>"Lock the door after me, my dear, and do not open it until I mention my
+name: Alfred Cambray&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I should forget the second one! Just say, 'Papa Alfred'; I can
+remember that."</p>
+
+<p>When the child was certain that the old gentleman had left the house,
+she began hastily to search the room. She peered into every corner and
+crevice. Then she went into the adjoining chamber, and opened every
+drawer and cupboard. In returning to the first room she saw some scraps
+of paper scattered about the floor. She collected them carefully, placed
+them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the
+entire note-sheet lay before her. It was covered with writing which had
+evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no
+difficulty in reading it.</p>
+
+<p>When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she
+brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the
+door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she
+danced for joy.</p>
+
+<p>"It is just like my ball-gown&mdash;exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing
+the hands of her benefactor. Then the old gentleman clothed the child as
+skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work. When the task was
+finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor;
+he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.</p>
+
+<p>Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he
+descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of
+Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property <a name="Page_22" id="Page_22" /></a>of the
+celebrated danseuse, Mlle. Guimard, for whom it had been built by the
+Duke de Soubise. Like so many other fine houses, it had been confiscated
+by the Revolution and sold at auction&mdash;or, rather, had been disposed of
+by lottery, a lady who had paid one hundred and twenty francs for her
+ticket winning it.</p>
+
+<p>The winner of the palace sold it to M. P&eacute;rigaud, a banker and shrewd
+speculator, who divided the large dwelling into suites of apartments,
+which became the favorite lodgings of the young men of fashion. These
+young men were called the "narcissi," and later, the "incroyables" and
+"<i>petits crev&eacute;s</i>." The building, however, retained the name of the
+Palace of Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>When the fiacre stopped at the door of the palace which led to her
+mama's apartment, the little countess alighted with her escort, and said
+to the coachman:</p>
+
+<p>"You need not wait; the marquis will return home in my mama's carriage."</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray was obliged to submit to be called the "marquis." The
+harmless fib was due to the rank of the little countess; she could not
+have driven through the streets of Paris in the same fiacre with a
+<i>p&eacute;kin!</i></p>
+
+<p>"We will not go up the main staircase," said the child, taking her
+companion's arm and leading him into the palace. "I don't want to meet
+any of the servants. We will go directly to mama's boudoir, and take her
+by surprise."</p>
+
+<p>The countess mother, however, was not in her boudoir; only a screaming
+cockatoo, and a capuchin monkey that grimaced a welcome. Through the
+folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy
+tones of a harmonium; and M. Cambray recognized a favorite
+air&mdash;Beethoven's symphony, "<i>Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour</i>." He
+paused a moment to listen to it.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_23" id="Page_23" /></a>That is mama playing," whispered the child. "You go in first, and tell
+her you have brought me home. Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
+Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.</p>
+
+<p>The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon,
+filled with a brilliant company. Evidently the countess was holding a
+matin&eacute;e.</p>
+
+<p>The assembled company were in full toilet. The women, who were chiefly
+young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which
+draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless
+lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
+The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat,
+with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.</p>
+
+<p>Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty,
+Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders
+hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair. When M. Cambray, in his
+plain brown coat buttoned to the chin, with black gloves and dull
+buckle-shoes, appeared in the doorway of the boudoir, which was not open
+to all the world, every eye was turned in surprise toward him.</p>
+
+<p>The lady at the harpsichord rose, surveyed the intruder with a haughty
+stare, and was about to speak when a lackey in silver-embroidered livery
+came hastily toward her and said something in a low tone.</p>
+
+<p>"What?" she ejaculated, with sudden terror. "My daughter lost?"</p>
+
+<p>The guests crowded around her, and a scene of great excitement followed.</p>
+
+<p>Here M. Cambray came forward and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have found your daughter, countess, and return her to you."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24" /></a>The lovely woman made one step toward the child, who had followed M.
+Cambray into the room, then sank to the floor unconscious. She was
+tenderly lifted and borne into the boudoir. Two physicians, who were of
+the company, followed.</p>
+
+<p>When the door closed behind them, the entire company remaining in the
+salon gathered about M. Cambray. The ladies seized his hands; and while
+a blonde houri on his right sought to attract his attention, a brunette
+beauty claimed it on his left&mdash;both women ignoring the attempts of the
+men to shake hands with the hero of the hour.</p>
+
+<p>One of the men, an elderly and distinguished-looking personage with a
+commanding mien, now pressed forward to introduce himself. "Monsieur, I
+am the Marquis Lyonel de Fervlans," he repeated in a patronizing tone.</p>
+
+<p>"I am Alfred Cambray," was the simple response.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah? Pray, have the kindness to tell us&mdash;the friends of the
+countess&mdash;what has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray related how and where he had found the lost child, the
+company listening with eager attention. All were deeply affected. Some
+of the women wept. When M. Cambray concluded his recital, the marquis
+grasped both his hands, and, pressing them warmly, said in a trembling
+voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, many thanks, you brave, good man! We will never forget your
+kindness."</p>
+
+<p>One of the physicians now came from the boudoir, and announced that the
+countess was better, and desired to speak to the deliverer of her child.</p>
+
+<p>The countess was reclining on an ottoman, half buried in luxurious
+cushions. Her little daughter was kneeling by her side, her head resting
+on her mother's knee. It was a charming tableau.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not able to express my gratitude, monsieur," <a name="Page_25" id="Page_25" /></a>began the countess,
+in a faint voice, extending both hands toward M. Cambray. "I hope you
+will allow me to call you my friend. I shall never cease to thank you!
+Am&eacute;lie, my love, kiss this hand; look at this face; impress it on your
+heart, and never, <i>never</i> forget it, for this brave gentleman rescued
+you from a most horrible fate."</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray listened to these profuse expressions of gratitude, but with
+heedless ear. His thoughts were with the fugitives. He longed to know if
+they had escaped pursuit. While the countess was speaking he could not
+help but think that a great ado was being made because a little countess
+had been abandoned half clad in the public street. <i>He</i> knew of another
+little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.</p>
+
+<p>His reply was brief:</p>
+
+<p>"Your little daughter is very charming."</p>
+
+<p>The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory
+locket from the black ribbon around her neck. It contained a portrait of
+the little countess Am&eacute;lie.</p>
+
+<p>"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you,
+monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your
+prot&eacute;g&eacute;e."</p>
+
+<p>It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most
+valued ornament.</p>
+
+<p>M. Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's
+hand, and kissed the little Am&eacute;lie, who smilingly lifted her face for
+the caress. Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon. He was
+met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully:</p>
+
+<p>"What, you are going to desert us already? Then, if you will go, you
+must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old
+gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of
+liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26" /></a>The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew
+up before the door, himself assisted M. Cambray to enter it. Then he
+shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the
+doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M. Cambray,
+the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her
+handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Am&eacute;lie,
+overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the
+maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach
+with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his
+suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders. Even the more important of
+the two physicians pursed his lips into a smile, and proffered his
+snuff-box to his colleague, who, smothering with laughter, whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"Are we not capital actors?"</p>
+
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Meanwhile M. Cambray drove rapidly in the Marquis de Fervlans's carriage
+through the streets of Paris. He was buried in thought. He glanced only
+now and then from the window. He was not altogether satisfied with
+himself that he was riding in a carriage which belonged to so important
+a person&mdash;a gentleman whose name he had never heard until that day.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he was surprised to find the carriage entering a gateway. A
+carriage could not enter the gate at his lodgings! The Swiss hussar
+sprang from the box, opened the carriage door, and M. Cambray found
+himself confronted by a sergeant with a drawn sword.</p>
+
+<p>"This is not my residence," said the old gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not," replied the sergeant. "This is the Prison of St.
+P&eacute;lagie."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_27" id="Page_27" /></a>What have I to do here? My name is Alfred Cambray."</p>
+
+<p>"You are the very one we have been expecting."</p>
+
+<p>And now it was M. Cambray's turn to laugh merrily.</p>
+
+<p>When M. Cambray's pockets had been searched, and everything suspicious
+confiscated, he was conducted to a room in the second story, in which he
+was securely locked. He had plenty of time to look about his new
+lodgings.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the room had been occupied by many an important personage.
+The walls were covered with names. Above some of them impromptu verses
+had been scribbled; others had perpetuated their profiles; and still
+others had drawn caricatures of those who had been the means of lodging
+them here. The guillotine also figured among the illustrations.</p>
+
+<p>The new lodger was not specially surprised to find himself a prisoner;
+what he could not understand was the connection between the two events.
+How came it about that the courteous and sympathetic Marquis de
+Fervlans's carriage had brought him here from the palace of the deeply
+grateful countess?</p>
+
+<p>He was puzzling his brain over this question when his door suddenly
+opened, and a morose old jailer entered with some soup and bread for the
+prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, I have dined," said M. Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>The jailer placed the food on the table, with the words: "I want you to
+understand, citizen, that if you have any idea of starving yourself to
+death, we shall pour the soup down your throat."</p>
+
+<p>Toward evening another visitor appeared. The door was opened with loud
+clanking of chains and bolts, and a tall man crossed the threshold. It
+was the Marquis de Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>His manner now was not so condescending and sympa<a name="Page_28" id="Page_28" /></a>thetic. He approached
+the prisoner, and said in a commanding tone that was evidently intended
+to be intimidating:</p>
+
+<p>"You have been betrayed, and may as well confess everything; it is the
+only thing that will save you."</p>
+
+<p>A scornful smile crossed the prisoner's lips. "That is the usual form of
+address to a criminal who has been arrested for burglary."</p>
+
+<p>The marquis laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I see, M. Cambray, that you are not the sort of person to be easily
+frightened. It is useless to adopt the usual prison methods with you.
+Very well; then we will try a different one. It may be that we shall
+part quite good friends! What do I say? Part? Say, rather, that we may
+continue together, hand in hand! But to the point. You have a friend who
+shared the same apartment with you. This gentleman deserted you last
+night, I believe?"</p>
+
+<p>"The ingrate!" ironically ejaculated M. Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon, but there was also a little girl secreted in your
+apartment, whom no one ever saw&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, monsieur," interrupted Cambray, "but it is not the custom
+for French gentlemen to spy out or chatter about secrets which relate to
+the fair sex."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not talking about the sort of female you refer to, monsieur, but
+about a child&mdash;a girl of perhaps twelve years."</p>
+
+<p>"How, pray, can one determine the age of a lady whom no one has seen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certain telltale circumstances give one a clue," retorted De Fervlans.
+"Why, for instance, do you keep a doll in your rooms?"</p>
+
+<p>"A doll? I play with it myself sometimes! I am a queer old fellow with
+peculiar tastes."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good; we will allow that you are telling the <a name="Page_29" id="Page_29" /></a>truth. What have you
+to say to the fact that you took to your apartment yesterday evening a
+stray child, and an hour later your friend came out of the house with
+another child, wrapped in the shawl which had enveloped the lost child
+when you found her&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Have they been overtaken?" hastily interrupted Cambray, forgetting
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>"No, they have not&mdash;more&nbsp;'s the pity!" returned the marquis. "My
+detective was not clever enough to perceive the difference between the
+eight-year-old girl who was carried to your apartments at ten o'clock,
+and the twelve-year-old little maid whom your friend brought downstairs
+at eleven, pretending that he was going in search of the lost child's
+mother. Besides, everything conspired to aid your friend to escape. He
+was too cunning for us, and got such a start of his pursuers that there
+was no use trying to follow him. We do not even know in what direction
+he has gone."</p>
+
+<p>Cambray repressed the sigh of relief which would have lightened his
+heart, and forced himself to say indifferently:</p>
+
+<p>"Neither the young man nor the child concern me. It is his own family
+affair, in which I never meddled."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a move I cannot allow, M. Cambray!" sharply responded the
+marquis. "There are proofs that you are perfectly familiar with his
+affairs."</p>
+
+<p>Again Cambray smiled scornfully.</p>
+
+<p>"You have evidently searched my lodgings."</p>
+
+<p>"We have done our duty, monsieur. We even tore up the floors, broke your
+furniture and ornaments,&mdash;for which we apologize,&mdash;and found nothing
+suspicious. Notwithstanding this, however, we know very well that you
+received a letter yesterday warning you of approaching danger. We know
+very well that you and your friend traced out the route of his flight;
+we have a witness who listened to your <a name="Page_30" id="Page_30" /></a>plans, and who fitted together
+the scraps of the torn letter of warning, and read it."</p>
+
+<p>"And who may this witness be?" queried Cambray.</p>
+
+<p>"The child you picked up in the street."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" ejaculated Cambray, incredulously. "The little girl who sat
+shivering in the snow?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; she is our most skilful detective, and has entrapped more than one
+conspirator," triumphantly interrupted De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"Then"&mdash;and M. Cambray brought his hands together in a vehement
+gesture&mdash;"what I have believed a myth is really true. The police
+authorities really employ a number of beautiful women, handsome young
+men, and clever children to spy out and entrap suspected persons?
+'Cythera's Brigade' really exists?"</p>
+
+<p>"You had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated brigade this morning,"
+replied De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"And those grateful men and women, who gathered about me with tearful
+eyes and sympathetic words&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Were members of Cythera's Brigade," supplemented the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"And the mistress of the house&mdash;the beautiful woman who fainted at sight
+of her child?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is the fair Cythera's substitute! She taught her little daughter the
+part she played so successfully."</p>
+
+<p>With sudden fury M. Cambray tore from his breast the ivory locket
+containing the little Am&eacute;lie's portrait, and was about to fling it on
+the floor and trample upon it. On second thought, he restrained himself,
+returned the locket to his breast, and muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"The child is not to blame. Those who have made her such a monster are
+at fault. I will keep the miniature as a talisman for the future."</p>
+
+<p>"And now, M. Cambray," pursued the marquis, "we <a name="Page_31" id="Page_31" /></a>want to learn what has
+become of your young friend. In fact, we <i>must</i> know what has become of
+him and his charge."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know where he is."</p>
+
+<p>"You do know. According to the report from our witness, he has fled to a
+'country where order prevails, and where there are no police.' Where is
+this country, M. Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the moon, perhaps!" was the laconic response.</p>
+
+<p>"Our witness heard these words from your own lips, and you pointed out
+the spot on the map to your friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Your witness dreamed all this!"</p>
+
+<p>"M. Cambray, let us talk sensibly. You are a banker&mdash;at least, that is
+what you are registered in the police records. It is to the interest of
+the state to discover your secret. If you will reveal the hiding-place
+of your friend you may demand your own reward. Do you wish to be
+intrusted with the management of the state's finances? Or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I regret, monsieur le marquis," interrupted Cambray, "that I must
+refuse so handsome an opportunity to enrich myself. Although I am a
+banker, I am no swindler."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good! Then you require no money. You are <i>not</i> a banker, M.
+Cambray; that is merely a fable. What is your ambition? Should you
+prefer to be a governor? Name any office; let it be what it may, you
+shall receive the appointment to-morrow."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you again, monsieur. I must repeat what I said before: I know
+nothing about the future residence of the fugitive gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"And if I tell you, M. Cambray, that your refusal may cost you your
+head?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should reply," returned Cambray, smiling calmly, as he took up the
+piece of bread lying on the table, "that <a name="Page_32" id="Page_32" /></a>it is a matter of perfect
+indifference to me if this daily portion of bread is enjoyed by some one
+else to-morrow. That which I do not know I cannot tell you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then," in a harsh tone rejoined De Fervlans. "I will tell
+you that Cambray the banker may say what is not true; but the nobleman
+cannot lie. <i>Marquis d'Avoncourt</i>, do you know to what country your
+friend has flown?"</p>
+
+<p>At this question the old gentleman rose from his chair, drew himself up
+proudly, and gazing defiantly into the eyes of his questioner, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I do."</p>
+
+<p>Instantly De Fervlans's manner changed. He became the embodiment of
+courtesy. He bowed with extreme politeness, then, slipping his arm
+familiarly through that of the prisoner, whispered insinuatingly:</p>
+
+<p>"And what can we do to win this information from you?"</p>
+
+<p>The gray-haired man released himself from De Fervlans's arm, and
+answered with quiet irony:</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what you can do: have my head cut off, and send it to
+M. Bichet, the celebrated professor of anatomy; perhaps he may be able
+to discover the information in my skull&mdash;if it is there! And now I beg
+you to leave me; I wish to be alone."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans took up his hat, but turned at the door to say, in a meaning
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Marquis d'Avoncourt, we shall forget that you are a prisoner so long as
+it shall please you to remain obstinate. As for the fugitives, Cythera's
+Brigade will capture them, sooner or later. <i>Au revoir!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>That same night the old nobleman was removed to the prison at Ham.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>While the ensnared conspirators against the state were receiving
+sentence in one district of Paris, in another district the inhabitants
+were entertaining themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Paris does not mourn very long. Paris is like the earth: one half of it
+is always illumined by the sun. On this fateful evening the incroyables
+and the merveilleuses were amusing themselves within the walls of the
+Palace of Narcissus.</p>
+
+<p>The members of Cythera's Brigade took great pains to make outsiders
+believe that they never troubled themselves about that half of the world
+which was in shadow&mdash;that half called politics.</p>
+
+<p>In the salon of the fascinating Countess Themire Dealba not a word was
+heard relating to affairs of state. The beautiful women who were banded
+together to learn the secrets which threatened the present order of
+government worked in an imperceptible manner. They did not belong to the
+ordinary class of spies&mdash;those who collect every ill-natured word, every
+trifling occurrence of the street. No, indeed! <i>They</i> did nothing but
+amuse themselves. They were merry society women, trusty friends and
+confidantes. They moved in the best circles; no one ever saw them
+exchange a word with a police commissioner. If any one in the company
+happened to speak of anything even remotely connected with politics,
+some one quickly changed the <a name="Page_34" id="Page_34" /></a>subject to a more innocent theme; and if a
+stranger chanced to mention so delicate a matter as, say, the dinner
+which had been given by the emperor's nephew at Very's, which cost
+seventy-five thousand francs, while forty thousand laborers were
+starving, then the witty Countess Themire herself turned the
+conversation to the "toilet rivalry" between the Mesdames Tallien and
+R&eacute;camier.</p>
+
+<p>On this particular evening the Countess Dealba was discussing the
+beauties of the latest opera with a few of her most intimate friends,
+when the Marquis de Fervlans approached, and, bending over her,
+whispered: "I must see you alone; find an opportunity to leave the room,
+and join me in the conservatory."</p>
+
+<p>At that time it was the fashion to clothe children in garments similar
+to those worn by their elders. A company of little ones, therefore,
+looked like an assemblage of Lilliputian merveilleuses and incroyables.
+The little men and women also accompanied their mamas to receptions and
+the theatre, where they joined in the conversation, danced vis-&agrave;-vis
+with their elders, made witty remarks, criticized the toilets and the
+play, gave an opinion as to whether Hardy's confections or those of
+Riches were the better, and if it were safe to depend on the friendship
+of the Czar Alexander.</p>
+
+<p>In this company of little ones the Countess Am&eacute;lie was, beyond a doubt,
+the most conspicuous.</p>
+
+<p>One could not have imagined anything more interesting or entertaining
+than the manner of this miniature dame when left by her mama to do the
+honors of the house. The dignity with which the child performed her
+duties was enchanting. She understood perfectly how to entertain her
+mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes,
+how to mimic the manner of affected personages. She was, in a word, a
+prodigy!</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35" /></a>Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to
+perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.</p>
+
+<p>"We have been outwitted," he began at once. "They vanished twelve hours
+before we learned that they had flown."</p>
+
+<p>The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this?" she inquired, with a
+touch of asperity. "Have you not got enough police to arrest the
+fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the
+fugitives are a trifle more skilful. They have disguised themselves so
+effectually that it is impossible to trace them. They seized a public
+coach by force, changed the number on it, and sent it back from the
+boundary by an accomplice, who left it in the Rue Muffetard. Even should
+we succeed in tracing their flight, by the time we discovered them they
+would have crossed the boundary of Switzerland, or would be sailing over
+the ocean. No; we must begin all over again. There is but one expedient:
+<i>you</i> must travel in search of the fugitives, and bring them back."</p>
+
+<p>"I go in search of them and bring them back?" repeated the countess, in
+a startled tone.</p>
+
+<p>"The first part of your task will not be so difficult," continued De
+Fervlans. "The imprisoned marquis will not reveal the destination of the
+fugitives; but we have learned, through your clever little daughter,
+that they have gone to a country where there is order, but where there
+are no police. That, methinks, is not a very difficult riddle to solve.
+You need only journey from place to place until you find such a country.
+The fugitives will be certain to <a name="Page_36" id="Page_36" /></a>betray themselves by their secrecy,
+and I have not the least doubt but your search will be rewarded before
+the year is out. For one year you shall have the command of three
+hundred thousand francs. When you discover the fugitives you will know
+very well what to do. The man is young and an enthusiast&mdash;an easy
+conquest, I should fancy; and when you have ensnared him the maid's fate
+is decided. We want the man, the maid, and the steel casket; any one of
+the three, however, will be of great value to us. You will keep us
+advised as to your progress, and we, of course, will assist you all we
+can. You know that we have secret agents all over Europe. And now, you
+will do well to prepare for an immediate departure; there is not a
+moment to be lost."</p>
+
+<p>"But good, heavens! how can I take Am&eacute;lie on such a journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are not to take her with you&mdash;of what are you thinking? That man
+has already seen the child, and would recognize her at once."</p>
+
+<p>"You surely cannot mean that I am to desert my daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think Am&eacute;lie will be in safe hands if you leave her in <i>my</i>
+care?" asked De Fervlans, with a glance that would have made any one who
+had not heard his words believe he was making a declaration of love.
+"Besides, it will not be the first time you leave her to the care of
+another."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," sighed the countess; "I ought to be accustomed to
+parting with her. Have not I trusted her to the care of a police spy?
+and all for my own advantage! Oh, what a wretched profession I have
+chosen for myself and my child!"</p>
+
+<p>"A profession that yields a handsome income, madame," supplemented the
+marquis, a trifle sharply. "You ought <a name="Page_37" id="Page_37" /></a>not to complain. Surely the
+r&eacute;gime is not to blame that you married a rou&eacute;, who squandered your
+fortune, and then was killed in a duel about a rope-dancer, leaving you
+a clever little daughter and a half-million of debts! What else could
+you have done to have earned a living for yourself and child?"</p>
+
+<p>"I might have sent the child to a foundling asylum, and sought
+employment for myself in the gobelin factory. It would have been better
+had I done so!"</p>
+
+<p>"I doubt it, countess. The path of virtue is only for those women
+who&mdash;have large feet! You are too fairy-like, and would have found the
+way too rough. It is much better, believe me, to serve the state. What
+would you? Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the
+soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
+Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles
+of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
+We are all soldiers of the state. When we assault an enemy, we do not
+inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland
+hallows the deed."</p>
+
+<p>"But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.</p>
+
+<p>"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume? Are not
+their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our
+salons? We are only using their own weapons against them."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of
+children as instruments in this deadly game."</p>
+
+<p>"Were not they the first to set us an example? Was not it a repulsive
+thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people
+that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child? No,
+madame; we <a name="Page_38" id="Page_38" /></a>need not be ashamed of what we are doing. Our men are
+engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in
+warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged
+in warfare against their little children. Your little Am&eacute;lie is a
+historical figure, and deserves a monument."</p>
+
+<p>The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on
+the lovely woman, continued:</p>
+
+<p>"And then, madame, if you are weary of the r&ocirc;le you and your little
+daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered
+to you to quit your present mode of life. Your financial affairs are
+utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you
+inherited from your ancestors. If you succeed in the task which you are
+about to undertake, the entire sum of money, the interest of which you
+receive annually, becomes your own. Five millions of francs deserve some
+sacrifice. With this sum you can become an independent woman, and your
+daughter will never be reproached with having been, in her childhood, a
+member of Cythera's Brigade."</p>
+
+<p>Countess Themire deliberated a few moments; then she asked:</p>
+
+<p>"May I not kiss my daughter farewell?"</p>
+
+<p>"Leave your kiss with me, and I will deliver it faithfully!" smilingly
+responded the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"How can you jest at such a moment? Suppose my absence lasts a long
+time?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is very probable."</p>
+
+<p>"Am I not even to hear from my child&mdash;not even to let her know that I am
+living?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, countess; you may communicate with her through me. Moreover,
+it rests with yourself how soon you will return. Until that time it
+shall be my pleasure to take care of Am&eacute;lie; you may rest in peace as to
+that!"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_39" id="Page_39" /></a>Yes; she could not be in worse hands than in those of her mother!"
+bitterly rejoined the countess. "The first letter, then, must be one of
+farewell."</p>
+
+<p>She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey. I shall write to
+     you when I am ready to return. Until then, I leave you to perform
+     the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care. I
+     embrace you a thousand times.</p>
+
+<p>     "Your old friend and little mama,</p>
+
+<p>     "THEMIRE."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said. "And now, send Jocrisse for a
+fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this. You can leave the
+palace unperceived by the garden gate. Speak German wherever you go, and
+remember that you do not understand a word of French. I think you would
+better begin your search in Switzerland. And now, adieu, madame, until
+we meet again&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"If only I might take one last look at my little daughter!" pleadingly
+interrupted the countess.</p>
+
+<p>"Themire! You are actually beginning to grow sentimental. That does not
+become a soldier!"</p>
+
+<p>"Had I suspected this," returned Themire, "I would not have given
+Am&eacute;lie's portrait to M. Cambray in that ridiculous farce. I wonder if I
+might not get it from him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a
+talisman. Only M. Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of
+their trinkets, and Cambray is still <a name="Page_40" id="Page_40" /></a>far enough from Sanson's reach! I
+shall have another portrait painted of Am&eacute;lie, and send it to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child."</p>
+
+<p>"Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter!
+I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission&mdash;that you will end
+by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us
+to him."</p>
+
+<p>Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for
+the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes
+for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where
+he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.</p>
+
+<p>Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady
+of the house.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian <i>grande
+dame</i>, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter&mdash;although I am only
+just learning the alphabet!"</p>
+
+<p>There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed
+the concluding words.</p>
+
+<p>The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and
+read her mother's letter.</p>
+
+<p>She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called
+suddenly away. She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the
+letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her
+mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also
+was a thought of her own). "I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the
+house."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41" /></a>Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the
+lorgnette in front of her lips:</p>
+
+<p>"Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"&mdash;adding, with na&iuml;ve sarcasm,
+"which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors."</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_II" id="PART_II" /></a><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42" /></a>PART II</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HOME OF ANECDOTE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>The entire population of Fert&ouml;szeg was assembled on the public highway
+to welcome the new proprietress of the estate. Elaborate preparations
+had been made for the reception. An arch of green boughs&mdash;at the top of
+which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses&mdash;spanned the road, on
+either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with
+flower-baskets in their hands. They were under the superintendence of
+the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies
+with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.</p>
+
+<p>On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to
+present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe
+melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes. Mortars
+crowned the summit of the neighboring hill. In the shadow of a spreading
+beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine,
+the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the
+justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state
+employees, belonging to these gentlemen. The vice-palatine's assistant
+ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last
+instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the
+hamper of fruit and cheeses.</p>
+
+<p>These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but <i>they</i> had stationed
+themselves along the trench at the side of the <a name="Page_44" id="Page_44" /></a>road. <i>They</i> did not
+seek the shadow of a tree, because <i>they</i> wished people to know that
+<i>they</i> had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small
+matter.</p>
+
+<p>Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast. The fat
+young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was
+ready for the torch. Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of
+wine. In front of the inn a gypsy band were tuning their instruments,
+while at the window of the church tower might have been seen two or
+three child faces; they were on the lookout for the new lady of the
+manor, in order that they might be ready to ring the bells the moment
+she came in sight. There was only that one tower in the village, and
+there was a cross on it; but it was not a Romish church, for all that.
+The inhabitants were adherents of Luther&mdash;Swabians, mixed with Magyars.</p>
+
+<p>The municipal authorities, in their holiday attire of blue cloth, had
+grouped themselves about the town hall. The older men wore their long
+hair brushed back from the temples and held in place by a curved comb.
+The young men had thrust into the sides of their lambskin caps gay
+little nosegays of artificial flowers. <i>They</i> proposed to fire a grand
+salute from the pistols they had concealed in their pockets.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the dignitaries underneath the umbrageous beech-tree were
+passing the time of waiting pleasantly enough. Maple wine mixed with
+mineral water was a very refreshing drink in the intense heat; besides,
+it served as a stimulant to the appetite&mdash;<i>appetitorium</i>, they called
+it.</p>
+
+<p>Three wooden benches, joined together in a half-circle, formed a
+comfortable resting-place for the committee of reception, the chief of
+whom, the vice-palatine, was seated on the middle bench, drawing through
+the stem of his huge carved meerschaum the smoke of the sweet Veker
+tobacco. <a name="Page_45" id="Page_45" /></a>His figure was the living illustration of the ever true axiom:
+"<i>Extra Hungariam non est vita</i>,"&mdash;an axiom which his fat red face by no
+means confuted,&mdash;while his heavy, stiffly waxed mustache seemed to add
+menacingly: "Leave the Hungarian in peace."</p>
+
+<p>He shared his seat with the clergyman, whose ecclesiastical office
+entitled him to that honor. The reverend gentleman, however, was an
+extremely humble person, whom erudition had bent and warped to such a
+degree that one shoulder was lower than the other, one eyelid was
+elevated above its fellow, and only one half of his mouth opened when he
+gave utterance to a remark. His part in the festive ceremony was the
+performance of the <i>beneventatio</i>; and although he had committed the
+speech to memory, he could not help but tremble at thought of having to
+repeat it before so grand a dame as the new mistress of the manor. He
+always trembled whenever he began his sermons; but once fairly started,
+then he became a veritable Demosthenes.</p>
+
+<p>"I only hope, reverend sir," jestingly observed the vice-palatine, "that
+it will not happen to you as it did to the <i>csokonai</i>, not long ago.
+Some wags exchanged his sermon-book for one on cookery, and he did not
+notice it until he began to read in the pulpit: 'The vinegar was&mdash;' Then
+he saw that he was reading a recipe for pickled gherkins. He had the
+presence of mind, however, to continue, '&mdash;was offered to the Saviour,
+who said, "It is finished."' And on that text he extemporized a
+discourse that astounded the entire presbytery."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall manage somehow to say my speech," returned the pastor, meekly,
+"if only I do not stumble over the name of the lady."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a difficult name," assented the vice-palatine. "What is it? I
+have already forgotten it, reverend sir."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_46" id="Page_46" /></a>Katharina von Landsknechtsschild."</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine's pointed mustaches essayed to give utterance to the
+name.</p>
+
+<p>"Lantz-k-nek-hisz-sild&mdash;that's asking a great deal from a body at one
+time!" he concluded, in disgust at his ill success.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, it is a good old Hungarian family name. The last Diet
+recognized her ancestors as belonging to the nobility."</p>
+
+<p>This remark was made by a third gentleman. He was sitting on the left of
+the vice-palatine, and was clad in snuff-colored clothes. His face was
+covered with small-pox marks; he had tangled yellow hair and inflamed
+eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you acquainted with the family, doctor?" asked the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I am," replied the doctor. "Baron Landsknechtsschild
+inherited this estate from his mother, who was a Markoczy. The baron
+sold the estate to his niece Katharina. You, Herr Surveyor, must have
+seen the baron, when the land was surveyed around the Nameless Castle
+for the mad count?"</p>
+
+<p>The surveyor, who was seated beside the doctor, was a clever man in his
+profession, but little given to conversation. When he did open his lips,
+he rarely got beyond: "I&mdash;say&mdash;what was it, now, I was going to say?"</p>
+
+<p>As no one seemed willing to-day to wait until he could remember what he
+wanted to remark, the doctor, who was never at a loss for words,
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"The Baroness Katharina paid one hundred thousand florins for the
+estate, with all its prerogatives&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That's quite a handsome sum," observed the vice-palatine. "And, what is
+handsomer, it is said the new proprietress intends to take up a
+permanent residence here. Is not that the report, Herr Justice? You
+ought to know."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47" /></a>The justice had an odd habit, while speaking, of rubbing together the
+palms of his hands, as if he were rolling little dumplings between them.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," he replied, beginning his dumpling-rolling; "that is quite
+true. The baroness sent some beautiful furniture from Vienna; also a
+piano, and a tuner to tune it. All the rooms at the manor have been hung
+with new tapestry, and the conservatory has been completely renovated."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder how the baroness came to take such a fancy to this quiet
+neighborhood? It is very strange, too, that none of the neighboring
+nobles have been invited here to meet her. It is as if she intended to
+let them know in advance that she did&nbsp;n't want their acquaintance. At
+any other celebration of this sort half the county would have been
+invited, and here are only ourselves&mdash;and we are here because we are
+obliged, <i>ex officio</i>, to be present."</p>
+
+<p>This speech was delivered over the mouthpiece of the vice-palatine's
+meerschaum.</p>
+
+<p>"I fancy I can enlighten you," responded the doctor.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought it likely that the 'county clock' could tell us something
+about it," laughingly interpolated the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"You may laugh as much as you like, but I always tell what is true,"
+retorted the "county clock." "They say that the baroness was betrothed
+to a gentleman from Bavaria, that the wedding-day was set, when the
+bridegroom heard that the lady he was about to marry was&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" hastily whispered the justice; "the servants might hear you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, it is&nbsp;n't anything scandalous. All that the bridegroom heard was
+that the baroness was a Lutheran; and as the <i>matrimonia mixta</i> are
+forbidden in Vienna and in Bavaria, the bridegroom withdrew from the
+engagement. <a name="Page_48" id="Page_48" /></a>In her grief over the affair, the <i>sposa repudiata</i> said
+farewell to the world, and determined to wear the <i>parta</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2" /></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> for the
+remainder of her days. That is why she chose this remote region as a
+residence."</p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> A head-covering worn only by Hungarian maidens.</p></div>
+
+<p>Here the bell in the church tower began to ring. It was followed by a
+roar from the mortars on the hilltop.</p>
+
+<p>The gypsy band began to play Biharis's "Vierzigmann Marsch"; a cloud of
+dust rose from the highway; and soon afterward there appeared an
+outrider with three ostrich-plumes in his hat. He was followed by a
+four-horse coach, with coachman and footman on the box.</p>
+
+<p>The committee of reception came forth from the shade of the beech and
+ranged themselves underneath the arch. The clergyman for the last time
+took his little black book from his pocket, and satisfied himself that
+his speech was still in it. The coach stopped, and it was discovered
+that no one occupied it; only the discarded shawl and traveling-wraps
+told that women had been riding in the conveyance.</p>
+
+<p>The general consternation which ensued was ended by the agent from
+Vienna, who drove up in a second vehicle. He explained that the baroness
+and her companion had alighted at the park gate, whence they would
+proceed on foot up the shorter foot-path to the manor. And thus ended
+all the magnificent preparations for the reception!</p>
+
+<p>A servant now came running from the village, his plumed <i>czako</i> in one
+hand, and announced that the baroness awaited the dignitaries at the
+manor.</p>
+
+<p>This was, to say the least, exasperating! A whole week spent in
+preparing&mdash;for nothing!</p>
+
+<p>You may be sure every one had something to say about it, audibly and to
+themselves, and some one was even heard to mutter:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_49" id="Page_49" /></a>This is the <i>second</i> mad person come to live in Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>And then they all betook themselves, a disappointed company, to their
+homes.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, who had preferred to walk the shorter path through the
+park to driving around the village in the dust for the sake of receiving
+a ceremonious welcome, was a lovely blonde, a true Viennese,
+good-humored, and frank as a child. She treated every one with cordial
+friendliness. One might easily have seen that everything rural was new
+to her. While walking through the park she took off her hat and
+decorated it with the wild flowers which grew along the path. In the
+farm-yard she caught two or three little chickens, calling them
+canaries&mdash;a mistake the mother hen sought in the most emphatic manner to
+correct. The surly old watch-dog's head was patted. She brushed with her
+dainty fingers the hair from the eyes of the gaping farmer children. She
+was here and there in a moment, driving to despair her companion, whose
+gouty limbs were unable to keep pace with the flying feet of her
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p>At the manor the baroness was received by the steward, who had been sent
+on in advance with orders to prepare the "installation dinner." Then she
+proceeded at once to inspect every corner and crevice&mdash;the kitchen as
+well as the dining-room, astonishing the cooks with her knowledge of
+their art. She was summoned from the kitchen to receive the dignitaries.</p>
+
+<p>"Let there be no ceremony, gentlemen," she exclaimed in her musical
+voice, hastening toward them. "I detest all formalities. I have had a
+surfeit of them in Vienna, and intend to breathe natural air here in the
+country, without 'fuss or feathers,' with no incense save that which
+rises from burning tobacco! This is why I avoided your <a name="Page_50" id="Page_50" /></a>parade out
+yonder on the highway. I want nothing but a cordial shake of your hands;
+and as regards the official formalities of this 'installation' business,
+you must settle that with my agent, who has authority to act for me.
+After that has been arranged, we will all act as if we were old
+acquaintances, and every one of you must consider himself at home here."</p>
+
+<p>To this gracious speech the vice-palatine gave utterance to something
+which sounded like:</p>
+
+<p>"Kisz-ti-hand!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" returned the baroness, "you speak German?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, yes," replied the descendant of the Scythians; "only, I am likely
+to blunder when speaking it, as did the valiant Barkocz. When our
+glorious Queen Maria Theresa recovered from the chicken-pox, she was
+bemoaning the disfiguring scars left on her face, when the brave
+soldier, in order to comfort her, said: 'But your Majesty still has very
+beautiful <i>leather</i>.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" merrily laughed the baroness. "You are the gentleman who
+has an anecdote to suit every occasion. I have already heard about you.
+Pray introduce the other gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine proceeded to obey this request. "This is the Rev. Herr
+Tobias Mercatoris, our parish clergyman. He has a beautiful speech
+prepared to receive your ladyship; but he can't repeat it here, as it
+begins, 'Here in the grateful shadow of these green trees.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, well, your reverence, instead of the speech, I will listen to your
+sermons on Sundays. I intend to become a very zealous member of your
+congregation."</p>
+
+<p>"And this, your ladyship," continued the master of ceremonies, "is Dr.
+Philip Tromfszky, resident physician of Fert&ouml;szeg, who is celebrated not
+only for his surgical and medical skill, but is acknowledged here, as
+well as in Raab, <a name="Page_51" id="Page_51" /></a>Komorn, Eisenburg, <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'an'">and</ins> Odenburg, as
+the greatest gossip and news dispenser in the kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>"A most excellent accomplishment!" laughingly exclaimed the baroness. "I
+am devoted to gossip; and I shall manage to have some ailment every few
+days in order to have the doctor come to see me!"</p>
+
+<p>Then came the surveyor's turn.</p>
+
+<p>"This, your ladyship, is Herr Martin Doboka, county surveyor and expert
+mathematician. He will measure for you land, water, or fog; and if your
+watch stops going, he will repair it for you!"</p>
+
+<p>"And who may this be?" smilingly inquired the lady, indicating the
+vice-palatine's assistant, who had thrust his long neck inquisitively
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, he is&nbsp;n't anybody!" replied the vice-palatine. "He is never called
+by name. When you want him just say: '<i>Audiat!</i>' He is one of those
+persons of whom Cziraky said: 'My lad, don't trouble yourself to inquire
+where you shall seat yourself at table; for wherever you sit will always
+be the lowest place!'"</p>
+
+<p>This anecdote caused "Audiat" to draw back his head and seek to make
+himself invisible.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, I must present myself: I am the vice-palatine of this county,
+and am called Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir!" ejaculated the baroness, laughing heartily, "I could&nbsp;n't
+commit all that to memory in three years!"</p>
+
+<p>"That is exactly the way your ladyship's name affects me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you what we will do. Instead of torturing each other
+with our unpronounceable names, let us at once adopt the familiar
+'thou,' and call each other by our Christian names."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but when I enter into a 'brotherhood' of that <a name="Page_52" id="Page_52" /></a>sort, I always kiss
+the person with whom I form a compact."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that can also be done in this instance!" promptly responded the
+baroness, proffering, without affectation of maidenly coyness, the
+ceremonial kiss, and cordially shaking hands with the vice-palatine.
+Then she said:</p>
+
+<p>"We are now Bernat <i>b&aacute;csi</i>, and Katinka; and as that is happily
+arranged, I will ask the gentlemen to go into the agent's office and
+conclude our official business. Meanwhile, I shall make my toilet for
+dinner, where we will all meet again."</p>
+
+<p>"What a perfectly charming woman!" exclaimed the justice, when their
+hostess had vanished from the room.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what would happen," observed the doctor, with a malicious
+grin, "if the vice-palatine's wife should hear of that kiss? Would&nbsp;n't
+there be a row, though!"</p>
+
+<p>The heroic descendant of the Scythians at these words became seriously
+alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Doctor, I trust, will be honorable enough not to gossip about
+it," he said meekly.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you may rest without fear, so far as <i>I</i> am concerned; but I
+would&nbsp;n't say as much for the surveyor, here. If ever he should succeed
+in getting beyond 'I say,' I won't answer for the safety of your secret,
+Herr Vice-palatine! When your wife hears, moreover, that it is 'Bernat'
+and 'Katinka' up here, it will require something besides an anecdote to
+parry what will follow!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the baroness appeared at the dinner-table, she was attired simply,
+yet with a certain elegance. She wore a plain black silk gown, with no
+other ornamentation save the string of genuine pearls about her throat.
+The sombre hue of her gown signified mourning; the gems represented
+tears; but her manner was by no means in keeping with either; she was
+cheerful, even gay. But laughter very often serves to mask a sorrowful
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Thy place is here by my side," said the baroness, mindful of the
+"thee-and-thou" compact with Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine, remembering his spouse, sought to modify the
+familiarity.</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot to tell you, baroness," he observed, as he seated himself in
+the chair beside her own, "that with us in this region 'thou' is used
+only by children and the gypsies. To those with whom we are on terms of
+intimacy we say 'he' or 'she,' to which we add, if we wish, the words
+<i>b&aacute;csi</i>, or <i>hugom</i>, which are equivalent to 'cousin.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And do you never say 'thou' to your wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"To her also I say 'she' or 'you.'"</p>
+
+<p>"What a singular country! Well, then, Bernat b&aacute;csi, if it pleases 'him,'
+will 'he' sit here by me?"</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katinka understood perfectly how to conduct the conversation
+during the repast&mdash;an art which was not appreciated by her right-hand
+neighbor, Herr Mercatoris. <a name="Page_54" id="Page_54" /></a>The learned gentleman had bad teeth, in
+consequence of which eating was a sort of penitential performance that
+left him no time for discourse.</p>
+
+<p>But the doctor and the vice-palatine showed themselves all the more
+willing to share the conversation with their hostess.</p>
+
+<p>"The official business was satisfactorily arranged without me, was it
+not, Bernat b&aacute;csi?" after a brief pause, inquired the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Not altogether. We are like the gypsy who said that he was going to
+marry a countess. He was willing, and all that was yet necessary was the
+consent of a countess. Our business requires the consent of a
+baroness&mdash;that is, of Katinka hugom."</p>
+
+<p>"To what must I give my consent?"</p>
+
+<p>"That the conditions relating to the Nameless Castle shall continue the
+same as heretofore."</p>
+
+<p>"Nameless Castle?&mdash;Conditions?&mdash;What does that mean? I should like very
+much to know."</p>
+
+<p>"Katinka hugom can see the Nameless Castle from the terrace out yonder.
+It is a hunting-seat that was built by a Markoczy on the shore of Lake
+Neusiedl, on the site of a primitive pile-dwelling. Three years ago, a
+gentleman from a foreign country came to Fert&ouml;szeg, and took such a
+fancy to the isolated house that he leased it from the baron, the former
+owner, on condition that no one but himself and servants should be
+permitted to enter the grounds belonging to the castle. The question now
+is, will Katinka hugom consent to the conditions, or will she revoke
+them?"</p>
+
+<p>"And if I should choose to do the latter?" inquired the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Then your ladyship would be obliged to give a handsome bonus to the
+lessee. Shall you revoke the conditions?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_55" id="Page_55" /></a>It depends entirely on the sort of person my tenant proves to be."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a very peculiar man, to say the least&mdash;one who avoids all contact
+with his fellow-men."</p>
+
+<p>"What is his name?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think any one around here knows it. That is why his residence
+has been called the Nameless Castle."</p>
+
+<p>"But how is it possible that the name of a man who has lived here three
+years is not known?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that is easily explained. He never goes anywhere, never receives
+visitors, and his servants never call him anything but 'the count.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Surely he receives letters by post?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, frequently, and from all parts of the known world. Very often he
+receives letters which contain money, and for which he is obliged to
+give a receipt; but no one has yet been able to decipher the illegible
+characters on the letters addressed to him, or those of his own hand."</p>
+
+<p>"I should think the authorities had a right to demand the information?"</p>
+
+<p>"Which authorities?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;'he,' Bernat b&aacute;csi."</p>
+
+<p>"I? Why, what business is it of mine?"</p>
+
+<p>"The authorities ought to inquire who strangers are, and where they come
+from. And such an authority is 'he'&mdash;Bernat b&aacute;csi!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hum; does 'she' take me to be a detective?"</p>
+
+<p>"But you surely have a right to demand to see his passport?"</p>
+
+<p>"Passport? I would rather allow myself to be thrown from the window of
+the county-house than demand a passport from any one who comes to
+Hungary, or set my foot in the house of a gentleman without his
+permission!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you don't care what people do here?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_56" id="Page_56" /></a>Why should we? The noble does as he pleases, and the peasant as he
+must."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose the man in the Nameless Castle were plotting some dreadful
+treason?"</p>
+
+<p>"That would be the affair of the king's attorney, not mine. Moreover,
+nothing whatever can be said against the tenant of the Nameless Castle.
+He is a quiet and inoffensive gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he alone? Has he no family?"</p>
+
+<p>"That the Herr Justice is better able to tell your ladyship than am I."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then, <i>Herr Hofrichter</i>," inquired the lady of the manor, turning
+toward the justice, "what do <i>you</i> know about this mysterious personage?
+Has he a wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"It seems as if he had a wife, your ladyship; but I really cannot say
+for certain if he has one."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I confess my curiosity is aroused! How is it possible not to know
+whether the man is married or not? Are the people invisible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Invisible? By no means, your ladyship. The nameless count and a lady
+drive out every morning at ten o'clock. They drive as far as the
+neighboring village, where they turn and come back to the castle. But
+the lady wears such a heavy veil that one can't tell if she be old or
+young."</p>
+
+<p>"If they drive out they certainly have a coachman; and one might easily
+learn from a servant what are the relations between his master and
+mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, so one might. The coachman comes often to the village, and he can
+speak German, too. There is a fat cook, who never leaves the castle,
+because she can't walk. Then, there are two more servants, Schmidt and
+his wife; but they live in a cottage near the castle. Every morning at
+five o'clock they go to the castle gate, where they receive from some
+one, through the wicket, orders for the day. At <a name="Page_57" id="Page_57" /></a>nine o'clock they
+return to the gate, where a basket has been placed for the things they
+have bought. But they never speak of the lady, because they have never
+seen her face, either."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a man is the groom?"</p>
+
+<p>"The people about here call him the man with the iron mouth. It is
+believed the fat cook is his wife, because he never even looks at the
+girls in the village. He will not answer any questions; only once he
+condescended to say that his mistress was a penniless orphan, who had
+nothing, yet who got everything she wanted."</p>
+
+<p>"Does no one visit them?"</p>
+
+<p>"If any one goes to the castle, the count alone receives the visitor;
+the lady never appears; and no one has yet had courage enough to ask for
+her. But that they are Christians, one may know from their kitchen:
+there is always a lamb for dinner on Easter; and the usual <i>heiligen
+Stritzel</i> on All Saints'. But they never go to church, nor is the pastor
+ever received at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>"What reason can they have for so much mystery, I wonder?" musingly
+observed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot say. I can furnish only the data; for the deductions I
+must refer your ladyship to the Herr Doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, true!" ejaculated her ladyship, joining in the general laughter.
+"The doctor, to be sure! If you are the county clock, Herr Doctor,
+surely you ought to know something about our mysterious neighbors?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have two versions, either of which your ladyship is at liberty to
+accept," promptly responded the doctor. "According to the first
+'authentic' declaration, the nameless count is the chief of a band of
+robbers, who ply their nefarious trade in a foreign land. The lady is
+his mistress. She fell once into the hands of justice, in Germany, and
+was <a name="Page_58" id="Page_58" /></a>branded as a criminal on her forehead. That accounts for the heavy
+veil she always wears&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is quite too horribly romantic, Herr Doctor!" interrupted the
+baroness. "We cannot accept that version. Let us hear the other one."</p>
+
+<p>"The second is more likely to be the true one. Four years ago the
+newspapers were full of a remarkable abduction case. A stranger&mdash;no one
+knew who he was&mdash;abducted the wife of a French officer from Dieppe.
+Since then the betrayed husband has been searching all over the world
+for his runaway wife and her lover; and the pair at the castle are
+supposed to be they."</p>
+
+<p>"That certainly is the more plausible solution of the mystery. But there
+is one flaw. If the lovers fled here to Fert&ouml;szeg to escape pursuit, the
+lady has chosen the very worst means to remain undiscovered. Who would
+recognize them here if they went about in the ordinary manner? The story
+of the veil will spread farther and farther, and will ultimately betray
+them to the pursuing husband."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the reverend Herr Mercatoris had got the better of his bad
+teeth, and was now ready to join the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen and ladies," he began, "allow me to say a word about this
+matter, the details of which no one knows better than myself, as I have
+for months been in communication with the nameless gentleman at the
+castle."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of communication?"</p>
+
+<p>"Through the medium of a correspondence, which has been conducted in
+quite a peculiar manner. The count&mdash;we will call him so, although we are
+not justified in so doing, for the gentleman did not announce himself as
+such&mdash;the count sends me every morning his copy of the Augsburg
+'Allgemeine Zeitung.' Moreover, I frequently receive letters from him
+through Frau Schmidt; but I always have <a name="Page_59" id="Page_59" /></a>to return them as soon as I
+have read them. They are not written in a man's hand; the writing is
+unmistakably feminine. The seal is never stamped; only once I noticed on
+it a crest with three flowers&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of flowers?" hastily interposed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know the names of them, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"And what do you write about?" she asked again.</p>
+
+<p>"The correspondence began by the count asking a trifling favor of me. He
+complained that the dogs in the village barked so loud; then, that the
+children robbed the birds' nests; then, that the night-watchman called
+the hour unnecessarily loud. These complaints, however, were not made in
+his own name, but by another person whom he did not name. He wrote
+merely: 'Complainant is afraid when the dogs bark.' 'Complainant loves
+birds.' 'Complainant is made nervous by the night-watchman.' Then he
+sent some money for the owners of the barking dogs, asking that the curs
+be shut indoors nights; and some for the children, so they would cease
+to rob the birds' nests; and some for the watchman, whom he requested to
+shout his loudest at the other end of the village. When I had attended
+to his requests, he began to send me his newspaper, which is a great
+favor, for I can ill afford to subscribe for one myself. Later, he
+loaned me some books; he has the classics of all nations&mdash;the works of
+Wieland, Kleist, B&ouml;rne, Lessing, Locke, Schleiermacher. Then we began to
+write about the books, and became entangled in a most exciting argument.
+Frau Schmidt, who was the bearer of this exchange of opinions, very
+often passed to and fro between the castle and the parsonage a dozen
+times a day; and all the time we never said anything to each other, when
+we happened to meet in the road, but 'good day.' From the letters,
+however, I became convinced that the mysterious gentleman is neither a
+criminal, nor a fugitive from justice, <a name="Page_60" id="Page_60" /></a>nor yet an adventurous hero who
+abducts women! Nor is he an unfortunate misanthrope. He is, on the
+contrary, a philanthropist in the widest sense&mdash;one who takes an
+interest in everything that goes on about him, and is eager to help his
+suffering fellows. In a word, he is a philosopher who is happy when he
+is surrounded by peace and quiet."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, who had listened with interest to the reverend gentleman's
+words, now made inquiry:</p>
+
+<p>"How does this nameless gentleman learn of his poor neighbors' needs,
+when neither he nor his servants associate with any one outside the
+castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a very simple manner, your ladyship. He has a very powerful
+telescope in the tower of the castle, with which he can view every
+portion of the surrounding region. He thus learns when there is illness
+or death, whether a house needs repair; and wherever anything is needed,
+the means to help are sent to me. On Christmas he has all the children
+from the village up at the castle, where he has a splendid Christmas
+tree with lighted tapers, and a gift for every child,&mdash;clothes, books,
+and sweets,&mdash;which he distributes with his own hand. I can tell you an
+incident which is characteristic of the man. One day the county arrested
+a poor woman, the wife of a notorious thief. The Herr Vice-palatine will
+remember the case&mdash;Rakoncza Jutka, the wife of the robber Satan Laczi?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember. She is still in prison," assented the gentleman
+referred to.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Well, she has a little son. When the mother was taken to prison,
+the little lad was turned away from every door, was beaten and abused by
+the other children, until at last he fled to the marshes, where he ate
+the young shoots of the reeds, and slept in the mire. The nameless count
+discovered with his telescope the little outcast, and <a name="Page_61" id="Page_61" /></a>wrote to me to
+have him taken to Frau Schmidt, where he would be well taken care of
+until his mother came back."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the tears were running down the baroness's cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little lad!" she murmured brokenly. "Your story has affected me
+deeply, Herr Pastor."</p>
+
+<p>Then she summoned her steward, and bade him fill a large hamper with
+sweets and pasties, and send it to Frau Schmidt for the poor little boy.
+"And tell Frau Schmidt," she added, "to send the child to the manor. We
+will see to it that he has some suitable clothes. I am delighted,
+reverend sir, to learn that my tenant is a true nobleman."</p>
+
+<p>"His deeds certainly proclaim him as such, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"How do <i>you</i> explain the mystery of the veiled lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot explain it, your ladyship; she is never mentioned in our
+correspondence."</p>
+
+<p>"She may be a prisoner, detained at the castle by force."</p>
+
+<p>"That cannot be; for she has a hundred opportunities to escape, or to
+ask for help."</p>
+
+<p>Here the surveyor managed to express his belief that the reason the lady
+wore a veil was because of the repulsiveness of her face.</p>
+
+<p>At this, a voice that had not yet been heard said, at the lower end of
+the table:</p>
+
+<p>"But the lady is one the most beautiful creatures I ever saw&mdash;and quite
+young."</p>
+
+<p>Every eye was turned toward the speaker.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Audiat? How dares he say such a thing?" demanded the
+vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have seen her."</p>
+
+<p>"You have seen her? When did you see her? Where did you see her&mdash;her
+whom no one yet has seen?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_62" id="Page_62" /></a>When I was returning from college last year, <i>per pedes apostolorum</i>,
+for my money had given out, and my knapsack was empty. I was picking
+hazelnuts from the bushes in the park of the Nameless Castle, when I
+heard a window open. I looked up, and saw in the open sash a face the
+like of which I have never seen, even in a picture."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" ejaculated the baroness. "Tell us what is she like. Come nearer to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>The clerk, however, was too bashful to leave his place, whereupon the
+baroness rose and took a seat by his side.</p>
+
+<p>"She has long, curling black hair," he went on. "Her face is fair as a
+lily and red as a rose, her brow pure and high, with no sign of the
+branding-iron. Her mouth is small and delicate. Indeed, her entire
+appearance that day was like that of an angel looking down from heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"Is she a maid or a married woman?" inquired one of the company.</p>
+
+<p>A maid, in those days, was very easily distinguished from her married
+sister. The latter was never seen without a cap.</p>
+
+<p>"A young girl not more than fifteen, I should say," was the reply. "A
+cap would not suit her face."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Bernat b&aacute;csi. "And this enchanting fairy opened
+the window to show her lovely face to Audiat!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she did not open the window on my account," retorted the young man,
+"but for the beasts that were luckier than I&mdash;for four cats that were
+playing in the gutter of the roof; a white one, a black one, a yellow
+one, and a gray one; and all of them scampered toward her when they
+heard her call."</p>
+
+<p>"The cats are her only companions&mdash;that much we know from the servants,"
+affirmed the justice.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63" /></a>The laurels which his clerk had won made the vice-palatine jealous.</p>
+
+<p>"Audiat," he said, in a reproving tone, "you ought to learn that a young
+person should speak only when spoken to; indeed,&mdash;as the learned
+Professor Hatvani says,&mdash;even then it is not necessary to answer all
+questions."</p>
+
+<p>But the company around the dinner-table did not share these views. The
+clerk was assailed on all sides&mdash;very much as would have been an
+a&euml;ronaut who had just alighted from a montgolfier&mdash;to relate all that he
+had seen in those regions not yet penetrated by man. What sort of gown
+did the mysterious lady wear? Was he certain that she had no cap on? Was
+she really no older than fifteen years?</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine at last put an end to his clerk's triumph.</p>
+
+<p>"Tut, tut! what can you expect to learn from a mere lad like him?&mdash;when
+he saw her only for an instant! Just wait; <i>I</i> will find out all about
+this nameless gentleman and lady."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray how do you propose to accomplish that?" queried the baroness, who
+had returned to her former seat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall go to the Nameless Castle."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose you are not permitted to enter?"</p>
+
+<p>"What? <i>I</i>, the vice-palatine, not permitted to enter? Wait; I will
+explain my plan to you over the coffee."</p>
+
+<p>When the time came to serve the black coffee, the amiable hostess
+suggested that it would be pleasant to enjoy it in the open air;
+whereupon the company repaired to the veranda where, on several small
+tables, the fragrant mocha was steaming in the cups. Here the baroness
+and the vice-palatine seated themselves where they could look directly
+at the Nameless Castle; and Herr Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi pro<a name="Page_64" id="Page_64" /></a>ceeded to explain
+how he intended to take the castle without force&mdash;which was forbidden a
+Hungarian official.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two ladies withdrew to make their toilets for the evening; and
+the gentlemen betook themselves to the smoking-room, to indulge in a
+little game of chance, without which no "installation" ceremony would
+have been complete.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the
+gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat b&aacute;csi lingering
+behind the rest to whisper significantly:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell
+you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and
+bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle. The
+Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into
+Lake Neusiedl. The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway,
+which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of
+fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns. A drawbridge at the
+farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the
+gate to ask permission.</p>
+
+<p>On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has
+already been described,&mdash;the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one
+person. He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and
+shoes without heels.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the count at home?" inquired the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"He is."</p>
+
+<p>"Announce us. I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an
+official visit."</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids
+them welcome."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66" /></a>This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing
+proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to
+remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule&mdash;a
+sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, something curious happened.</p>
+
+<p>Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks,
+woven of strands of cloth,&mdash;<i>mamuss</i> they are called in this
+region,&mdash;and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their
+boots.</p>
+
+<p>"And why, pray?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant;
+and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the
+carpets."</p>
+
+<p>"This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to
+submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped,
+they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.</p>
+
+<p>An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
+Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used
+for peasants' clothing in Hungary. The walls were hung with glossy white
+paper. Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened. There were
+no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had
+anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either. The floor
+of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone
+like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom,
+and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber. Here, too, the
+furniture was white and gold. The oil-paintings in the rococo frames
+repre<a name="Page_67" id="Page_67" /></a>sented landscapes, fruit pieces, and game; there was not a
+portrait among them.</p>
+
+<p>Beside the oval table with tigers' feet stood the mysterious occupant of
+the Nameless Castle. He was a tall man, with knightly bearing,
+expressive face, a high, broad forehead left uncovered by his natural
+hair, a straight Greek nose, gray eyes, a short mustache and pointed
+beard, which where a shade lighter than his hair.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Magnifice comes</i>&mdash;" the vice-palatine was beginning in Latin, when the
+count interposed:</p>
+
+<p>"I speak Hungarian."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible!" exclaimed the visitor, whose astonishment was reflected in
+his face. "Hungarian? Why, where can your worship have learned it?"</p>
+
+<p>"From the grammar."</p>
+
+<p>"From the grammar?" For the vice-palatine this was the most astounding
+of all the strange things about the mysterious castle. Had he not always
+known that Hungarian could only be learned by beginning when a child and
+living in a Hungarian family? That any one had learned the language as
+one learns the <i>hic, h&aelig;c, hoc</i> was a marvel that deserved to be
+recorded. "From the grammar?" he repeated. "Well, that is wonderful! I
+certainly believed I should have to speak Latin to your worship. But
+allow me to introduce my humble self&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I already have the honor," quietly interrupted the count, "of knowing
+that you are Herr Vice-palatine Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur."</p>
+
+<p>He repeated the whole name without a single mistake!</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine bowed, and began again:</p>
+
+<p>"The object of my visit to-day is&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Again he was interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>"I know that also," said the count. "The Fert&ouml;szeg estate has passed
+into the hands of another proprietor, who <a name="Page_68" id="Page_68" /></a>has a legal right to withdraw
+the lease and revoke the conditions made and agreed to by her
+predecessor; and the Herr Vice-palatine is come, at the request of the
+baroness, to serve a notice to quit."</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat did not like it when any one interrupted him or knew
+beforehand what he intended to say.</p>
+
+<p>"On the contrary, I came because the baroness desires to renew the
+lease. She has learned how kind to the poor your worship is, and offers
+the castle and park at half the rent paid heretofore." He fancied this
+would melt the haughty lord of the castle, but it seemed to increase his
+hauteur.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks," frigidly responded the count. "If the baroness thinks the rent
+too high, she will find in her own neighborhood poor people whom she can
+assist. I shall continue to pay the same rent I paid to the former
+owner."</p>
+
+<p>"Then my business will be easily settled. I have brought my clerk with
+me; he can write out the necessary papers, and the matter can be
+concluded at once."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much," returned the count, but without offering to shake
+hands. Instead, he kept his arms crossed behind his back.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we proceed to business," resumed the vice-palatine, "I must tell
+your worship an anecdote. A professor once told his pupils that he knew
+everything. Shortly afterward he asked one of the lads what his name
+was. 'Why,' responded the youth, 'how does it come that you don't know
+my name&mdash;you who know everything?'"</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot see why you thought it necessary to relate this anecdote to
+me," observed the count, without a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I introduce it because I am compelled to inquire your worship's name
+and title, in order to draw up the contracts properly."</p>
+
+<p>This, then, was the strategem by which he proposed to <a name="Page_69" id="Page_69" /></a>learn the name
+which no one yet had been able to decipher on the count's letters?</p>
+
+<p>The count gazed fixedly for several seconds at his questioner, then
+replied quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Count Ludwig Vavel de Versay&mdash;with a <i>y</i> after the <i>a</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks. I shall not forget it; I have a very good memory," said Herr
+Bernat, who was perfectly satisfied with his success. "Allow me, also,
+to inquire the family name of the worshipful Frau Countess?"</p>
+
+<p>At this question the count at last removed his hands from his back, and
+with the sort of gesture a man makes who would tear asunder an
+adversary. At the same time he cast upon Herr Bernat a glance that
+reminded the valiant official of the royal commissioner, as well as of
+his energetic spouse at home. The angry man seemed to have increased a
+head in stature.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of replying to the question, he turned on his heel and strode
+from the room, leaving his visitor standing in the middle of the floor.
+Herr Bernat was perplexed; he did not know what to do next. Was it not
+quite natural to ask the name of a man's wife when a legal contract was
+to be written? His question, therefore, had not been an insult.</p>
+
+<p>At last, as the count did not return, there was nothing left for Herr
+Bernat to do but go to his room and wait there for further developments.
+The contracts would have to be renewed, else the count would have to
+vacate the castle; and one could easily see that a great deal of money
+had been expended in fitting it up. The count had transformed the old
+hunting-seat, which had been a filthy little nest, into a veritable
+fairy castle. Yes, undoubtedly the contracts would be renewed.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine was pacing the floor of his room in his <a name="Page_70" id="Page_70" /></a>noiseless
+cloth socks, when he suddenly heard the voices of his clerk and his
+servant outside the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Janos, we are not going to dine here to-day; from what I can
+learn, we are going to be eaten ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"The groom told me his master was loading his pistols to shoot some one.
+The count challenges to a duel every one who inquires after the
+countess."</p>
+
+<p>The voices ceased. The vice-palatine opened wide his eyes, and muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"May the devil fly away with him! He wants to fight a duel, does he? I
+am not afraid of his pistols; I have one, too, and a sword into the
+bargain. But it&nbsp;'s a silly business altogether! I am to fight about a
+woman I have&nbsp;n't even seen! And what will my wife say? I wish I had&nbsp;n't
+come into this crazy castle! I wish I had&nbsp;n't sealed a compact of
+fraternity with the baroness! Why did not I leave this whole
+installation business to the second vice-palatine? If only I could think
+of an excuse to turn my back on this lunatic asylum! But I am not going
+to run away from a pistol. The Hungarian noble is a born soldier. If
+only I had my pipe! A man is only half a man without his pipe. A pipe
+inspires one with ideas. Where, I wonder, is that Audiat gadding?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the clerk opened the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Fetch our luggage, Audiat; we are going to leave this damned lunatic
+asylum. The Herr Count may see to it then how he renews his lease."
+Hereupon he kicked off the socks with such vigor that the very castle
+shook. Then, grasping his sword in his hand, he marched out of his room,
+and down the staircase, to prove that he was not fleeing like a coward,
+but was clearing his way by force.</p>
+
+<p>When the clerk, who went to fetch the luggage, was <a name="Page_71" id="Page_71" /></a>about to enter the
+groom's apartment, the count came toward him and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You are the vice-palatine's clerk?"</p>
+
+<p>"That&nbsp;'s what they call me."</p>
+
+<p>"When do you expect to become a lawyer?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I have passed my examination."</p>
+
+<p>"When will that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"When I have served a year as jurat, and have paid a ducat for my
+diploma."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give you the ducat, and when you have become a lawyer I will
+employ you as my attorney at six hundred guilders a year. I know that a
+Hungarian gentleman will not accept a gift without making some return; I
+ask you, therefore, to give me for this ducat some information."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it you wish to know?"</p>
+
+<p>"How can I obtain possession of a portion of Lake Neusiedl for my own
+use alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"By becoming a naturalized citizen of the county, and by purchase of a
+portion of the shore. I dare say there are some landowners on the shore
+who would be glad to part with their possessions in exchange for solid
+cash. If you buy such an estate you will have sole right to that part of
+the water in front of your property, and to the middle of the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you. One more question: if you were my attorney, what could you
+do to prevent me from being ejected from this castle, in case I did not
+sign a new contract with the present owner?"</p>
+
+<p>"First, I should take advantage of the law of possession, and drag the
+case through a twelve years' process; then I should appeal, which would
+postpone a settlement for three years longer. Would that be long
+enough?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite!"</p>
+
+<p>The count nodded a farewell to the youthful jurist with<a name="Page_72" id="Page_72" /></a>out even
+inquiring his name; nor did Audiat venture to propound a like question
+to his future employer.</p>
+
+<p>Bernat b&aacute;csi did not, as he had promised, return to the manor to tell
+the baroness the result of his visit. He drove direct to his home.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_III" id="PART_III" /></a><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73" /></a>PART III</h2>
+
+
+<h3>THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When they heard the call, "Puss, puss!" they scampered down the roof,
+leaped from the eaves, and vanished, one after the other, between the
+curtains of the open window. It was quite an ethnographic, so to speak,
+collection of cats; a panther-like French pussy from Dund, a Caucasian
+with long pointed ears, one from China with wavy silken fur and drooping
+ears. Then the window was closed, for the company were all
+assembled&mdash;four cats, two pug-dogs, and a sparrow, and the hostess, a
+young girl.</p>
+
+<p>The girl, to judge from her figure, was perhaps fifteen years old; but
+her manner and speech were those of a much younger child. With her
+arched brow and rainbow-formed eyebrows, she might have served as a
+model for a saint, had not the roguish smile about the corners of her
+red lips betrayed an earthly origin. The sparkling dark eyes, delicately
+chiseled nostrils, and rounded chin gave to her face certain family
+characteristics which many persons would have recognized at a first
+glance.</p>
+
+<p>Her clothing was richly adorned with lace and embroidery, which was not
+the fashion for girls of her age; at the same time, there was about her
+attire a peculiar negligence, as if she had no one to advise her what
+was proper to wear, or how to wear it.</p>
+
+<p>Her room was furnished with luxurious elegance. Satin hangings covered
+the walls; the furniture was upholstered <a name="Page_75" id="Page_75" /></a>with rare gobelin tapestry.
+Gilded cabinets veneered with tortoise-shell held, behind glass doors,
+all sorts of costly toys, and dolls in full costume. On a Venetian table
+with mosaic top lay a pack of cards and three heaps of money&mdash;one of
+gold, one of silver, the third of copper. On a low, three-legged table
+was a something shaped like an organ, with a long row of metal and
+wooden pipes. Near the window stood a drawing-table, on which were
+sheets of drawing-board, and glasses containing pulverized colors. There
+was also a bookcase; on the shelves were volumes of Vertuch's "Orbis
+pictus," the "Portefeuille des enfants," the "History of Robinson
+Crusoe," and several numbers of a fashion magazine, the "Album des
+salons," the illustrations of which lay scattered about on tables and
+chairs.</p>
+
+<p>The guests were all assembled; not one was missing. The little hostess
+inquired after the health of each one in turn, and how they had enjoyed
+their outing. They all had names. The cats were Hitz, Mitz, Pani, and
+Miura. They were introduced to the two pugs, Phryxus and Helle. Then the
+little maid fetched a porcelain basin, and with a sponge washed each
+nose and paw. Only after this operation had been thoroughly performed
+were the guests allowed to take their places at the breakfast-table&mdash;the
+four cats opposite the two pugs.</p>
+
+<p>Then a clean napkin was tied about the neck of each guest,&mdash;that their
+jabots might not get soiled with milk,&mdash;and a cup of bread and milk
+placed in front of each one.</p>
+
+<p>No complaints were allowed (the one that broke this rule was severely
+lectured), while all of them had patiently to submit when the sparrow
+helped himself from whichever cup he chose. The breakfast over, the
+guests bow-wowed and miaued their thanks, and were dismissed to their
+morning nap.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76" /></a>The musical clock now began to play its shepherd's song; the brass
+Cyclops standing on the dial struck the hour; the cuckoo called, and the
+halberdier saluted. Then the little maid changed her toilet. She had a
+whole wardrobe full of clothes; she might select what she chose to wear.
+There was no one to tell her what to put on, or to help her attire
+herself. When her toilet was completed, a bell outside rang once,
+whereupon she donned her hat and tied over her face a heavy lace veil
+that effectually concealed her features. After a few minutes the bell
+rang a second time, and the sound of wheels in the courtyard was heard.
+Then three taps sounded on the door, and in answer to the little maid's
+clear-voiced "Come in!" a gentleman in promenade toilet entered the room
+and bowed respectfully. First he satisfied himself that the veil was
+securely fastened around the young girl's hat; then, drawing her hand
+through his arm, he led her to the carriage.</p>
+
+<p>On the box was seated the broad-shouldered groom, now clad in coachman's
+costume. The gentleman assisted the little maid into the carriage, took
+his seat by her side, and the black horses set off over the same road
+they had traversed a thousand times, in the regulation trot, avoiding
+the main thoroughfare of the village. Those persons whom they chanced to
+meet did not salute, for they knew that the occupants of the carriage
+from the Nameless Castle did not wish to be spoken to; and any of the
+villagers who were standing idly at their doors stepped inside until
+they had passed; no inquisitive woman face peered after them. And thus
+the carriage passed on its way, as if it had been invisible. When it
+arrived at the forest, the horses knew just where they had to halt. Here
+the gentleman assisted his veiled companion to alight, gave her his left
+arm, because he held in his right hand a heavy walking-stick, in the
+center of which was concealed a long, three-edged <a name="Page_77" id="Page_77" /></a>poniard, an effective
+weapon in the hands of him who knew how to wield it.</p>
+
+<p>In silence the man and the maid promenaded along the green sward in the
+shade of the trees. A campanula had just opened its blue eye at the foot
+of one of the trees, and pale-blue forget-me-nots grew along the path.
+Blue was the little maid's favorite color; but she was not permitted to
+pluck the flowers herself. She had never been told why she must not do
+this; perhaps it was because the flowers belonged to some one else.</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes the little maid's steps were so light and elastic, as if a
+fairy were gliding over the dewy grass; and sometimes she walked so
+slowly, so wearily, as if a little old grandmother came limping along,
+hunting for lichens on the mossy ground.</p>
+
+<p>After the promenade, they seated themselves again in the carriage, which
+returned to the Nameless Castle, and the gates were closed again.</p>
+
+<p>The man conducted the maid to her room, and the serious occupation of
+the day began. Books were produced, and the man proceeded to explain the
+classics. They were his own favorites; he could not give her any others.
+She had not yet seen or heard of romances, and she was still too young
+to begin the study of history. The man could teach the maid only what he
+<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'himelf'">himself</ins> knew; a strange tutor or governess was not
+allowed to enter the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Because her instructor could not play the piano, the little maid had not
+learned. But in order that she might enjoy listening to music, a
+hand-organ had been bought for her, and new melodies were inserted in it
+every four months.</p>
+
+<p>When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making, she
+seated herself at the card-table, and played <i>l'hombre</i>, or <i>tarok</i>,
+with two imaginary adversaries, <a name="Page_78" id="Page_78" /></a>enjoying the manner in which the copper
+coins won the gold ones.</p>
+
+<p>At noon, when the bell rang a third time, the man tapped at the door
+again, offered his gloved hand to the maid, and conducted her to the
+dining-room. At either end of a large table was a plate. The maid took
+her place at the head; the man seated himself at the foot. They
+conversed during the meal. The maid talked about her cats and dogs; the
+man told her about his books. When the maid wanted anything, she called
+the man Ludwig; and when the man addressed his companion, he called her
+simply Marie.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, they went to the library to look at the late newspapers.
+Ludwig himself made the coffee, after which he read the papers, and
+dictated his comments and criticisms on certain articles to Marie, who
+wrote them out in her delicate hair-line chirography.</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig and Marie separated for the afternoon, he touched his lips
+to her hand and brow. Marie then returned to her own apartments, played
+the hand-organ for her pets, changed her dolls' toilets, counted her
+gains or losses at cards, colored with her paints a few of the
+illustrations in the magazines, looked through her "Orbis pictus,"
+reading without difficulty the text which was printed in four languages,
+and read for the hundredth time her favorite "Robinson Crusoe."</p>
+
+<p>And thus passed day after day, from spring until autumn, from autumn
+until spring.</p>
+
+<p>Evenings, when Marie prepared for bed, before she undressed herself, she
+spread a heavy silken coverlet over the leather lounge which stood near
+the door. She knew very well that the some one she called Ludwig slept
+every night on the lounge, but he came in so late, and went away so
+early in the morning, that she never heard his coming or his going.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79" /></a>The little maid was a sound sleeper, and the pugs never barked at the
+master of the house, who gave them lumps of sugar.</p>
+
+<p>Often the little maid had determined that she would not go to sleep
+until she heard Ludwig come into the room. But all her attempts to
+remain awake were in vain. Her eyelids closed the moment her head
+touched the pillow. Then she tried to waken early, in order to wish him
+good morning; but when she thrust her little head from between the
+bed-curtains, and called cheerily, "Good morning, dear Ludwig!" there
+was no one there.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig never slept more than four hours of the twenty-four, and his
+slumber was so light that he woke at the slightest noise. Then, too, he
+slept like a soldier in the field&mdash;always clothed, with his weapons
+beside him.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>One day in the year formed an exception to all the rest. It was Marie's
+birthday. From her earliest childhood this one day had been entirely her
+own. On this day she addressed Ludwig with the familiar "thou," as she
+had been wont to do when he had taught her to walk. She always looked
+forward with great pleasure to this day, and made for it all sorts of
+plans whose accomplishment was extremely problematic.</p>
+
+<p>And who came to congratulate her on her birthday? First of all, the
+solitary sparrow, whose name was David&mdash;surely because he, too, was a
+tireless singer! Already at early dawn, when the first faint rosy hues
+of morning glimmered through the jalousie, he would fly to the head of
+her bed. Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until
+their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung
+open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would
+scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy
+returns of the day.</p>
+
+<p>When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little
+maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall
+folding screen. When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous
+Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and
+confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord. Her hair was twisted
+into a single knot on the crown of her head.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81" /></a>Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests. The eight of
+them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one
+placed on her table every night while she slept. To-day Marie did not
+amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her
+picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the
+bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in!"</p>
+
+<p>The man who entered was surprised.</p>
+
+<p>"What? We are not yet ready for the drive?" he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with
+childish abandon around his neck.</p>
+
+<p>"We are not going to drive to-day. Dost thou not know that this is my
+birthday&mdash;that I alone give orders in this house to-day? To-day
+everything must be done as <i>I</i> say; and <i>I</i> say that we will pass the
+time of the drive here in my room, and that thou shalt answer several
+silly questions which have come into my head. And forget not that we are
+to 'thou' each other to-day. And now, congratulate me nicely. Come, let
+us hear it!"</p>
+
+<p>The count almost imperceptibly bent his knee and his head, but spoke not
+one word. There are gratulations which are expressed in this manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Very good! Then I am a queen for to-day, and thou art my sole subject.
+Sit thou here at my feet on this taboret."</p>
+
+<p>The man obeyed. Marie seated herself on the ottoman, and drew her feet
+underneath the wide skirt of her robe.</p>
+
+<p>"Put that book away!" she commanded, when Ludwig stooped to lift from
+the floor the volume she had cast there. "I know every one of the four
+volumes by heart! Why dost not thou give me one of the books thou
+readest so often?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_82" id="Page_82" /></a>Because they are medical works."</p>
+
+<p>"And why dost thou read such books?"</p>
+
+<p>"In order that, should any one in the castle become ill, I may be able
+to cure him or her without a doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"And must the person die who is ill and cannot be cured?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is generally the end of a fatal illness."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it hurt to die?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I am unable to tell, as I have never tried it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the maid. "Thou canst not put me off that way!
+Thou knowest many things thou hast not yet tried. Thou hast read about
+them; thou knowest! What is death like? Is it more unpleasant than a
+disagreeable dream? Is the pain all over when one has died, or is there
+more to come afterward? If death is painful, why must we die? If it is
+pleasant, why must we live?"</p>
+
+<p>Children ask such strange questions!</p>
+
+<p>"Life is a gift from God that must be preserved as long as possible,"
+returned Ludwig, evading the main question. "Through us the world
+exists&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What is the world?" interrupted Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"The entire human race and their habitations&mdash;the earth."</p>
+
+<p>"Then every person owns a plot of earth? Where is the plot which belongs
+to us? Answer me that!"</p>
+
+<p>"By the way, that reminds me!" exclaimed Ludwig, relieved to find an
+opportunity to change the subject. "I have not yet told thee that I
+intend to buy a lovely plot of ground on the shore of the lake, which is
+to be made into a pretty flower-garden for thy use alone. Will not that
+be pleasant?"</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art very kind; the garden will be lovely. That plot of ground,
+then, will be our home, will it not? What is one's home called?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_83" id="Page_83" /></a>It is called the fatherland."</p>
+
+<p>"Then every country is not one's fatherland?"</p>
+
+<p>"If our enemies live there, it is not."</p>
+
+<p>"What are enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>"Persons with whom we are angry."</p>
+
+<p>"What is angry? I have never yet seen anything like it. Why art thou
+never angry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I have no reason to be angry with thee, and I never associate
+with any one else."</p>
+
+<p>"What do those persons do who become angry with one another?"</p>
+
+<p>"They avoid each other. If they are very angry they fight; and if they
+are very, very angry they kill each other."</p>
+
+<p>The maid was tortured with curiosity to-day. She drew a pin from her
+robe, and secretly thrust the point into Ludwig's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"What art thou doing?" he asked, in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"I want to see what thou art like when thou art angry. Did it hurt
+thee?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly it hurt me; see, the blood is flowing."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, heaven!" cried the maid, in terror, drew the young man's head
+toward her, and pressed a kiss on his face.</p>
+
+<p>He sprang to his feet, his face pale as death, extreme horror depicted
+in his glance.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" exclaimed the maid. "Thou dost not kill me, and yet I have made
+thee very angry."</p>
+
+<p>"This is not anger," sighed the young man.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"It has no name."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I may not kiss thee? Thou lettest me kiss thee last year, and the
+year before, and every other year."</p>
+
+<p>"But thou art fifteen years old to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then what was allowed last year, and always <a name="Page_84" id="Page_84" /></a>before that, is not
+allowed now. Dost not thou love me any more?"</p>
+
+<p>"All my thoughts are filled with thee."</p>
+
+<p>"Thou knowest that I have always been allowed to make one wish on my
+birthday, and that it has always been granted. That is what some one
+accustomed me to&mdash;thou knowest very well who."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy desires have always been fulfilled."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and children understand how to desire what is impossible. But
+grown persons are clever enough to know how to impose on the children.
+Three years ago I asked thee to bring me some one with whom I could
+talk&mdash;some one who would be company for me. Thou broughtest me cats and
+dogs and a bird! Two years ago I wished I might learn how to make
+pictures; and I was given paper patterns to color with water-colors. One
+year ago to-day I wished I might learn how to make music; and a
+hand-organ was bought for me. Oh, yes; my wishes have always been
+fulfilled, but always in a way that cheated me. Children are always
+treated so. To-day thou sayest that I am fifteen years old, and that I
+am not any more to be treated as a child. Mark that! To-day, as
+heretofore, I ask something of thee which thou canst give me&mdash;and thou
+canst not cheat me, either!"</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever it may be, thou shalt have it, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"Thy hand on it! Now, thou knowest that I asked thee not long ago to
+send to Paris for a 'Melusine costume' for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"And has it not already arrived? I myself delivered the box into thy
+hands."</p>
+
+<p>"Knowest thou what a Melusine costume is? See, this is it."</p>
+
+<p>With these words she sprang from her seat, untied the cord about her
+waist, flung off the silken wrapper, and stood <a name="Page_85" id="Page_85" /></a>in front of the
+speechless young man in one of those costumes worn by Paris dames at the
+sea-shore when they disport themselves amid the waves of the ocean. The
+Melusine costume was a bathing-dress.</p>
+
+<p>"To-day, Ludwig, I ask that thou wilt teach me how to swim. The lake is
+just out yonder below the garden."</p>
+
+<p>The maid, in her pale-blue bathing-dress, looked like one of those
+fairy-like creatures in Shakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," innocent
+and alluring, child and siren.</p>
+
+<p>Disconcerted and embarrassed, Ludwig raised his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Art thou going to strike me?" inquired the child, half crying, half
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray put on the wrapper again!" said Ludwig, taking the garment from
+the sofa and with it veiling the model for a Naiad. "What sort of a
+caprice is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have had the thought in my head for a long, long time, and I beg that
+thou wilt grant my request. Thou canst not say that thou canst not swim;
+for once, when we were traveling in great haste, I know not why, we came
+to a river, and found that the boat was on the farther shore. Thou
+swammest across, and broughtest back the boat in which the four of us
+then crossed to the other side. Already then the desire to swim arose in
+me. What a delicious sensation to swim through the water&mdash;to make wings
+of one's arms and fly like a bird! Since we live in this castle the wish
+has become stronger. Night after night I dream that I am cleaving
+through the waves. I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have
+to cover my face. It is just like looking at creation through a grating!
+I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am
+afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
+But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no
+one, where no one would see me. I could look up at the shining sky, and
+<a name="Page_86" id="Page_86" /></a>about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes,
+that would tell no one what they had seen or heard. That would be
+supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it?"</p>
+
+<p>The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had
+experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken. Perhaps, too, he
+had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam
+the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his
+hand to take hers.</p>
+
+<p>"And thou wilt grant my wish? Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in
+vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
+"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either?"</p>
+
+<p>"How canst thou behave so, Marie? Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up
+girl does not kiss a man's hand."</p>
+
+<p>He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to
+his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Where art thou going? Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong
+to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject?"</p>
+
+<p>"I go to execute the commands of my little queen. If she desires to
+learn to swim, I must have a bath-house built on the shore, and look
+about for a suitable spot in the little cove."</p>
+
+<p>"When I have learned to swim all by myself, may not I go beyond the
+little cove&mdash;away out into the open lake?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, on two conditions. One is that I may follow in my canoe&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But not keep very near to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. The second condition is that in daylight thou wilt not
+swim beyond those willows which conceal the cove. Only on moonlight
+evenings mayest thou venture into the open lake."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_87" id="Page_87" /></a>But why may not I venture by daylight?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because a telescope does not enable one to distinguish features after
+night. Other people may have a telescope, like myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Who would have one in this village?"</p>
+
+<p>"The manor has a new occupant. A lady has taken possession there."</p>
+
+<p>"A lady? Is she pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is young."</p>
+
+<p>"Didst thou see her through the telescope? What kind of hair has she
+got?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blonde."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must be very pretty. May I take a look at her some time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid thou mightest fall in love with her; for she is very
+beautiful, and very good."</p>
+
+<p>"How dost thou know she is good?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because she visits the sick and the poor, and because she goes
+regularly to church."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do we never go to church?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because we profess a different belief from that acknowledged by those
+persons who attend this church."</p>
+
+<p>"Do they pray to a different God from ours?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; they pray to the same God."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why should&nbsp;n't we all go to the same church?"</p>
+
+<p>Unable longer to control himself, Ludwig took the shrewd little
+child-head between his hands, and said tenderly:</p>
+
+<p>"My darling! my little queen! not all the synods of the four quarters of
+the globe could answer thy questions&mdash;let alone this poor forgotten
+soldier!"</p>
+
+<p>"There! thou always pretendest to be stupid when I want to borrow a
+little bit of thy wisdom. Thou art like the rich man who tells the
+beggar that he has no money. <a name="Page_88" id="Page_88" /></a>By the way, I must not forget that I
+always send money to the poor children on my birthday. Come, tell me
+which of the heaps I shall send to-day&mdash;these small coins, or these
+large ones? If thou thinkest I ought to send these little yellow ones, I
+have no objections. I think I prefer to keep the white coins, they have
+such a musical sound; besides, they have the image of the Virgin. If
+thou thinkest I ought to send some of the large red ones, too, I will do
+so."</p>
+
+<p>The "little yellow ones" were gold sovereigns; the "white coins" were
+silver <i>Zwanziger</i>; and the "large red ones" were copper medals of the
+Austrian minister of finance, worth half a guilder.</p>
+
+<p>"We will send some of the small coins and some of the large ones,"
+decided Ludwig, smiling at the little maid's ignorance of the value of
+the money.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Tradition maintained that many years before, during the preceding
+century, the tongue of land now occupied by the Nameless Castle was part
+of the lake; and it may have been true, for Neusiedl Lake is a very
+capricious body of water. During the past two decades we ourselves have
+seen a greater portion of the lake suddenly recede, leaving dry land
+where once had been several feet of water. The owners of what had once
+been the shore took possession of the dry lake bottom; they used it for
+meadows and pastures; leased it, and the lessees built farm-houses and
+steam-mills on the "new ground." They cultivated wheat and maize, and
+for many years harvested two crops a year. Suddenly the lake took a
+notion to occupy its old bed again; and when the water had resumed its
+former level, fields and farms had vanished beneath the green flood;
+only here and there the top of a chimney indicated where a steam-mill
+had been. Magic tricks like this Neusiedl Lake has played more than once
+on trusting mortals.</p>
+
+<p>On either side of the peninsula on which stood the Nameless Castle was a
+little cove. One of these the count had spoken of to Marie; the other
+separated the castle from the village of Fert&ouml;szeg.</p>
+
+<p>The manor, the habitation of the owner of the Fert&ouml;szeg estate, stood on
+the slope of a hill at the eastern end of the village, and fronted, as
+did the neighboring castle, on the lake.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90" /></a>In the second half of the month of August, in the year 1806, one might
+have seen from the veranda of the manor, after the sun had gone down and
+the marvelous tints of the evening sky were reflected in the water, a
+small boat speed out from the cove on the farther side of the Nameless
+Castle, trailing after it a long silvery streak on the parti-colored
+surface of the lake. A solitary man sat in the boat.</p>
+
+<p>But what could not be seen from the veranda of the manor was that a
+girlish form swam a little in advance of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had proved an excellent scholar in the school of the hydriads.
+Already after the fourth lesson she could swim alone, and sped over the
+waves as lightly and gracefully as a swan.</p>
+
+<p>She did not need to wear a hat on these evening swimming excursions; her
+long hair floated unbound after her on the waves. When the twilight
+shadows deepened, the swimmer would speed far ahead of the accompanying
+canoe. She had lost all fear of the water. The waves were her
+friends&mdash;they knew each other well. When she wished to rest, she would
+turn her face to the sky, fold her arms across her breast, and lie on
+the waves as among swelling cushions like a child in a rocking cradle.
+And here she was allowed the full privileges of a child. She shouted;
+called to the startled wild geese; teased the night-swallows, and the
+bats skimming along the surface of the lake in quest of water-spiders.
+Here she even ventured to sing, and gave voice to charming melodies,
+which floated over the water like the sounds of an &AElig;olian harp.</p>
+
+<p>Many hours were spent thus on the lake. The little maid never wearied of
+the water. The protecting element restored to her nerves the strength
+which the stepmotherly earth had taken from them. A promenade of a
+hundred steps would tire her so that she would have to stop and rest.
+<a name="Page_91" id="Page_91" /></a>She had become unused to walking. But here in the water she moved about
+like a Naiad; her whole being was transformed; she lived! Then, when her
+guardian would call her, she would swim back to the canoe, clamber into
+it, and spread her long hair over his knees to dry while they rowed back
+to the shore. Poor little maid! She declared she had found happiness in
+the water.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>One evening, after the waning moon had risen, Ludwig's canoe, as usual,
+followed Marie, who was swimming a considerable distance ahead. Among
+the peculiarities of Neusiedl Lake are its numerous islets, the shores
+of which are thickly grown with rushes, and covered with broom and tall
+trees. Such an island lay not far from the shore in front of the
+Nameless Castle; it had frequently aroused Marie's curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>The little maid was now permitted to swim as far out into the open world
+of waves as she desired, only now and again signaling her whereabouts
+through a clear-toned "Ho, ho!"</p>
+
+<p>During this time Ludwig reclined in his boat, and while the waves gently
+rocked him, he gazed dreamily into the depths of the starry sky, and
+listened to the mysterious voices of the night&mdash;the moaning, murmuring,
+echoing voices floating across the surface of the water.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a piercing scream mingled with the mysterious voices of the
+night. It was Marie's voice.</p>
+
+<p>Frantic with terror, Ludwig seized his oars, and the canoe shot through
+the water in the direction of the scream.</p>
+
+<p>The trail of light left behind her by the swimmer was visible on the
+calm surface of the lake. Suddenly it made an abrupt turn, and began to
+form a gigantic V. Evidently the little maid was impelled by desperate
+terror to reach the protecting canoe. When she came abreast of it she
+uttered <a name="Page_92" id="Page_92" /></a>a second cry, convulsively grasped the edge of the boat, and
+cast a terrified glance backward.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie!" cried the count, greatly alarmed, seizing the girdle about her
+waist and lifting her into the canoe. "What has happened? Who is
+following you?"</p>
+
+<p>The child trembled violently; her teeth chattered, and she gasped for
+breath, unable to speak; only her large eyes were still fixed with an
+expression of horror on the water.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig looked searchingly around, but could see nothing. And yet, after
+a few seconds, something rose before him.</p>
+
+<p>What was it? Man or beast?</p>
+
+<p>The head, the face, were head and face of a human being&mdash;a man, perhaps.
+The cheeks and head were covered with short reddish hair like the fur of
+an otter. The long, pointed ears stood upright. The mouth was closed so
+tightly that the lips were invisible. The nose was flat. The eyes, like
+those of a fish, were round and staring. There was no expression
+whatever in the features.</p>
+
+<p>The mysterious monster had risen quite close to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig seized an oar with both hands to crush the monster's head; but
+the heavy blow fell on the water. The creature had vanished underneath
+the boat, and only the motion of the water on the other side indicated
+the direction it had taken. Terror and rage had benumbed Ludwig's
+nerves.</p>
+
+<p>What was it? Who had sent this nameless monster after his carefully
+guarded treasure? Even the bottom of the lake concealed her enemies! He
+could think of nothing but intrigues and malignant persecutions. Rage
+boiled in his veins.</p>
+
+<p>He enveloped the maid in her bath-mantle, and took up his oars.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_93" id="Page_93" /></a>I will come back here to-morrow," he muttered to himself, "hunt up
+this creature, and shoot it&mdash;be it man or beast."</p>
+
+<p>Marie murmured something which sounded like a remonstrance.</p>
+
+<p>"I will shoot the creature!" repeated Ludwig, savagely.</p>
+
+<p>The young girl withdrew trembling to the stern of the boat, and said
+nothing further; she even strove to suppress her nervous terror, like a
+child that has behaved naughtily.</p>
+
+<p>When the boat reached the shore, Ludwig bade Marie in a stern voice to
+make haste and change her bathing-dress, and became very impatient when
+she lingered longer than usual in the bath-house. Then he took her arm
+and walked rapidly with her to the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really going to shoot that creature?" asked Marie, still
+trembling.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose it is a human being?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall certainly shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"I will never, never again venture into the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain of that! If you once become frightened in the water, you
+will always have a dread of it."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, beautiful lake!" sighed Marie, casting backward a sorrowful
+glance at the glittering expanse of water, at the paradise of her
+dreams, which the rising wind was curling into wavelets.</p>
+
+<p>"Go at once to bed," said Ludwig, when he had conducted his charge to
+the door of her room. "Cover yourself up well, and if you feel chilly I
+will make you a cup of camomile tea."</p>
+
+<p>All children have such a distaste for this herb tea that it was not to
+be wondered at if Marie declared she did not feel in the least chilly,
+and that she would go at once to bed.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94" /></a>But she did not sleep well. She dreamed all night long of the
+water-monster. She saw it pursuing her. The staring fish-eyes rose
+before her in the darkness. Then she saw Ludwig with his gun searching
+for the monster&mdash;saw him shoot at it, but without effect. The hideous
+creature leaped merrily away.</p>
+
+<p>More than once she awoke from her restless slumber and called softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig, are you there?"</p>
+
+<p>But no one answered the question. Since her last birthday Ludwig had not
+occupied the lounge in her room. Marie had discovered this. She had
+placed a rose-leaf on the silken coverlet every evening, and found it
+still there in the morning. If any one had slept on the lounge, the
+rose-leaf would have fallen to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>The following day Ludwig was more silent than usual. He did not speak
+once during their drive, and ate hardly anything at meals.</p>
+
+<p>One could easily see how impatiently he waited for evening, when he
+might go down to the lake and search for the monster&mdash;a sorry object for
+a fury such as his! An otter, most likely, or a beaver&mdash;mayhap an
+abortion of the Dead Sea, which had survived the ages since the days of
+Sodom! All the same, it was a living creature, and must become food for
+fishes. Marie, however, prayed so fervently that nothing might come of
+Ludwig's fury that Heaven heard the prayer. The weather changed suddenly
+in the afternoon. A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August
+sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
+Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in
+the evening. He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to
+complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to
+what she said.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95" /></a>The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might
+dream again of horrible things. The heavy rain beat against the windows;
+thunder rumbled in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said
+Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee. "Ugh-h! just
+think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods!
+Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the
+graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the
+crosses lift their heads from the darkness&mdash;ugh-h!"</p>
+
+<p>The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating
+knock at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully. She thought it was
+Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>The door opened slowly, only half-way, and the voice which began to
+speak was not Ludwig's; it was the groom.</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon, madame!" (thus he addressed the little maid).</p>
+
+<p>"Is it you, Henry? What do you want? You may come in. I am still up."</p>
+
+<p>The groom entered, and closed the door behind him. He was a tall,
+gray-haired man, with an honest face and enormously large hands.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Henry? Did the count send you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, madame; I only wish he were able."</p>
+
+<p>"Why? What is the matter with him?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, indeed! I believe he is dying."</p>
+
+<p>"Who? Ludwig?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; my master."</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, tell me what you mean!"</p>
+
+<p>"He is lying on his bed, quite out of his mind. His face <a name="Page_96" id="Page_96" /></a>is flushed,
+his eyes gleam like hot coals, and he is talking wildly. I have never
+seen him in such a condition."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, madame. When any of us gets sick the count knows what to
+do; but he does&nbsp;n't seem able to cure himself now; the contents of the
+medicine-chest are scattered all over the floor."</p>
+
+<p>"Is there no doctor in the village?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; the county physician."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he must be sent for."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought of that, but I did not like to venture to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because the count has declared that he will shoot me if I attempt to
+bring a stranger into his room, or into madame's. He told me I must
+never admit within the castle gate a doctor, a preacher, or a woman; and
+I should not think of disobeying him."</p>
+
+<p>"But now that he is so ill? and you say he may die? Merciful God! Ludwig
+die! It cannot&mdash;must not&mdash;happen!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how will madame hinder it?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you will not venture to fetch the doctor, then I will go myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madame! you must not even think of doing this!"</p>
+
+<p>"I think of nothing else but that he is ill unto death. I am going, and
+you are coming with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Holy Father! The count will kill me if I do that."</p>
+
+<p>"And if you don't do it you will kill the count."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, too, madame."</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't you do anything. <i>I</i> shall do what is necessary. I will put
+on my veil, and let no one see my face."</p>
+
+<p>"But in this storm? Just listen, madame, how it thunders."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_97" id="Page_97" /></a>I am not afraid of thunder, you stupid Henry. Light a lantern, and arm
+yourself with a stout cudgel, while I am putting on my pattens. If
+Ludwig should get angry, I shall be on hand to pacify him. If only the
+dear Lord will spare his life! Oh, hasten, hasten, my good Henry!"</p>
+
+<p>"He will shoot me dead; I know it. But let him, in God's name! I do it
+at your command, madame. If madame is really determined to go herself
+for the doctor, then we will take the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"No, indeed! Ludwig would hear the sound of wheels, and know what we
+were doing. Then he would jump out of bed, run into the court, and take
+a cold that would certainly be his death. No; we must go on foot, as
+noiselessly as possible. It is not so very far to the village. Go now,
+and fetch the lantern."</p>
+
+<p>Several minutes afterward, the gates of the Nameless Castle opened, and
+there came forth a veiled lady, who clung with one hand to the arm of a
+tall man, and carried a lantern in the other. Her companion held over
+her, to protect her from the pouring rain, a large red umbrella, and
+steadied his steps in the slippery mud with a stout walking-stick. The
+lady walked so rapidly that her companion with difficulty kept pace with
+her.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>Dr. Tromfszky had just returned from a <i>visum repertum</i> in a criminal
+case, and had concluded that he would go to bed so soon as he had
+finished his supper. The rain fell in torrents on the roof, and rushed
+through the gutters with a roaring noise.</p>
+
+<p>"Now just let any one send again for me this night!" he exclaimed, when
+his housekeeper came to remove the remnants of cheese from the
+supper-table. "I would&nbsp;n't go&mdash;not if the primate himself got a
+fish-bone fast in his throat; no, not for a hundred ducats. I swear it!"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment there came a knock at the street door, and a very
+peremptory one, too.</p>
+
+<p>"There! did&nbsp;n't I know some one would take it into his head to let the
+devil fetch him to-night? Go to the door, Zsuzsa, and tell them that I
+have a pain in my foot&mdash;that I have just applied a poultice, and can't
+walk."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Zsuzsa, with the kitchen lamp in her hand, waddled into the
+corridor. After inquiring the second time through the door, "Who is it?"
+and the one outside had answered: "It is I," she became convinced, from
+the musical feminine tone, that it was not the notorious robber, Satan
+Laczi, who was seeking admittance.</p>
+
+<p>Then she opened the door a few inches, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Doctor can't go out any more to-night; he has gone to bed, and
+is poulticing his foot."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99" /></a>The door was open wide enough to admit a delicate feminine hand, which
+pressed into the housekeeper's palm a little heap of money. By the light
+of the lamp Frau Zsuzsa recognized the shining silver coins, and the
+door was opened its full width.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw before her the veiled lady she became quite complaisant.
+Curiosity is a powerful lever.</p>
+
+<p>"I humbly beg your ladyship to enter."</p>
+
+<p>"Please tell the doctor the lady from the Nameless Castle wishes to see
+him."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Zsuzsa placed the lamp on the kitchen table, and left the visitors
+standing in the middle of the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what were you talking about so long out yonder?" demanded the
+doctor, when she burst into his study.</p>
+
+<p>"Make haste and put on your coat again; the veiled lady from the
+Nameless Castle is here."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Well, that is an event!" exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly
+thrusting his arms into the sleeves of his coat. "Is the count with
+her?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; the groom accompanied her."</p>
+
+<p>These magic words, "the veiled lady," had more influence on the doctor
+than any imaginable number of ducats.</p>
+
+<p>At last he was to behold the mythological appearance&mdash;yes, and even hear
+her voice!</p>
+
+<p>"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he
+ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of
+the looking-glass.</p>
+
+<p>Then she stood before him&mdash;the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as
+usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in
+the village was familiar.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was
+difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a <a name="Page_100" id="Page_100" /></a>young or an
+old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the
+gentleman is very seriously ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; I am delighted!&mdash;that is, I am not delighted to hear of the
+worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to
+be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray make haste."</p>
+
+<p>"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your
+ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."</p>
+
+<p>Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered
+with mud.</p>
+
+<p>"What? Came on foot in such weather&mdash;all the way from the Nameless
+Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"</p>
+
+<p>"Cannot you come with us on foot, Herr Doctor?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should like very much to accompany your ladyship; but really, I have
+<i>rheumatismus acutus</i> in my foot, and were I to get wet I should
+certainly have an <i>ischias</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Marie lifted her clasped hands in despair to her lips, but the
+beseeching expression on her face was hidden by the heavy veil. Could
+the doctor have seen the tearful eyes, the trembling lips!</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that her voiceless petition was in vain, Marie drew from her
+bosom a silken purse, and emptied the contents, gold, silver, and copper
+coins, on the table.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," she exclaimed proudly. "I have much more money like this, and
+will reward you richly if you will come with me."</p>
+
+<p>The doctor was amazed. There on the table lay more gold than the whole
+county could have mustered in these days of paper notes. Truly these
+people were not to be despised.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_101" id="Page_101" /></a>If only it did not rain so heavily&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I will let you take my umbrella."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, your ladyship; I have one of my own."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us start at once."</p>
+
+<p>"But my foot&mdash;it pains dreadfully."</p>
+
+<p>"We can easily arrange that. Henry, here, is a very strong man; he will
+take you on his shoulders, and bring you back from the castle in the
+carriage."</p>
+
+<p>There were no further objections to be offered when Henry, with great
+willingness, placed his broad shoulders at the doctor's service.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor hastily thrust what was necessary into a bag, locked the
+money Marie had given him in a drawer, bade Frau <ins class="correction"
+title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Zuzsa'">Zsuzsa</ins> remain awake until he returned, and clambered on
+Henry's back. In one hand he held his umbrella, in the other the
+lantern; and thus the little company took their way to the castle&mdash;the
+"double man" in advance, the little maid following with her umbrella.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor had sufficient cause to be excited. What usurious
+gossip-interest might be collected from such a capitol! Dr. Tromfszky
+already had an enviable reputation in the county, but what would it
+become when it became known that he was physician in ordinary to the
+Nameless Castle?</p>
+
+<p>The rain was not falling so heavily when they arrived at the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Marie and Henry at once conducted the doctor to Ludwig's chamber. Henry
+first thrust his head cautiously through the partly open door, then
+whispered that his master was still tossing deliriously about on the
+bed; whereupon the doctor summoned courage to enter the room. His first
+act was to snuff the candle, the wick having become so charred it
+scarcely gave any light. He could now examine the invalid's face, which
+was covered with a burning flush. <a name="Page_102" id="Page_102" /></a>His eyes rolled wildly. He had not
+removed his clothes, but had torn them away from his breast.</p>
+
+<p>"H'm! h'm!" muttered the doctor, searching in his bag for his
+bloodletting instruments. Then he approached the bed, and laid his
+fingers on the invalid's pulse.</p>
+
+<p>At the touch of his cold hand the patient suddenly sat upright and
+uttered a cry of terror:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am the doctor&mdash;the county physician&mdash;Dr. Tromfszky. Pray, Herr Count,
+let me see your tongue."</p>
+
+<p>Instead of his tongue, the count exhibited a powerful fist.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want here? Who brought you here?" he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, pray be calm, Herr Count," soothingly responded the doctor, who
+was inclined to look upon this aggressive exhibition as a result of the
+fever. "Allow me to examine your pulse. We have here a slight paroxysm
+that requires medical aid. Come, let me feel your pulse; one, two&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>The count snatched his wrist from the doctor's grasp, and cried angrily:</p>
+
+<p>"But I don't need a doctor, or any medicine. There is nothing at all the
+matter with me. I don't want anything from you, but to know who brought
+you here."</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon," retorted the offended doctor. "I was summoned, and came
+through this dreadful storm. I was told that the Herr Count was
+seriously ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Who said so? Henry?" demanded the count, rising on one knee.</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not venture to move or speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you fetch this doctor, Henry?" again demanded the invalid, with
+expanded nostrils, panting with fury.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor, fancying that it would be well to tell the truth, now
+interposed politely:</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me, Herr Count! Herr Henry did not come <a name="Page_103" id="Page_103" /></a>alone to fetch me, but
+he came with the gracious countess; and on foot, too, in this weather."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Marie?" gasped the invalid; and at that moment his face looked as
+if he had become suddenly insane. An involuntary epileptic convulsion
+shook his limbs. He fell from the bed, but sprang at the same instant to
+his feet again, flung himself like an angry lion upon Henry, caught him
+by the throat, and cried with the voice of a demon:</p>
+
+<p>"Wretch! Betrayer! What have you dared to do? I will kill you!"</p>
+
+<p>The doctor required nothing further. He did not stop to see the friendly
+promise fulfilled, but, leaving his lances, elixirs, and plasters behind
+him, he flew down the staircase, four steps at a time, and into the
+pouring rain, totally forgetting the ischias which threatened his leg.
+Nor did he once think of a carriage, or of a human dromedary,&mdash;not even
+of a lantern, or an umbrella,&mdash;as he galloped down the dark road through
+the thickest of the mud.</p>
+
+<p>When the count seized Henry by the throat and began to shake him, as a
+lion does the captured buffalo, Marie stepped suddenly to his side, and
+in a clear, commanding tone cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Louis!"</p>
+
+<p>At this word he released Henry, fell on his knees at Marie's feet,
+clasped both arms around her, and, sobbing convulsively, pressed kiss
+after kiss on the little maid's wet and muddy gown.</p>
+
+<p>"Why&mdash;why did you do this for me?" he exclaimed, in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor's visit had, after all, benefited the invalid. The
+spontaneous reaction which followed the violent fit of passion caused a
+sudden turn in his illness. The salutary crisis came of its own accord
+during the outburst of rage, <a name="Page_104" id="Page_104" /></a>which threw him into a profuse
+perspiration. The brain gradually returned to its normal condition.</p>
+
+<p>"You will get well again, will you not?" stammered the little maid
+shyly, laying her hand on the invalid's brow.</p>
+
+<p>"If you really want me to get well," returned Ludwig, "then you must
+comply with my request. Go to your room, take off these wet clothes, and
+go to bed. And you must promise never again to go on another errand like
+the one you performed this evening. I hope you may sleep soundly."</p>
+
+<p>"I will do whatever you wish, Ludwig&mdash;anything to prevent your getting
+angry again."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid returned to her room, took off her wet clothes, and lay
+down on the bed; but she could not sleep. Every hour she rose, threw on
+her wrapper, thrust her feet into her slippers, and stole to the door of
+Ludwig's room to whisper: "How is he now, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is sleeping quietly," Henry would answer encouragingly. The faithful
+fellow had forgotten his master's anger, and was watching over him as
+tenderly as a mother over her child.</p>
+
+<p>"He did not hurt you very much, did he, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it did not hurt, and I deserved what I got."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid pressed the old servant's hand, whereupon he sank to his
+knees at her feet, and, kissing her pretty fingers, whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"This fully repays me."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Ludwig was entirely recovered. He rose, and, as was his
+wont, drank six tumblerfuls of water&mdash;his usual breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Of the events of the past night he spoke not one word.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o'clock the occupants of the Nameless Castle were to be seen out
+driving as usual&mdash;the white-haired groom, the stern-visaged gentleman,
+and the veiled lady.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105" /></a>That same morning Dr. Tromfszky received from the castle a packet
+containing his medical belongings, and an envelop in which he found a
+hundred-guilder bank-note, but not a single written word.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the days passed with their usual monotony for the occupants of
+the Nameless Castle, and September, with its delightfully warm weather
+drew on apace. In Hungary the long autumn makes ample amends for the
+brief spring&mdash;like the frugal mother who stores away in May gifts with
+which to surprise her children later in the season.</p>
+
+<p>Down at the lake, a merry crowd of naked children disported in the
+water; their shouts and laughter could be heard at the castle. Ludwig
+fully understood the deep melancholy which had settled on Marie's
+countenance. Her sole amusement, her greatest happiness, had been taken
+from her. Other high-born maidens had so many ways of enjoying
+themselves; she had none. No train of admirers paid court to her. No
+strains of merry dance-music entranced her ear. Celebrated actors came
+and went; she did not delight in their performances&mdash;she had never even
+seen a theater. She had no girl friends with whom to exchange
+confidences&mdash;with whom to make merry over the silly flatterers who paid
+court to them; no acquaintances whose envy she could arouse by the
+magnificence of her toilets&mdash;one of the greatest pleasures in life!</p>
+
+<p>She had no other flatterers but her cats; no other confidantes but her
+cats; no other actors but her cats. The world of waves had been her sole
+enjoyment. The water had been her theater, balls, concert&mdash;the great
+world. It was her freedom. The land was a prison.</p>
+
+<p>Again it was the full of the moon, and quite warm. The tulip-formed
+blossoms of the luxuriant water-lilies were in <a name="Page_106" id="Page_106" /></a>bloom along the lake
+shore. Ludwig's heart ached with pity for the little maid when he saw
+how sorrowfully she gazed from her window on the glittering lake.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Marie," he said, "fetch your bathing-dress, and let us try the
+lake again. I will stay close by you, and take good care that nothing
+frightens you. We will not go out of the cove."</p>
+
+<p>How delighted the child was to hear these words! She danced and skipped
+for joy; she called him her dear Ludwig. Then she hunted up the
+discarded Melusine costume, and hastened with such speed toward the
+shore that Ludwig was obliged to run to keep up with her. But the nearer
+she approached to the bath-house, the less quickly she walked; and when
+she stood in the doorway she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how my heart beats!"</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig appeared with the canoe from behind the willows, the
+charming Naiad stepped from the bath-house. The rippling waves bore the
+moonlight to her feet, where she stood on the narrow platform which
+projected into the lake. She knelt and, bending forward, kissed the
+water; it was her beloved! After a moment's hesitation she dropped
+gently from the platform, as she had been wont to do; but when she felt
+the waves about her shoulders, she uttered a cry of terror, and grasped
+the edge of the canoe with both hands.</p>
+
+<p>"Lift me out, Ludwig! I cannot bear it; I am afraid!"</p>
+
+<p>With a sorrowful heart the little maid took leave of her favorite
+element. The hot tears gushed from her eyes, and fell into the water; it
+was as if she were bidding an eternal, farewell to her beloved. From
+that hour the child became a silent and thoughtful woman.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Then followed the stormy days of autumn, the long evenings, the weeks
+and months when nothing could be <a name="Page_107" id="Page_107" /></a>done but stay in doors and amuse one's
+self with books&mdash;Dante, Shakspere, Horace. To these were occasionally
+added learned folios sent from Stuttgart to Count Ludwig, who seemed to
+find his greatest enjoyment in perusing works on philosophy and science.
+Meanwhile the communication by letter between the count and the erudite
+shepherd of souls in the village was continued.</p>
+
+<p>One day Herr Mercatoris sent to the castle a brochure on which he had
+proudly written, "With the compliments of the author." The booklet was
+written in Latin, and was an account of the natural wonder which is, to
+this day, reckoned among the numerous memorable peculiarities of Lake
+Neusiedl,&mdash;a human being that lived in the water and ate live fishes.</p>
+
+<p>A little boy who had lost both parents, and had no one to care for him,
+had strayed into the morass of the Hansag, and, living there among the
+wild animals, had become a wild animal himself, an inhabitant of the
+water like the otters, a dumb creature from whose lips issued no human
+sound.</p>
+
+<p>The decade of years he had existed in the water had changed his skin to
+a thick hide covered with a heavy growth of hair. The phenomenon would
+doubtless be accepted by many as a convincing proof that the human being
+was really evolved from the wild animal.</p>
+
+<p>Accompanying the description was an engraved portrait of the natural
+wonder.</p>
+
+<p>The new owner of Fert&ouml;szeg, Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, had
+been told that a strange creature was frightening the village children
+who bathed in the lake. She had given orders to some fishermen to catch
+the monster, which they had been fortunate enough to do while fishing
+for sturgeon. The boy-fish had been taken to the manor, where he had
+been properly clothed, and placed in <a name="Page_108" id="Page_108" /></a>the care of a servant whose task
+it was to teach the poor lad to speak, and walk upright instead of on
+all fours, as had been his habit. Success had so far attended the
+efforts to tame the wild boy that he would eat bread and keep on his
+clothes. He had also learned to say "Ham-ham" when he wanted something
+to eat; and he had been taught to turn the spit in the kitchen. The
+kind-hearted baroness was sparing no pains to restore the lad to his
+original condition. No one was allowed to strike or abuse him in any
+way.</p>
+
+<p>This brochure had a twofold effect upon the count. He became convinced
+that the monster which had frightened Marie was not an assassin hired by
+her enemies, not an expert diver, but a natural abnormity that had acted
+innocently when he pursued the swimming maid. Second, the count could
+not help but reproach himself when he remembered that <i>he</i> would have
+destroyed the irresponsible creature whom his neighbor was endeavoring
+to transform again into a human being.</p>
+
+<p>How much nobler was this woman's heart than his own! His fair neighbor
+began to interest him.</p>
+
+<p>He took the pamphlet to Marie, who shuddered when her eyes fell on the
+engraving.</p>
+
+<p>"The creature is really a harmless human being, Marie, and I am sorry we
+became so excited over it. Our neighbor, the lovely baroness, is trying
+to restore the poor lad to his original condition. Next summer you will
+not need to be afraid to venture into the lake again."</p>
+
+<p>The little maid gazed thoughtfully into Ludwig's eyes for several
+moments; evidently she was pondering over something.</p>
+
+<p>There had risen in her mind a suspicion that Ludwig himself had written
+the pamphlet, and had had the monster's portrait engraved, in order to
+quiet her fears and restore her confidence in the water.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_109" id="Page_109" /></a>Will you take me sometime to visit the baroness?" she asked suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"And why?" inquired Ludwig, in turn, rising from his seat.</p>
+
+<p>"That I, too, may see the wonderful improvement in the monster."</p>
+
+<p>"No," he returned shortly, and taking up the pamphlet, he quitted the
+room. "No!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why 'No'?"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_IV" id="PART_IV" /></a><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110" /></a>PART IV</h2>
+
+<h3>SATAN LACZI</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel (thus he was addressed on his letters) had arranged an
+observatory in the tower of the Nameless Castle. Here was his telescope,
+by the aid of which he viewed the heavens by night, and by day observed
+the doings of his fellow-men. He noticed everything that went on about
+him. He peered into the neighboring farm-yards and cottages, was a
+spectator of the community's disputes as well as its diversions. Of
+late, the chief object of his telescopic observations during the day
+were the doings at the neighboring manor. He was the "Lion-head" and the
+"Council of Ten" in one person. The question was, whether the new
+mistress of the manor, the unmarried baroness, should "cross the Bridge
+of Sighs"? His telescope told him that this woman was young and very
+fair; and it told him also that she lived a very secluded life. She
+never went beyond the village, nor did she receive any visitors.</p>
+
+<p>In the neighborhood of Neusiedl Lake one village was joined to another,
+and these were populated by pleasure-loving and sociable families of
+distinction. It was therefore a difficult matter for the well-born man
+or woman who took up a residence in the neighborhood to avoid the jovial
+sociability which reigned in those aristocratic circles.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel himself had been overwhelmed with hospitable attentions the
+first year of his occupancy of the <a name="Page_112" id="Page_112" /></a>Nameless Castle; but his refusals to
+accept the numerous invitations had been so decided that they were not
+repeated.</p>
+
+<p>He frequently saw through his telescope the same four-horse equipages
+which had once stopped in front of his own gates drive into the court at
+the manor; and he recognized in the occupants the same jovial blades,
+the eligible young nobles, who had honored him with their visits. He
+noticed, too, that none of the visitors spent a night at the manor. Very
+often the baroness did not leave her room when a caller came; it may
+have been that she had refused to receive him on the plea of illness.
+During the winter Count Vavel frequently saw his fair neighbor skating
+on the frozen cove; while a servant propelled her companion over the ice
+in a chair-sledge.</p>
+
+<p>On these occasions the count would admire the baroness's graceful
+figure, her intrepid movements, and her beautiful face, which was
+flushed with the exercise and by the cutting wind.</p>
+
+<p>But what pleased him most of all was that the baroness never once during
+her skating exercises cast an inquiring glance toward the windows of the
+Nameless Castle&mdash;not even when she came quite close to it.</p>
+
+<p>On Christmas eve she, like Count Vavel, arranged a Christmas tree for
+the village children. The little ones hastened from the manor to the
+castle, and repeated wonderful tales of the gifts they had received from
+the baroness's own hands.</p>
+
+<p>Every Sunday the count saw the lady from the manor take her way to
+church, on foot if the roads were good; and on her homeward way he could
+see her distribute alms among the beggars who were ranged along either
+side of the road. This the count did not approve. He, too, gave
+plenteously to the poor, but through the village pastor, and only to
+those needy ones who were too modest to beg openly. <a name="Page_113" id="Page_113" /></a>The street beggars
+he repulsed with great harshness&mdash;with one exception. This was a
+one-legged man, who had lost his limb at Marengo, and who stationed
+himself regularly beside the cross at the end of the village. Here he
+would stand, leaning on his crutches, and the count, in driving past,
+would always drop a coin into the maimed warrior's hat.</p>
+
+<p>One day when the carriage drew near the cross, Count Vavel saw the old
+soldier, as usual, but without his crutches. Instead, he leaned on a
+walking-stick, and stood on two legs.</p>
+
+<p>The count stopped the carriage, and asked: "Are not you the one-legged
+soldier?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am, your lordship," replied the man; "but that angel, the baroness,
+has had a wooden leg made for me,&mdash;I could dance with it if I
+wished,&mdash;so I don't need to beg any more, for I can cut wood now, and
+thus earn my living. May God bless her who has done this for me!"</p>
+
+<p>The count was dissatisfied with himself. This woman understood
+everything better than he did. He felt that she was his rival, and from
+this feeling sprang the desire to compete with her.</p>
+
+<p>An opportunity very soon offered. One day the count received from the
+reverend Herr Mercatoris a gracefully worded appeal for charity. The new
+owner of Fert&ouml;szeg had interested herself in the fate of the destitute
+children whose fathers had gone to the war, and, in order to render
+their condition more comfortable, had undertaken to found a home for
+them. She had already given the necessary buildings, and had furnished
+them. She now applied to the sympathies of the well-to-do residents of
+the county for assistance to educate the children. In addition to food
+and shelter, they required teachers. Such sums as were necessary for
+this purpose must be raised by a general subscription from the
+charitably inclined.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114" /></a>The count promptly responded to this request. He sent the pastor fifty
+louis d'or. But in the letter which accompanied the gift he stipulated
+that the boy whose mother was in prison should not be removed from Frau
+Schmidt's care to the children's asylum.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite in the order of things that the baroness should acknowledge
+the munificent gift by a letter of thanks.</p>
+
+<p>This missive was beautifully written. The orthography was singularly
+faultless. The expressions were gracefully worded and artless; nothing
+of flattery or sentimentality&mdash;merely courteous gratefulness. The letter
+concluded thus:</p>
+
+<p>"You will pardon me, I trust, if I add that the stipulation which you
+append to your generous gift surprises me; for it means either that you
+disapprove the principle of my undertaking, or you do not wish to
+transfer to another the burden you have taken upon yourself. If the
+latter be the reason, I am perfectly willing to agree to the
+stipulation; if it be the former, then I should like very much to hear
+your objection, in order that I may justify my action."</p>
+
+<p>This was a challenge that could not be ignored. The count, of course,
+would have to convince his fair neighbor that he was in perfect sympathy
+with the principle of her philanthropic project, and he wrote
+accordingly; but he added that he disapproved the prison-like system of
+children's asylums, the convict-like regulations of such institutions.
+<i>He</i> thought the little ones would be better cared for, and much
+happier, were they placed in private homes, to grow up as useful men and
+women amid scenes and in the sphere of life to which they belonged.</p>
+
+<p>The count's polemic reply was not without effect. The baroness, who had
+her own views on the matter, was quite as ready to take the field, with
+as many theoretic and em<a name="Page_115" id="Page_115" /></a>piric data and recognized authorities as had
+been her opponent. The count one day would despatch a letter to the
+manor, and Baroness Katharina would send her reply the next&mdash;each
+determined not to remain the other's debtor. The count's epistles were
+dictated to Marie; he added only the letter V to the signature.</p>
+
+<p>This battle on paper was not without practical results. The baroness
+paid daily visits to her "Children's Home"; and on mild spring days the
+count very often saw her sitting on the open veranda, with her companion
+and one or two maid-servants, sewing at children's garments until late
+in the evening. The count, on his part, sent every day for his little
+prot&eacute;g&eacute;, and spent several hours patiently teaching the lad, in order
+that he might compete favorably with the baroness's charges. The task
+was by no means an easy one, as the lad possessed a very dull brain.
+This was, it must be confessed, an excellent thing for the orphans. If
+the motherly care which the baroness lavished on her charges were to be
+given to all destitute orphans in children's asylums, then the "convict
+system" certainly was a perfect one; while, on the other hand, if a
+preceptor like Count Vavel took it upon himself to instruct a forsaken
+lad, then one might certainly expect a genius to evolve from the little
+dullard growing up in a peasant's cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Ultimately, however, the victory fell to the lady. It happened as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>One day the count was again the recipient of a letter from his neighbor
+at the manor (they had not yet exchanged verbal communication).</p>
+
+<p>The letter ran thus:</p>
+
+<p>"HERR COUNT: I dare say you know that the father of your little prot&eacute;g&eacute;
+is no other than the notorious robber, Satan Laczi, whom it is
+impossible to capture. The mother of the lad was arrested on suspicion.
+She lived in <a name="Page_116" id="Page_116" /></a>the village under her own honest family name&mdash;Satan Laczi
+being only a thief's appellation. As nothing could be proved against
+her, the woman has been set at liberty, and has returned to the village.
+Here she found every door closed against her&mdash;for who would care to
+shelter the wife of a robber? At last the poor woman came to me, and
+begged me to give her work. My servants are greatly excited because I
+have taken her into my employ; but I am convinced that the woman is
+innocent and honest. Were I to cast her adrift, she might become what
+she has been accused of being&mdash;the accomplice of thieves. I know she
+will conduct herself properly with me. I tell you all this because, if
+you approve what I have done, you will permit the lad you have taken
+under your protection to come to the manor, where he would be with his
+mother. If, however, you condemn my action, you will refuse to grant my
+request, and generously continue to care for the lad in your own way.
+The decision I leave to you."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was forced to capitulate. The baroness's action&mdash;taking into
+her household the woman who had been repulsed by all the world&mdash;was so
+praiseworthy, so sublime, that nothing could approach it. That same day
+he sent the lad with Frau Schmidt to the manor, and herewith the
+correspondence between himself and the baroness ceased. There was no
+further subject for argument.</p>
+
+<p>And yet, Count Vavel could not help but think of this woman. Who was
+she?</p>
+
+<p>He had sought to learn from his foreign correspondents something
+concerning the Baroness Katharina, but could gain no information save
+that which we have already heard from the county physician: disappointed
+love and shame at her rejection had driven the youthful baroness to this
+secluded neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>This reason, however, did not altogether satisfy Count <a name="Page_117" id="Page_117" /></a>Vavel. Women,
+especially young women, rarely quit the pleasures of the gay world
+because of one single disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>And for Count Vavel mistrust was a duty; for the reader must, ere this,
+have suspected that the count and the mysterious man of the Rue
+Mouffetard were identical, and that Marie was none other than the child
+he had rescued from her enemies. Here in this land, where order
+prevailed, but where there were no police, he was guarding the treasure
+intrusted to his care, and he would continue to guard her until relieved
+of the duty.</p>
+
+<p>But when would the relief come?</p>
+
+<p>One year after another passed, and the hour he dreamed of seemed still
+further away. When he had accepted the responsible mission he had said
+to himself: "In a year we shall gain our object, and I shall be
+released."</p>
+
+<p>But hope had deceived him; and as the years passed onward, he began to
+realize how vast, how enormous, was the task he had undertaken. It was
+within the possibilities that he, a young man in the flower of his
+youth, should be able to bury himself in an unknown corner of the world,
+to give up all his friends, to renounce everything that made life worth
+living, but that he should bury with himself in his silk-lined tomb a
+young girl to whom he had become everything, who yet might not even
+dream of becoming anything to him&mdash;that was beyond human might.</p>
+
+<p>More and more he realized that his old friend's prophetic words were
+approaching fulfilment: "The child will grow to be a lovely woman.
+Already she is fond of you; she will love you then. Then what?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet," he
+had replied; and he had kept his promise.</p>
+
+<p>But the little maid had not promised anything; and if, perchance, she
+guessed the weighty secret of her destiny, <a name="Page_118" id="Page_118" /></a>whence could she have taken
+the strength of mind to battle against what threatened to drive even the
+strong man to madness?</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was thirty-one years old, the fourth year in this house of
+voluntary madmen. With extreme solicitude he saw the child grow to
+womanhood, blessed with all the magic charms of her sex. Gladly would he
+have kept her a child had it been in his power. He treated her as a
+child&mdash;gave her dolls and the toys of a child; but this could not go on
+forever. Deeply concerned, Ludwig observed that Marie's countenance
+became more and more melancholy, and that now it rarely expressed
+childlike na&iuml;vet&eacute;. A dreamy melancholy had settled upon it. And of what
+did she dream? Why was she so sad? Why did she start? Why did the blood
+rush to her cheeks when he came suddenly into her presence?</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel had made his fair neighbor at the manor the object of study.
+He had ample time for the task; he had nothing else to do. And, as he
+was debarred from making direct inquiries concerning her, or from
+hearing the current gossip of the neighborhood, he learned only that
+about her which his telescope revealed; and from this, with the aid of
+his imagination, he formed a conclusion&mdash;and an erroneous one, very
+probably.</p>
+
+<p>His neighbor lived in strict seclusion, and was a man-hater. But, for
+all that, she was neither a nun nor an Amazon. She was a true woman,
+neither inconsolably melancholy nor wantonly merry. She proved herself
+an excellent housewife. She rose betimes mornings, sent her workmen
+about their various tasks, saw that everything was properly attended to.
+Very often she rode on horseback, or drove in a light wagon, to look
+about her estate. She had arranged an extensive dairy, and paid daily
+visits to her stables. She did not seem aware that an attentive observer
+constantly watched her with his telescope from the tower of the Nameless
+Castle. So, at least, it might be assumed; for the lady very often
+assisted in the labor of the garden, when, in transplanting tulip bulbs,
+she would so soil her pretty white hands to the wrists with black mold
+that it would be quite distressing to see them. Certainly this was
+sufficient proof that her labor was without design.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120" /></a>And, what was more to the purpose, she acted as if perfectly unaware of
+the fact that a lady lived in the Nameless Castle who possibly might be
+the wife of her tenant. Common courtesy and the conventional usages of
+society demanded that the lady who took up a residence anywhere should
+call on the ladies of the neighborhood&mdash;if only to leave a card with the
+servant at the door. The baroness had omitted this ceremony, which
+proved that she either did not know of Marie's hiding-place, or that she
+possessed enough delicacy of feeling to understand that it would be
+inconvenient to the one concerned were she to take any notice of the
+circumstance. Either reason was satisfactory to Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>But a woman without curiosity!</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile the count had learned something about her which might be of
+some use to Marie.</p>
+
+<p>He had received, during the winter, a letter from the young law student
+with whom he had become acquainted on the occasion of the
+vice-palatine's unpleasant visit to the castle. The young man wrote to
+say that he had passed his examination, and that when he should receive
+the necessary authority from the count he would be ready to proceed to
+the business they had talked about.</p>
+
+<p>The count replied that a renewal of his lease was not necessary. The new
+owner of the castle having neglected to serve a notice to quit within
+the proper time, the old contracts were still valid. Therefore, it was
+only necessary to secure the naturalization documents, and to purchase a
+plot of ground on the shore of the lake. The young lawyer arranged these
+matters satisfactorily, and the count had nothing further to do than to
+appoint an <i>absentium ablegatus</i> to the Diet, and to take possession of
+his new purchase, which lay adjacent to the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>The count at once had the plot of ground inclosed with <a name="Page_121" id="Page_121" /></a>a high fence of
+stout planks, engaged a gardener, and had it transformed into a
+beautiful flower-garden.</p>
+
+<p>Then, when the first spring blossoms began to open, he said to Marie,
+one balmy, sunshiny afternoon: "Come, we will take a promenade."</p>
+
+<p>He conducted the veiled maiden through the park, along the freshly
+graveled path to the inclosed plot of ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is your garden," he said, opening the gate. "Now you, too, own a
+plot of ground."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel had expected to see the little maid clap her hands with
+delight, and hasten to pluck the flowers for a nosegay.</p>
+
+<p>Instead, however, she clung to his arm and sighed heavily.</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you sigh, Marie? Are you not pleased with your garden?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I think it beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"Then why do you sigh?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I cannot thank you as I wish."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have already thanked me."</p>
+
+<p>"That was only with words. Tell me, can any one see us here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one; we are alone."</p>
+
+<p>At these words the little maid tore the veil from her face, and for the
+first time in many years God's free sunlight illumined her lovely
+features. What those features expressed, what those eyes flashed through
+their tears, that was her gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>When she had illumined the heart of her guardian with this expressive
+glance, she was about to draw the veil over her face again; but Ludwig
+laid a gently restraining hand on hers, and said: "Leave your face
+uncovered, Marie; no one can see it here; and every day for one hour you
+<a name="Page_122" id="Page_122" /></a>may walk thus here, without fear of being seen, for I shall send the
+gardener elsewhere during that time."</p>
+
+<p>When they were leaving the garden, Marie plucked two forget-me-nots, and
+gave one of them to Ludwig. From that day she had one more pleasure: the
+garden, a free sight of the sky, the warmth of the sunlight&mdash;enjoyments
+hitherto denied her; but, all the same, the childlike cheerfulness faded
+more and more from her countenance.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig, who was distressed to see this continued melancholy in the
+child's face, searched among his pedagogic remedies for a cure for such
+moods. A sixteen-year-old girl might begin the study of history. At this
+age she would already become interested in descriptions of national
+customs, in archaeological study, in travels. He therefore collected for
+Marie's edification quite a library, and became a zealous expounder of
+the various works.</p>
+
+<p>In a short time, however, he became aware that his pupil was not so
+studious as she had been formerly. She paid little heed to his learned
+discourses, and even neglected to learn her lessons. For this he was
+frequently obliged to reprove her. This was a sort of refrigerating
+process. For an instructor to scold a youthful pupil is the best proof
+that he is a being from a different planet!</p>
+
+<p>One day the tutor was delineating with great eloquence to his
+scholar&mdash;who, he imagined, was listening with special interest&mdash;the
+glorious deeds of heroism performed by St. Louis, and was tracing on the
+map the heroic king's memorable crusade. The scholar, however, was
+writing something on a sheet of paper which lay on the table in front of
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you writing, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>The little maid handed him the sheet of paper. On it were the words:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Ludwig, love me."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123" /></a>Map and book dropped from the count's hands. The little maid's frank,
+sincere gaze met his own. She was not ashamed of what she had written,
+or that she had let him read it. She thought it quite in the order of
+things.</p>
+
+<p>"And don't I love you?" exclaimed Ludwig, with sudden sharpness. "Don't
+I love you as the fakir loves his Brahma&mdash;as the Carthusian loves his
+Virgin Mary? Don't I love you quite as dearly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then don't love me&mdash;quite so dearly," responded Marie, rising and going
+to her own room, where she began to play with her cats. From that hour
+she would not learn anything more from Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>The young man, however, placed the slip of paper containing the words,
+"Dear Ludwig, love me," among his relics.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Since the new mistress's advent in the neighboring manor Count Vavel had
+spent more time than usual in his observatory. At first suspicion had
+been his motive. Now, however, there was a certain fascination in
+bringing near to him with his telescope the woman with whom he had
+exchanged only written communication. If he was so eager to behold her,
+why did he not go to the manor? Why did he look at her only through his
+telescope? She would certainly receive his visits; and what then?</p>
+
+<p>This "what then?" was the fetter which bound him hand and foot, was the
+lock upon his lips. He must make no acquaintances. Results might follow;
+and what then?</p>
+
+<p>The entombed man must not quit his grave. He might only seat himself at
+the window of his tomb, and thence look out on the beautiful, forbidden
+world.</p>
+
+<p>What a stately appearance the lady makes as she strolls in her long
+white gown across the green sward over yonder! Her long golden hair
+falls in glittering masses from <a name="Page_124" id="Page_124" /></a>beneath her wide-rimmed straw hat. Now
+she stops; she seems to be looking for some one. Now her lips open; she
+is calling some one. Her form is quite near, but her voice stops over
+yonder, a thousand paces distant. The person she calls does not appear
+in the field of vision. Now she calls louder, and the listening ear
+hears the words, "Dear Ludwig!"</p>
+
+<p>He starts. These words have not come from the phantom of the
+object-glass, but from a living being that stands by his side&mdash;Marie.</p>
+
+<p>The count sprang to his feet, surprised and embarrassed, unable to say a
+word. Marie, however, did not wait for him to speak, but said with eager
+inquisitiveness:</p>
+
+<p>"What are you looking at through that great pipe?"</p>
+
+<p>Before Ludwig could turn the glass in another direction, the little maid
+had taken his seat, and was gazing, with a wilful smile on her lips,
+through the "great pipe."</p>
+
+<p>The smile gradually faded from her lips as she viewed the world revealed
+by the telescope&mdash;the beautiful woman over yonder amid her flowers, her
+form encircled by the nimbus of rainbow hues.</p>
+
+<p>When she withdrew her eye from the glass, her face betrayed the new
+emotion which had taken possession of her. The lengthened features, the
+half-opened lips, the contracted brows, the half-closed eyes, all these
+betrayed&mdash;Ludwig was perfectly familiar with the expression&mdash;jealousy.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had discovered that there was an enchantingly beautiful woman upon
+whose phenomenal charms <i>her</i> Ludwig came up here to feast his eyes. The
+faithless one!</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was going to speak, but Marie laid her hand against his lips, and
+turned again to the telescope. The "green-eyed monster" wanted to see
+some more!</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly her face brightened; a joyful smile wreathed <a name="Page_125" id="Page_125" /></a>her lips. She
+seized Ludwig's hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that sounded like a sigh
+of relief:</p>
+
+<p>"What you told me was true, after all! You did not want to deceive me."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you see?" asked Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"I see the water-monster that frightened me. I believed that you
+invented a fable and had it printed in that book in order to deceive me.
+And now I see the creature over yonder with the beautiful lady. She
+called to him, and he came walking on his hands and feet. Now he is
+standing upright. How ridiculous the poor thing looks in his red
+clothes! He does&nbsp;n't want to keep on his hat, and persists in wanting to
+walk on all fours like a poodle. Dear heaven! what a kind lady she must
+be to have so much patience with him!"</p>
+
+<p>Then she rose suddenly from the telescope, flung her arms around
+Ludwig's neck, and began to sob. Her warm tears moistened the young
+man's face; but they were not tears of grief.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon she ceased sobbing, and smiled through her tears.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so thankful I came up here! You will let me come again, won't you,
+Ludwig? I will come only when you ask me. And to-morrow we will resume
+our swimming excursions. You will come with me in the canoe, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig assented, and the child skipped, humming cheerily, down the tower
+stairs; and the whole day long the old castle echoed with her merry
+singing.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>And why should not Baroness Landsknechtsschild take observations with a
+telescope, as well as her neighbor at the Nameless Castle?</p>
+
+<p>She could very easily do so unnoticed. From the outside of a house, when
+it is light, one cannot see what is going on in a dark room.</p>
+
+<p>This question Count Vavel was given an opportunity to decide.</p>
+
+<p>The astronomical calendar had announced a total eclipse of the moon on a
+certain night in July. The moon would enter the shadow at ten o'clock,
+and reach full obscuration toward midnight.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig had persuaded Marie to observe the phenomenon with him; and the
+young girl was astonished beyond measure when she beheld for the first
+time the full moon through the telescope.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig explained to her that the large, brilliant circles were extinct
+craters; the dark blotches, seas. At that time scientists still accepted
+the theory of oceans on the moon. What interested Marie most of all,
+however, was the question, "Were there people on the moon?" Ludwig
+promised to procure for her the fanciful descriptions of a supposed
+journey made to the moon by some naturalists in the preceding century.
+Innocent enough reading for a girl of sixteen!</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_127" id="Page_127" /></a>I wonder what the people are like who live on the moon?"</p>
+
+<p>And Ludwig's mental reply was: "One of them stands here by your side!"</p>
+
+<p>After a while Marie wearied of the heavenly phenomena, and when the hour
+came at which she usually went to bed she was overcome by sleep.</p>
+
+<p>In vain Ludwig sought to keep her awake by telling her about the Imbrian
+Ocean, and relating the wonders of Mount Aristarchus. Marie could not
+keep from nodding, and several times she caught herself dreaming.</p>
+
+<p>"I shall not wait to see the end of the eclipse," she said to Ludwig.
+"It is very pretty and interesting, but I am sleepy."</p>
+
+<p>She was yet so much a child that she would not have given up her sweet
+slumbers for an eclipse of all the planets of the universe.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig accompanied her to the door of her apartments, bade her good
+night, and returned to the observatory.</p>
+
+<p>Already the disk of the moon was half obscured. Ludwig removed the
+astronomical eye-piece from the telescope, and inserted the tellurian
+glass instead; then he turned the object-glass toward the neighboring
+manor instead of toward the moon. Now, if ever, was the time to find out
+if his fair neighbor possessed a telescope. If she had one, she would
+certainly be using it now.</p>
+
+<p>It was sufficiently light to enable him to see quite distinctly the
+baroness sitting, with two other women, on the veranda. She was
+observing the eclipse, but with an opera-glass&mdash;a magnifier that
+certainly could not reveal very much.</p>
+
+<p>Of this Count Ludwig might rest satisfied. And yet, in spite of the
+satisfaction this decision had given him, he continued to observe the
+disappearance of the moonlight from <a name="Page_128" id="Page_128" /></a>the veranda of the manor with far
+more attention than he bestowed upon the gradual darkening of the
+heavenly luminary itself. Then there happened to the baroness's
+companions what had happened to Marie: the women began to nod, whereupon
+the baroness sent them to bed. There remained now only the count and his
+fair neighbor to continue the astronomical observations. The lady looked
+at the moon; the count looked at the lady.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness, as was evident, was thorough in whatever she undertook.
+She waited for the full obscuration&mdash;until the last vestige of moonlight
+had vanished, and only a strange-looking, dull, copper-hued ball hung in
+the sky.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness now rose and went into the house. The astronomer on the
+castle tower observed that she neglected to close the veranda door.</p>
+
+<p>It was now quite dark; the silence of midnight reigned over everything.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel waited in his observatory until the moon emerged from
+shadow.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of the moon, something quite different came within the field of
+vision.</p>
+
+<p>From the shrubbery in the rear of the manor there emerged a man. He
+looked cautiously about him, then signaled backward with his hand,
+whereupon a second man, then a third and a fourth, appeared.</p>
+
+<p>Dark as it was, the count could distinguish that the men wore masks, and
+carried hatchets in their hands. He could not see what sort of clothes
+they wore.</p>
+
+<p>They were robbers.</p>
+
+<p>One of the men swung himself over the iron trellis of the veranda; his
+companions waited below, in the shadow of the gate.</p>
+
+<p>The count hastened from his observatory.</p>
+
+<p>First he wakened Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_129" id="Page_129" /></a>Robbers have broken into the manor, Henry!"</p>
+
+<p>"The rascals certainly chose a good time to do it; now that the moon is
+in shadow, no one will see them," sleepily returned Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw them, and I am going to scare them away."</p>
+
+<p>"We can fire off our guns from here; that will scare them," suggested
+Henry.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you out of your senses, Henry? We should frighten Marie; and were
+she to learn that there are robbers in the neighborhood, she would want
+to go away from here, and you know we are chained to this place."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; then I don't know what we can do. Shall I go down and rouse the
+village?"</p>
+
+<p>"So that you may be called on to testify before a court, and be
+compelled to tell who you are, what you are, and how you came here?"
+impatiently interposed the count.</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. Then I can't raise an alarm?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. Do as I tell you. Stop here in the castle, take your
+station in front of Marie's door, and I will go over to the manor. Give
+me your walking-stick."</p>
+
+<p>"What? You are going after the robbers with a walking-stick?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are only petty thieves; they are not real robbers. Men of this
+sort will run when they hear a footstep. Besides, there are only four of
+them."</p>
+
+<p>"Four against one who has nothing but a cudgel!"</p>
+
+<p>"In which is concealed a sharp poniard&mdash;a very effective weapon at close
+quarters," supplemented the count. "But don't stop here talking, Henry.
+Fetch the stick, and my driving-coat, into the pocket of which put my
+bloodletting instruments. Some one might faint over yonder, and I should
+need them."</p>
+
+<p>Henry brought the stick and coat. Only after he had gone some distance
+from the castle did Count Vavel notice that <a name="Page_130" id="Page_130" /></a>some heavy object kept
+thumping against his side. The faithful Henry had smuggled a
+double-barreled pistol into the pocket of his coat, in addition to the
+bloodletting instruments. The count did not take the road which ran
+around the cove to the manor, but hurried to the shore, where he sprang
+into his canoe, and with a few powerful strokes of the oars reached the
+opposite shore. A few steps took him to the manor. His heart beat
+rapidly. He had a certain dread of the coming meeting&mdash;not the meeting
+with the robbers, but with the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>The gates of the manor were open, as was usual in Hungarian manors day
+and night. The count crossed the court, and as he turned the corner of
+the house there happened what he had predicted: the masked man who was
+on watch at the door gave a shrill whistle, then dashed into the
+shrubbery. Count Vavel did not give chase to the fleeing thief, but,
+swinging his cudgel around his head, ran through the open door into the
+hall. Here a lamp was burning. He hurried into the salon, and saw, as he
+entered, two more of the robbers jump from the window into the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig hurried on toward the adjoining room, whence came the faint
+light of a lamp. The light came from another room still farther on. It
+was the sleeping-chamber of the lady of the house. There were no robbers
+here, but on the table lay jewelry and articles of silver which had been
+emptied from the cases lying about the floor. In an arm-chair which
+stood near the bed-alcove reclined a female form, the arms and hands
+firmly bound with cords to the chair.</p>
+
+<p>What a beautiful creature! The clinging folds of her dressing-robe
+revealed the perfect proportions of her figure. Her hair fell like a
+golden cataract to the floor. Modest blushes and joy at her deliverance
+made the lovely face <a name="Page_131" id="Page_131" /></a>even more enchanting when the knightly deliverer
+entered the room&mdash;a hero who came with a cudgel to do battle against a
+band of robbers, and conquered!</p>
+
+<p>"I am Count Vavel," he hastened to explain, cudgel in hand, that the
+lady might not think him another robber and fall into a faint.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray release me," in a low tone begged the lady, her cheeks crimsoning
+with modest shame when he bent over her to untie the cords.</p>
+
+<p>The task was quickly performed; the count took a knife from his pocket
+and cut the cords; then he turned to look for a bell.</p>
+
+<p>"Please don't ring," hastily interposed the baroness. "Don't rouse my
+people from their slumbers. The robbers are gone, and have taken
+nothing. You came in good time to help me."</p>
+
+<p>"Did the rascals ill-treat you, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"They only tied me to this chair; but they threatened to kill me if I
+refused to give them money&mdash;they were not content to take only my
+jewelry. I was about to give them an order to the steward, who has
+charge of my money, when your arrival suddenly ended the agreement we
+had made."</p>
+
+<p>"Agreement?" repeated the count. "A pretty business, truly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't speak so loudly; I don't want any one to be alarmed&mdash;and
+please go into the next room, where you will find my maid, who is also
+bound."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel went into the small chamber which communicated with that of
+the baroness, and saw lying on the bed a woman whose hands and feet were
+bound; a handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth. He quickly
+released her from the cords and handkerchief; but she did not stir: she
+had evidently lost consciousness.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the baroness had followed with a lighted <a name="Page_132" id="Page_132" /></a>candle. She had
+flung a silken shawl about her shoulders, thrust her feet into Turkish
+slippers, and tucked her hair underneath a becoming lace cap.</p>
+
+<p>"Is she dead?" she asked, lifting an anxious glance to Ludwig's face.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she is not dead," replied the count, who was attentively scanning
+the unconscious woman's face.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter with her?" pursued the baroness, with evident
+distress.</p>
+
+<p>The count now recognized the woman's face. He had seen her with the lad
+who had been his prot&eacute;g&eacute;, and who was now a member of the baroness's
+household. It was the wife of Satan Laczi.</p>
+
+<p>"No, she is not dead," he repeated; "she has only fainted."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness hastily fetched her smelling-salts, and held them to the
+unconscious woman's nostrils.</p>
+
+<p>"Peasant women have strong constitutions," observed the count. "When
+such a one loses consciousness a perfume like that will not restore her;
+she needs to be bled."</p>
+
+<p>"But good heavens! What are we to do? I can't think of sending for the
+doctor now! I don't want him to hear of what has happened here
+to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I understand bloodletting," observed Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"You, Herr Count?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have studied medicine and surgery."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have no lance."</p>
+
+<p>"I brought my chirurgic instruments with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you thought you might find here some one who had fainted?"
+exclaimed the baroness, wonderingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. I shall require the assistance of a maid to hold the woman's arm
+while I perform the operation."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want any of the servants wakened. Can't I&mdash;help you?" she
+suggested hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_133" id="Page_133" /></a>Are not you afraid of the sight of blood, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course I am; but I will endure that rather than have one of my maids
+see you here at this hour."</p>
+
+<p>"But this one will see me when she recovers consciousness."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I can trust this one; she will be silent."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us make an attempt."</p>
+
+<p>The result of the attempt was, the fainting maid was restored to
+consciousness by the skilfully applied lance, while the face of the
+assisting lady became deathly pale. Her eyes closed, her lips became
+blue. Fortunately, she had a more susceptible nature than her maid. A
+few drops of cold water sprinkled on her face, and the smelling-salts,
+quickly restored her to consciousness. During these few moments her head
+had rested on the young man's shoulder, her form had been supported on
+his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't trouble any further about me," she murmured, when she opened her
+eyes and saw herself in Vavel's arms; "but attend to that poor woman";
+and she hastily rose from her recumbent position.</p>
+
+<p>The woman was shivering with a chill&mdash;or was it the result of extreme
+terror? If the former, then a little medicine would soon help her; but
+if it was terror, there was no remedy for it.</p>
+
+<p>To all questions she returned but the one answer: "Oh, my God! my God!"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness and Count Vavel now returned to the outer room.</p>
+
+<p>"I regret very much, baroness, that you have had an unpleasant
+experience like this&mdash;here in our peaceful neighborhood, where every one
+is so honest that you might leave your purse lying out in the court; no
+one would take it."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness laughingly interrupted him:</p>
+
+<p>"The robber adventure amused more than it frightened <a name="Page_134" id="Page_134" /></a>me. All my life I
+have wanted to see a real Hungarian robber, of whom the Viennese tell
+such wonderful tales. My wish has been gratified, and I have had a real
+adventure&mdash;the sort one reads in romances."</p>
+
+<p>"Your romance might have had a sorrowful conclusion," responded Count
+Ludwig, seriously.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;if Heaven had not sent a brave deliverer to my rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"You may well say Heaven sent him," smilingly returned the count; "for
+if there had not been an eclipse of the moon to-night, which I was
+observing through my telescope, and at the same time taking a look about
+the neighborhood, I should not have seen the masked men enter the
+manor."</p>
+
+<p>"What!" in astonishment exclaimed the baroness; "you saw the men through
+a telescope? Truly, <i>I</i> shall have to be on my guard in future! But,"
+she added more seriously, lifting from the table the count's
+walking-stick, toward which he had extended his hand, "before you go I
+want to beg a favor. Please do not mention the occurrence of this night
+to any one. I don't want the authorities to make any inquiries
+concerning the attempted robbery."</p>
+
+<p>"That favor I grant most willingly," replied Count Vavel, who had not
+the least desire for a legal examination which would require him to tell
+who he was, what he was, whence he came, and what he was doing here.</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you why I don't want the affair known," continued the
+baroness. "The woman in yonder is the one of whom I wrote you some time
+ago&mdash;the wife of Ladislaus Satan, or, as he is called, Satan Laczi.
+Should it become known that a robbery was attempted here, the villagers
+will say at once, 'It was the wife of the robber Satan Laczi who helped
+the men to rob her mistress,' and the poor woman will be sent back to
+prison."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_135" id="Page_135" /></a>And do you really believe her innocent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can assure you that she knew nothing about this matter. I shall not
+send her away, but, as a proof that I trust her entirely, shall let her
+sleep in the room next to mine, and let her carry all my keys!" To
+emphasize her declaration, she thumped the floor vigorously with Vavel's
+iron-ferruled stick.</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily the count extended his hand to her. She grasped it
+cordially, and, shaking it, added: "Don't speak of our meeting to-night
+to any one; I shall not mention it, I can promise you! And now, I will
+give you your stick; I am certain some one at home is anxious about you.
+God be with you!"</p>
+
+<p>At home Count Vavel found Henry on guard at the door of Marie's room,
+his musket cocked, ready for action.</p>
+
+<p>"Did anything happen here?" asked the count. "Did Marie waken?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; but she called out several times in her sleep, and once I heard her
+say quite distinctly: 'Ludwig, take care; she will bite!"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Vavel could not deny that his fair neighbor had made a very
+favorable impression on him. In astronomy she had taken the place of the
+moon, in classic literature that of an ideal, and in metaphysics that of
+the absolutely good.</p>
+
+<p>He had sufficient command of himself, however, to suppress the desire to
+see her again. From that day he did not again turn his telescope toward
+the neighboring manor. But to prevent his thoughts from straying there
+was beyond his power. These straying thoughts after a while began to
+betray themselves in his countenance and in his eyes; and there are
+persons who understand how to read faces and eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_136" id="Page_136" /></a>Are you troubled about anything, Ludwig?" one day inquired Marie,
+after they had been sitting in silence together for a long while.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig started guiltily.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es; I have bad news from abroad."</p>
+
+<p>Such a reply, however, cannot deceive those who understand the language
+of the face and eyes.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Marie stole noiselessly up to the observatory, and
+surprised Ludwig at the telescope.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see, too, Ludwig. Are you looking at something pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very pretty," answered Ludwig, giving place to the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>Marie looked through the glass, and saw a farm-yard overgrown with
+weeds. On an inverted tub near the door of the cottage sat a little old
+grandmother teaching her grandchildren how to knit a stocking.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you were not looking at our lovely neighbor," said Marie. "Why
+don't you look at her?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because it is not necessary for me to know what she is doing."</p>
+
+<p>Marie turned the telescope toward the manor, and persisted until she had
+found what she was looking for.</p>
+
+<p>"How sad she looks!" she said to Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>But he paid no attention to her words.</p>
+
+<p>"Now it seems as though she were looking straight into my eyes; now she
+clasps her hands as if she were praying."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig said, with pedagogic calmness:</p>
+
+<p>"If you continue to gaze with such intensity through the telescope your
+face will become distorted."</p>
+
+<p>Marie laughed. "If I had a crooked mouth, and kept one eye shut, people
+would say, 'There goes that ugly little Marie!' Then I should not have
+to wear a veil any more."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137" /></a>She distorted her face as she had described, and turned it toward
+Ludwig, who said hastily: "Don't&mdash;don't do that, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not all the same to you whether I am ugly or pretty?" she
+retorted. Then, as if to soften the harshness of her words, she added:
+"Even if I were ugly, would you love me&mdash;as the fakir loves his Brahma?"</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Ludwig continued his correspondence with the learned Herr Mercatoris. He
+always dictated his letters to Marie. No one in the neighborhood had yet
+seen his own writing. Therefore, it would have been impossible for him
+to ask the pastor anything relating to the baroness without Marie
+knowing it. In one of his letters, however, he inquired how the mother
+of the lad he had once had in his care was conducting herself at the
+manor, and was informed that the woman had disappeared&mdash;and without
+leaving any explanation for her conduct&mdash;a few days after the eclipse of
+the moon. The baroness had been greatly troubled by the woman's going,
+but would not consent to having a search made for her, as she had taken
+nothing from the manor.</p>
+
+<p>This incident made Count Vavel believe that the woman had secretly
+joined the band of robbers, and that there would be another attempt made
+sometime to break into the manor.</p>
+
+<p>From that time the count slept more frequently in his observatory than
+he did in his bedchamber, where an entire arsenal of muskets and other
+firearms were always kept in readiness.</p>
+
+<p>One evening, when he approached the door of his room, he was surprised
+to see a light through the keyhole; some one was in the room.</p>
+
+<p>He entered hastily. On the table was a lighted candle, and standing with
+his back toward the table was a strange <a name="Page_138" id="Page_138" /></a>man, clad in a costume unlike
+that worn by the dwellers in that neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Count Vavel surveyed the stranger, who was standing
+between him and his weapons; then he demanded imperiously:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you? How came you here, and what do you want?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am Satan Laczi," coolly replied the man.</p>
+
+<p>On hearing the name, Count Vavel sprang suddenly toward the robber, and
+seized him by the arms. The fellow's arms were like the legs of a
+vulture&mdash;nothing but bone and sinew. Count Vavel was an athletic man,
+strong and powerful; but had the room been filled with men as strong and
+powerful as he, and had they every one hurled themselves upon Satan
+Laczi, he would have had no difficulty in defending himself. He had
+performed such a feat more than once. This evening, however, he made no
+move to defend himself, but looked calmly at his assailant, and said:
+"The Herr Count can see that I have no weapons; and yet, there are
+enough here, had I wanted to arm myself against an attack. I am not here
+for an evil purpose."</p>
+
+<p>The count released his hold on the man's arms, and looked at him in
+surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"First, because I want to tell the Herr Count that it was not I who
+attempted to rob the baroness, nor were those thieves comrades of mine.
+I know that the people around here say it was Satan Laczi; but it
+was&nbsp;n't, and I came to tell you so. I confess I have robbed churches;
+but the house which has given shelter and food to my poor little lad is
+more sacred to me than a church. The people insist that I was guilty of
+such baseness because I am Satan Laczi; but the Herr Count, who has
+doubtless read a de<a name="Page_139" id="Page_139" /></a>scription of my person, can say whether or no it was
+I he saw at the manor."</p>
+
+<p>With these words he turned his face toward the light. It was a very
+repulsive countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think there is another face that the description of mine would
+fit, Herr Count?" he asked, a certain melancholy softening the
+repulsiveness of his features. "But what is the use of such senseless
+chatter?" he added hastily. "I am not silly enough to come here seeking
+honor and respect&mdash;though it does vex me when people say that one man
+with a cudgel put to flight Satan Laczi and three of his comrades. I
+came here to-night because the Herr Count rescued my poor little lad
+from the morass, gave him shelter and food, and even condescended to
+teach him. For all this I owe you, Herr Count, and I am come to return
+favor for favor. You are thinking: 'How can this robber repay me what he
+owes?' I will tell you: by giving you a robber's information. I want to
+prove to the Herr Count that the robber&mdash;the true robber who understands
+his trade&mdash;can enter this securely barred castle whenever he is so
+minded. The locks on the doors, the bolts on the windows, are no
+hindrance to the man who understands his business, and the way <i>I</i> came
+in another can come as well. It is said that the Herr Count guards a
+great treasure here in this castle. I don't know, and I don't ask, what
+this treasure is. If I should find it, I would&nbsp;n't take it from the Herr
+Count, and if any one else took it I should try to get it back for him.
+But some one may steal in here, as I did, while the Herr Count is
+looking at the stars up in the tower, and carry off his carefully
+guarded treasure."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel gave utterance to a groan of terror; his knees gave way
+beneath him; a chill shook his entire frame.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie!" he gasped, forgetting himself.</p>
+
+<p>Then, hastily snatching the candle from the table, he <a name="Page_140" id="Page_140" /></a>rushed
+frantically toward the young girl's sleeping-chamber, leaving Satan
+Laczi alone in his room.</p>
+
+<p>Since he had ceased guarding Marie's door at night by sleeping on the
+lounge in her room, he had cautioned her to lock the door before
+retiring. Now he found the door open.</p>
+
+<p>Breathless with fear, the count sprang toward the alcove and flung back
+the bed-curtains. The little maid was sleeping peacefully, her face
+resting against her arm. Her favorite cat was lying at her feet, and on
+the floor by the bedside lay the two pugs. But the door of the
+wall-cupboard in which was hidden the steel casket stood wide open, and
+on the casket was a singular toy&mdash;a miniature human figure turning a
+spinning-wheel.</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Count Vavel's heart ceased beating. Here was sufficient
+proof that the maid, together with the steel casket, might have been
+carried away during his absence.</p>
+
+<p>He took the curious image, which was molded of black bread, and returned
+to his room.</p>
+
+<p>As he crossed the threshold, Satan Laczi pointed to the toy and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I left it on the casket as a remembrance in exchange for the little
+stockings some one in this house knit for my little lad. We learn to
+make such things in prison, where time hangs heavily on one's hands."</p>
+
+<p>"But how did you manage to open the door when it was locked and the key
+inside?" inquired the count.</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi showed him the tools which he used to turn keys from the
+outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Any burglar can open a door from the outside if the key is left in the
+lock, Herr Count. Only those doors can be securely locked which have no
+keyholes outside."</p>
+
+<p>"I have no idea how that could be arranged," said Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_141" id="Page_141" /></a>I am acquainted with a jack of all trades here in the neighborhood who
+could make such a door for you if I told him how to make it. He is a
+carpenter, locksmith, and clock-maker, all in one person."</p>
+
+<p>The count shook his head wonderingly. The robber was to direct the
+locksmith how to fashion a lock that no one could open!</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I send the man to the castle?" asked Satan Laczi.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; if the fellow is sensible, and does not chatter."</p>
+
+<p>"But he is a fool that never knows when to stop talking. But he talks
+only on one subject, so you need not be afraid to employ him. He
+understands everything you tell him, will do just as you say, but will
+not talk about what he is doing for you. There is only one subject on
+which he will chatter, and that is, how Napoleon might be beaten. He is
+continually talking about stratagems, infernal machines, and how to win
+a battle. On this subject he is crazy. He will make doors for the Herr
+Count that can't be opened, and tell everybody else only how to make
+infernal machines, and how to build fortifications."</p>
+
+<p>"Very good; then send him to me."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;I must say something else, Herr Count&mdash;no matter how secure your
+locks may be, that treasure is best guarded against robbers which is
+kept in the room you sleep in. A man of courage is worth a hundred
+locks. I am not talking without a purpose when I say the Herr Count must
+look after his treasure. I know more than I say, and Satan Laczi is not
+the greatest robber in the world. Be on your guard!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you."</p>
+
+<p>"Does the Herr Count still believe that it was I and my comrades who
+broke into the manor?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I am convinced that it was not you."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_142" id="Page_142" /></a>Then my mission here is accomplished&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Not yet," interposed the count, stepping to a cupboard, and taking from
+it a straw-covered bottle and a goblet. "Here,"&mdash;filling the goblet and
+handing it to the robber,&mdash;"he who comes to my house as a guest must not
+quit it without a parting glass."</p>
+
+<p>"A strange guest, indeed!" responded the robber, taking the proffered
+glass. "I came without knocking for admittance. But I performed a
+masterpiece to-day; the Herr Count will find it out soon enough! I do
+not drink to your welfare Herr Count, for my good wishes don't go for
+much in heaven!"</p>
+
+<p>The count seated himself at the table, and said: "Don't go just yet, my
+friend; I want to give you a few words of advice. I believe you are a
+good man at heart. Quit your present mode of life, which will ultimately
+lead you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know&mdash;to the gallows and to hell," interposed the robber.</p>
+
+<p>"Take up some trade," pursued the count. "I will gladly assist you to
+become an honest man. I will lend you the money necessary to begin work,
+and you can pay me when you have succeeded. Surely honest labor is the
+best."</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you for the good advice, Herr Count, but it is too late. I know
+very well what would be best for me; but, as I said, it is too late now.
+There was a time when I would gladly have labored at my trade,&mdash;for I
+have one,&mdash;but no one would tolerate me because of my repulsive face.
+From my childhood I have been an object of ridicule and abuse. My father
+was well-born, but he died in a political prison, and I was left
+destitute with this hideous face. No one would employ me for anything
+but swine-herd; and even then luck was against me, for if anything went
+wrong with a litter of pigs, I was always blamed for <a name="Page_143" id="Page_143" /></a>the mishap, and
+sent about my business. Count Jharose gave me a job once; it was a
+ridiculous task, but I was glad to get any kind of honest work. I had to
+exercise the count's two tame bears&mdash;promenade with them through the
+village. The bears' fore paws were tied about their necks, so that they
+were obliged to walk on their hind feet, and I had to walk between them,
+my hands resting on a fore leg of each animal, as if I were escorting
+two young women. When we promenaded thus along the village street, the
+people would laugh and shout: 'There go Count Jharose's three tame
+bears.' At last I got out of the way of doing hard work, and got used to
+being ridiculed by all the world. But I had not yet learned to steal.
+The bears grew fat under my care. I was given every day two loaves of
+bread to feed to them. One day I saw, in a wretched hut at the end of
+the village, a poor woman and her daughter who were starving. From that
+day the bears began to grow thin; for I stole one of the loaves of bread
+and gave it to the poor women, who were glad enough to get it, I can
+tell you! But the steward found out my theft, and I was dismissed from
+the count's service. The poor women were turned out of their miserable
+hut. The mother froze to death,&mdash;for it was winter then,&mdash;and the
+daughter was left on my hands. We got a Franciscan monk, whom we met in
+the forest, to marry us&mdash;which was a bad move for the girl, for no one
+would employ her, because she was my wife. So the forest became our
+home, hollow trees our shelter; and what a friend an old tree can
+become! Well, to make a long story short, necessity very soon taught me
+how to take what belonged to others. I got used to the vagrant life. I
+could not sleep under a roof any more. I could&nbsp;n't live among men, and
+pull off my hat to my betters. When the little lad came into the world,
+I said to my wife: 'Do you quit the forest, and look for work in <a name="Page_144" id="Page_144" /></a>some
+village. Don't let the little one grow up to become a thief.' She did as
+I bade her; but the people who hired her always found out that she was
+the wife of Satan Laczi, and then they would not keep her, and she would
+have to come back to me in the forest. And that is where I shall end my
+days&mdash;in the forest. I am not good for anything any more; I could&nbsp;n't
+even plow a furrow any more. I shall end on the gallows&mdash;I feel it. I
+should have liked the life of a soldier, but they never would take me;
+they always said I would disgrace any regiment to which I might belong.
+Yes, I would rather have been a soldier than anything else; but what is
+not to be will not be! I shall keep to my forest. I am obliged to the
+Herr Count for his good wishes and this delicious brandy."</p>
+
+<p>The robber placed the empty glass on the table, took up his hat, and
+walked with heavy steps toward the door. Here he halted to say:</p>
+
+<p>"I must tell you that the touch-holes of all your firearms are filled
+with wax. Have them cleaned, or you will not be able to shoot with
+them."</p>
+
+<p>The count rose, and hastened to convince himself that this statement was
+true. He found that his firearms had indeed been rendered useless; the
+robber had taken good care to protect himself from an attack. When Vavel
+looked around again, Satan Laczi had disappeared.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>The afternoon of the following day, Henry entered the count's study to
+announce that a crazy person was below, who insisted on speaking to the
+lord of the castle. The stranger said he had invented a cannon that
+would at one shot destroy fifteen hundred men. He would take no denial,
+but insisted that Henry should tell the Herr Count that Master Matyas
+had arrived.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I sent for him to come here," answered the count. "Show him up."</p>
+
+<p>The appearance of the man whom Henry conducted to his master's presence
+was certainly original. He wore a costume unlike any prevailing fashion.
+His upper garment was so made that it might be worn either as a coat or
+a mantle; if sleeves were desired there were sleeves, and none if none
+were required. Even his shoes were inventions of his own, for no regular
+shoemaker could have fashioned them. He held between the fingers of his
+right hand a bit of lead-pencil, with which he would illustrate what he
+described on the palm of his left hand.</p>
+
+<p>"You come in good time, Master Matyas," said the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes. If only I had been in good time at the battle of Marengo!"
+sighed the singular man.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late now for regrets of that sort, Master Matyas," smilingly
+responded Count Vavel. "Facts cannot be <a name="Page_146" id="Page_146" /></a>changed! I have a task for you
+which I desire to have completed as quickly as possible. Come, and I
+will show you what I want you to do."</p>
+
+<p>It was the hour Marie spent in her garden; consequently the count was at
+liberty to conduct the jack of all trades to the young girl's apartment,
+and explain what he wished to have done.</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas listened attentively to what the count said, and took the
+necessary measurements. When he had done so, he turned toward his
+patron, and said in a serious tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know why we lost the battle of Marengo? Because General
+Gvozdanovics, when Napoleon's cavalry made that famous assault, was not
+clever enough to order three men into every tree on that long
+avenue&mdash;two of the men to load the muskets, while the third kept up a
+continual fire. The French horsemen could not have ridden up the trees,
+and the entire troop of cavalry would have dropped under the continuous
+fire! The general certainly should have commanded: 'Half battalion&mdash;half
+left! Up the trees&mdash;forward!'"</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, Master Matyas," assented Count Vavel; "but I should like
+to know if you fully understand what I want you to do, and if you can do
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas's face brightened suddenly. "I&nbsp;'ll tell you what, Herr
+Count; if I succeed in doing what you want, I shall be able, if ever
+Napoleon makes another attack on us, to pen him up, with his entire
+army, so securely that he won't be able to stir!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have no doubt of that!" again assented the count. "What I want,
+however, is a secure barrier that cannot be opened from the outside.
+Pray understand me. I want this barrier made in such a manner that the
+person within the barricade will have sufficient light and air, but be
+invisi<a name="Page_147" id="Page_147" /></a>ble to any one outside, and be perfectly secure from intruders.
+Could not you let me have a little drawing of what you propose to do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly"; and taking a small sketch-book from his pocket, Master
+Matyas proceeded to do as he was requested&mdash;first, however, explaining
+to the count a drawing of the cannon which would mow down at one shot
+fifteen hundred men. "You see," he explained, "here are two cannon
+welded together at the breech, with their muzzles ten degrees apart. But
+one touch-hole suffices for both. The balls are connected by a long
+chain, and when the cannon are fired off, the balls naturally fly in
+opposite directions and forward at the same time, and, stretching the
+chain, mow off the heads of every man jack with whom it comes in
+contact! Fire! Boom! Heads off!"</p>
+
+<p>The count was perfectly satisfied with Master Matyas. He had found a man
+who fully understood his business, and who knew how to hold his tongue
+on all subjects but on that of his infernal machines, and of his
+stratagems to defeat Napoleon. For two weeks Master Matyas labored
+diligently at his task in the Nameless Castle, during which time Henry
+heard so much about warlike stratagems that his sides ached from the
+continued laughter. But when the villagers questioned Master Matyas
+about his work at the castle, they could learn nothing from him but
+schemes to capture the ever-victorious Corsican.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Count," one day observed Henry, toward the close of the second
+week, "if I hear much more of Master Matyas's wonderful battles, I shall
+become as crazy as he is!"</p>
+
+<p>And the count replied:</p>
+
+<p>"You are crazy already, my good Henry&mdash;and so am I!"</p>
+
+<p>At last the task was completed. Count Vavel was sat<a name="Page_148" id="Page_148" /></a>isfied with the work
+Master Matyas had performed, and it only remained for Marie to express
+herself satisfied with the arrangement which would barricade her every
+night as securely as were the treasures of the "green vault" in Dresden.</p>
+
+<p>A few days afterward was Marie's sixteenth birthday. Count Vavel had
+come to her apartments, as usual, to congratulate her, and to hear what
+her birthday wish might be. But the young girl, whose sparkling eyes had
+become veiled with melancholy, whose red lips had already learned to
+express sadness, had no commands to give to-day.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the count, on some pretence, detained Marie in the library
+while Master Matyas completed his task in her room.</p>
+
+<p>This masterpiece was a peculiar curtain composed of small squares of
+steel so joined together that light and air could easily penetrate the
+screen. It was fitted between the two marble columns which supported the
+arch of the bed-alcove. When the metal curtain was lowered, by means of
+a cord, two springs in the floor caught and held it so securely that it
+could not be lifted from the outside. To raise the screen the person in
+the alcove had only to touch a secret spring near the bed, when the
+screen would roll up of itself.</p>
+
+<p>"And hast thou no wish this year, Marie?" asked the count, adopting, as
+usual on this anniversary, the familiar "thou."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I have one, dear Ludwig," replied the young girl, but with no
+brightening of the melancholy features. "I have lost something, but thou
+canst not give it back to me."</p>
+
+<p>"And what may this something be? What hast thou lost, Marie? Tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"My former sweet, sound sleep! and thou canst not buy me another in
+Vienna or Paris. I used to sleep so soundly. <a name="Page_149" id="Page_149" /></a>I used to be so fond of my
+sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers, and often I
+would be in dreamland long before I got to the 'Amen.' And if by any
+chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike, I would beg of
+it not to hurry along the hours so fast&mdash;I did not want morning to come
+so soon! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors, I lie awake
+often until midnight&mdash;terrified by I know not what. I dread to be so
+entirely alone when everything is so quiet; and when it is dark I feel
+as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room. When I hear a
+noise I wonder what it can be, and my heart beats so rapidly! Then I
+draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound, and if I fall asleep
+thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
+Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
+soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
+restore my slumber."</p>
+
+<p>"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
+see."</p>
+
+<p>She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.</p>
+
+<p>"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
+her wondering face.</p>
+
+<p>Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
+in the springs in the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
+own alcove."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_150" id="Page_150" /></a>Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
+Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
+your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
+column to your left, you will be at liberty again."</p>
+
+<p>The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was filled with delight and astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"There is another work of art connected with this wonderful mechanism,"
+said the count, after Marie had rolled and unrolled the screen several
+times. "The cord which releases the screen rings a bell in my room. When
+I hear the bell I shall know that you have retired; then I shall bring
+my books and papers into your room out yonder, and continue my work
+there. Only enough light will penetrate the screen to the alcove to
+prevent utter darkness. You will not need to be afraid hereafter, and
+perhaps the sweet, sound sleep will return to you."</p>
+
+<p>Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift. She
+merely held out both hands, and gave his a clasp that was so close and
+warm that it said more than words or kisses. She waited impatiently for
+evening to test the working of her wonderful screen. She did not amuse
+herself with her cards, as usual, but went to bed at ten o'clock. At the
+same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in
+the floor, Count Ludwig's footsteps were heard in the corridor. In one
+hand he carried a two-branched candlestick, in the other his pistol-case
+and ink-horn. His pen was between his lips; his books and papers were
+held under his arm. He seated himself at a table, and resumed his
+studies.</p>
+
+<p>Marie would have been untrue to her sex had she not watched him for
+several minutes through her metal screen&mdash;watched and admired the superb
+head, supported on one <a name="Page_151" id="Page_151" /></a>hand as he bent intently over his book, the
+broad brow, the classical nose, the chin and lips of an Achilles&mdash;all as
+motionless as if they had been molded in bronze. A true hero&mdash;a hero who
+battled with the most powerful demons of earth, the human passions, and
+conquered. From that day Marie found her old sweet sleep again.</p>
+
+<p>The second day Marie's curiosity prompted her to signal to Ludwig half
+an hour earlier. He heard, and came as readily at half-past nine
+o'clock. And then the little maid (like all indulged children) abused
+her privileges: she signaled at nine o'clock, and at last at eight
+o'clock&mdash;retiring with the birds in order to test if Ludwig would obey
+the signal.</p>
+
+<p>He always came promptly when the falling screen summoned him.</p>
+
+<p>And then Marie said to herself:</p>
+
+<p>"He loves me. He loves me very much&mdash;as the fakir loves his Brahma, as
+the Carthusian loves his sainted Virgin. That is how he loves me!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_V" id="PART_V" /></a><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152" /></a>PART V</h2>
+
+<h3>ANGE BARTHELMY</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>So far as Marie's safety from robbers was concerned, Count Vavel might
+now rest content. Satan Laczi's advice had been obeyed to the letter.
+But how about Baroness Landsknechtsschild? Danger still threatened her.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was seriously concerned about his fair neighbor, and
+wondered how he might communicate his extraordinary discovery to her.
+What could he do to warn her of the danger which still threatened her?
+Should he call in person at the manor, and tell her of his interview
+with Satan Laczi?</p>
+
+<p>A propitious chance came to Count Vavel's aid in his perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon the sound of a trumpet drew him to his window. On looking
+out, he beheld a division of cavalry riding along the highway toward the
+village. They were dragoons, as their glistening helmets indicated.</p>
+
+<p>When the troop drew near to the village, the band struck up a lively
+mazurka, and to this spirited march the soldiers made their entry into
+Fert&ouml;szeg. Ludwig could see through his telescope how the men were
+quartered in the houses in the village; and in the evening, after the
+retreat had been sounded, he also saw that the windows of the hitherto
+unused wing of the manor were brilliantly illuminated. Evidently the
+officers in command of the troop had taken up their quarters there,
+which was proper. The armed guard on duty at the manor gates verified
+this supposition.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154" /></a>Count Vavel might now feel perfectly sure that no robbers would attempt
+to break into the manor; they were too cunning to come prowling about a
+place where cavalry officers were quartered.</p>
+
+<p>And with the arrival of the troop another danger had been averted. Now
+Baroness Katharina would not break into the Nameless Castle and despoil
+Count Vavel of something which Satan Laczi could not, with all his
+cunning, have restored to him&mdash;his heart!</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig did not trouble himself further about the manor. He was
+convinced that enough gallant cavalrymen were over yonder to entertain
+the fair mistress, so that she would no longer wait for any more
+tiresome philosophizing from him.</p>
+
+<p>Every evening he could hear the band playing on the veranda of the
+manor, and very often, too, the merry dance-music, which floated from
+the open windows until a late hour of the night. They were enjoying
+themselves over yonder, and they were right in so doing.</p>
+
+<p>How did all this concern him?</p>
+
+<p>In one respect, however, the soldiers taking up their quarters in
+Fert&ouml;szeg concerned him: they exercised daily on the same road over
+which it was his custom to take his daily drive with Marie. In order to
+avoid meeting them, he was obliged to change the hour to noon, when the
+soldiers would be at dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Several days after the arrival of the troop at Fert&ouml;szeg, the officer in
+command paid a visit at the Nameless Castle&mdash;a courtesy required from
+one who was familiar with the usages of good society. At the door,
+however, he was told by the groom that Count Vavel was not at home. He
+left his card, which Henry at once delivered to his master, who was in
+his study.</p>
+
+<p>The card bore the name:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_155" id="Page_155" /></a>Vicomte Leon Barthelmy, K.&nbsp;K., Colonel of Cavalry."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel tried to remember where he had heard the name before, but
+without success. He quieted his dread which this act of ceremony had
+aroused in him by the thought that it contained no further significance
+than the conventional courtesy which a stranger felt himself called upon
+to pay to a resident.</p>
+
+<p>The call would, of course, have to be returned. From his observatory
+Count Vavel informed himself at what hour the colonel betook himself to
+the exercise-ground, and chose that time to make his visit. Naturally he
+found the colonel absent, and left a card for him. A few days afterward
+Colonel Barthelmy again alighted from his horse at the door of the
+Nameless Castle, and again met with a disappointment&mdash;the Herr Count was
+not at home to visitors; he was engaged, and had given orders not to be
+disturbed.</p>
+
+<p>Again the troop's commander left his card, determining to remain indoors
+at the manor until the return visit had been paid, which would have to
+be done within twenty-four hours if no rudeness were intended.</p>
+
+<p>He was not a little astonished to find, on returning to the manor, that
+Count Vavel had left a card for him with the porter. Such promptness
+perplexed the colonel. How had the count managed to reach the manor
+before he did? The porter informed him that the gentleman from the
+Nameless Castle had rowed across the cove, which was a much shorter way
+than by the carriage-road around the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel now determined to prove that he was an obstinate and
+persistent admirer of the occupant of the Nameless Castle. He paid a
+third visit at eight o'clock the next evening. This time Henry informed
+the visitor that the count had gone to bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?" inquired the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_156" id="Page_156" /></a>No; this is his usual hour for retiring."</p>
+
+<p>"But how can a man who is not ill go to bed at eight o'clock?"</p>
+
+<p>And again he handed Henry a card.</p>
+
+<p>This visit Count Vavel returned the next morning at three o'clock. At
+this hour, as may be supposed, every soul in the manor was still sound
+asleep. Only the guards on watch at the gate demanded: "Halt! Who comes
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>On learning that the intruder was a "friend," they allowed him to waken
+the porter, who thrust his frowzy head from the half-open door to ask,
+in surprise, what was wanted.</p>
+
+<p>"Is the Herr Colonel at home?" inquired Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your lordship; but he is in bed."</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, your lordship; but he is in bed, of course, at this hour."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how can a man who is not ill stay in bed until three o'clock?"</p>
+
+<p>The count turned over a corner of his card, and handed it to the porter.</p>
+
+<p>This, at last, the colonel understood, and left no more cards at the
+Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The officers quartered at the manor were agreeable companions. Vicomte
+Leon Barthelmy was a true courtier, a brave soldier, an entertaining
+comrade, and a generous master. Even his enemies would have admitted
+that his manners were irresistible in the salon, as well as on the
+battle-field. Every one knew that Colonel Barthelmy was a married
+man&mdash;that he had a wife with whom, however, he did not live, but from
+whom he had not been divorced.</p>
+
+<p>Susceptible feminine hearts did not risk a flirtation with the
+fascinating soldier, being forewarned by the canonical <a name="Page_157" id="Page_157" /></a>laws of the
+church, which forbade more intimate relations. There was no need to fear
+for so prudent and discreet a woman as the Baroness Katharina
+Landsknechtsschild. Her principles were very sound, and firmly grounded.
+She permitted no familiarities beyond a certain limit, but made no coy
+pretence of avoiding innocent amusements. Her affable treatment of the
+officers was easily explained. She had not received the gentlemen
+residing in the neighborhood, because they would very soon have visited
+the manor with a special object&mdash;they would have come as suitors for her
+hand. She would have been compelled to reject such offers, and would
+have given rise to all sorts of gossip. Moreover, these country magnates
+were tiresome persons; for, when they were once gathered about a
+gaming-table, the four ladies in a pack of cards engrossed so much of
+their attention that they had no thought for any of the living women
+about them.</p>
+
+<p>The sons of Mars, on the contrary, were devoted entirely to the service
+of the fair sex. Many of the officers' wives accompanied the regiment,
+and these helped to make up the quadrille, the mazurka, the redowa,&mdash;at
+that time the latest dance,&mdash;and every day saw a merry gathering of
+revelers.</p>
+
+<p>One day there would be a series of entertaining games; another day there
+would be a play on a hastily improvised stage, in which the baroness
+herself would take a part, and win well-deserved applause by her
+graceful and artistic acting.</p>
+
+<p>There were several skilled amateur jugglers among the merry company, who
+would give performances <i>&agrave; la</i> Bosko and Philadelphia; and others would
+delight the audience with the wonderful scenes of a magic lantern.</p>
+
+<p>Once the baroness arranged a chase, and herself joined in the hunt after
+the pheasants and deer on her estate, prov<a name="Page_158" id="Page_158" /></a>ing herself a skilled Amazon
+in the saddle and in the management of her rifle. Then, the officers
+improvised a horse-race; and once they even got up a circus, in which
+all look part.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel, in his tower, was an interested spectator of many of these
+amusements. There had been a time when he, too, had taken part in and
+enjoyed just such sports. He was a lover of the chase and of
+horse-racing. No one knew better than he the keen delights of a clean
+vault over ditches and hedges. If only he might join the merry company
+down yonder, <i>he</i> could show them some riding!</p>
+
+<p>And as for hunting? He could spend whole days on the mountains,
+clambering after the fleet-footed chamois, following the larger game
+through morass and forest. He had grown up amid exhilarating sports such
+as these.</p>
+
+<p>And the dance-music! How alluring were the strains! and how often
+through the day he found himself humming the melodies which had floated
+to him from the open windows of the manor! Once he, too, had taken
+pleasure in jesting with fair women until their white shoulders would
+shake with merry laughter. And all this he must look upon and hear at a
+distance, since he had made himself his own jailer!</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>During these weeks Marie was very restless. The sound of the trumpets
+startled her; the unusual noises terrified her. She whose nightly
+slumbers had been guarded from the barking of dogs and the crowing of
+fowls now was obliged to listen half the night to clarionet, horn, and
+piccolo, and to wonder what these people could be doing that they kept
+their music going until such late hours.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159" /></a>One circumstance, however, reconciled Marie to the excitement of these
+days: Ludwig spent more time with her; and though his face was as stern
+as ever, she could not detect in it the melancholy which cannot be
+concealed from the eyes of the woman who can look into the depths, of
+the soul.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>At last, one day late in the autumn, Count Vavel received from his
+correspondent, Herr Mercatoris, the information that the dragoon
+regiment was going to change its quarters, and that the departure from
+Fert&ouml;szeg would be celebrated by various amusements, among them a
+regatta with colored lanterns on the lake and magnificent fireworks on
+the shore.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall manage somehow to live through it," was the count's mental
+comment on the news. He knew Marie's horror of fire&mdash;how she suffered
+with terror when she saw a conflagration, no matter how distant. She was
+even afraid of the rockets and paper dragons which were used at the
+celebration at the conclusion of the grape harvest every year. On the
+evening of the merrymaking Marie was afraid to go to bed. She begged
+Ludwig to close the blinds and to read to her in a loud voice, so that
+she might not see the light of the fireworks or hear the tumult on the
+lake shore. That which amused the revellers at the manor was a terror
+for this timid child.</p>
+
+<p>And that they were amusing themselves over at the manor was beyond a
+doubt. The program for the evening's entertainment was a varied one.
+Colonel Barthelmy was in the gayest of humors. The surprise of the
+evening was to conclude the entertainment, and was called on the program
+"The Militiaman." Every one in the <a name="Page_161" id="Page_161" /></a>audience expected that Colonel
+Barthelmy, who had arranged this part of the entertainment, would
+produce something extremely amusing. The reality surpassed all
+expectations.</p>
+
+<p>The figure conducted on to the stage by the colonel was no other than
+the little water-monster, Baroness Katharina's prot&eacute;g&eacute;. He was clad in
+the uniform of a soldier, with a wooden sword and gun, a hat decorated
+with crane-feathers, a canteen at his side, and a knapsack on his back.
+An enormous false mustache extended from ear to ear, and a short-stemmed
+pipe was thrust between his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"This, gentlemen and ladies, is a militiaman." The colonel was
+interrupted by a burst of merriment from his audience. Even the baroness
+laughed immoderately, but suppressed it hastily when she remembered the
+telescope on the tower of the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little fellow!" she murmured, with difficulty keeping her face
+straight.</p>
+
+<p>"Attention!" called the colonel, snapping the whip he held in his hand.
+"What does the militiaman do when he is in a good humor?"</p>
+
+<p>A bagpipe behind the curtain now began to play a familiar air, whereupon
+the little monster first touched his finger to his hat, then slapped his
+thighs with both hands, and lifted first one foot, then the other.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness hid with her fan that side of her face which was toward the
+neighboring castle, and joined in the uproarious laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, gracious baroness," continued the colonel, "that I have
+accomplished what I determined I would do&mdash;made quite a man of the
+little fellow."</p>
+
+<p>He snapped his whip again, and called sharply:</p>
+
+<p>"Now let the militiaman show us what he does when he is in an ill
+humor."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162" /></a>The bagpipe struck up a different air. The dwarf muttered something
+unintelligible into his mustache, and grimaced hideously. Then he took
+from his tobacco-pouch flint, tinder, and steel, and struck fire in the
+proper manner; he thrust the burning tinder into his pipe, and pressed
+it down with his finger.</p>
+
+<p>Tremendous applause rewarded this exhibition.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you see, gracious baroness, what a complete man he is become? He can
+even strike fire and light a pipe!"</p>
+
+<p>By this time the gnome began to understand that his antics amused the
+audience, and he, too, enjoyed them. For the first time an emotion was
+expressed on his stolid countenance; but it was not an agreeable
+transformation. The corners of his mouth widened until they reached his
+ears, which stood still farther out from his head; he closed one eye,
+and opened the other to its farthest extent; and pressing the stem of
+his pipe more firmly between his teeth, he blew the smoke and fire from
+the bowl like a miniature volcano. The thicker the smoke and sparks came
+from the pipe, the more furious became the strange creature's glee,
+while the entire company shouted and clasped their hands. Even the
+colonel himself was amazed at the performance of his dull pupil.</p>
+
+<p>"Why have we not a Hogarth among us to perpetuate this caricature?" he
+exclaimed delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible! I cannot bear to look at him," said the baroness, holding her
+fan in front of her face. "Pray take him away, Herr Colonel&mdash;take him
+away."</p>
+
+<p>"Presently. Ho, there, my little man! What does the militiaman do when
+he sees the enemy?"</p>
+
+<p>The whip snapped, and the bagpipe set up a discordant shriek, upon which
+the actor sprang with one bound from the stage, and vanished behind the
+curtain, wooden sword <a name="Page_163" id="Page_163" /></a>and gun clattering after him, while the audience
+showered applause on the successful instructor.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Colonel," observed the baroness, when quiet had been restored, "I
+am very much afraid that your instructions will cause me some trouble in
+the future."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, how so?" in surprise questioned the colonel.</p>
+
+<p>"You have taught a wild creature to kindle a fire, and thus aroused in
+him a dangerous passion. His desire to amuse himself with the dangerous
+element will develop into a mania, and he will end by setting fire to
+houses and other buildings."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you what to do, baroness. In order that the little monster
+may not play his tricks about here, give him to me; I will take him with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I had rather keep him here. I shall take good care, however, that
+he does not get hold of tinder and flint, and have him constantly
+watched. You have quite ruined my system of education. <i>I</i> taught him to
+kneel and fold his hands to the music of the organ; <i>you</i> taught him to
+dance and grimace to the drone of the bagpipe. You have even accustomed
+him to drink wine, which is unchristian."</p>
+
+<p>The company laughed at this harmless anger.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the fireworks.</p>
+
+<p>When the Roman candles and the fire-wheels illumined the darkness, it
+became impossible to control the little monster. He rushed into the
+thickest of the rain of fire, and tried to catch the red and blue stars
+in his hands. The sparks burned holes in his clothes, and he would not
+have escaped a severe burning himself had not some one thrown a pail of
+water over him. It was impossible to restrain him. He struck out with
+hands and feet, and bit at any one who attempted to prevent him from
+running into the fire. Suddenly a rocket shot in an oblique direction,
+and dropped <a name="Page_164" id="Page_164" /></a>into the lake. When the human beast saw this he uttered a
+yell, and dashed into the water. He thought that the beautiful fire
+belonged to him because it had fallen into his lake, and he went to hunt
+for it. He did not return. The baroness had search made for him; but he
+knew so well how to escape his pursuers that he was not seen again at
+the manor.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, while yet the stars were glittering in the sky, the
+trumpets sounded the departure of the regiment.</p>
+
+<p>The sounds were familiar to Count Vavel. Even yet, when the blare of
+trumpets roused him from sleep, he felt as if he must hasten to the
+stable, saddle his horse, and buckle on his sword. But those days were
+past. His trusty war-horse had become used to the carriage-pole, and the
+keen Toledo blades were drawn from their scabbards only when they were
+to be oiled to prevent the rust from corroding them.</p>
+
+<p>The departure of the troops removed one care from Count Ludwig's mind:
+the noise and turmoil would cease, and peace would again return to the
+silent neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>One morning when Frau Schmidt brought her basket, as usual, to the
+castle, there was a letter in it for the count. He recognized the hand
+at once; it was from his fair neighbor at the manor.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"HERR COUNT: As I have something of the utmost importance to
+     communicate to you, I beg that you will receive a call from me this
+     morning before you take your usual drive. Answer when it will be
+     convenient for you to see me."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>What did it mean? Something of the utmost importance? Why could she not
+have asked him to come to the manor? The count was puzzled. And how was
+he to an<a name="Page_165" id="Page_165" /></a>swer this most singular request? He could not write it himself;
+was it not said that he was unable to hold a pen? He could not dictate
+the letter to Marie appointing a meeting with the baroness. Henry was a
+very shrewd fellow, but he had never learned to write.</p>
+
+<p>At last Count Vavel bethought him of an expedient. He marked on the back
+of his card the Roman numerals XI, and trusted that the baroness would
+understand that she was expected at eleven o'clock. When the appointed
+hour drew near, curiosity began to torture the count. He could not wait
+indoors, but hurried into the park, where he paced restlessly to and fro
+amid the fallen leaves.</p>
+
+<p>He listened anxiously to every sound, and consulted his watch every few
+minutes. At last the gate bell rang. He hastened to admit the visitor,
+and found that the baroness had understood his reply. He recognized her
+figure, for the face was closely veiled. She wore a pale-blue silk gown
+with wide sleeves&mdash;Marie's favorite costume.</p>
+
+<p>"It is I, Herr Count," she said in a low tone, looking anxiously about
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"How did you come? I did not hear the carriage," said Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"I rowed across the cove&mdash;alone, because no one must know that I came.
+Can any one see us here?"</p>
+
+<p>"No one."</p>
+
+<p>"We need not go into the house," she continued; "I can tell you here why
+I came."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig was more and more perplexed. He had believed the baroness wished
+to enter the Nameless Castle out of curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"My visit," pursued the lady, "has as little conventionality about it as
+had yours. The magnitude of the danger which prompted yours must also
+excuse mine; I am come to repay the debt I owe you."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_166" id="Page_166" /></a>Danger?" repeated the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; danger threatens you&mdash;and some one else! Let us come farther into
+the park, that no one may by a possible chance overhear me."</p>
+
+<p>When they had reached a sheltered spot the lady again spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know anything about Colonel Barthelmy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I received the cards he left here when he called," indifferently
+replied Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"You certainly have heard more about him," returned the baroness, a
+trifle impatiently. "His domestic troubles were in all the
+newspapers&mdash;it was a <i>cause c&eacute;l&egrave;bre</i>. He was a major in the French army,
+under the Directory, but entered our service when the Empire was
+established. The domestic troubles I referred to occurred while he was
+still in France. His young and beautiful wife ran away with another
+man&mdash;a man who is unknown to Barthelmy, who is pursuing the fugitives
+over the whole world&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I remember now reading something about it. That is why his name
+seemed familiar to me."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you must have heard something about him," responded the
+baroness, in a peculiar tone. Then, with a sudden movement, she seized
+his hand and whispered:</p>
+
+<p>"And you are the unknown who abducted Colonel Barthelmy's wife."</p>
+
+<p>"I?" in boundless amazement ejaculated the count. Then he laughed
+heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you; and you are living here in seclusion with the lovely woman
+whose face no one is permitted to see."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig ceased laughing, and replied very seriously; "Gracious baroness,
+were I the person you believe me to be, I should have been glad to meet
+the man who compelled me to live here in seclusion. A skilful
+sword-thrust or a well-aimed bullet would have released me from this
+prison."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_167" id="Page_167" /></a>And yet, everybody believes Count Vavel to be Ange Barthelmy's lover,"
+responded the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Do <i>you</i> believe it, baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"I? Perhaps&mdash;not. But Colonel Barthelmy believes it all the more firmly
+because you refused to see him."</p>
+
+<p>"And suppose he had seen me?"</p>
+
+<p>"He would have asked you to introduce him to your&mdash;family."</p>
+
+<p>"Then he would have learned that I have no family."</p>
+
+<p>"But you could not have refused to tell him what relation you bear to
+the lady at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>"My answer would have been very brief had he asked the question," was
+the count's grim response.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what men mean by a 'brief' answer; the result is usually fatal."</p>
+
+<p>"And does your ladyship imagine that I fear such a result?"</p>
+
+<p>"So far as courage is concerned, I should not give any one precedence to
+Count Vavel. A regular duel, however, requires more than courage.
+Colonel Barthelmy is a soldier by profession; you are a philosopher who
+lives amid his studies, and whose right hand is unable to hold a pen,
+let alone a sword or a pistol!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was touched on the spot where men are most susceptible.</p>
+
+<p>"Who can tell whether I have always been a studious hermit?" he demanded
+proudly. "Besides, might it not be that my hand is unable only when I
+don't want to use it?"</p>
+
+<p>"That may be," retorted the lady. "But Barthelmy, who is perfectly
+insane on the subject of his wife's infamy, would have the advantage of
+you. He is suspicious of every stranger; and of all the gossip which
+environs you, the legend of that elopement is the mildest."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_168" id="Page_168" /></a>Indeed? This is very flattering! Probably I am also said to be a
+counterfeiter?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not jesting, Herr Count. While Colonel Barthelmy was my guest I
+was able to prevent him from taking any aggressive steps toward you;
+this is why you did not hear from him again after his last call on
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I certainly am greatly indebted to you," interrupted Count Vavel, with
+visible irony.</p>
+
+<p>"You owe me no thanks, Herr Count. When a woman tries to prevent a
+quarrel between two men, she does so, believe me, out of pure self-love.
+The emotions which electrify your nerves torment ours. I could not have
+continued to live here had a tragic occurrence made the place memorable.
+That is why I prevented an encounter between you and the colonel; so you
+need not thank me. However, the evening before the regiment took its
+departure the colonel said to me: 'I have kept my word to you, baroness;
+but to-morrow I cease to be your guest. I shall take steps then to learn
+if the mysterious lady at the Nameless Castle be Ange Barthelmy or some
+one else.'"</p>
+
+<p>At these words a deep flush crimsoned Count Vavel's face. "I should like
+to know how he proposes to settle that question?" he said, in a voice
+that trembled with suppressed rage.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you. Just listen to the ridiculous plan which the man
+betrayed in his fury. He is quartered in the neighboring village to the
+edge of which you and a certain person drive every day. He is going to
+rise, with several friends, along the road; and when he meets your
+carriage, he is going to stop it, introduce himself, and demand if the
+lady by your side be Mme. Ange Barthelmy."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel clenched his hands and closed his lips tightly. After a
+brief struggle he regained command of himself, and said quietly:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_169" id="Page_169" /></a>I shall, of course, reply: 'On my word as a man of honor, this lady is
+not Ange Barthelmy.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But if that does not satisfy him? Suppose he should insist on seeing
+the lady? Suppose he even attempts to lift the lady's veil?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then he dies!" The count gave utterance to these words in a tone that
+sounded more like the growl of a lion that has the neck of his prey
+between his teeth.</p>
+
+<p>"He is capable, in his present mood, of doing anything rash," murmured
+the baroness, with an expression of terror in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"And I am capable of an equally rash act," responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I believe it; I have heard of such courage before. But <i>you</i> must not
+forget that you do not belong to yourself; there is some one else you
+must think of before you risk your life."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel started violently; he opened his lips as if to speak, but
+the baroness quickly raised her hand and interposed.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not trying to pry into your secret, Herr Count; I am no spy&mdash;you
+must have seen that ere this. All I know is that there is under your
+protection a woman to whom you are everything, and who will have no one
+should she lose you."</p>
+
+<p>"But what can I do?" in desperation exclaimed Count Vavel. "I cannot
+hide in my castle until Colonel Barthelmy leaves the neighborhood. Would
+you have me confess to all the world that I am a coward?"</p>
+
+<p>"Let me advise you, Herr Count," with sudden resolution responded the
+baroness. "Turn this matter, which you look upon as a tragedy, into a
+capital jest. Take <i>me</i> to drive with you to-day instead of
+your&mdash;friend."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel suddenly burst into a loud laugh&mdash;from extreme anger to
+unrestrained merriment.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170" /></a>But the baroness did not laugh with him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am in earnest, Count Vavel. Now you will understand why I came here
+this morning." She drew her veil over her face, and asked: "Am I enough
+like her to take her place in the carriage?"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was astounded. The likeness to Marie was perfect. The gown,
+the hat, and veil were exactly like those Marie was wont to wear when
+she drove out with him. The daring suggestion, however, amazed him more
+than anything else.</p>
+
+<p>"What! You, baroness? You would really venture to drive with me? Have
+you thought of the risk&mdash;the danger to yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have given it as much thought as did you when you risked coming to
+the manor with nothing but a walking-stick to battle with four thieves.
+One ought not stop to think of the risk when a danger is to be averted.
+This adventure may end as harmlessly as the other."</p>
+
+<p>"And suppose the colonel should by any chance see your face? No, no,
+baroness; there is no comparison between my venture and this plan you
+propose. If I had had an encounter with those thieves I might have
+received a wound that would soon have healed; but your pure reputation
+as a woman might receive a wound that would never heal."</p>
+
+<p>A bitter smile wreathed the lady's lips as she replied: "Could any wound
+that I might receive increase the burden on my heart?" She laughed
+harshly, then asked suddenly: "Perhaps you are afraid the colonel will
+think I am the mysterious lady of the Nameless Castle?"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel's face reddened to the roots of his hair.</p>
+
+<p>Again the lady laughed, then said apologetically: "Pardon me, but the
+idea amused me. But, to return to Colonel Barthelmy, he is going very
+shortly to Italy with <a name="Page_171" id="Page_171" /></a>his regiment; therefore, I need not care what
+fables he thinks of me&mdash;or repeats. The few persons whose opinion I care
+for will not believe him; as for the others&mdash;pah! Come, your hand on it!
+Let us perpetrate this joke. If <i>I</i> am willing to run the risk, you
+surely need not hesitate."</p>
+
+<p>And yet he hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't speak of this plan of yours as a mischievous trick, baroness," he
+said earnestly. "It is a great, a noble sacrifice&mdash;so great, indeed,
+that living woman could not perform a greater&mdash;to be willing to blush
+with shame while innocent. She who blushes for her love does not suffer;
+but to flush with shame out of friendship must be a torture like that
+endured by martyrs."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well, then; let it be a sacrifice&mdash;as you will! I am a willing
+victim! I owe you a debt of gratitude; I want to pay it. Now go and
+order the carriage; I will wait here for you."</p>
+
+<p>Every drop of blood in his body rebelled against his accepting this
+offer. A woman rescue a strong man from a threatened danger! And at what
+a risk!</p>
+
+<p>"Well," a trifle impatiently exclaimed the baroness, as he still
+lingered, "are&nbsp;n't you going to fetch your cloak? I am ready for the
+drive."</p>
+
+<p>Without another word the count turned and strode toward the castle.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was satisfied with the excuse he made for not taking her with him
+as usual: he said he had urgent business in the neighboring village, and
+would have to drive there alone.</p>
+
+<p>Then he ordered Henry to harness the horses to the carriage, and drive
+down to the gate, where he would await him.</p>
+
+<p>He found the baroness waiting for him where he had left her.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_172" id="Page_172" /></a>Well," she began, when he came near enough to hear her, "have you
+decided to take me with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are going to take the lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"No."</p>
+
+<p>"Not? Then who is going with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"These two pistols," replied the count, flinging back his cloak and
+revealing the weapons thrust into his pocket. "With these two companions
+I am going to meet the gentleman who is so determined to see the face of
+the veiled lady. I shall show him a lady whose face is not a subject of
+gossip."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness uttered a cry of terror, and seized Count Vavel's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; you shall not go alone. Listen. I was prepared for just such a
+decision on your part, so I wrote this letter. If you persist in going
+alone to meet the colonel, I shall hurry back to the manor, send my
+groom on the swiftest horse I own with this letter to Colonel Barthelmy.
+Read it."</p>
+
+<p>She unfolded the letter she had taken from her pocket, and held it so
+that Count Vavel might read, without taking it in his hands:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"HERR COLONEL: You need not seek Mme. Ange Barthelmy at the
+     Nameless Castle. The veiled lady seen in company with Count Vavel
+     is</p>
+
+<p>     "B. KATHARINA LANDSKNECHTSSCHILD."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In speechless amazement Count Vavel looked down at the baroness, who
+calmly folded the letter and returned it to her pocket.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you may go if you like," she said coolly, "and I, too, shall do as
+<i>I</i> like! The colonel will then have written proof to justify him in
+dragging my name in the dust!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173" /></a>The count gazed long and earnestly into the lovely face turned
+defiantly toward him. What was said by those glowing eyes, what was
+expressed by those lips trembling with excitement, could not be mere
+sport. There is only one name for the emotion which urges a woman to
+risk so much for a man; and if Count Vavel guessed the name, then there
+was nothing for him to do but offer his arm to the lady and say:</p>
+
+<p>"Come, baroness, we will go together."</p>
+
+<p>When the count assisted his veiled companion into the carriage, and took
+his seat by her side, not even Henry could have told that it was not his
+young mistress from the castle who was going to drive, as usual, with
+her guardian.</p>
+
+<p>It was with a singular feeling that Count Vavel looked at the woman
+beside him, to whom he was bound for one hour by the strongest, most
+dangerous of ties. Only for one hour! For this one hour the woman
+belonged to him as wholly, as entirely as the soul belongs to the living
+human being. And afterward? Afterward she would be no more to him than
+is the vanished soul to the dead human being.</p>
+
+<p>The carriage had arrived at the boundary of the neighboring village,
+where the usual turn was made for the homeward drive, and they had not
+yet seen any one. Had Colonel Barthelmy's words been merely an idle
+threat?</p>
+
+<p>Henry knew that he was not to drive beyond this point; he mechanically
+turned the horses' heads in the homeward direction, as he had done every
+day for years.</p>
+
+<p>On the return drive the carriage always stopped at the edge of the
+forest, where a shaded path led through the dense shrubbery to a cleared
+space some distance from the highway. This was the spot for their daily
+promenade.</p>
+
+<p>The count and his companion had gone but a short distance along the path
+when they saw coming toward them <a name="Page_174" id="Page_174" /></a>three men in uniform. They were
+cavalry officers. The two in the rear had on white cloaks; the one in
+front was without, an outer garment&mdash;merely his close-fitting uniform
+coal.</p>
+
+<p>"That is Barthelmy," whispered the baroness, pressing the arm on which
+she was leaning.</p>
+
+<p>The count's expression of calm indifference did not change. He walked
+with a firm step toward the approaching officers.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon they stood face to face.</p>
+
+<p>The colonel was a tall, distinguished-looking man; he carried his head
+well upright, and every movement spoke of haughty self-confidence and
+pride.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
+his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
+Barthelmy."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
+he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.</p>
+
+<p>"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the
+colonel<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads ') '"> (</ins>his companions had halted several paces
+distant). "I was so unfortunate as not to find you at home the three
+calls I made at your castle. Now, however, I shall take this opportunity
+to say to you what I wanted to say then. First, however, let me
+introduce my friends,"&mdash;waving his hand toward the two
+officers,&mdash;"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics, of Emperor
+Alexander's dragoons."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
+acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:</p>
+
+<p>"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
+had the peculiar misfortune which <a name="Page_175" id="Page_175" /></a>sometimes overtakes a married man; my
+wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
+As mine is not one of those phlegmatic natures which can meekly tolerate
+such an indignity, I am searching for the fugitives&mdash;for what purpose I
+fancy you can guess. For four years my quest has been fruitless; I have
+been unable to find a trace of the guilty pair. A lucky chance at last
+led me to this secluded corner of the earth, and here I learned
+that&mdash;but, to be brief, Herr Count, I owe it to my heart and to my honor
+to ask you this question: Is not this lady by your side, who is always
+closely veiled, Ange Barthelmy, my wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Vicomte Leon de Barthelmy," calmly replied Count Vavel, "I give
+you my word of honor as a cavalier that this lady never was your wife."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel laughed in a peculiar manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Your word of honor, Herr Count, would be entirely satisfactory in all
+other questions save those relating to the fair sex&mdash;and to war. You
+will excuse me, therefore, if I take the liberty to doubt your assertion
+in this case, and request you to prove that my suspicions are at fault.
+Without this proof I will not move from this spot."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I am very sorry for you, Herr Colonel," returned Count Vavel, "but
+I shall be compelled to leave you and your suspicions in possession of
+this spot."</p>
+
+<p>He made as if he would pass onward; but the colonel politely but with
+decision barred the path.</p>
+
+<p>"I must request that you wait a little longer, Herr Count," he said, his
+face darkening.</p>
+
+<p>"And why should I?" demanded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"To convince me that the lady on your arm is not my wife," was the
+reply, in an excited tone.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to remain unconvinced," in an equally excited tone
+retorted Count Vavel; and for a brief instant <a name="Page_176" id="Page_176" /></a>it was a question which
+of the two enraged men would strike the first blow.</p>
+
+<p>The threatening scene was suddenly concluded by the baroness, who flung
+back her veil, exclaiming: "Here, Colonel Barthelmy, you may convince
+yourself that I am <i>not</i> your wife."</p>
+
+<p>Leon Barthelmy started in amazement, and hastily laid his hand against
+his lips as if to repress the words which had rushed to them. Then he
+bowed with exaggerated courtesy, and said: "I most humbly beg your
+pardon, Herr Count Vavel. This lady is <i>not</i> Ange Barthelmy. These
+gentlemen are witnesses that I have asked your pardon in the proper
+form."</p>
+
+<p>The colonel's companions, who had come hastily forward at the threatened
+conflict between their superior and the count, were gazing in a peculiar
+manner at the lady whose hospitality they had so lately enjoyed. Colonel
+Barthelmy also, although he bowed with elaborate courtesy before the
+baroness, cast upon her a glance that was full of insulting scorn.</p>
+
+<p>The situation had changed so rapidly&mdash;as when a sudden flash of
+lightning illumines the darkness of night; and like the electric flash a
+light sped into Vavel's heart and illumined it with a delicious, a
+heavenly warmth that made it throb madly. But only for an instant. Then
+he realized that this woman who had dared everything for his sake had
+been insulted by the glance of scorn and derision.</p>
+
+<p>He had now lost all control of himself. He snatched a pistol from his
+pocket, directed the muzzle toward Colonel Barthelmy's sneering face,
+and said in a voice that quivered with savage fury:</p>
+
+<p>"I demand that you beg this lady's pardon."</p>
+
+<p>"You do?" coolly returned the colonel, still smiling, and gazing calmly
+into the muzzle of the pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_177" id="Page_177" /></a>Yes&mdash;or I will blow out your brains!"</p>
+
+<p>The two officers accompanying the colonel drew their swords. The
+baroness uttered a cry of terror, and flung herself on Vavel's breast.</p>
+
+<p>"I presume you will allow me to inquire, first, what relation this lady
+bears to you?"</p>
+
+<p>Colonel Barthelmy asked the question in measured tones; and without an
+instant's hesitation came Count Vavel's reply:</p>
+
+<p>"The lady is my betrothed wife."</p>
+
+<p>The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
+companions were returned to their scabbards.</p>
+
+<p>"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
+reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
+caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
+this salute."</p>
+
+<p>He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
+were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
+hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," was the curt reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us shake hands&mdash;without malice. Accept my sincerest
+congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
+taught me this morning."</p>
+
+<p>He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
+was clear.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
+the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
+officers following at a respectful distance.</p>
+
+<p>When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
+been left by the colonel and his compan<a name="Page_178" id="Page_178" /></a>ions in charge of the grooms.
+Henry must have told the gentlemen where to find his master.</p>
+
+<p>With what different emotions Count Vavel returned to the castle! The
+dreamer in his slumbers had given utterance to words which betrayed what
+he had been dreaming, and he compelled the vision to abide with him even
+after he had wakened. He felt that he had the right to do what he had
+done. This woman loved him as only a woman can love; and what he had
+done had only been his duty, for he loved her! What he had said was no
+falsehood&mdash;the words had not been forced from him merely to preserve her
+honor; they were the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel stopped the carriage at the park gate, assisted his
+companion to alight, and sent Henry on to the castle with the horses.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you done?" in a deeply agitated voice exclaimed the baroness,
+when they were alone in the park.</p>
+
+<p>"I gave expression to the feeling which is in my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you realize what that has done?"</p>
+
+<p>"What has it done?"</p>
+
+<p>"It has made it impossible for us to meet again&mdash;for us ever to speak
+again to each other."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot see it in that light."</p>
+
+<p>"You could were you to give it but a moment's serious thought. I do not
+ask what the mysterious lady at the castle is to you; I know, however,
+that you must be everything to her. Pray don't believe me cruel enough
+to rob her of her whole world. I cannot ask you to believe a lie&mdash;I
+cannot pretend that you are nothing to me. I have allowed you to look
+too deeply into my heart to deny my feelings. But there is something
+besides love in my heart! it is pride. I am too proud to take you from
+the woman to whom you are bound&mdash;no matter by what ties. <a name="Page_179" id="Page_179" /></a>Therefore, we
+must not meet again in this life; we may meet again in another world!
+Pray do not come any farther with me; I can easily find the way to my
+boat. No one at the manor knows of my absence. I must be careful to
+return as I came&mdash;unseen. And now, one request: Do not try to see me
+again. Should you do so, it will compel me to flee from the
+neighborhood. Adieu!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew her veil closer over her face, and passed swiftly with
+noiseless steps through the gateway.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel stood where she had left him, and looked after her until
+she vanished from his sight amid the trees. Then he turned and walked
+slowly toward the castle.</p>
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Count Vavel did not see Marie, after his return from the drive with the
+baroness, until dinner. He had not ventured into her presence until
+then, when he fancied he had sufficiently mastered his emotions so that
+his countenance would not betray him. The consciousness of his
+disloyalty to the young girl troubled him, and he could not help but
+tremble when he came into her presence. It was not permitted to him to
+bestow his heart on any one. Did he not belong, soul and body, to this
+innocent creature, whom he had sworn to defend with his life?</p>
+
+<p>From that hour, however, Marie's behavior toward him was changed. He
+could see that she strove to be attentive and obedient, but she was shy
+and reserved. Did she suspect the change in him? or could it be possible
+that she had seen the baroness driving with him? It was very late when
+her bell signaled that she had retired, and when Ludwig entered the
+outer room, as usual, he found a number of books lying about on the
+table. Evidently the young girl had been studying.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Ludwig came at the usual hour to conduct her to the
+carriage.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, but I don't care to drive to-day," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Riding out in a carriage does not benefit me."</p>
+
+<p>"When did you discover this?"</p>
+
+<p>"Some time ago."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181" /></a>Ludwig looked at her in astonishment. What was the meaning of this?
+Could she know that some one else had occupied her place in the carriage
+yesterday?</p>
+
+<p>"And will you not go with me to-morrow?"</p>
+
+<p>"If you will allow me, I shall stay at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Is anything the matter with you, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing. I don't like the jolting of the carriage."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I shall sell the horses."</p>
+
+<p>"It might be well to do so&mdash;if you don't want them for your own use. I
+shall take my exercise in the garden."</p>
+
+<p>"And in the winter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will promenade in the court, and make snow images, as the
+farmers' children do."</p>
+
+<p>And the end of the matter was that Ludwig sold the horses, and Marie's
+outdoor exercises were restricted to the garden. Moreover, she studied
+and wrote all day long.</p>
+
+<p>When she went into the garden, Josef, the gardener's boy, was sent
+elsewhere so long as she chose to remain among the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Josef had been sent, as usual, to perform some task in the
+park while Marie promenaded in the garden. He was busily engaged raking
+together the fallen leaves, when Marie suddenly appeared by his side,
+and said breathlessly:</p>
+
+<p>"Please take this letter."</p>
+
+<p>The youth, who was speechless with astonishment and confusion at sight
+of the lady he had been forbidden to look at, slowly extended his hand
+to comply with her request when Count Vavel, who had swiftly approached,
+unseen by either the youth or Marie, with one hand seized the letter,
+and with the other sent Josef flying across the sward so rapidly that he
+fell head over heels into some shrubbery.</p>
+
+<p>Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and <a name="Page_182" id="Page_182" /></a>without a word
+drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her
+into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had
+not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said,
+fixing a reproachful glance on her:</p>
+
+<p>"You were going to send a letter to some one?"</p>
+
+<p>The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"To whom are you writing, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:</p>
+
+<p>"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."</p>
+
+<p>The count looked up in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not
+without some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know her name; that is why I addressed it so."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel turned the letter in his hands, and saw that the seal had been
+stamped with the crest which was familiar to all the world.</p>
+
+<p>He hurriedly crushed it into bits, and, unfolding the letter, read:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"DEAR, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LADY: I want you to love my Ludwig. Make
+     him happy. He is a good man. I am nothing at all to him.</p>
+
+<p>     "MARIE."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>When he had read the touching epistle, he buried his face in his hands,
+and a bitter sob burst from his tortured heart.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183" /></a>Marie looked sorrowfully at his quivering frame, and sighed heavily.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Marie! To think you should write this! Nothing at all to me!"
+murmured the young man, in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>"'Nothing at all,'" in a low tone repeated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel moved swiftly to her side, and, looking down upon her with his
+burning eyes still filled with tears, asked in an unsteady voice:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want, Marie? Tell me what you wish me to do."</p>
+
+<p>Marie softly took his hand in both her own, and said tremulously:</p>
+
+<p>"I want you to give me a companion&mdash;a mother. I want some one to
+love,&mdash;a woman that I can love,&mdash;one who will love me and command me. I
+will be an obedient and dutiful daughter to such a woman. I will never
+grieve her, never disobey her. I am so very, very lonely!"</p>
+
+<p>"And am not I, too, alone and lonely, Marie?" sadly responded Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. I know that, Ludwig. It is your pale, melancholy face that
+oppresses me and makes me sad. Day after day I see the pale face which
+my cruel, curse-laden destiny has buried here with me. I know that you
+are unhappy, and that I am the cause of it."</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake, Marie! who has given you such fancies?"</p>
+
+<p>"The long, weary nights! Oh, how much I have learned from the darkness!
+It was not merely caprice that prompted me to ask you once what death
+meant. Had you questioned me more fully then, I should have confessed
+something to you. That time, when you rescued me from death, you gave my
+name to Sophie Botta, who also took upon herself my fate. I don't know
+what became of her. <a name="Page_184" id="Page_184" /></a>If she died in my stead, may God comfort her! If
+she still lives, may God bless and help her to reign in my stead! But
+give me the name of Sophie Botta; give me the clothes of a working-girl;
+give me God's free world, which she enjoyed. Let me become Sophie Botta
+in reality, and let me wash clothes with the washerwomen at the brook.
+If Sophie and I exchanged lives, let the exchange become real. Let me
+learn what it is to live, or&mdash;let me learn what it is to die."</p>
+
+<p>In speechless astonishment Count Vavel had listened to this passionate
+outburst. It was the first time he had ever heard the gentle girl speak
+so excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," he said with peculiar intonation, when she had ceased
+speaking, "I am now convinced that I am the guardian of the most
+precious treasure on this terrestrial ball. Henceforward I shall watch
+over you with redoubled care."</p>
+
+<p>"That will be unnecessary," proudly returned the young girl. "If you
+wish to feel certain that I will patiently continue to abide in this
+Nameless Castle, then make a home here for me&mdash;bring some happiness into
+these rooms. If I see that you are happy I shall be content."</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, Marie, the day of my perfect happiness only awaits the dawn of
+your own! And that yours will come I firmly believe. But don't look for
+it here, Marie. Don't ask for impossibilities. Marie, were my own
+mother, whom I worshiped, still living, I could not bring her within
+these walls to learn our secret."</p>
+
+<p>"The woman who loves will not betray a secret."</p>
+
+<p>For an instant Ludwig did not reply; then he said:</p>
+
+<p>"And if it were true that some one loves me as you fancy, could I ask
+her to bury herself here&mdash;here where there is no intercourse with the
+outside world? No, no, Marie; we cannot expect any one else to become an
+oc<a name="Page_185" id="Page_185" /></a>cupant of this tomb&mdash;the gates of which will not open until the trump
+of deliverance sounds."</p>
+
+<p>"And will it be long before that trump sounds, Ludwig?"</p>
+
+<p>"I believe&mdash;nay, I know it must come very soon. The signs of the times
+are not deceptive. Our resurrection may be nearer than we imagine; and
+until then, Marie, let us endure with patience."</p>
+
+<p>Marie pressed her guardian's hand, and drew a long sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we will endure&mdash;and wait," she repeated. "And now, give me back my
+letter."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you want it, Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall keep it, and sometime send it to the proper address&mdash;when the
+angel of deliverance sounds his trump."</p>
+
+<p>"May God hasten his coming!" fervently appended the count.</p>
+
+<p>But he did not give her the letter.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Vavel now rarely ventured beyond the gate of the Nameless Castle.
+The weather had become stormy, and a severe frost had robbed the garden
+of its beauties. The very elements seemed to have combined against the
+dwellers in the castle. Even the lake suddenly began to extend its
+limits, overflowing its banks, and inundating meadows and gardens.
+Marie's little pleasure-garden suffered with the rest of the flooded
+lands, and threatened to become an unsightly swamp.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel, knowing how Marie delighted to ramble amid her flowers,
+determined to protect the garden from further destruction. Laborers were
+easily secured. The numerous families of working-people who had been
+rendered homeless by the inundation besieged the castle for assistance
+and work, and none were turned empty-handed away. A small army was put
+to work to construct an em<a name="Page_186" id="Page_186" /></a>bankment that would prevent further
+encroachment upon the garden by the water, while to Herr Mercatoris the
+count sent a liberal sum of money to be distributed among the sufferers
+by the flood.</p>
+
+<p>This gift renewed the correspondence between the castle and the
+parsonage, which had been dropped for several months.</p>
+
+<p>The pastor, in acknowledging the receipt of the money, wrote:</p>
+
+<p>"The flood has made a new survey of the lake necessary, as the evil
+cannot be remedied until it has been determined what obstructs the
+outlet. Our surveyor made a calculation as to the probable cost of the
+work, and found that it would require an enormous sum of money&mdash;almost
+five thousand guilders! Where was all this money to come from? The
+puzzling question was answered by that angel from heaven, Baroness
+Landsknechtsschild. When she heard of the sufferings of the poor people
+who had been driven from their homes by the inundation, she offered to
+supply the entire sum necessary. Now, it seems, something besides the
+money is required for the undertaking.</p>
+
+<p>"The surveyor, in order to calculate the distances which cannot be
+measured by the chain, needs a superior telescope, and such a glass
+would cost two or three thousand guilders more. As your lordship is the
+owner of a telescope, I take it upon myself to beg the loan of it&mdash;if
+your lordship can spare it to the surveyor for a short time."</p>
+
+<p>The next day Count Vavel sent his telescope to the parsonage, with the
+message that it was a present to the surveyor. Then, that he might not
+be again tempted to look out upon the world and its people, the count
+closed the tower windows.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VI" id="PART_VI" /></a><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187" /></a>PART VI</h2>
+
+<h3>DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>Since Count Vavel had ceased to take outdoor exercise, he had renewed
+his fencing practice with Henry, who was also an expert swordsman.</p>
+
+<p>In a room on the ground floor of the castle, whence the clashing of
+steel could not penetrate to Marie's apartments, the two men, master and
+man, would fight their friendly battles twice daily, and with such vigor
+that their bodies (as they wore no plastrons) were covered with
+scratches and bruises.</p>
+
+<p>One morning the count waited in vain for Henry to make his appearance in
+the fencing-hall. It was long past the usual hour for their practice,
+and the count, becoming impatient, went in search of the old servant.</p>
+
+<p>The groom's apartment was on the same floor with the kitchen, adjoining
+the room occupied by his wife Lisette, the cook.</p>
+
+<p>The door of Henry's room which opened into the corridor was locked; the
+count, therefore, passed into the kitchen, where Lisette was preparing
+dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Henry?" he asked of the unwieldy mountain of flesh, topped by
+a face as broad and round as the full moon.</p>
+
+<p>"He is in bed," replied Lisette, without looking up from her work.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he ill?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_189" id="Page_189" /></a>I believe he has had a stroke of apoplexy."</p>
+
+<p>She said it with as little emotion as if she had spoken of an underdone
+pasty.</p>
+
+<p>The count hastened through Lisette's room to Henry's bedside.</p>
+
+<p>The poor fellow was lying among the pillows; his mouth and one eye were
+painfully distorted.</p>
+
+<p>"Henry!" ejaculated the count, in a tone of alarm; "my poor Henry, you
+are very ill."</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es&mdash;your&mdash;lord-ship," he answered slowly, and with difficulty;
+"but&mdash;but&mdash;I shall soon&mdash;soon be&mdash;all right&mdash;again."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig lifted the sick man's hand from the coverlet, and felt the pulse.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, you are very ill indeed, Henry&mdash;so ill that I would not attempt to
+treat you. We must have a doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"He&mdash;he won't come&mdash;here; he is&mdash;afraid. Besides, there is nothing&mdash;the
+matter with&mdash;any part of me but&mdash;but my&mdash;tongue. I can&mdash;can
+hardly&mdash;move&mdash;it."</p>
+
+<p>"You must not die, Henry&mdash;you dare not!" in an agony of terror exclaimed
+Ludwig. "What would become of me&mdash;of Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"That&mdash;that is what&mdash;troubles&mdash;troubles me&mdash;most, Herr Count. Who
+will&mdash;take my&mdash;place? Perhaps&mdash;that old soldier&mdash;with the machine leg&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No! no! no! Oh, Henry, no one could take your place. You are to me what
+his arms are to a soldier. You are the guardian of all my thoughts&mdash;my
+only friend and comrade in this solitude."</p>
+
+<p>The poor old servant tried to draw his distorted features into a smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I am&mdash;not sorry for&mdash;myself&mdash;Herr Count; only for you two. I have
+earned&mdash;a rest; I have&mdash;lost everything&mdash;and have long ago&mdash;ceased to
+hope for&mdash;anything. I <a name="Page_190" id="Page_190" /></a>feel that&mdash;this is&mdash;the end. No doctor can&mdash;help
+me. I know&mdash;I am&mdash;dying." He paused to breathe heavily for several
+moments, then added: "There is&mdash;something&mdash;I should&mdash;like to
+have&mdash;before&mdash;before I&mdash;go."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Henry?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know you&mdash;will be&mdash;angry&mdash;Herr Count, but&mdash;I cannot&mdash;cannot die
+without&mdash;consolation."</p>
+
+<p>"Consolation?" echoed Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;the last consolation&mdash;for the&mdash;dying. I have not&mdash;confessed
+for&mdash;sixteen years; and the&mdash;multitude of my&mdash;sins&mdash;oppresses me.
+Pray&mdash;pray, Herr Count, send for&mdash;a priest."</p>
+
+<p>"Impossible, Henry. Impossible!"</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you&mdash;in the name of God&mdash;let me see a priest. Have mercy&mdash;on
+your poor old servant, Herr Count. My soul feels&mdash;the torments of hell;
+I see the everlasting flames&mdash;and the sneering devils&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, Henry," impatiently remonstrated his master, "don't be childish.
+You are only tormenting yourself with fancies. Does the soldier who
+falls in battle have time to confess his sins? Who grants him
+absolution?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps&mdash;were I in&mdash;the midst of the turmoil of battle&mdash;I should not
+feel this agony of mind. But here&mdash;there is so much time to think. Every
+sin that I have committed&mdash;rises before me like&mdash;like a troop of
+soldiers that&mdash;have been mustered for roll-call."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray cease these idle fancies, Henry. Of what are you thinking? You
+want to tell a priest that you are living here under a false name&mdash;tell
+him that I, too, am an impostor? You would say to him: 'When the
+revolutionists imprisoned my royal master and his family, to behead them
+afterward, I clothed my own daughter in the garments belonging to my
+master's daughter, in order to save the royal child from death, I gave
+up my own child to dan<a name="Page_191" id="Page_191" /></a>ger, and carried my master's child to a place of
+safety. My own child I gave up to play the r&ocirc;le of king's daughter, when
+kings and their offspring were hunted down like wild beasts; and made of
+the king's daughter a servant, that she might be allowed to go free. I
+counterfeited certificates of baptism, registers, passports, in order to
+save the king's daughter from her enemies. I bore false
+witness&mdash;committed perjury in order to hide her from her persecutors&mdash;'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," moaned the dying man, "all that have I done."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you imagine that you will be allowed to breathe such a
+confession into a human ear?" sternly responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I must&mdash;I must&mdash;to make my peace with God."</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, if you knew God as He is you would not tremble before him. If
+you could realize the immeasurable greatness of His benevolence, His
+love, His mercy, you would not be afraid to appear before Him with the
+plea: 'Master, Thou sentest me forth; Thou hast summoned me to return. I
+came from Thee; to Thee I return. And all that which has happened to me
+between my going and my coming Thou knowest.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, Herr Count, you have a great soul. It will know how to rise to
+its Creator. But what can my poor, ignorant little soul do when it
+leaves my body? It will not be able to find its way to God. I am afraid;
+I tremble. Oh, my sins, my sins!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your sins are imaginary, Henry," almost irritably responded Count
+Vavel. "I swear to you, by the peace of my own soul, that the load
+beneath which you groan is not sin, but virtue. If it be true that human
+speech and thought are transmitted to the other world, and if there is a
+voice that questions us, and a countenance that looks upon us, then
+answer with confidence: 'Yes, I have transgressed many <a name="Page_192" id="Page_192" /></a>of Thy laws; but
+all my transgressions were committed to save one of Thy angels.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, yes, Herr Count, if I could talk like that; but I can't."</p>
+
+<p>"And are not all your thoughts already known to Him who reads all
+hearts? It does not require the absolution of a priest to admit you to
+His paradise."</p>
+
+<p>But Henry refused to be comforted; his eyes burned with the fire of
+terror as he moaned again and again:</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be damned! I shall be damned!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel now lost all patience, and, forgetting himself in his anger,
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Henry, if you persist in your foolishness you will deserve damnation.
+Did not you say so yourself, when you pledged your word to me on that
+eventful day? Did you not say, 'The wretch who would become a traitor
+deserves to be damned'?"</p>
+
+<p>With these words he rose and strode toward the door. But ere he reached
+it his feeling heart got the better of his anger. He turned and walked
+back to the bed, took the dying man's ice-cold hand in his, and said
+gently:</p>
+
+<p>"My old comrade&mdash;my brave old companion in arms! we must not part in
+anger. Don't you trust me any more? Listen, my old friend, to what I say
+to you. You are going on before to arrange quarters; then I will follow.
+When I arrive at the gates of paradise, my first question to St. Peter
+will be, 'Is my good old comrade, the honest, virtuous Henry, within?'
+And should the sainted gatekeeper reply, 'No, he is not here; he is down
+below,' then I shall say to him, 'I am very much obliged to you, old
+fellow, for your friendliness, but a paradise from which my old friend
+Henry is excluded is no place for me. I am going down below to be with
+him.' That is what I shall say, so help me Heaven!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193" /></a>The sufferer who stood on the threshold of death strove to smile. He
+could not return the pressure of his master's hand, but he slowly and
+with painful effort turned his head so that his cold lips rested against
+the count's hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;yes," he whispered, and his dim eyes brightened for an instant.
+"If we were down there together&mdash;you and I&mdash;we should not have to stop
+long there; some one with her prayers would very soon win our release."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel suddenly beat his palm against his forehead, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"I never once thought of her! Wait, my brave Henry. I will return
+immediately. I cannot allow you to have a priest, but I will bring an
+angel to your bedside."</p>
+
+<p>He hastened to Marie's apartments.</p>
+
+<p>"You have been weeping?" she exclaimed, looking up into his tear-stained
+eyes with deep concern.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Marie; we are going to lose our poor old Henry."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my God! How entirely alone we shall be then!"</p>
+
+<p>"Will you come with me to his bedside? The sight of you will cheer his
+last moments."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes; come quickly."</p>
+
+<p>A wonderful light brightened Henry's face when he saw his young
+mistress. She moved softly to the head of his bed, and with her delicate
+fingers gently stroked the cheeks of the trusty old servant.</p>
+
+<p>He closed his eyes and sighed when her hand touched his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Is he smiling?" whispered Marie to Ludwig, gazing with compassionate
+awe on the distorted countenance. Then she bent over him and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Henry&mdash;my good Henry, would you like me to pray with you?"</p>
+
+<p>She knelt beside the bed and in a feeling tone repeated the beautiful
+prayer which the good P&egrave;re Lacordaire com<a name="Page_194" id="Page_194" /></a>posed for those who journey to
+the other world, pausing from time to time to let the dying man repeat
+the words after her.</p>
+
+<p>Henry's tongue became heavier and heavier as he repeated, with visible
+effort, the soul-inspiring words.</p>
+
+<p>Then Marie repeated the Lord's Prayer. Even Ludwig could not do
+otherwise than bend his knee upon the chair by which he stood, and bow
+his skeptical head, while the innocent maid and his dying servant prayed
+together.</p>
+
+<p>When Marie rose from her knees, the painful smile had vanished from
+Henry's lips; his face was calm and peaceful; the distortion had
+disappeared from his countenance.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>After Henry's death, life for the occupants of the Nameless Castle
+became still more uncomfortable. Ludwig Vavel had lost his only
+friend&mdash;the only one who had shared his cares and his confidences. He
+was obliged to hire a servant to assist Lisette, and, remembering what
+Henry had advised, took the old soldier with the wooden leg into the
+castle. For the old invalid, the change from hard labor to comfortable
+quarters and easy work was certainly an improvement. Instead of cutting
+wood all day long for a mere pittance, he had now nothing to do but
+brush clothes which were never dusty, polish the furniture, receive the
+supplies from and deliver orders to Frau Schmidt every morning, to place
+the newspapers on the library table, and convey the victuals from the
+kitchen to the dining-room.</p>
+
+<p>But two weeks of this easy work and good wages, and the comforts of the
+castle, were all that the old soldier could endure. Then he took off his
+handsome livery, and begged to be allowed to return to his former life
+of hardship and poverty. Afterward he was heard to aver that not for the
+whole castle would he consent to live in it an entire year&mdash;where not
+one word was spoken all day long; even the <a name="Page_195" id="Page_195" /></a>cook never opened her lips.
+No, he could not stand it; he would rather, a hundred times over, cut
+wood for five groats the day.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner did Baroness Katharina learn that Count Vavel was again
+without a man-servant than she sent to the castle Satan Laczi's son, who
+was then twelve years old, and a useful lad.</p>
+
+<p>Two leading ideas now filled Count Vavel's entire soul.</p>
+
+<p>One was an enthusiastic admiration for a high ideal, whose embodiment he
+believed he had found in the lovely person of his young charge. All the
+emotions that a man of deep and profound nature lavishes on his faithful
+love, his only offspring, his queen, his guardian saint, Count Ludwig
+now bestowed on this one woman, who endured with patience, renounced
+with meekness, forgave and loved with her whole heart, and who, even in
+her banishment, adored her native land which had repulsed and cruelly
+persecuted her.</p>
+
+<p>The second idea encompassed all the emotions of an opposing passion: a
+boundless hatred for the giant who, with strides that covered kingdoms
+and empires, was marching over the entire eastern hemisphere, marking
+his every step with graves and human skeletons; an enmity toward the
+Titan who was using thrones as footstools, and who had made himself a
+god over a greater portion of Europe,</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel was not the only one who cherished a hatred of this sort; it
+was felt all over Europe. What was happening in those days could be
+learned only through the English newspapers. Liberty of speech was
+prohibited throughout the entire continent. Only an indiscreet
+correspondent would trust his secret to the post; and Ludwig Vavel only
+by the exercise of extreme caution could learn from his banker in
+Holland what was necessary for him to know. Through this medium he
+learned of the general <a name="Page_196" id="Page_196" /></a>discontent with the methods of the all-powerful
+one. He learned of the plans of the Philadelphia Club, which counted
+among its members renowned officers in the army of France. He heard that
+a number of distinguished Frenchmen had offered their services and
+swords to the foreign imperial army against their own hated emperor. He
+heard of the dissatisfied murmuring among the French people against the
+frightful waste of human life, the never-ending intrigues, the
+approaching shadows of the coalition.</p>
+
+<p>All this he heard there in the Nameless Castle, while he waited for his
+watchword, ready when it came to reply: "Here!"</p>
+
+<p>And while he waited he interested himself also in what was going on in
+the land in which he sojourned. He had two sources for acquiring
+information on this subject&mdash;Herr Mercatoris in Fert&ouml;szeg, and the young
+attorney, who was now living in Pest. The count corresponded with both
+gentlemen,&mdash;personally he had never spoken to the pastor, and but once
+to his attorney,&mdash;and from their letters learned what was going on in
+that portion of the world in the vicinity of the Nameless Castle.</p>
+
+<p>However, as there was a wide difference between the characters of his
+two correspondents, the count was often puzzled to which of them he
+should give credence. The pastor, who was a student and a philosopher,
+and a defender of the existing state of affairs, affirmed that there was
+not on the face of the globe a more contented and peace-loving folk than
+the Hungarians. The young lawyer, on the other hand, asserted that the
+existing system was all wrong; that general dissatisfaction prevailed
+throughout Hungary. His irony did not spare the great ones who swayed
+the destiny of the country. In a word, resentment against oppression,
+and discontent, might be read in every line of his epistles.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197" /></a>Count Vavel was rather inclined to believe that the younger man
+expressed the temper of the nation. In reality, however, it was only the
+discontent of a small social body, which found quite enough room for its
+meetings in the sleeping-chamber of one of the sympathizers. Within this
+circumscribed space, and amid a lively interchange of opinions,
+originated many a daring project that was never carried beyond the
+threshold of the hall of meeting.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel, on reading the young man's letters, had come to the
+conclusion that Hungary awaited his (Vavel's) enemy as its liberator.</p>
+
+<p>The Diet, it is true, had authorized the "recruit contingent," but the
+recruits were not taken from those who were inspired with love for the
+fatherland, and who would do battle for an idea. The enlisted men were
+chiefly homeless wanderers. This "cannon-fodder" would go into battle
+without enthusiasm, would perform what was required of them like
+obedient machines.</p>
+
+<p>Of what good would be such a crew against a host that had called into
+being a great national consciousness, a host that was made up of the
+best force of a vigorous people, a host whose every member was proud of
+his ensign with its eagle, and who held himself superior to every other
+soldier in the world?</p>
+
+<p>Vavel well knew that the giant of the century could be conquered only by
+heroes and patriots. A hireling crew could not enter the field against
+him.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>When a sacrifice is demanded by one's fatherland, it becomes the duty of
+every true patriot to offer himself as the victim.</p>
+
+<p>Consequently, Herr Vice-palatine Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi von Dravakeresztur
+did not hesitate to immolate himself on the sacrificial altar when his
+attention was directed by his superior to Section 1 of Article II. in
+the laws enacted by the Diet in the year 1808. Said clause required the
+vice-palatine to call in person on those "high and mighty persons" who,
+instead of appearing with their horses at the <i>Lustrations</i>,&mdash;according
+to Section 17 of Article III.,&mdash;preferred to send the fine of fifty
+marks for non-attendance.</p>
+
+<p>Among these absentees from the county meetings was Count Ludwig Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>The Vice-palatine's task was to teach these refractories, through
+patriotic reasoning, to amend their ways. The sacrifice attendant upon
+the performance of this duty was that Herr Bernat would be obliged,
+during his official visit to the Nameless Castle, to abstain from
+smoking.</p>
+
+<p>But duty is duty, and he decided to do it. He preceded his call at the
+castle by a letter to Count Vavel, in which he explained, with
+satisfaction to himself, the cause of his hasty retreat on the occasion
+of his former visit, and also announced his projected official
+attendance upon the Herr Count on the following day.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199" /></a>He arrived at the castle in due time; and Count Vavel, who wished to
+make amends for his former rudeness to so important a personage, greeted
+him with great cordiality.</p>
+
+<p>"The Herr Count has been ill, I understand?" began Herr Bernat, when
+greetings had been exchanged.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not been ill&mdash;at least, not to my knowledge," smilingly
+responded the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed? I fancied you must be ill because you did not attend the
+Lustrations, but sent the fine instead."</p>
+
+<p>"May I ask if many persons attended the meeting?" asked Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Quite a number of the lesser magnates were present; the more important
+nobles were conspicuous by their absence. I attributed this failure to
+appear at the Lustrations to Section I of Article III. of the militia
+law, which prohibits the noble militiaman from wearing gold or silver
+ornamentation on his uniform. This inhibition, you must know, is
+intended to prevent emulation in splendor of decoration among our own
+people, and also to restrain the rapacity of the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you imagine, Herr Vice-palatine, that I do not attend the meetings
+because I am not permitted to wear gold buttons and cords on my coat?"
+smilingly queried the count.</p>
+
+<p>"I confess I cannot think of any other reason, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I will tell you the true one," rather haughtily rejoined Count
+Vavel, believing that his visitor was inclined to be sarcastic. "I do
+not attend your meetings because I look upon the entire law as a
+jest&mdash;mere child's play. It begins with the mental reservation, 'The
+Hungarian noble militia will be called into service <i>only</i> in case of
+imminent danger of an attack from a foreign enemy, and then only if the
+attacking army be so powerful that the <a name="Page_200" id="Page_200" /></a>regular imperial troops shall be
+unable to withstand it!' That the enemy is the more powerful no
+commander-in-chief finds out until he has been thoroughly whipped! The
+mission of the Hungarian noble militia, therefore, is to move into the
+field&mdash;untrained for service&mdash;when the regular troops find they cannot
+cope with a superior foe! This is utterly ridiculous! And, moreover,
+what sort of an organization must that be in which 'all nobles who have
+an income of more than three thousand guilders shall become cavalry
+soldiers, those having less shall become foot-soldiers'? The money-bag
+decides the question between cavalry and infantry! Again, 'every village
+selects its own trooper, and equips him.' A fine squadron they will
+make! And to think of sending such a crew into the field against
+soldiers who have won their epaulets under the baptismal fires of
+battle! Again, to wage war requires money first of all; and this fact
+has been entirely ignored by the authorities. You have no money,
+gentlemen; do you propose that the noble militia host shall march only
+so long as the supply of food in their knapsacks holds out? Are they to
+return home when the provisions shall have given out? Never fear, Herr
+Vice-palatine! when it becomes necessary to shoulder arms and march
+against the enemy, I shall be among the first to respond to the first
+call. But I have no desire to be even a spectator of a comedy, much less
+take part in one. But let us not discuss this farce any further. I
+fancy, Herr Vice-palatine, we may be able to find a more sensible
+subject for discussion. There is a quiet little nook in this old castle
+where are to be found some excellent wines, and some of the best latakia
+you&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"What?" with lively interest interrupted the vice-palatine. "Latakia?
+Why, that is tobacco."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly&mdash;and Turkish tobacco, too, at that!" responded <a name="Page_201" id="Page_201" /></a>Count Vavel.
+"Come, we will retire to this nook, empty one glass after another, enjoy
+a smoke, and tell anecdotes without end!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then you do smoke, Herr Count?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; but I never smoke anywhere but in the nook before mentioned,
+and never in the clothes I wear ordinarily."</p>
+
+<p>"Aha!&mdash;that a certain person may not detect the fumes, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have guessed it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then there is not an atom of truth in the reports malicious tongues
+have spread abroad about you, for I know very well that a certain lady
+has not the least objection to tobacco smoke. I do not refer to the Herr
+Count's donna who lives here in the castle&mdash;you may be sure I shall take
+good care not to ask any more questions about <i>her</i>. No; I am not
+talking about that one, but about the other one, who has puzzled me a
+good deal of late. She takes the Herr Count's part everywhere, and is
+always ready to defend you. Had she not assured me that I might with
+perfect safety venture to call here again, I should have sent my
+secretary to you with the <i>Sigillum compulsorium</i>. I tell you, Herr
+Count, ardent partizanship of that sort from the other donna looks a
+trifle suspicious!"</p>
+
+<p>The count laughed, then said:</p>
+
+<p>"Herr Vice-palatine, you remind me of the critic who, at the conclusion
+of a concert, said to a gentleman near whom he was standing: 'Who is
+that lady who sings so frightfully out of tune?' 'The lady is my wife.'
+'Ah, I did not mean the one who sang, but the lady who accompanied her
+on the piano&mdash;the one who performs so execrably.' 'That lady is my
+sister.' 'I beg a thousand pardons! I made a mistake; it is the music,
+the composition, that is so horrible. I wonder who composed it?' 'I
+did.'"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202" /></a>Herr Bernat was charmed&mdash;completely vanquished. This count not only
+smoked: he could also relate an anecdote! Truly he was a man worth
+knowing&mdash;a gentleman from crown to sole.</p>
+
+<p>Toward the conclusion of the excellent dinner, to which Herr Bernat did
+ample justice, he ventured to propose a toast:</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot refrain, Herr Count, from drinking to the welfare of this
+castle's mistress; and since I do not know whether there be one or two,
+I lift a glass in each hand. Vivant!"</p>
+
+<p>Without a word the count likewise raised two glasses, and drained first
+one, then the other, leaving not enough liquor in either to "wet his
+finger-nail."</p>
+
+<p>By the time the meal was over Herr Bernat was in a most generous mood;
+and when he took leave of his agreeable host, he assured him that the
+occupants of the Nameless Castle might always depend on the protection
+and good will of the vice-palatine.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel waited until his guest was out of sight; then he changed his
+clothes, and when the regular dinner-hour arrived joined Marie, as
+usual, in the dining-room, to enjoy with her the delicate snail-soup and
+other dainties.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>At last war was declared; but it brought only days of increased
+unhappiness and discontent to the tiger imprisoned in his cage at the
+Nameless Castle&mdash;as if burning oil were being poured into his open
+wounds.</p>
+
+<p>The snail-like movements of the Austrian army had put an end to the
+appearance of the apocalyptic destroying angel.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel waited like the tiger crouched in ambush, ready to spring
+forth at the sound of his watchword, and heard at last what he had least
+expected to hear.</p>
+
+<p>The single-headed eagle had not hesitated to take possession of that
+which the double-headed eagle had hesitated to grasp.</p>
+
+<p>Napoleon had issued his memorable call to the Hungarian people to assert
+their independence and choose their king from among themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Count Ludwig received a copy of this proclamation still damp from the
+press, and at once decided that the cause to which he had sacrificed his
+best years was wholly lost.</p>
+
+<p>He was acquainted with but a few of the people among whom he dwelt in
+seclusion, but he believed he knew them well enough to decide that the
+incendiary proclamation could have no other result than an enthusiastic
+and far-reaching response. All was at an end, and he might as well go to
+his rest!</p>
+
+<p>In one of his gloomiest, most dissatisfied hours, he heard the sound of
+a spurred boot in the silent corridor.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204" /></a>It was an old acquaintance, the vice-palatine. He did not remove his
+hat, which was ornamented with an eagle's feather, when he entered the
+count's study, and ostentatiously clinked the sword in its sheath which
+hung at his side. A wolfskin was flung with elaborate care over his left
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Herr Count," he began in a cheery tone, "I come like the gypsy
+who broke into a house through the oven, and, finding the family
+assembled in the room, asked if they did not want to buy a
+flue-cleanser. At last the watchword has arrived: 'To horse, soldier! To
+cow, farmer.' The militia law is no longer a dead letter. We shall
+march, <i>cum gentibus</i>, to repulse the invading foe. Here is the royal
+order, and here is the call to the nation."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3" /></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3" /></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Written by Alexander Kisfalndy, by order of the palatine. A
+memorable document.</p></div>
+
+<p>Count Vavel's face at these words became suddenly transfigured&mdash;like the
+features of a dead man who has been restored to life. His eyes sparkled,
+his lips parted, his cheeks glowed with color&mdash;his whole countenance was
+eloquent; his tongue alone was silent.</p>
+
+<p>He could not speak. He rushed toward his sword, which was hanging on the
+wall, tore it from its sheath, and pressed his lips to the keen blade.
+Then he laid it on the table, and dashed like a madman from the
+room&mdash;down the corridor to Marie's apartment. Without knocking, he
+opened the door, rushed toward the young girl, raised her in his arms as
+if she were a little child, and, carrying her thus, returned to his
+guest. "Here&mdash;here she is!" he cried breathlessly. "Behold her! Now you
+may look on her face&mdash;now the whole world may behold her countenance and
+read in it her illustrious descent. This is my idol&mdash;my goddess, for
+whom I have lived, for whom I would die!"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205" /></a>He had placed the maid on a sort of throne between the two bookcases,
+and alternately kissed the hem of her gown and his sword.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you imagine a more glorious queen?" he demanded, in a transport of
+ecstasy, flinging one arm over the vice-palatine's shoulder, and
+pointing with the other toward the confused and blushing girl. "Is there
+anywhere else on earth so much love, so much goodness and purity, a
+glance so benevolent&mdash;all the virtues God bestows upon his favorites? Is
+not this the angel who has been called to destroy the Leviathan of the
+Apocalypse?"</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a
+low tone:</p>
+
+<p>"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked
+just like that when she was a bride."</p>
+
+<p>Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She
+had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the
+questioning glances from strange eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"What&mdash;what does&mdash;this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I
+don't understand you."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map
+concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a
+long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the
+ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.</p>
+
+<p>"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire
+equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."</p>
+
+<p>He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his
+terrible treasures.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer <a name="Page_206" id="Page_206" /></a>when his
+neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two
+thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Now <i>I</i> intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the
+count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the
+asking?"</p>
+
+<p>"I might answer as did the gypsy woman when her son asked for a piece of
+bread: 'You are always wanting what is not to be had.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean that there are no men?"</p>
+
+<p>"I mean," hastily interposed Herr Bernat, "that there are enough men,
+and horses, too; but the treasure-chest is empty, and the <i>Aerar</i> has
+not yet sent the promised subsidy."</p>
+
+<p>"What care I about the Aerar and its money!" ejaculated Count Vavel,
+contemptuously. "<i>I</i> will supply the funds necessary to equip a
+company&mdash;and support them, into the bargain! And if the county needs
+money, my purse-strings are loose! I give everything that belongs to
+me&mdash;and myself, too&mdash;to this cause!"</p>
+
+<p>He opened, as he spoke, a large iron chest that was fastened with iron
+bolts to the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, help yourself, Herr Vice-palatine!" he added, waving his hand
+toward the contents of the chest. It was a more wonderful sight than the
+arsenal itself. Rolls of gold coin, sacks of silver, filled the chest to
+the brim.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat could only stare in speechless amazement. He made no move to
+obey the behest to "help himself," whereupon Count Vavel himself thrust
+his hands into the chest, lifted what he could hold between them of gold
+and silver, and filled the vice-palatine's hat, which that worthy was
+holding in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;pray&mdash;I beg of you&mdash;" remonstrated Herr Bernat, "at least, let us
+count it."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_207" id="Page_207" /></a>You can count it when you get home," interrupted Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"But I must give you a receipt for it."</p>
+
+<p>"A receipt?" repeated his host. "A receipt between gentlemen? A receipt
+for money which is given for the defense of the fatherland?"</p>
+
+<p>"But I certainly cannot take all this money without something to show
+from whom I received it, and for what purpose. Give me at least a few
+words with your signature, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"That I will gladly do," responded the count, turning toward his desk,
+and coming face to face with Marie, who had descended from her throne.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you going to do?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Write."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to let strangers see your writing, and perhaps betray who
+you are?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a week the strokes from my hand will tell who I am," he replied,
+with double meaning.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, you are terrible!" murmured Marie, turning her face away.</p>
+
+<p>"I am so for your sake, Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"For my sake?" echoed the young girl, sorrowfully. "For my sake? Do you
+imagine that <i>I</i> shall take pleasure in seeing you go into battle?
+Suppose you should fall?"</p>
+
+<p>"Have no fear on that score, Marie," returned the young man,
+confidently. "I shall have a guiding star to watch over me; and if there
+be a God in heaven&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Then may He take me to Himself!" interposed the young girl in a fervent
+tone, lifting a transfigured glance toward heaven. "And may He grant
+that there be not on earth one other Frenchwoman who is forced to pray
+for the defeat of her own nation! May He grant that there be <a name="Page_208" id="Page_208" /></a>not
+another woman in the world who is waiting until a pedestal is formed of
+her countrymen's and kinsmen's skeletons, that she may be elevated to it
+as an idol from which many, many of her brothers will turn with a curse!
+May God take me to Himself now&mdash;now, while yet my two hands are white,
+while yet I cherish toward my nation nothing but love and tenderness,
+now when I forgive and forget everything, and desire none of this
+world's splendor for myself!"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel was filled with admiration by this outburst from the
+innocent girl heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Your words, Marie, only increase the brilliancy of the halo which
+encircles your head. They legalize the rights of my sword. I, too, adore
+my native land&mdash;no one more than I! I, too, bow before the infinite
+judge and submit my case to His wise decision. O God, Thou who
+protecteth France, look down and behold him who rides yonder, his horse
+ankle-deep in the blood of his countrymen, who looks without pity on the
+dying legions and says, 'It is well!' Then, O God, look Thou upon this
+saint here, who prays for her persecutors, and pass judgment between the
+two: which of the two is Thy image on earth?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, pray understand me," in a pleading voice interposed Marie, passing
+her trembling fingers over Ludwig's cheek. "Not one drop of heroic blood
+flows in my veins. I am not the offspring of those great women who
+crowned with their own hands their knights to send them into battle. I
+dread to lose you, Ludwig; I have no one in this wide world but you. On
+this whole earth there is not another orphan so desolate as I am! When
+you go to war, and I am left here all alone, what will become of me? Who
+will care for me and love me then?"</p>
+
+<p>Vavel gently drew the young girl to his breast.</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, you said once to me: 'Give me a mother&mdash;a <a name="Page_209" id="Page_209" /></a>woman whom I can
+love, one that will love me.' When I leave you, Marie, I shall not leave
+you here without some one to care for you. I will give you a mother&mdash;a
+woman you will love, and who will love you in return."</p>
+
+<p>A gleam of sunshine brightened the young girl's face; she flung her arms
+around Ludwig's neck, and laughed for very joy.</p>
+
+<p>"You will really, really do this, Ludwig?" she cried happily. "You will
+really bring her here? or shall I go to her? Oh, I shall be so happy if
+you will do this for me!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am in earnest," returned Ludwig, seriously. "This is no time for
+jesting. My superior here"&mdash;turning toward the vice-palatine&mdash;"will see
+that I keep the promise I made in his presence."</p>
+
+<p>"That he will!" promptly assented Herr Bernat. "I am not only the
+vice-palatine of your county: I am also the colonel of your regiment."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want you to add still another office to the two you fill so
+admirably: that of matrimonial emissary!" added Count Vavel. "In this
+patriarchal land I find that the custom still obtains of sending an
+emissary to the lady one desires to marry. Will you, Herr Vice-palatine
+and Colonel, undertake this mission for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of all my missions this will be the most agreeable!" heartily responded
+Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"You know to whom I would have you go," resumed the count. "It is not
+far from here. You know who the lady is without my repeating her name.
+Go to her, tell her what you have seen and heard here,&mdash;I send her my
+secret as a betrothal gift,&mdash;and then ask her to send me an answer to
+the words she heard me speak on a certain eventful occasion."</p>
+
+<p>"You may trust me!" with alacrity responded Herr <a name="Page_210" id="Page_210" /></a>Bernat. "Within half
+an hour I shall return with a reply: <i>Veni, vidi, vici!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>After he had shaken hands with his client, the worthy emissary
+remembered that it was becoming for even so important a personage as a
+Hungarian vice-palatine to show some respect to the distinguished young
+lady under Count Vavel's protection. He therefore turned toward her,
+brought his spurred heels together, and was on the point of making a
+suitable speech, accompanying it with a deep bow, when the young lady
+frustrated his ceremonious design by coming quickly toward him and
+saying in her frank, girlish manner:</p>
+
+<p>"He who goes on a matrimonial mission must wear a nosegay." With these
+words she drew the violets from her corsage, and fastened them in Herr
+Bernat's buttonhole.</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon the gallant vice-palatine forgot his ceremonious intentions. He
+seized the maid's hand, pressed it against his stiffly waxed mustache,
+and muttered, with a wary glance toward Count Vavel: "I am sorry this
+pretty little hand belongs to those messieurs Frenchmen!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he quitted the room, and in descending the stairs had all he could
+do to transfer without dropping them the coins from his hat to the
+pockets of his dolman.</p>
+
+<p>Marie skipped, singing joyously, into the dining-room, where the windows
+faced toward the neighboring manor. She did not ask if she might do so,
+but flung open the sash, leaned far out, and waved her handkerchief to
+the vice-palatine, who was driving swiftly across the causeway.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Herr Bernat G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi, in his character of emissary, arrived at
+the manor, he proceeded at once to state his errand:</p>
+
+<p>"My lovely sister Katinka, I am come a-wooing&mdash;as this nosegay on my
+breast indicates. I ask your hand for a brave, handsome, and young
+cavalier."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you very much for the honor, my dear Bernat b&aacute;csi, but I intend
+to remain faithful to my vow never to marry."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you send me out of your house with a mitten, Katinka hugom?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should prefer to detain you as a welcome guest."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks; but I cannot stop to-day. I am invited to a betrothal feast
+over at the Nameless Castle. The count intends to wed in a few weeks."</p>
+
+<p>He had been watching, while speaking, the effect of this announcement on
+the lovely face before him.</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katharina, however, acted as if nothing interested her so much
+as the letter she was embroidering with gold thread on a red streamer
+for a militia flag.</p>
+
+<p>"The count is in a hurry," continued Herr Bernat, "for he may have to
+ride at the head of a company of militia to the war in less than three
+weeks."</p>
+
+<p>Here the cruel needle thrust its point into the fair worker's rosy
+finger.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat smiled roguishly; and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_212" id="Page_212" /></a>Would&nbsp;n't you like to hear the name of the bride, my pretty sister
+Katinka?"</p>
+
+<p>"If it is no secret," was the indifferent response.</p>
+
+<p>"It is no secret for me, and I am allowed to repeat it. The charming
+lady Count Vavel intends to wed is&mdash;Katharina Landsknechtsschild!"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness suddenly dropped her embroidery, sprang to her feet, and
+surveyed the smiling emissary with her brows drawn into a frown.</p>
+
+<p>"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
+beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
+you remember them?"</p>
+
+<p>The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
+veil that separates the two."</p>
+
+<p>"The veil has been removed."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
+pretty?"</p>
+
+<p>"More than pretty!"</p>
+
+<p>"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
+nor betrothed to Count Vavel&mdash;nor yet his secret love."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must be his sister&mdash;or daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Then what is she? Not a servant?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; she is his mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"His mistress?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, his mistress&mdash;as my queen is my mistress."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
+came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
+believe the count&mdash;loves <i>me?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_213" id="Page_213" /></a>That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
+know that he loves you. That he deserves your love I can swear! No one
+can become thoroughly acquainted with Count Vavel and not love him. I
+went to the castle to ask him to join the noble militia, and he let me
+see the lady about whom so much has been said. She had excellent
+reasons, baroness, for veiling her lovely face, for whoever had seen her
+mother's pictures would have recognized her at once. When Count Vavel
+goes into battle to help defend our fatherland, he must leave the royal
+maid in a mother's hands. Will you fill that office? Will you take the
+desolate maid to your heart? And now, Katinka hugom, give me your answer
+to the Count's words."</p>
+
+<p>With sudden impulsiveness the baroness extended both hands to Herr
+Bernat, and said earnestly:</p>
+
+<p>"With all my heart I consent to be Count Vavel's betrothed wife!"</p>
+
+<p>"And I may fly to him with this answer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;on condition that you take me with you."</p>
+
+<p>"What, baroness? You wish to go to the castle&mdash;now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, now&mdash;this very moment&mdash;in these clothes! I have no one to ask what
+I should or should not do, and&mdash;<i>he</i> needs me."</p>
+
+<p>When his emissary had departed, Count Vavel began to reflect whether he
+had not been rather hasty. Had he done right in giving to the world his
+zealously guarded secret?</p>
+
+<p>But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
+that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
+free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!</p>
+
+<p>He seated himself at the table to write to his friends <a name="Page_214" id="Page_214" /></a>abroad; but he
+could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
+guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
+Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
+the same day a declaration of war and one of love.</p>
+
+<p>His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
+study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
+fingers, and flung it on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother&mdash;the beautiful lady from the
+manor."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
+nonsense?"</p>
+
+<p>"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in <i>two</i>
+carriages!" persisted the maid. "Come and see them for yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>She drew him from his chair to the window in the dining-room, where his
+own eyes convinced him of the truth of Marie's announcement.</p>
+
+<p>Already the two vehicles were crossing the causeway, and the baroness's
+rose-colored parasol gleamed among the trees. Deeply agitated, Count
+Vavel hastened to meet her.</p>
+
+<p>"May I come with you?" shyly begged Marie, following him.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg that you will come," was the reply; and the two, guardian and
+ward, hand in hand, descended to the entrance-hall.</p>
+
+<p>Baroness Katharina's countenance beamed with a magical charm&mdash;the result
+of the union of opposite emotions; as when shame and courage, timidity
+and daring, love and <a name="Page_215" id="Page_215" /></a>heroism, meet and are blended together in a
+wonderful harmony&mdash;a miracle seen only in the magic mirror of a woman's
+face.</p>
+
+<p>While yet several paces distant, she held out her hand toward Count
+Vavel, and, with a charming mixture of embarrassment and candor, said:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am."</p>
+
+<p>This was her confirmation of the words Vavel had spoken in the forest in
+the presence of the three dragoon officers: "She is my betrothed."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel lifted the white hand to his lips. Then Katharina quickly passed
+onward toward Marie, who had timidly held back.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness grasped the young girl's hands in both her own, and looked
+long and earnestly into the fair face lifted shyly toward her. Then she
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"It was not for his sake I came so precipitately. He could have waited.
+They told me your heart yearned for a mother's care, and it must not be
+kept waiting."</p>
+
+<p>After this speech the two young women embraced. Which was the first to
+sob, which kiss was the warmer, cannot be known; but that Marie was the
+happier was certain. For the first time in years she was permitted to
+embrace a woman and tell her she loved her. Ludwig Vavel looked with
+delight on the meeting between the two, and gratefully pressed the hand
+of his successful emissary.</p>
+
+<p>When the two young women had sobbed out their hearts to each other, they
+began to laugh and jest. Was not the mother still a girl, like the
+daughter?</p>
+
+<p>"You must come with me to the manor?" said Katharina, as, with arms
+entwined about each other, they entered the castle. "I shall not allow
+you to stop longer in this lonely place."</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you would take me with you," responded <a name="Page_216" id="Page_216" /></a>Marie. "I shall be very
+obedient and dutiful. If I do anything that displeases you, you must
+scold me, and praise me when I do what is right."</p>
+
+<p>"And I am not to be asked if I consent to this abduction of my ward?"
+here smilingly interposed Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Why can't you come with us?" innocently inquired Marie.</p>
+
+<p>The other young woman laughed merrily.</p>
+
+<p>"He may come for a brief visit; later we will let him come to stay
+always." Then she added in a more serious tone: "Count Vavel, you may
+rest perfectly content that your treasure will be safe with me. My house
+is prepared for assault. My people are brave and well armed. There is no
+possible chance of another attack from robbers like that from which you
+delivered me."</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig delivered you from robbers?" repeated Marie, in astonishment.
+"When? How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Then he did not tell you about his adventure? What a singular man!"</p>
+
+<p>Here the vice-palatine interposed with: "What is this I hear? Robbers? I
+heard nothing about robbers."</p>
+
+<p>"The baroness herself asked me not to speak of the affair," explained
+the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I did not forbid you to tell Marie, Herr Count," responded
+Katharina.</p>
+
+<p>"'Baroness'&mdash;'Herr Count'?" repeated Marie, turning questioningly from
+her guardian to their fair neighbor. "Why don't you call each other by
+your Christian names?"</p>
+
+<p>They were spared an explanation by Herr Bernat, who again observed:</p>
+
+<p>"Robbers? I confess I should like to hear about this robbery?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you all about it," returned the baroness; "but first, I
+must beg the vice-palatine not to make any arrests. <a name="Page_217" id="Page_217" /></a>For," she added,
+with an enchanting smile, "had it not been for those valiant knights of
+the road I should not have become acquainted with my brave Ludwig."</p>
+
+<p>"That is better!" applauded Marie, hurrying her "little mother" into the
+reception-room, where the wonderful story of the robbery was repeated.</p>
+
+<p>And what an attentive listener was the fair young girl! Her lips were
+pressed tightly together; her eyes were opened to their widest
+extent&mdash;like those of a child who hears a wonderful fairy tale. Even the
+vice-palatine from time to time ejaculated:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Darvalia!</i>" "<i>Beste karaffia!</i>"&mdash;which, doubtless, were the proper
+terms to apply to marauding rascals.</p>
+
+<p>But when the baroness came to that part of her story where Count Vavel,
+with his walking-stick, put to flight the four robbers, Marie's face
+glowed with pride. Surely there was not another brave man like her
+Ludwig in the whole world!</p>
+
+<p>"That was our first meeting," concluded Katharina laughingly, laying her
+hand on that of her betrothed husband, who was leaning against the arm
+of her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"I should like to know why you both thought it best to keep this robbery
+a secret?" remarked Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"The real reason," explained Count Vavel, "was because the baroness did
+not want her prot&eacute;g&eacute;, Satan Laczi's wife, persecuted."</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! if everybody was as generous as you two, then robbery would become
+a lucrative business!"</p>
+
+<p>"You must remember," Katharina made haste to protest, "that all this has
+been told to the matrimonial emissary, and not to the vice-palatine. On
+no account are any arrests to be made!"</p>
+
+<p>"I will suggest a plan to the Herr Vice-palatine," said Count Vavel.
+"Grant an amnesty to the robbers; not to <a name="Page_218" id="Page_218" /></a>the four who broke into the
+manor,&mdash;for they are merely common thieves,&mdash;but to Satan Laczi and his
+comrades, who will cheerfully exchange their nefarious calling for the
+purifying fire of the battle-field. I myself will undertake to form them
+into a company of foot-soldiers."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you know that Satan Laczi and his comrades will join the
+army?" inquired Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi told me so himself&mdash;one night here in the castle. He opened
+all the doors and cupboards, while I was in the observatory, and waited
+for me in my study."</p>
+
+<p>It was the ladies' turn now to exhibit the liveliest interest. Each
+seized a hand of the speaker, and listened attentively to his
+description of the robber's midnight visit to the castle.</p>
+
+<p>"Good!" was Herr Bernat's comment, when the count had concluded. "An
+amnesty shall be granted to Satan Laczi and his crew if they will submit
+themselves to the Herr Count's military discipline."</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219" /></a>CHAPTER V</h3>
+
+
+<p>The little servant, Satan Laczi, junior, interrupted the conversation.
+He came to announce dinner. Lisette had not needed any instructions. She
+knew what was expected of her when a visitor happened to be at the
+castle at meal-times. Besides, she wanted to show the lady from the
+manor what she could do. Not since the count's arrival at the Nameless
+Castle had there been so cheerful a meal as to-day. Marie sparkled with
+delight; the baroness was wit personified; and the vice-palatine bubbled
+over with anecdotes. When the roast appeared he raised his glass for a
+serious toast:</p>
+
+<p>"To our beloved fatherland. Vivat! To our revered king. Vivat! To our
+adored queen. Vivat!"</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel promptly responded, as did also the ladies. Then the count
+refilled the glasses, and, raising his own above his head, cried:</p>
+
+<p>"And now, another vivat to <i>my</i> queen! Long may she reign, and
+gloriously! And," he added, with sudden fierceness, "may all who are her
+enemies perish miserably!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ludwig, for heaven's sake!" ejaculated Marie, in terror. "Look at
+Katharina; she is ill."</p>
+
+<p>And, indeed, the baroness's lovely face was pallid as that of a corpse.
+Her eyes were closed; her head had fallen back against her chair.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Marie sprang to her side, the young girl exclaiming
+reproachfully:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_220" id="Page_220" /></a>See how you have terrified her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be frightened," returned Ludwig, assuringly; "it is only a
+passing illness, and will soon be over."</p>
+
+<p>He had restored the fair woman to consciousness on another occasion; he
+knew, therefore, what to do now. After a few minutes the baroness opened
+her eyes again. She forced a smile to her lips, shivered once or twice,
+then whispered to Ludwig, who was bending over her with a glass of
+water:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't need any water. We were going to drink a toast; wine is
+required for that ceremony."</p>
+
+<p>She extended her trembling hand, clasped the stem of her glass, and,
+raising it, continued: "I drink to your toast, Count Vavel! And here is
+to my dear little daughter, my good little Marie. May God preserve her
+from all harm!"</p>
+
+<p>"You may safely drink to Ludwig's toast," gaily assented Marie, "safely
+wish that the enemies of your Marie may 'perish miserably,' for she has
+no enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"No; she has no enemies," repeated the baroness in a low tone, as she
+pressed the young girl closely to her breast.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later, when Katharina had regained her usual self-command,
+she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Marie, my dear little daughter, I know that our friend Ludwig is eager
+to discuss war plans with his emissary. Let us, therefore, give him the
+opportunity to do so, while we make our plans for quite a different sort
+of war!"</p>
+
+<p>"What!" jestingly exclaimed Count Vavel, "my lovely betrothed speaks
+thus of her preparations for our wedding?"</p>
+
+<p>"The task is not so easy as you imagine," retorted Katharina. "There
+will be a great deal to do, and I mean to take Marie with me."</p>
+
+<p>"To-day?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; is she not my daughter? But seriously, Ludwig, Marie must
+not remain here if the recruiting-flag <a name="Page_221" id="Page_221" /></a>is to wave from the tower, and
+if the castle is to be open to every notorious bully in the county. You
+gentlemen may attend to your recruits here, while Marie and I, over at
+the manor, arrange a fitting ensign for your company. Before we bid
+adieu to the castle, however, we must pay a visit to the cook. If her
+mistress leaves here I fancy she will not want to stop."</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette was very fond of me once," observed Marie; "and there was a
+time when she did everything for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then she must come with us to the manor to a well-deserved rest. I can
+send one of my servants over here to attend to the wants of the
+gentlemen."</p>
+
+<p>The two ladies now took leave of Count Vavel and his visitor. Marie led
+the way to her own apartments, where she introduced the cats and dogs to
+Katharina. Then she drew her into the alcove, and secretly pulled the
+cord at the head of the bed.</p>
+
+<p>"Now you are my prisoner," she said to the baroness, who was looking
+about her in a startled manner. "Were I your enemy&mdash;your rival&mdash;I should
+not need to do anything to gratify my enmity but refuse to reveal the
+secret of this screen, and you would have to die here alone with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heavens, Marie! How can you frighten me so?" exclaimed Katharina,
+in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha, ha!" merrily laughed the young girl, "then I have really frightened
+you? But don't be alarmed; directly some one will come who will not let
+you 'perish miserably.'"</p>
+
+<p>The baroness's face grew suddenly pallid; but she quickly recovered
+herself as Count Vavel came hastily into the outer room.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you summon me, Marie?" he called, when he saw that the screen was
+down.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I summoned you," replied Marie. "I want you to repeat the
+good-night wish you give me every night."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_222" id="Page_222" /></a>But it is not night."</p>
+
+<p>"No; but you will not see me again to-day, so you must wish me good
+night now."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig came near to the screen, and said in a low, earnest tone:</p>
+
+<p>"May God give you a good night, Marie! May angels watch over you! May
+Heaven receive your prayers, and may you dream of happiness and freedom.
+Good night!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he turned and walked out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"That is his daily custom," whispered Marie. Then she pressed her foot
+on the spring in the floor, and the screen was lifted.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223" /></a>CHAPTER VI</h3>
+
+
+<p>Lisette had finished her tasks in the kitchen when the two ladies came
+to pay her a visit. She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
+had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
+pack of cards when the ladies entered.</p>
+
+<p>She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
+when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
+the manor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
+beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
+gentleman and a beautiful lady&mdash;if they are thrown together then there
+follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."</p>
+
+<p>"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
+preparing for the war."</p>
+
+<p>This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
+than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the <a name="Page_224" id="Page_224" /></a>cards, and
+glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
+the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
+their names."</p>
+
+<p>"God help them!" again muttered the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"I am going to take your young mistress home with me, Lisette," again
+remarked the baroness. "It would not be well to leave her here, amid the
+turmoil of recruiting and the clashing of weapons, would it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can't say. My business is in the kitchen; I don't know anything about
+matters out of it," replied Lisette, still shuffling her cards.</p>
+
+<p>"But I intend to take you out of the kitchen, Lisette," returned the
+baroness. "I don't intend to let you work any more. You shall live with
+us over at the manor, in a room of your own, and, if you wish, have a
+little kitchen all to yourself, and a little maid to wait on you. You
+will come with us, will you not?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank your ladyship; but I had rather stay where I am."</p>
+
+<p>"But why?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I should be a trouble to everybody over yonder. I am a person
+that suits only herself. I don't know how to win the good will of other
+people. I don't keep a cat or a dog, because I don't want to love
+anything. Besides, I have many disagreeable habits. I use snuff, and I
+can't agree with anybody. I am best left to myself, your ladyship."</p>
+
+<p>"But what will become of you when both your master and mistress are gone
+from the castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"I shall do what I have always done, your ladyship. The Herr Count
+promised that I should never want for anything to cook so long as I
+lived."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_225" id="Page_225" /></a>Don't misunderstand me, Lisette. I did not ask how you intended to
+live. What I meant was, how are you going to get on when you do not see
+or hear any one&mdash;when you are all alone here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not afraid to be alone. I have no money, and I don't think anybody
+would undertake to carry <i>me</i> off! I am never lonely. I can't read,&mdash;for
+which I thank God!&mdash;so that never bothers me. I don't like to knit; for
+ever since I saw those terrible women sitting around the guillotine and
+knitting, knitting, knitting all day long, I can't bear to see the
+motion of five needles. So I just amuse myself with these cards; and I
+don't need anything else."</p>
+
+<p>"But surely your heart will grow sore when you do not see your little
+mistress daily?"</p>
+
+<p>"Daily&mdash;daily, your ladyship? This is the second time I have laid eyes
+on her face in six years! There was a time when I saw her daily,
+hourly&mdash;when she needed me all the time. Is not that so, my little
+mistress? Don't you remember how I had a little son, and how he called
+me <i>ch&egrave;re maman</i>, and I called him <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke, she laid the cards one by one on her snowy apron. She
+looked intently at them for several moments, then continued:</p>
+
+<p>"No; I don't need to know anything, only that she is safe. <i>She</i> will
+always be carefully guarded from all harm, and my cards will always tell
+me all I need know about <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i>. No, your ladyship; I shall
+not go with you; I cannot leave the place where my poor Henry died."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor Lisette! what a tender heart is yours!"</p>
+
+<p>"Mine?" suddenly and with unusual energy interrupted Lisette. "Mine a
+tender heart? Ask this little lady here&mdash;who cannot tell a lie&mdash;if I am
+not the woman who has the hardest, the most unfeeling heart in all the
+world. <a name="Page_226" id="Page_226" /></a>Ask her that, your ladyship. Tell her, <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i>," she
+added, turning to Marie,&mdash;"tell the lady it is as I say."</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette&mdash;dear Lisette," remonstrated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you ever seen me weep?" demanded the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Lisette; but&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Did I ever sigh," interrupted Lisette, "or moan, or grieve, that time
+when we spent many days and nights together in one room?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; never, Lisette."</p>
+
+<p>The woman turned in her chair to a chest that stood by her side, opened
+it, and took out a package carefully wrapped first in paper, then in a
+linen cloth.</p>
+
+<p>When she had removed the wrappings, she held up in her hands a child's
+chemise and petticoat.</p>
+
+<p>"What is needed to complete these, your ladyship?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"A dear little child, I should say," answered Katharina, indulgently.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right&mdash;a dear little child."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the child, Lisette?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I don't know&mdash;do you understand? <i>I&mdash;don't&mdash;know.</i> And I don't
+inquire, either. Now, will you still imagine that I have a tender heart?
+It is years since I looked on these little garments. What did I do with
+the child that wore them? Whose business is it what I did with her? She
+was <i>my</i> child, and I had a right to do as I pleased with her. I was
+paid enough for it&mdash;an enormous price! You don't understand what I am
+talking about, your ladyship. Go; take <i>mon petit gar&ccedil;on</i> with you; and
+may God do so to you as you deal with him. Take care of him. My cards
+will tell me everything, and sometime, when I have turned into a hideous
+hobgoblin, those whom I shall haunt will remember me! And now, <i>mon
+petit gar&ccedil;on</i>"&mdash;<a name="Page_227" id="Page_227" /></a>turning again to Marie,&mdash;"let me kiss your hand for the
+last time."</p>
+
+<p>Marie came close to the singular woman, bent over her, and pressed a
+kiss on the fat cheeks, then held her own for a return caress.</p>
+
+<p>This action of the young girl seemed to please the woman. She struggled
+to her feet, muttering: "She is still the same. May God guard her from
+all harm!" Then she waddled toward Katharina, took her slender hand in
+her own broad palm, and added: "Take good care of my treasure, your
+ladyship. Up to now, I have taken the broomstick every evening, before
+going to bed, and thrust it under all the furniture, to see if there
+might not be a thief hidden somewhere. You will have to do that now. A
+great treasure, great care! And, your ladyship, when you shall have in
+your house such a little chemise and petticoat, with the little child in
+them, trotting after you, chattering and laughing, clasping her arms
+round you and kissing you, and if some one should say to you, as they
+said to me, 'How great a treasure would induce you to exchange this
+little somebody in the red petticoat for it?' and if you should say, 'I
+will give up the child for so much,' then, your ladyship, you too may
+say, as I say, that your heart is a heart of stone."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's face had grown very white. She staggered toward Marie,
+caught her arm, and drew her toward the door, gasping:</p>
+
+<p>"Come&mdash;come&mdash;let us go. The steam&mdash;the heat of&mdash;the kitchen makes&mdash;me
+faint."</p>
+
+<p>The fresh air of the court soon revived her.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us play a trick on Ludwig," she suggested. "We will take his canoe,
+and cross the cove to the manor. We can send it back with a servant."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228" /></a>She ordered her coachman to take the carriage home; then she took
+Marie's hand and led her down to the lake.</p>
+
+<p>They were soon in the boat. Marie, who had learned to row from Ludwig,
+sent the little craft gliding over the water, while Katharina held the
+rudder.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon they were in the park belonging to the manor; and how
+delighted Marie was to see everything!</p>
+
+<p>A herd of deer crossed their path, summoned to the feeding-place by a
+blast from the game-keeper's horn. The graceful animals were so tame
+that a hind stopped in front of the two ladies, and allowed them to rub
+her head and neck. Oh, how much there was to see and enjoy over here!</p>
+
+<p>Katharina could hardly keep pace with the eager young girl, who would
+have liked to examine the entire park at once.</p>
+
+<p>What a number of questions she asked! And how astonished she was when
+Katharina told her the large birds in the farm-yard were hens and
+turkeys. She had never dreamed that these creatures could be so pretty.
+She had never seen them before&mdash;not even a whole one served on the
+table, only the slices of white meat which Lisette had always cut off
+for her. But what delighted her more than anything else was that she
+might meet people, look fearlessly at them, and be stared at in return,
+and cordially return their friendly "God give you a good day!"</p>
+
+<p>What a pleasure it was to stop the women and children, with all sorts
+and shapes of burdens on their heads or in their arms, and ask what they
+were carrying in the heavy hampers; to call to the peasant girls who
+were singing merrily, and ask where they had learned the pretty songs.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how delightful it is here!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around
+the baroness. "I should like to dig and work in the garden all day long
+with these merry girls. How happy I shall be here!"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_229" id="Page_229" /></a>To-morrow we will visit the fields," said Katharina "Can you ride?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ride?" echoed Marie, in smiling surprise. "Yes&mdash;on a rocking-horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you will very soon learn to sit on a living horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you really believe I shall?" breathlessly exclaimed Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have a very gentle horse which you shall have for your own."</p>
+
+<p>"One of those dear, tiny little horses from which one could not fall? I
+have seen them in picture-books."</p>
+
+<p>"He is not so very small; but you will not be afraid of falling off when
+you have learned to ride. Then, when you can manage your horse, we will
+ride after the hounds&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," hastily interposed the young girl; "I shall never do that. I
+could not bear to see an animal hurt or killed."</p>
+
+<p>"You will have to accustom yourself to seeing such sights, my dear
+little daughter. Riding and hunting are necessary accomplishments;
+besides, they strengthen the nerves."</p>
+
+<p>"Have not the peasant women got strong nerves, little mama?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but they strengthen them by hard work, such as washing clothes."</p>
+
+<p>"Then let us wash clothes, too."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina smiled indulgently on the innocent maid, and the two now
+entered the manor, where Marie made the acquaintance of Fr&auml;ulein Lotti,
+the baroness's companion.</p>
+
+<p>Marie's attention was attracted by the number of books she saw
+everywhere; and they were all new to her. Ludwig had never brought
+anything like them to the castle. There were poems, histories, romances,
+fables. Ah, how she would enjoy reading every one of them!</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_230" id="Page_230" /></a>Oh, who is doing this?" she exclaimed, when her eyes fell on an easel
+on which was a half-finished painting&mdash;a study head.</p>
+
+<p>Her admiration for the baroness increased when that lady told her the
+picture was the work of her own hand.</p>
+
+<p>"How very clever you must be, little mama! I wonder if you could paint
+my portrait?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will try it to-morrow," smilingly replied the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"And what is this&mdash;this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked,
+running to the piano.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in
+front of the "teeth," began to play.</p>
+
+<p>Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such
+beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall learn to play, too; Fr&auml;ulein Lotti will teach you."</p>
+
+<p>For this promise Marie ran to <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Fr&auml;ulien'">Fr&auml;ulein</ins> Lotti and
+embraced her.</p>
+
+<p>While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the
+little water-monster, and inquired about him.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions
+in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her
+from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to
+swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his
+canoe.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the
+telescope," she answered, with some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_231" id="Page_231" /></a>Ah! then you also have been spying upon me?" jestingly exclaimed the
+baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"How else could I have learned that you are so good and beautiful?"
+frankly returned the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, I have an idea," suddenly observed the baroness. "That spy-glass is
+here now. The surveyor to whom Ludwig gave it sent it to me when he had
+done with it. Come, we will pay Herr Ludwig back in his own coin! We
+will spy out what the gentlemen are doing over at the castle."</p>
+
+<p>Marie was charmed with this suggestion, and willingly accompanied her
+"little mama" to the veranda, where the familiar telescope greeted her
+sight.</p>
+
+<p>Two of the windows in that side of the Nameless Castle which faced the
+manor were lighted.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the dining-room; they are at dinner," explained Marie,
+adjusting the glass&mdash;a task of which the baroness was ignorant. When she
+had arranged the proper focus, she made room for Katharina, who had a
+better right than she had to watch Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you see?" she asked, when Katharina began to smile.</p>
+
+<p>"I see Ludwig and the vice-palatine; they are leaning out of the window,
+and smoking&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Smoking?" interposed Marie. "Ludwig never smokes."</p>
+
+<p>"See for yourself!"</p>
+
+<p>Katharina stepped back, and Marie placed her eye to the glass. Yes;
+there, plainly enough, she beheld the remarkable sight: Ludwig, with
+evident enjoyment, drawing great clouds of smoke from a long-stemmed
+pipe. The two men were talking animatedly; but even while they were
+speaking, the pipes were not removed from their lips&mdash;Ludwig, indeed, at
+times vanished entirely behind the dense cloud of smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"For six whole years he never once let me see him smok<a name="Page_232" id="Page_232" /></a>ing a pipe!"
+murmured Marie to herself. "How much he enjoys it! Do you"&mdash;turning
+abruptly toward the baroness, who was smilingly watching her young
+guest&mdash;"do you object to tobacco smoke?"</p>
+
+<p>She seemed relieved when the baroness assured her that tobacco smoke was
+not in the least objectionable.</p>
+
+<p>Some time later, when reminded that it was time for little girls to be
+in bed, Marie protested stoutly that she was not sleepy.</p>
+
+<p>"Pray, little mama," she begged, "let us look a little longer through
+the telescope; it is so interesting."</p>
+
+<p>But even while she was giving voice to her petition the windows in the
+dining-room over at the castle became darkened. The gentlemen evidently
+had retired to their rooms for the night.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, ah-h," yawned Marie, "I am sleepy, after all! Come, little mama, we
+will go to bed."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina herself conducted the young girl to her room. Marie exclaimed
+with surprise and delight when, on entering the room adjoining the
+baroness's own sleeping-chamber, she beheld her own furniture&mdash;the
+canopy-bed, the book-shelves, toys, card-table, everything. Even Hitz,
+Mitz, Pani, and Miura sat in a row on the sofa, and Phryxus and Helle
+came waddling toward her, and sat up on their hind legs.</p>
+
+<p>The things had been brought over from the castle while the baroness and
+Marie were in the park.</p>
+
+<p>"You will feel more at home with your belongings about you," said
+Katharina, as she returned the grateful girl's good-night kiss.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VII" id="PART_VII" /></a><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233" /></a>PART VII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Count Vavel and the vice-palatine disappeared from the window of
+the dining-room, they did not retire to their pillows. They went to
+Ludwig's study, where they refilled their pipes for another smoke.</p>
+
+<p>"But tell me, Herr Vice-palatine," said the count, continuing the
+conversation which had begun at the dining-table, "why is it that six
+months have been allowed to pass since the Diet passed the militia law
+without anything having been accomplished?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you must know that there are three essential parts among the
+works of a clock," returned Herr Bernat, complacently puffing away at
+his pipe. "There is the spring, the pendulum, and the escapement. The
+wheels are the subordinates. The spring is the law passed by the Diet.
+The pendulum is the palatine office, which has to set the law in motion;
+the escapement is the imperial counselor of war. The wheels are the
+people. We will keep to the technical terms, if you please. When the
+spring was wound up, the pendulum began to set the wheels going. They
+turned, and the loyal nobles of the country began to enroll their
+names&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"How many do you suppose enrolled their names?" interrupted the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Thirty thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry&mdash;which are not all
+the able-bodied men, as only one <a name="Page_235" id="Page_235" /></a>member from each family is required to
+join the army. After the names had been entered came the question of
+uniforms, arms, officering, drilling, provisions. You must admit that a
+clock cannot strike until the hands have made their regular passage
+through all the minutes and seconds that make up the hour!"</p>
+
+<p>"For heaven's sake! What a preamble!" ejaculated the count. "But go on.
+The first minute?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the first minute a stoppage occurred caused by the escapement
+objecting to furnish canteens; if the militiamen wanted canteens they
+must provide them themselves."</p>
+
+<p>"I trust the clock was not allowed to stop for want of a few canteens,"
+ironically observed Count Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Moreover," continued the vice-palatine, not heeding the interruption,
+"the escapement gave them to understand that brass drums could not be
+furnished&mdash;only wooden ones&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"They will do their duty, too, if properly handled," again interpolated
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"A more disastrous check, however, was the decision of the <i>Komitate</i>
+that the uniform was to consist of red trousers and light-blue dolman&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A picturesque uniform, at any rate!"</p>
+
+<p>"There was a good deal of argument about it; but at last it was decided
+that the companies from the Danube should adopt light-blue dolmans, and
+those from the Theiss dark-blue."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven something was decided!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be too premature with your thanks, Herr Count! The escapement
+would not consent to the red trousers; red dye-stuff was not to be had,
+because of the continental embargo. The militia must content itself with
+trousers made of the coarse white cloth of which peasants' cloaks are
+made. You can imagine what a tempest that raised in the various
+<a name="Page_236" id="Page_236" /></a>counties! To offer Hungarian nobles trousers made of such stuff! At
+last the matter was arranged: trousers and dolman were to be made of the
+same material. The Komitate were satisfied with this. But the escapement
+then said there were not enough tailors to make so many uniforms. The
+government would supply the cloth, and have it cut, and the militiamen
+could have it made up at home."</p>
+
+<p>"That certainly would make the uniform of more value to the wearer!"</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Would have made</i>, Herr Count; would have made! The escapement suddenly
+announced that the cloth could not be purchased; for, while the dispute
+about the colors of the uniform had been going on, the greedy merchants
+had advanced the price of all cloths to such an exorbitant figure that
+the government could&nbsp;n't afford to buy it."</p>
+
+<p>"To the cuckoo with your escapement! The men have got to have uniforms!"</p>
+
+<p>"Beg pardon; don't begin yet to waste expletives, else you will not have
+any left at the end of the hour! The counties then agreed to pay the sum
+advanced on the original price of the cloth, whereupon the escapement
+said the money would have to be forthcoming at once, as the cloth could
+not be bought on credit."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, is there no treasury which could supply enough funds for this
+worthy object?" asked the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; there is the public treasury for current expenses. But the
+treasurer will not give any money to the militia until they are mounted
+and equipped; the escapement will not furnish the cloth for the uniforms
+without the money; and the treasury will not give any money until the
+militia has its uniforms!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, a man can fight without a uniform. If only these men have horses
+under them and weapons in their hands&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Two of these requisites we already have; but the es<a name="Page_237" id="Page_237" /></a>capement announces
+that arms of the latest improvements cannot be furnished, because the
+government has not got them."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the old ones will answer."</p>
+
+<p>"They <i>would</i> if we had enough flints; but they are not to be had,
+because the insurrectionary Poles have captured the flint depot in
+Lemberg."</p>
+
+<p>"Each man certainly could get a flint for himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Even then there are only enough guns for about one half of the men. The
+escapement suggested that to those who had no arms it would
+furnish&mdash;halberds!"</p>
+
+<p>"What? Halberds!" cried Vavel, losing all patience. "Halberds against
+Bonaparte? Halberds against the legions who have broken a path from one
+end of Europe to the other with their bayonets, and with them carved
+their triumphs on the pyramids? Halberds against them? Do you take me to
+be a fool, Herr Vice-palatine?"</p>
+
+<p>He sprang to his feet and began to pace the floor excitedly, his guest
+meanwhile eying him with a roguish glance.</p>
+
+<p>"There!" at last exclaimed Herr Bernat, "I will not tease you any
+longer. Fortunately, there is a clock-repairer who, so soon as he
+perceived how tardily the hands performed their task, with his finger
+twirled them around the entire dial, whereupon the clock struck the
+hour. This able repairer is our king, who at once advanced from his own
+exchequer enough money to equip the militia companies, distributed six
+thousand first-class cavalry sabers and sixteen cannon, and loaned the
+entire Hungarian life-guard to drill the newly formed regiments. And
+now, I will wager that our noble militia host will be ready for the
+field in less than thirty days, and that they will fight as well as the
+good Lord permitted them to learn how!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why in the world did you not tell me this at once?" demanded Count
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_238" id="Page_238" /></a>Because it is not customary to put the fire underneath the tobacco in
+the pipe! The king's example inspired our magnates. Those whom the law
+compelled to equip ten horsemen sent out whole companies, and placed
+themselves in command."</p>
+
+<p>"As I shall do!" appended Count Vavel. "I hope, Herr Vice-palatine, that
+you will not forget the amnesty for Satan Laczi and his men. They will
+be of special value as spies."</p>
+
+<p>"I have a knot in my handkerchief for that, Herr Count, and shall be
+sure to remember. The company to be commanded by Count Ludwig Fert&ouml;szeg
+will be complete in a week."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you call me Fert&ouml;szeg?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because a Hungarian name is better for your ensign than your own
+foreign one. Our people have an antipathy to everything foreign&mdash;and we
+have cause to complain of the Frenchmen who served in our army. Most of
+them were spies&mdash;tools of Napoleon's. Generals Moiselle and Lefebre
+surrendered fortified Laibach, together with its entire brigade, without
+discharging a gun. And even our quondam friend, the gallant Colonel
+Barthelmy, has taken Dutch leave and gone back to the enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"What? Gone back to the enemy!" repeated Ludwig, springing from his
+chair, and laughing delightedly.</p>
+
+<p>"The news seems to rejoice you," observed Herr Bernat.</p>
+
+<p>"I shout for very joy! The thought that we might have to fight side by
+side annoyed me. Now, however, we shall be adversaries, and when we
+meet, the man who did not steal Ange Barthelmy will send her husband to
+the devil! And now, Herr Vice-palatine, I think it is time to say good
+night. It will be the first night in six years that I shall sleep
+quietly."</p>
+
+<p>They shook hands, and separated for the night.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>From early morning until evening the enrolment of names went on at the
+Nameless Castle, while from time to time a squad of volunteers,
+accompanied by Count Vavel himself, would depart amid the blare of
+trumpets for the drill-ground.</p>
+
+<p>The count made a fine-looking officer, with the crimson shako on his
+head, his mantle flung over one shoulder, his saber in his hand. When he
+saluted the ladies on their balconies, his spirited horse would rear and
+dance proudly. His company, the "Volons," had selected black and crimson
+as the colors for their uniform. The shako was ornamented in front with
+a white death's-head, and one would not have believed that a skull could
+be so ornamental.</p>
+
+<p>The Volons' ensign was not yet finished, but pretty white hands were
+embroidering gold letters on the silken streamers; lead would very soon
+add further ornamentation!</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig Vavel opened the door of his castle to the public, he very
+soon became acquainted with a very different life from that of the past
+six years. For six years he had dwelt among a people whom he imagined he
+had learned to know and understand through his telescope, and from the
+letters he had received from a clergyman and a young law student.</p>
+
+<p>The reality was quite different.</p>
+
+<p>Every man that was enrolled in his volunteer corps <a name="Page_240" id="Page_240" /></a>Count Vavel made an
+object of special study. He found among them many interesting
+characters, who would have deserved perpetuation, and made of all of
+them excellent soldiers. The men very soon became devoted to their
+leader. When the troop was complete&mdash;three hundred horsemen in handsome
+uniforms, on spirited horses&mdash;their ensign was ready for them. Marie
+thought it would have been only proper for Katharina, the betrothed of
+the leader, to present the flag; but Count Vavel insisted that Marie
+must perform the duty. The flag was hers; it would wave over the men who
+were going to fight for her cause.</p>
+
+<p>It was an inspiriting sight&mdash;three hundred horsemen, every one of noble
+Hungarian blood. There were among them fathers of families, and
+brothers; and all of them soldiers of their own free will. Of such
+material was the troop of Volons, commanded by "Count Vavel von
+Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel had a second volunteer company, composed of Satan Laczi and
+his comrades. This company, however, had been formed and drilled in
+secret, as the noble Volons would not have tolerated such vagabonds in
+their ranks. There were only twenty-four men in Satan Laczi's squad, and
+they were expected to undertake only the most hazardous missions of the
+campaign.</p>
+
+<p>Ah, how Marie's hand trembled when she knotted the gay streamers to the
+flag Ludwig held in his hands! She whispered, in a tone so low that only
+he could hear what she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't go away, Ludwig! Stay here with us. Don't waste your precious
+blood for me, but let us three fly far away from here."</p>
+
+<p>Those standing apart from the count and his fair ward fancied that the
+whispered words were a blessing on the ensign. She did not bless it in
+words, but when she saw that Ludwig would not renounce his undertaking,
+she <a name="Page_241" id="Page_241" /></a>pressed her lips to the standard which bore the <i>patrona Hungaria</i>.
+That was her blessing! Then she turned and flung herself into
+Katharina's arms, sobbing, while hearty cheers rose from the Volons:</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't <i>you</i> try to prevent him from going away from us? Why don't
+you say to him, 'To-morrow we are to be wedded. Why not wait until
+then?'"</p>
+
+<p>But there was no time now to think of marriage. There was one who was in
+greater haste than any bridegroom or bride. The great leader of armies
+was striding onward, whole kingdoms between his paces. From the
+slaughter at Ebersburg he passed at once to the walls of Vienna, to the
+square in front of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. From the south, also,
+came Job's messengers, thick and fast. Archduke John had retreated from
+Italy back into Hungary, the viceroy Eugene following on his heels.</p>
+
+<p>General Chasteler had become alarmed at Napoleon's proclamation
+threatening him with death, and had removed his entire army from the
+Tyrol. His divisions were surrendering, one after another, to the
+pursuing foe.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the border on the south and west was open to the enemy; and to
+augment the peril which threatened Hungary, Poland menaced her from the
+north, from the Carpathians; and Russia at the same time sent out
+declarations of war.</p>
+
+<p>The countries which had been on friendly terms with one another suddenly
+became enemies&mdash;Poland against Hungary, Russia against Austria. Prussia
+waited. England hastened to seize an island from Holland. The patriotic
+calls of Gentz and Schlegel failed to inspire Germany. The heroic
+attempts of Kalt, D&ouml;rnberg, Schill, and L&uuml;tzow fell resultless on the
+indifference of the people. Only Turkey remained a faithful ally, and
+the assurance that the Mussulman would protect Hungary in the rear
+against <a name="Page_242" id="Page_242" /></a>an invasion on the part of Moldavia was the only ray of light
+amid the darkness of those days.</p>
+
+<p>Then came a fresh Job's messenger.</p>
+
+<p>General Jelachich, with his five thousand men, had laid down his arms in
+the open field before the enemy. Now, indeed, it might be said: "The
+time is come to be up and doing, Hungary!"</p>
+
+<p>He who had neglected to celebrate his nuptials yesterday would have no
+time for marriage feasts to-morrow. Hannibal was at the gates! The noble
+militia host was set in motion. The Veszprime and Pest regiments moved
+toward the Marczal to join Archduke John's forces. The primatial troops
+joined the main body of the army on the banks of the March, and what
+there was of soldiery on the farther side of the Danube hastened to
+concentrate in the neighborhood of the Raab&mdash;only half equipped, muskets
+without flints, without cartridges, without saddles, with halters in
+lieu of bridles!</p>
+
+<p>Under such circumstances a fully equipped troop like that commanded by
+"Count Fert&ouml;szeg," with sabers, pistols, carbines, and a leader trained
+in the battle-field, was of some value.</p>
+
+<p>The days which followed the flag presentation were <ins class="correction"
+title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'cetainly'">certainly</ins> not calculated to whispers of happy love,
+while the nights were illumined only by the light of watch-fires, and
+the glare over against the horizon of cannonading. Count Ludwig had so
+many demands on his time that he rarely found a few minutes free to
+visit his dear ones at the manor. Sometimes he came unexpectedly early
+in the morning, and sometimes late in the evening. And always, when he
+came, like the insurgent who dashes unceremoniously into your door,
+there was a confusion and a bustling to conceal what he was not yet to
+see&mdash;Marie's first attempts at drawing, her piano practices, or the
+miniature <a name="Page_243" id="Page_243" /></a>portrait Katharina was painting of her. Sometimes, too, he
+came when they were at a meal; and then, despite his protests that he
+had already dined or supped in camp, he would be compelled to take his
+seat between the two ladies at the table. Hardly would he have taken up
+his fork, however, when a messenger would arrive in great haste to
+summon him for something or other&mdash;some question he alone could decide;
+then all attempts to detain him would prove futile.</p>
+
+<p>The day he received his orders to march, he was forced to take enough
+time to speak on some very important matters to his betrothed wife. He
+delivered into her hands the steel casket, of which so much has been
+written. When he entered the room where the two ladies were sitting,
+Marie discreetly rose and left the lovers alone; but she did not go very
+far: she knew that she would be sent for very soon. Why should she stop
+to hear the exchange of lovers' confidences, hear the mutual confessions
+which made <i>them</i> so happy? She did not want to see the tears which <i>he</i>
+would kiss away.</p>
+
+<p>"May God protect you," sobbed Katharina, reflecting at the same moment
+that it would be a great pity were a bullet to strike the spot on the
+noble brow where she pressed her farewell kiss.</p>
+
+<p>"You will guard my treasure, Katharina? Take good care of my palladium
+and of yourself. Before I go, let me show you what this casket which you
+must guard with unceasing care contains."</p>
+
+<p>He drew the steel ring from his thumb, and pushed to one side the crown
+which formed the seal, whereupon a tiny key was revealed. With it he
+unlocked the casket.</p>
+
+<p>On top lay a packet of English bank-notes of ten thousand pounds each.</p>
+
+<p>"This sum," explained Ludwig, "will defray the ex<a name="Page_244" id="Page_244" /></a>penses of our
+undertaking. When I shall have attained my object, I shall be just so
+much the poorer. I am not a rich man, Katharina; I must tell you this
+before our marriage."</p>
+
+<p>"I should love you even were you a beggar," was the sincere response.</p>
+
+<p>A kiss was her reward.</p>
+
+<p>Underneath the bank-notes were several articles of child's clothing,
+such as little girls wear.</p>
+
+<p>"Her mother embroidered the three lilies on these with her own hands,"
+said Ludwig, laying the little garments to one side. Then he took from
+the casket several time-stained documents, and added: "These are the
+certificate of baptism, the last lines from the mother to her daughter,
+and the deposition of the two men who witnessed the exchange of the
+children. This," taking up a miniature-case, "contains a likeness of
+Marie, and one of the other little girl who exchanged destinies with
+her. The Marquis d'Avoncourt, who is now a prisoner in the Castle of
+Ham,&mdash;if he is still alive!&mdash;is the only one besides ourselves who knows
+of the existence of these things. And now, Katharina, let me beg of you
+to take good care of them; no matter what happens, do not lose sight of
+this casket."</p>
+
+<p>He locked the casket, and returned the ring to his thumb.</p>
+
+<p>The baroness placed the treasure intrusted to her care in a secret
+cupboard in the wall of her own room.</p>
+
+<p>And now, one more kiss!</p>
+
+<p>The girl waiting in the adjoining room was doubtless getting weary.
+Suddenly Ludwig heard the tones of a piano. Some one was playing, in the
+timid, uncertain manner of a new beginner, Miska's martial song. Ludwig
+listened, and turned questioningly toward his betrothed. Katharina did
+not speak; she merely smiled, <a name="Page_245" id="Page_245" /></a>and walked toward the door of the
+adjoining room, which she opened.</p>
+
+<p>Marie sprang from the piano toward Ludwig, who caught her in his arms
+and rewarded her for the surprise. And thus it happened that Marie,
+after all, was the one to receive Ludwig's last kiss of farewell.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>The camp on the bank of the Rabcza was shared by the troop from
+Fert&ouml;szeg and by a militia company of infantry from Wieselburg.</p>
+
+<p>The parole had been given out for the night. Count Vavel had completed
+his round of the outposts, and had returned to the officers' tent. Here
+he found awaiting him two old acquaintances&mdash;the vice-palatine and the
+young attorney from Pest, each of them wearing the light-blue dolman.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful attorney, whose letters to the count had voiced the
+national discontent, had at once girded on his sword when the call to
+arms had sounded throughout the land, and was now of one mind with his
+quondam patron: if he got near enough to a Frenchman to strike him, the
+result would certainly be disastrous&mdash;for the Frenchman. Bernat b&aacute;csi
+also found himself at last in his element, with ample time and
+opportunity for anecdotes. Seated on a clump of sod the root side up,
+with both hands clasping the hilt of his sword, the point of which
+rested on the ground, he repeated what he had heard from the palatine's
+own lips, while dining with that exalted personage in the camp by the
+Raab.</p>
+
+<p>At a very interesting point in his recital he was unceremoniously
+interrupted by the challenging call of the outposts:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_247" id="Page_247" /></a>Halt! who comes there?"</p>
+
+<p>Vavel hastened from the tent, flung himself on his horse, and galloped
+in the direction of the call. The patrol had stopped an armed man who
+would not give the password, but insisted that he had a right to enter
+the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel recognized Satan Laczi, and said to the guard:</p>
+
+<p>"Release him; he is a friend of mine." Then to the ex-robber: "Come with
+me."</p>
+
+<p>He led the way to his own private tent, where he bade his companion rest
+himself on a pallet of straw.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare say you are tired, my good fellow."</p>
+
+<p>"Not very," was the reply. "I have come only from Kapuvar to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"On foot?"</p>
+
+<p>"Part of the way, and part of the way swimming."</p>
+
+<p>"What news do you bring?"</p>
+
+<p>"We captured a French courier in the marshes near Vitnyed just as he was
+about to ride into the stream."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, one of my fellows happened to grasp him a little too
+tightly by the collar, because he resisted so obstinately&mdash;and, besides,
+it must have been a very weak cord that fastened his soul to his body."</p>
+
+<p>"You have not done well, Satan Laczi," reproved the count. "Another time
+you must bring the prisoner to me alive, for I may learn something of
+importance from him. Did not I tell you that I would pay a reward for a
+living captive?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, your lordship, and we shall lose our reward this time. But we
+did&nbsp;n't capture the fellow for nothing, after all. We searched his
+pockets, and found this sealed letter addressed to a general in the
+enemy's army."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel took the letter, and said: "Rest here until I return. <a name="Page_248" id="Page_248" /></a>You will
+find something to eat and drink in the corner there. I may want you to
+ride farther to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"If I am to go on a horse, that will rest me sufficiently," was the
+response.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel quitted the tent to read the letter by the nearest watch-fire. It
+was addressed to "General Guillaume."</p>
+
+<p>That the general commanded a brigade of the viceroy of Italy's troops,
+Vavel knew.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was a long one&mdash;four closely written pages. Before reading it
+Vavel glanced at the signature: "Marquis de Fervlans." The name seemed
+familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it. He was fully
+informed when he read the contents:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"M. GENERAL: The intrigue has been successfully carried out.
+     Themire has found the fugitives! They are hidden in a secluded nook
+     on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, where their extreme
+     caution has attracted much attention. Themire's first move was to
+     take up her abode in the same neighborhood, which she did in a
+     masterly manner. The estate she bought belonged to a Viennese baron
+     who had ruined himself by extravagance. Themire bought the
+     property, paying one hundred thousand guilders for it, on condition
+     that she might also assume the baron's name; such transfers are
+     possible, I believe, in Austria. In this wise Themire became the
+     Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, and, as she thoroughly
+     understands the art of transformation, became a perfect German
+     woman before she took possession of her purchase. In order not to
+     arouse suspicion on the part of the fugitives, she carefully
+     avoided meeting either of them, and played to perfection the r&ocirc;le
+     of a lady that had been jilted by her lover.</p>
+
+<p>     "Themire learned that our fugitive owned a powerful <a name="Page_249" id="Page_249" /></a>telescope with
+     which he kept himself informed of everything that happened in the
+     neighborhood, and this prompted her to adopt a very amusing plan of
+     action. <i>I</i> wanted to put an end at once to the matter, and had
+     gone to Vienna for the purpose of so doing. I entered the Austrian
+     army as Count Leon Barthelmy, in order to be near my chosen
+     emissary. But my scheme was without result. I had planned that a
+     notorious robber of that region should steal the girl and the
+     documents from the Nameless Castle,&mdash;as the abode of the fugitives
+     is called,&mdash;but my robber proved unequal to the task. Consequently
+     I was forced to accept Themire's more tedious but successful plan.
+     The difficulty was for Themire to become acquainted with our
+     fugitive without arousing his suspicions. An opportunity offered.
+     One night, when we knew to a certainty that the hermit in the
+     Nameless Castle would be in his observatory because of an eclipse
+     of the moon, Themire put her plan into operation. The hermit, who
+     is only a man, after all, found a lovely woman more attractive than
+     all the planets in the universe; he was captured in the net laid
+     for him! When the moon entered the shadow, four masked robbers
+     (Jocrisse was their leader!) climbed into the Baroness
+     Landsknechtsschild's windows. The hermit in his observatory beheld
+     this incursion, and, being a knight as well as a recluse, what else
+     could he do but rush to the rescue of his fair neighbor? His
+     telescope had told him she was fair. Jocrisse played his part
+     admirably. At the approach of the deliverer the "robbers" took to
+     their heels, and the brave knight unbound the fettered and charming
+     lady he had delivered from the ruffians. As Themire had prepared
+     herself for the meeting, you may guess the result: the hermit was
+     captured!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Oh, how every drop of blood in Vavel's veins boiled and <a name="Page_250" id="Page_250" /></a>seethed! His
+face was crimsoned with shame and rage. He read further:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"Themire was perfectly certain that the mysterious hermit of the
+     Nameless Castle had fallen in love with her; and <i>I</i> am not so sure
+     but Themire has ended by falling in love with the knight! Women's
+     hearts are so impressionable.</p>
+
+<p>     "I managed to have my regiment sent to her neighborhood, and took
+     up my quarters in her house. I sought by every means to lure the
+     hermit from his den; but he is a cunning fox, is this protector of
+     fair ladies! I could not get a sight of him. I decided at last to
+     waylay him (when he would be out driving with the veiled lady), to
+     pretend that I was a betrayed husband in search of his errant wife,
+     and ask to see the face of his veiled companion. This, naturally,
+     he would refuse. A duel would be the result; and as he has not for
+     years had a weapon in his hand, and as I am a dead shot, you can
+     guess the result&mdash;a hermit against a Spadassin! With a bullet in
+     his brain, the mysterious maid would become my property."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Here an icy chill shook Vavel's frame. He read on:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"That was my intention. But something on which I had not counted
+     prevented me from carrying it out. When I insisted on seeing the
+     face of the veiled lady, after telling him I believed her to be my
+     wife, Ange Barthelmy (I need not tell you that that entire story
+     was an invention of my own; I published it in a provincial
+     newspaper, whence it spread all over Europe), my brave hermit
+     showed a very bold front, and we were on the point of exchanging
+     blows, when the lady suddenly flung back her veil and revealed the
+     face of&mdash;Themire! You may believe that I was dumfounded for an
+     instant; then I began to believe that my faith in <a name="Page_251" id="Page_251" /></a>this woman had
+     been misplaced. Could it be possible that she had been caught in
+     her own trap&mdash;that she had found this Vavel's eyes more alluring
+     than the fortune we promised her, and that instead of betraying him
+     to us she would do the very opposite&mdash;betray us to him? It may be
+     that she has woven a more delicate web than I can detect with which
+     to entangle her romantic victim the more securely. At all events,
+     when I asked Vavel what relation the lady at his side bore to him,
+     he replied: 'She is my betrothed wife.'</p>
+
+<p>     "I confess I am puzzled. But I have the means of compelling Themire
+     to keep her promise. Her daughter is in my power!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>("Her daughter?" gasped Vavel. "Her daughter? Then Katharina is a
+married woman!")</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"But," he continued to read, "it might happen that a woman who is
+     in love would sacrifice her child. So soon as this war broke out,
+     Vavel threw off his hermit's mask, and is now leading a company of
+     troopers&mdash;which he equipped at his own expense&mdash;against us.</p>
+
+<p>     "From Jocrisse's letters I learn that Vavel's treasures are now in
+     Themire's hands. That which our fair emissary was commissioned to
+     find is in her possession. Now, however, the question is, What will
+     she do with it?</p>
+
+<p>     "Jocrisse also informs me that Themire is quite bewitched with the
+     amiability of the maid who has been intrusted to her care. If this
+     be true, then matters are in a bad way. If this is not another of
+     Themire's schemes, but actual sympathy, if this girl, whose
+     remarkable loveliness of character (even Jocrisse is compelled to
+     praise her) has won the piquant little Am&eacute;lie's place in her
+     mother's heart, then it will be more difficult to separate Themire
+     from the girl than to win her from her lover."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252" /></a>This was a solitary ray of sunshine amid the threatening clouds which
+enveloped Ludwig. He continued to read with rapidly beating heart:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I must know to a certainty what Themire proposes to do. To-day I
+     sent her a message by a trusty courier, informing her that I should
+     be at a certain place at an appointed time&mdash;that I wanted her to
+     meet me and deliver into my hands the treasures she now holds. She
+     will have an excellent excuse for leaving the manor. Our troops are
+     approaching Steiermark, and have already crossed the Hungarian
+     border. Thus it will seem as if she fell by accident into the hands
+     of the enemy."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel's heart almost ceased to beat. The letter shook in his trembling
+hands.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I shall not, however," he continued to read, "depend on the fickle
+     mood of a woman, who may be swayed by a tear or a love-letter. If
+     Themire does not appear with the maid and the documents at the
+     designated spot to-morrow evening, then I shall ride with my troop
+     to the manor. My troop, as you know, belongs to the 'Legion of
+     Demons,' and they do not know the definition of the word
+     'impossible'! If Themire of her own free will delivers the
+     treasures into my hands, I shall thank her becomingly. If, however,
+     she fails to meet me, I shall take the maid and the documents by
+     force."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel did not notice that the firelight by which he was reading the
+letter had begun to grow dim; he believed the characters on the page
+before him were swimming in a blood-red mist.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"And now," the letter went on, "I come to my instructions to you,
+     general. You will move with your division <a name="Page_253" id="Page_253" /></a>toward the southern
+     shore of Lake Neusiedl, and cut off the way of our fugitives toward
+     the Tyrol. There is also another task which you must undertake. The
+     mysterious maid, once she is in our hands, must be treated with the
+     utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
+     know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
+     will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
+     yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
+     crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
+     crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
+     Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
+     with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
+     hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
+     sovereign can be."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
+that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
+But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
+become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
+nature was concentrated&mdash;this was more horrible than all the torments of
+hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
+     and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
+     the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
+     to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
+     exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
+     persons. Countess Themire Dealba's r&ocirc;le is concluded. She must not
+     be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
+     sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five <a name="Page_254" id="Page_254" /></a>millions of francs,
+     as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
+     her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
+     them prepare for the journey.</p>
+
+<p>     "Very truly,</p>
+
+<p>     "MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
+action.</p>
+
+<p>He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
+enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
+on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig shook him vigorously.</p>
+
+<p>"Awake&mdash;awake! You must depart at once."</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
+Fert&ouml;szeg."</p>
+
+<p>"And what am I to do there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
+kept concealed in the Nameless Castle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I did&nbsp;n't do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I want you to do it now for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Which do you want, the maid or the casket?"</p>
+
+<p>"Both, if possible; the maid in any case. But you must be sure that she
+is alone when you approach her. Then say merely the name 'Sophie Botta,'
+and she will listen quietly to what you have to say. Then show her this
+ring,&mdash;here, put it on your left thumb"&mdash;he drew the steel ring from his
+own thumb and slipped it on to Satan Laczi's,&mdash;"and say, 'The person who
+wears this ring sent me to fetch you away from here. You are to come
+with me at once.'"</p>
+
+<p>"And where am I to take her?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_255" id="Page_255" /></a>You will have a carriage with four swift horses at the park gate
+nearest the cemetery, and must drive with the maid to Raab.&mdash;Don't stop
+on any account until you get there. In Raab you will inquire for the
+house of Dr. Tromfszky, who is our army physician. He will have been
+advised of your coming, and will take charge of the maid. Then you will
+return to me here, and report what you have done. Here is a passport; if
+you are stopped at our lines show it to the guard. And here is a purse;
+don't spare the contents. And do not speak to a living soul about your
+mission."</p>
+
+<p>"Your orders shall be obeyed," responded Satan Laczi, as he turned to
+leave the tent.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel did not go back to the officers' tent. He went out into the night,
+and stood with folded arms, gazing with unseeing eyes into the darkness.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_VIII" id="PART_VIII" /></a><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256" /></a>PART VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was a delightful May evening. Marie was practising diligently her
+piano lesson, in order to surprise Ludwig with her progress when he
+should return from the war. That he would return Marie was quite
+certain.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina had gone into the park for a solitary promenade. She had
+complained all day of a headache&mdash;a headache that began to trouble her
+after she had read the letter she had received that morning from the
+Marquis de Fervlans. She held the letter in her hand now, and read it
+again for the hundredth time.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, she had accomplished her mission successfully; the fugitive maid
+and the important documents were in her possession; and yet her
+trembling hand refused to grasp the promised reward. A fortune awaited
+her for the comedy she had played with such success&mdash;a comedy in which
+she had acted the part of the charitable lady of the manor.</p>
+
+<p>And what if there had been something of reality in the farce? Suppose
+her heart had learned to thrill with emotions hitherto unknown to it?
+Suppose it had learned to know the true meaning of gratitude&mdash;of love?</p>
+
+<p>But five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>If she were alone in the world! But there was Am&eacute;lie, her dear little
+daughter, who was now almost fifteen years old&mdash;almost a young lady.
+Should she leave Am&eacute;lie in <a name="Page_258" id="Page_258" /></a>her present disagreeable position, a member
+of "Cythera's Brigade," or should she send for her, and confess to the
+man whose respect she desired to retain that the child was her daughter,
+and that she was a widow? Could she tell him what she had once been?
+Would he continue to respect, to love her?</p>
+
+<p>Five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>It was an enormous sum, and would become hers if she should order the
+carriage, and, taking Marie and the casket with her, drive leisurely
+along the highway until stopped by a troop of soldiers that would
+suddenly surround the carriage. A politely smiling face would then
+appear at the window of the carriage, and a courteous voice would say:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be alarmed, ladies. You are with friends. We are Frenchmen."</p>
+
+<p>But to renounce the love and respect so hardly won! Ah, how very dearly
+she loved the man to whom she had betrothed herself in jest! In jest?
+No, no; it was not a jest!</p>
+
+<p>But five millions of francs!</p>
+
+<p>Would all the millions in the world buy one faithful heart?</p>
+
+<p>Katharina was suffering for her transgressions. She had intended to play
+with the heart of another, and had lost her own. Besides, she could not
+bear to think of betraying the innocent girl who loved and trusted her
+and called her "mother."</p>
+
+<p>But time pressed. Three times already Jocrisse had interrupted her
+meditations to inquire if her answer to the marquis's letter was ready.
+And still she struggled with herself. When Jocrisse appeared again, she
+said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"My letter is of such importance that I cannot think of <a name="Page_259" id="Page_259" /></a>intrusting it
+to the hands of a stranger. You yourself, Jocrisse, must take it to the
+marquis."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready to depart at once, madame."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina wrote her reply, sealed it carefully, and gave it to Jocrisse,
+who set out at once on his errand.</p>
+
+<p>In the letter he carried were but three words:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>Io non posso</i>" ("I cannot").</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Katharina locked herself in the pavilion in the park, and gave orders to
+the servants not to admit any visitors, whether acquaintances or
+strangers.</p>
+
+<p>An hour or more had passed when she heard a timid knock at the door, and
+an apologetic voice said:</p>
+
+<p>"A strange gentleman is here. I told him your ladyship would see no one;
+then he bade me give your ladyship this, which he said he had brought
+from Paris."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina opened the door wide enough to receive the object. It was a
+small ivory locket, yellow with age. Katharina's hand shook violently as
+she pressed the spring to open it. She cast a hasty glance at the
+miniature,&mdash;the likeness of her daughter Am&eacute;lie,&mdash;then said in a
+faltering voice: "You may tell the gentleman I will see him."</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes the visitor entered the pavilion.</p>
+
+<p>"M. Cambray!" exclaimed the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame; I am Cambray, with my other name, Marquis Richard
+d'Avoncourt. I am he to whom you once said: 'I shall be grateful to you
+so long as I live.'"</p>
+
+<p>"How&mdash;how came you here?" gasped the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I managed to escape from my prison at Ham, went to Paris, where I saw
+your daughter&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You saw my daughter?" interrupted the baroness, excitedly. "Did you
+speak to her? Oh, tell me&mdash;tell me what you know about her."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_260" id="Page_260" /></a>You shall hear all directly, madame. I told the countess that I
+intended to search for her mother, and asked if she had any message to
+send to her."</p>
+
+<p>"Did she send a letter with you?" again interrupted the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"She did, madame. But before I give it to you I should like to have a
+shovel of hot coals and a bit of camphor."</p>
+
+<p>"But why&mdash;why?" demanded the baroness.</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell you. Do you know what Napoleon brought home with him from
+the bloody battle of Eilau?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have not heard."</p>
+
+<p>"The 'influenza.' I dare say you have never even heard the name; but you
+will very soon hear it often enough! It is a pestilential disease that
+is rather harmless where it originated, but when it takes hold of a
+strange region it becomes a deadly pestilence&mdash;as in Paris, where a
+special hospital has been established for patients with the disease. It
+was in this hospital I found your daughter as a nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Jesu Maria!</i>" shrieked the mother, in a tone of agony. "A nurse in
+that pest-house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," nodded the marquis. Then he took from his pocket a letter, and
+added: "She wrote this to you from there."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness eagerly extended her hand to take the letter.</p>
+
+<p>"Would it not be better to fumigate it first?" said the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; I am not afraid! Give it to me, I beg of you!"</p>
+
+<p>She caught the letter from his hand, tore it open, and read:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"DEAR LITTLE MAMA: What sort of a life are you leading out yonder
+     in that strange land? Do you never get weary or feel bored? Have
+     you anything to amuse <a name="Page_261" id="Page_261" /></a>you? <i>I</i> have become satiated with my
+     life&mdash;lying, cheating, deceiving every day in order to live! While
+     I was a little girl I was proud of the praises heaped upon me for
+     my cleverness. But a day came when everything disgusted me. It is
+     an infamous trade, this of ours, little mama, and I have given it
+     up. I have begun to lead a different life&mdash;one with which I am
+     satisfied; and if you will take the advice of one who wishes you
+     well, you, too, will quit the old ways. You can embroider
+     beautifully and play the piano like a master. You could earn a
+     livelihood giving lessons in either. Do not trouble any further
+     about me, for I can take care of myself. If only you knew how much
+     happier I am now, you would rejoice, I know! Let me beg you to
+     become honest and truthful, and think often of your old friend and
+     little daughter,</p>
+
+<p>     "AM&Eacute;LIE (now SOEU&Eacute;R AGNES)."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Katharina's nerveless hands dropped to her lap. This sharp rebuke from
+her only child was deserved.</p>
+
+<p>Then she sprang suddenly toward her visitor, grasped his arm, and cried:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me&mdash;tell me about my daughter, my little Am&eacute;lie! How does she look
+now? Is she much changed? Has she grown? Oh, M. Cambray! in pity tell
+me&mdash;tell me about her!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have brought you a portrait of her as she looked when I saw her
+last."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from his pocket a small case, and, opening it, disclosed a
+pallid face with closed eyes. A wreath of myrtle encircled the head,
+which rested on the pillow of a coffin.</p>
+
+<p>"She is dead!" screamed the horror-stricken mother, staring with wild
+eyes at the sorrowful picture.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, madame, she is dead," assented the marquis. "This portrait is sent
+by your daughter as a remembrance <a name="Page_262" id="Page_262" /></a>to the mother who exposed her on the
+streets, one stormy winter night, in order that she might spy upon
+another little child&mdash;a persecuted and homeless little child."</p>
+
+<p>The baroness cowered beneath the merciless words as beneath a stinging
+lash: but the man knew no pity; he would not spare the heartbroken
+woman.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, madame," he continued in a sharp tone, "you can go back to
+your home and take possession of your reward. You have worked hard to
+earn the blood-money."</p>
+
+<p>Here the baroness sat suddenly upright, tore from her bosom a small gold
+note-case, in which was the order for the five millions of francs. She
+opened the case, took out the order, and tore it into tiny bits. Then
+she flung them from her, crying savagely:</p>
+
+<p>"Curse him who brought me to this! God's curse be upon him who brought
+this on me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madame," calmly interposed the marquis, "you have not yet completed the
+task you were set to do."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no; I have not&mdash;I have not," was the excited response, "and I never
+will. Come&mdash;come with me! The maid and what belongs to her are
+here&mdash;safe, unharmed. Take her&mdash;fly with her and hers whithersoever you
+choose to go; I shall not hinder you."</p>
+
+<p>"That I cannot do, madame. I am a stranger in a strange land. I know not
+who is my friend or who is my foe. <i>You</i> must save the maid. If
+atonement is possible for you, that is the way you may win it. You know
+best where the maid will be safe from her persecutors. Save her, and
+atone for your transgression against her. Ludwig Vavel gave you his love
+and, more than that, his respect. Would you retain both, or will you
+tear them to tatters, as you have the order for the five million francs?
+Will you let me advise you?" he asked, suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_263" id="Page_263" /></a>Advise me, and I will follow it to the letter!"</p>
+
+<p>"Then disguise yourself as a peasant, hide the steel casket in a hamper,
+and take it to Ludwig Vavel, wherever he may be."</p>
+
+<p>"And Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"You cannot with safety take her with you. The maid and the casket must
+not remain together. You must conceal Marie somewhere until you return
+from the camp."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not stay here and keep watch over her until I return?"</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, madame, for your hospitality, but I must not accept it. I
+come direct from the influenza hospital. I feel that the disease has
+laid hold of me. I have comfortable quarters at the Nameless Castle,
+where my old friend Lisette will take care of me. Don't let Marie come
+to see me; and if I should not recover from this illness, which I feel
+will be a severe one, let me be buried down yonder on the shore of the
+lake."</p>
+
+<p>When the Marquis d'Avoncourt left the pavilion he was shaking with a
+violent chill, and as he took his way with tottering steps toward the
+Nameless Castle, Katharina, broken-hearted and filled with anguish, wept
+out her heart in bitter tears.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>Marie had finished practising her lesson, and hastened to join Katharina
+in the park. She found her in the pavilion, and was filled with alarm
+when she saw her "little mama" kneeling among the fragments of her
+fortune. Katharina's tear-stained eyes, swollen face, and drawn lips
+betrayed how terribly she was suffering.</p>
+
+<p>"My dearest little mama!" exclaimed Marie, hastening toward the kneeling
+woman, and trying to lift her from the floor, "what is the matter? What
+has happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't touch me," moaned the baroness. "Don't come near me. I am a
+murderess. I murdered her who called me mother."</p>
+
+<p>She held the ivory locket toward Marie, and added: "See, this is what
+she was like when I deserted her&mdash;my little daughter Am&eacute;lie!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your daughter?" repeated Marie, wonderingly. "You have been married?
+Are you a widow?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina now held toward the young girl the portrait M. Cambray had
+given her. "And this," she explained in a hollow tone, "is what she is
+like now&mdash;now, when I wanted her to come to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Good heaven!" ejaculated Marie, gazing in terror at the miniature, "she
+is dead?"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_265" id="Page_265" /></a>Yes&mdash;murdered&mdash;as you, too, will be if you stay with me! You must
+fly&mdash;fly at once!"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina!" interposed the young girl, "why do you speak so?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say that you must leave me. Go&mdash;go at once! Go down to the parsonage,
+and ask Herr Mercatoris to give you shelter. Tell him to clothe you in
+rags; and when you hear the tramp of horses, hide yourself, and don't
+venture from your concealment until they are gone. I, too, am going away
+from here."</p>
+
+<p>"But why may not I come with you?" asked Marie, in a troubled tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Where I go you cannot accompany me. I am going to steal through the
+lines of Ludwig's camp."</p>
+
+<p>"You are going to Ludwig?" interrupted the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, to deliver into his hands the casket containing your belongings.
+After that I&mdash;I don't know what will become of me."</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina! Don't frighten me so! Do you imagine that Ludwig will cease
+to love you when he learns you are a widow, and that you had a
+daughter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; he will not hate me because I had a daughter," returned
+Katharina, shaking her head sadly, "but because my wickedness destroyed
+her."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk so, Katharina," again expostulated Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, don't you see that she is dead? Look at these closed eyes, the
+white face! Ask these closed lips to open and tell you that I did not
+murder her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina, this is not true! Your enemies have told you this to grieve
+you. Look at these two pictures! There is not the least resemblance
+between them. This pale one is not your daughter. He who told you so
+lied cruelly."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266" /></a>Katharina sighed mournfully.</p>
+
+<p>"He who told me so does not lie. It was your old friend Cambray."</p>
+
+<p>"Cambray?" echoed Marie, with mingled delight and astonishment. "Cambray
+is here? My deliverer, my second father! Where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is gone. He accomplished that for which he came,&mdash;to crush me to the
+earth, and to serve you,&mdash;and has gone away again."</p>
+
+<p>"Gone away?" repeated Marie, incredulously. "Gone away? Impossible!
+Cambray would not go away without seeing me! Which way did he go? I will
+run after him and overtake him."</p>
+
+<p>"No; stay where you are!" commanded Katharina, seizing her arm. "You
+must not follow him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, and I will tell you. Cambray brought these pictures and this
+letter from Paris. The letter was written by my daughter in the
+hospital, where she caught the dreadful disease which caused her death.
+She had been nursing the sick, like a heroine, and died like a saint. It
+is well with her now, for she is in heaven. If I weep, it is not for
+her, but for myself. The deadly disease Am&eacute;lie died of has seized upon
+your friend Cambray; and the noble old man is unselfish even in dying.
+He does not want you to come near him, lest you, too, become affected by
+the pestilence. He is gone to the Nameless Castle, where Lisette will
+take care of him&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Lisette?" interrupted Marie, excitedly. "Lisette, who was afraid to go
+near her own husband when he lay dying!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what would you? Shall I send some one to nurse him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;no. <i>I</i> am the one to take care of him! He <a name="Page_267" id="Page_267" /></a>was a father to me. For
+my sake he was imprisoned, persecuted, buried alive all these years! And
+I am to let him die over yonder&mdash;alone, without a friend near him! No; I
+am going to him. That which your other daughter had the courage to do,
+this one also will do!"</p>
+
+<p>"Marie! Think of Ludwig! Do you wish to drive him to despair?"</p>
+
+<p>"God watches over us. He will do what is well for all of us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Marie"&mdash;Katharina made a last effort to detain the young girl&mdash;"Marie,
+do you wish to go to Cambray to learn from him that I am the curse-laden
+creature who was sent after you to capture you and deliver you into the
+hands of your enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>Marie turned at these desperate words, held out her hand, and said
+gently:</p>
+
+<p>"And if he were to tell me that, Katharina, I should say to him that,
+instead of destroying me you liberated me, and instead of hating me you
+love me as I love you."</p>
+
+<p>She made as if she would kiss Katharina; but the excited woman turned
+away her face, and held toward Marie the letter Cambray had given her.</p>
+
+<p>"Read this, and learn to know me as I am," she said in a choking voice.</p>
+
+<p>While Marie was reading the letter, Katharina covered her burning face
+with both hands; but they were gently drawn away and held in the young
+girl's warm clasp, while she spoke:</p>
+
+<p>"A reply must be sent to this letter, little mother. I shall say to her,
+through the soul now on the eve of departure to the better land where
+she dwells: 'Little sister, your mother will wear the pure white
+garment, as you desired, in mourning for you. Instead of you, she will
+have me, and will love me, as I shall love her, in your <a name="Page_268" id="Page_268" /></a>stead. Bless us
+both, and be happy.' Shall I not send this message to your Am&eacute;lie with
+my good friend Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"Go, then; go&mdash;go," convulsively sobbed Katharina, and fell upon her
+face on the floor as Marie hastened from the pavilion.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>When her grief had exhausted itself, Katharina stole back to the manor,
+where she removed the steel casket from its hiding-place, wrapped it in
+her shawl, and, passing noiselessly and unseen down a staircase that was
+rarely used, crossed the park to the farmer's cottage.</p>
+
+<p>Here she told the farmer's wife that she was going to play a trick on
+her betrothed, that she wanted to borrow a gown and a kerchief. She bade
+the farmer saddle the mule which his wife rode when she went to the
+village, and to hang the hampers, as usual, from the pommel. In one of
+these she placed the steel casket, in the other a pistol, and filled
+them both with all sorts of provisions. Thus disguised, she mounted the
+quadruped, and set out alone on her way toward the camp.</p>
+
+<p>Almost at the same moment that Ludwig Vavel had learned of the deceit of
+the woman he loved, he became convinced that his ambitious designs had
+come to naught. The rising of the German patriots against Napoleon had
+ended in their defeat, and not a trace was left of the uprising among
+the French people themselves.</p>
+
+<p>It was the third day after the battle of Aspern when Master Matyas
+entered Count Vavel's tent.</p>
+
+<p>The jack of all trades had proved himself a useful member of the
+army&mdash;not, indeed, where there was any <a name="Page_270" id="Page_270" /></a>fighting, for he much preferred
+looking on, when a battle was in progress, to taking an active part in
+the fray. But as a spy he was invaluable.</p>
+
+<p>"I have seen everything," he announced. "I saw the balloon in which a
+French engineer made an ascent to the clouds, to reconnoiter the
+Austrian camp. He went up as high as a kite, and they held on to the
+rope below, down which he sent his messages&mdash;observations of the
+Austrians' movements. I saw the bridge, which is two hundred and forty
+fathoms long, which can be transported from place to place, and reaches
+from one bank of the Danube to the other. And I saw that demi-god flying
+on his white horse. He was pale, and trembled."</p>
+
+<p>"And how came you to see all these sights, Master Matyas?" interrupted
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"I allowed the Frenchmen to capture me; then I was set to work in the
+intrenchments with the other prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you manage to deliver my letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes. The Philadelphians are easily recognized from the silver arrow
+they wear in their ears. When I whispered the password to one of them,
+he gave it back to me, whereupon I handed him your letter. I came away
+as soon as he brought me the answer. Here it is."</p>
+
+<p>This letter by no means lightened Vavel's gloomy mood. Colonel Oudet,
+the secret chief of the Philadelphians in the French army, heartily
+thanked Count Vavel for his offer of assistance to overthrow Napoleon;
+but he also gave the count to understand that, were Bonaparte defeated,
+the republic would be restored to France. In this case, what would
+become of Vavel's cherished plans?</p>
+
+<p>It was after midnight. The pole of "Charles's Wain" in the heavens stood
+upward. Ludwig approached the watch-fire, and told the lieutenant on
+guard that he might <a name="Page_271" id="Page_271" /></a>go to his tent, that he, Vavel, would take his
+place for the remainder of the night. Then he let the reins drop on the
+neck of his horse, and while the beast grazed on the luxuriant grass,
+his rider, with his carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, continued
+the night watch. The night was very still; the air was filled with
+odorous exhalations, which rose from the earth after the shower in the
+early part of the evening. From time to time a shooting star sped on its
+course across the sky.</p>
+
+<p>One after the other, Ludwig Vavel read the two letters he carried in his
+breast. He did not need to take them from their hiding-place in order to
+read them. He knew the contents by heart&mdash;every word. One of them was a
+love-letter he had received from his betrothed; the other was the Judas
+message of his enemy and Marie's.</p>
+
+<p>At one time he would read the love-letter first; then that of the
+arch-plotter. Again, he would change the order of perusal, and test the
+different sensations&mdash;the bitter after the sweet, the sweet after the
+bitter.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, through the silence of the night, he heard the distant tinkle
+of a mule-bell. It came nearer and nearer. He heard the outpost's "Halt!
+Who comes there?" and heard the pleasant-voiced response: "Good evening,
+friend. God bless you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" muttered Ludwig, with a scornful smile, "my beautiful bride is
+sending another supply of dainties. How much she thinks of me!"</p>
+
+<p>The mule-bell came nearer and nearer.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of the watch-fire Vavel could see the familiar red kerchief
+the farmer's wife from the manor was wont to wear over her head. The
+mule came directly toward the watch-fire, and stopped when close to
+Vavel's horse. The woman riding the beast slipped quickly to the ground,
+emptied the provisions from the hampers, then, lifting the <a name="Page_272" id="Page_272" /></a>object which
+had been concealed in the bottom of one of them, came around to Vavel's
+side, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"It is I. I have come to seek you."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is it?" he demanded sternly, recognizing the voice; "Katharina or
+Themire?"</p>
+
+<p>"Katharina&mdash;Katharina; it is Katharina," stammered the trembling woman,
+looking pleadingly up into his forbidding face.</p>
+
+<p>"And why have you come here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I came to bring you this," she replied, holding toward him the steel
+casket.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Marie?"</p>
+
+<p>"She is safe&mdash;with the Marquis d'Avoncourt."</p>
+
+<p>"What?" exclaimed Vavel, in amazement, flinging his carbine on the
+ground. "Cambray&mdash;d'Avoncourt&mdash;<i>here?</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he is at the Nameless Castle, and Marie is with him."</p>
+
+<p>"After all, there is a God in heaven!" with deep-toned thankfulness
+ejaculated Ludwig. Then he added: "Oh, Katharina, how I have suffered
+because of&mdash;Themire!"</p>
+
+<p>"Themire is dead!" solemnly returned the baroness. "Let us not speak of
+her. Here, take these treasures into your own keeping; they are no
+longer safe with me. Open the casket and convince yourself that
+everything is there."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot open it; I have not got the key."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you lost your ring?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I have trusted the most notorious thief in the country with it. I
+have sent him with the ring to Marie. I bade him show it to her, and
+tell her that she was to follow him wherever he might lead her. Satan
+Laczi has the ring."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina covered her eyes with her hand, and stood with drooping head
+before her lover.</p>
+
+<p>"I have deserved this," she murmured brokenly.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273" /></a>Vavel passed his hand over his face, and sighed. "It was all a dream!
+It was madness to expect impossibilities," he murmured. "I am familiar
+enough with the stars to have known that there are constellations which
+never descend to the horizon. The 'Crown' is one of them! Of what use
+are these rags now?" he exclaimed, with sudden vehemence, pointing to
+the casket, which Katharina still held on her arm. "Whom can they serve?
+They have brought only sorrow to him who has guarded them, and to her to
+whom they belong. I cannot open the casket; but I need not do that to
+destroy the contents. Pray throw it into the fire yonder."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina obeyed without an instant's hesitation. After a while the
+metal casket began to glow in the midst of the flames. It became red,
+then a pale rose-color, while a thin cord of vapor trailed through the
+keyhole.</p>
+
+<p>"The little garments are burning," whispered Vavel, "and the documents,
+and the portraits, and the heap of worthless money. From to-day," he
+added, in a louder tone, "I begin to learn what it is to be a poor man."</p>
+
+<p>"I have already learned what poverty means," said Katharina. "Look at
+these clothes! I have no others, and even these are borrowed."</p>
+
+<p>"I love you in them," involuntarily exclaimed Vavel, extending his hand
+toward her.</p>
+
+<p>"What? You offer me your hand? Do you believe that I am Katharina&mdash;only
+Katharina?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I may wholly and entirely believe that you are Katharina, and not
+Themire, answer one question. A creature who calls himself the Marquis
+de Fervlans and Leon Barthelmy is lying in ambush somewhere in this
+neighborhood, waiting for you to settle an old account with him. If you
+are the same to me that you once were, and if I am the same to you that
+I was once, tell me where <a name="Page_274" id="Page_274" /></a>I shall find De Fervlans, for it will be <i>my</i>
+duty then to settle with him."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's face suddenly blazed with eager excitement. She flung back
+her head with a proud gesture.</p>
+
+<p>"I will lead you to the place. Together we will seek him!" she cried,
+with animation in every feature.</p>
+
+<p>"Then give me your hand. You <i>are</i> Katharina&mdash;<i>my</i> Katharina!"</p>
+
+<p>He bent toward her, and the two hands met in a close clasp.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Count Fert&ouml;szeg ordered the drums to beat a reveille; then he selected
+from his troop one hundred trusty men, and galloped with them in the
+direction of Neusiedl Lake. Katharina on her mule, without the tinkling
+bell, trotted soberly by his side.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_IX" id="PART_IX" /></a><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275" /></a>PART IX</h2>
+
+<h3>SATAN AND DEMON</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>There was a notorious troop with Napoleon's army, the sixth Italian
+regiment, which was called the "Legion of Demons."</p>
+
+<p>The troop was made up of worthless members of society&mdash;idlers,
+highwaymen, outcasts, and desperate characters, who had lost all sense
+of respectability and morality. The majority of them had sought the
+asylum of the battle-field to escape imprisonment or worse.</p>
+
+<p>When their commander led his "demons" to an attack, he was wont to urge
+them thus:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Avanti, avanti, Signori briganti! Cavalieri ladroni, avanti!</i>"
+("Forward, forward, Messieurs Highwaymen! My chivalrous footpads,
+forward!")</p>
+
+<p>A division of this legion of demons had made its way with the vice-king
+of Italy thus far through the belt-line, and had been intrusted with the
+mission mentioned in De Fervlans's letter to General Guillaume. The
+marquis commanded this body of the demons, he having, as Colonel
+Barthelmy in the Austrian army, become thoroughly familiar with that
+part of Hungary.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>Lisette and Satan Laczi's little son were living alone at the Nameless
+Castle.</p>
+
+<p>When Marie, who was come in quest of her friend Cambray, rang the bell,
+the door was opened by the lad.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_277" id="Page_277" /></a>Is there a strange gentleman here?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know. He went to see Lisette, and I did not see him come away,"
+was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Then let me come in," said the young girl. "I want to speak to Lisette,
+too."</p>
+
+<p>"She will beat me if I let you come in," returned the boy, opening the
+door after a moment's hesitation.</p>
+
+<p>The fumes of camphor were perceptible even in the vestibule; and when
+Marie's little conductor knocked at the door of the kitchen, a heaping
+shovelful of hot and smoking coals was thrust toward him, and a scolding
+voice demanded irritably:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want again? Why do you keep annoying me, you little
+torment!"</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, Lisette," humbly apologized the lad, "but our young mistress
+from the manor is here."</p>
+
+<p>At this announcement Lisette hastily shut the door again, and opened a
+small loophole in an upper panel, through which she spoke in a sharp
+tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you come here? Has the Lord forsaken you over yonder, that you
+come back to this pest-house? Get out of it as quickly as you can. Go
+down and hide yourself in the Schmidt's cottage&mdash;perhaps they will not
+betray you. Anyway, you can't stop here with us."</p>
+
+<p>"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,&mdash;stop here with you,"
+smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"</p>
+
+<p>"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is&nbsp;n't
+anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M.
+Cambray, for he does&nbsp;n't want to see you."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her <a name="Page_278" id="Page_278" /></a>side, "Come with
+me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."</p>
+
+<p>Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened
+Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her
+little escort had disappeared down the corridor.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were
+covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the
+varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on
+the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her
+former immaculate asylum.</p>
+
+<p>She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray!
+father! art thou here?" but received no reply.</p>
+
+<p>Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open
+like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not
+been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected
+guest in this only habitable chamber.</p>
+
+<p>Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!</p>
+
+<p>She hastened toward it. There was a light burning in the alcove, and she
+could see through the links by placing her eyes close to them. The noble
+old knight was lying on the bare floor, with his hands forming a pillow
+for his head. His glassy eyes were fixed and staring, and burning with a
+startling brightness. His parched lips were half-open, as if he were
+speaking.</p>
+
+<p>"Cambray! father!" called Marie; in a tone of distress.</p>
+
+<p>"Who calls? Marie?" gasped the fever-stricken man, making a vain attempt
+to rise. He fell back with a deep groan, but flung out his hand as if to
+ward off her approach.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me come in, Cambray. It is I, your little Marie. <a name="Page_279" id="Page_279" /></a>Please let me
+come in. There, close to your right hand, is a button in the floor.
+Press it, and this screen will rise."</p>
+
+<p>The sick man began to laugh; only his face showed that he was laughing,
+no sound came from his parched throat. He was laughing because he had
+prevented his favorite from coming to his pestilential resting-place.</p>
+
+<p>Marie deliberated a moment, then decided to resort to stratagem:</p>
+
+<p>"If you will not let me come in to you, papa Cambray," she called,
+simulating a petulant tone, "I shall go away, and not come back again.
+If you should want anything there will be a little boy here, outside;
+you can summon him by pressing that button. Good night, dear papa
+Cambray!"</p>
+
+<p>The sick man turned his face toward the screen and listened in dreamy
+ecstasy to the sweet voice. He raised his hand, waved it weakly toward
+the speaker, then clasped it with the other on his breast, while his
+lips moved as if in prayer.</p>
+
+<p>"Go fetch candles, and the tinder-box," whispered Marie to the little
+Laczko. "Place them here by the sofa, then light the lamp in the
+corridor."</p>
+
+<p>"May I fetch my gun, too?" asked the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Your gun? What for?"</p>
+
+<p>"I should&nbsp;n't be afraid if I had it with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Then fetch it; but don't come into the room with it, for I am
+dreadfully afraid of guns. Leave it just outside the door."</p>
+
+<p>It was quite dark when Laczko returned with the candles and a heavy
+double-barreled fowling-piece. He carefully placed the latter in the
+corner, then asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I light the candles now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not. I don't want the gentleman to know that I am here. Maybe
+he may want something, and open <a name="Page_280" id="Page_280" /></a>the screen. I am going to lie down on
+this sofa, and you are to stand close by the alcove and watch the
+gentleman. If he should lift the screen, and I have fallen asleep, you
+must waken me at once."</p>
+
+<p>Marie wrapped herself in her shawl, and lay down on the leather couch.
+Laczko took up his station as directed, close by the metal screen,
+through which he peered from time to time.</p>
+
+<p>But there was no danger of Marie falling asleep. She could not even keep
+her eyes closed. Every few moments she would sit up and ask in a
+cautious whisper:</p>
+
+<p>"What is he doing now?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is tossing from side to side."</p>
+
+<p>This reply was repeated several times.</p>
+
+<p>At last the answer came that the invalid was perfectly quiet, whereupon
+Marie decided not to inquire again for an hour.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she heard the lad say, in a trembling voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I am dreadfully frightened."</p>
+
+<p>"What of?" whispered Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"The gentleman lies so still. He has&nbsp;n't stirred for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"He is asleep, I dare say."</p>
+
+<p>"If he were sleeping his breast would rise and fall; but he is perfectly
+still."</p>
+
+<p>Marie rose, and hastened to the screen. The smoking wick in the
+night-lamp near Cambray's head illumined his ghastly face. Marie had
+already seen one such pallid countenance&mdash;that of the old servant Henry
+when he lay dead on his bier.</p>
+
+<p>She shuddered, and retreated with trembling limbs, drawing the lad with
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"You may light the candle now," she whispered; "then we will go back to
+Lisette."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281" /></a>Laczko lighted the candle, then shouldered his gun, and preceded his
+young mistress down the staircase to the lower story.</p>
+
+<p>They had almost reached the door of Lisette's room when Marie, who had
+been peering sharply ahead, stopped abruptly, and exclaimed in a
+startled tone:</p>
+
+<p>"There is a man!"</p>
+
+<p>Even as she spoke a dark form stepped from a doorway into the corridor
+in front of them. Marie retreated several steps; but her little escort
+proved that he was made of sterner stuff. He placed himself valiantly in
+front of his young mistress, laid his gun against his cheek, and aiming
+directly for the stranger's breast, said, in a brave tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Halt, or I will shoot you."</p>
+
+<p>"That's my brave lad," commented the stranger. "But don't shoot. It is
+I, your father."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't come any nearer, I tell you!" responded the lad, threateningly.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I am not moving a muscle, lad; don't be foolish."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want here?" demanded Laczko. "I will not let you do any
+harm to my mistress."</p>
+
+<p>Here Marie, who had recovered from her alarm, came forward, and laid her
+hand over her small defender's eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Take down your gun, Laczko," she commanded. Then turning to the
+stranger asked: "What do you want, my good man?"</p>
+
+<p>For answer the man merely pronounced a name:</p>
+
+<p>"Sophie Botta."</p>
+
+<p>Without an instant's hesitation, and although she shuddered
+involuntarily when her eyes fell on the stranger's repulsive
+countenance, the young girl went close to his side, and said calmly:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish me to do?"</p>
+
+<p>Satan Laczi held the thumb-ring toward her, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_282" id="Page_282" /></a>The person who wears this sent me to fetch you away from here. Are you
+ready to come with me at once?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am," replied Marie, who seemed unable to remove her eyes from the
+hideously ugly face before her.</p>
+
+<p>"My master," continued the ex-robber, "also bade me fetch a little steel
+casket. Do you know where it is hidden?"</p>
+
+<p>"The person who had it in her care has already taken it to your master,"
+was Marie's response.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, she has taken it to him?" repeated Satan Laczi. "Then it is all
+right. I know now what I have to do. My master bade me convey you to a
+place of concealment; but my face is not exactly the sort to win
+anybody's confidence. Besides, I know some one who can perform this
+errand as well as I. The way to Raab is clear. Instead of taking you
+there myself, my wife will go with you. I think you would rather have
+her for a companion?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I think I would rather go with a woman," diplomatically assented
+Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"As an additional protection, take this little lad with you." Here the
+ex-robber laid his hand on his son's shoulder, and looked proudly down
+on him. "His heart is already in the right place. And then he is not a
+wicked rascal like his father."</p>
+
+<p>He was silent a moment, then added: "But I intend to reform. When my
+master has spoken with the woman to whom he intrusted his treasures, and
+if she has not betrayed him, then I know where he will be to-morrow. And
+Satan Laczi will be there, too! Then I and my comrades will show them
+what we can do. But come, we must make haste, and get on as far as
+possible while the moon is shining."</p>
+
+<p>"But I am not properly clad for a journey," interposed Marie.</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_283" id="Page_283" /></a>My wife brought a nice warm <i>bunda</i> to wrap you in; it is in the
+carriage out yonder," returned the ex-robber.</p>
+
+<p>"One word first: you are acquainted with the man who made the metal
+screen in my apartments. Could you see him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is in Count Vavel's service, and I can see him when I return to the
+camp."</p>
+
+<p>"Then tell him to come to the Nameless Castle at once. He understands
+the secret spring of the screen, behind which he will find a dead man.
+This man was a very good friend, and I want him properly buried."</p>
+
+<p>"I will give Master Matyas your order."</p>
+
+<p>Marie now took leave of the Nameless Castle, feeling that she would
+never again come back to it. But she had not the courage to enter her
+apartments again.</p>
+
+<p>The four-horse coach waited at the park gate. Marie entered it, wrapped
+the warm sheep-skin around her, and tied a cotton kerchief over her head
+in peasant fashion. Satan Laczi's wife took a seat by her side; the
+little Laczko climbed to the coachman's box, where he sat with his gun
+between his knees. Then the coachman cracked his whip, and the vehicle
+rattled down the road amid a cloud of dust. Satan Laczi looked after the
+coach until it disappeared around a turn in the road. Then he blew a
+shrill blast on his whistle, whereupon a number of wild-looking men,
+each armed to the teeth, emerged from the shrubbery and came toward him.
+Whispered orders were given, then the men in a body moved toward the
+willow-copse on the shore of the lake. Here were two flatboats drawn up
+on the beach. These were pushed into the water; the men entered them,
+each took an oar, and the unwieldy vessels were propelled along the
+shore toward the marshes.</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de Fervlans had camped with his company <a name="Page_284" id="Page_284" /></a>of demons on the
+shore of Neusiedl Lake. The marquis himself had taken quarters at the
+inn in the nearest village, where, assisted by two companions of
+questionable respectability but of undoubted valor, he was testing the
+quality of the fiery wine of the region, when a peasant cart, drawn by
+three horses, drew up before the inn, and Jocrisse, Baroness Katharina's
+messenger, alighted.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, here comes a sensible fellow," exclaimed the marquis. "I wonder
+what news he brings."</p>
+
+<p>He was very soon enlightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Hum! '<i>Io non posso!</i>'" he repeated, after reading the brief message
+Jocrisse delivered to him. "Very well, madame, I think I shall know what
+to do if you 'cannot'! Jocrisse, how is the country around Odenburg
+garrisoned?"</p>
+
+<p>"A division of militia cavalry occupies every town,"</p>
+
+<p>"That is exasperating! Not that I fear these militiamen might give my
+demons too much work; but I am afraid I may alarm them; then they will
+scamper in all directions, and frighten the entire Neusiedl region, so
+that when I arrive at Fert&ouml;szeg I shall find the birds flown and the
+nest empty. We must take them by surprise. Have you ever before been in
+this part of the country, Jocrisse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I accompanied the county surveyor once as far as Frauenkirchen."</p>
+
+<p>"Is the road practicable for wheels?"</p>
+
+<p>"To Frauenkirchen it is good for wagons; but beyond the city it is in a
+wretched condition."</p>
+
+<p>"Very well. You will engage a post-chaise here, and follow us to
+Frauenkirchen, where you will wait for further orders. What time did you
+leave Fert&ouml;szeg?"</p>
+
+<p>"About noon."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen. I suspect that your mistress will try to escape with the maid.
+If that is the case, we must bestir ourselves. But women are afraid to
+travel by night; and even if they <a name="Page_285" id="Page_285" /></a>have already left the manor, they
+cannot have gone very far. The water in the Danube was unusually high on
+the day of the battle at Aspern; that would cause the Raab to rise, and
+overflow the bridges crossing it. I shall doubtless overtake the
+fugitives at Vitnyed."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be rather risky crossing the Hansag at night," observed
+Jocrisse, "and no amount of money would induce one of these natives
+about here to act as guide. They are a peculiar folk."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but I shall not need a guide. I have an excellent map of the
+neighborhood, which I used when I was in garrison here. I used to hunt
+all over this region after wild boars and turkeys, and never had any
+difficulty finding my way, even at night."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans now sent orders to his troop to break camp at once, with as
+little stir as possible; and before twilight shadows fell upon the land,
+the demons were riding toward the Hansag.</p>
+
+<p>If we assume that Marie left the Nameless Castle in company with the
+wife of Satan Laczi at midnight, we can easily see that she would have
+but a few hours' advantage of the demons, who broke camp at sunset. If
+the latter met with no hindrance on their way, they would overtake the
+coach of the fugitives at the crossing of the Raab. As it was after
+midnight when Ludwig Vavel learned of the danger which threatened Marie,
+he could not, even if he had set out at once, have reached the Hansag
+before noon of the following day, by which time De Fervlans and his
+demons would have accomplished their errand. Therefore nothing short of
+a miracle could save the maid.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>The miracle happened&mdash;a true miracle, like the one of the biblical
+legend, when the Red Sea obstructed the way of the persecutor Pharaoh.</p>
+
+<p>Those who may doubt this assertion are referred to the "Monograph on
+Lake Neusiedl," in which may be read a description of the phenomenon. In
+the last years Lake Neusiedl had been drained, and where it had joined
+the lakes of the Hansag, a stout dam had been built. When the waters of
+the Hansag chain rose, the muddy undercurrent threw up great mounds of
+earth, like enormous excrescences on a diseased body. One of these huge
+mounds burst open at the top and emitted a black, slimy mud that
+inundated the surrounding morass for a considerable distance.</p>
+
+<p>Already in the neighborhood of St. Andras this slimy ooze was noticeable
+when the troop of demons galloped over the plantain-covered flats which
+here and there bent under the weight of the horsemen. As they proceeded,
+the enormous numbers of frogs became surprising, as if this host of
+amphibia had leagued against the invading demons. Then flocks of
+water-fowl, with clamorous cries and rustling wings, rose here and
+there, startled from their quiet nests by the approaching inundation,
+which by this time had completely hidden what was called in that region
+the public road. De Fervlans, at a loss what to make of <a name="Page_287" id="Page_287" /></a>this singular
+freak of nature, sent a horseman to the right, and one to the left, to
+examine the ground, and learn whence came the sea of slime, and how it
+might be avoided. Each of his messengers returned with the information
+that the slime was flowing in the direction he had ridden. The source,
+then, must be near where they had halted.</p>
+
+<p>"This is bad," said De Fervlans, impatiently. "This eruption of mud will
+hinder our progress. We can't run a race with it. We must look up
+another route, and this will delay us perhaps for hours. But we can make
+that up when on a hard road again."</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans, who was familiar with the neighborhood, now led his troop
+in the direction of the path which ran through the morass toward the
+village of Banfalva, hoping thus to gain the excellent highway of
+Eszterhaza. Here and there from the swamp rose slight elevations of dry
+earth which were overgrown with alders and willows. On one of these
+"hills" De Fervlans concluded to halt for a rest, as both men and horses
+were weary with the toilsome journey over the wretched roads.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon enough dry wood was collected for a fire. There was no need to
+fear that the light might attract attention; the camp was far enough
+from human habitation, and neither man nor beast ever spent the night in
+the morass of the Hansag. Besides, they could have seen, from the top of
+a tree, if any one were approaching. They could see in the bright
+moonlight the long poplar avenue which led to Eszterhaza; and even a
+gilded steeple might be seen gleaming in the Hungarian Versailles, which
+was perhaps a two hours' ride distant.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the sharp call, "<i>Qui vive?</i>" was heard. It was answered by a
+sort of grunt, half-brute, half-human. Again the challenging call broke
+the silence, and was followed in a few seconds by a gunshot. Then a wild
+laugh was <a name="Page_288" id="Page_288" /></a>heard at some distance from the hill. De Fervlans hurried
+toward the guard.</p>
+
+<p>"What was it?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know whether it was a wild beast or a devil in human form," was
+the reply. "It was a strange-looking monster with a large head and
+pointed ears."</p>
+
+<p>"I&nbsp;'ll wager it is my runaway fish-boy!" exclaimed the marquis.</p>
+
+<p>"When I challenged the creature he stood up on his feet, and barked, or
+grunted, or whatever you might call it; and when I called out the second
+time he seemed to strike fire with something; at any rate, he did not
+act in the proper manner, so I fired at him. But I did&nbsp;n't hit him."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be sorry if you had," responded the marquis. "I am convinced
+that it was my little monster. I taught him to strike fire; and he was
+evidently attracted by the light of our camp-fire."</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps it would have been better had the guard shot the amphibious
+dwarf. Hardly had De Fervlans returned to his seat when the adjutant
+called his attention to a suspicious flashing in the morass a short
+distance from the hill on which they were resting. Suddenly, while they
+were watching the flashes of light, a column of flame rose toward the
+sky, then another, and another&mdash;the morass was on fire in a dozen
+places.</p>
+
+<p>"Hell, and all devils!" shouted De Fervlans, springing toward his horse.
+"The little monster has set the marsh-grass on fire, and it was I who
+taught the devil's spawn how to use touchwood! Give chase to the
+creature!"</p>
+
+<p>But the order for a chase came too late. In ten minutes the reeds
+growing about the hill were burning, and the demons were compelled to
+use their spurs in order to speed their horses from the dangerous
+conflagration.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289" /></a>They did not stop until they had reached the Valla plain&mdash;driven to
+their mad gallop by the caricature of the "militiaman"!</p>
+
+<p>"This is a pretty state of affairs!" grumbled De Fervlans. "Mire first,
+then flames, bar our way. <i>Quis quid peccat, in eo punitur</i>&mdash;he who sins
+will be punished by his sin! I sinned in teaching that monster to strike
+fire. It has made us lose four more hours."</p>
+
+<p>The four hours were of some consequence to the fugitive maid and Ludwig
+Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>Dawn broke before the demons found the road between the groups of hills,
+and when they reached it, they still had before them that half of the
+Hansag which is formed by a series of small lakes.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans now became anxious to shorten their route. A lakelet of
+fifty or sixty paces in width is not an impassable hindrance for a
+horseman. Therefore it was not necessary to ride perhaps a thousand
+paces in making a detour of the lakelets&mdash;the demons must ride through
+them. How often had he, when following a deer, swam with his horse
+through just such a body of water. Only then it was autumn, and now it
+was spring.</p>
+
+<p>The flora of this marsh country has many species which hide underneath
+the water, and in the springtime send their long stems and tendrils
+toward the surface. De Fervlans was yet to learn that even plants may
+become foes. Those of his demons who were the first to plunge into the
+water suddenly began to call for help. Neither man nor beast can swim
+through a network of growing plants; at every movement they become
+entangled among the clinging tendrils and swaying stems, and sink to the
+bottom unless promptly rescued. The men on shore were obliged to grasp
+the tails of the struggling horses and draw them back to land. De
+Fervlans, who could not be convinced <a name="Page_290" id="Page_290" /></a>that it was impossible to swim
+across the narrow stretch of water, came very near losing his life among
+the aquatic growths. There was now no likelihood of their reaching the
+highway before sunrise.</p>
+
+<p>There was still another hindrance. The fire in the morass had alarmed
+the entire neighborhood, and the inhabitants were out, to a man,
+fighting the flames which threatened their meadows. Therefore De
+Fervlans, who wished to avoid attracting attention to his troop, was
+obliged to make his way through thickets and over rough byways, which
+was very tedious work.</p>
+
+<p>It was noon when they arrived at the bridge which crossed the Raab half
+a mile from Pomogy. At the farther end of this bridge was the
+custom-house, which was also a public inn.</p>
+
+<p>"We must rest there," said De Fervlans, "or our worn-out beasts will
+drop under us."</p>
+
+<p>Just as the troop rode on to the bridge, two men ran swiftly from the
+custom-house toward the swampy lowland. Before they entered the marsh
+they stopped, and bound long wooden stilts to their feet; and, thus
+equipped, stepped without difficulty from one earth-clod to another. No
+horseman could have followed them across the treacherous ground. De
+Fervlans's adjutant became uneasy when he saw these two men, whose
+actions seemed suspicious to him; but the marquis assured him that they
+were only shepherds whose herds pastured in the marshes.</p>
+
+<p>The troop dismounted at the inn, and demanded of the host whatever he
+had of victuals and drinks. He could offer them nothing better than sour
+cider, mead, and wild ducks' eggs. But when a demon is hungry and
+thirsty, even these will satisfy him. De Fervlans, who had not for one
+instant doubted that his expedition would be successful, spread out his
+map and planned their further march. <a name="Page_291" id="Page_291" /></a>General Guillaume would have
+received one of his letters at least,&mdash;he had sent two, with two
+different couriers in different directions,&mdash;and would now be waiting at
+Friedberg for the arrival of the demons and their distinguished captive.
+Therefore the most direct route to that point must be selected. It was
+not likely that any militia troops would be idling about that cart of
+the country; and if there were, the demons could very easily manage
+them.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>One of the two men who crossed the morass on stilts was Master Matyas,
+whose distance marches during this campaign were something phenomenal.
+Matyas found Count Vavel with his troop already at Eszterhaza, and
+apprized him at once of De Fervlans's arrival at the bridge-inn. The
+Volons had not yet rested, but they had traveled over passable roads,
+and were not so exhausted. Their leader at once gave orders to mount.</p>
+
+<p>When Ludwig saw that Katharina also prepared to accompany the troop, he
+hurried to her side.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't come any farther, Katharina," he begged. "Remain here, where you
+will be perfectly safe. Something might happen to you when we meet the
+enemy."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina's smiling reply was:</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear friend. I have paid a very high entrance-fee to see this
+tragedy, for that you will kill Barthelmy Fervlans I am as certain as
+that there is a just God in heaven!"</p>
+
+<p>"But <i>your</i> presence will make me fear at a moment when I must not feel
+afraid&mdash;afraid for your safety."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, don't trouble about yourself. I know you better. When you come in
+sight of the enemy you will forget all about <i>me</i>. As for me, I am going
+with you."</p>
+
+<p>The troop now set out on the march through the poplar avenue. When they
+drew near to Pomogy, Vavel sent a <a name="Page_293" id="Page_293" /></a>squad in advance to act as
+skirmishers, while he, with the rest of his men, took possession of a
+solitary elevation near the road, which was the work of human hands. It
+was composed of the refuse from a soda-factory, and encircled on three
+sides a low building. Vavel concealed his horsemen behind this
+artificial hillock, then, accompanied by Katharina, he ascended to the
+top to take a view of the surrounding country.</p>
+
+<p>He could see through his field-glass the bridge across the Raab and the
+inn at the farther end. The entire region was nothing but morass. A
+trench ran from the highway toward Lake Neusiedl; it could be traced by
+the dense growth of broom along its edges.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my adjutant," jestingly remarked Vavel to Katharina. "I am
+going down now; for if I should be seen here it will be known what is
+behind me. You are a farmer's wife, and will not arouse suspicion; stop
+here, therefore, and take observations with my glass, and keep me
+informed of what happens."</p>
+
+<p>The Marquis de Fervlans was enjoying a tankard of foaming mead when his
+adjutant came hastily into the room with the announcement that some
+troopers were approaching the bridge on the farther side of the river.
+De Fervlans hurried from the inn and gave orders to mount. As yet only
+the crimson hats of the troopers could be seen above the tall reeds on
+the farther shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Those are Vavel's Volons," said De Fervlans, taking a look through his
+glass. "I recognize the uniform from Jocrisse's description. Madame
+Themire has turned traitor, and sent the count to deal with me instead
+of coming herself. Very good! We will show the gentleman that war and
+star-gazing are different occupations. He was a soldier once; but I
+don't think he paid much attention to military tactics, else he would
+not have neg<a name="Page_294" id="Page_294" /></a>lected to occupy yon hill, on which I see a peasant woman
+with a red kerchief over her head. That is an old soda-factory&mdash;I know
+the place well. I should&nbsp;n't wonder if Vavel had concealed some men
+there after all! That small body coming this way is evidently bent on a
+skirmishing errand. Well, our tactics will be to lure him from his
+concealment."</p>
+
+<p>He held a consultation with his subordinates; after which he turned
+toward the waiting demons, and called:</p>
+
+<p>"Signor Trentatrante!"</p>
+
+<p>The man came forward&mdash;a true type of the gladiator of the Vatican.</p>
+
+<p>"Dismount," ordered the marquis. "Take thirty men, and proceed on foot
+to the farther side of yon thicket, where you will lie in ambush until I
+have begun an assault on the soda-factory over yonder. The men in hiding
+there will show up when we approach; I shall then pretend to retreat,
+and lure them toward the thicket. You will know what to do then&mdash;fall
+upon them in the rear. When you have arrived at the thicket let me know.
+Set fire to that tallest clump of reeds near the willow-shrubs."</p>
+
+<p>"All right!" returned the signor. Then he selected thirty of his
+companions, who also dismounted, and they started at once to obey the
+orders of their leader.</p>
+
+<p>The "peasant woman with a red kerchief over her head," who was standing
+on the soda-factory hill, called in a low, clear tone to Ludwig:</p>
+
+<p>"De Fervlans is coming with his troop."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we must prepare a greeting for him," responded Vavel. He ordered
+his men into their saddles, then sallied forth with them to meet the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The two bodies of soldiers moving toward each other were very nearly
+alike in numbers. Neither seemed to be in a particular hurry to begin an
+assault. Suddenly a <a name="Page_295" id="Page_295" /></a>column of smoke rose from the thicket near the
+bridge&mdash;it was the signal De Fervlans was waiting for. He gave orders to
+halt. The next instant there was a rattling salute from the demons'
+carbines. The "peasant woman" on the hill covered her face with both
+hands and shivered. The messengers of death flew about the head of her
+lover, but left him unharmed.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel now moved nearer to the attacking foe, and himself made straight
+for the leader. One of De Fervlans's lieutenants, however, a thick-set,
+sun-browned Sicilian, met the count's assault. There was a little
+sword-play, then Vavel struck his adversary's blade from his hand with a
+force that sent it whizzing through the air, and with his left hand
+thrust the Sicilian, who was reaching for his pistols, from the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Nor had Vavel's companions been idle the while. The first assault was a
+success for the count's troop. De Fervlans now ordered a retreat. The
+death-heads looked upon this as a victory, and eagerly pursued the
+retreating foe. But the woman on the hill had already perceived that the
+retreat was but a feint. She saw the demons crouching among the reeds in
+the thicket, and guessed their intention.</p>
+
+<p>"Vavel!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "Vavel, take care! Look to
+your rear!"</p>
+
+<p>She imagined that her lover would hear her amid the tumult of the fight.</p>
+
+<p>But Vavel had ears and eyes only for what was in front of him. Nearer
+and nearer he approached to the trap De Fervlans had laid for him. He
+was in it! The trench was behind him now, and the demons in ambush were
+preparing to spring upon their prey.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina could look no longer. She ran down the hill, sprang on her
+mule, and galloped after her lover.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296" /></a>De Fervlans's retreat was conducted in proper order, step by step, from
+earth-clod to earth-clod.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Katharina discovered that a mule was an obstinate beast. The
+one she was riding stopped abruptly, and would not advance another step.
+In vain she urged and coaxed. At last she sprang from the saddle, and on
+foot made her way toward the scene of the fray.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the demons creeping steathily along the trench sprang
+from their concealment, their bayonets ready for action. They were on
+the point of firing a volley into the black backs of the Volons, when a
+rattling fire in their own rear brought down half of them dead and
+wounded. The uninjured on turning found themselves confronted by Satan
+Laczi and his comrades, who, black and slimy from their passage through
+the morass, sprang like tigers upon the foe.</p>
+
+<p>"Strike for their heads!" commanded Satan Laczi, as, with sabers drawn,
+the ex-robbers rushed upon the bewildered demons, who had at last met
+their match.</p>
+
+<p>When De Fervlans heard the firing in the neighborhood of the trench, he
+believed it to come from the muskets of his own men, and quickly sounded
+an attack. The demons, who had been feigning to retreat, now turned and
+met their pursuers, and a hand-to-hand conflict began.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel also had heard the firing behind him, and believed himself
+surrounded by the enemy. He beckoned to his trumpeter, to whom he wished
+to give orders to sound a retreat, but the man's horse unfortunately
+stumbled, and threw his rider to the earth. Three demons, at once sprang
+to capture the fallen trumpeter; but Vavel, who knew how necessary the
+man was to him, hastened to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans in amazement watched this unequal encounter. A masterly
+conflict arouses admiration even in <a name="Page_297" id="Page_297" /></a>an enemy; and Vavel certainly
+proved himself a master in the art of fighting.</p>
+
+<p>He fought in cold blood; he was not in the least excited. He made no
+unnecessary thrusts, but wounded his three adversaries in the hand, the
+elbow, the forearm, whereby he rendered them incapable of further
+combat. De Fervlans saw how his skilled demons gave way before Vavel's
+masterly thrusts, while the Volons drew their unfortunate trumpeter from
+beneath his horse, and assisted him to mount again, after they had also
+helped the horse to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>But the trumpet was now useless; it was filled with mud. Consequently a
+signal for retreat could not be sounded.</p>
+
+<p>A dense mass of wild-hop vines inclosed the eastern side of the scene of
+action. De Fervlans glanced impatiently toward this green wall. The
+armed men who should penetrate it would decide the victory.</p>
+
+<p>Even as the thought flashed through his brain, the tangle of vines began
+to shake violently; but the first man to appear therefrom was not Signor
+Trentatrante, as De Fervlans had expected, but Satan Laczi, with his
+ferocious followers.</p>
+
+<p>The attack from this point was so unexpected that De Fervlans for a
+moment seemed stupefied; then quickly recovering himself, he dashed into
+the thick of the fight, Vavel following his example. By this time the
+trumpet had been cleansed, but no orders were received for a retreat
+signal; instead, the sound it shrilled above the fearful turmoil was:
+"Forward! forward!"</p>
+
+<p>With the blood pouring from a gaping wound in his head, Satan Laczi,
+swinging a saber he had captured from a foe, now rushed to meet De
+Fervlans, who at once recognized the former robber.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed, preparing to meet the furious <a name="Page_298" id="Page_298" /></a>onslaught, "you have
+not yet found your way to the gallows!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; here in Hungary only traitors are hanged," retorted Satan Laczi, in
+a loud voice, as, with a mighty leap that would have done credit to a
+horse, he sprang toward the marquis, caught the reins from his hands,
+and with true robber-wit called: "Surrender, brother-rascal!"</p>
+
+<p>De Fervlans raised himself in his stirrups and brought his saber
+savagely down on the robber's head. This was the second serious cut
+Satan Laczi had received that day, and was evidently enough to calm his
+enthusiasm. He staggered to one side, made several vain attempts to
+straighten himself, then fell suddenly to the earth. His own blade,
+however, remained in the breast of De Fervlans's horse, where he had
+thrust it to the hilt.</p>
+
+<p>The marquis hardly had time to leap from the saddle before the poor
+beast fell under him.</p>
+
+<p>All seemed lost now. His men were confused and thrown into disorder. In
+desperation he tore his pistols from the saddle of his fallen horse.
+Only a single shrub separated him from his enemy,&mdash;twenty paces,&mdash;and De
+Fervlans was a celebrated shot.</p>
+
+<p>Count Vavel saw what was coming, and he too drew his pistol.</p>
+
+<p>"Good night, Chevalier Vavel!" in a mocking tone called De Fervlans, as
+his finger pressed the trigger. There was a sharp report, the ball
+whistled through the air&mdash;but Vavel did not fall.</p>
+
+<p>"Accept <i>my</i> greeting, marquis!" responded Vavel, He raised his pistol,
+and fired without taking aim. De Fervlans fell backward to the ground.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299" /></a>CHAPTER IV</h3>
+
+
+<p>When De Fervlans's men saw that their leader had fallen they retreated
+toward the bridge, where a portion of the troop alighted and held at bay
+their pursuers, while the rest tore up and flung into the stream the
+planks of the bridge. Then the men who had prevented the Volons from
+following crossed on foot the narrow lengthwise beam to the opposite
+shore&mdash;a feat impossible for a man on horseback.</p>
+
+<p>The spot where the fiercest fighting had occurred was already cleared
+when Katharina arrived upon it. She shuddered with horror, and staggered
+like one who walks in his sleep as she moved about the desert place.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly she came upon a large wild-rose bush covered with bloom. Close
+by it lay a horse with the hilt of a sword protruding from his breast.
+Near the dead animal lay a metal helmet ornamented with the gilded
+imperial eagle, and a little farther on lay a mud-stained form in a
+uniform of coarse gray cloth, with a gaping wound in his head; his left
+hand clutched the rushes among which he had fallen. As Katharina, in her
+peasant gown, moved timidly across the open space, she heard a voice say
+faintly in Hungarian:</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake, good woman, give me a drink of water."</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to question whether he was friend or foe, Katharina
+caught up the metal helmet to fetch the water.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300" /></a>There was water everywhere about her, but it was the filthy water of
+the morass.</p>
+
+<p>Katharina remembered having heard that the shepherds of the Hansag, when
+they were thirsty, cut a reed and thrust it deep into the swampy earth,
+when clear, drinkable water would rise from the lower soil. She
+therefore thrust a long cane into the moist earth, then put her lips to
+it, and sucked up the water. On removing her lips a clear stream shot
+upward from the cane. She held the helmet under this improvised fountain
+until it was full, then returned with it to the rose-bush.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man was lying on his back, his bloodstained face upturned
+toward the sky. Katharina knelt by his side, and held the helmet to his
+lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Themire!" gasped the wounded man.</p>
+
+<p>At sound of the name a sudden fury seemed to seize the woman.</p>
+
+<p>"De Fervlans!" she cried, in a hoarse voice. "<i>You!</i> you, the accursed
+destroyer of my daughter! May God refuse to forgive you for making of me
+the wretched creature I am!"</p>
+
+<p>As she spoke she raised the helmet, of water above her head, as if she
+would dash it upon the dying man's face; but he turned his head away
+from her furious gaze, and did not stir again.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Katharina lowered the helmet, and struggled with her excited
+feelings. She looked about her, and saw another motionless form lying
+across a clump of turf. Perhaps he was still alive. Perhaps she might
+help him.</p>
+
+<p>She stepped quickly to his side with the helmet of water and washed the
+blood and mud-stains from his face. Ah, what a hideous face it was! All
+the same, she carefully washed it, then bathed the gaping wounds in his
+head. They were horribly deep, and she was almost overcome by the
+fearful sight. But she looked upward for a moment, <a name="Page_301" id="Page_301" /></a>and it seemed to her
+as if she recognized amid the fleecy clouds a snow-white form, and heard
+an encouraging voice say:</p>
+
+<p>"That is right, mother. I, too, performed such work."</p>
+
+<p>Then she took her handkerchief and bound it around the wounded man's
+head. While so doing her eyes fell on the steel ring on his thumb.</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi!" she exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>She put her arms around him, and lifted him to a more comfortable
+position, wondering the while how he came to be there. Had he failed to
+find Marie, whom he was to accompany to Raab? Had Cambray, perhaps,
+prevented her from leaving the castle?</p>
+
+<p>She bent over the wounded man and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Satan Laczi, awake! Look up&mdash;come back to life!"</p>
+
+<p>And Satan Laczi was such an obedient fellow, he opened his eyes and saw
+the lady kneeling by his side.</p>
+
+<p>Then he opened his lips, and said in a very weak voice:</p>
+
+<p>"I should like a drink of water."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina made haste to fill the helmet again at her fountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sister."</p>
+
+<p>"Look at me, Laczi b&aacute;csi;" commanded Katharina, in a cheerful tone.
+"Don't you know me? I am the woman who gave shelter to your wife and
+child. I am little Laczko's foster-mother."</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man smiled faintly, and murmured: "Yes, yes&mdash;Laczko&mdash;Laczko
+is a fine lad! He came near&mdash;shooting me because&mdash;because of the maid."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me what you know about the maid," eagerly questioned Katharina.
+"Where is she?"</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man opened his eyes, and seemed to be trying to recall
+something. After a pause, he said slowly, and with evident difficulty:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_302" id="Page_302" /></a>You need&nbsp;n't&mdash;trouble about the&mdash;pretty maid. Laczko is a brave
+lad&mdash;and my wife&mdash;my wife is&mdash;an honest woman."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, I know," returned Katharina. "A good lad, and an honest
+woman. But tell me, in heaven's name, where is the maid?"</p>
+
+<p>"The maid&mdash;Sophie Botta went with&mdash;my wife to Raab&mdash;they are there
+now&mdash;and Laczko too."</p>
+
+<p>How gently the lady bathed the wounded man's face and hands! How
+carefully she renewed the bandages on the horrible wounds!</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel, who hart approached noiselessly, stood and watched her
+perform the labor of love. He saw, heard, and admired. Then he came
+close to the kneeling woman, and clasped his arms around her.</p>
+
+<p>"My Katharina! Oh, what a woman art thou!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h2><a name="PART_X" id="PART_X" /></a><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303" /></a>PART X</h2>
+
+<h3>CONCLUSION</h3>
+
+
+<h3><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304" /></a>CHAPTER I</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Count Vavel returned from his skirmish with De Fervlans's demons,
+he sent his betrothed at once to Raab, with instructions not to separate
+herself again from Marie.</p>
+
+<p>He had not been able to accompany Katharina on her journey, as he had
+received marching orders immediately on his return to camp. On parting
+with his betrothed, however, he had promised to pay a visit to her and
+Marie at an early day, and to write to both of them daily.</p>
+
+<p>The first part of his promise he had not been able to fulfil; his time
+was too fully occupied with the duties of the field. But he sent
+frequent messages to his loved ones; while every day, no matter where he
+might be, he would be sure to receive his letter from Raab&mdash;one sheet
+covered to the edges with Katharina's writing, and the other with
+Marie's.</p>
+
+<p>Their letters were always cheerful, and filled with hope and confidence
+for the future. Ludwig fancied he could see the scene as Katharina
+described it, when Marie had opened the steel casket.</p>
+
+<p>He knew just how delighted the young girl had been when she beheld
+nothing but ashes instead of the little garments, the documents, the
+portraits, the bank-notes; and he could hear her joyous laugh on finding
+herself relieved of the burden of her greatness. But what he could not
+hear was Katharina reciting his brave exploits during <a name="Page_305" id="Page_305" /></a>the fierce
+struggle on the Hansag, a recital Marie insisted on hearing every day.</p>
+
+<p>Then the two, Marie and Katharina, would go every morning to church, to
+pray for Ludwig, to ask God to protect him, and bring him safely back to
+them. This was their daily pleasure and consolation.</p>
+
+<p>Then came the bloody days of Karako, Papa, Raab, and Acs. The militia
+troops took active part in all these battles, and proved themselves
+valiant warriors.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel with his Volons had been assigned to Mesko's brigade, and had
+shared its adventurous march from Abda, around Lake Balaton to Veszprim.
+Here he found his spy and scout, Master Matyas, awaiting him.</p>
+
+<p>For weeks he had not had a word from his loved ones. When he had sent
+them to Raab he believed he had selected a secure haven for them, but
+the course which events had taken proved that he had made a mistake in
+his calculations. Katharina and Marie were now surrounded on all sides
+by the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>It was while he was oppressed with these gloomy thoughts that his spy
+and scout suddenly appeared before him. Noah in his ark had not looked
+more longingly for the dove than had he for his brave Matyas.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Master Matyas, what news?"</p>
+
+<p>"All sorts, Herr Count."</p>
+
+<p>"Good or bad?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, mixed. Both good and bad. I will leave the good till the last. To
+begin: Poor Satan Laczi was buried yesterday&mdash;may God have mercy on his
+sinful soul! They fired three salvos over his grave, and the primate
+himself said the prayers for his soul. If Satan Laczi himself could have
+seen it all, he could hardly have believed that so much honor would be
+shown to his dead body. Poor Laczi! His last words were a greeting to
+his kind patron."</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_306" id="Page_306" /></a>His life closed well!" observed the count. "He got what he longed
+for&mdash;a soldier's death. But tell me what you know about Raab."</p>
+
+<p>"I know all about it. I come from there."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, did you see them? Has not the enemy besieged the city?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the city as well as the fortress is in the hands of the enemy, and
+the baroness and the princess are both in it."</p>
+
+<p>"Who told you to call her a princess?" demanded Count Vavel, his face
+darkening.</p>
+
+<p>"I will come to that all in good time," composedly replied Matyas, who
+was not to be hurried. "Colonel Pechy," he went on, "bravely defended
+the fortress for ten days against the Frenchmen; but he had to yield at
+last&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Where are Katharina and Marie?" impatiently interrupted Vavel. "What
+became of them when the city capitulated?"</p>
+
+<p>"All in good time, Herr Count, all in good time! I can tell you all
+about them, for I am just come from them."</p>
+
+<p>"Were they in any danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"Danger? No, indeed! When the city surrendered they were concealed in a
+house where they passed as the nieces of the Herr Vice-palatine
+G&ouml;r&ouml;mb&ouml;lyi."</p>
+
+<p>"Is the vice-palatine with them now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. He has surrendered, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent man! Who commands the Frenchmen at Raab?"</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume?" excitedly interrupted Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly; Guillaume&mdash;that is his name. And he is a very polite
+gentleman. He does not ill-treat the citizens; on the contrary, the very
+next day after he entered the city he gave a ball in the large hotel,
+and invited all the <a name="Page_307" id="Page_307" /></a>distinguished citizens with their wives and
+daughters. The Herr Count's dear ones also received an invitation."</p>
+
+<p>"As the nieces of the vice-palatine, of course?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly! I saw the invitation-card, and it was to 'Madame la
+Comtesse de Alba, avec la Princesse Marie.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Princess Marie?" echoed Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"As I tell you; and that is how I come to know she is a princess."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel's brain seemed paralyzed. He could not even think.</p>
+
+<p>"The vice-palatine," nonchalantly continued Matyas, "protested that a
+mistake had been made; but the French general replied that he knew very
+well who the ladies were, and that he had received instructions how to
+treat them. From that day, two French grenadiers began to guard the
+baroness's door, day and night, just exactly as if they were standing
+guard over a potentate."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel paced the floor, mute with rage and fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Why did I desert them!" he exclaimed at last, in desperation. "Why did
+I not do as Marie wished&mdash;flee with her and Katharina into the wide
+world&mdash;we three alone!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see you did&nbsp;n't, and this is the way matters stand now,"
+responded Master Matyas. "The general's adjutant visits the house twice
+every day to inquire after the ladies; then he reports to his superior."</p>
+
+<p>"If only Cambray had not died!" ejaculated the count.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but I helped to bury him, too," added Matyas, shaking his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, so I was told. How did you manage to get the body from behind the
+metal screen?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that was easy enough. You know the spring is connected with the
+bell in your study; when the screen unrolled, the bell rang. It was only
+necessary to reverse <a name="Page_308" id="Page_308" /></a>the operation: by pulling the bell-wire in the
+Herr Count's study the screen was rolled up."</p>
+
+<p>"A very simple arrangement, indeed," observed Count Vavel, smiling in
+spite of his gloom. "Ah, Master Matyas, if only you were clever enough
+to open for me the locks which now imprison my dear ones! That would be
+a masterpiece, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"I can do that easily enough," was the confident rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"You can? How?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did&nbsp;n't I say I would leave the good news until the last?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes. Tell me what you have in view."</p>
+
+<p>"I must whisper the secret in your ear; I have often overheard important
+secrets listening at the keyhole or while hiding under a bed, and what I
+have done another may be doing."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel bent his head so that Master Matyas might whisper the important
+information in his ear.</p>
+
+<p>The words were few, but they served to restore Vavel to a cheerful mood.</p>
+
+<p>He laughed heartily, slapped Master Matyas on the shoulder, and
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"You are truly a wonderful fellow!" Then he took a roll of bank-notes
+from his pocket, and pressed it into Matyas's hand. "Here&mdash;take these,
+and buy what is necessary. We will make the attempt at once."</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas thrust the money into his own pocket, and darted from the
+room as if he had stolen it. Ludwig hastened to his general, to beg for
+leave of absence.</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309" /></a>CHAPTER II</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Everything is ready," said Master Matyas to Vavel, pointing toward
+three covered luggage-wagons, which the Volons had captured from the
+Frenchmen at Klein-Zell.</p>
+
+<p>The "Death-head troop," as Vavel's Volons were designated, marched in
+the rear of the brigade; consequently they could drop out from it any
+time without attracting special notice.</p>
+
+<p>To-day the brigade marched toward Palota, and the Volons turned into the
+road which led to Zircz. They seemed, however, to have been swallowed up
+by the Bakonye forest, for nothing was seen again of them after they
+entered it. The inhabitants of Ratota still repeat tales of the handsome
+troopers&mdash;every man of them a true Magyar!&mdash;who rode through their
+village to the sound of the trumpet, nodding to the pretty girls, and
+paying gold coin for their refreshment at the inn. But the dwellers in
+Zircz complained that, instead of Magyar troopers, a squad of hostile
+cavalry passed through their village&mdash;Frenchmen in blue mantles, with
+cocks' feathers in their helmets, with a commandant who had given all
+sorts of orders that no one could understand. Luckily, the prior of the
+Premonstrants could speak French, and he acted as interpreter for the
+French commandant. And everybody felt relieved when he marched farther
+with his troop.</p>
+
+<p>These were the transformed Volons. They had ex<a name="Page_310" id="Page_310" /></a>changed their crimson
+shakos in the dense forest for the French helmets, and wrapped
+themselves in the blue mantles taken from the luggage-wagons. No one
+would have doubted that they were French <i>chasseurs</i>&mdash;even the trumpeter
+sounded the calls according to the regulations in the armies of France.</p>
+
+<p>Master Matyas hurried on in advance of the troop to learn if the way was
+clear. It would have been equally unpleasant to have met either
+Hungarian or French soldiery. They encountered neither, however; and at
+daybreak on the second day arrived at the village of B&ouml;rcs, on the
+Rabcza, where is an interesting monument of times long past&mdash;a redoubt
+of considerable extent, in the center of which stands the village
+church.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel's troop camped within this redoubt, where they could escape
+attracting attention. The country about them, for a long distance, was
+occupied by French troops.</p>
+
+<p>The highway which led to Raab might be seen from the steeple of the
+church, and here Vavel took up his station with a field-glass.</p>
+
+<p>He had not been long in his tower of observation when he saw a heavy
+cloud of dust moving along the highway, and very soon was able to
+distinguish a body of horsemen. It was a company of cuirassiers, whose
+polished breastplates glittered in the sunlight like stars. The company
+was divided into two squads: one rode in front of a four-horse
+traveling-coach, the other in the rear of it.</p>
+
+<p>There were two ladies in the coach. The elder of the two shielded her
+face from the dust with a heavy veil; the younger lady wore no veil over
+her pale face, but held in front of it a fan, from behind which she took
+an occasional look at the variegated plain, where the ripening grain,
+blended with the green of the meadows, formed a rich, carpet on either
+side of the road.</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311" /></a>The young officer riding beside the coach sought to entertain the elder
+lady with observations on the country through which they were passing,
+and from time to time exchanged tender glances with the younger. These
+ladies were the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. They were on
+their way to Raab, where they expected an addition to their party in the
+person of <i>la Princesse Marie</i>, whom they were going to accompany to
+Paris. The troop of cuirassiers was their escort.</p>
+
+<p>"There come some <i>chasseurs</i> on a foraging expedition," observed the
+young officer, pointing toward a body of horsemen that was approaching
+across the green plain.</p>
+
+<p>And, judging from the appearance of the riders, he was right; for the
+Volons, in order to deceive the Frenchmen, were bringing with them a
+couple of loaded hay-wagons, which they were dragging through the middle
+of the highway.</p>
+
+<p>While yet a considerable distance away from the approaching <i>chasseurs</i>,
+the postilions began to blow their horns for a clear way.</p>
+
+<p>The hay-wagons were turned, in obedience to the signal, but, in turning,
+the second one ran into the one in advance with such force that the pole
+was broken clean off.</p>
+
+<p>In front of the barricade thus formed Vavel halted his men, and
+commanded them to throw off their French cloaks and helmets. In a second
+the order was obeyed; the crimson shakos with their grim death-heads
+were donned, and the troop dashed forward upon the escort accompanying
+the coach.</p>
+
+<p>The astonished cuirassiers, who were wholly unprepared for the assault,
+were soon overpowered by the Volons, who also outnumbered them.</p>
+
+<p>The youthful leader had at once placed himself in front of the coach,
+ready for combat with the leader of the <a name="Page_312" id="Page_312" /></a>attacking foe, and Vavel was
+obliged to exercise all his skill to disarm without injuring him.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when the young French champion's sword flew from his hand,
+the younger lady, forgetting all ceremony, cried in terror:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Oh mon Dieu, ne tuez pas Arthur!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel turned toward her, bowed courteously, and said in Talma's
+most exquisite French:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be alarmed, ladies. You are perfectly safe. We are Hungarian
+gentlemen!"</p>
+
+<p>"But what do you want of us?" demanded the elder lady, haughtily
+surveying the count. "What business have we with you? We do not belong
+to the combatants."</p>
+
+<p>"I will tell this brave young chevalier what I want," replied Vavel,
+turning toward the youthful leader. "First, let me restore your sword,
+monsieur. You handle it admirably, only you need to grasp it more
+firmly. Then, let me beg of you to mount your horse&mdash;a beautiful animal!
+And third, I beg you to ride as quickly as possible to Raab, and give
+General Guillaume this message: 'I, Count Vavel de Versay, have this day
+taken captive the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. The general
+holds as prisoners my betrothed wife, Countess Themire Dealba, and my
+adopted daughter, Sophie Botta, or, if he prefers, <i>la Princess Marie</i>.
+I demand my loved ones in exchange for Madame and Mademoiselle
+Guillaume.' I have no further demands, monsieur, and the sooner you
+return the better. I shall await you in yonder redoubt, where you see
+the church-steeple. Adieu."</p>
+
+<p>The younger lady, with hands clasped pleadingly, mutely besought the
+youthful officer to assent. As if he would not do everything in his
+power to urge the general to consent to the exchange! The young
+Frenchman galloped down the road toward Raab. Count Vavel took his place
+beside <a name="Page_313" id="Page_313" /></a>the coach, and ordered the postilions to drive to B&ouml;rcs. At
+first, the general's wife heaped reproaches on her captor.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a violation of national courtesies," she exclaimed irately. "It
+is brigandage, to waylay and take as prisoners two distinguished women."</p>
+
+<p>"Madame's husband has also detained as prisoners two distinguished
+women," in a respectful tone responded Vavel.</p>
+
+<p>"But my daughter is so nervous."</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a more timid creature in the world than my poor little
+Marie."</p>
+
+<p>"At all events, monsieur, you are a Frenchman, and know what is due to
+ladies of our station."</p>
+
+<p>"In that respect, madame, I shall follow General Guillaume's example."</p>
+
+<p>They were now among the gardens of B&ouml;rcs, where the cherry-trees,
+heavily laden with fruit, rose above the tall hedges; and very soon they
+turned into a beautiful street shaded by walnut-trees, which led to the
+redoubt. The parsonage was the only house of importance in the village.
+The pastor was standing at his door when Vavel ordered the coach to
+stop. He assisted the ladies to alight, and begged the pastor to grant
+them the hospitality of his roof. The request was not refused, and the
+ladies were made as comfortable as possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you care to see the sights of the village, madame?" asked Vavel of
+the mother, after they had partaken of the lunch prepared by the
+pastor's housekeeper. The young lady, who was exhausted by the journey,
+had gone to her room. "There is a very old church here which is
+interesting."</p>
+
+<p>"Are there any fine pictures in it?" inquired madame.</p>
+
+<p>"There is one,&mdash;a very touching scene,&mdash;'The Samaritan.'"</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_314" id="Page_314" /></a>Ancient or modern?" queried the lady.</p>
+
+<p>"The subject is old&mdash;it dates back to the first years of Christianity,
+madame. The execution is modern."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it the work of a celebrated artist?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is the work of our clerical host."</p>
+
+<p>The lady shook her head; she was uncertain whether Count Vavel was
+making sport of her or of the pastor.</p>
+
+<p>But she understood him when she entered the church. The house
+consecrated to the service of God had become a hospital, and was crowded
+with wounded French soldiers. The women of the village, as volunteer
+nurses, were taking care of them, and performed the task as faithfully
+as if the invalids were their own sons and brothers. The pastor himself
+supplied the necessary medicines from his own cupboard; for no army
+surgeon came here at a time when twenty thousand wounded Frenchmen lay
+at Aspern, and twenty-two thousand at Wagram.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not an affecting tableau, madame?" said Count Vavel. "It would be
+a suitable altar-piece for Notre Dame&mdash;and the name of its creator
+deserves perpetuation!"</p>
+
+
+
+<br />
+<hr style="width: 35%;" />
+<br />
+<h3><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315" /></a>CHAPTER III</h3>
+
+
+<p>Monsieur le Capitaine Descourcelles rode an excellent horse, was a
+capital rider, and was plainly very much in love. These three
+circumstances combined brought back the gallant soldier from Raab by
+five o'clock in the afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>The captain of the cuirassiers was not a little surprised to find the
+general's wife playing cards with the hostile leader.</p>
+
+<p>"General Guillaume agrees to everything," he announced immediately, on
+entering the room. "He will release the ladies he has been holding as
+prisoners."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel hastened to shake hands with the bearer of these glad tidings, who
+was, however, more eager to kiss the hand of Vavel's partner, and to
+inquire:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I find the ladies perfectly comfortable?"</p>
+
+<p>"Very comfortable indeed," replied madame. "<i>Messieurs les Cannibales</i>
+are very polite, and <i>leur Catzique</i> plays an excellent hand at piquet."</p>
+
+<p>"And where is mademoiselle? I trust she is not suffering from the
+fatigue of the journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no; she is very well. She is making her toilet, and will soon join
+us. I hope we shall leave here very soon."</p>
+
+<p>Madame now rose, and left the two soldiers alone in the room.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," observed the French captain, handing Vavel a paper, "is the
+<i>sauf conduit</i>."</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316" /></a>The pass contained the information that "Vavel de Versay, expatriated
+French nobleman and magnate of Hungary, together with the Countess
+Themire Dealba (alias Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild) and Sophie
+Botta (pretended Princess Marie Charlotte Capet), with attendants, were
+to be allowed to travel unmolested by any French troops they might
+chance to meet."</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig Vavel looked at this document a long time.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you doubt the assurance of a French officer, monsieur?" asked the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I was just unable to understand why a word had been used here. I
+<ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'day'">dare</ins> say it is a mistake. But no matter. I am greatly
+obliged to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Pray don't speak of it," responded the Frenchman, cordially shaking the
+hand Vavel extended toward him. "I must not forget to tell you that a
+four weeks' armistice was agreed upon to-day."</p>
+
+<p>The ladies now entered the room, prepared to continue their journey. The
+face of the younger one wore a more cheerful expression than on her
+arrival at the parsonage. Madame thanked Vavel for his courtesy, then,
+with her daughter, entered the carriage and drove away.</p>
+
+<p>Madame Guillaume was forgetful: she neglected to take leave of her host
+the pastor, and of her wounded countrymen in the church.</p>
+
+<p><ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'Vaval'">Vavel</ins> communicated the news of the armistice to his
+adjutant, and commanded him to return at once with the Volons to
+Fert&ouml;szeg, there to quarter themselves in the Nameless Castle, and await
+further orders. Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by Master
+Matyas, galloped out of the village.</p>
+
+<p>Twilight had deepened into night when the two men arrived at Raab. The
+clocks were striking eight, and the French trumpets were sounding the
+retreat at every gate. <a name="Page_317" id="Page_317" /></a>Vavel, therefore, would not be allowed to enter
+the city until the next morning; but Master Matyas, who did not stop to
+inquire which was the proper way when he wanted to go anywhere, knew of
+a little garden that belonged to a certain tanner, and very soon found
+an entrance along a rather circuitous route among the tan-vats.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel had already seen battered walls, and dwellings ruined by bombs and
+flames, yet the thought that he should find his loved ones amid these
+smoke-blackened ruins oppressed his heart.</p>
+
+<p>The two men attracted no attention. In the last days there had been many
+strangers in the city, deputations from the militia camps, to assist in
+establishing the line of demarcation. Master Matyas, without difficulty,
+led the way among the ruins to the neat little abode where the worthy
+vice-palatine had <ins class="correction" title="Transcriber's Note: The original text reads 'establshed'">established</ins> his prot&eacute;g&eacute;s.
+When they came within sight of the house Matyas observed:</p>
+
+<p>"The two Frenchmen with their bearskin caps are not on guard to-day. The
+vice-palatine's servant seems to be doing sentry-duty."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel applied his spurs and cantered briskly toward the house, but
+moderated his speed when he came nearer. He remembered how easily Marie
+was frightened by the clatter of horse-hoofs.</p>
+
+<p>At the corner of the street he alighted, and cautioning Matyas to
+exercise slowly the fatigued horses, proceeded on foot to the house.</p>
+
+<p>The servant on guard at the door saluted in military fashion with drawn
+sword. Ludwig hurried into the house. In the hall he encountered the
+little Laczko, who, at sight of the visitor, dropped the boot and brush
+he held in his hands, and disappeared through a door at the end of the
+hall. Vavel followed him, and found himself in the kitchen, <a name="Page_318" id="Page_318" /></a>where the
+widow of Satan Laczi also dropped to the floor the cooking-utensil she
+had in her hand.</p>
+
+<p>The count did not stop to question her, but went on into the adjoining
+room, whence proceeded the sound of voices, and here he found three
+acquaintances&mdash;the vice-palatine, Dr. Tromfszky, and the surveyor, Herr
+Doboka. The three started in alarm when they beheld Vavel. The doctor
+even made as if he would rush from the room&mdash;as when in the Nameless
+Castle the furious invalid had seized his groom by the throat.</p>
+
+<p>The expressions on the three startled countenances brought a sudden fear
+to Ludwig's heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Is any one ill here?" he asked.</p>
+
+<p>The vice-palatine and the doctor looked at each other, but did not
+speak; the surveyor began to stammer:</p>
+
+<p>"I say&mdash;I say that&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Is Marie ill?" interrupted Vavel, excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>Herr Bernat silently nodded assent, and pointed toward the door leading
+into the next room.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel did not stop to inquire further, but strode into the adjoining
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p>What a familiar little room it was, another fairy-like retreat like that
+of the Nameless Castle! Here were Marie's toys, her furniture; the four
+cats were purring in the window-seat, and the two pugs lay dozing on the
+sofa.</p>
+
+<p>A canopy-bed stood in the alcove, and among the pillows lay Marie.
+Katharina was sitting by the bedside.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, God!" cried Vavel, in a tone so full of anguish that every one who
+heard it, man, woman, and child, burst into tears. The invalid among the
+pillows alone laughed&mdash;laughed aloud for joy.</p>
+
+<p>And had she not cause to rejoice? Ludwig&mdash;<i>her</i> Lud<a name="Page_319" id="Page_319" /></a>wig&mdash;did not hasten
+first to embrace and kiss his betrothed wife. No, <i>she</i>, his little
+Marie, was the first!</p>
+
+<p>He flung himself on his knees by the bed and covered the pale face with
+kisses and tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my dearest! My adored saint! My idol!" he sobbed, while Marie's
+face glowed with the purest earthly happiness.</p>
+
+<p>She pressed Ludwig's head to her breast and whispered soothingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't grieve, Ludwig; I am not going to die. I have not got that horrid
+influenza poor papa Cambray brought with him from Paris. I took a little
+cold the night we ran away from the bombs; but I shall soon be well
+again, now that you are come. I want to live, Ludwig, and you, who
+rescued me from death once before, will know how to do it again."</p>
+
+<p>Katharina laid her hand tenderly on the maid's head, and said gently:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk any more now, dearest; you know you must not excite
+yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Marie grasped the white hand and drew it down to Ludwig's lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Kiss it, Liadwig; kiss this dear, good hand. Oh, she has been a good
+little mother to me! She has wept so much because of me. If only you
+knew what she had planned to do when they were going to tear me away
+from her! But that danger is past, and now that you are come everything
+will be well. We have been reading about you, Ludwig. What a hero you
+are&mdash;our knight, St. George! I have&nbsp;n't been really ill, you know,
+Ludwig; it was only anxiety about you. I shall soon be well again.
+Please tell the doctor I don't need any more medicine. I want to get
+up&mdash;I feel strong already. I want to put on my gown; then I will take
+your arm and Katharina's, and <a name="Page_320" id="Page_320" /></a>we three will promenade to the window. I
+want to see the evening star. Please send Frau Satan to me; she can lift
+me more easily than Katharina, for I am very heavy. Ludwig, take
+Katharina into the next room while I am dressing. I know you have much
+to say to each other."</p>
+
+<p>Frau Satan now entered in answer to the summons. The doctor had ordered
+that the invalid's wishes must be obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Katharina went into the next room. They looked long into each
+other's eyes, and in the gaze lay many of the thoughts which, if they
+cannot be told to the one person on earth, are never heard by any one
+else. Suddenly Katharina, without word of warning, dropped on her knees
+at her lover's feet, seized his hand, and laid her face against it.</p>
+
+<p>"You are my guardian angel," she whispered (the invalid in the next room
+must not be disturbed by the sound of voices); "you have rescued that
+saint from her enemies and saved me from perdition. Oh, Ludwig, if only
+you knew what I have suffered! Marie's every sigh, the feverish words
+uttered in her delirium, have been so many accusations oppressing my
+heart. These have been terrible days! To be compelled hourly to dread
+either of two horrible blows, and to have to pray to God that, if both
+could not be averted, to let the milder one fall! Death would have been
+welcome, indeed, compared to the other one. To listen tremblingly, hour
+after hour, for the knock at the door which would announce the messenger
+sent to bear Marie to Paris, or death with his scythe to bear her to the
+grave! And then to have to look on her sufferings, and hear her pray for
+her betrayer! Oh, it was terrible, terrible! Ludwig, you are just&mdash;as
+God is just. I have suffered as any woman in the Bible suffered. You
+have taken my load of sorrow from me, have released my heart <a name="Page_321" id="Page_321" /></a>from the
+tortures of perdition. All the evil I have done, you have made good.
+Therefore, do you pronounce judgment on me. Condemn me or forgive me. I
+deserve both; I will accept either at your hands."</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Ludwig Vavel raised the woman to her feet, clasped her in
+his arms, and pressed his lips to hers in a long, long kiss. In it were
+forgiveness, love, union.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>From the adjoining room came the sounds of a piano. Some one was playing
+the hymn of the Hungarian militia.</p>
+
+<p>Ludwig and Katharina hurried into the room. Marie was seated at the
+piano, arrayed in her favorite blue gown. Her transparent hands hovered
+over the ivory keys, and lured from them the melancholy air, to which
+she sang, in a voice that seemed to come from the distant clouds:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span>"Was kleinliche Bosheit ausgedacht,<br /></span>
+<span>Hat unserer Liebe ein Ende gemacht."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>At the last word her arms sank to her sides; the exertion had completely
+exhausted her. But she struggled bravely to overcome her weakness. She
+smiled brightly at Ludwig and Katharina, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"This melancholy song was not intended for you two. It was only to show
+Ludwig how I have improved. You two will love each other very dearly,
+won't you? And you will go far, far away from here, and leave 'Marie'
+buried in her tomb. I don't mean myself; I mean the troublesome girl who
+has made so much ill feeling in the world, because of whom so many
+people have suffered; the girl whose ashes rest there in the steel
+casket, and whose life was so sad that she had no desire to live longer.
+But 'Sophie' is going with you out into the world. She will see how
+happy you two can be. And now, help me to the window; I want to look at
+the evening star,"</p>
+
+<p><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322" /></a>They rolled her arm-chair to the window, and Vavel opened the sash to
+admit the fresh air from the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Marie clasped Ludwig's and Katharina's hands in both her own, and
+whispered in a faint voice:</p>
+
+<p>"You will forget the past, will you not? or think of it only as a
+dream&mdash;a disagreeable dream. And don't go back to the Nameless Castle.
+The veiled woman, the locked doors, the silent man, the telescope, the
+lonely promenades in the garden&mdash;all, all were dreams. Don't think of
+them! Forget them all! The clanking swords, the thunder of cannons&mdash;all
+these were not. We only dreamed it. We never lived under the shadow of a
+throne. Who was Marie? A sovereign of cats, and crown princess in the
+realm of little dogs and birds&mdash;a nursery tale to tell naughty little
+children who will not go to sleep! But Sophie Botta will be here
+to-morrow, and the next day, and always; she will be with you, the
+silly, stupid little maid, who can do nothing but obey those whom she
+loves with all her heart."</p>
+
+<p>Vavel with difficulty refrained from giving voice to his overwhelming
+grief.</p>
+
+<p>"Just see," Marie continued in a gay tone, "how much better I am!
+Heretofore, when the hour came for the evening star to appear, the fever
+would come too, and to-day it has failed to come with the star. Joy has
+cured me. Don't take your hands away from me, Ludwig&mdash;Katharina. They
+will&mdash;hold me&mdash;hold me&mdash;fast."</p>
+
+<p>But they did not "hold her fast."</p>
+
+<p>And why should such a being remain on this earth&mdash;a being that could do
+naught else but love and renounce, adoring her nation even when it
+persecuted her?</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>A dark thunder-cloud rose above the horizon out over the Hansag. The sky
+looked like a vaulted ceiling hung <a name="Page_323" id="Page_323" /></a>with mourning draperies. From time
+to time a distant flash of lightning illumined the cloud-curtain, then
+would be heard the rumbling of thunder, like the deep tones of a distant
+organ.</p>
+
+<p>Under the threatening sky lay the glittering lake. Its surface of
+quicksilver was streaked here and there with black shadows&mdash;the track of
+the wind-gusts racing across it. The trees were rustling in the wind,
+making a sound like a distant choral.</p>
+
+<p>On the shore of Lake Neusiedl stood the Volons in rank and file. They
+were waiting for something that was coming from the farther shore of the
+little cove.</p>
+
+<p>Presently the glistening surface of the water was ruffled by a black
+object that pushed out from the shore. It was a boat. Six men were
+rowing, a seventh held the rudder. There was a coffin in the boat,
+covered with a simple pall. No ostentatious trappings ornamented the
+coffin; only a myrtle wreath lay on it. A woman, sat at the head of it,
+another at the foot&mdash;the former a lady, the latter a peasant wife.</p>
+
+<p>The six men, with even and powerful strokes, sent the craft through the
+ripples which occasionally leaped into the boat, as if they would salute
+her who had so often toyed with them.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment the boat touched the shore the storm burst. Vivid
+lightning illumined the heavy downpour of rain, and it seemed as if the
+black-robed forms bore the coffin to its grave amid a flood of
+harpstrings that reached from heaven to earth.</p>
+
+<p>The two weeping women followed the coffin; at a little distance they
+seemed two shadows. The helmsmen of the funeral boat now stepped to the
+head of the grave and opened his lips to speak, but a heavy peal of
+thunder drowned his voice. When it had ceased he said:</p>
+
+<p>"<a name="Page_324" id="Page_324" /></a>My brave comrades, you are here to pay a last honor to your patroness.
+There is nothing left for us to fight for. Peace has been proclaimed.
+The conqueror takes from you a plot of ground twenty-four hundred square
+miles in extent. The one lying here takes from you only six feet of
+earth. To you remain your tattered flag and your wounds. Return to your
+homes. My sword has finished its work, and will accompany the saint for
+whom it was drawn!"</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke he broke the keen blade in twain and cast the pieces into
+the grave, adding impressively, "May God give us forgetfulness, and may
+we be forgotten!"</p>
+
+<p>The Volons fired three salvos over the grave, the reverberating thunder
+and the flashing lightning mingling with the noise of the muskets.</p>
+
+<p>When the storm had passed the moon rose in a cloudless sky. Only the
+waves, which had been stirred by the tempest, continued to murmur to
+their favorite who was sleeping peacefully in her grave on the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Marie had asked to be buried on the grassy slope by the side of her old
+friend the Marquis d'Avoncourt, and that no other monument should mark
+her resting-place save the imperishable tree which turns to stone after
+it dies.</p>
+
+<p>And what could have been graven on her tomb? A name that was not hers? A
+history that was not true?</p>
+
+<p>Or would it have been well to carve on the marble her true life-history,
+that those who would not believe it might wage a lawsuit against an
+epitaph?</p>
+
+<p>No; it was better so. No one would ever learn what had become of her.</p>
+
+<p>Vavel had prayed for forgetfulness&mdash;that he might be forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>His prayer was granted.</p>
+
+<p>For a few years afterward tales were repeated about <a name="Page_325" id="Page_325" /></a>Sophie Botta, and
+some of her kinsfolk came from a distance to claim the sum of money
+Vavel had placed in the hands of the authorities for the young girl's
+heirs. But none of the claimants could produce satisfactory proofs of
+kinship, and after a while Sophie Botta was forgotten by all the world,
+as were Count Vavel and Katharina.</p>
+
+<p>The Nameless Castle as well vanished from the face of the earth, as have
+entire villages which once stood on the treacherous shores of Lake
+Neusiedl.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually, imperceptibly, the castle disappeared; gradually,
+imperceptibly, bastion after bastion vanished, until not even the stone
+hand which held aloft the sword in the noble escutcheon, or the towering
+weathervane, could be seen above the placid waters of the lake.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jókai
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jokai
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Nameless Castle
+
+Author: Maurus Jokai
+
+Release Date: November 15, 2004 [EBook #14048]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS CASTLE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Steven desJardins and PG Distributed Proofreaders.
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Dr Maurus Jokai]
+
+WORKS OF MAURUS JOKAI
+
+HUNGARIAN EDITION
+
+THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+Translated from the Hungarian
+Under the Author's supervision
+By S. E. BOGGS
+
+
+NEW YORK
+DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY
+1898
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+TO THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF MY WORKS
+
+
+This is not the first occasion upon which it has been my good fortune to
+win appreciation and approval for my works from the reading public of
+the United States. Up to the present, however, it has often been under
+difficulties; for many of my works which have been published in the
+English tongue were not translated from the original Hungarian text,
+while others, through want of a final perusal, were introduced to the
+public marred by numerous faults.
+
+In the present edition we have striven to give the English reading
+public a correct translation, for which an authorized text has been
+utilized by the Doubleday & McClure Co., who have sole right for
+publishing future English translations of my books.
+
+Between the United States and Hungary we discover many common traits:
+the same state-creative energy in the predominant people, which finds
+expression in constitutional forms, relying upon the love of freedom,
+which unites so many different races in one uniform whole; the same
+independent institutions; the same ideas in religion, in ethics; the
+same respect for women, the same esteem of labor, the same mental
+culture; a striving after progress, yet side by side with this a high
+respect for traditions; the same poetry of agriculture, the same prose
+of industry; rapid progress of both, and in consequence thereof an
+impetuous growth of towns.
+
+Yet, while we find so many common traits between America and Hungary in
+the great field of theory, those typical figures which here in Hungary
+represent such theories must make a novel and extraordinary _entree_ in
+the New World, that they may deserve to win the interest of the foreign
+reader.
+
+Hungary still represents a piece and parcel of the Old World; she is not
+so much Europe as a modern Asia. My novels centre round those peculiar
+figures of Hungarian common life; and in every work of mine a bit of
+history of true common life will be found described. I have had a
+particular delight, however, in occupying myself with foreign countries,
+especially with the East. There have been years when I was compelled to
+choose subjects for novel-writing in foreign parts.
+
+In English and in Hungarian literature we find a common trait in that
+humor which is discovered also in the tragic; a characteristic of the
+nation itself.
+
+It is with perfect confidence and in good hope that I present my present
+work (translated so faithfully) before the much-esteemed English reading
+public. May God bless that home of freedom, by whose example we have
+learnt how to unite the greatness of the state with the welfare of the
+people.
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI.
+
+BUDAPEST, May 11th, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+DR. MAURUS JOKAI
+
+A Sketch
+
+
+To a man who has earned such titles as "The Shakespeare of Hungary" and
+"The Glory of Hungarian Literature"; who published in fifty years three
+hundred and fifty novels, dramas, and miscellaneous works, not to
+mention innumerable articles for the press that owes its freedom chiefly
+to him, it seems incredible that there was ever a time of indecision as
+to what career he was best fitted to follow. The idle life of the
+nobility into which Maurus Jokay was born in 1825 had no attractions for
+a strongly intellectual boy, fired with zeal and energy that carried him
+easily to the head of each class in school and college; nor did he feel
+any attraction for the prosaic practice of law, his father's profession,
+to which Austria's despotism drove many a nobleman in those wretched
+days for Hungary. It was Petofi, the poet, who was his dearest friend
+during the student-life at Papa; idealism ever attracted him, and, by
+natural gravitation toward the finest minds, he chose the friendship of
+young men who quickly rose into eminence during the days of revolution
+and invasion that tried men's souls.
+
+For a time Jokay, as he then wrote his name, was undecided whether to
+choose literature or art as an outlet for the idealism, imagination, and
+devotion that overflowed in two directions from this boy of seventeen.
+With some of the inherited artistic talent, which in his relative
+Munkacsy amounted to genius, he felt most inclined toward painting and
+sculpture, and finally consecrated himself to them. In his library at
+Budapest there now stands a small, well-executed bust of his wife in
+ivory; and on the walls hang several landscapes and still-life
+paintings, which he showed with a smile to an American visitor, who
+stood silent before them last winter, hoping for some inspiration of
+speech that would reconcile politeness with veracity and her own ideals
+of good art. If a "deep love for art and an ardent desire to excel" will
+"more than compensate for the want of method," to quote Sir Joshua
+Reynolds, then Jokay would have been a great painter indeed. While he
+never was that, his chisel and brushes have remained a recreation and
+delight to him always.
+
+Apparently he was diverted from art to literature by a trifle; but in
+the light of later developments it is simple enough to see which was
+really the greater force working within. The Academy of Arts and
+Sciences, founded by Szecheni, offered a prize for the best drama, and
+Jokay won it. He was then seventeen, for careers began early in olden
+times. When twenty-one his first novel, "Work Days," met with great
+applause; other romances quickly followed, and, as they dealt with the
+social and political tendencies that fanned the revolution into flame
+two years later, their success was instantaneous. His true
+representations of Hungarian life and character, his passionate love of
+liberty, his lofty idealism for his crushed and lethargic country,
+aroused a great wave of patriotism like a call to arms, and consecrated
+him to work with his pen for the freedom of the common people.
+Henceforth paint-brushes were cast aside.
+
+Petofi and Jokay, teeming with great ideas, quickly attracted other
+writers and young men of the university about them, and, each helping
+the other, brought about a bloodless revolution that secured, among
+other inestimable boons, the freedom of a censored, degraded press. And
+yet the only act of violence these young revolutionists committed was in
+entering a printing establishment and setting up with their own hands
+the type for Petofi's poem, that afterward became the war-song of the
+national movement. At that very establishment was soon to be printed a
+proclamation granting twelve of their dearest wishes to the people. From
+this time Jokay changed the spelling of his name to Jokai, _y_ being a
+badge of nobility hateful to disciples of the doctrine of liberty,
+fraternity, equality.
+
+About this time Jokai married the Rachel of the Hungarian stage, Rosa
+Laborfalvy. The portrait of her that hangs in her husband's famous
+library shows a beautiful woman of intense sensitiveness, into whose
+face some of the sadness of her roles seems to have crept. It was to her
+powers of impersonation and disguise that Jokai owed his life many years
+later, when, imprisoned and suffering in a dungeon, he was enabled to
+escape in her clothes to join Kossuth in the desperate fight against the
+allied armies of Austria and Russia. Since her death he has lived in
+retirement.
+
+The bloodless revolution of 1848, which suddenly transformed Hungary
+into a modern state, possessing civil and religious liberty for which
+the young idealists led by Kossuth had labored with such passionate
+zeal, was not effected without antagonizing the old aristocracy, all of
+whose cherished institutions were suddenly swept away; or the
+semi-barbaric people of the peasant class, who could little appreciate
+the beneficent reforms. Into the awful civil war that followed, when the
+horrors of an Austrian-Russian invasion were added to the already
+desperate situation, Jokai plunged with magnificent heroism. Side by
+side with Kossuth, he fought with sword and pen. Those who heard him
+deliver an address at the Peace Congress at Brussels two years ago felt
+through his impassioned eloquence that the man had himself drained the
+bitterest dregs of war.
+
+While Kossuth lived in exile in England and the United States, and many
+other compatriots escaped to Turkey and beyond, Jokai, in concealment at
+home, writing under an assumed name and with a price on his head,
+continued his work for social reform, until a universal pardon was
+granted by Austria and the saddened idealists once more dared show their
+faces in devastated Hungary.
+
+Ripe with experience and full of splendid intellectual power, Jokai now
+turned his whole attention to literature. The pages of his novels glow
+with the warmth of the man's intensity of feeling: his pen had been
+touched by a living coal. He knew his country as no other man has known
+it; and transferred its types, its manners, its life in high degree and
+low, to the pages of his romances and dramas with a brilliancy and
+mastery of style that captivated the people, whose idol he still
+remains. Scenes from Turkish life--in which, next to Hungarian, he is
+particularly interested; historical novels, romances of pure
+imagination, short tales, dramatic works, essays on literature and
+social questions, came pouring from his surcharged brain and heart. The
+very virtues of his work, its intensity, and the boundless scope of its
+imagination, sometimes produce a lack of unity and an improbability to
+which the hypercritical in the West draw attention with a sense of
+superior wisdom; but the Hungarians themselves, who know whereof he
+writes, can see no faults whatever in his work. It is essentially
+idealistic; the true and the beautiful shine through it with radiant
+lustre, in sharp distinction from the scenes of famine and carnage that
+abound. His Turkish stories have been described as "full of blood and
+roses."
+
+Of his more mature productions, the best known are: "A Magyar Nabob";
+"The Fools of Love"; "The New Landlord"; "Black Diamonds"; "A Romance of
+the Coming Century"; "Handsome Michael"; "God is One," in which the
+Unitarians play an important part; "The Nameless Castle," that gives an
+account of the Hungarian army employed against Napoleon in 1809;
+"Captive Raby," a romance of the times of Joseph II.; and "As We Grow
+Old," the latter being the author's own favorite and, strangely enough,
+the people's also. Dr. Jokai greatly deplores that what the critics call
+his best work should not have been given to the English-speaking people.
+
+In 1896 Hungary celebrated the completion of his fifty years of literary
+labor by issuing a beautiful jubilee edition of his works, for which the
+people of all grades of society subscribed $100,000. Every county in the
+country sent him memorials in the form of albums wrought in gold and
+precious stones, two hundred of these souvenirs filling one side of the
+author's large library and reception-room. Low bookcases running around
+the walls are filled only with his own publications, the various
+editions of his three hundred and fifty books making a large library in
+themselves. The cabinets hold sketches and paintings sent by the artists
+of Hungary as a jubilee gift; there are cases containing carvings,
+embroidery, lace, and natural-history specimens sent him by the
+peasants, and orders in gold and silver, studded with jewels, with
+autograph letters from the kings and queens of Europe. In the midst of
+all this inspiring display of loving appreciation, Dr. Jokai has his
+desk; a pile of neatly written, even manuscript ever before him, for in
+his seventy-fourth year he still feels the old-time passion for work
+calling him to it early in the morning and holding him in its spell all
+the day long. A small room adjoining his library contains the books of
+reference he consults, a narrow bed like a soldier's, and a few window
+plants. It might be the room of a monk, so bare is it of what the world
+calls comforts. One devoted man-servant attends to Dr. Jokai's simple
+wants with abundant leisure to spare.
+
+While in Budapest Dr. Jokai is seldom seen away from home, except in
+Parliament, where he has a seat in the Upper House, or at the theatre
+where his plays are regularly performed, or at the table of a few dear
+relatives and old-time friends. His life is exceedingly simple and well
+ordered.
+
+Just a little way back on the hills that rise beyond Buda, across the
+Danube and overlooking wide stretches of beautiful, fertile country,
+stands Dr. Jokai's summer-home. His garden is a paradise. Quantities of
+roses climb over the unpretentious house, the paths are lined with them;
+gay beds of poppies and other familiar favorites in our Western gardens,
+but many new to American eyes, crowd the fruit that grows in delightful
+abundance everywhere, for Dr. Jokai tends his garden with his own hands,
+and his horticultural wisdom is only second to his knowledge of the
+Turkish wars. His apples, pears, and roses win prizes at all the shows,
+and his little book, "Hints on Gardening," propagates a large crop of
+like-minded enthusiasts year after year. Now, as ever, any knowledge he
+has he shares with the people. After a long life of bitter stress and
+labor, abundant peace has come in the latter days.
+
+Hungary boasts four great men: Liszt, Munkacsy, Kossuth, and Jokai, who
+was the intimate friend of the other three.
+
+NELTJE BLANCHAN.
+
+NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+I     CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+II    THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+III   THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+IV    SATAN LACZI
+V     ANGE BARTHELMY
+VI    DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+VII   THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+VIII  KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+IX    SATAN AND DEMON
+X     CONCLUSION
+
+
+
+
+PART I
+
+CYTHERA'S BRIGADE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+A snow-storm was raging with such vigor that any one who chanced to be
+passing along the silent thoroughfare might well have believed himself
+in St. Petersburg instead of in Paris, in the Rue des Ours, a side
+street leading into the Avenue St. Martin. The street, never a very busy
+one, was now almost deserted, as was also the avenue, as it was yet too
+early for vehicles of various sorts to be returning from the theatre.
+
+The street-lamps on the corners had not yet been lighted. In front of
+one of those old-fashioned houses which belong to a former Paris a heavy
+iron lantern swung, creaking in the wind, and, battling with the
+darkness, shed flickering rays of light on the child who, with a faded
+red cotton shawl wrapped about her, was cowering in the deep doorway of
+the house. From time to time there would emerge from the whirling
+snowflakes the dark form of a man clad as a laborer. He would walk
+leisurely toward the doorway in which the shivering child was concealed,
+but would turn when he came to the circle of light cast on the snowy
+pavement by the swinging lantern, and retrace his steps, thus appearing
+and disappearing at regular intervals. Surely a singular time and place
+for a promenade! The clocks struck ten--the hour which found every
+honest dweller within the Quartier St. Martin at home. On this evening,
+however, two belated citizens came from somewhere, their hurrying
+footsteps noiseless in the deep snow, their approach announced only by
+the lantern carried by one of them--an article without which no
+respectable citizen at the beginning of the century would have ventured
+on the street after nightfall. One of the pedestrians was tall and
+broad-shouldered, with a handsome countenance, which bore the impress of
+an inflexible determination; a dimple indented his smoothly shaven chin.
+His companion, and his senior by several years, was a slender,
+undersized man.
+
+When the two men came abreast of the doorway illumined by the swinging
+lamp, it was evident that they had arrived at their destination. They
+halted and prepared to enter the house.
+
+At this moment the child crouching in the snow began to sob.
+
+"See here!" exclaimed the taller of the two gentlemen. "Here is a little
+girl."
+
+"Why, so there is!" in turn exclaimed the elder, stooping and letting
+the light of his lantern fall on the child's face. "What are you doing
+here, little one?" he asked in a kindly tone.
+
+"I want my mama! I want my mama!" wailed the child, with a fresh burst
+of sobs.
+
+"Who is your mama?" queried the younger man.
+
+"My mama is the countess."
+
+"And where does she live?"
+
+"In the palace."
+
+"Naturally! In which avenue is the palace?"
+
+"I--don't--know."
+
+"A true child of Paris!" in an undertone exclaimed the elder gentleman.
+"She knows that her mother is a countess, and that she lives in a
+palace; but she has never been told the name of the street in which is
+her home."
+
+"How come you to be here, little countess?" inquired the younger man.
+
+"Diana can tell you," was the reply.
+
+"And who may Diana be?"
+
+"Why, who else but mama's Diana?"
+
+"Allow me to question her," here interposed the elder man. Then, to the
+child: "Diana is the person who helps you put on your clothes, is she
+not?"
+
+"It is just the other way: she took off my clothes--just see; I have
+nothing on but this petticoat and this hideous shawl."
+
+As she spoke she flung back the faded shawl and revealed how scantily
+she was clad.
+
+"You poor child!" compassionately ejaculated the young man; and when he
+saw that her thin morocco slippers were buried in the snow, he lifted
+her hastily in his arms. "You are half frozen."
+
+"But why did Diana leave you half clothed in this manner?" pursued the
+elder man. "Why did she undress you? Can't you tell us that much?"
+
+"Mama slapped her this morning."
+
+"Ah! then Diana is a servant?"
+
+"Why, of course; what else could she be?"
+
+"Well, she might be a goddess or a hound, you know," smilingly returned
+the old gentleman.
+
+"When mama went to the opera, this evening," explained the little one,
+"she ordered Diana to take me to the children's ball at the marquis's.
+Instead, she brought me to this street, made me get out of the carriage,
+took off my silk ball-gown and all my pretty ornaments, and left me here
+in this doorway--I am sure I don't know why, for there is n't any music
+here."
+
+"It is well she left this old shawl with you, else your mama would not
+have a little countess to tell the tale to-morrow," observed the elder
+man. Then, turning to his companion, he added in a lower tone: "What are
+we to do with her?"
+
+"We can't leave her here; that would be inhuman," was the reply, in the
+same cautious tone.
+
+"But we can't take her in; it would be a great risk."
+
+"What is there to fear from an innocent prattler who cannot even
+remember her mother's name?"
+
+"We might take her to the conciergerie," suggested the elder gentleman.
+
+"_I_ think we had better not disturb the police when they are asleep,"
+in a significant tone responded his companion.
+
+"That is true; but we can't take the child to our apartments. You know
+that we--"
+
+"I have an idea!" suddenly interposed the young man. "This innocent
+child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may
+accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken."
+
+"I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at
+one and the same time. Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are
+locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring
+this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the
+child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
+To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else
+she will send some one in search of you."
+
+He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.
+
+When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door
+at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning
+glance, announced that everything was ready for the reception of their
+small guest. They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily
+curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded
+tapestry.
+
+Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm. "Are you going to
+kill me?" she cried out in terror.
+
+The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said:
+
+"Why, surely you don't take us to be _croquemitaines_ who devour little
+children; do you?"
+
+"Have you got a little girl of your own?" queried the little one,
+suddenly.
+
+"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the
+question. "I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl."
+
+"But my mama has no husband, and she 's got me," prattled the child.
+
+"That is different, my dear. But if I have not got a little girl, I know
+very well what to do for one."
+
+As he spoke he drew off the child's wet slippers and stockings, rubbed
+her feet with a flannel cloth, then laid her on the bed which stood in
+the alcove.
+
+"Why, how warm this bed is!" cried the child; "just as if some one had
+been sleeping here."
+
+The old man's face betrayed some confusion as he responded:
+
+"Might I not have warmed it with a warming-pan?"
+
+"But where did you get hot coals?"
+
+"Well, well, what an inquisitive little creature it is!" muttered the
+old man. Then, aloud: "My dear, don't you say your prayers before going
+to sleep?"
+
+"No, indeed! Mama says we shall have plenty of time for that when we
+grow old."
+
+"An enlightened woman, truly! Well, I dare say, my little maid, your
+convictions will not prevent you from drinking a cup of egg-punch, and
+partaking of a bit of pasty or a small biscuit?"
+
+At mention of these dainties the child's countenance brightened; and
+while she was eating the repast with evident relish, the younger man
+rummaged from somewhere a large, beautifully dressed doll. All thought
+of fear now vanished from the small guest's mind. She clasped the toy in
+her arms, and, having finished her light meal, began to sing a lullaby,
+to which she very soon fell asleep herself.
+
+"She is sleeping soundly," whispered the elder man, softly drawing
+together the faded damask bed-curtains, and walking on tiptoe back to
+the fireplace, where his companion had fanned the fire into a fresh
+blaze.
+
+"It is high time," was the low and rather impatient response. "We can't
+stop here much longer. Do you know what has happened to the duke?"
+
+"Yes, I know. He has been sentenced to death. To-morrow he will be
+executed. What have you discovered?"
+
+"A fox on the trail of a lion!" harshly replied the young man. "He who
+aroused so many hopes is, after all, nothing more than an impostor--Leon
+Maria Hervagault, the son of a tailor at St. Leu. The true dauphin, the
+son of Louis XVI., really died a natural death, after he had served a
+three years' apprenticeship as shoemaker under Master Simho; and in
+order that a later generation might not be able to secure his ashes, he
+was buried in quick-lime in the Chapel of St. Margarethe."
+
+"They were not so scrupulous concerning monsieur,"[1] observed the old
+man, restlessly pacing the floor. "I received a letter from my agent
+to-day; he writes that monsieur was secretly shot at Dillingen."
+
+[Footnote 1: Count de Provence, afterward Louis XVIII.]
+
+"What! He, too? Then--"
+
+"Hush!" cautiously interposed the elder man. "That child might not be
+asleep."
+
+"And if she were awake, what could she understand?"
+
+"True; but we must be cautious." He ceased his restless promenade, and
+came close to the young man's side. "Everything is at an end here," he
+added in a lower tone. "We must remove our treasure to a more secure
+hiding-place--this very night, indeed, if it be possible."
+
+"It is possible," assented his companion. "The plan of flight was
+arranged two days ago. The most difficult part was to get away from this
+house. It is watched day and night. Chance, however, has come to our
+aid."
+
+"I understand," nodded the old gentleman, glancing significantly toward
+the bed.
+
+"The most serious question now is, where shall we find a secure
+hiding-place? Even England is not safe. The bullets of Dillingen can
+reach to that country! Indeed, wherever there are police no secret is
+safe."
+
+"I 'll tell you something," after a moment's deliberation observed the
+elder man. "I know of a country in Europe where order prevails, and
+where there are no police spies; and, what is more, the place of which I
+speak is beyond the range of a gunshot!"
+
+"I confess I am curious to learn where such a place may be found," with
+an incredulous smile returned the young man.
+
+"Fetch the map, and I will point it out to you. Afterward we will
+arrange your route toward it." The two men spread a large map of Europe
+on the table, and, bending over it, were soon deeply absorbed in
+examining it, the while exchanging whispered remarks.
+
+At last they seemed to have agreed on something. The map was folded up
+and thrust into the younger man's pocket.
+
+"I shall start at once," he said, with an air of decision.
+
+"That is well," with evident satisfaction assented his companion. "And
+take with you also the steel casket. In it are all the necessary
+documents, some articles of clothing on which the mother with her own
+hands embroidered the well-known symbol, and a million of francs in
+English bank-notes. These, however, you will not use unless compelled to
+do so by extreme necessity. You will receive annually a sufficient sum
+from a certain banking-house which will supply all your wants. Have our
+two trusty friends been apprised?"
+
+"Yes; they await me hourly."
+
+"So soon as you are beyond the French boundary you may communicate with
+me in the way we have agreed upon. Until I hear from you I shall be in a
+terror of anxiety. I am sorry I cannot accompany you, but I am already
+suspected. You are, as yet, free from suspicion--are not yet registered
+in the black book!"
+
+"You may trust my skill to evade pursuit," said the young man, producing
+from a secret cupboard a casket richly ornamented with gold.
+
+"I do not doubt your skill, or your ability to accomplish the
+undertaking; but the task is not a suitable one for so young a man. Have
+you considered the fate which awaits you?"
+
+"I have considered everything."
+
+"You will be buried; and, what is worse, you will be the keeper of your
+own prison."
+
+"I shall be a severe jailer, I promise you," with a grim smile responded
+the young man.
+
+"Jester! You forget your twenty-six years! And who can tell how long you
+may be buried alive?"
+
+"Have no fear for me. I do not dread the task. Those in power now will
+one day be overthrown."
+
+"But when the child, who is only twelve years old now, becomes in three
+or four years a blooming maiden--what then? Already she is fond of you;
+then she will love you. You cannot hinder it; and yet, you will not even
+dare to dream of returning her love. Have you thought of this also?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet,"
+answered the young man.
+
+"Your hand, my friend! You have undertaken a noble task--one that is
+greater than that of the captive knight who cut off his own foot, that
+his sovereign, who was chained to him, might escape--"
+
+"Pray say no more about me," interposed his companion. "Is the child
+asleep?"
+
+"This one is; the one in the other room is awake."
+
+"Then let us go to her and tell her what we have decided." He lifted the
+two-branched candlestick from the table; his companion carefully closed
+the iron doors of the fireplace; then the two went into the adjoining
+chamber, leaving the room they had quitted in darkness.
+
+The elder gentleman had made a mistake: "this" child was _not_ asleep.
+She had listened attentively, half sitting up in bed, to as much of the
+conversation as she could hear.
+
+A ray of light penetrated through the keyhole. The little girl sprang
+nimbly from the bed, ran to the door, and peered through the tiny
+aperture. Suddenly footsteps came toward the door. When it opened,
+however, the little eavesdropper was back underneath the covers of the
+bed. The old gentleman entered the room. He had no candle. He left the
+door open, walked noiselessly to the bed, and drew aside the curtains to
+see if "this" child was still asleep. The long-drawn, regular breathing
+convinced him. Then he took something from the chair beside the bed, and
+went back into the other room. The object he had taken from the chair
+was the faded red shawl in which the stray child had been wrapped. He
+did not close the door of the adjoining chamber, for the candles had
+been extinguished and both rooms were now dark.
+
+To the listening child in the bed, however, it seemed as if voices were
+whispering near her--as if she heard a stifled sob. Then cautious
+footsteps crossed the floor, and after an interval of silence the street
+door opened and closed.
+
+Very soon afterward a light was struck in the adjoining room, and the
+elder man came through the doorway--alone.
+
+He flung back the doors of the fireplace, and stirred the embers; then
+he proceeded to perform a singular task. First he tossed a number of
+letters and papers into the flames, then several dainty articles of
+girls' clothing. He watched them until they had burned to ashes; then he
+flung himself into an arm-chair; his head sank forward on his breast, in
+which position he sat motionless for several hours.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the younger of the two men stepped into the street he carried in
+his arms a little girl wrapped in a faded red shawl, to whom he was
+speaking encouragingly, in tones loud enough for any passer-by to hear:
+
+"I know the little countess will be able to find her mama's palace; for
+there is a fountain in front of it in which there is a stone man with a
+three-pronged fork, and a stone lady with a fish-tail! Oh, yes; we shall
+be sure to find it; and very soon we shall be with mama."
+
+Here the child in his arms began to sob bitterly.
+
+"For heaven's sake, do not weep; do not let your voice be heard,"
+whispered the young man in her ear.
+
+At this moment a man wearing a coarse blouse, with his cap drawn over
+his eyes and a short pipe between his lips, came staggering toward them.
+The young man, in order to make room for him, pressed close to the wall,
+whereupon the new-comer, who seemed intoxicated, began in drunken tones:
+
+"Hello, citizen! What do you mean? Do you want me to walk in the
+gutter?--because you have got on fine boots, and I have only wooden
+sabots! I am a citizen like yourself, and as good as you. We are alike,
+are n't we?"
+
+The young man now knew with whom he had to deal--a police spy whose duty
+it was to watch him. He therefore replied quietly:
+
+"No, we are not alike, citizen; for I have in my arms an unfortunate
+child who has strayed from its mother. Every Frenchman respects a child
+and misfortune. Is not that so, citizen?"
+
+"Yes, that is so, citizen. Let 's have a little conversation about it";
+and the pretended drunkard seized hold of the young man's mantle to
+detain him.
+
+"It is very cold," returned the young man. "Instead of talking here,
+suppose you help me get this child to its home. Go to the nearest corner
+and fetch a coach. I will wait here for you."
+
+The blouse-wearer hesitated a moment, then walked toward the
+street-corner, managing, however, to keep an eye on the young man and
+his charge. At the corner he whistled in a peculiar manner, whereupon
+the rumbling of wheels was heard. In a few moments the leather-covered
+vehicle drew up beside the curb where the young man was waiting.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your kindness, citizen," he said to
+the blouse-wearer, who had returned with the coach. "Here," pressing a
+twenty-sou piece into the man's palm, "is something for your trouble. I
+wish you would come with me to help hunt for this little girl's home. If
+you have time, and will come with me, you shall be paid for your
+trouble."
+
+"Can't do it, citizen; my wife is expecting me at home. Just you trust
+this coachman; he will help you find the place. He 's a clever
+youth--are n't you, Peroquin? You have made many a night journey about
+Paris, have n't you? See that you earn your twenty francs to-night,
+too!"
+
+That the coachman was also in the service of the secret police the young
+man knew very well; but he did not betray his knowledge by word or mien.
+
+The blouse-wearer now shook hands cordially with the young man, and
+said:
+
+"Adieu, citizen. I beg your pardon if I offended you. I 'll leave you
+now. I am going to my wife, or to the tavern; who can tell the future?"
+
+He waited until the young man had entered the coach with his charge;
+then, instead of betaking himself to his wife or to the tavern, he
+crossed the street, and took up his station in the recess of a doorway
+opposite the house with the swinging lantern. . . .
+
+"Where to?" asked the coachman of the young man.
+
+"Well, citizen," was the smiling response, "if I knew that, all would be
+well. But that is just what I don't know; and the little countess, here,
+who has strayed from her home, can't remember the street, nor the number
+of the house, in which she lives. She can only remember that her mama's
+palace is on a square in which there is a fountain. We must therefore
+visit all the fountains in turn until we find the right one."
+
+The coachman made no further inquiries, but climbed to the box, and
+drove off in quest of the fountains of Paris.
+
+Two fountains were visited, but neither of them proved to be the right
+one. The young man now bade the coachman drive through a certain street
+to a third fountain. It was a narrow, winding street--the Rue des Blancs
+Manteaux.
+
+When the coach was opposite a low, one-storied house, the young man drew
+the strap, and told the driver he wished to stop for a few moments. As
+the vehicle drew up in front of the house, the door opened, and a tall,
+stalwart man in top-boots came forth, accompanied by a sturdy dame who
+held a candle, which she protected from the wind with the palm of her
+hand.
+
+"Is that you, Raoul?" called the young man from the coach window.
+
+There was no response from the giant, who, instead, sprang nimbly to the
+box, and, flinging one arm around the astonished coachman, thrust a gag
+into his mouth. Before the captive could make a move to defend himself,
+his fare was out of the coach, and had pinioned his arms behind his
+back. The giant and the young man now lifted the coachman from the box
+and carried him into the house, the woman followed with the trembling
+child, whom she had carefully lifted from the coach.
+
+In the house, the two men bound their captive securely, first removing
+his coat. Then they seated him on the couch, and placed a mirror in
+front of him.
+
+"You need not be alarmed, citizen," said the man in the top-boots. "No
+harm shall come to you. We are only going to copy your face--because of
+its beauty, you know!"
+
+The young man also seated himself in front of the mirror, and proceeded,
+with various brushes and colors, to paint his cheeks and nose a copper
+hue, exactly like that of the coachman's reflection in the glass. Then
+he exchanged his own peruke and hat for the shabby ones of the coachman.
+Lastly, he flung around his shoulders the mantle with its seven collars,
+and the resemblance was complete.
+
+"And now," observed the giant, addressing the captive, "you can rest
+without the least fear. At the latest, to-morrow about this time your
+coach, your horses, your mantle, and whatever else belongs to you will
+be returned. For the use of the things we have borrowed from you we
+shall leave in the pocket of your coat twenty francs for every hour, and
+an extra twenty francs as a _pourboire_; don't forget to look for it!
+To-morrow at eleven o'clock a girl will fetch milk; she will release
+you, and you can tell her what a singular dream you had! If you can't
+go to sleep, just repeat the multiplication table. I always do when I
+can't sleep, and I never have to go beyond seven times seven. Good
+night, citizen!"
+
+The door of the adjoining room opened, and the woman appeared, leading
+by the hand a pretty little boy.
+
+"We are ready," she announced.
+
+The two men thrust pistols into their pockets. Then the woman and the
+little boy entered the coach, the two men took seats on the box, and the
+coach rolled away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At ten o'clock the next morning the old gentleman paid a visit to his
+little guest. This time the child was really asleep, and opened her eyes
+only when the curtains were drawn back and the light from the window
+fell on her face.
+
+"How kind of you to waken me, monsieur!" she said, smiling; she was in a
+good humor, as children are who have slept well. "I have slept
+splendidly. This bed is as good as my own at home. And how delightful
+not to hear my governess scolding! You never scold, do you, monsieur? I
+deserve to be scolded, though, for I was very naughty last night, and
+you were so kind to me--gave me such nice egg-punch; see, there is a
+glass of it left over; it will do for my breakfast. I love cold punch,
+so you need not trouble to bring me any chocolate." With these words,
+the little maid sprang nimbly from the bed, ran with the naivete of an
+eight-year-old child to the table, where she settled herself in the
+corner of the sofa, drew her bare feet up under her, and proceeded to
+breakfast on the left-over punch and biscuits.
+
+"There! that was a good breakfast," she said, after she had finished her
+meal. "Oh, I almost forgot. Has mama sent for me?"
+
+"Certainly not, my dear! We are going, by and by, to look for her. The
+countess very likely has not yet learned of your disappearance; and if
+she does know that you did not return home last night, she believes you
+safe with the marquis. She will think you were not allowed to return
+home in the storm, and will not expect to see you before noon."
+
+"You are very clever, monsieur. I should never have thought of that! I
+imagined that mama would be vexed, and when mama is cross she is _so_
+disagreeable. At other times, though, she is perfectly lovely! You will
+see how very beautiful she is, monsieur, for you are coming home with me
+to tell her how you found me--you are so very kind! How I wish you were
+my papa!"
+
+The old gentleman was touched by the little one's artless prattle.
+
+"Well, my dear little maid," he said tenderly, "we can't think of
+showing ourselves on the street in such a costume. Besides, it would
+frighten your mama to see you so. I am going out to one of the shops to
+buy you a frock. Tell me, what sort was it Diana took from you?"
+
+"A lovely pink silk, trimmed with lace, with short sleeves," promptly
+replied the little maid.
+
+"I shall not forget--a pink silk, trimmed with lace. You need not be
+afraid to stay alone here. No one will come while I am away."
+
+"Oh, I am not the least bit afraid. I like to be alone sometimes."
+
+"There is the doll to keep you company," suggested the old gentleman,
+more and more pleased with his affable little visitor.
+
+"Is n't she lovely!" enthusiastically exclaimed the child. "She slept
+with me last night, and every time I woke up I kissed her."
+
+"You shall have her for your own, if you like her so much, my dear."
+
+"Oh, thank you! Did the doll belong to your dear little daughter who is
+dead?"
+
+"Yes--yes," sorrowfully murmured the old gentleman.
+
+"Then I will not play with her, but keep her locked in my little
+cupboard, and call her Philine. That was the name of my little sister
+who is dead. Come here, Philine, and sit by me."
+
+"Perhaps you might like to look at a book while I am away--"
+
+"A book!" interrupted the child, with a merry laugh, clapping her hands.
+"Why, I am just learning the alphabet, and can't bring myself to call a
+two-pronged fork 'y.'"
+
+"You dear little innocent rogue!" tenderly ejaculated the old gentleman.
+"Are you fond of flowers?"
+
+He brought from the adjoining room a porcelain flowerpot containing a
+narcissus in bloom.
+
+"Oh, what a charming flower!" cried the child, admiringly. "How I wish I
+might pluck just one!"
+
+"Help yourself, my dear," returned her host, pushing the plant toward
+her.
+
+The child daintily broke off one of the snowy blossoms, and, with
+childlike coquetry, fastened it in the trimming of her chemise.
+
+"What is this beautiful flower called, monsieur?"
+
+"The narcissus."
+
+At mention of the name the little maid suddenly clapped her hands and
+cried joyfully:
+
+"Why, that is the name of our palace! Now don't you know where it is?"
+
+"The 'Palace of Narcissus'? I have heard of it."
+
+"Then you will have no trouble finding my home. Oh, you dear good little
+flower!" and she kissed the snowy blossom rapturously.
+
+The old gentleman surveyed her smilingly for a few moments, then said:
+
+"I will go now, and buy the frock."
+
+"And while you are away I shall tell Philine the story of Gargantua,"
+responded the child.
+
+"Lock the door after me, my dear, and do not open it until I mention my
+name: Alfred Cambray--"
+
+"Oh, I should forget the second one! Just say, 'Papa Alfred'; I can
+remember that."
+
+When the child was certain that the old gentleman had left the house,
+she began hastily to search the room. She peered into every corner and
+crevice. Then she went into the adjoining chamber, and opened every
+drawer and cupboard. In returning to the first room she saw some scraps
+of paper scattered about the floor. She collected them carefully, placed
+them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the
+entire note-sheet lay before her. It was covered with writing which had
+evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no
+difficulty in reading it.
+
+When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she
+brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the
+door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she
+danced for joy.
+
+"It is just like my ball-gown--exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing
+the hands of her benefactor. Then the old gentleman clothed the child as
+skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work. When the task was
+finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor;
+he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.
+
+Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he
+descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of
+Narcissus.
+
+The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property of the
+celebrated danseuse, Mlle. Guimard, for whom it had been built by the
+Duke de Soubise. Like so many other fine houses, it had been confiscated
+by the Revolution and sold at auction--or, rather, had been disposed of
+by lottery, a lady who had paid one hundred and twenty francs for her
+ticket winning it.
+
+The winner of the palace sold it to M. Perigaud, a banker and shrewd
+speculator, who divided the large dwelling into suites of apartments,
+which became the favorite lodgings of the young men of fashion. These
+young men were called the "narcissi," and later, the "incroyables" and
+"_petits creves_." The building, however, retained the name of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+When the fiacre stopped at the door of the palace which led to her
+mama's apartment, the little countess alighted with her escort, and said
+to the coachman:
+
+"You need not wait; the marquis will return home in my mama's carriage."
+
+M. Cambray was obliged to submit to be called the "marquis." The
+harmless fib was due to the rank of the little countess; she could not
+have driven through the streets of Paris in the same fiacre with a
+_pekin_!
+
+"We will not go up the main staircase," said the child, taking her
+companion's arm and leading him into the palace. "I don't want to meet
+any of the servants. We will go directly to mama's boudoir, and take her
+by surprise."
+
+The countess mother, however, was not in her boudoir; only a screaming
+cockatoo, and a capuchin monkey that grimaced a welcome. Through the
+folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy
+tones of a harmonium; and M. Cambray recognized a favorite
+air--Beethoven's symphony, "_Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour_." He
+paused a moment to listen to it.
+
+"That is mama playing," whispered the child. "You go in first, and tell
+her you have brought me home. Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
+Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.
+
+The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon,
+filled with a brilliant company. Evidently the countess was holding a
+matinee.
+
+The assembled company were in full toilet. The women, who were chiefly
+young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which
+draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless
+lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
+The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat,
+with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.
+
+Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty,
+Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders
+hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair. When M. Cambray, in his
+plain brown coat buttoned to the chin, with black gloves and dull
+buckle-shoes, appeared in the doorway of the boudoir, which was not open
+to all the world, every eye was turned in surprise toward him.
+
+The lady at the harpsichord rose, surveyed the intruder with a haughty
+stare, and was about to speak when a lackey in silver-embroidered livery
+came hastily toward her and said something in a low tone.
+
+"What?" she ejaculated, with sudden terror. "My daughter lost?"
+
+The guests crowded around her, and a scene of great excitement followed.
+
+Here M. Cambray came forward and said:
+
+"I have found your daughter, countess, and return her to you."
+
+The lovely woman made one step toward the child, who had followed M.
+Cambray into the room, then sank to the floor unconscious. She was
+tenderly lifted and borne into the boudoir. Two physicians, who were of
+the company, followed.
+
+When the door closed behind them, the entire company remaining in the
+salon gathered about M. Cambray. The ladies seized his hands; and while
+a blonde houri on his right sought to attract his attention, a brunette
+beauty claimed it on his left--both women ignoring the attempts of the
+men to shake hands with the hero of the hour.
+
+One of the men, an elderly and distinguished-looking personage with a
+commanding mien, now pressed forward to introduce himself. "Monsieur, I
+am the Marquis Lyonel de Fervlans," he repeated in a patronizing tone.
+
+"I am Alfred Cambray," was the simple response.
+
+"Ah? Pray, have the kindness to tell us--the friends of the
+countess--what has happened?"
+
+M. Cambray related how and where he had found the lost child, the
+company listening with eager attention. All were deeply affected. Some
+of the women wept. When M. Cambray concluded his recital, the marquis
+grasped both his hands, and, pressing them warmly, said in a trembling
+voice:
+
+"Thanks, many thanks, you brave, good man! We will never forget your
+kindness."
+
+One of the physicians now came from the boudoir, and announced that the
+countess was better, and desired to speak to the deliverer of her child.
+
+The countess was reclining on an ottoman, half buried in luxurious
+cushions. Her little daughter was kneeling by her side, her head resting
+on her mother's knee. It was a charming tableau.
+
+"I am not able to express my gratitude, monsieur," began the countess,
+in a faint voice, extending both hands toward M. Cambray. "I hope you
+will allow me to call you my friend. I shall never cease to thank you!
+Amelie, my love, kiss this hand; look at this face; impress it on your
+heart, and never, _never_ forget it, for this brave gentleman rescued
+you from a most horrible fate."
+
+M. Cambray listened to these profuse expressions of gratitude, but with
+heedless ear. His thoughts were with the fugitives. He longed to know if
+they had escaped pursuit. While the countess was speaking he could not
+help but think that a great ado was being made because a little countess
+had been abandoned half clad in the public street. _He_ knew of another
+little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.
+
+His reply was brief:
+
+"Your little daughter is very charming."
+
+The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory
+locket from the black ribbon around her neck. It contained a portrait of
+the little countess Amelie.
+
+"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you,
+monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your
+protegee."
+
+It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most
+valued ornament.
+
+M. Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's
+hand, and kissed the little Amelie, who smilingly lifted her face for
+the caress. Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon. He was
+met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully:
+
+"What, you are going to desert us already? Then, if you will go, you
+must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old
+gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of
+liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.
+
+The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew
+up before the door, himself assisted M. Cambray to enter it. Then he
+shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the
+doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M. Cambray,
+the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her
+handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Amelie,
+overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the
+maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach
+with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his
+suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders. Even the more important of
+the two physicians pursed his lips into a smile, and proffered his
+snuff-box to his colleague, who, smothering with laughter, whispered:
+
+"Are we not capital actors?"
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Meanwhile M. Cambray drove rapidly in the Marquis de Fervlans's carriage
+through the streets of Paris. He was buried in thought. He glanced only
+now and then from the window. He was not altogether satisfied with
+himself that he was riding in a carriage which belonged to so important
+a person--a gentleman whose name he had never heard until that day.
+
+Suddenly he was surprised to find the carriage entering a gateway. A
+carriage could not enter the gate at his lodgings! The Swiss hussar
+sprang from the box, opened the carriage door, and M. Cambray found
+himself confronted by a sergeant with a drawn sword.
+
+"This is not my residence," said the old gentleman.
+
+"Certainly not," replied the sergeant. "This is the Prison of St.
+Pelagie."
+
+"What have I to do here? My name is Alfred Cambray."
+
+"You are the very one we have been expecting."
+
+And now it was M. Cambray's turn to laugh merrily.
+
+When M. Cambray's pockets had been searched, and everything suspicious
+confiscated, he was conducted to a room in the second story, in which he
+was securely locked. He had plenty of time to look about his new
+lodgings.
+
+Apparently the room had been occupied by many an important personage.
+The walls were covered with names. Above some of them impromptu verses
+had been scribbled; others had perpetuated their profiles; and still
+others had drawn caricatures of those who had been the means of lodging
+them here. The guillotine also figured among the illustrations.
+
+The new lodger was not specially surprised to find himself a prisoner;
+what he could not understand was the connection between the two events.
+How came it about that the courteous and sympathetic Marquis de
+Fervlans's carriage had brought him here from the palace of the deeply
+grateful countess?
+
+He was puzzling his brain over this question when his door suddenly
+opened, and a morose old jailer entered with some soup and bread for the
+prisoner.
+
+"Thanks, I have dined," said M. Cambray.
+
+The jailer placed the food on the table, with the words: "I want you to
+understand, citizen, that if you have any idea of starving yourself to
+death, we shall pour the soup down your throat."
+
+Toward evening another visitor appeared. The door was opened with loud
+clanking of chains and bolts, and a tall man crossed the threshold. It
+was the Marquis de Fervlans.
+
+His manner now was not so condescending and sympathetic. He approached
+the prisoner, and said in a commanding tone that was evidently intended
+to be intimidating:
+
+"You have been betrayed, and may as well confess everything; it is the
+only thing that will save you."
+
+A scornful smile crossed the prisoner's lips. "That is the usual form of
+address to a criminal who has been arrested for burglary."
+
+The marquis laughed.
+
+"I see, M. Cambray, that you are not the sort of person to be easily
+frightened. It is useless to adopt the usual prison methods with you.
+Very well; then we will try a different one. It may be that we shall
+part quite good friends! What do I say? Part? Say, rather, that we may
+continue together, hand in hand! But to the point. You have a friend who
+shared the same apartment with you. This gentleman deserted you last
+night, I believe?"
+
+"The ingrate!" ironically ejaculated M. Cambray.
+
+"Beg pardon, but there was also a little girl secreted in your
+apartment, whom no one ever saw--"
+
+"Pardon me, monsieur," interrupted Cambray, "but it is not the custom
+for French gentlemen to spy out or chatter about secrets which relate to
+the fair sex."
+
+"I am not talking about the sort of female you refer to, monsieur, but
+about a child--a girl of perhaps twelve years."
+
+"How, pray, can one determine the age of a lady whom no one has seen?"
+
+"Certain telltale circumstances give one a clue," retorted De Fervlans.
+"Why, for instance, do you keep a doll in your rooms?"
+
+"A doll? I play with it myself sometimes! I am a queer old fellow with
+peculiar tastes."
+
+"Very good; we will allow that you are telling the truth. What have you
+to say to the fact that you took to your apartment yesterday evening a
+stray child, and an hour later your friend came out of the house with
+another child, wrapped in the shawl which had enveloped the lost child
+when you found her--"
+
+"Have they been overtaken?" hastily interrupted Cambray, forgetting
+himself.
+
+"No, they have not--more 's the pity!" returned the marquis. "My
+detective was not clever enough to perceive the difference between the
+eight-year-old girl who was carried to your apartments at ten o'clock,
+and the twelve-year-old little maid whom your friend brought downstairs
+at eleven, pretending that he was going in search of the lost child's
+mother. Besides, everything conspired to aid your friend to escape. He
+was too cunning for us, and got such a start of his pursuers that there
+was no use trying to follow him. We do not even know in what direction
+he has gone."
+
+Cambray repressed the sigh of relief which would have lightened his
+heart, and forced himself to say indifferently:
+
+"Neither the young man nor the child concern me. It is his own family
+affair, in which I never meddled."
+
+"That is a move I cannot allow, M. Cambray!" sharply responded the
+marquis. "There are proofs that you are perfectly familiar with his
+affairs."
+
+Again Cambray smiled scornfully.
+
+"You have evidently searched my lodgings."
+
+"We have done our duty, monsieur. We even tore up the floors, broke your
+furniture and ornaments,--for which we apologize,--and found nothing
+suspicious. Notwithstanding this, however, we know very well that you
+received a letter yesterday warning you of approaching danger. We know
+very well that you and your friend traced out the route of his flight;
+we have a witness who listened to your plans, and who fitted together
+the scraps of the torn letter of warning, and read it."
+
+"And who may this witness be?" queried Cambray.
+
+"The child you picked up in the street."
+
+"What!" ejaculated Cambray, incredulously. "The little girl who sat
+shivering in the snow?"
+
+"Yes; she is our most skilful detective, and has entrapped more than one
+conspirator," triumphantly interrupted De Fervlans.
+
+"Then"--and M. Cambray brought his hands together in a vehement
+gesture--"what I have believed a myth is really true. The police
+authorities really employ a number of beautiful women, handsome young
+men, and clever children to spy out and entrap suspected persons?
+'Cythera's Brigade' really exists?"
+
+"You had the pleasure of meeting that celebrated brigade this morning,"
+replied De Fervlans.
+
+"And those grateful men and women, who gathered about me with tearful
+eyes and sympathetic words--"
+
+"Were members of Cythera's Brigade," supplemented the marquis.
+
+"And the mistress of the house--the beautiful woman who fainted at sight
+of her child?"
+
+"Is the fair Cythera's substitute! She taught her little daughter the
+part she played so successfully."
+
+With sudden fury M. Cambray tore from his breast the ivory locket
+containing the little Amelie's portrait, and was about to fling it on
+the floor and trample upon it. On second thought, he restrained himself,
+returned the locket to his breast, and muttered:
+
+"The child is not to blame. Those who have made her such a monster are
+at fault. I will keep the miniature as a talisman for the future."
+
+"And now, M. Cambray," pursued the marquis, "we want to learn what has
+become of your young friend. In fact, we _must_ know what has become of
+him and his charge."
+
+"I don't know where he is."
+
+"You do know. According to the report from our witness, he has fled to a
+'country where order prevails, and where there are no police.' Where is
+this country, M. Cambray?"
+
+"In the moon, perhaps!" was the laconic response.
+
+"Our witness heard these words from your own lips, and you pointed out
+the spot on the map to your friend."
+
+"Your witness dreamed all this!"
+
+"M. Cambray, let us talk sensibly. You are a banker--at least, that is
+what you are registered in the police records. It is to the interest of
+the state to discover your secret. If you will reveal the hiding-place
+of your friend you may demand your own reward. Do you wish to be
+intrusted with the management of the state's finances? Or--"
+
+"I regret, monsieur le marquis," interrupted Cambray, "that I must
+refuse so handsome an opportunity to enrich myself. Although I am a
+banker, I am no swindler."
+
+"Very good! Then you require no money. You are _not_ a banker, M.
+Cambray; that is merely a fable. What is your ambition? Should you
+prefer to be a governor? Name any office; let it be what it may, you
+shall receive the appointment to-morrow."
+
+"Thank you again, monsieur. I must repeat what I said before: I know
+nothing about the future residence of the fugitive gentleman."
+
+"And if I tell you, M. Cambray, that your refusal may cost you your
+head?"
+
+"I should reply," returned Cambray, smiling calmly, as he took up the
+piece of bread lying on the table, "that it is a matter of perfect
+indifference to me if this daily portion of bread is enjoyed by some one
+else to-morrow. That which I do not know I cannot tell you."
+
+"Very well, then," in a harsh tone rejoined De Fervlans. "I will tell
+you that Cambray the banker may say what is not true; but the nobleman
+cannot lie. _Marquis d'Avoncourt_, do you know to what country your
+friend has flown?"
+
+At this question the old gentleman rose from his chair, drew himself up
+proudly, and gazing defiantly into the eyes of his questioner, replied:
+
+"I do."
+
+Instantly De Fervlans's manner changed. He became the embodiment of
+courtesy. He bowed with extreme politeness, then, slipping his arm
+familiarly through that of the prisoner, whispered insinuatingly:
+
+"And what can we do to win this information from you?"
+
+The gray-haired man released himself from De Fervlans's arm, and
+answered with quiet irony:
+
+"I will tell you what you can do: have my head cut off, and send it to
+M. Bichet, the celebrated professor of anatomy; perhaps he may be able
+to discover the information in my skull--if it is there! And now I beg
+you to leave me; I wish to be alone."
+
+De Fervlans took up his hat, but turned at the door to say, in a meaning
+tone:
+
+"Marquis d'Avoncourt, we shall forget that you are a prisoner so long as
+it shall please you to remain obstinate. As for the fugitives, Cythera's
+Brigade will capture them, sooner or later. _Au revoir_!"
+
+That same night the old nobleman was removed to the prison at Ham.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+While the ensnared conspirators against the state were receiving
+sentence in one district of Paris, in another district the inhabitants
+were entertaining themselves.
+
+Paris does not mourn very long. Paris is like the earth: one half of it
+is always illumined by the sun. On this fateful evening the incroyables
+and the merveilleuses were amusing themselves within the walls of the
+Palace of Narcissus.
+
+The members of Cythera's Brigade took great pains to make outsiders
+believe that they never troubled themselves about that half of the world
+which was in shadow--that half called politics.
+
+In the salon of the fascinating Countess Themire Dealba not a word was
+heard relating to affairs of state. The beautiful women who were banded
+together to learn the secrets which threatened the present order of
+government worked in an imperceptible manner. They did not belong to the
+ordinary class of spies--those who collect every ill-natured word, every
+trifling occurrence of the street. No, indeed! _They_ did nothing but
+amuse themselves. They were merry society women, trusty friends and
+confidantes. They moved in the best circles; no one ever saw them
+exchange a word with a police commissioner. If any one in the company
+happened to speak of anything even remotely connected with politics,
+some one quickly changed the subject to a more innocent theme; and if a
+stranger chanced to mention so delicate a matter as, say, the dinner
+which had been given by the emperor's nephew at Very's, which cost
+seventy-five thousand francs, while forty thousand laborers were
+starving, then the witty Countess Themire herself turned the
+conversation to the "toilet rivalry" between the Mesdames Tallien and
+Recamier.
+
+On this particular evening the Countess Dealba was discussing the
+beauties of the latest opera with a few of her most intimate friends,
+when the Marquis de Fervlans approached, and, bending over her,
+whispered: "I must see you alone; find an opportunity to leave the room,
+and join me in the conservatory."
+
+At that time it was the fashion to clothe children in garments similar
+to those worn by their elders. A company of little ones, therefore,
+looked like an assemblage of Lilliputian merveilleuses and incroyables.
+The little men and women also accompanied their mamas to receptions and
+the theatre, where they joined in the conversation, danced vis-a-vis
+with their elders, made witty remarks, criticized the toilets and the
+play, gave an opinion as to whether Hardy's confections or those of
+Riches were the better, and if it were safe to depend on the friendship
+of the Czar Alexander.
+
+In this company of little ones the Countess Amelie was, beyond a doubt,
+the most conspicuous.
+
+One could not have imagined anything more interesting or entertaining
+than the manner of this miniature dame when left by her mama to do the
+honors of the house. The dignity with which the child performed her
+duties was enchanting. She understood perfectly how to entertain her
+mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes,
+how to mimic the manner of affected personages. She was, in a word, a
+prodigy!
+
+Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to
+perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.
+
+"We have been outwitted," he began at once. "They vanished twelve hours
+before we learned that they had flown."
+
+The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.
+
+"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this?" she inquired, with a
+touch of asperity. "Have you not got enough police to arrest the
+fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight?"
+
+"Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the
+fugitives are a trifle more skilful. They have disguised themselves so
+effectually that it is impossible to trace them. They seized a public
+coach by force, changed the number on it, and sent it back from the
+boundary by an accomplice, who left it in the Rue Muffetard. Even should
+we succeed in tracing their flight, by the time we discovered them they
+would have crossed the boundary of Switzerland, or would be sailing over
+the ocean. No; we must begin all over again. There is but one expedient:
+_you_ must travel in search of the fugitives, and bring them back."
+
+"I go in search of them and bring them back?" repeated the countess, in
+a startled tone.
+
+"The first part of your task will not be so difficult," continued De
+Fervlans. "The imprisoned marquis will not reveal the destination of the
+fugitives; but we have learned, through your clever little daughter,
+that they have gone to a country where there is order, but where there
+are no police. That, methinks, is not a very difficult riddle to solve.
+You need only journey from place to place until you find such a country.
+The fugitives will be certain to betray themselves by their secrecy,
+and I have not the least doubt but your search will be rewarded before
+the year is out. For one year you shall have the command of three
+hundred thousand francs. When you discover the fugitives you will know
+very well what to do. The man is young and an enthusiast--an easy
+conquest, I should fancy; and when you have ensnared him the maid's fate
+is decided. We want the man, the maid, and the steel casket; any one of
+the three, however, will be of great value to us. You will keep us
+advised as to your progress, and we, of course, will assist you all we
+can. You know that we have secret agents all over Europe. And now, you
+will do well to prepare for an immediate departure; there is not a
+moment to be lost."
+
+"But good, heavens! how can I take Amelie on such a journey?"
+
+"You are not to take her with you--of what are you thinking? That man
+has already seen the child, and would recognize her at once."
+
+"You surely cannot mean that I am to desert my daughter?"
+
+"Don't you think Amelie will be in safe hands if you leave her in _my_
+care?" asked De Fervlans, with a glance that would have made any one who
+had not heard his words believe he was making a declaration of love.
+"Besides, it will not be the first time you leave her to the care of
+another."
+
+"That is true," sighed the countess; "I ought to be accustomed to
+parting with her. Have not I trusted her to the care of a police spy?
+and all for my own advantage! Oh, what a wretched profession I have
+chosen for myself and my child!"
+
+"A profession that yields a handsome income, madame," supplemented the
+marquis, a trifle sharply. "You ought not to complain. Surely the
+regime is not to blame that you married a roue, who squandered your
+fortune, and then was killed in a duel about a rope-dancer, leaving you
+a clever little daughter and a half-million of debts! What else could
+you have done to have earned a living for yourself and child?"
+
+"I might have sent the child to a foundling asylum, and sought
+employment for myself in the gobelin factory. It would have been better
+had I done so!"
+
+"I doubt it, countess. The path of virtue is only for those women
+who--have large feet! You are too fairy-like, and would have found the
+way too rough. It is much better, believe me, to serve the state. What
+would you? Is there not a comforting word due to the conscience of the
+soldier who has killed a fellow-being in the interest of his country?
+Don't you suppose his heart aches when he looks upon the death-struggles
+of the man he has killed without having a personal grudge against him?
+We are all soldiers of the state. When we assault an enemy, we do not
+inquire if we hurt him; we kill him! and the safety of our fatherland
+hallows the deed."
+
+"But that which we are doing is immoral," interposed the countess.
+
+"And that which our enemy is doing is not immoral, I presume? Are not
+their beautiful women, their polished courtiers, acting as spies in our
+salons? We are only using their own weapons against them."
+
+"That may be; but it was a repulsive thought that prompted the using of
+children as instruments in this deadly game."
+
+"Were not they the first to set us an example? Was not it a repulsive
+thought which prompted them to hold over the heads of an entire people
+that hellish machine of torture in the shape of a smiling child? No,
+madame; we need not be ashamed of what we are doing. Our men are
+engaged in warfare against their men; our lovely women are engaged in
+warfare against their lovely women; and our little children are engaged
+in warfare against their little children. Your little Amelie is a
+historical figure, and deserves a monument."
+
+The marquis, perceiving that his sophistry was not without its effect on
+the lovely woman, continued:
+
+"And then, madame, if you are weary of the role you and your little
+daughter are playing with such success, the opportunity is now offered
+to you to quit your present mode of life. Your financial affairs are
+utterly ruined; you are only the nominal possessor of the estate you
+inherited from your ancestors. If you succeed in the task which you are
+about to undertake, the entire sum of money, the interest of which you
+receive annually, becomes your own. Five millions of francs deserve some
+sacrifice. With this sum you can become an independent woman, and your
+daughter will never be reproached with having been, in her childhood, a
+member of Cythera's Brigade."
+
+Countess Themire deliberated a few moments; then she asked:
+
+"May I not kiss my daughter farewell?"
+
+"Leave your kiss with me, and I will deliver it faithfully!" smilingly
+responded the marquis.
+
+"How can you jest at such a moment? Suppose my absence lasts a long
+time?"
+
+"That is very probable."
+
+"Am I not even to hear from my child--not even to let her know that I am
+living?"
+
+"Certainly, countess; you may communicate with her through me. Moreover,
+it rests with yourself how soon you will return. Until that time it
+shall be my pleasure to take care of Amelie; you may rest in peace as to
+that!"
+
+"Yes; she could not be in worse hands than in those of her mother!"
+bitterly rejoined the countess. "The first letter, then, must be one of
+farewell."
+
+She rose, went into her boudoir, and wrote on a sheet of paper:
+
+     "MY DEAR CHILD: I am compelled to take a journey. I shall write to
+     you when I am ready to return. Until then, I leave you to perform
+     the duties of hostess, and intrust my money-chest to your care. I
+     embrace you a thousand times.
+
+     "Your old friend and little mama,
+
+     "THEMIRE."
+
+She folded and sealed the letter, and handed it to De Fervlans.
+
+"I shall be sure to deliver it," he said. "And now, send Jocrisse for a
+fiacre; you must not use your own carriage for this. You can leave the
+palace unperceived by the garden gate. Speak German wherever you go, and
+remember that you do not understand a word of French. I think you would
+better begin your search in Switzerland. And now, adieu, madame, until
+we meet again--"
+
+"If only I might take one last look at my little daughter!" pleadingly
+interrupted the countess.
+
+"Themire! You are actually beginning to grow sentimental. That does not
+become a soldier!"
+
+"Had I suspected this," returned Themire, "I would not have given
+Amelie's portrait to M. Cambray in that ridiculous farce. I wonder if I
+might not get it from him?"
+
+"No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a
+talisman. Only M. Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of
+their trinkets, and Cambray is still far enough from Sanson's reach! I
+shall have another portrait painted of Amelie, and send it to you."
+
+"But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child."
+
+"Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter!
+I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission--that you will end
+by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us
+to him."
+
+Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.
+
+De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for
+the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes
+for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where
+he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.
+
+Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady
+of the house.
+
+"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian _grande
+dame_, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter--although I am only
+just learning the alphabet!"
+
+There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed
+the concluding words.
+
+The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and
+read her mother's letter.
+
+She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue
+eyes.
+
+"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called
+suddenly away. She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the
+letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her
+mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also
+was a thought of her own). "I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the
+house."
+
+Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the
+lorgnette in front of her lips:
+
+"Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"--adding, with naive sarcasm,
+"which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors."
+
+
+
+
+PART II
+
+THE HOME OF ANECDOTE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+The entire population of Fertoeszeg was assembled on the public highway
+to welcome the new proprietress of the estate. Elaborate preparations
+had been made for the reception. An arch of green boughs--at the top of
+which gleamed the word "Vivat" in yellow roses--spanned the road, on
+either side of which were ranged twelve little girls in white, with
+flower-baskets in their hands. They were under the superintendence of
+the village cantor, whose intention it was to conclude the ceremonies
+with a hymn of welcome by these innocent little creatures.
+
+On a sort of platform, a bevy of rosy-cheeked maids were waiting to
+present to the new-comer a huge hamper heaped to the brim with ripe
+melons, grapes, and Ostyepka cheeses of marvelous shapes. Mortars
+crowned the summit of the neighboring hill. In the shadow of a spreading
+beech-tree were assembled the official personages: the vice-palatine,
+the county surveyor, the village pastor, the district physician, the
+justice of the peace, and the different attendants, county and state
+employees, belonging to these gentlemen. The vice-palatine's assistant
+ought also to have been in this company, but he was busy giving the last
+instructions to the village beauties whose part it was to present the
+hamper of fruit and cheeses.
+
+These gentlemen had wives and daughters; but _they_ had stationed
+themselves along the trench at the side of the road. _They_ did not
+seek the shadow of a tree, because _they_ wished people to know that
+_they_ had parasols; for to own a parasol in those days was no small
+matter.
+
+Preparations were making in the market-place for an ox-roast. The fat
+young ox had been spitted, and the pile of fagots underneath him was
+ready for the torch. Hard by, on a stout trestle, rested a barrel of
+wine. In front of the inn a gypsy band were tuning their instruments,
+while at the window of the church tower might have been seen two or
+three child faces; they were on the lookout for the new lady of the
+manor, in order that they might be ready to ring the bells the moment
+she came in sight. There was only that one tower in the village, and
+there was a cross on it; but it was not a Romish church, for all that.
+The inhabitants were adherents of Luther--Swabians, mixed with Magyars.
+
+The municipal authorities, in their holiday attire of blue cloth, had
+grouped themselves about the town hall. The older men wore their long
+hair brushed back from the temples and held in place by a curved comb.
+The young men had thrust into the sides of their lambskin caps gay
+little nosegays of artificial flowers. _They_ proposed to fire a grand
+salute from the pistols they had concealed in their pockets.
+
+Meanwhile, the dignitaries underneath the umbrageous beech-tree were
+passing the time of waiting pleasantly enough. Maple wine mixed with
+mineral water was a very refreshing drink in the intense heat; besides,
+it served as a stimulant to the appetite--_appetitorium_, they called
+it.
+
+Three wooden benches, joined together in a half-circle, formed a
+comfortable resting-place for the committee of reception, the chief of
+whom, the vice-palatine, was seated on the middle bench, drawing through
+the stem of his huge carved meerschaum the smoke of the sweet Veker
+tobacco. His figure was the living illustration of the ever true axiom:
+"_Extra Hungariam non est vita_,"--an axiom which his fat red face by no
+means confuted,--while his heavy, stiffly waxed mustache seemed to add
+menacingly: "Leave the Hungarian in peace."
+
+He shared his seat with the clergyman, whose ecclesiastical office
+entitled him to that honor. The reverend gentleman, however, was an
+extremely humble person, whom erudition had bent and warped to such a
+degree that one shoulder was lower than the other, one eyelid was
+elevated above its fellow, and only one half of his mouth opened when he
+gave utterance to a remark. His part in the festive ceremony was the
+performance of the _beneventatio_; and although he had committed the
+speech to memory, he could not help but tremble at thought of having to
+repeat it before so grand a dame as the new mistress of the manor. He
+always trembled whenever he began his sermons; but once fairly started,
+then he became a veritable Demosthenes.
+
+"I only hope, reverend sir," jestingly observed the vice-palatine, "that
+it will not happen to you as it did to the _csokonai_, not long ago.
+Some wags exchanged his sermon-book for one on cookery, and he did not
+notice it until he began to read in the pulpit: 'The vinegar was--' Then
+he saw that he was reading a recipe for pickled gherkins. He had the
+presence of mind, however, to continue, '--was offered to the Saviour,
+who said, "It is finished."' And on that text he extemporized a
+discourse that astounded the entire presbytery."
+
+"I shall manage somehow to say my speech," returned the pastor, meekly,
+"if only I do not stumble over the name of the lady."
+
+"It is a difficult name," assented the vice-palatine. "What is it? I
+have already forgotten it, reverend sir."
+
+"Katharina von Landsknechtsschild."
+
+The vice-palatine's pointed mustaches essayed to give utterance to the
+name.
+
+"Lantz-k-nek-hisz-sild--that's asking a great deal from a body at one
+time!" he concluded, in disgust at his ill success.
+
+"And yet, it is a good old Hungarian family name. The last Diet
+recognized her ancestors as belonging to the nobility."
+
+This remark was made by a third gentleman. He was sitting on the left of
+the vice-palatine, and was clad in snuff-colored clothes. His face was
+covered with small-pox marks; he had tangled yellow hair and inflamed
+eyelids.
+
+"Are you acquainted with the family, doctor?" asked the vice-palatine.
+
+"Of course I am," replied the doctor. "Baron Landsknechtsschild
+inherited this estate from his mother, who was a Markoczy. The baron
+sold the estate to his niece Katharina. You, Herr Surveyor, must have
+seen the baron, when the land was surveyed around the Nameless Castle
+for the mad count?"
+
+The surveyor, who was seated beside the doctor, was a clever man in his
+profession, but little given to conversation. When he did open his lips,
+he rarely got beyond: "I--say--what was it, now, I was going to say?"
+
+As no one seemed willing to-day to wait until he could remember what he
+wanted to remark, the doctor, who was never at a loss for words,
+continued:
+
+"The Baroness Katharina paid one hundred thousand florins for the
+estate, with all its prerogatives--"
+
+"That's quite a handsome sum," observed the vice-palatine. "And, what is
+handsomer, it is said the new proprietress intends to take up a
+permanent residence here. Is not that the report, Herr Justice? You
+ought to know."
+
+The justice had an odd habit, while speaking, of rubbing together the
+palms of his hands, as if he were rolling little dumplings between them.
+
+"Yes--yes," he replied, beginning his dumpling-rolling; "that is quite
+true. The baroness sent some beautiful furniture from Vienna; also a
+piano, and a tuner to tune it. All the rooms at the manor have been hung
+with new tapestry, and the conservatory has been completely renovated."
+
+"I wonder how the baroness came to take such a fancy to this quiet
+neighborhood? It is very strange, too, that none of the neighboring
+nobles have been invited here to meet her. It is as if she intended to
+let them know in advance that she did n't want their acquaintance. At
+any other celebration of this sort half the county would have been
+invited, and here are only ourselves--and we are here because we are
+obliged, _ex officio_, to be present."
+
+This speech was delivered over the mouthpiece of the vice-palatine's
+meerschaum.
+
+"I fancy I can enlighten you," responded the doctor.
+
+"I thought it likely that the 'county clock' could tell us something
+about it," laughingly interpolated the vice-palatine.
+
+"You may laugh as much as you like, but I always tell what is true,"
+retorted the "county clock." "They say that the baroness was betrothed
+to a gentleman from Bavaria, that the wedding-day was set, when the
+bridegroom heard that the lady he was about to marry was--"
+
+"Hush!" hastily whispered the justice; "the servants might hear you."
+
+"Oh, it is n't anything scandalous. All that the bridegroom heard was
+that the baroness was a Lutheran; and as the _matrimonia mixta_ are
+forbidden in Vienna and in Bavaria, the bridegroom withdrew from the
+engagement. In her grief over the affair, the _sposa repudiata_ said
+farewell to the world, and determined to wear the_parta_[2] for the
+remainder of her days. That is why she chose this remote region as a
+residence."
+
+[Footnote 2: A head-covering worn only by Hungarian maidens.]
+
+Here the bell in the church tower began to ring. It was followed by a
+roar from the mortars on the hilltop.
+
+The gypsy band began to play Biharis's "Vierzigmann Marsch"; a cloud of
+dust rose from the highway; and soon afterward there appeared an
+outrider with three ostrich-plumes in his hat. He was followed by a
+four-horse coach, with coachman and footman on the box.
+
+The committee of reception came forth from the shade of the beech and
+ranged themselves underneath the arch. The clergyman for the last time
+took his little black book from his pocket, and satisfied himself that
+his speech was still in it. The coach stopped, and it was discovered
+that no one occupied it; only the discarded shawl and traveling-wraps
+told that women had been riding in the conveyance.
+
+The general consternation which ensued was ended by the agent from
+Vienna, who drove up in a second vehicle. He explained that the baroness
+and her companion had alighted at the park gate, whence they would
+proceed on foot up the shorter foot-path to the manor. And thus ended
+all the magnificent preparations for the reception!
+
+A servant now came running from the village, his plumed _czako_ in one
+hand, and announced that the baroness awaited the dignitaries at the
+manor.
+
+This was, to say the least, exasperating! A whole week spent in
+preparing--for nothing!
+
+You may be sure every one had something to say about it, audibly and to
+themselves, and some one was even heard to mutter:
+
+"This is the _second_ mad person come to live in Fertoeszeg."
+
+And then they all betook themselves, a disappointed company, to their
+homes.
+
+The baroness, who had preferred to walk the shorter path through the
+park to driving around the village in the dust for the sake of receiving
+a ceremonious welcome, was a lovely blonde, a true Viennese,
+good-humored, and frank as a child. She treated every one with cordial
+friendliness. One might easily have seen that everything rural was new
+to her. While walking through the park she took off her hat and
+decorated it with the wild flowers which grew along the path. In the
+farm-yard she caught two or three little chickens, calling them
+canaries--a mistake the mother hen sought in the most emphatic manner to
+correct. The surly old watch-dog's head was patted. She brushed with her
+dainty fingers the hair from the eyes of the gaping farmer children. She
+was here and there in a moment, driving to despair her companion, whose
+gouty limbs were unable to keep pace with the flying feet of her
+mistress.
+
+At the manor the baroness was received by the steward, who had been sent
+on in advance with orders to prepare the "installation dinner." Then she
+proceeded at once to inspect every corner and crevice--the kitchen as
+well as the dining-room, astonishing the cooks with her knowledge of
+their art. She was summoned from the kitchen to receive the dignitaries.
+
+"Let there be no ceremony, gentlemen," she exclaimed in her musical
+voice, hastening toward them. "I detest all formalities. I have had a
+surfeit of them in Vienna, and intend to breathe natural air here in the
+country, without 'fuss or feathers,' with no incense save that which
+rises from burning tobacco! This is why I avoided your parade out
+yonder on the highway. I want nothing but a cordial shake of your hands;
+and as regards the official formalities of this 'installation' business,
+you must settle that with my agent, who has authority to act for me.
+After that has been arranged, we will all act as if we were old
+acquaintances, and every one of you must consider himself at home here."
+
+To this gracious speech the vice-palatine gave utterance to something
+which sounded like:
+
+"Kisz-ti-hand!"
+
+"Ah!" returned the baroness, "you speak German?"
+
+"Well, yes," replied the descendant of the Scythians; "only, I am likely
+to blunder when speaking it, as did the valiant Barkocz. When our
+glorious Queen Maria Theresa recovered from the chicken-pox, she was
+bemoaning the disfiguring scars left on her face, when the brave
+soldier, in order to comfort her, said: 'But your Majesty still has very
+beautiful _leather_.'"
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" merrily laughed the baroness. "You are the gentleman who
+has an anecdote to suit every occasion. I have already heard about you.
+Pray introduce the other gentlemen."
+
+The vice-palatine proceeded to obey this request. "This is the Rev. Herr
+Tobias Mercatoris, our parish clergyman. He has a beautiful speech
+prepared to receive your ladyship; but he can't repeat it here, as it
+begins, 'Here in the grateful shadow of these green trees.'"
+
+"Oh, well, your reverence, instead of the speech, I will listen to your
+sermons on Sundays. I intend to become a very zealous member of your
+congregation."
+
+"And this, your ladyship," continued the master of ceremonies, "is Dr.
+Philip Tromfszky, resident physician of Fertoeszeg, who is celebrated not
+only for his surgical and medical skill, but is acknowledged here, as
+well as in Raab, Komorn, Eisenburg, and Odenburg, as the greatest gossip
+and news dispenser in the kingdom."
+
+"A most excellent accomplishment!" laughingly exclaimed the baroness. "I
+am devoted to gossip; and I shall manage to have some ailment every few
+days in order to have the doctor come to see me!"
+
+Then came the surveyor's turn.
+
+"This, your ladyship, is Herr Martin Doboka, county surveyor and expert
+mathematician. He will measure for you land, water, or fog; and if your
+watch stops going, he will repair it for you!"
+
+"And who may this be?" smilingly inquired the lady, indicating the
+vice-palatine's assistant, who had thrust his long neck inquisitively
+forward.
+
+"Oh, he is n't anybody!" replied the vice-palatine. "He is never called
+by name. When you want him just say: '_Audiat!_' He is one of those
+persons of whom Cziraky said: 'My lad, don't trouble yourself to inquire
+where you shall seat yourself at table; for wherever you sit will always
+be the lowest place!'"
+
+This anecdote caused "Audiat" to draw back his head and seek to make
+himself invisible.
+
+"And now, I must present myself: I am the vice-palatine of this county,
+and am called Bernat Goeroemboelyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+"My dear sir!" ejaculated the baroness, laughing heartily, "I could n't
+commit all that to memory in three years!"
+
+"That is exactly the way your ladyship's name affects me!"
+
+"Then I will tell you what we will do. Instead of torturing each other
+with our unpronounceable names, let us at once adopt the familiar
+'thou,' and call each other by our Christian names."
+
+"Yes; but when I enter into a 'brotherhood' of that sort, I always kiss
+the person with whom I form a compact."
+
+"Well, that can also be done in this instance!" promptly responded the
+baroness, proffering, without affectation of maidenly coyness, the
+ceremonial kiss, and cordially shaking hands with the vice-palatine.
+Then she said:
+
+"We are now Bernat _bacsi_, and Katinka; and as that is happily
+arranged, I will ask the gentlemen to go into the agent's office and
+conclude our official business. Meanwhile, I shall make my toilet for
+dinner, where we will all meet again."
+
+"What a perfectly charming woman!" exclaimed the justice, when their
+hostess had vanished from the room.
+
+"I wonder what would happen," observed the doctor, with a malicious
+grin, "if the vice-palatine's wife should hear of that kiss? Would n't
+there be a row, though!"
+
+The heroic descendant of the Scythians at these words became seriously
+alarmed.
+
+"The Herr Doctor, I trust, will be honorable enough not to gossip about
+it," he said meekly.
+
+"Oh, you may rest without fear, so far as _I_ am concerned; but I
+would n't say as much for the surveyor, here. If ever he should succeed
+in getting beyond 'I say,' I won't answer for the safety of your secret,
+Herr Vice-palatine! When your wife hears, moreover, that it is 'Bernat'
+and 'Katinka' up here, it will require something besides an anecdote to
+parry what will follow!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When the baroness appeared at the dinner-table, she was attired simply,
+yet with a certain elegance. She wore a plain black silk gown, with no
+other ornamentation save the string of genuine pearls about her throat.
+The sombre hue of her gown signified mourning; the gems represented
+tears; but her manner was by no means in keeping with either; she was
+cheerful, even gay. But laughter very often serves to mask a sorrowful
+heart.
+
+"Thy place is here by my side," said the baroness, mindful of the
+"thee-and-thou" compact with Herr Bernat.
+
+The vice-palatine, remembering his spouse, sought to modify the
+familiarity.
+
+"I forgot to tell you, baroness," he observed, as he seated himself in
+the chair beside her own, "that with us in this region 'thou' is used
+only by children and the gypsies. To those with whom we are on terms of
+intimacy we say 'he' or 'she,' to which we add, if we wish, the words
+_bacsi_, or _hugom_, which are equivalent to 'cousin.'"
+
+"And do you never say 'thou' to your wife?"
+
+"To her also I say 'she' or 'you.'"
+
+"What a singular country! Well, then, Bernat bacsi, if it pleases 'him,'
+will 'he' sit here by me?"
+
+Baroness Katinka understood perfectly how to conduct the conversation
+during the repast--an art which was not appreciated by her right-hand
+neighbor, Herr Mercatoris. The learned gentleman had bad teeth, in
+consequence of which eating was a sort of penitential performance that
+left him no time for discourse.
+
+But the doctor and the vice-palatine showed themselves all the more
+willing to share the conversation with their hostess.
+
+"The official business was satisfactorily arranged without me, was it
+not, Bernat bacsi?" after a brief pause, inquired the baroness.
+
+"Not altogether. We are like the gypsy who said that he was going to
+marry a countess. He was willing, and all that was yet necessary was the
+consent of a countess. Our business requires the consent of a
+baroness--that is, of Katinka hugom."
+
+"To what must I give my consent?"
+
+"That the conditions relating to the Nameless Castle shall continue the
+same as heretofore."
+
+"Nameless Castle?--Conditions?--What does that mean? I should like very
+much to know."
+
+"Katinka hugom can see the Nameless Castle from the terrace out yonder.
+It is a hunting-seat that was built by a Markoczy on the shore of Lake
+Neusiedl, on the site of a primitive pile-dwelling. Three years ago, a
+gentleman from a foreign country came to Fertoeszeg, and took such a
+fancy to the isolated house that he leased it from the baron, the former
+owner, on condition that no one but himself and servants should be
+permitted to enter the grounds belonging to the castle. The question now
+is, will Katinka hugom consent to the conditions, or will she revoke
+them?"
+
+"And if I should choose to do the latter?" inquired the baroness.
+
+"Then your ladyship would be obliged to give a handsome bonus to the
+lessee. Shall you revoke the conditions?"
+
+"It depends entirely on the sort of person my tenant proves to be."
+
+"He is a very peculiar man, to say the least--one who avoids all contact
+with his fellow-men."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"I don't think any one around here knows it. That is why his residence
+has been called the Nameless Castle."
+
+"But how is it possible that the name of a man who has lived here three
+years is not known?"
+
+"Well, that is easily explained. He never goes anywhere, never receives
+visitors, and his servants never call him anything but 'the count.'"
+
+"Surely he receives letters by post?"
+
+"Yes, frequently, and from all parts of the known world. Very often he
+receives letters which contain money, and for which he is obliged to
+give a receipt; but no one has yet been able to decipher the illegible
+characters on the letters addressed to him, or those of his own hand."
+
+"I should think the authorities had a right to demand the information?"
+
+"Which authorities?"
+
+"Why--'he,' Bernat bacsi."
+
+"I? Why, what business is it of mine?"
+
+"The authorities ought to inquire who strangers are, and where they come
+from. And such an authority is 'he'--Bernat bacsi!"
+
+"Hum; does 'she' take me to be a detective?"
+
+"But you surely have a right to demand to see his passport?"
+
+"Passport? I would rather allow myself to be thrown from the window of
+the county-house than demand a passport from any one who comes to
+Hungary, or set my foot in the house of a gentleman without his
+permission!"
+
+"Then you don't care what people do here?"
+
+"Why should we? The noble does as he pleases, and the peasant as he
+must."
+
+"Suppose the man in the Nameless Castle were plotting some dreadful
+treason?"
+
+"That would be the affair of the king's attorney, not mine. Moreover,
+nothing whatever can be said against the tenant of the Nameless Castle.
+He is a quiet and inoffensive gentleman."
+
+"Is he alone? Has he no family?"
+
+"That the Herr Justice is better able to tell your ladyship than am I."
+
+"Ah! Then, _Herr Hofrichter_," inquired the lady of the manor, turning
+toward the justice, "what do _you_ know about this mysterious personage?
+Has he a wife?"
+
+"It seems as if he had a wife, your ladyship; but I really cannot say
+for certain if he has one."
+
+"Well, I confess my curiosity is aroused! How is it possible not to know
+whether the man is married or not? Are the people invisible?"
+
+"Invisible? By no means, your ladyship. The nameless count and a lady
+drive out every morning at ten o'clock. They drive as far as the
+neighboring village, where they turn and come back to the castle. But
+the lady wears such a heavy veil that one can't tell if she be old or
+young."
+
+"If they drive out they certainly have a coachman; and one might easily
+learn from a servant what are the relations between his master and
+mistress."
+
+"Yes, so one might. The coachman comes often to the village, and he can
+speak German, too. There is a fat cook, who never leaves the castle,
+because she can't walk. Then, there are two more servants, Schmidt and
+his wife; but they live in a cottage near the castle. Every morning at
+five o'clock they go to the castle gate, where they receive from some
+one, through the wicket, orders for the day. At nine o'clock they
+return to the gate, where a basket has been placed for the things they
+have bought. But they never speak of the lady, because they have never
+seen her face, either."
+
+"What sort of a man is the groom?"
+
+"The people about here call him the man with the iron mouth. It is
+believed the fat cook is his wife, because he never even looks at the
+girls in the village. He will not answer any questions; only once he
+condescended to say that his mistress was a penniless orphan, who had
+nothing, yet who got everything she wanted."
+
+"Does no one visit them?"
+
+"If any one goes to the castle, the count alone receives the visitor;
+the lady never appears; and no one has yet had courage enough to ask for
+her. But that they are Christians, one may know from their kitchen:
+there is always a lamb for dinner on Easter; and the usual _heiligen
+Stritzel_ on All Saints'. But they never go to church, nor is the pastor
+ever received at the castle."
+
+"What reason can they have for so much mystery, I wonder?" musingly
+observed the baroness.
+
+"That I cannot say. I can furnish only the data; for the deductions I
+must refer your ladyship to the Herr Doctor."
+
+"Ah, true!" ejaculated her ladyship, joining in the general laughter.
+"The doctor, to be sure! If you are the county clock, Herr Doctor,
+surely you ought to know something about our mysterious neighbors?"
+
+"I have two versions, either of which your ladyship is at liberty to
+accept," promptly responded the doctor. "According to the first
+'authentic' declaration, the nameless count is the chief of a band of
+robbers, who ply their nefarious trade in a foreign land. The lady is
+his mistress. She fell once into the hands of justice, in Germany, and
+was branded as a criminal on her forehead. That accounts for the heavy
+veil she always wears--"
+
+"Oh, that is quite too horribly romantic, Herr Doctor!" interrupted the
+baroness. "We cannot accept that version. Let us hear the other one."
+
+"The second is more likely to be the true one. Four years ago the
+newspapers were full of a remarkable abduction case. A stranger--no one
+knew who he was--abducted the wife of a French officer from Dieppe.
+Since then the betrayed husband has been searching all over the world
+for his runaway wife and her lover; and the pair at the castle are
+supposed to be they."
+
+"That certainly is the more plausible solution of the mystery. But there
+is one flaw. If the lovers fled here to Fertoeszeg to escape pursuit, the
+lady has chosen the very worst means to remain undiscovered. Who would
+recognize them here if they went about in the ordinary manner? The story
+of the veil will spread farther and farther, and will ultimately betray
+them to the pursuing husband."
+
+By this time the reverend Herr Mercatoris had got the better of his bad
+teeth, and was now ready to join the conversation.
+
+"Gentlemen and ladies," he began, "allow me to say a word about this
+matter, the details of which no one knows better than myself, as I have
+for months been in communication with the nameless gentleman at the
+castle."
+
+"What sort of communication?"
+
+"Through the medium of a correspondence, which has been conducted in
+quite a peculiar manner. The count--we will call him so, although we are
+not justified in so doing, for the gentleman did not announce himself as
+such--the count sends me every morning his copy of the Augsburg
+'Allgemeine Zeitung.' Moreover, I frequently receive letters from him
+through Frau Schmidt; but I always have to return them as soon as I
+have read them. They are not written in a man's hand; the writing is
+unmistakably feminine. The seal is never stamped; only once I noticed on
+it a crest with three flowers--"
+
+"What sort of flowers?" hastily interposed the baroness.
+
+"I don't know the names of them, your ladyship."
+
+"And what do you write about?" she asked again.
+
+"The correspondence began by the count asking a trifling favor of me. He
+complained that the dogs in the village barked so loud; then, that the
+children robbed the birds' nests; then, that the night-watchman called
+the hour unnecessarily loud. These complaints, however, were not made in
+his own name, but by another person whom he did not name. He wrote
+merely: 'Complainant is afraid when the dogs bark.' 'Complainant loves
+birds.' 'Complainant is made nervous by the night-watchman.' Then he
+sent some money for the owners of the barking dogs, asking that the curs
+be shut indoors nights; and some for the children, so they would cease
+to rob the birds' nests; and some for the watchman, whom he requested to
+shout his loudest at the other end of the village. When I had attended
+to his requests, he began to send me his newspaper, which is a great
+favor, for I can ill afford to subscribe for one myself. Later, he
+loaned me some books; he has the classics of all nations--the works of
+Wieland, Kleist, Boerne, Lessing, Locke, Schleiermacher. Then we began to
+write about the books, and became entangled in a most exciting argument.
+Frau Schmidt, who was the bearer of this exchange of opinions, very
+often passed to and fro between the castle and the parsonage a dozen
+times a day; and all the time we never said anything to each other, when
+we happened to meet in the road, but 'good day.' From the letters,
+however, I became convinced that the mysterious gentleman is neither a
+criminal, nor a fugitive from justice, nor yet an adventurous hero who
+abducts women! Nor is he an unfortunate misanthrope. He is, on the
+contrary, a philanthropist in the widest sense--one who takes an
+interest in everything that goes on about him, and is eager to help his
+suffering fellows. In a word, he is a philosopher who is happy when he
+is surrounded by peace and quiet."
+
+The baroness, who had listened with interest to the reverend gentleman's
+words, now made inquiry:
+
+"How does this nameless gentleman learn of his poor neighbors' needs,
+when neither he nor his servants associate with any one outside the
+castle?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, your ladyship. He has a very powerful
+telescope in the tower of the castle, with which he can view every
+portion of the surrounding region. He thus learns when there is illness
+or death, whether a house needs repair; and wherever anything is needed,
+the means to help are sent to me. On Christmas he has all the children
+from the village up at the castle, where he has a splendid Christmas
+tree with lighted tapers, and a gift for every child,--clothes, books,
+and sweets,--which he distributes with his own hand. I can tell you an
+incident which is characteristic of the man. One day the county arrested
+a poor woman, the wife of a notorious thief. The Herr Vice-palatine will
+remember the case--Rakoncza Jutka, the wife of the robber Satan Laczi?"
+
+"Yes, I remember. She is still in prison," assented the gentleman
+referred to.
+
+"Yes. Well, she has a little son. When the mother was taken to prison,
+the little lad was turned away from every door, was beaten and abused by
+the other children, until at last he fled to the marshes, where he ate
+the young shoots of the reeds, and slept in the mire. The nameless count
+discovered with his telescope the little outcast, and wrote to me to
+have him taken to Frau Schmidt, where he would be well taken care of
+until his mother came back."
+
+By this time the tears were running down the baroness's cheeks.
+
+"Poor little lad!" she murmured brokenly. "Your story has affected me
+deeply, Herr Pastor."
+
+Then she summoned her steward, and bade him fill a large hamper with
+sweets and pasties, and send it to Frau Schmidt for the poor little boy.
+"And tell Frau Schmidt," she added, "to send the child to the manor. We
+will see to it that he has some suitable clothes. I am delighted,
+reverend sir, to learn that my tenant is a true nobleman."
+
+"His deeds certainly proclaim him as such, your ladyship."
+
+"How do _you_ explain the mystery of the veiled lady?"
+
+"I cannot explain it, your ladyship; she is never mentioned in our
+correspondence."
+
+"She may be a prisoner, detained at the castle by force."
+
+"That cannot be; for she has a hundred opportunities to escape, or to
+ask for help."
+
+Here the surveyor managed to express his belief that the reason the lady
+wore a veil was because of the repulsiveness of her face.
+
+At this, a voice that had not yet been heard said, at the lower end of
+the table:
+
+"But the lady is one the most beautiful creatures I ever saw--and quite
+young."
+
+Every eye was turned toward the speaker.
+
+"What? Audiat? How dares he say such a thing?" demanded the
+vice-palatine.
+
+"Because I have seen her."
+
+"You have seen her? When did you see her? Where did you see her--her
+whom no one yet has seen?"
+
+"When I was returning from college last year, _per pedes apostolorum_,
+for my money had given out, and my knapsack was empty. I was picking
+hazelnuts from the bushes in the park of the Nameless Castle, when I
+heard a window open. I looked up, and saw in the open sash a face the
+like of which I have never seen, even in a picture."
+
+"Ah!" ejaculated the baroness. "Tell us what is she like. Come nearer to
+me."
+
+The clerk, however, was too bashful to leave his place, whereupon the
+baroness rose and took a seat by his side.
+
+"She has long, curling black hair," he went on. "Her face is fair as a
+lily and red as a rose, her brow pure and high, with no sign of the
+branding-iron. Her mouth is small and delicate. Indeed, her entire
+appearance that day was like that of an angel looking down from heaven."
+
+"Is she a maid or a married woman?" inquired one of the company.
+
+A maid, in those days, was very easily distinguished from her married
+sister. The latter was never seen without a cap.
+
+"A young girl not more than fifteen, I should say," was the reply. "A
+cap would not suit her face."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Bernat bacsi. "And this enchanting fairy opened
+the window to show her lovely face to Audiat!"
+
+"No; she did not open the window on my account," retorted the young man,
+"but for the beasts that were luckier than I--for four cats that were
+playing in the gutter of the roof; a white one, a black one, a yellow
+one, and a gray one; and all of them scampered toward her when they
+heard her call."
+
+"The cats are her only companions--that much we know from the servants,"
+affirmed the justice.
+
+The laurels which his clerk had won made the vice-palatine jealous.
+
+"Audiat," he said, in a reproving tone, "you ought to learn that a young
+person should speak only when spoken to; indeed,--as the learned
+Professor Hatvani says,--even then it is not necessary to answer all
+questions."
+
+But the company around the dinner-table did not share these views. The
+clerk was assailed on all sides--very much as would have been an
+aeronaut who had just alighted from a montgolfier--to relate all that he
+had seen in those regions not yet penetrated by man. What sort of gown
+did the mysterious lady wear? Was he certain that she had no cap on? Was
+she really no older than fifteen years?
+
+The vice-palatine at last put an end to his clerk's triumph.
+
+"Tut, tut! what can you expect to learn from a mere lad like him?--when
+he saw her only for an instant! Just wait; _I_ will find out all about
+this nameless gentleman and lady."
+
+"Pray how do you propose to accomplish that?" queried the baroness, who
+had returned to her former seat.
+
+"I shall go to the Nameless Castle."
+
+"Suppose you are not permitted to enter?"
+
+"What? _I_, the vice-palatine, not permitted to enter? Wait; I will
+explain my plan to you over the coffee."
+
+When the time came to serve the black coffee, the amiable hostess
+suggested that it would be pleasant to enjoy it in the open air;
+whereupon the company repaired to the veranda where, on several small
+tables, the fragrant mocha was steaming in the cups. Here the baroness
+and the vice-palatine seated themselves where they could look directly
+at the Nameless Castle; and Herr Bernat Goeroemboelyi proceeded to explain
+how he intended to take the castle without force--which was forbidden a
+Hungarian official.
+
+Then the two ladies withdrew to make their toilets for the evening; and
+the gentlemen betook themselves to the smoking-room, to indulge in a
+little game of chance, without which no "installation" ceremony would
+have been complete.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The following morning, after a very satisfactory breakfast, the
+gentlemen took leave of their amiable hostess, Bernat bacsi lingering
+behind the rest to whisper significantly:
+
+"I will not say farewell, Katinka hugom, for I am coming back to tell
+you all about it." Then he took his place in the extra post-chaise, and
+bade the postilion drive directly to the neighboring castle. The
+Nameless Castle was built on a narrow tongue of land that extended into
+Lake Neusiedl. The road to the castle gate ran along a sort of causeway,
+which was protected from the water by a strong bulwark composed of
+fascines, and a row of willows with knotty crowns. A drawbridge at the
+farther end made it necessary for the person who wished to enter the
+gate to ask permission.
+
+On ringing the bell, there appeared at the gate the servant who has
+already been described,--the groom, coachman, and man of all work in one
+person. He had on a handsome livery, white gloves, white stockings, and
+shoes without heels.
+
+"Is the count at home?" inquired the vice-palatine.
+
+"He is."
+
+"Announce us. I am the vice-palatine of the county, and wish to pay an
+official visit."
+
+"The Herr Count is already informed of the gentlemen's arrival, and bids
+them welcome."
+
+This certainly was getting on smoothly enough! And the most convincing
+proof of a hearty welcome was that the stately groom himself hastened to
+remove the luggage from the chaise and carry it into the vestibule--a
+sign that the guests were expected to make a visit of some duration.
+
+Now, however, something curious happened.
+
+Before the groom opened the hall door, he produced three pairs of socks,
+woven of strands of cloth,--_mamuss_ they are called in this
+region,--and respectfully requested the visitors to draw them over their
+boots.
+
+"And why, pray?" demanded the astonished vice-palatine.
+
+"Because in this house the clatter of boots is not considered pleasant;
+and because the socks prevent boots from leaving dusty marks on the
+carpets."
+
+"This is exactly like visiting a powder-magazine." But they had to
+submit and draw their socks over their yellow boots, and, thus equipped,
+they ascended the staircase to the reception-room.
+
+An air of almost painful neatness reigned in all parts of the castle.
+Stairs and corridors were covered with coarse white cloth, the sort used
+for peasants' clothing in Hungary. The walls were hung with glossy white
+paper. Every door-latch had been polished until it glistened. There were
+no cobwebs to be seen in the corners; nor would a spider have had
+anything to prey upon here, for there were no flies, either. The floor
+of the reception-room into which the visitors had been conducted shone
+like a mirror, and not a speck of dust was to be seen on the furniture.
+
+"The Herr Count awaits your lordship in the salon," announced the groom,
+and conducted Herr Bernat into the adjoining chamber. Here, too, the
+furniture was white and gold. The oil-paintings in the rococo frames
+represented landscapes, fruit pieces, and game; there was not a
+portrait among them.
+
+Beside the oval table with tigers' feet stood the mysterious occupant of
+the Nameless Castle. He was a tall man, with knightly bearing,
+expressive face, a high, broad forehead left uncovered by his natural
+hair, a straight Greek nose, gray eyes, a short mustache and pointed
+beard, which where a shade lighter than his hair.
+
+"_Magnifice comes_--" the vice-palatine was beginning in Latin, when the
+count interposed:
+
+"I speak Hungarian."
+
+"Impossible!" exclaimed the visitor, whose astonishment was reflected in
+his face. "Hungarian? Why, where can your worship have learned it?"
+
+"From the grammar."
+
+"From the grammar?" For the vice-palatine this was the most astounding
+of all the strange things about the mysterious castle. Had he not always
+known that Hungarian could only be learned by beginning when a child and
+living in a Hungarian family? That any one had learned the language as
+one learns the _hic, haec, hoc_ was a marvel that deserved to be
+recorded. "From the grammar?" he repeated. "Well, that is wonderful! I
+certainly believed I should have to speak Latin to your worship. But
+allow me to introduce my humble self--"
+
+"I already have the honor," quietly interrupted the count, "of knowing
+that you are Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Goeroemboelyi von Dravakeresztur."
+
+He repeated the whole name without a single mistake!
+
+The vice-palatine bowed, and began again:
+
+"The object of my visit to-day is--"
+
+Again he was interrupted.
+
+"I know that also," said the count. "The Fertoeszeg estate has passed
+into the hands of another proprietor, who has a legal right to withdraw
+the lease and revoke the conditions made and agreed to by her
+predecessor; and the Herr Vice-palatine is come, at the request of the
+baroness, to serve a notice to quit."
+
+Herr Bernat did not like it when any one interrupted him or knew
+beforehand what he intended to say.
+
+"On the contrary, I came because the baroness desires to renew the
+lease. She has learned how kind to the poor your worship is, and offers
+the castle and park at half the rent paid heretofore." He fancied this
+would melt the haughty lord of the castle, but it seemed to increase his
+hauteur.
+
+"Thanks," frigidly responded the count. "If the baroness thinks the rent
+too high, she will find in her own neighborhood poor people whom she can
+assist. I shall continue to pay the same rent I paid to the former
+owner."
+
+"Then my business will be easily settled. I have brought my clerk with
+me; he can write out the necessary papers, and the matter can be
+concluded at once."
+
+"Thank you very much," returned the count, but without offering to shake
+hands. Instead, he kept his arms crossed behind his back.
+
+"Before we proceed to business," resumed the vice-palatine, "I must tell
+your worship an anecdote. A professor once told his pupils that he knew
+everything. Shortly afterward he asked one of the lads what his name
+was. 'Why,' responded the youth, 'how does it come that you don't know
+my name--you who know everything?'"
+
+"I cannot see why you thought it necessary to relate this anecdote to
+me," observed the count, without a smile.
+
+"I introduce it because I am compelled to inquire your worship's name
+and title, in order to draw up the contracts properly."
+
+This, then, was the strategem by which he proposed to learn the name
+which no one yet had been able to decipher on the count's letters?
+
+The count gazed fixedly for several seconds at his questioner, then
+replied quietly:
+
+"My name is Count Ludwig Vavel de Versay--with a _y_ after the _a_."
+
+"Thanks. I shall not forget it; I have a very good memory," said Herr
+Bernat, who was perfectly satisfied with his success. "Allow me, also,
+to inquire the family name of the worshipful Frau Countess?"
+
+At this question the count at last removed his hands from his back, and
+with the sort of gesture a man makes who would tear asunder an
+adversary. At the same time he cast upon Herr Bernat a glance that
+reminded the valiant official of the royal commissioner, as well as of
+his energetic spouse at home. The angry man seemed to have increased a
+head in stature.
+
+Instead of replying to the question, he turned on his heel and strode
+from the room, leaving his visitor standing in the middle of the floor.
+Herr Bernat was perplexed; he did not know what to do next. Was it not
+quite natural to ask the name of a man's wife when a legal contract was
+to be written? His question, therefore, had not been an insult.
+
+At last, as the count did not return, there was nothing left for Herr
+Bernat to do but go to his room and wait there for further developments.
+The contracts would have to be renewed, else the count would have to
+vacate the castle; and one could easily see that a great deal of money
+had been expended in fitting it up. The count had transformed the old
+hunting-seat, which had been a filthy little nest, into a veritable
+fairy castle. Yes, undoubtedly the contracts would be renewed.
+
+The vice-palatine was pacing the floor of his room in his noiseless
+cloth socks, when he suddenly heard the voices of his clerk and his
+servant outside the door.
+
+"Well, Janos, we are not going to dine here to-day; from what I can
+learn, we are going to be eaten ourselves."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"The groom told me his master was loading his pistols to shoot some one.
+The count challenges to a duel every one who inquires after the
+countess."
+
+The voices ceased. The vice-palatine opened wide his eyes, and muttered:
+
+"May the devil fly away with him! He wants to fight a duel, does he? I
+am not afraid of his pistols; I have one, too, and a sword into the
+bargain. But it 's a silly business altogether! I am to fight about a
+woman I have n't even seen! And what will my wife say? I wish I had n't
+come into this crazy castle! I wish I had n't sealed a compact of
+fraternity with the baroness! Why did not I leave this whole
+installation business to the second vice-palatine? If only I could think
+of an excuse to turn my back on this lunatic asylum! But I am not going
+to run away from a pistol. The Hungarian noble is a born soldier. If
+only I had my pipe! A man is only half a man without his pipe. A pipe
+inspires one with ideas. Where, I wonder, is that Audiat gadding?"
+
+At this moment the clerk opened the door.
+
+"Fetch our luggage, Audiat; we are going to leave this damned lunatic
+asylum. The Herr Count may see to it then how he renews his lease."
+Hereupon he kicked off the socks with such vigor that the very castle
+shook. Then, grasping his sword in his hand, he marched out of his room,
+and down the staircase, to prove that he was not fleeing like a coward,
+but was clearing his way by force.
+
+When the clerk, who went to fetch the luggage, was about to enter the
+groom's apartment, the count came toward him and said:
+
+"You are the vice-palatine's clerk?"
+
+"That 's what they call me."
+
+"When do you expect to become a lawyer?"
+
+"When I have passed my examination."
+
+"When will that be?"
+
+"When I have served a year as jurat, and have paid a ducat for my
+diploma."
+
+"I will give you the ducat, and when you have become a lawyer I will
+employ you as my attorney at six hundred guilders a year. I know that a
+Hungarian gentleman will not accept a gift without making some return; I
+ask you, therefore, to give me for this ducat some information."
+
+"What is it you wish to know?"
+
+"How can I obtain possession of a portion of Lake Neusiedl for my own
+use alone?"
+
+"By becoming a naturalized citizen of the county, and by purchase of a
+portion of the shore. I dare say there are some landowners on the shore
+who would be glad to part with their possessions in exchange for solid
+cash. If you buy such an estate you will have sole right to that part of
+the water in front of your property, and to the middle of the lake."
+
+"Thank you. One more question: if you were my attorney, what could you
+do to prevent me from being ejected from this castle, in case I did not
+sign a new contract with the present owner?"
+
+"First, I should take advantage of the law of possession, and drag the
+case through a twelve years' process; then I should appeal, which would
+postpone a settlement for three years longer. Would that be long
+enough?"
+
+"Quite!"
+
+The count nodded a farewell to the youthful jurist without even
+inquiring his name; nor did Audiat venture to propound a like question
+to his future employer.
+
+Bernat bacsi did not, as he had promised, return to the manor to tell
+the baroness the result of his visit. He drove direct to his home.
+
+
+
+
+PART III
+
+
+THE MISTRESS OF THE CATS
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When they heard the call, "Puss, puss!" they scampered down the roof,
+leaped from the eaves, and vanished, one after the other, between the
+curtains of the open window. It was quite an ethnographic, so to speak,
+collection of cats; a panther-like French pussy from Dund, a Caucasian
+with long pointed ears, one from China with wavy silken fur and drooping
+ears. Then the window was closed, for the company were all
+assembled--four cats, two pug-dogs, and a sparrow, and the hostess, a
+young girl.
+
+The girl, to judge from her figure, was perhaps fifteen years old; but
+her manner and speech were those of a much younger child. With her
+arched brow and rainbow-formed eyebrows, she might have served as a
+model for a saint, had not the roguish smile about the corners of her
+red lips betrayed an earthly origin. The sparkling dark eyes, delicately
+chiseled nostrils, and rounded chin gave to her face certain family
+characteristics which many persons would have recognized at a first
+glance.
+
+Her clothing was richly adorned with lace and embroidery, which was not
+the fashion for girls of her age; at the same time, there was about her
+attire a peculiar negligence, as if she had no one to advise her what
+was proper to wear, or how to wear it.
+
+Her room was furnished with luxurious elegance. Satin hangings covered
+the walls; the furniture was upholstered with rare gobelin tapestry.
+Gilded cabinets veneered with tortoise-shell held, behind glass doors,
+all sorts of costly toys, and dolls in full costume. On a Venetian table
+with mosaic top lay a pack of cards and three heaps of money--one of
+gold, one of silver, the third of copper. On a low, three-legged table
+was a something shaped like an organ, with a long row of metal and
+wooden pipes. Near the window stood a drawing-table, on which were
+sheets of drawing-board, and glasses containing pulverized colors. There
+was also a bookcase; on the shelves were volumes of Vertuch's "Orbis
+pictus," the "Portefeuille des enfants," the "History of Robinson
+Crusoe," and several numbers of a fashion magazine, the "Album des
+salons," the illustrations of which lay scattered about on tables and
+chairs.
+
+The guests were all assembled; not one was missing. The little hostess
+inquired after the health of each one in turn, and how they had enjoyed
+their outing. They all had names. The cats were Hitz, Mitz, Pani, and
+Miura. They were introduced to the two pugs, Phryxus and Helle. Then the
+little maid fetched a porcelain basin, and with a sponge washed each
+nose and paw. Only after this operation had been thoroughly performed
+were the guests allowed to take their places at the breakfast-table--the
+four cats opposite the two pugs.
+
+Then a clean napkin was tied about the neck of each guest,--that their
+jabots might not get soiled with milk,--and a cup of bread and milk
+placed in front of each one.
+
+No complaints were allowed (the one that broke this rule was severely
+lectured), while all of them had patiently to submit when the sparrow
+helped himself from whichever cup he chose. The breakfast over, the
+guests bow-wowed and miaued their thanks, and were dismissed to their
+morning nap.
+
+The musical clock now began to play its shepherd's song; the brass
+Cyclops standing on the dial struck the hour; the cuckoo called, and the
+halberdier saluted. Then the little maid changed her toilet. She had a
+whole wardrobe full of clothes; she might select what she chose to wear.
+There was no one to tell her what to put on, or to help her attire
+herself. When her toilet was completed, a bell outside rang once,
+whereupon she donned her hat and tied over her face a heavy lace veil
+that effectually concealed her features. After a few minutes the bell
+rang a second time, and the sound of wheels in the courtyard was heard.
+Then three taps sounded on the door, and in answer to the little maid's
+clear-voiced "Come in!" a gentleman in promenade toilet entered the room
+and bowed respectfully. First he satisfied himself that the veil was
+securely fastened around the young girl's hat; then, drawing her hand
+through his arm, he led her to the carriage.
+
+On the box was seated the broad-shouldered groom, now clad in coachman's
+costume. The gentleman assisted the little maid into the carriage, took
+his seat by her side, and the black horses set off over the same road
+they had traversed a thousand times, in the regulation trot, avoiding
+the main thoroughfare of the village. Those persons whom they chanced to
+meet did not salute, for they knew that the occupants of the carriage
+from the Nameless Castle did not wish to be spoken to; and any of the
+villagers who were standing idly at their doors stepped inside until
+they had passed; no inquisitive woman face peered after them. And thus
+the carriage passed on its way, as if it had been invisible. When it
+arrived at the forest, the horses knew just where they had to halt. Here
+the gentleman assisted his veiled companion to alight, gave her his left
+arm, because he held in his right hand a heavy walking-stick, in the
+center of which was concealed a long, three-edged poniard, an effective
+weapon in the hands of him who knew how to wield it.
+
+In silence the man and the maid promenaded along the green sward in the
+shade of the trees. A campanula had just opened its blue eye at the foot
+of one of the trees, and pale-blue forget-me-nots grew along the path.
+Blue was the little maid's favorite color; but she was not permitted to
+pluck the flowers herself. She had never been told why she must not do
+this; perhaps it was because the flowers belonged to some one else.
+
+Sometimes the little maid's steps were so light and elastic, as if a
+fairy were gliding over the dewy grass; and sometimes she walked so
+slowly, so wearily, as if a little old grandmother came limping along,
+hunting for lichens on the mossy ground.
+
+After the promenade, they seated themselves again in the carriage, which
+returned to the Nameless Castle, and the gates were closed again.
+
+The man conducted the maid to her room, and the serious occupation of
+the day began. Books were produced, and the man proceeded to explain the
+classics. They were his own favorites; he could not give her any others.
+She had not yet seen or heard of romances, and she was still too young
+to begin the study of history. The man could teach the maid only what he
+himself knew; a strange tutor or governess was not allowed to enter the
+castle.
+
+Because her instructor could not play the piano, the little maid had not
+learned. But in order that she might enjoy listening to music, a
+hand-organ had been bought for her, and new melodies were inserted in it
+every four months.
+
+When the little maid wearied of her organ and her picture-making, she
+seated herself at the card-table, and played _l'hombre_, or _tarok_,
+with two imaginary adversaries, enjoying the manner in which the copper
+coins won the gold ones.
+
+At noon, when the bell rang a third time, the man tapped at the door
+again, offered his gloved hand to the maid, and conducted her to the
+dining-room. At either end of a large table was a plate. The maid took
+her place at the head; the man seated himself at the foot. They
+conversed during the meal. The maid talked about her cats and dogs; the
+man told her about his books. When the maid wanted anything, she called
+the man Ludwig; and when the man addressed his companion, he called her
+simply Marie.
+
+After dinner, they went to the library to look at the late newspapers.
+Ludwig himself made the coffee, after which he read the papers, and
+dictated his comments and criticisms on certain articles to Marie, who
+wrote them out in her delicate hair-line chirography.
+
+When Ludwig and Marie separated for the afternoon, he touched his lips
+to her hand and brow. Marie then returned to her own apartments, played
+the hand-organ for her pets, changed her dolls' toilets, counted her
+gains or losses at cards, colored with her paints a few of the
+illustrations in the magazines, looked through her "Orbis pictus,"
+reading without difficulty the text which was printed in four languages,
+and read for the hundredth time her favorite "Robinson Crusoe."
+
+And thus passed day after day, from spring until autumn, from autumn
+until spring.
+
+Evenings, when Marie prepared for bed, before she undressed herself, she
+spread a heavy silken coverlet over the leather lounge which stood near
+the door. She knew very well that the some one she called Ludwig slept
+every night on the lounge, but he came in so late, and went away so
+early in the morning, that she never heard his coming or his going.
+
+The little maid was a sound sleeper, and the pugs never barked at the
+master of the house, who gave them lumps of sugar.
+
+Often the little maid had determined that she would not go to sleep
+until she heard Ludwig come into the room. But all her attempts to
+remain awake were in vain. Her eyelids closed the moment her head
+touched the pillow. Then she tried to waken early, in order to wish him
+good morning; but when she thrust her little head from between the
+bed-curtains, and called cheerily, "Good morning, dear Ludwig!" there
+was no one there.
+
+Ludwig never slept more than four hours of the twenty-four, and his
+slumber was so light that he woke at the slightest noise. Then, too, he
+slept like a soldier in the field--always clothed, with his weapons
+beside him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+One day in the year formed an exception to all the rest. It was Marie's
+birthday. From her earliest childhood this one day had been entirely her
+own. On this day she addressed Ludwig with the familiar "thou," as she
+had been wont to do when he had taught her to walk. She always looked
+forward with great pleasure to this day, and made for it all sorts of
+plans whose accomplishment was extremely problematic.
+
+And who came to congratulate her on her birthday? First of all, the
+solitary sparrow, whose name was David--surely because he, too, was a
+tireless singer! Already at early dawn, when the first faint rosy hues
+of morning glimmered through the jalousie, he would fly to the head of
+her bed. Then the cats would come with their gratulations, but not until
+their little mistress had leaped from the bed, run to the window, flung
+open the sash, and called, "Puss, puss!" Then the whole four would
+scamper into the room, one after the other, and wish her many happy
+returns of the day.
+
+When the pugs had gone through their part of the program, the little
+maid proceeded to attire herself, a task she performed behind a tall
+folding screen. When she stepped forth again, she had on a gorgeous
+Chinese-silk wrapper, covered all over with gay-colored palms, and
+confined only at the waist with a heavy silk cord. Her hair was twisted
+into a single knot on the crown of her head.
+
+Then she prepared breakfast for herself and her guests. The eight of
+them drank cold milk, and ate of the dainty little cakes which some one
+placed on her table every night while she slept. To-day Marie did not
+amuse herself with her guests, but turned over the leaves of her
+picture-book, thus passing the time until she should hear, after the
+bell had rung twice, the tap at her door.
+
+"Come in!"
+
+The man who entered was surprised.
+
+"What? We are not yet ready for the drive?" he exclaimed.
+
+The maid threw her book aside, ran toward him, and flung her arms with
+childish abandon around his neck.
+
+"We are not going to drive to-day. Dost thou not know that this is my
+birthday--that I alone give orders in this house to-day? To-day
+everything must be done as _I_ say; and _I_ say that we will pass the
+time of the drive here in my room, and that thou shalt answer several
+silly questions which have come into my head. And forget not that we are
+to 'thou' each other to-day. And now, congratulate me nicely. Come, let
+us hear it!"
+
+The count almost imperceptibly bent his knee and his head, but spoke not
+one word. There are gratulations which are expressed in this manner.
+
+"Very good! Then I am a queen for to-day, and thou art my sole subject.
+Sit thou here at my feet on this taboret."
+
+The man obeyed. Marie seated herself on the ottoman, and drew her feet
+underneath the wide skirt of her robe.
+
+"Put that book away!" she commanded, when Ludwig stooped to lift from
+the floor the volume she had cast there. "I know every one of the four
+volumes by heart! Why dost not thou give me one of the books thou
+readest so often?"
+
+"Because they are medical works."
+
+"And why dost thou read such books?"
+
+"In order that, should any one in the castle become ill, I may be able
+to cure him or her without a doctor."
+
+"And must the person die who is ill and cannot be cured?"
+
+"That is generally the end of a fatal illness."
+
+"Does it hurt to die?"
+
+"That I am unable to tell, as I have never tried it."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the maid. "Thou canst not put me off that way!
+Thou knowest many things thou hast not yet tried. Thou hast read about
+them; thou knowest! What is death like? Is it more unpleasant than a
+disagreeable dream? Is the pain all over when one has died, or is there
+more to come afterward? If death is painful, why must we die? If it is
+pleasant, why must we live?"
+
+Children ask such strange questions!
+
+"Life is a gift from God that must be preserved as long as possible,"
+returned Ludwig, evading the main question. "Through us the world
+exists--"
+
+"What is the world?" interrupted Marie.
+
+"The entire human race and their habitations--the earth."
+
+"Then every person owns a plot of earth? Where is the plot which belongs
+to us? Answer me that!"
+
+"By the way, that reminds me!" exclaimed Ludwig, relieved to find an
+opportunity to change the subject. "I have not yet told thee that I
+intend to buy a lovely plot of ground on the shore of the lake, which is
+to be made into a pretty flower-garden for thy use alone. Will not that
+be pleasant?"
+
+"Thou art very kind; the garden will be lovely. That plot of ground,
+then, will be our home, will it not? What is one's home called?"
+
+"It is called the fatherland."
+
+"Then every country is not one's fatherland?"
+
+"If our enemies live there, it is not."
+
+"What are enemies?"
+
+"Persons with whom we are angry."
+
+"What is angry? I have never yet seen anything like it. Why art thou
+never angry?"
+
+"Because I have no reason to be angry with thee, and I never associate
+with any one else."
+
+"What do those persons do who become angry with one another?"
+
+"They avoid each other. If they are very angry they fight; and if they
+are very, very angry they kill each other."
+
+The maid was tortured with curiosity to-day. She drew a pin from her
+robe, and secretly thrust the point into Ludwig's hand.
+
+"What art thou doing?" he asked, in surprise.
+
+"I want to see what thou art like when thou art angry. Did it hurt
+thee?"
+
+"Certainly it hurt me; see, the blood is flowing."
+
+"Ah, heaven!" cried the maid, in terror, drew the young man's head
+toward her, and pressed a kiss on his face.
+
+He sprang to his feet, his face pale as death, extreme horror depicted
+in his glance.
+
+"There!" exclaimed the maid. "Thou dost not kill me, and yet I have made
+thee very angry."
+
+"This is not anger," sighed the young man.
+
+"What is it, then?"
+
+"It has no name."
+
+"Then I may not kiss thee? Thou lettest me kiss thee last year, and the
+year before, and every other year."
+
+"But thou art fifteen years old to-day."
+
+"Ah! Then what was allowed last year, and always before that, is not
+allowed now. Dost not thou love me any more?"
+
+"All my thoughts are filled with thee."
+
+"Thou knowest that I have always been allowed to make one wish on my
+birthday, and that it has always been granted. That is what some one
+accustomed me to--thou knowest very well who."
+
+"Thy desires have always been fulfilled."
+
+"Yes; and children understand how to desire what is impossible. But
+grown persons are clever enough to know how to impose on the children.
+Three years ago I asked thee to bring me some one with whom I could
+talk--some one who would be company for me. Thou broughtest me cats and
+dogs and a bird! Two years ago I wished I might learn how to make
+pictures; and I was given paper patterns to color with water-colors. One
+year ago to-day I wished I might learn how to make music; and a
+hand-organ was bought for me. Oh, yes; my wishes have always been
+fulfilled, but always in a way that cheated me. Children are always
+treated so. To-day thou sayest that I am fifteen years old, and that I
+am not any more to be treated as a child. Mark that! To-day, as
+heretofore, I ask something of thee which thou canst give me--and thou
+canst not cheat me, either!"
+
+"Whatever it may be, thou shalt have it, Marie."
+
+"Thy hand on it! Now, thou knowest that I asked thee not long ago to
+send to Paris for a 'Melusine costume' for me!"
+
+"And has it not already arrived? I myself delivered the box into thy
+hands."
+
+"Knowest thou what a Melusine costume is? See, this is it."
+
+With these words she sprang from her seat, untied the cord about her
+waist, flung off the silken wrapper, and stood in front of the
+speechless young man in one of those costumes worn by Paris dames at the
+sea-shore when they disport themselves amid the waves of the ocean. The
+Melusine costume was a bathing-dress.
+
+"To-day, Ludwig, I ask that thou wilt teach me how to swim. The lake is
+just out yonder below the garden."
+
+The maid, in her pale-blue bathing-dress, looked like one of those
+fairy-like creatures in Shakspere's "Midsummer Night's Dream," innocent
+and alluring, child and siren.
+
+Disconcerted and embarrassed, Ludwig raised his hand.
+
+"Art thou going to strike me?" inquired the child, half crying, half
+laughing.
+
+"Pray put on the wrapper again!" said Ludwig, taking the garment from
+the sofa and with it veiling the model for a Naiad. "What sort of a
+caprice is this?"
+
+"I have had the thought in my head for a long, long time, and I beg that
+thou wilt grant my request. Thou canst not say that thou canst not swim;
+for once, when we were traveling in great haste, I know not why, we came
+to a river, and found that the boat was on the farther shore. Thou
+swammest across, and broughtest back the boat in which the four of us
+then crossed to the other side. Already then the desire to swim arose in
+me. What a delicious sensation to swim through the water--to make wings
+of one's arms and fly like a bird! Since we live in this castle the wish
+has become stronger. Night after night I dream that I am cleaving
+through the waves. I never see God's sky when I go out, because I have
+to cover my face. It is just like looking at creation through a grating!
+I should love dearly to sing and shout for joy; but I dare not, for I am
+afraid the trees, the walls, the people, might hear me and betray me.
+But out yonder I could float on the green waves, where I should meet no
+one, where no one would see me. I could look up at the shining sky, and
+about in chorus with the fish-hawks, surrounded by the darting fishes,
+that would tell no one what they had seen or heard. That would be
+supreme happiness for me; wilt not thou help me to secure it?"
+
+The child's wish was so true, so earnest, and Ludwig himself had
+experienced the proud delights of which she had spoken. Perhaps, too, he
+had related to Marie the story of Clelia and her companions, who swam
+the Tiber to preserve the Roman maidens' reputation for virtue.
+
+"Whatever gives pleasure to thee pleases me," he said, extending his
+hand to take hers.
+
+"And thou wilt grant my wish? Oh, how kind, how dear thou art!" And in
+vain the young man sought to withdraw the hand she covered with kisses.
+"What!" she exclaimed reproachfully, "may I not kiss thy hand either?"
+
+"How canst thou behave so, Marie? Thou art fifteen years old! A grown-up
+girl does not kiss a man's hand."
+
+He passed his hand across his brow and sighed heavily; then he rose to
+his feet.
+
+"Where art thou going? Knowest thou not that to-day thou dost not belong
+to thy horrid books nor to thy telescope, but that thou art my subject?"
+
+"I go to execute the commands of my little queen. If she desires to
+learn to swim, I must have a bath-house built on the shore, and look
+about for a suitable spot in the little cove."
+
+"When I have learned to swim all by myself, may not I go beyond the
+little cove--away out into the open lake?"
+
+"Yes, on two conditions. One is that I may follow in my canoe--"
+
+"But not keep very near to me?"
+
+"Of course not. The second condition is that in daylight thou wilt not
+swim beyond those willows which conceal the cove. Only on moonlight
+evenings mayest thou venture into the open lake."
+
+"But why may not I venture by daylight?"
+
+"Because a telescope does not enable one to distinguish features after
+night. Other people may have a telescope, like myself."
+
+"Who would have one in this village?"
+
+"The manor has a new occupant. A lady has taken possession there."
+
+"A lady? Is she pretty?"
+
+"She is young."
+
+"Didst thou see her through the telescope? What kind of hair has she
+got?"
+
+"Blonde."
+
+"Then she must be very pretty. May I take a look at her some time?"
+
+"I am afraid thou mightest fall in love with her; for she is very
+beautiful, and very good."
+
+"How dost thou know she is good?"
+
+"Because she visits the sick and the poor, and because she goes
+regularly to church."
+
+"Why do we never go to church?"
+
+"Because we profess a different belief from that acknowledged by those
+persons who attend this church."
+
+"Do they pray to a different God from ours?"
+
+"No; they pray to the same God."
+
+"Then why should n't we all go to the same church?"
+
+Unable longer to control himself, Ludwig took the shrewd little
+child-head between his hands, and said tenderly:
+
+"My darling! my little queen! not all the synods of the four quarters of
+the globe could answer thy questions--let alone this poor forgotten
+soldier!"
+
+"There! thou always pretendest to be stupid when I want to borrow a
+little bit of thy wisdom. Thou art like the rich man who tells the
+beggar that he has no money. By the way, I must not forget that I
+always send money to the poor children on my birthday. Come, tell me
+which of the heaps I shall send to-day--these small coins, or these
+large ones? If thou thinkest I ought to send these little yellow ones, I
+have no objections. I think I prefer to keep the white coins, they have
+such a musical sound; besides, they have the image of the Virgin. If
+thou thinkest I ought to send some of the large red ones, too, I will do
+so."
+
+The "little yellow ones" were gold sovereigns; the "white coins" were
+silver _Zwanziger_; and the "large red ones" were copper medals of the
+Austrian minister of finance, worth half a guilder.
+
+"We will send some of the small coins and some of the large ones,"
+decided Ludwig, smiling at the little maid's ignorance of the value of
+the money.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Tradition maintained that many years before, during the preceding
+century, the tongue of land now occupied by the Nameless Castle was part
+of the lake; and it may have been true, for Neusiedl Lake is a very
+capricious body of water. During the past two decades we ourselves have
+seen a greater portion of the lake suddenly recede, leaving dry land
+where once had been several feet of water. The owners of what had once
+been the shore took possession of the dry lake bottom; they used it for
+meadows and pastures; leased it, and the lessees built farm-houses and
+steam-mills on the "new ground." They cultivated wheat and maize, and
+for many years harvested two crops a year. Suddenly the lake took a
+notion to occupy its old bed again; and when the water had resumed its
+former level, fields and farms had vanished beneath the green flood;
+only here and there the top of a chimney indicated where a steam-mill
+had been. Magic tricks like this Neusiedl Lake has played more than once
+on trusting mortals.
+
+On either side of the peninsula on which stood the Nameless Castle was a
+little cove. One of these the count had spoken of to Marie; the other
+separated the castle from the village of Fertoeszeg.
+
+The manor, the habitation of the owner of the Fertoeszeg estate, stood on
+the slope of a hill at the eastern end of the village, and fronted, as
+did the neighboring castle, on the lake.
+
+In the second half of the month of August, in the year 1806, one might
+have seen from the veranda of the manor, after the sun had gone down and
+the marvelous tints of the evening sky were reflected in the water, a
+small boat speed out from the cove on the farther side of the Nameless
+Castle, trailing after it a long silvery streak on the parti-colored
+surface of the lake. A solitary man sat in the boat.
+
+But what could not be seen from the veranda of the manor was that a
+girlish form swam a little in advance of the boat.
+
+Marie had proved an excellent scholar in the school of the hydriads.
+Already after the fourth lesson she could swim alone, and sped over the
+waves as lightly and gracefully as a swan.
+
+She did not need to wear a hat on these evening swimming excursions; her
+long hair floated unbound after her on the waves. When the twilight
+shadows deepened, the swimmer would speed far ahead of the accompanying
+canoe. She had lost all fear of the water. The waves were her
+friends--they knew each other well. When she wished to rest, she would
+turn her face to the sky, fold her arms across her breast, and lie on
+the waves as among swelling cushions like a child in a rocking cradle.
+And here she was allowed the full privileges of a child. She shouted;
+called to the startled wild geese; teased the night-swallows, and the
+bats skimming along the surface of the lake in quest of water-spiders.
+Here she even ventured to sing, and gave voice to charming melodies,
+which floated over the water like the sounds of an AEolian harp.
+
+Many hours were spent thus on the lake. The little maid never wearied of
+the water. The protecting element restored to her nerves the strength
+which the stepmotherly earth had taken from them. A promenade of a
+hundred steps would tire her so that she would have to stop and rest.
+She had become unused to walking. But here in the water she moved about
+like a Naiad; her whole being was transformed; she lived! Then, when her
+guardian would call her, she would swim back to the canoe, clamber into
+it, and spread her long hair over his knees to dry while they rowed back
+to the shore. Poor little maid! She declared she had found happiness in
+the water.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+One evening, after the waning moon had risen, Ludwig's canoe, as usual,
+followed Marie, who was swimming a considerable distance ahead. Among
+the peculiarities of Neusiedl Lake are its numerous islets, the shores
+of which are thickly grown with rushes, and covered with broom and tall
+trees. Such an island lay not far from the shore in front of the
+Nameless Castle; it had frequently aroused Marie's curiosity.
+
+The little maid was now permitted to swim as far out into the open world
+of waves as she desired, only now and again signaling her whereabouts
+through a clear-toned "Ho, ho!"
+
+During this time Ludwig reclined in his boat, and while the waves gently
+rocked him, he gazed dreamily into the depths of the starry sky, and
+listened to the mysterious voices of the night--the moaning, murmuring,
+echoing voices floating across the surface of the water.
+
+Suddenly a piercing scream mingled with the mysterious voices of the
+night. It was Marie's voice.
+
+Frantic with terror, Ludwig seized his oars, and the canoe shot through
+the water in the direction of the scream.
+
+The trail of light left behind her by the swimmer was visible on the
+calm surface of the lake. Suddenly it made an abrupt turn, and began to
+form a gigantic V. Evidently the little maid was impelled by desperate
+terror to reach the protecting canoe. When she came abreast of it she
+uttered a second cry, convulsively grasped the edge of the boat, and
+cast a terrified glance backward.
+
+"Marie!" cried the count, greatly alarmed, seizing the girdle about her
+waist and lifting her into the canoe. "What has happened? Who is
+following you?"
+
+The child trembled violently; her teeth chattered, and she gasped for
+breath, unable to speak; only her large eyes were still fixed with an
+expression of horror on the water.
+
+Ludwig looked searchingly around, but could see nothing. And yet, after
+a few seconds, something rose before him.
+
+What was it? Man or beast?
+
+The head, the face, were head and face of a human being--a man, perhaps.
+The cheeks and head were covered with short reddish hair like the fur of
+an otter. The long, pointed ears stood upright. The mouth was closed so
+tightly that the lips were invisible. The nose was flat. The eyes, like
+those of a fish, were round and staring. There was no expression
+whatever in the features.
+
+The mysterious monster had risen quite close to the boat.
+
+Ludwig seized an oar with both hands to crush the monster's head; but
+the heavy blow fell on the water. The creature had vanished underneath
+the boat, and only the motion of the water on the other side indicated
+the direction it had taken. Terror and rage had benumbed Ludwig's
+nerves.
+
+What was it? Who had sent this nameless monster after his carefully
+guarded treasure? Even the bottom of the lake concealed her enemies! He
+could think of nothing but intrigues and malignant persecutions. Rage
+boiled in his veins.
+
+He enveloped the maid in her bath-mantle, and took up his oars.
+
+"I will come back here to-morrow," he muttered to himself, "hunt up
+this creature, and shoot it--be it man or beast."
+
+Marie murmured something which sounded like a remonstrance.
+
+"I will shoot the creature!" repeated Ludwig, savagely.
+
+The young girl withdrew trembling to the stern of the boat, and said
+nothing further; she even strove to suppress her nervous terror, like a
+child that has behaved naughtily.
+
+When the boat reached the shore, Ludwig bade Marie in a stern voice to
+make haste and change her bathing-dress, and became very impatient when
+she lingered longer than usual in the bath-house. Then he took her arm
+and walked rapidly with her to the castle.
+
+"Are you really going to shoot that creature?" asked Marie, still
+trembling.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But suppose it is a human being?"
+
+"Then I shall certainly shoot him."
+
+"I will never, never again venture into the lake."
+
+"I am certain of that! If you once become frightened in the water, you
+will always have a dread of it."
+
+"My dear, beautiful lake!" sighed Marie, casting backward a sorrowful
+glance at the glittering expanse of water, at the paradise of her
+dreams, which the rising wind was curling into wavelets.
+
+"Go at once to bed," said Ludwig, when he had conducted his charge to
+the door of her room. "Cover yourself up well, and if you feel chilly I
+will make you a cup of camomile tea."
+
+All children have such a distaste for this herb tea that it was not to
+be wondered at if Marie declared she did not feel in the least chilly,
+and that she would go at once to bed.
+
+But she did not sleep well. She dreamed all night long of the
+water-monster. She saw it pursuing her. The staring fish-eyes rose
+before her in the darkness. Then she saw Ludwig with his gun searching
+for the monster--saw him shoot at it, but without effect. The hideous
+creature leaped merrily away.
+
+More than once she awoke from her restless slumber and called softly:
+
+"Ludwig, are you there?"
+
+But no one answered the question. Since her last birthday Ludwig had not
+occupied the lounge in her room. Marie had discovered this. She had
+placed a rose-leaf on the silken coverlet every evening, and found it
+still there in the morning. If any one had slept on the lounge, the
+rose-leaf would have fallen to the floor.
+
+The following day Ludwig was more silent than usual. He did not speak
+once during their drive, and ate hardly anything at meals.
+
+One could easily see how impatiently he waited for evening, when he
+might go down to the lake and search for the monster--a sorry object for
+a fury such as his! An otter, most likely, or a beaver--mayhap an
+abortion of the Dead Sea, which had survived the ages since the days of
+Sodom! All the same, it was a living creature, and must become food for
+fishes. Marie, however, prayed so fervently that nothing might come of
+Ludwig's fury that Heaven heard the prayer. The weather changed suddenly
+in the afternoon. A cold west wind succeeded to the warm August
+sunshine; clouds of dust arose; then came a heavy downpour of rain.
+Ludwig was obliged to forego his intention to row about on the lake in
+the evening. He spent the entire evening in his room, leaving Marie to
+complain to her cats; but they were sleepy, and paid no attention to
+what she said.
+
+The little maid had no desire to go to bed; she was afraid she might
+dream again of horrible things. The heavy rain beat against the windows;
+thunder rumbled in the distance.
+
+"I should not like to venture out of the house in such weather," said
+Marie to her favorite cat, who was dozing on her knee. "Ugh-h! just
+think of crossing the lonely court, or going through the dark woods!
+Ugh-h! how horrible it must be there now! And then, to pass the
+graveyard at the end of the village! When the lightning flashes, the
+crosses lift their heads from the darkness--ugh-h!"
+
+The clock struck eleven; directly afterward there came a hesitating
+knock at her door.
+
+"Come in! You may come in!" she called joyfully. She thought it was
+Ludwig.
+
+The door opened slowly, only half-way, and the voice which began to
+speak was not Ludwig's; it was the groom.
+
+"Beg pardon, madame!" (thus he addressed the little maid).
+
+"Is it you, Henry? What do you want? You may come in. I am still up."
+
+The groom entered, and closed the door behind him. He was a tall,
+gray-haired man, with an honest face and enormously large hands.
+
+"What is it, Henry? Did the count send you?"
+
+"No, madame; I only wish he were able."
+
+"Why? What is the matter with him?"
+
+"I don't know, indeed! I believe he is dying."
+
+"Who? Ludwig?"
+
+"Yes, madame; my master."
+
+"For God's sake, tell me what you mean!"
+
+"He is lying on his bed, quite out of his mind. His face is flushed,
+his eyes gleam like hot coals, and he is talking wildly. I have never
+seen him in such a condition."
+
+"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?"
+
+"I don't know, madame. When any of us gets sick the count knows what to
+do; but he does n't seem able to cure himself now; the contents of the
+medicine-chest are scattered all over the floor."
+
+"Is there no doctor in the village?"
+
+"Yes, madame; the county physician."
+
+"Then he must be sent for."
+
+"I thought of that, but I did not like to venture to do so."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because the count has declared that he will shoot me if I attempt to
+bring a stranger into his room, or into madame's. He told me I must
+never admit within the castle gate a doctor, a preacher, or a woman; and
+I should not think of disobeying him."
+
+"But now that he is so ill? and you say he may die? Merciful God! Ludwig
+die! It cannot--must not--happen!"
+
+"But how will madame hinder it?"
+
+"If you will not venture to fetch the doctor, then I will go myself."
+
+"Oh, madame! you must not even think of doing this!"
+
+"I think of nothing else but that he is ill unto death. I am going, and
+you are coming with me."
+
+"Holy Father! The count will kill me if I do that."
+
+"And if you don't do it you will kill the count."
+
+"That is true, too, madame."
+
+"Then don't you do anything. _I_ shall do what is necessary. I will put
+on my veil, and let no one see my face."
+
+"But in this storm? Just listen, madame, how it thunders."
+
+"I am not afraid of thunder, you stupid Henry. Light a lantern, and arm
+yourself with a stout cudgel, while I am putting on my pattens. If
+Ludwig should get angry, I shall be on hand to pacify him. If only the
+dear Lord will spare his life! Oh, hasten, hasten, my good Henry!"
+
+"He will shoot me dead; I know it. But let him, in God's name! I do it
+at your command, madame. If madame is really determined to go herself
+for the doctor, then we will take the carriage."
+
+"No, indeed! Ludwig would hear the sound of wheels, and know what we
+were doing. Then he would jump out of bed, run into the court, and take
+a cold that would certainly be his death. No; we must go on foot, as
+noiselessly as possible. It is not so very far to the village. Go now,
+and fetch the lantern."
+
+Several minutes afterward, the gates of the Nameless Castle opened, and
+there came forth a veiled lady, who clung with one hand to the arm of a
+tall man, and carried a lantern in the other. Her companion held over
+her, to protect her from the pouring rain, a large red umbrella, and
+steadied his steps in the slippery mud with a stout walking-stick. The
+lady walked so rapidly that her companion with difficulty kept pace with
+her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+Dr. Tromfszky had just returned from a _visum repertum_ in a criminal
+case, and had concluded that he would go to bed so soon as he had
+finished his supper. The rain fell in torrents on the roof, and rushed
+through the gutters with a roaring noise.
+
+"Now just let any one send again for me this night!" he exclaimed, when
+his housekeeper came to remove the remnants of cheese from the
+supper-table. "I would n't go--not if the primate himself got a
+fish-bone fast in his throat; no, not for a hundred ducats. I swear it!"
+
+At that moment there came a knock at the street door, and a very
+peremptory one, too.
+
+"There! did n't I know some one would take it into his head to let the
+devil fetch him to-night? Go to the door, Zsuzsa, and tell them that I
+have a pain in my foot--that I have just applied a poultice, and can't
+walk."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa, with the kitchen lamp in her hand, waddled into the
+corridor. After inquiring the second time through the door, "Who is it?"
+and the one outside had answered: "It is I," she became convinced, from
+the musical feminine tone, that it was not the notorious robber, Satan
+Laczi, who was seeking admittance.
+
+Then she opened the door a few inches, and said:
+
+"The Herr Doctor can't go out any more to-night; he has gone to bed, and
+is poulticing his foot."
+
+The door was open wide enough to admit a delicate feminine hand, which
+pressed into the housekeeper's palm a little heap of money. By the light
+of the lamp Frau Zsuzsa recognized the shining silver coins, and the
+door was opened its full width.
+
+When she saw before her the veiled lady she became quite complaisant.
+Curiosity is a powerful lever.
+
+"I humbly beg your ladyship to enter."
+
+"Please tell the doctor the lady from the Nameless Castle wishes to see
+him."
+
+Frau Zsuzsa placed the lamp on the kitchen table, and left the visitors
+standing in the middle of the floor.
+
+"Well, what were you talking about so long out yonder?" demanded the
+doctor, when she burst into his study.
+
+"Make haste and put on your coat again; the veiled lady from the
+Nameless Castle is here."
+
+"What? Well, that is an event!" exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly
+thrusting his arms into the sleeves of his coat. "Is the count with
+her?"
+
+"No; the groom accompanied her."
+
+These magic words, "the veiled lady," had more influence on the doctor
+than any imaginable number of ducats.
+
+At last he was to behold the mythological appearance--yes, and even hear
+her voice!
+
+"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he
+ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of
+the looking-glass.
+
+Then she stood before him--the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as
+usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in
+the village was familiar.
+
+"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was
+difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a young or an
+old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the
+gentleman is very seriously ill."
+
+"Certainly; I am delighted!--that is, I am not delighted to hear of the
+worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to
+be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."
+
+"Oh, pray make haste."
+
+"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your
+ladyship."
+
+"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."
+
+Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered
+with mud.
+
+"What? Came on foot in such weather--all the way from the Nameless
+Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"
+
+"Cannot you come with us on foot, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"I should like very much to accompany your ladyship; but really, I have
+_rheumatismus acutus_ in my foot, and were I to get wet I should
+certainly have an _ischias_."
+
+Marie lifted her clasped hands in despair to her lips, but the
+beseeching expression on her face was hidden by the heavy veil. Could
+the doctor have seen the tearful eyes, the trembling lips!
+
+Seeing that her voiceless petition was in vain, Marie drew from her
+bosom a silken purse, and emptied the contents, gold, silver, and copper
+coins, on the table.
+
+"Here," she exclaimed proudly. "I have much more money like this, and
+will reward you richly if you will come with me."
+
+The doctor was amazed. There on the table lay more gold than the whole
+county could have mustered in these days of paper notes. Truly these
+people were not to be despised.
+
+"If only it did not rain so heavily--"
+
+"I will let you take my umbrella."
+
+"Thanks, your ladyship; I have one of my own."
+
+"Then let us start at once."
+
+"But my foot--it pains dreadfully."
+
+"We can easily arrange that. Henry, here, is a very strong man; he will
+take you on his shoulders, and bring you back from the castle in the
+carriage."
+
+There were no further objections to be offered when Henry, with great
+willingness, placed his broad shoulders at the doctor's service.
+
+The doctor hastily thrust what was necessary into a bag, locked the
+money Marie had given him in a drawer, bade Frau Zsuzsa remain awake
+until he returned, and clambered on Henry's back. In one hand he held
+his umbrella, in the other the lantern; and thus the little company took
+their way to the castle--the "double man" in advance, the little maid
+following with her umbrella.
+
+The doctor had sufficient cause to be excited. What usurious
+gossip-interest might be collected from such a capitol! Dr. Tromfszky
+already had an enviable reputation in the county, but what would it
+become when it became known that he was physician in ordinary to the
+Nameless Castle?
+
+The rain was not falling so heavily when they arrived at the castle.
+
+Marie and Henry at once conducted the doctor to Ludwig's chamber. Henry
+first thrust his head cautiously through the partly open door, then
+whispered that his master was still tossing deliriously about on the
+bed; whereupon the doctor summoned courage to enter the room. His first
+act was to snuff the candle, the wick having become so charred it
+scarcely gave any light. He could now examine the invalid's face, which
+was covered with a burning flush. His eyes rolled wildly. He had not
+removed his clothes, but had torn them away from his breast.
+
+"H'm! h'm!" muttered the doctor, searching in his bag for his
+bloodletting instruments. Then he approached the bed, and laid his
+fingers on the invalid's pulse.
+
+At the touch of his cold hand the patient suddenly sat upright and
+uttered a cry of terror:
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"I am the doctor--the county physician--Dr. Tromfszky. Pray, Herr Count,
+let me see your tongue."
+
+Instead of his tongue, the count exhibited a powerful fist.
+
+"What do you want here? Who brought you here?" he demanded.
+
+"Pray, pray be calm, Herr Count," soothingly responded the doctor, who
+was inclined to look upon this aggressive exhibition as a result of the
+fever. "Allow me to examine your pulse. We have here a slight paroxysm
+that requires medical aid. Come, let me feel your pulse; one, two--"
+
+The count snatched his wrist from the doctor's grasp, and cried angrily:
+
+"But I don't need a doctor, or any medicine. There is nothing at all the
+matter with me. I don't want anything from you, but to know who brought
+you here."
+
+"Beg pardon," retorted the offended doctor. "I was summoned, and came
+through this dreadful storm. I was told that the Herr Count was
+seriously ill."
+
+"Who said so? Henry?" demanded the count, rising on one knee.
+
+Henry did not venture to move or speak.
+
+"Did you fetch this doctor, Henry?" again demanded the invalid, with
+expanded nostrils, panting with fury.
+
+The doctor, fancying that it would be well to tell the truth, now
+interposed politely:
+
+"Allow me, Herr Count! Herr Henry did not come alone to fetch me, but
+he came with the gracious countess; and on foot, too, in this weather."
+
+"What? Marie?" gasped the invalid; and at that moment his face looked as
+if he had become suddenly insane. An involuntary epileptic convulsion
+shook his limbs. He fell from the bed, but sprang at the same instant to
+his feet again, flung himself like an angry lion upon Henry, caught him
+by the throat, and cried with the voice of a demon:
+
+"Wretch! Betrayer! What have you dared to do? I will kill you!"
+
+The doctor required nothing further. He did not stop to see the friendly
+promise fulfilled, but, leaving his lances, elixirs, and plasters behind
+him, he flew down the staircase, four steps at a time, and into the
+pouring rain, totally forgetting the ischias which threatened his leg.
+Nor did he once think of a carriage, or of a human dromedary,--not even
+of a lantern, or an umbrella,--as he galloped down the dark road through
+the thickest of the mud.
+
+When the count seized Henry by the throat and began to shake him, as a
+lion does the captured buffalo, Marie stepped suddenly to his side, and
+in a clear, commanding tone cried:
+
+"Louis!"
+
+At this word he released Henry, fell on his knees at Marie's feet,
+clasped both arms around her, and, sobbing convulsively, pressed kiss
+after kiss on the little maid's wet and muddy gown.
+
+"Why--why did you do this for me?" he exclaimed, in a choking voice.
+
+The doctor's visit had, after all, benefited the invalid. The
+spontaneous reaction which followed the violent fit of passion caused a
+sudden turn in his illness. The salutary crisis came of its own accord
+during the outburst of rage, which threw him into a profuse
+perspiration. The brain gradually returned to its normal condition.
+
+"You will get well again, will you not?" stammered the little maid
+shyly, laying her hand on the invalid's brow.
+
+"If you really want me to get well," returned Ludwig, "then you must
+comply with my request. Go to your room, take off these wet clothes, and
+go to bed. And you must promise never again to go on another errand like
+the one you performed this evening. I hope you may sleep soundly."
+
+"I will do whatever you wish, Ludwig--anything to prevent your getting
+angry again."
+
+The little maid returned to her room, took off her wet clothes, and lay
+down on the bed; but she could not sleep. Every hour she rose, threw on
+her wrapper, thrust her feet into her slippers, and stole to the door of
+Ludwig's room to whisper: "How is he now, Henry?"
+
+"He is sleeping quietly," Henry would answer encouragingly. The faithful
+fellow had forgotten his master's anger, and was watching over him as
+tenderly as a mother over her child.
+
+"He did not hurt you very much, did he, Henry?"
+
+"No; it did not hurt, and I deserved what I got."
+
+The little maid pressed the old servant's hand, whereupon he sank to his
+knees at her feet, and, kissing her pretty fingers, whispered:
+
+"This fully repays me."
+
+The next morning Ludwig was entirely recovered. He rose, and, as was his
+wont, drank six tumblerfuls of water--his usual breakfast.
+
+Of the events of the past night he spoke not one word.
+
+At ten o'clock the occupants of the Nameless Castle were to be seen out
+driving as usual--the white-haired groom, the stern-visaged gentleman,
+and the veiled lady.
+
+That same morning Dr. Tromfszky received from the castle a packet
+containing his medical belongings, and an envelop in which he found a
+hundred-guilder bank-note, but not a single written word.
+
+Meanwhile the days passed with their usual monotony for the occupants of
+the Nameless Castle, and September, with its delightfully warm weather
+drew on apace. In Hungary the long autumn makes ample amends for the
+brief spring--like the frugal mother who stores away in May gifts with
+which to surprise her children later in the season.
+
+Down at the lake, a merry crowd of naked children disported in the
+water; their shouts and laughter could be heard at the castle. Ludwig
+fully understood the deep melancholy which had settled on Marie's
+countenance. Her sole amusement, her greatest happiness, had been taken
+from her. Other high-born maidens had so many ways of enjoying
+themselves; she had none. No train of admirers paid court to her. No
+strains of merry dance-music entranced her ear. Celebrated actors came
+and went; she did not delight in their performances--she had never even
+seen a theater. She had no girl friends with whom to exchange
+confidences--with whom to make merry over the silly flatterers who paid
+court to them; no acquaintances whose envy she could arouse by the
+magnificence of her toilets--one of the greatest pleasures in life!
+
+She had no other flatterers but her cats; no other confidantes but her
+cats; no other actors but her cats. The world of waves had been her sole
+enjoyment. The water had been her theater, balls, concert--the great
+world. It was her freedom. The land was a prison.
+
+Again it was the full of the moon, and quite warm. The tulip-formed
+blossoms of the luxuriant water-lilies were in bloom along the lake
+shore. Ludwig's heart ached with pity for the little maid when he saw
+how sorrowfully she gazed from her window on the glittering lake.
+
+"Come, Marie," he said, "fetch your bathing-dress, and let us try the
+lake again. I will stay close by you, and take good care that nothing
+frightens you. We will not go out of the cove."
+
+How delighted the child was to hear these words! She danced and skipped
+for joy; she called him her dear Ludwig. Then she hunted up the
+discarded Melusine costume, and hastened with such speed toward the
+shore that Ludwig was obliged to run to keep up with her. But the nearer
+she approached to the bath-house, the less quickly she walked; and when
+she stood in the doorway she said:
+
+"Oh, how my heart beats!"
+
+When Ludwig appeared with the canoe from behind the willows, the
+charming Naiad stepped from the bath-house. The rippling waves bore the
+moonlight to her feet, where she stood on the narrow platform which
+projected into the lake. She knelt and, bending forward, kissed the
+water; it was her beloved! After a moment's hesitation she dropped
+gently from the platform, as she had been wont to do; but when she felt
+the waves about her shoulders, she uttered a cry of terror, and grasped
+the edge of the canoe with both hands.
+
+"Lift me out, Ludwig! I cannot bear it; I am afraid!"
+
+With a sorrowful heart the little maid took leave of her favorite
+element. The hot tears gushed from her eyes, and fell into the water; it
+was as if she were bidding an eternal, farewell to her beloved. From
+that hour the child became a silent and thoughtful woman.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Then followed the stormy days of autumn, the long evenings, the weeks
+and months when nothing could be done but stay in doors and amuse one's
+self with books--Dante, Shakspere, Horace. To these were occasionally
+added learned folios sent from Stuttgart to Count Ludwig, who seemed to
+find his greatest enjoyment in perusing works on philosophy and science.
+Meanwhile the communication by letter between the count and the erudite
+shepherd of souls in the village was continued.
+
+One day Herr Mercatoris sent to the castle a brochure on which he had
+proudly written, "With the compliments of the author." The booklet was
+written in Latin, and was an account of the natural wonder which is, to
+this day, reckoned among the numerous memorable peculiarities of Lake
+Neusiedl,--a human being that lived in the water and ate live fishes.
+
+A little boy who had lost both parents, and had no one to care for him,
+had strayed into the morass of the Hansag, and, living there among the
+wild animals, had become a wild animal himself, an inhabitant of the
+water like the otters, a dumb creature from whose lips issued no human
+sound.
+
+The decade of years he had existed in the water had changed his skin to
+a thick hide covered with a heavy growth of hair. The phenomenon would
+doubtless be accepted by many as a convincing proof that the human being
+was really evolved from the wild animal.
+
+Accompanying the description was an engraved portrait of the natural
+wonder.
+
+The new owner of Fertoeszeg, Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, had
+been told that a strange creature was frightening the village children
+who bathed in the lake. She had given orders to some fishermen to catch
+the monster, which they had been fortunate enough to do while fishing
+for sturgeon. The boy-fish had been taken to the manor, where he had
+been properly clothed, and placed in the care of a servant whose task
+it was to teach the poor lad to speak, and walk upright instead of on
+all fours, as had been his habit. Success had so far attended the
+efforts to tame the wild boy that he would eat bread and keep on his
+clothes. He had also learned to say "Ham-ham" when he wanted something
+to eat; and he had been taught to turn the spit in the kitchen. The
+kind-hearted baroness was sparing no pains to restore the lad to his
+original condition. No one was allowed to strike or abuse him in any
+way.
+
+This brochure had a twofold effect upon the count. He became convinced
+that the monster which had frightened Marie was not an assassin hired by
+her enemies, not an expert diver, but a natural abnormity that had acted
+innocently when he pursued the swimming maid. Second, the count could
+not help but reproach himself when he remembered that _he_ would have
+destroyed the irresponsible creature whom his neighbor was endeavoring
+to transform again into a human being.
+
+How much nobler was this woman's heart than his own! His fair neighbor
+began to interest him.
+
+He took the pamphlet to Marie, who shuddered when her eyes fell on the
+engraving.
+
+"The creature is really a harmless human being, Marie, and I am sorry we
+became so excited over it. Our neighbor, the lovely baroness, is trying
+to restore the poor lad to his original condition. Next summer you will
+not need to be afraid to venture into the lake again."
+
+The little maid gazed thoughtfully into Ludwig's eyes for several
+moments; evidently she was pondering over something.
+
+There had risen in her mind a suspicion that Ludwig himself had written
+the pamphlet, and had had the monster's portrait engraved, in order to
+quiet her fears and restore her confidence in the water.
+
+"Will you take me sometime to visit the baroness?" she asked suddenly.
+
+"And why?" inquired Ludwig, in turn, rising from his seat.
+
+"That I, too, may see the wonderful improvement in the monster."
+
+"No," he returned shortly, and taking up the pamphlet, he quitted the
+room. "No!"
+
+"But why 'No'?"
+
+
+
+
+PART IV
+
+SATAN LACZI
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Count Vavel (thus he was addressed on his letters) had arranged an
+observatory in the tower of the Nameless Castle. Here was his telescope,
+by the aid of which he viewed the heavens by night, and by day observed
+the doings of his fellow-men. He noticed everything that went on about
+him. He peered into the neighboring farm-yards and cottages, was a
+spectator of the community's disputes as well as its diversions. Of
+late, the chief object of his telescopic observations during the day
+were the doings at the neighboring manor. He was the "Lion-head" and the
+"Council of Ten" in one person. The question was, whether the new
+mistress of the manor, the unmarried baroness, should "cross the Bridge
+of Sighs"? His telescope told him that this woman was young and very
+fair; and it told him also that she lived a very secluded life. She
+never went beyond the village, nor did she receive any visitors.
+
+In the neighborhood of Neusiedl Lake one village was joined to another,
+and these were populated by pleasure-loving and sociable families of
+distinction. It was therefore a difficult matter for the well-born man
+or woman who took up a residence in the neighborhood to avoid the jovial
+sociability which reigned in those aristocratic circles.
+
+Count Vavel himself had been overwhelmed with hospitable attentions the
+first year of his occupancy of the Nameless Castle; but his refusals to
+accept the numerous invitations had been so decided that they were not
+repeated.
+
+He frequently saw through his telescope the same four-horse equipages
+which had once stopped in front of his own gates drive into the court at
+the manor; and he recognized in the occupants the same jovial blades,
+the eligible young nobles, who had honored him with their visits. He
+noticed, too, that none of the visitors spent a night at the manor. Very
+often the baroness did not leave her room when a caller came; it may
+have been that she had refused to receive him on the plea of illness.
+During the winter Count Vavel frequently saw his fair neighbor skating
+on the frozen cove; while a servant propelled her companion over the ice
+in a chair-sledge.
+
+On these occasions the count would admire the baroness's graceful
+figure, her intrepid movements, and her beautiful face, which was
+flushed with the exercise and by the cutting wind.
+
+But what pleased him most of all was that the baroness never once during
+her skating exercises cast an inquiring glance toward the windows of the
+Nameless Castle--not even when she came quite close to it.
+
+On Christmas eve she, like Count Vavel, arranged a Christmas tree for
+the village children. The little ones hastened from the manor to the
+castle, and repeated wonderful tales of the gifts they had received from
+the baroness's own hands.
+
+Every Sunday the count saw the lady from the manor take her way to
+church, on foot if the roads were good; and on her homeward way he could
+see her distribute alms among the beggars who were ranged along either
+side of the road. This the count did not approve. He, too, gave
+plenteously to the poor, but through the village pastor, and only to
+those needy ones who were too modest to beg openly. The street beggars
+he repulsed with great harshness--with one exception. This was a
+one-legged man, who had lost his limb at Marengo, and who stationed
+himself regularly beside the cross at the end of the village. Here he
+would stand, leaning on his crutches, and the count, in driving past,
+would always drop a coin into the maimed warrior's hat.
+
+One day when the carriage drew near the cross, Count Vavel saw the old
+soldier, as usual, but without his crutches. Instead, he leaned on a
+walking-stick, and stood on two legs.
+
+The count stopped the carriage, and asked: "Are not you the one-legged
+soldier?"
+
+"I am, your lordship," replied the man; "but that angel, the baroness,
+has had a wooden leg made for me,--I could dance with it if I
+wished,--so I don't need to beg any more, for I can cut wood now, and
+thus earn my living. May God bless her who has done this for me!"
+
+The count was dissatisfied with himself. This woman understood
+everything better than he did. He felt that she was his rival, and from
+this feeling sprang the desire to compete with her.
+
+An opportunity very soon offered. One day the count received from the
+reverend Herr Mercatoris a gracefully worded appeal for charity. The new
+owner of Fertoeszeg had interested herself in the fate of the destitute
+children whose fathers had gone to the war, and, in order to render
+their condition more comfortable, had undertaken to found a home for
+them. She had already given the necessary buildings, and had furnished
+them. She now applied to the sympathies of the well-to-do residents of
+the county for assistance to educate the children. In addition to food
+and shelter, they required teachers. Such sums as were necessary for
+this purpose must be raised by a general subscription from the
+charitably inclined.
+
+The count promptly responded to this request. He sent the pastor fifty
+louis d'or. But in the letter which accompanied the gift he stipulated
+that the boy whose mother was in prison should not be removed from Frau
+Schmidt's care to the children's asylum.
+
+It was quite in the order of things that the baroness should acknowledge
+the munificent gift by a letter of thanks.
+
+This missive was beautifully written. The orthography was singularly
+faultless. The expressions were gracefully worded and artless; nothing
+of flattery or sentimentality--merely courteous gratefulness. The letter
+concluded thus:
+
+"You will pardon me, I trust, if I add that the stipulation which you
+append to your generous gift surprises me; for it means either that you
+disapprove the principle of my undertaking, or you do not wish to
+transfer to another the burden you have taken upon yourself. If the
+latter be the reason, I am perfectly willing to agree to the
+stipulation; if it be the former, then I should like very much to hear
+your objection, in order that I may justify my action."
+
+This was a challenge that could not be ignored. The count, of course,
+would have to convince his fair neighbor that he was in perfect sympathy
+with the principle of her philanthropic project, and he wrote
+accordingly; but he added that he disapproved the prison-like system of
+children's asylums, the convict-like regulations of such institutions.
+_He_ thought the little ones would be better cared for, and much
+happier, were they placed in private homes, to grow up as useful men and
+women amid scenes and in the sphere of life to which they belonged.
+
+The count's polemic reply was not without effect. The baroness, who had
+her own views on the matter, was quite as ready to take the field, with
+as many theoretic and empiric data and recognized authorities as had
+been her opponent. The count one day would despatch a letter to the
+manor, and Baroness Katharina would send her reply the next--each
+determined not to remain the other's debtor. The count's epistles were
+dictated to Marie; he added only the letter V to the signature.
+
+This battle on paper was not without practical results. The baroness
+paid daily visits to her "Children's Home"; and on mild spring days the
+count very often saw her sitting on the open veranda, with her companion
+and one or two maid-servants, sewing at children's garments until late
+in the evening. The count, on his part, sent every day for his little
+protege, and spent several hours patiently teaching the lad, in order
+that he might compete favorably with the baroness's charges. The task
+was by no means an easy one, as the lad possessed a very dull brain.
+This was, it must be confessed, an excellent thing for the orphans. If
+the motherly care which the baroness lavished on her charges were to be
+given to all destitute orphans in children's asylums, then the "convict
+system" certainly was a perfect one; while, on the other hand, if a
+preceptor like Count Vavel took it upon himself to instruct a forsaken
+lad, then one might certainly expect a genius to evolve from the little
+dullard growing up in a peasant's cottage.
+
+Ultimately, however, the victory fell to the lady. It happened as
+follows:
+
+One day the count was again the recipient of a letter from his neighbor
+at the manor (they had not yet exchanged verbal communication).
+
+The letter ran thus:
+
+"HERR COUNT: I dare say you know that the father of your little protege
+is no other than the notorious robber, Satan Laczi, whom it is
+impossible to capture. The mother of the lad was arrested on suspicion.
+She lived in the village under her own honest family name--Satan Laczi
+being only a thief's appellation. As nothing could be proved against
+her, the woman has been set at liberty, and has returned to the village.
+Here she found every door closed against her--for who would care to
+shelter the wife of a robber? At last the poor woman came to me, and
+begged me to give her work. My servants are greatly excited because I
+have taken her into my employ; but I am convinced that the woman is
+innocent and honest. Were I to cast her adrift, she might become what
+she has been accused of being--the accomplice of thieves. I know she
+will conduct herself properly with me. I tell you all this because, if
+you approve what I have done, you will permit the lad you have taken
+under your protection to come to the manor, where he would be with his
+mother. If, however, you condemn my action, you will refuse to grant my
+request, and generously continue to care for the lad in your own way.
+The decision I leave to you."
+
+Count Vavel was forced to capitulate. The baroness's action--taking into
+her household the woman who had been repulsed by all the world--was so
+praiseworthy, so sublime, that nothing could approach it. That same day
+he sent the lad with Frau Schmidt to the manor, and herewith the
+correspondence between himself and the baroness ceased. There was no
+further subject for argument.
+
+And yet, Count Vavel could not help but think of this woman. Who was
+she?
+
+He had sought to learn from his foreign correspondents something
+concerning the Baroness Katharina, but could gain no information save
+that which we have already heard from the county physician: disappointed
+love and shame at her rejection had driven the youthful baroness to this
+secluded neighborhood.
+
+This reason, however, did not altogether satisfy Count Vavel. Women,
+especially young women, rarely quit the pleasures of the gay world
+because of one single disappointment.
+
+And for Count Vavel mistrust was a duty; for the reader must, ere this,
+have suspected that the count and the mysterious man of the Rue
+Mouffetard were identical, and that Marie was none other than the child
+he had rescued from her enemies. Here in this land, where order
+prevailed, but where there were no police, he was guarding the treasure
+intrusted to his care, and he would continue to guard her until relieved
+of the duty.
+
+But when would the relief come?
+
+One year after another passed, and the hour he dreamed of seemed still
+further away. When he had accepted the responsible mission he had said
+to himself: "In a year we shall gain our object, and I shall be
+released."
+
+But hope had deceived him; and as the years passed onward, he began to
+realize how vast, how enormous, was the task he had undertaken. It was
+within the possibilities that he, a young man in the flower of his
+youth, should be able to bury himself in an unknown corner of the world,
+to give up all his friends, to renounce everything that made life worth
+living, but that he should bury with himself in his silk-lined tomb a
+young girl to whom he had become everything, who yet might not even
+dream of becoming anything to him--that was beyond human might.
+
+More and more he realized that his old friend's prophetic words were
+approaching fulfilment: "The child will grow to be a lovely woman.
+Already she is fond of you; she will love you then. Then what?"
+
+"I shall look upon myself as the inhabitant of a different planet," he
+had replied; and he had kept his promise.
+
+But the little maid had not promised anything; and if, perchance, she
+guessed the weighty secret of her destiny, whence could she have taken
+the strength of mind to battle against what threatened to drive even the
+strong man to madness?
+
+Ludwig was thirty-one years old, the fourth year in this house of
+voluntary madmen. With extreme solicitude he saw the child grow to
+womanhood, blessed with all the magic charms of her sex. Gladly would he
+have kept her a child had it been in his power. He treated her as a
+child--gave her dolls and the toys of a child; but this could not go on
+forever. Deeply concerned, Ludwig observed that Marie's countenance
+became more and more melancholy, and that now it rarely expressed
+childlike naivete. A dreamy melancholy had settled upon it. And of what
+did she dream? Why was she so sad? Why did she start? Why did the blood
+rush to her cheeks when he came suddenly into her presence?
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Count Vavel had made his fair neighbor at the manor the object of study.
+He had ample time for the task; he had nothing else to do. And, as he
+was debarred from making direct inquiries concerning her, or from
+hearing the current gossip of the neighborhood, he learned only that
+about her which his telescope revealed; and from this, with the aid of
+his imagination, he formed a conclusion--and an erroneous one, very
+probably.
+
+His neighbor lived in strict seclusion, and was a man-hater. But, for
+all that, she was neither a nun nor an Amazon. She was a true woman,
+neither inconsolably melancholy nor wantonly merry. She proved herself
+an excellent housewife. She rose betimes mornings, sent her workmen
+about their various tasks, saw that everything was properly attended to.
+Very often she rode on horseback, or drove in a light wagon, to look
+about her estate. She had arranged an extensive dairy, and paid daily
+visits to her stables. She did not seem aware that an attentive observer
+constantly watched her with his telescope from the tower of the Nameless
+Castle. So, at least, it might be assumed; for the lady very often
+assisted in the labor of the garden, when, in transplanting tulip bulbs,
+she would so soil her pretty white hands to the wrists with black mold
+that it would be quite distressing to see them. Certainly this was
+sufficient proof that her labor was without design.
+
+And, what was more to the purpose, she acted as if perfectly unaware of
+the fact that a lady lived in the Nameless Castle who possibly might be
+the wife of her tenant. Common courtesy and the conventional usages of
+society demanded that the lady who took up a residence anywhere should
+call on the ladies of the neighborhood--if only to leave a card with the
+servant at the door. The baroness had omitted this ceremony, which
+proved that she either did not know of Marie's hiding-place, or that she
+possessed enough delicacy of feeling to understand that it would be
+inconvenient to the one concerned were she to take any notice of the
+circumstance. Either reason was satisfactory to Count Vavel.
+
+But a woman without curiosity!
+
+Meanwhile the count had learned something about her which might be of
+some use to Marie.
+
+He had received, during the winter, a letter from the young law student
+with whom he had become acquainted on the occasion of the
+vice-palatine's unpleasant visit to the castle. The young man wrote to
+say that he had passed his examination, and that when he should receive
+the necessary authority from the count he would be ready to proceed to
+the business they had talked about.
+
+The count replied that a renewal of his lease was not necessary. The new
+owner of the castle having neglected to serve a notice to quit within
+the proper time, the old contracts were still valid. Therefore, it was
+only necessary to secure the naturalization documents, and to purchase a
+plot of ground on the shore of the lake. The young lawyer arranged these
+matters satisfactorily, and the count had nothing further to do than to
+appoint an _absentium ablegatus_ to the Diet, and to take possession of
+his new purchase, which lay adjacent to the Nameless Castle.
+
+The count at once had the plot of ground inclosed with a high fence of
+stout planks, engaged a gardener, and had it transformed into a
+beautiful flower-garden.
+
+Then, when the first spring blossoms began to open, he said to Marie,
+one balmy, sunshiny afternoon: "Come, we will take a promenade."
+
+He conducted the veiled maiden through the park, along the freshly
+graveled path to the inclosed plot of ground.
+
+"Here is your garden," he said, opening the gate. "Now you, too, own a
+plot of ground."
+
+Count Vavel had expected to see the little maid clap her hands with
+delight, and hasten to pluck the flowers for a nosegay.
+
+Instead, however, she clung to his arm and sighed heavily.
+
+"Why do you sigh, Marie? Are you not pleased with your garden?"
+
+"Yes; I think it beautiful."
+
+"Then why do you sigh?"
+
+"Because I cannot thank you as I wish."
+
+"But you have already thanked me."
+
+"That was only with words. Tell me, can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one; we are alone."
+
+At these words the little maid tore the veil from her face, and for the
+first time in many years God's free sunlight illumined her lovely
+features. What those features expressed, what those eyes flashed through
+their tears, that was her gratitude.
+
+When she had illumined the heart of her guardian with this expressive
+glance, she was about to draw the veil over her face again; but Ludwig
+laid a gently restraining hand on hers, and said: "Leave your face
+uncovered, Marie; no one can see it here; and every day for one hour you
+may walk thus here, without fear of being seen, for I shall send the
+gardener elsewhere during that time."
+
+When they were leaving the garden, Marie plucked two forget-me-nots, and
+gave one of them to Ludwig. From that day she had one more pleasure: the
+garden, a free sight of the sky, the warmth of the sunlight--enjoyments
+hitherto denied her; but, all the same, the childlike cheerfulness faded
+more and more from her countenance.
+
+Ludwig, who was distressed to see this continued melancholy in the
+child's face, searched among his pedagogic remedies for a cure for such
+moods. A sixteen-year-old girl might begin the study of history. At this
+age she would already become interested in descriptions of national
+customs, in archaeological study, in travels. He therefore collected for
+Marie's edification quite a library, and became a zealous expounder of
+the various works.
+
+In a short time, however, he became aware that his pupil was not so
+studious as she had been formerly. She paid little heed to his learned
+discourses, and even neglected to learn her lessons. For this he was
+frequently obliged to reprove her. This was a sort of refrigerating
+process. For an instructor to scold a youthful pupil is the best proof
+that he is a being from a different planet!
+
+One day the tutor was delineating with great eloquence to his
+scholar--who, he imagined, was listening with special interest--the
+glorious deeds of heroism performed by St. Louis, and was tracing on the
+map the heroic king's memorable crusade. The scholar, however, was
+writing something on a sheet of paper which lay on the table in front of
+her.
+
+"What are you writing, Marie?"
+
+The little maid handed him the sheet of paper. On it were the words:
+
+"Dear Ludwig, love me."
+
+Map and book dropped from the count's hands. The little maid's frank,
+sincere gaze met his own. She was not ashamed of what she had written,
+or that she had let him read it. She thought it quite in the order of
+things.
+
+"And don't I love you?" exclaimed Ludwig, with sudden sharpness. "Don't
+I love you as the fakir loves his Brahma--as the Carthusian loves his
+Virgin Mary? Don't I love you quite as dearly?"
+
+"Then don't love me--quite so dearly," responded Marie, rising and going
+to her own room, where she began to play with her cats. From that hour
+she would not learn anything more from Ludwig.
+
+The young man, however, placed the slip of paper containing the words,
+"Dear Ludwig, love me," among his relics.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Since the new mistress's advent in the neighboring manor Count Vavel had
+spent more time than usual in his observatory. At first suspicion had
+been his motive. Now, however, there was a certain fascination in
+bringing near to him with his telescope the woman with whom he had
+exchanged only written communication. If he was so eager to behold her,
+why did he not go to the manor? Why did he look at her only through his
+telescope? She would certainly receive his visits; and what then?
+
+This "what then?" was the fetter which bound him hand and foot, was the
+lock upon his lips. He must make no acquaintances. Results might follow;
+and what then?
+
+The entombed man must not quit his grave. He might only seat himself at
+the window of his tomb, and thence look out on the beautiful, forbidden
+world.
+
+What a stately appearance the lady makes as she strolls in her long
+white gown across the green sward over yonder! Her long golden hair
+falls in glittering masses from beneath her wide-rimmed straw hat. Now
+she stops; she seems to be looking for some one. Now her lips open; she
+is calling some one. Her form is quite near, but her voice stops over
+yonder, a thousand paces distant. The person she calls does not appear
+in the field of vision. Now she calls louder, and the listening ear
+hears the words, "Dear Ludwig!"
+
+He starts. These words have not come from the phantom of the
+object-glass, but from a living being that stands by his side--Marie.
+
+The count sprang to his feet, surprised and embarrassed, unable to say a
+word. Marie, however, did not wait for him to speak, but said with eager
+inquisitiveness:
+
+"What are you looking at through that great pipe?"
+
+Before Ludwig could turn the glass in another direction, the little maid
+had taken his seat, and was gazing, with a wilful smile on her lips,
+through the "great pipe."
+
+The smile gradually faded from her lips as she viewed the world revealed
+by the telescope--the beautiful woman over yonder amid her flowers, her
+form encircled by the nimbus of rainbow hues.
+
+When she withdrew her eye from the glass, her face betrayed the new
+emotion which had taken possession of her. The lengthened features, the
+half-opened lips, the contracted brows, the half-closed eyes, all these
+betrayed--Ludwig was perfectly familiar with the expression--jealousy.
+
+Marie had discovered that there was an enchantingly beautiful woman upon
+whose phenomenal charms _her_ Ludwig came up here to feast his eyes. The
+faithless one!
+
+Ludwig was going to speak, but Marie laid her hand against his lips, and
+turned again to the telescope. The "green-eyed monster" wanted to see
+some more!
+
+Suddenly her face brightened; a joyful smile wreathed her lips. She
+seized Ludwig's hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that sounded like a sigh
+of relief:
+
+"What you told me was true, after all! You did not want to deceive me."
+
+"What do you see?" asked Ludwig.
+
+"I see the water-monster that frightened me. I believed that you
+invented a fable and had it printed in that book in order to deceive me.
+And now I see the creature over yonder with the beautiful lady. She
+called to him, and he came walking on his hands and feet. Now he is
+standing upright. How ridiculous the poor thing looks in his red
+clothes! He does n't want to keep on his hat, and persists in wanting to
+walk on all fours like a poodle. Dear heaven! what a kind lady she must
+be to have so much patience with him!"
+
+Then she rose suddenly from the telescope, flung her arms around
+Ludwig's neck, and began to sob. Her warm tears moistened the young
+man's face; but they were not tears of grief.
+
+Very soon she ceased sobbing, and smiled through her tears.
+
+"I am so thankful I came up here! You will let me come again, won't you,
+Ludwig? I will come only when you ask me. And to-morrow we will resume
+our swimming excursions. You will come with me in the canoe, won't you?"
+
+Ludwig assented, and the child skipped, humming cheerily, down the tower
+stairs; and the whole day long the old castle echoed with her merry
+singing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+And why should not Baroness Landsknechtsschild take observations with a
+telescope, as well as her neighbor at the Nameless Castle?
+
+She could very easily do so unnoticed. From the outside of a house, when
+it is light, one cannot see what is going on in a dark room.
+
+This question Count Vavel was given an opportunity to decide.
+
+The astronomical calendar had announced a total eclipse of the moon on a
+certain night in July. The moon would enter the shadow at ten o'clock,
+and reach full obscuration toward midnight.
+
+Ludwig had persuaded Marie to observe the phenomenon with him; and the
+young girl was astonished beyond measure when she beheld for the first
+time the full moon through the telescope.
+
+Ludwig explained to her that the large, brilliant circles were extinct
+craters; the dark blotches, seas. At that time scientists still accepted
+the theory of oceans on the moon. What interested Marie most of all,
+however, was the question, "Were there people on the moon?" Ludwig
+promised to procure for her the fanciful descriptions of a supposed
+journey made to the moon by some naturalists in the preceding century.
+Innocent enough reading for a girl of sixteen!
+
+"I wonder what the people are like who live on the moon?"
+
+And Ludwig's mental reply was: "One of them stands here by your side!"
+
+After a while Marie wearied of the heavenly phenomena, and when the hour
+came at which she usually went to bed she was overcome by sleep.
+
+In vain Ludwig sought to keep her awake by telling her about the Imbrian
+Ocean, and relating the wonders of Mount Aristarchus. Marie could not
+keep from nodding, and several times she caught herself dreaming.
+
+"I shall not wait to see the end of the eclipse," she said to Ludwig.
+"It is very pretty and interesting, but I am sleepy."
+
+She was yet so much a child that she would not have given up her sweet
+slumbers for an eclipse of all the planets of the universe.
+
+Ludwig accompanied her to the door of her apartments, bade her good
+night, and returned to the observatory.
+
+Already the disk of the moon was half obscured. Ludwig removed the
+astronomical eye-piece from the telescope, and inserted the tellurian
+glass instead; then he turned the object-glass toward the neighboring
+manor instead of toward the moon. Now, if ever, was the time to find out
+if his fair neighbor possessed a telescope. If she had one, she would
+certainly be using it now.
+
+It was sufficiently light to enable him to see quite distinctly the
+baroness sitting, with two other women, on the veranda. She was
+observing the eclipse, but with an opera-glass--a magnifier that
+certainly could not reveal very much.
+
+Of this Count Ludwig might rest satisfied. And yet, in spite of the
+satisfaction this decision had given him, he continued to observe the
+disappearance of the moonlight from the veranda of the manor with far
+more attention than he bestowed upon the gradual darkening of the
+heavenly luminary itself. Then there happened to the baroness's
+companions what had happened to Marie: the women began to nod, whereupon
+the baroness sent them to bed. There remained now only the count and his
+fair neighbor to continue the astronomical observations. The lady looked
+at the moon; the count looked at the lady.
+
+The baroness, as was evident, was thorough in whatever she undertook.
+She waited for the full obscuration--until the last vestige of moonlight
+had vanished, and only a strange-looking, dull, copper-hued ball hung in
+the sky.
+
+The baroness now rose and went into the house. The astronomer on the
+castle tower observed that she neglected to close the veranda door.
+
+It was now quite dark; the silence of midnight reigned over everything.
+
+Count Vavel waited in his observatory until the moon emerged from
+shadow.
+
+Instead of the moon, something quite different came within the field of
+vision.
+
+From the shrubbery in the rear of the manor there emerged a man. He
+looked cautiously about him, then signaled backward with his hand,
+whereupon a second man, then a third and a fourth, appeared.
+
+Dark as it was, the count could distinguish that the men wore masks, and
+carried hatchets in their hands. He could not see what sort of clothes
+they wore.
+
+They were robbers.
+
+One of the men swung himself over the iron trellis of the veranda; his
+companions waited below, in the shadow of the gate.
+
+The count hastened from his observatory.
+
+First he wakened Henry.
+
+"Robbers have broken into the manor, Henry!"
+
+"The rascals certainly chose a good time to do it; now that the moon is
+in shadow, no one will see them," sleepily returned Henry.
+
+"I saw them, and I am going to scare them away."
+
+"We can fire off our guns from here; that will scare them," suggested
+Henry.
+
+"Are you out of your senses, Henry? We should frighten Marie; and were
+she to learn that there are robbers in the neighborhood, she would want
+to go away from here, and you know we are chained to this place."
+
+"Yes; then I don't know what we can do. Shall I go down and rouse the
+village?"
+
+"So that you may be called on to testify before a court, and be
+compelled to tell who you are, what you are, and how you came here?"
+impatiently interposed the count.
+
+"That is true. Then I can't raise an alarm?"
+
+"Certainly not. Do as I tell you. Stop here in the castle, take your
+station in front of Marie's door, and I will go over to the manor. Give
+me your walking-stick."
+
+"What? You are going after the robbers with a walking-stick?"
+
+"They are only petty thieves; they are not real robbers. Men of this
+sort will run when they hear a footstep. Besides, there are only four of
+them."
+
+"Four against one who has nothing but a cudgel!"
+
+"In which is concealed a sharp poniard--a very effective weapon at close
+quarters," supplemented the count. "But don't stop here talking, Henry.
+Fetch the stick, and my driving-coat, into the pocket of which put my
+bloodletting instruments. Some one might faint over yonder, and I should
+need them."
+
+Henry brought the stick and coat. Only after he had gone some distance
+from the castle did Count Vavel notice that some heavy object kept
+thumping against his side. The faithful Henry had smuggled a
+double-barreled pistol into the pocket of his coat, in addition to the
+bloodletting instruments. The count did not take the road which ran
+around the cove to the manor, but hurried to the shore, where he sprang
+into his canoe, and with a few powerful strokes of the oars reached the
+opposite shore. A few steps took him to the manor. His heart beat
+rapidly. He had a certain dread of the coming meeting--not the meeting
+with the robbers, but with the baroness.
+
+The gates of the manor were open, as was usual in Hungarian manors day
+and night. The count crossed the court, and as he turned the corner of
+the house there happened what he had predicted: the masked man who was
+on watch at the door gave a shrill whistle, then dashed into the
+shrubbery. Count Vavel did not give chase to the fleeing thief, but,
+swinging his cudgel around his head, ran through the open door into the
+hall. Here a lamp was burning. He hurried into the salon, and saw, as he
+entered, two more of the robbers jump from the window into the garden.
+
+Count Ludwig hurried on toward the adjoining room, whence came the faint
+light of a lamp. The light came from another room still farther on. It
+was the sleeping-chamber of the lady of the house. There were no robbers
+here, but on the table lay jewelry and articles of silver which had been
+emptied from the cases lying about the floor. In an arm-chair which
+stood near the bed-alcove reclined a female form, the arms and hands
+firmly bound with cords to the chair.
+
+What a beautiful creature! The clinging folds of her dressing-robe
+revealed the perfect proportions of her figure. Her hair fell like a
+golden cataract to the floor. Modest blushes and joy at her deliverance
+made the lovely face even more enchanting when the knightly deliverer
+entered the room--a hero who came with a cudgel to do battle against a
+band of robbers, and conquered!
+
+"I am Count Vavel," he hastened to explain, cudgel in hand, that the
+lady might not think him another robber and fall into a faint.
+
+"Pray release me," in a low tone begged the lady, her cheeks crimsoning
+with modest shame when he bent over her to untie the cords.
+
+The task was quickly performed; the count took a knife from his pocket
+and cut the cords; then he turned to look for a bell.
+
+"Please don't ring," hastily interposed the baroness. "Don't rouse my
+people from their slumbers. The robbers are gone, and have taken
+nothing. You came in good time to help me."
+
+"Did the rascals ill-treat you, baroness?"
+
+"They only tied me to this chair; but they threatened to kill me if I
+refused to give them money--they were not content to take only my
+jewelry. I was about to give them an order to the steward, who has
+charge of my money, when your arrival suddenly ended the agreement we
+had made."
+
+"Agreement?" repeated the count. "A pretty business, truly!"
+
+"Pray don't speak so loudly; I don't want any one to be alarmed--and
+please go into the next room, where you will find my maid, who is also
+bound."
+
+Count Vavel went into the small chamber which communicated with that of
+the baroness, and saw lying on the bed a woman whose hands and feet were
+bound; a handkerchief had been thrust into her mouth. He quickly
+released her from the cords and handkerchief; but she did not stir: she
+had evidently lost consciousness.
+
+By this time the baroness had followed with a lighted candle. She had
+flung a silken shawl about her shoulders, thrust her feet into Turkish
+slippers, and tucked her hair underneath a becoming lace cap.
+
+"Is she dead?" she asked, lifting an anxious glance to Ludwig's face.
+
+"No, she is not dead," replied the count, who was attentively scanning
+the unconscious woman's face.
+
+"What is the matter with her?" pursued the baroness, with evident
+distress.
+
+The count now recognized the woman's face. He had seen her with the lad
+who had been his protege, and who was now a member of the baroness's
+household. It was the wife of Satan Laczi.
+
+"No, she is not dead," he repeated; "she has only fainted."
+
+The baroness hastily fetched her smelling-salts, and held them to the
+unconscious woman's nostrils.
+
+"Peasant women have strong constitutions," observed the count. "When
+such a one loses consciousness a perfume like that will not restore her;
+she needs to be bled."
+
+"But good heavens! What are we to do? I can't think of sending for the
+doctor now! I don't want him to hear of what has happened here
+to-night."
+
+"I understand bloodletting," observed Vavel.
+
+"You, Herr Count?"
+
+"Yes; I have studied medicine and surgery."
+
+"But you have no lance."
+
+"I brought my chirurgic instruments with me."
+
+"Then you thought you might find here some one who had fainted?"
+exclaimed the baroness, wonderingly.
+
+"Yes. I shall require the assistance of a maid to hold the woman's arm
+while I perform the operation."
+
+"I don't want any of the servants wakened. Can't I--help you?" she
+suggested hesitatingly.
+
+"Are not you afraid of the sight of blood, baroness?"
+
+"Of course I am; but I will endure that rather than have one of my maids
+see you here at this hour."
+
+"But this one will see me when she recovers consciousness."
+
+"Oh, I can trust this one; she will be silent."
+
+"Then let us make an attempt."
+
+The result of the attempt was, the fainting maid was restored to
+consciousness by the skilfully applied lance, while the face of the
+assisting lady became deathly pale. Her eyes closed, her lips became
+blue. Fortunately, she had a more susceptible nature than her maid. A
+few drops of cold water sprinkled on her face, and the smelling-salts,
+quickly restored her to consciousness. During these few moments her head
+had rested on the young man's shoulder, her form had been supported on
+his arm.
+
+"Don't trouble any further about me," she murmured, when she opened her
+eyes and saw herself in Vavel's arms; "but attend to that poor woman";
+and she hastily rose from her recumbent position.
+
+The woman was shivering with a chill--or was it the result of extreme
+terror? If the former, then a little medicine would soon help her; but
+if it was terror, there was no remedy for it.
+
+To all questions she returned but the one answer: "Oh, my God! my God!"
+
+The baroness and Count Vavel now returned to the outer room.
+
+"I regret very much, baroness, that you have had an unpleasant
+experience like this--here in our peaceful neighborhood, where every one
+is so honest that you might leave your purse lying out in the court; no
+one would take it."
+
+The baroness laughingly interrupted him:
+
+"The robber adventure amused more than it frightened me. All my life I
+have wanted to see a real Hungarian robber, of whom the Viennese tell
+such wonderful tales. My wish has been gratified, and I have had a real
+adventure--the sort one reads in romances."
+
+"Your romance might have had a sorrowful conclusion," responded Count
+Ludwig, seriously.
+
+"Yes--if Heaven had not sent a brave deliverer to my rescue."
+
+"You may well say Heaven sent him," smilingly returned the count; "for
+if there had not been an eclipse of the moon to-night, which I was
+observing through my telescope, and at the same time taking a look about
+the neighborhood, I should not have seen the masked men enter the
+manor."
+
+"What!" in astonishment exclaimed the baroness; "you saw the men through
+a telescope? Truly, _I_ shall have to be on my guard in future! But,"
+she added more seriously, lifting from the table the count's
+walking-stick, toward which he had extended his hand, "before you go I
+want to beg a favor. Please do not mention the occurrence of this night
+to any one. I don't want the authorities to make any inquiries
+concerning the attempted robbery."
+
+"That favor I grant most willingly," replied Count Vavel, who had not
+the least desire for a legal examination which would require him to tell
+who he was, what he was, whence he came, and what he was doing here.
+
+"I can tell you why I don't want the affair known," continued the
+baroness. "The woman in yonder is the one of whom I wrote you some time
+ago--the wife of Ladislaus Satan, or, as he is called, Satan Laczi.
+Should it become known that a robbery was attempted here, the villagers
+will say at once, 'It was the wife of the robber Satan Laczi who helped
+the men to rob her mistress,' and the poor woman will be sent back to
+prison."
+
+"And do you really believe her innocent?"
+
+"I can assure you that she knew nothing about this matter. I shall not
+send her away, but, as a proof that I trust her entirely, shall let her
+sleep in the room next to mine, and let her carry all my keys!" To
+emphasize her declaration, she thumped the floor vigorously with Vavel's
+iron-ferruled stick.
+
+Involuntarily the count extended his hand to her. She grasped it
+cordially, and, shaking it, added: "Don't speak of our meeting to-night
+to any one; I shall not mention it, I can promise you! And now, I will
+give you your stick; I am certain some one at home is anxious about you.
+God be with you!"
+
+At home Count Vavel found Henry on guard at the door of Marie's room,
+his musket cocked, ready for action.
+
+"Did anything happen here?" asked the count. "Did Marie waken?"
+
+"No; but she called out several times in her sleep, and once I heard her
+say quite distinctly: 'Ludwig, take care; she will bite!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel could not deny that his fair neighbor had made a very
+favorable impression on him. In astronomy she had taken the place of the
+moon, in classic literature that of an ideal, and in metaphysics that of
+the absolutely good.
+
+He had sufficient command of himself, however, to suppress the desire to
+see her again. From that day he did not again turn his telescope toward
+the neighboring manor. But to prevent his thoughts from straying there
+was beyond his power. These straying thoughts after a while began to
+betray themselves in his countenance and in his eyes; and there are
+persons who understand how to read faces and eyes.
+
+"Are you troubled about anything, Ludwig?" one day inquired Marie,
+after they had been sitting in silence together for a long while.
+
+Ludwig started guiltily.
+
+"Ye-es; I have bad news from abroad."
+
+Such a reply, however, cannot deceive those who understand the language
+of the face and eyes.
+
+One afternoon Marie stole noiselessly up to the observatory, and
+surprised Ludwig at the telescope.
+
+"Let me see, too, Ludwig. Are you looking at something pretty?"
+
+"Very pretty," answered Ludwig, giving place to the young girl.
+
+Marie looked through the glass, and saw a farm-yard overgrown with
+weeds. On an inverted tub near the door of the cottage sat a little old
+grandmother teaching her grandchildren how to knit a stocking.
+
+"Then you were not looking at our lovely neighbor," said Marie. "Why
+don't you look at her?"
+
+"Because it is not necessary for me to know what she is doing."
+
+Marie turned the telescope toward the manor, and persisted until she had
+found what she was looking for.
+
+"How sad she looks!" she said to Ludwig.
+
+But he paid no attention to her words.
+
+"Now it seems as though she were looking straight into my eyes; now she
+clasps her hands as if she were praying."
+
+Ludwig said, with pedagogic calmness:
+
+"If you continue to gaze with such intensity through the telescope your
+face will become distorted."
+
+Marie laughed. "If I had a crooked mouth, and kept one eye shut, people
+would say, 'There goes that ugly little Marie!' Then I should not have
+to wear a veil any more."
+
+She distorted her face as she had described, and turned it toward
+Ludwig, who said hastily: "Don't--don't do that, Marie."
+
+"Is it not all the same to you whether I am ugly or pretty?" she
+retorted. Then, as if to soften the harshness of her words, she added:
+"Even if I were ugly, would you love me--as the fakir loves his Brahma?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Ludwig continued his correspondence with the learned Herr Mercatoris. He
+always dictated his letters to Marie. No one in the neighborhood had yet
+seen his own writing. Therefore, it would have been impossible for him
+to ask the pastor anything relating to the baroness without Marie
+knowing it. In one of his letters, however, he inquired how the mother
+of the lad he had once had in his care was conducting herself at the
+manor, and was informed that the woman had disappeared--and without
+leaving any explanation for her conduct--a few days after the eclipse of
+the moon. The baroness had been greatly troubled by the woman's going,
+but would not consent to having a search made for her, as she had taken
+nothing from the manor.
+
+This incident made Count Vavel believe that the woman had secretly
+joined the band of robbers, and that there would be another attempt made
+sometime to break into the manor.
+
+From that time the count slept more frequently in his observatory than
+he did in his bedchamber, where an entire arsenal of muskets and other
+firearms were always kept in readiness.
+
+One evening, when he approached the door of his room, he was surprised
+to see a light through the keyhole; some one was in the room.
+
+He entered hastily. On the table was a lighted candle, and standing with
+his back toward the table was a strange man, clad in a costume unlike
+that worn by the dwellers in that neighborhood.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel surveyed the stranger, who was standing
+between him and his weapons; then he demanded imperiously:
+
+"Who are you? How came you here, and what do you want?"
+
+"I am Satan Laczi," coolly replied the man.
+
+On hearing the name, Count Vavel sprang suddenly toward the robber, and
+seized him by the arms. The fellow's arms were like the legs of a
+vulture--nothing but bone and sinew. Count Vavel was an athletic man,
+strong and powerful; but had the room been filled with men as strong and
+powerful as he, and had they every one hurled themselves upon Satan
+Laczi, he would have had no difficulty in defending himself. He had
+performed such a feat more than once. This evening, however, he made no
+move to defend himself, but looked calmly at his assailant, and said:
+"The Herr Count can see that I have no weapons; and yet, there are
+enough here, had I wanted to arm myself against an attack. I am not here
+for an evil purpose."
+
+The count released his hold on the man's arms, and looked at him in
+surprise.
+
+"Why are you here?" he asked.
+
+"First, because I want to tell the Herr Count that it was not I who
+attempted to rob the baroness, nor were those thieves comrades of mine.
+I know that the people around here say it was Satan Laczi; but it
+was n't, and I came to tell you so. I confess I have robbed churches;
+but the house which has given shelter and food to my poor little lad is
+more sacred to me than a church. The people insist that I was guilty of
+such baseness because I am Satan Laczi; but the Herr Count, who has
+doubtless read a description of my person, can say whether or no it was
+I he saw at the manor."
+
+With these words he turned his face toward the light. It was a very
+repulsive countenance.
+
+"Do you think there is another face that the description of mine would
+fit, Herr Count?" he asked, a certain melancholy softening the
+repulsiveness of his features. "But what is the use of such senseless
+chatter?" he added hastily. "I am not silly enough to come here seeking
+honor and respect--though it does vex me when people say that one man
+with a cudgel put to flight Satan Laczi and three of his comrades. I
+came here to-night because the Herr Count rescued my poor little lad
+from the morass, gave him shelter and food, and even condescended to
+teach him. For all this I owe you, Herr Count, and I am come to return
+favor for favor. You are thinking: 'How can this robber repay me what he
+owes?' I will tell you: by giving you a robber's information. I want to
+prove to the Herr Count that the robber--the true robber who understands
+his trade--can enter this securely barred castle whenever he is so
+minded. The locks on the doors, the bolts on the windows, are no
+hindrance to the man who understands his business, and the way _I_ came
+in another can come as well. It is said that the Herr Count guards a
+great treasure here in this castle. I don't know, and I don't ask, what
+this treasure is. If I should find it, I would n't take it from the Herr
+Count, and if any one else took it I should try to get it back for him.
+But some one may steal in here, as I did, while the Herr Count is
+looking at the stars up in the tower, and carry off his carefully
+guarded treasure."
+
+Count Vavel gave utterance to a groan of terror; his knees gave way
+beneath him; a chill shook his entire frame.
+
+"Marie!" he gasped, forgetting himself.
+
+Then, hastily snatching the candle from the table, he rushed
+frantically toward the young girl's sleeping-chamber, leaving Satan
+Laczi alone in his room.
+
+Since he had ceased guarding Marie's door at night by sleeping on the
+lounge in her room, he had cautioned her to lock the door before
+retiring. Now he found the door open.
+
+Breathless with fear, the count sprang toward the alcove and flung back
+the bed-curtains. The little maid was sleeping peacefully, her face
+resting against her arm. Her favorite cat was lying at her feet, and on
+the floor by the bedside lay the two pugs. But the door of the
+wall-cupboard in which was hidden the steel casket stood wide open, and
+on the casket was a singular toy--a miniature human figure turning a
+spinning-wheel.
+
+For an instant Count Vavel's heart ceased beating. Here was sufficient
+proof that the maid, together with the steel casket, might have been
+carried away during his absence.
+
+He took the curious image, which was molded of black bread, and returned
+to his room.
+
+As he crossed the threshold, Satan Laczi pointed to the toy and said:
+
+"I left it on the casket as a remembrance in exchange for the little
+stockings some one in this house knit for my little lad. We learn to
+make such things in prison, where time hangs heavily on one's hands."
+
+"But how did you manage to open the door when it was locked and the key
+inside?" inquired the count.
+
+Satan Laczi showed him the tools which he used to turn keys from the
+outside.
+
+"Any burglar can open a door from the outside if the key is left in the
+lock, Herr Count. Only those doors can be securely locked which have no
+keyholes outside."
+
+"I have no idea how that could be arranged," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I am acquainted with a jack of all trades here in the neighborhood who
+could make such a door for you if I told him how to make it. He is a
+carpenter, locksmith, and clock-maker, all in one person."
+
+The count shook his head wonderingly. The robber was to direct the
+locksmith how to fashion a lock that no one could open!
+
+"Shall I send the man to the castle?" asked Satan Laczi.
+
+"Yes; if the fellow is sensible, and does not chatter."
+
+"But he is a fool that never knows when to stop talking. But he talks
+only on one subject, so you need not be afraid to employ him. He
+understands everything you tell him, will do just as you say, but will
+not talk about what he is doing for you. There is only one subject on
+which he will chatter, and that is, how Napoleon might be beaten. He is
+continually talking about stratagems, infernal machines, and how to win
+a battle. On this subject he is crazy. He will make doors for the Herr
+Count that can't be opened, and tell everybody else only how to make
+infernal machines, and how to build fortifications."
+
+"Very good; then send him to me."
+
+"But--I must say something else, Herr Count--no matter how secure your
+locks may be, that treasure is best guarded against robbers which is
+kept in the room you sleep in. A man of courage is worth a hundred
+locks. I am not talking without a purpose when I say the Herr Count must
+look after his treasure. I know more than I say, and Satan Laczi is not
+the greatest robber in the world. Be on your guard!"
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"Does the Herr Count still believe that it was I and my comrades who
+broke into the manor?"
+
+"No; I am convinced that it was not you."
+
+"Then my mission here is accomplished--"
+
+"Not yet," interposed the count, stepping to a cupboard, and taking from
+it a straw-covered bottle and a goblet. "Here,"--filling the goblet and
+handing it to the robber,--"he who comes to my house as a guest must not
+quit it without a parting glass."
+
+"A strange guest, indeed!" responded the robber, taking the proffered
+glass. "I came without knocking for admittance. But I performed a
+masterpiece to-day; the Herr Count will find it out soon enough! I do
+not drink to your welfare Herr Count, for my good wishes don't go for
+much in heaven!"
+
+The count seated himself at the table, and said: "Don't go just yet, my
+friend; I want to give you a few words of advice. I believe you are a
+good man at heart. Quit your present mode of life, which will ultimately
+lead you--"
+
+"Yes, I know--to the gallows and to hell," interposed the robber.
+
+"Take up some trade," pursued the count. "I will gladly assist you to
+become an honest man. I will lend you the money necessary to begin work,
+and you can pay me when you have succeeded. Surely honest labor is the
+best."
+
+"I thank you for the good advice, Herr Count, but it is too late. I know
+very well what would be best for me; but, as I said, it is too late now.
+There was a time when I would gladly have labored at my trade,--for I
+have one,--but no one would tolerate me because of my repulsive face.
+From my childhood I have been an object of ridicule and abuse. My father
+was well-born, but he died in a political prison, and I was left
+destitute with this hideous face. No one would employ me for anything
+but swine-herd; and even then luck was against me, for if anything went
+wrong with a litter of pigs, I was always blamed for the mishap, and
+sent about my business. Count Jharose gave me a job once; it was a
+ridiculous task, but I was glad to get any kind of honest work. I had to
+exercise the count's two tame bears--promenade with them through the
+village. The bears' fore paws were tied about their necks, so that they
+were obliged to walk on their hind feet, and I had to walk between them,
+my hands resting on a fore leg of each animal, as if I were escorting
+two young women. When we promenaded thus along the village street, the
+people would laugh and shout: 'There go Count Jharose's three tame
+bears.' At last I got out of the way of doing hard work, and got used to
+being ridiculed by all the world. But I had not yet learned to steal.
+The bears grew fat under my care. I was given every day two loaves of
+bread to feed to them. One day I saw, in a wretched hut at the end of
+the village, a poor woman and her daughter who were starving. From that
+day the bears began to grow thin; for I stole one of the loaves of bread
+and gave it to the poor women, who were glad enough to get it, I can
+tell you! But the steward found out my theft, and I was dismissed from
+the count's service. The poor women were turned out of their miserable
+hut. The mother froze to death,--for it was winter then,--and the
+daughter was left on my hands. We got a Franciscan monk, whom we met in
+the forest, to marry us--which was a bad move for the girl, for no one
+would employ her, because she was my wife. So the forest became our
+home, hollow trees our shelter; and what a friend an old tree can
+become! Well, to make a long story short, necessity very soon taught me
+how to take what belonged to others. I got used to the vagrant life. I
+could not sleep under a roof any more. I could n't live among men, and
+pull off my hat to my betters. When the little lad came into the world,
+I said to my wife: 'Do you quit the forest, and look for work in some
+village. Don't let the little one grow up to become a thief.' She did as
+I bade her; but the people who hired her always found out that she was
+the wife of Satan Laczi, and then they would not keep her, and she would
+have to come back to me in the forest. And that is where I shall end my
+days--in the forest. I am not good for anything any more; I could n't
+even plow a furrow any more. I shall end on the gallows--I feel it. I
+should have liked the life of a soldier, but they never would take me;
+they always said I would disgrace any regiment to which I might belong.
+Yes, I would rather have been a soldier than anything else; but what is
+not to be will not be! I shall keep to my forest. I am obliged to the
+Herr Count for his good wishes and this delicious brandy."
+
+The robber placed the empty glass on the table, took up his hat, and
+walked with heavy steps toward the door. Here he halted to say:
+
+"I must tell you that the touch-holes of all your firearms are filled
+with wax. Have them cleaned, or you will not be able to shoot with
+them."
+
+The count rose, and hastened to convince himself that this statement was
+true. He found that his firearms had indeed been rendered useless; the
+robber had taken good care to protect himself from an attack. When Vavel
+looked around again, Satan Laczi had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+The afternoon of the following day, Henry entered the count's study to
+announce that a crazy person was below, who insisted on speaking to the
+lord of the castle. The stranger said he had invented a cannon that
+would at one shot destroy fifteen hundred men. He would take no denial,
+but insisted that Henry should tell the Herr Count that Master Matyas
+had arrived.
+
+"Yes; I sent for him to come here," answered the count. "Show him up."
+
+The appearance of the man whom Henry conducted to his master's presence
+was certainly original. He wore a costume unlike any prevailing fashion.
+His upper garment was so made that it might be worn either as a coat or
+a mantle; if sleeves were desired there were sleeves, and none if none
+were required. Even his shoes were inventions of his own, for no regular
+shoemaker could have fashioned them. He held between the fingers of his
+right hand a bit of lead-pencil, with which he would illustrate what he
+described on the palm of his left hand.
+
+"You come in good time, Master Matyas," said the count.
+
+"Yes--yes. If only I had been in good time at the battle of Marengo!"
+sighed the singular man.
+
+"Too late now for regrets of that sort, Master Matyas," smilingly
+responded Count Vavel. "Facts cannot be changed! I have a task for you
+which I desire to have completed as quickly as possible. Come, and I
+will show you what I want you to do."
+
+It was the hour Marie spent in her garden; consequently the count was at
+liberty to conduct the jack of all trades to the young girl's apartment,
+and explain what he wished to have done.
+
+Master Matyas listened attentively to what the count said, and took the
+necessary measurements. When he had done so, he turned toward his
+patron, and said in a serious tone:
+
+"Do you know why we lost the battle of Marengo? Because General
+Gvozdanovics, when Napoleon's cavalry made that famous assault, was not
+clever enough to order three men into every tree on that long
+avenue--two of the men to load the muskets, while the third kept up a
+continual fire. The French horsemen could not have ridden up the trees,
+and the entire troop of cavalry would have dropped under the continuous
+fire! The general certainly should have commanded: 'Half battalion--half
+left! Up the trees--forward!'"
+
+"That is true, Master Matyas," assented Count Vavel; "but I should like
+to know if you fully understand what I want you to do, and if you can do
+it?"
+
+Master Matyas's face brightened suddenly. "I 'll tell you what, Herr
+Count; if I succeed in doing what you want, I shall be able, if ever
+Napoleon makes another attack on us, to pen him up, with his entire
+army, so securely that he won't be able to stir!"
+
+"I have no doubt of that!" again assented the count. "What I want,
+however, is a secure barrier that cannot be opened from the outside.
+Pray understand me. I want this barrier made in such a manner that the
+person within the barricade will have sufficient light and air, but be
+invisible to any one outside, and be perfectly secure from intruders.
+Could not you let me have a little drawing of what you propose to do?"
+
+"Certainly"; and taking a small sketch-book from his pocket, Master
+Matyas proceeded to do as he was requested--first, however, explaining
+to the count a drawing of the cannon which would mow down at one shot
+fifteen hundred men. "You see," he explained, "here are two cannon
+welded together at the breech, with their muzzles ten degrees apart. But
+one touch-hole suffices for both. The balls are connected by a long
+chain, and when the cannon are fired off, the balls naturally fly in
+opposite directions and forward at the same time, and, stretching the
+chain, mow off the heads of every man jack with whom it comes in
+contact! Fire! Boom! Heads off!"
+
+The count was perfectly satisfied with Master Matyas. He had found a man
+who fully understood his business, and who knew how to hold his tongue
+on all subjects but on that of his infernal machines, and of his
+stratagems to defeat Napoleon. For two weeks Master Matyas labored
+diligently at his task in the Nameless Castle, during which time Henry
+heard so much about warlike stratagems that his sides ached from the
+continued laughter. But when the villagers questioned Master Matyas
+about his work at the castle, they could learn nothing from him but
+schemes to capture the ever-victorious Corsican.
+
+"Herr Count," one day observed Henry, toward the close of the second
+week, "if I hear much more of Master Matyas's wonderful battles, I shall
+become as crazy as he is!"
+
+And the count replied:
+
+"You are crazy already, my good Henry--and so am I!"
+
+At last the task was completed. Count Vavel was satisfied with the work
+Master Matyas had performed, and it only remained for Marie to express
+herself satisfied with the arrangement which would barricade her every
+night as securely as were the treasures of the "green vault" in Dresden.
+
+A few days afterward was Marie's sixteenth birthday. Count Vavel had
+come to her apartments, as usual, to congratulate her, and to hear what
+her birthday wish might be. But the young girl, whose sparkling eyes had
+become veiled with melancholy, whose red lips had already learned to
+express sadness, had no commands to give to-day.
+
+After dinner the count, on some pretence, detained Marie in the library
+while Master Matyas completed his task in her room.
+
+This masterpiece was a peculiar curtain composed of small squares of
+steel so joined together that light and air could easily penetrate the
+screen. It was fitted between the two marble columns which supported the
+arch of the bed-alcove. When the metal curtain was lowered, by means of
+a cord, two springs in the floor caught and held it so securely that it
+could not be lifted from the outside. To raise the screen the person in
+the alcove had only to touch a secret spring near the bed, when the
+screen would roll up of itself.
+
+"And hast thou no wish this year, Marie?" asked the count, adopting, as
+usual on this anniversary, the familiar "thou."
+
+"Yes, I have one, dear Ludwig," replied the young girl, but with no
+brightening of the melancholy features. "I have lost something, but thou
+canst not give it back to me."
+
+"And what may this something be? What hast thou lost, Marie? Tell me."
+
+"My former sweet, sound sleep! and thou canst not buy me another in
+Vienna or Paris. I used to sleep so soundly. I used to be so fond of my
+sweet slumber that I could hardly wait to say my prayers, and often I
+would be in dreamland long before I got to the 'Amen.' And if by any
+chance I awoke in the night and heard the clock strike, I would beg of
+it not to hurry along the hours so fast--I did not want morning to come
+so soon! But now that I have to sleep with locked doors, I lie awake
+often until midnight--terrified by I know not what. I dread to be so
+entirely alone when everything is so quiet; and when it is dark I feel
+as if some one were stealthily creeping about my room. When I hear a
+noise I wonder what it can be, and my heart beats so rapidly! Then I
+draw the covers over my head to shut out all sound, and if I fall asleep
+thus I have such disagreeable dreams that I am glad when I waken again."
+
+Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.
+
+"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
+Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"
+
+The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
+soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
+restore my slumber."
+
+"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
+see."
+
+She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.
+
+Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.
+
+"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
+her wondering face.
+
+Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
+in the springs in the floor.
+
+"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
+own alcove."
+
+"Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
+Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
+your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
+column to your left, you will be at liberty again."
+
+The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.
+
+Marie was filled with delight and astonishment.
+
+"There is another work of art connected with this wonderful mechanism,"
+said the count, after Marie had rolled and unrolled the screen several
+times. "The cord which releases the screen rings a bell in my room. When
+I hear the bell I shall know that you have retired; then I shall bring
+my books and papers into your room out yonder, and continue my work
+there. Only enough light will penetrate the screen to the alcove to
+prevent utter darkness. You will not need to be afraid hereafter, and
+perhaps the sweet, sound sleep will return to you."
+
+Marie did not offer to kiss her guardian for this birthday gift. She
+merely held out both hands, and gave his a clasp that was so close and
+warm that it said more than words or kisses. She waited impatiently for
+evening to test the working of her wonderful screen. She did not amuse
+herself with her cards, as usual, but went to bed at ten o'clock. At the
+same moment that the screen unrolled and was caught by the springs in
+the floor, Count Ludwig's footsteps were heard in the corridor. In one
+hand he carried a two-branched candlestick, in the other his pistol-case
+and ink-horn. His pen was between his lips; his books and papers were
+held under his arm. He seated himself at a table, and resumed his
+studies.
+
+Marie would have been untrue to her sex had she not watched him for
+several minutes through her metal screen--watched and admired the superb
+head, supported on one hand as he bent intently over his book, the
+broad brow, the classical nose, the chin and lips of an Achilles--all as
+motionless as if they had been molded in bronze. A true hero--a hero who
+battled with the most powerful demons of earth, the human passions, and
+conquered. From that day Marie found her old sweet sleep again.
+
+The second day Marie's curiosity prompted her to signal to Ludwig half
+an hour earlier. He heard, and came as readily at half-past nine
+o'clock. And then the little maid (like all indulged children) abused
+her privileges: she signaled at nine o'clock, and at last at eight
+o'clock--retiring with the birds in order to test if Ludwig would obey
+the signal.
+
+He always came promptly when the falling screen summoned him.
+
+And then Marie said to herself:
+
+"He loves me. He loves me very much--as the fakir loves his Brahma, as
+the Carthusian loves his sainted Virgin. That is how he loves me!"
+
+
+
+
+PART V
+
+ANGE BARTHELMY
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+So far as Marie's safety from robbers was concerned, Count Vavel might
+now rest content. Satan Laczi's advice had been obeyed to the letter.
+But how about Baroness Landsknechtsschild? Danger still threatened her.
+
+Count Vavel was seriously concerned about his fair neighbor, and
+wondered how he might communicate his extraordinary discovery to her.
+What could he do to warn her of the danger which still threatened her?
+Should he call in person at the manor, and tell her of his interview
+with Satan Laczi?
+
+A propitious chance came to Count Vavel's aid in his perplexity.
+
+One afternoon the sound of a trumpet drew him to his window. On looking
+out, he beheld a division of cavalry riding along the highway toward the
+village. They were dragoons, as their glistening helmets indicated.
+
+When the troop drew near to the village, the band struck up a lively
+mazurka, and to this spirited march the soldiers made their entry into
+Fertoeszeg. Ludwig could see through his telescope how the men were
+quartered in the houses in the village; and in the evening, after the
+retreat had been sounded, he also saw that the windows of the hitherto
+unused wing of the manor were brilliantly illuminated. Evidently the
+officers in command of the troop had taken up their quarters there,
+which was proper. The armed guard on duty at the manor gates verified
+this supposition.
+
+Count Vavel might now feel perfectly sure that no robbers would attempt
+to break into the manor; they were too cunning to come prowling about a
+place where cavalry officers were quartered.
+
+And with the arrival of the troop another danger had been averted. Now
+Baroness Katharina would not break into the Nameless Castle and despoil
+Count Vavel of something which Satan Laczi could not, with all his
+cunning, have restored to him--his heart!
+
+Count Ludwig did not trouble himself further about the manor. He was
+convinced that enough gallant cavalrymen were over yonder to entertain
+the fair mistress, so that she would no longer wait for any more
+tiresome philosophizing from him.
+
+Every evening he could hear the band playing on the veranda of the
+manor, and very often, too, the merry dance-music, which floated from
+the open windows until a late hour of the night. They were enjoying
+themselves over yonder, and they were right in so doing.
+
+How did all this concern him?
+
+In one respect, however, the soldiers taking up their quarters in
+Fertoeszeg concerned him: they exercised daily on the same road over
+which it was his custom to take his daily drive with Marie. In order to
+avoid meeting them, he was obliged to change the hour to noon, when the
+soldiers would be at dinner.
+
+Several days after the arrival of the troop at Fertoeszeg, the officer in
+command paid a visit at the Nameless Castle--a courtesy required from
+one who was familiar with the usages of good society. At the door,
+however, he was told by the groom that Count Vavel was not at home. He
+left his card, which Henry at once delivered to his master, who was in
+his study.
+
+The card bore the name:
+
+"Vicomte Leon Barthelmy, K. K., Colonel of Cavalry."
+
+Count Vavel tried to remember where he had heard the name before, but
+without success. He quieted his dread which this act of ceremony had
+aroused in him by the thought that it contained no further significance
+than the conventional courtesy which a stranger felt himself called upon
+to pay to a resident.
+
+The call would, of course, have to be returned. From his observatory
+Count Vavel informed himself at what hour the colonel betook himself to
+the exercise-ground, and chose that time to make his visit. Naturally he
+found the colonel absent, and left a card for him. A few days afterward
+Colonel Barthelmy again alighted from his horse at the door of the
+Nameless Castle, and again met with a disappointment--the Herr Count was
+not at home to visitors; he was engaged, and had given orders not to be
+disturbed.
+
+Again the troop's commander left his card, determining to remain indoors
+at the manor until the return visit had been paid, which would have to
+be done within twenty-four hours if no rudeness were intended.
+
+He was not a little astonished to find, on returning to the manor, that
+Count Vavel had left a card for him with the porter. Such promptness
+perplexed the colonel. How had the count managed to reach the manor
+before he did? The porter informed him that the gentleman from the
+Nameless Castle had rowed across the cove, which was a much shorter way
+than by the carriage-road around the shore.
+
+The colonel now determined to prove that he was an obstinate and
+persistent admirer of the occupant of the Nameless Castle. He paid a
+third visit at eight o'clock the next evening. This time Henry informed
+the visitor that the count had gone to bed.
+
+"Is he ill?" inquired the colonel.
+
+"No; this is his usual hour for retiring."
+
+"But how can a man who is not ill go to bed at eight o'clock?"
+
+And again he handed Henry a card.
+
+This visit Count Vavel returned the next morning at three o'clock. At
+this hour, as may be supposed, every soul in the manor was still sound
+asleep. Only the guards on watch at the gate demanded: "Halt! Who comes
+there?"
+
+On learning that the intruder was a "friend," they allowed him to waken
+the porter, who thrust his frowzy head from the half-open door to ask,
+in surprise, what was wanted.
+
+"Is the Herr Colonel at home?" inquired Count Vavel.
+
+"Yes, your lordship; but he is in bed."
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"No, your lordship; but he is in bed, of course, at this hour."
+
+"Why, how can a man who is not ill stay in bed until three o'clock?"
+
+The count turned over a corner of his card, and handed it to the porter.
+
+This, at last, the colonel understood, and left no more cards at the
+Nameless Castle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The officers quartered at the manor were agreeable companions. Vicomte
+Leon Barthelmy was a true courtier, a brave soldier, an entertaining
+comrade, and a generous master. Even his enemies would have admitted
+that his manners were irresistible in the salon, as well as on the
+battle-field. Every one knew that Colonel Barthelmy was a married
+man--that he had a wife with whom, however, he did not live, but from
+whom he had not been divorced.
+
+Susceptible feminine hearts did not risk a flirtation with the
+fascinating soldier, being forewarned by the canonical laws of the
+church, which forbade more intimate relations. There was no need to fear
+for so prudent and discreet a woman as the Baroness Katharina
+Landsknechtsschild. Her principles were very sound, and firmly grounded.
+She permitted no familiarities beyond a certain limit, but made no coy
+pretence of avoiding innocent amusements. Her affable treatment of the
+officers was easily explained. She had not received the gentlemen
+residing in the neighborhood, because they would very soon have visited
+the manor with a special object--they would have come as suitors for her
+hand. She would have been compelled to reject such offers, and would
+have given rise to all sorts of gossip. Moreover, these country magnates
+were tiresome persons; for, when they were once gathered about a
+gaming-table, the four ladies in a pack of cards engrossed so much of
+their attention that they had no thought for any of the living women
+about them.
+
+The sons of Mars, on the contrary, were devoted entirely to the service
+of the fair sex. Many of the officers' wives accompanied the regiment,
+and these helped to make up the quadrille, the mazurka, the redowa,--at
+that time the latest dance,--and every day saw a merry gathering of
+revelers.
+
+One day there would be a series of entertaining games; another day there
+would be a play on a hastily improvised stage, in which the baroness
+herself would take a part, and win well-deserved applause by her
+graceful and artistic acting.
+
+There were several skilled amateur jugglers among the merry company, who
+would give performances _a la_ Bosko and Philadelphia; and others would
+delight the audience with the wonderful scenes of a magic lantern.
+
+Once the baroness arranged a chase, and herself joined in the hunt after
+the pheasants and deer on her estate, proving herself a skilled Amazon
+in the saddle and in the management of her rifle. Then, the officers
+improvised a horse-race; and once they even got up a circus, in which
+all look part.
+
+Count Vavel, in his tower, was an interested spectator of many of these
+amusements. There had been a time when he, too, had taken part in and
+enjoyed just such sports. He was a lover of the chase and of
+horse-racing. No one knew better than he the keen delights of a clean
+vault over ditches and hedges. If only he might join the merry company
+down yonder, _he_ could show them some riding!
+
+And as for hunting? He could spend whole days on the mountains,
+clambering after the fleet-footed chamois, following the larger game
+through morass and forest. He had grown up amid exhilarating sports such
+as these.
+
+And the dance-music! How alluring were the strains! and how often
+through the day he found himself humming the melodies which had floated
+to him from the open windows of the manor! Once he, too, had taken
+pleasure in jesting with fair women until their white shoulders would
+shake with merry laughter. And all this he must look upon and hear at a
+distance, since he had made himself his own jailer!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+During these weeks Marie was very restless. The sound of the trumpets
+startled her; the unusual noises terrified her. She whose nightly
+slumbers had been guarded from the barking of dogs and the crowing of
+fowls now was obliged to listen half the night to clarionet, horn, and
+piccolo, and to wonder what these people could be doing that they kept
+their music going until such late hours.
+
+One circumstance, however, reconciled Marie to the excitement of these
+days: Ludwig spent more time with her; and though his face was as stern
+as ever, she could not detect in it the melancholy which cannot be
+concealed from the eyes of the woman who can look into the depths, of
+the soul.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+At last, one day late in the autumn, Count Vavel received from his
+correspondent, Herr Mercatoris, the information that the dragoon
+regiment was going to change its quarters, and that the departure from
+Fertoeszeg would be celebrated by various amusements, among them a
+regatta with colored lanterns on the lake and magnificent fireworks on
+the shore.
+
+"We shall manage somehow to live through it," was the count's mental
+comment on the news. He knew Marie's horror of fire--how she suffered
+with terror when she saw a conflagration, no matter how distant. She was
+even afraid of the rockets and paper dragons which were used at the
+celebration at the conclusion of the grape harvest every year. On the
+evening of the merrymaking Marie was afraid to go to bed. She begged
+Ludwig to close the blinds and to read to her in a loud voice, so that
+she might not see the light of the fireworks or hear the tumult on the
+lake shore. That which amused the revellers at the manor was a terror
+for this timid child.
+
+And that they were amusing themselves over at the manor was beyond a
+doubt. The program for the evening's entertainment was a varied one.
+Colonel Barthelmy was in the gayest of humors. The surprise of the
+evening was to conclude the entertainment, and was called on the program
+"The Militiaman." Every one in the audience expected that Colonel
+Barthelmy, who had arranged this part of the entertainment, would
+produce something extremely amusing. The reality surpassed all
+expectations.
+
+The figure conducted on to the stage by the colonel was no other than
+the little water-monster, Baroness Katharina's protege. He was clad in
+the uniform of a soldier, with a wooden sword and gun, a hat decorated
+with crane-feathers, a canteen at his side, and a knapsack on his back.
+An enormous false mustache extended from ear to ear, and a short-stemmed
+pipe was thrust between his lips.
+
+"This, gentlemen and ladies, is a militiaman." The colonel was
+interrupted by a burst of merriment from his audience. Even the baroness
+laughed immoderately, but suppressed it hastily when she remembered the
+telescope on the tower of the Nameless Castle.
+
+"Poor little fellow!" she murmured, with difficulty keeping her face
+straight.
+
+"Attention!" called the colonel, snapping the whip he held in his hand.
+"What does the militiaman do when he is in a good humor?"
+
+A bagpipe behind the curtain now began to play a familiar air, whereupon
+the little monster first touched his finger to his hat, then slapped his
+thighs with both hands, and lifted first one foot, then the other.
+
+The baroness hid with her fan that side of her face which was toward the
+neighboring castle, and joined in the uproarious laughter.
+
+"You see, gracious baroness," continued the colonel, "that I have
+accomplished what I determined I would do--made quite a man of the
+little fellow."
+
+He snapped his whip again, and called sharply:
+
+"Now let the militiaman show us what he does when he is in an ill
+humor."
+
+The bagpipe struck up a different air. The dwarf muttered something
+unintelligible into his mustache, and grimaced hideously. Then he took
+from his tobacco-pouch flint, tinder, and steel, and struck fire in the
+proper manner; he thrust the burning tinder into his pipe, and pressed
+it down with his finger.
+
+Tremendous applause rewarded this exhibition.
+
+"Do you see, gracious baroness, what a complete man he is become? He can
+even strike fire and light a pipe!"
+
+By this time the gnome began to understand that his antics amused the
+audience, and he, too, enjoyed them. For the first time an emotion was
+expressed on his stolid countenance; but it was not an agreeable
+transformation. The corners of his mouth widened until they reached his
+ears, which stood still farther out from his head; he closed one eye,
+and opened the other to its farthest extent; and pressing the stem of
+his pipe more firmly between his teeth, he blew the smoke and fire from
+the bowl like a miniature volcano. The thicker the smoke and sparks came
+from the pipe, the more furious became the strange creature's glee,
+while the entire company shouted and clasped their hands. Even the
+colonel himself was amazed at the performance of his dull pupil.
+
+"Why have we not a Hogarth among us to perpetuate this caricature?" he
+exclaimed delightedly.
+
+"Horrible! I cannot bear to look at him," said the baroness, holding her
+fan in front of her face. "Pray take him away, Herr Colonel--take him
+away."
+
+"Presently. Ho, there, my little man! What does the militiaman do when
+he sees the enemy?"
+
+The whip snapped, and the bagpipe set up a discordant shriek, upon which
+the actor sprang with one bound from the stage, and vanished behind the
+curtain, wooden sword and gun clattering after him, while the audience
+showered applause on the successful instructor.
+
+"Herr Colonel," observed the baroness, when quiet had been restored, "I
+am very much afraid that your instructions will cause me some trouble in
+the future."
+
+"Why, how so?" in surprise questioned the colonel.
+
+"You have taught a wild creature to kindle a fire, and thus aroused in
+him a dangerous passion. His desire to amuse himself with the dangerous
+element will develop into a mania, and he will end by setting fire to
+houses and other buildings."
+
+"I will tell you what to do, baroness. In order that the little monster
+may not play his tricks about here, give him to me; I will take him with
+me."
+
+"No; I had rather keep him here. I shall take good care, however, that
+he does not get hold of tinder and flint, and have him constantly
+watched. You have quite ruined my system of education. _I_ taught him to
+kneel and fold his hands to the music of the organ; _you_ taught him to
+dance and grimace to the drone of the bagpipe. You have even accustomed
+him to drink wine, which is unchristian."
+
+The company laughed at this harmless anger.
+
+Then came the fireworks.
+
+When the Roman candles and the fire-wheels illumined the darkness, it
+became impossible to control the little monster. He rushed into the
+thickest of the rain of fire, and tried to catch the red and blue stars
+in his hands. The sparks burned holes in his clothes, and he would not
+have escaped a severe burning himself had not some one thrown a pail of
+water over him. It was impossible to restrain him. He struck out with
+hands and feet, and bit at any one who attempted to prevent him from
+running into the fire. Suddenly a rocket shot in an oblique direction,
+and dropped into the lake. When the human beast saw this he uttered a
+yell, and dashed into the water. He thought that the beautiful fire
+belonged to him because it had fallen into his lake, and he went to hunt
+for it. He did not return. The baroness had search made for him; but he
+knew so well how to escape his pursuers that he was not seen again at
+the manor.
+
+The next morning, while yet the stars were glittering in the sky, the
+trumpets sounded the departure of the regiment.
+
+The sounds were familiar to Count Vavel. Even yet, when the blare of
+trumpets roused him from sleep, he felt as if he must hasten to the
+stable, saddle his horse, and buckle on his sword. But those days were
+past. His trusty war-horse had become used to the carriage-pole, and the
+keen Toledo blades were drawn from their scabbards only when they were
+to be oiled to prevent the rust from corroding them.
+
+The departure of the troops removed one care from Count Ludwig's mind:
+the noise and turmoil would cease, and peace would again return to the
+silent neighborhood.
+
+One morning when Frau Schmidt brought her basket, as usual, to the
+castle, there was a letter in it for the count. He recognized the hand
+at once; it was from his fair neighbor at the manor.
+
+     "HERR COUNT: As I have something of the utmost importance to
+     communicate to you, I beg that you will receive a call from me this
+     morning before you take your usual drive. Answer when it will be
+     convenient for you to see me."
+
+What did it mean? Something of the utmost importance? Why could she not
+have asked him to come to the manor? The count was puzzled. And how was
+he to answer this most singular request? He could not write it himself;
+was it not said that he was unable to hold a pen? He could not dictate
+the letter to Marie appointing a meeting with the baroness. Henry was a
+very shrewd fellow, but he had never learned to write.
+
+At last Count Vavel bethought him of an expedient. He marked on the back
+of his card the Roman numerals XI, and trusted that the baroness would
+understand that she was expected at eleven o'clock. When the appointed
+hour drew near, curiosity began to torture the count. He could not wait
+indoors, but hurried into the park, where he paced restlessly to and fro
+amid the fallen leaves.
+
+He listened anxiously to every sound, and consulted his watch every few
+minutes. At last the gate bell rang. He hastened to admit the visitor,
+and found that the baroness had understood his reply. He recognized her
+figure, for the face was closely veiled. She wore a pale-blue silk gown
+with wide sleeves--Marie's favorite costume.
+
+"It is I, Herr Count," she said in a low tone, looking anxiously about
+her.
+
+"How did you come? I did not hear the carriage," said Count Vavel.
+
+"I rowed across the cove--alone, because no one must know that I came.
+Can any one see us here?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"We need not go into the house," she continued; "I can tell you here why
+I came."
+
+Ludwig was more and more perplexed. He had believed the baroness wished
+to enter the Nameless Castle out of curiosity.
+
+"My visit," pursued the lady, "has as little conventionality about it as
+had yours. The magnitude of the danger which prompted yours must also
+excuse mine; I am come to repay the debt I owe you."
+
+"Danger?" repeated the count.
+
+"Yes; danger threatens you--and some one else! Let us come farther into
+the park, that no one may by a possible chance overhear me."
+
+When they had reached a sheltered spot the lady again spoke:
+
+"Do you know anything about Colonel Barthelmy?"
+
+"I received the cards he left here when he called," indifferently
+replied Count Vavel.
+
+"You certainly have heard more about him," returned the baroness, a
+trifle impatiently. "His domestic troubles were in all the
+newspapers--it was a _cause celebre_. He was a major in the French army,
+under the Directory, but entered our service when the Empire was
+established. The domestic troubles I referred to occurred while he was
+still in France. His young and beautiful wife ran away with another
+man--a man who is unknown to Barthelmy, who is pursuing the fugitives
+over the whole world--"
+
+"Ah! I remember now reading something about it. That is why his name
+seemed familiar to me."
+
+"I thought you must have heard something about him," responded the
+baroness, in a peculiar tone. Then, with a sudden movement, she seized
+his hand and whispered:
+
+"And you are the unknown who abducted Colonel Barthelmy's wife."
+
+"I?" in boundless amazement ejaculated the count. Then he laughed
+heartily.
+
+"Yes, you; and you are living here in seclusion with the lovely woman
+whose face no one is permitted to see."
+
+Ludwig ceased laughing, and replied very seriously; "Gracious baroness,
+were I the person you believe me to be, I should have been glad to meet
+the man who compelled me to live here in seclusion. A skilful
+sword-thrust or a well-aimed bullet would have released me from this
+prison."
+
+"And yet, everybody believes Count Vavel to be Ange Barthelmy's lover,"
+responded the baroness.
+
+"Do _you_ believe it, baroness?"
+
+"I? Perhaps--not. But Colonel Barthelmy believes it all the more firmly
+because you refused to see him."
+
+"And suppose he had seen me?"
+
+"He would have asked you to introduce him to your--family."
+
+"Then he would have learned that I have no family."
+
+"But you could not have refused to tell him what relation you bear to
+the lady at the castle."
+
+"My answer would have been very brief had he asked the question," was
+the count's grim response.
+
+"I know what men mean by a 'brief' answer; the result is usually fatal."
+
+"And does your ladyship imagine that I fear such a result?"
+
+"So far as courage is concerned, I should not give any one precedence to
+Count Vavel. A regular duel, however, requires more than courage.
+Colonel Barthelmy is a soldier by profession; you are a philosopher who
+lives amid his studies, and whose right hand is unable to hold a pen,
+let alone a sword or a pistol!"
+
+Count Vavel was touched on the spot where men are most susceptible.
+
+"Who can tell whether I have always been a studious hermit?" he demanded
+proudly. "Besides, might it not be that my hand is unable only when I
+don't want to use it?"
+
+"That may be," retorted the lady. "But Barthelmy, who is perfectly
+insane on the subject of his wife's infamy, would have the advantage of
+you. He is suspicious of every stranger; and of all the gossip which
+environs you, the legend of that elopement is the mildest."
+
+"Indeed? This is very flattering! Probably I am also said to be a
+counterfeiter?"
+
+"I am not jesting, Herr Count. While Colonel Barthelmy was my guest I
+was able to prevent him from taking any aggressive steps toward you;
+this is why you did not hear from him again after his last call on
+you--"
+
+"I certainly am greatly indebted to you," interrupted Count Vavel, with
+visible irony.
+
+"You owe me no thanks, Herr Count. When a woman tries to prevent a
+quarrel between two men, she does so, believe me, out of pure self-love.
+The emotions which electrify your nerves torment ours. I could not have
+continued to live here had a tragic occurrence made the place memorable.
+That is why I prevented an encounter between you and the colonel; so you
+need not thank me. However, the evening before the regiment took its
+departure the colonel said to me: 'I have kept my word to you, baroness;
+but to-morrow I cease to be your guest. I shall take steps then to learn
+if the mysterious lady at the Nameless Castle be Ange Barthelmy or some
+one else.'"
+
+At these words a deep flush crimsoned Count Vavel's face. "I should like
+to know how he proposes to settle that question?" he said, in a voice
+that trembled with suppressed rage.
+
+"I will tell you. Just listen to the ridiculous plan which the man
+betrayed in his fury. He is quartered in the neighboring village to the
+edge of which you and a certain person drive every day. He is going to
+rise, with several friends, along the road; and when he meets your
+carriage, he is going to stop it, introduce himself, and demand if the
+lady by your side be Mme. Ange Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel clenched his hands and closed his lips tightly. After a
+brief struggle he regained command of himself, and said quietly:
+
+"I shall, of course, reply: 'On my word as a man of honor, this lady is
+not Ange Barthelmy.'"
+
+"But if that does not satisfy him? Suppose he should insist on seeing
+the lady? Suppose he even attempts to lift the lady's veil?"
+
+"Then he dies!" The count gave utterance to these words in a tone that
+sounded more like the growl of a lion that has the neck of his prey
+between his teeth.
+
+"He is capable, in his present mood, of doing anything rash," murmured
+the baroness, with an expression of terror in her eyes.
+
+"And I am capable of an equally rash act," responded the count.
+
+"I believe it; I have heard of such courage before. But _you_ must not
+forget that you do not belong to yourself; there is some one else you
+must think of before you risk your life."
+
+Count Vavel started violently; he opened his lips as if to speak, but
+the baroness quickly raised her hand and interposed.
+
+"I am not trying to pry into your secret, Herr Count; I am no spy--you
+must have seen that ere this. All I know is that there is under your
+protection a woman to whom you are everything, and who will have no one
+should she lose you."
+
+"But what can I do?" in desperation exclaimed Count Vavel. "I cannot
+hide in my castle until Colonel Barthelmy leaves the neighborhood. Would
+you have me confess to all the world that I am a coward?"
+
+"Let me advise you, Herr Count," with sudden resolution responded the
+baroness. "Turn this matter, which you look upon as a tragedy, into a
+capital jest. Take _me_ to drive with you to-day instead of
+your--friend."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly burst into a loud laugh--from extreme anger to
+unrestrained merriment.
+
+But the baroness did not laugh with him.
+
+"I am in earnest, Count Vavel. Now you will understand why I came here
+this morning." She drew her veil over her face, and asked: "Am I enough
+like her to take her place in the carriage?"
+
+Count Vavel was astounded. The likeness to Marie was perfect. The gown,
+the hat, and veil were exactly like those Marie was wont to wear when
+she drove out with him. The daring suggestion, however, amazed him more
+than anything else.
+
+"What! You, baroness? You would really venture to drive with me? Have
+you thought of the risk--the danger to yourself?"
+
+"I have given it as much thought as did you when you risked coming to
+the manor with nothing but a walking-stick to battle with four thieves.
+One ought not stop to think of the risk when a danger is to be averted.
+This adventure may end as harmlessly as the other."
+
+"And suppose the colonel should by any chance see your face? No, no,
+baroness; there is no comparison between my venture and this plan you
+propose. If I had had an encounter with those thieves I might have
+received a wound that would soon have healed; but your pure reputation
+as a woman might receive a wound that would never heal."
+
+A bitter smile wreathed the lady's lips as she replied: "Could any wound
+that I might receive increase the burden on my heart?" She laughed
+harshly, then asked suddenly: "Perhaps you are afraid the colonel will
+think I am the mysterious lady of the Nameless Castle?"
+
+Count Vavel's face reddened to the roots of his hair.
+
+Again the lady laughed, then said apologetically: "Pardon me, but the
+idea amused me. But, to return to Colonel Barthelmy, he is going very
+shortly to Italy with his regiment; therefore, I need not care what
+fables he thinks of me--or repeats. The few persons whose opinion I care
+for will not believe him; as for the others--pah! Come, your hand on it!
+Let us perpetrate this joke. If _I_ am willing to run the risk, you
+surely need not hesitate."
+
+And yet he hesitated.
+
+"Don't speak of this plan of yours as a mischievous trick, baroness," he
+said earnestly. "It is a great, a noble sacrifice--so great, indeed,
+that living woman could not perform a greater--to be willing to blush
+with shame while innocent. She who blushes for her love does not suffer;
+but to flush with shame out of friendship must be a torture like that
+endured by martyrs."
+
+"Very well, then; let it be a sacrifice--as you will! I am a willing
+victim! I owe you a debt of gratitude; I want to pay it. Now go and
+order the carriage; I will wait here for you."
+
+Every drop of blood in his body rebelled against his accepting this
+offer. A woman rescue a strong man from a threatened danger! And at what
+a risk!
+
+"Well," a trifle impatiently exclaimed the baroness, as he still
+lingered, "are n't you going to fetch your cloak? I am ready for the
+drive."
+
+Without another word the count turned and strode toward the castle.
+
+Marie was satisfied with the excuse he made for not taking her with him
+as usual: he said he had urgent business in the neighboring village, and
+would have to drive there alone.
+
+Then he ordered Henry to harness the horses to the carriage, and drive
+down to the gate, where he would await him.
+
+He found the baroness waiting for him where he had left her.
+
+"Well," she began, when he came near enough to hear her, "have you
+decided to take me with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then you are going to take the lady?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Not? Then who is going with you?"
+
+"These two pistols," replied the count, flinging back his cloak and
+revealing the weapons thrust into his pocket. "With these two companions
+I am going to meet the gentleman who is so determined to see the face of
+the veiled lady. I shall show him a lady whose face is not a subject of
+gossip."
+
+The baroness uttered a cry of terror, and seized Count Vavel's hand.
+
+"No, no; you shall not go alone. Listen. I was prepared for just such a
+decision on your part, so I wrote this letter. If you persist in going
+alone to meet the colonel, I shall hurry back to the manor, send my
+groom on the swiftest horse I own with this letter to Colonel Barthelmy.
+Read it."
+
+She unfolded the letter she had taken from her pocket, and held it so
+that Count Vavel might read, without taking it in his hands:
+
+     "HERR COLONEL: You need not seek Mme. Ange Barthelmy at the
+     Nameless Castle. The veiled lady seen in company with Count Vavel
+     is
+
+     "B. KATHARINA LANDSKNECHTSSCHILD."
+
+In speechless amazement Count Vavel looked down at the baroness, who
+calmly folded the letter and returned it to her pocket.
+
+"Now you may go if you like," she said coolly, "and I, too, shall do as
+_I_ like! The colonel will then have written proof to justify him in
+dragging my name in the dust!"
+
+The count gazed long and earnestly into the lovely face turned
+defiantly toward him. What was said by those glowing eyes, what was
+expressed by those lips trembling with excitement, could not be mere
+sport. There is only one name for the emotion which urges a woman to
+risk so much for a man; and if Count Vavel guessed the name, then there
+was nothing for him to do but offer his arm to the lady and say:
+
+"Come, baroness, we will go together."
+
+When the count assisted his veiled companion into the carriage, and took
+his seat by her side, not even Henry could have told that it was not his
+young mistress from the castle who was going to drive, as usual, with
+her guardian.
+
+It was with a singular feeling that Count Vavel looked at the woman
+beside him, to whom he was bound for one hour by the strongest, most
+dangerous of ties. Only for one hour! For this one hour the woman
+belonged to him as wholly, as entirely as the soul belongs to the living
+human being. And afterward? Afterward she would be no more to him than
+is the vanished soul to the dead human being.
+
+The carriage had arrived at the boundary of the neighboring village,
+where the usual turn was made for the homeward drive, and they had not
+yet seen any one. Had Colonel Barthelmy's words been merely an idle
+threat?
+
+Henry knew that he was not to drive beyond this point; he mechanically
+turned the horses' heads in the homeward direction, as he had done every
+day for years.
+
+On the return drive the carriage always stopped at the edge of the
+forest, where a shaded path led through the dense shrubbery to a cleared
+space some distance from the highway. This was the spot for their daily
+promenade.
+
+The count and his companion had gone but a short distance along the path
+when they saw coming toward them three men in uniform. They were
+cavalry officers. The two in the rear had on white cloaks; the one in
+front was without, an outer garment--merely his close-fitting uniform
+coal.
+
+"That is Barthelmy," whispered the baroness, pressing the arm on which
+she was leaning.
+
+The count's expression of calm indifference did not change. He walked
+with a firm step toward the approaching officers.
+
+Very soon they stood face to face.
+
+The colonel was a tall, distinguished-looking man; he carried his head
+well upright, and every movement spoke of haughty self-confidence and
+pride.
+
+"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
+his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
+Barthelmy."
+
+Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
+he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.
+
+"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the colonel
+(his companions had halted several paces distant). "I was so unfortunate
+as not to find you at home the three calls I made at your castle. Now,
+however, I shall take this opportunity to say to you what I wanted to
+say then. First, however, let me introduce my friends,"--waving his hand
+toward the two officers,--"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics,
+of Emperor Alexander's dragoons."
+
+Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
+acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:
+
+"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"
+
+"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
+had the peculiar misfortune which sometimes overtakes a married man; my
+wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
+As mine is not one of those phlegmatic natures which can meekly tolerate
+such an indignity, I am searching for the fugitives--for what purpose I
+fancy you can guess. For four years my quest has been fruitless; I have
+been unable to find a trace of the guilty pair. A lucky chance at last
+led me to this secluded corner of the earth, and here I learned
+that--but, to be brief, Herr Count, I owe it to my heart and to my honor
+to ask you this question: Is not this lady by your side, who is always
+closely veiled, Ange Barthelmy, my wife?"
+
+"Herr Vicomte Leon de Barthelmy," calmly replied Count Vavel, "I give
+you my word of honor as a cavalier that this lady never was your wife."
+
+The colonel laughed in a peculiar manner.
+
+"Your word of honor, Herr Count, would be entirely satisfactory in all
+other questions save those relating to the fair sex--and to war. You
+will excuse me, therefore, if I take the liberty to doubt your assertion
+in this case, and request you to prove that my suspicions are at fault.
+Without this proof I will not move from this spot."
+
+"Then I am very sorry for you, Herr Colonel," returned Count Vavel, "but
+I shall be compelled to leave you and your suspicions in possession of
+this spot."
+
+He made as if he would pass onward; but the colonel politely but with
+decision barred the path.
+
+"I must request that you wait a little longer, Herr Count," he said, his
+face darkening.
+
+"And why should I?" demanded the count.
+
+"To convince me that the lady on your arm is not my wife," was the
+reply, in an excited tone.
+
+"You will have to remain unconvinced," in an equally excited tone
+retorted Count Vavel; and for a brief instant it was a question which
+of the two enraged men would strike the first blow.
+
+The threatening scene was suddenly concluded by the baroness, who flung
+back her veil, exclaiming: "Here, Colonel Barthelmy, you may convince
+yourself that I am _not_ your wife."
+
+Leon Barthelmy started in amazement, and hastily laid his hand against
+his lips as if to repress the words which had rushed to them. Then he
+bowed with exaggerated courtesy, and said: "I most humbly beg your
+pardon, Herr Count Vavel. This lady is _not_ Ange Barthelmy. These
+gentlemen are witnesses that I have asked your pardon in the proper
+form."
+
+The colonel's companions, who had come hastily forward at the threatened
+conflict between their superior and the count, were gazing in a peculiar
+manner at the lady whose hospitality they had so lately enjoyed. Colonel
+Barthelmy also, although he bowed with elaborate courtesy before the
+baroness, cast upon her a glance that was full of insulting scorn.
+
+The situation had changed so rapidly--as when a sudden flash of
+lightning illumines the darkness of night; and like the electric flash a
+light sped into Vavel's heart and illumined it with a delicious, a
+heavenly warmth that made it throb madly. But only for an instant. Then
+he realized that this woman who had dared everything for his sake had
+been insulted by the glance of scorn and derision.
+
+He had now lost all control of himself. He snatched a pistol from his
+pocket, directed the muzzle toward Colonel Barthelmy's sneering face,
+and said in a voice that quivered with savage fury:
+
+"I demand that you beg this lady's pardon."
+
+"You do?" coolly returned the colonel, still smiling, and gazing calmly
+into the muzzle of the pistol.
+
+"Yes--or I will blow out your brains!"
+
+The two officers accompanying the colonel drew their swords. The
+baroness uttered a cry of terror, and flung herself on Vavel's breast.
+
+"I presume you will allow me to inquire, first, what relation this lady
+bears to you?"
+
+Colonel Barthelmy asked the question in measured tones; and without an
+instant's hesitation came Count Vavel's reply:
+
+"The lady is my betrothed wife."
+
+The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
+companions were returned to their scabbards.
+
+"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
+reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
+caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
+this salute."
+
+He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
+were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
+hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"
+
+"Yes," was the curt reply.
+
+"Then let us shake hands--without malice. Accept my sincerest
+congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
+taught me this morning."
+
+He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
+was clear.
+
+The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
+the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
+officers following at a respectful distance.
+
+When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
+been left by the colonel and his companions in charge of the grooms.
+Henry must have told the gentlemen where to find his master.
+
+With what different emotions Count Vavel returned to the castle! The
+dreamer in his slumbers had given utterance to words which betrayed what
+he had been dreaming, and he compelled the vision to abide with him even
+after he had wakened. He felt that he had the right to do what he had
+done. This woman loved him as only a woman can love; and what he had
+done had only been his duty, for he loved her! What he had said was no
+falsehood--the words had not been forced from him merely to preserve her
+honor; they were the truth.
+
+Count Vavel stopped the carriage at the park gate, assisted his
+companion to alight, and sent Henry on to the castle with the horses.
+
+"What have you done?" in a deeply agitated voice exclaimed the baroness,
+when they were alone in the park.
+
+"I gave expression to the feeling which is in my heart."
+
+"And do you realize what that has done?"
+
+"What has it done?"
+
+"It has made it impossible for us to meet again--for us ever to speak
+again to each other."
+
+"I cannot see it in that light."
+
+"You could were you to give it but a moment's serious thought. I do not
+ask what the mysterious lady at the castle is to you; I know, however,
+that you must be everything to her. Pray don't believe me cruel enough
+to rob her of her whole world. I cannot ask you to believe a lie--I
+cannot pretend that you are nothing to me. I have allowed you to look
+too deeply into my heart to deny my feelings. But there is something
+besides love in my heart! it is pride. I am too proud to take you from
+the woman to whom you are bound--no matter by what ties. Therefore, we
+must not meet again in this life; we may meet again in another world!
+Pray do not come any farther with me; I can easily find the way to my
+boat. No one at the manor knows of my absence. I must be careful to
+return as I came--unseen. And now, one request: Do not try to see me
+again. Should you do so, it will compel me to flee from the
+neighborhood. Adieu!"
+
+She drew her veil closer over her face, and passed swiftly with
+noiseless steps through the gateway.
+
+Ludwig Vavel stood where she had left him, and looked after her until
+she vanished from his sight amid the trees. Then he turned and walked
+slowly toward the castle.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Count Vavel did not see Marie, after his return from the drive with the
+baroness, until dinner. He had not ventured into her presence until
+then, when he fancied he had sufficiently mastered his emotions so that
+his countenance would not betray him. The consciousness of his
+disloyalty to the young girl troubled him, and he could not help but
+tremble when he came into her presence. It was not permitted to him to
+bestow his heart on any one. Did he not belong, soul and body, to this
+innocent creature, whom he had sworn to defend with his life?
+
+From that hour, however, Marie's behavior toward him was changed. He
+could see that she strove to be attentive and obedient, but she was shy
+and reserved. Did she suspect the change in him? or could it be possible
+that she had seen the baroness driving with him? It was very late when
+her bell signaled that she had retired, and when Ludwig entered the
+outer room, as usual, he found a number of books lying about on the
+table. Evidently the young girl had been studying.
+
+The next morning Ludwig came at the usual hour to conduct her to the
+carriage.
+
+"Thank you, but I don't care to drive to-day," she said.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Riding out in a carriage does not benefit me."
+
+"When did you discover this?"
+
+"Some time ago."
+
+Ludwig looked at her in astonishment. What was the meaning of this?
+Could she know that some one else had occupied her place in the carriage
+yesterday?
+
+"And will you not go with me to-morrow?"
+
+"If you will allow me, I shall stay at home."
+
+"Is anything the matter with you, Marie?"
+
+"Nothing. I don't like the jolting of the carriage."
+
+"Then I shall sell the horses."
+
+"It might be well to do so--if you don't want them for your own use. I
+shall take my exercise in the garden."
+
+"And in the winter?"
+
+"Then I will promenade in the court, and make snow images, as the
+farmers' children do."
+
+And the end of the matter was that Ludwig sold the horses, and Marie's
+outdoor exercises were restricted to the garden. Moreover, she studied
+and wrote all day long.
+
+When she went into the garden, Josef, the gardener's boy, was sent
+elsewhere so long as she chose to remain among the flowers.
+
+One afternoon Josef had been sent, as usual, to perform some task in the
+park while Marie promenaded in the garden. He was busily engaged raking
+together the fallen leaves, when Marie suddenly appeared by his side,
+and said breathlessly:
+
+"Please take this letter."
+
+The youth, who was speechless with astonishment and confusion at sight
+of the lady he had been forbidden to look at, slowly extended his hand
+to comply with her request when Count Vavel, who had swiftly approached,
+unseen by either the youth or Marie, with one hand seized the letter,
+and with the other sent Josef flying across the sward so rapidly that he
+fell head over heels into some shrubbery.
+
+Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and without a word
+drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her
+into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had
+not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and
+terror.
+
+When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said,
+fixing a reproachful glance on her:
+
+"You were going to send a letter to some one?"
+
+The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.
+
+"To whom are you writing, Marie?"
+
+Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.
+
+Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:
+
+"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."
+
+The count looked up in surprise.
+
+"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not
+without some confusion.
+
+"I did not know her name; that is why I addressed it so."
+
+Vavel turned the letter in his hands, and saw that the seal had been
+stamped with the crest which was familiar to all the world.
+
+He hurriedly crushed it into bits, and, unfolding the letter, read:
+
+     "DEAR, BEAUTIFUL, AND GOOD LADY: I want you to love my Ludwig. Make
+     him happy. He is a good man. I am nothing at all to him.
+
+     "MARIE."
+
+When he had read the touching epistle, he buried his face in his hands,
+and a bitter sob burst from his tortured heart.
+
+Marie looked sorrowfully at his quivering frame, and sighed heavily.
+
+"Oh, Marie! To think you should write this! Nothing at all to me!"
+murmured the young man, in a choking voice.
+
+"'Nothing at all,'" in a low tone repeated Marie.
+
+Vavel moved swiftly to her side, and, looking down upon her with his
+burning eyes still filled with tears, asked in an unsteady voice:
+
+"What do you want, Marie? Tell me what you wish me to do."
+
+Marie softly took his hand in both her own, and said tremulously:
+
+"I want you to give me a companion--a mother. I want some one to
+love,--a woman that I can love,--one who will love me and command me. I
+will be an obedient and dutiful daughter to such a woman. I will never
+grieve her, never disobey her. I am so very, very lonely!"
+
+"And am not I, too, alone and lonely, Marie?" sadly responded Vavel.
+
+"Yes, yes. I know that, Ludwig. It is your pale, melancholy face that
+oppresses me and makes me sad. Day after day I see the pale face which
+my cruel, curse-laden destiny has buried here with me. I know that you
+are unhappy, and that I am the cause of it."
+
+"For heaven's sake, Marie! who has given you such fancies?"
+
+"The long, weary nights! Oh, how much I have learned from the darkness!
+It was not merely caprice that prompted me to ask you once what death
+meant. Had you questioned me more fully then, I should have confessed
+something to you. That time, when you rescued me from death, you gave my
+name to Sophie Botta, who also took upon herself my fate. I don't know
+what became of her. If she died in my stead, may God comfort her! If
+she still lives, may God bless and help her to reign in my stead! But
+give me the name of Sophie Botta; give me the clothes of a working-girl;
+give me God's free world, which she enjoyed. Let me become Sophie Botta
+in reality, and let me wash clothes with the washerwomen at the brook.
+If Sophie and I exchanged lives, let the exchange become real. Let me
+learn what it is to live, or--let me learn what it is to die."
+
+In speechless astonishment Count Vavel had listened to this passionate
+outburst. It was the first time he had ever heard the gentle girl speak
+so excitedly.
+
+"Madame," he said with peculiar intonation, when she had ceased
+speaking, "I am now convinced that I am the guardian of the most
+precious treasure on this terrestrial ball. Henceforward I shall watch
+over you with redoubled care."
+
+"That will be unnecessary," proudly returned the young girl. "If you
+wish to feel certain that I will patiently continue to abide in this
+Nameless Castle, then make a home here for me--bring some happiness into
+these rooms. If I see that you are happy I shall be content."
+
+"Marie, Marie, the day of my perfect happiness only awaits the dawn of
+your own! And that yours will come I firmly believe. But don't look for
+it here, Marie. Don't ask for impossibilities. Marie, were my own
+mother, whom I worshiped, still living, I could not bring her within
+these walls to learn our secret."
+
+"The woman who loves will not betray a secret."
+
+For an instant Ludwig did not reply; then he said:
+
+"And if it were true that some one loves me as you fancy, could I ask
+her to bury herself here--here where there is no intercourse with the
+outside world? No, no, Marie; we cannot expect any one else to become an
+occupant of this tomb--the gates of which will not open until the trump
+of deliverance sounds."
+
+"And will it be long before that trump sounds, Ludwig?"
+
+"I believe--nay, I know it must come very soon. The signs of the times
+are not deceptive. Our resurrection may be nearer than we imagine; and
+until then, Marie, let us endure with patience."
+
+Marie pressed her guardian's hand, and drew a long sigh.
+
+"Yes; we will endure--and wait," she repeated. "And now, give me back my
+letter."
+
+"Why do you want it, Marie?"
+
+"I shall keep it, and sometime send it to the proper address--when the
+angel of deliverance sounds his trump."
+
+"May God hasten his coming!" fervently appended the count.
+
+But he did not give her the letter.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Vavel now rarely ventured beyond the gate of the Nameless Castle.
+The weather had become stormy, and a severe frost had robbed the garden
+of its beauties. The very elements seemed to have combined against the
+dwellers in the castle. Even the lake suddenly began to extend its
+limits, overflowing its banks, and inundating meadows and gardens.
+Marie's little pleasure-garden suffered with the rest of the flooded
+lands, and threatened to become an unsightly swamp.
+
+Count Vavel, knowing how Marie delighted to ramble amid her flowers,
+determined to protect the garden from further destruction. Laborers were
+easily secured. The numerous families of working-people who had been
+rendered homeless by the inundation besieged the castle for assistance
+and work, and none were turned empty-handed away. A small army was put
+to work to construct an embankment that would prevent further
+encroachment upon the garden by the water, while to Herr Mercatoris the
+count sent a liberal sum of money to be distributed among the sufferers
+by the flood.
+
+This gift renewed the correspondence between the castle and the
+parsonage, which had been dropped for several months.
+
+The pastor, in acknowledging the receipt of the money, wrote:
+
+"The flood has made a new survey of the lake necessary, as the evil
+cannot be remedied until it has been determined what obstructs the
+outlet. Our surveyor made a calculation as to the probable cost of the
+work, and found that it would require an enormous sum of money--almost
+five thousand guilders! Where was all this money to come from? The
+puzzling question was answered by that angel from heaven, Baroness
+Landsknechtsschild. When she heard of the sufferings of the poor people
+who had been driven from their homes by the inundation, she offered to
+supply the entire sum necessary. Now, it seems, something besides the
+money is required for the undertaking.
+
+"The surveyor, in order to calculate the distances which cannot be
+measured by the chain, needs a superior telescope, and such a glass
+would cost two or three thousand guilders more. As your lordship is the
+owner of a telescope, I take it upon myself to beg the loan of it--if
+your lordship can spare it to the surveyor for a short time."
+
+The next day Count Vavel sent his telescope to the parsonage, with the
+message that it was a present to the surveyor. Then, that he might not
+be again tempted to look out upon the world and its people, the count
+closed the tower windows.
+
+
+
+
+PART VI
+
+DEATH AND NEW LIFE IN THE NAMELESS CASTLE
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+Since Count Vavel had ceased to take outdoor exercise, he had renewed
+his fencing practice with Henry, who was also an expert swordsman.
+
+In a room on the ground floor of the castle, whence the clashing of
+steel could not penetrate to Marie's apartments, the two men, master and
+man, would fight their friendly battles twice daily, and with such vigor
+that their bodies (as they wore no plastrons) were covered with
+scratches and bruises.
+
+One morning the count waited in vain for Henry to make his appearance in
+the fencing-hall. It was long past the usual hour for their practice,
+and the count, becoming impatient, went in search of the old servant.
+
+The groom's apartment was on the same floor with the kitchen, adjoining
+the room occupied by his wife Lisette, the cook.
+
+The door of Henry's room which opened into the corridor was locked; the
+count, therefore, passed into the kitchen, where Lisette was preparing
+dinner.
+
+"Where is Henry?" he asked of the unwieldy mountain of flesh, topped by
+a face as broad and round as the full moon.
+
+"He is in bed," replied Lisette, without looking up from her work.
+
+"Is he ill?"
+
+"I believe he has had a stroke of apoplexy."
+
+She said it with as little emotion as if she had spoken of an underdone
+pasty.
+
+The count hastened through Lisette's room to Henry's bedside.
+
+The poor fellow was lying among the pillows; his mouth and one eye were
+painfully distorted.
+
+"Henry!" ejaculated the count, in a tone of alarm; "my poor Henry, you
+are very ill."
+
+"Ye-es--your--lord-ship," he answered slowly, and with difficulty;
+"but--but--I shall soon--soon be--all right--again."
+
+Ludwig lifted the sick man's hand from the coverlet, and felt the pulse.
+
+"Yes, you are very ill indeed, Henry--so ill that I would not attempt to
+treat you. We must have a doctor."
+
+"He--he won't come--here; he is--afraid. Besides, there is nothing--the
+matter with--any part of me but--but my--tongue. I can--can
+hardly--move--it."
+
+"You must not die, Henry--you dare not!" in an agony of terror exclaimed
+Ludwig. "What would become of me--of Marie?"
+
+"That--that is what--troubles--troubles me--most, Herr Count. Who
+will--take my--place? Perhaps--that old soldier--with the machine leg--"
+
+"No! no! no! Oh, Henry, no one could take your place. You are to me what
+his arms are to a soldier. You are the guardian of all my thoughts--my
+only friend and comrade in this solitude."
+
+The poor old servant tried to draw his distorted features into a smile.
+
+"I am--not sorry for--myself--Herr Count; only for you two. I have
+earned--a rest; I have--lost everything--and have long ago--ceased to
+hope for--anything. I feel that--this is--the end. No doctor can--help
+me. I know--I am--dying." He paused to breathe heavily for several
+moments, then added: "There is--something--I should--like to
+have--before--before I--go."
+
+"What is it, Henry?"
+
+"I know you--will be--angry--Herr Count, but--I cannot--cannot die
+without--consolation."
+
+"Consolation?" echoed Ludwig.
+
+"Yes--the last consolation--for the--dying. I have not--confessed
+for--sixteen years; and the--multitude of my--sins--oppresses me.
+Pray--pray, Herr Count, send for--a priest."
+
+"Impossible, Henry. Impossible!"
+
+"I beseech you--in the name of God--let me see a priest. Have mercy--on
+your poor old servant, Herr Count. My soul feels--the torments of hell;
+I see the everlasting flames--and the sneering devils--"
+
+"Henry, Henry," impatiently remonstrated his master, "don't be childish.
+You are only tormenting yourself with fancies. Does the soldier who
+falls in battle have time to confess his sins? Who grants him
+absolution?"
+
+"Perhaps--were I in--the midst of the turmoil of battle--I should not
+feel this agony of mind. But here--there is so much time to think. Every
+sin that I have committed--rises before me like--like a troop of
+soldiers that--have been mustered for roll-call."
+
+"Pray cease these idle fancies, Henry. Of what are you thinking? You
+want to tell a priest that you are living here under a false name--tell
+him that I, too, am an impostor? You would say to him: 'When the
+revolutionists imprisoned my royal master and his family, to behead them
+afterward, I clothed my own daughter in the garments belonging to my
+master's daughter, in order to save the royal child from death, I gave
+up my own child to danger, and carried my master's child to a place of
+safety. My own child I gave up to play the role of king's daughter, when
+kings and their offspring were hunted down like wild beasts; and made of
+the king's daughter a servant, that she might be allowed to go free. I
+counterfeited certificates of baptism, registers, passports, in order to
+save the king's daughter from her enemies. I bore false
+witness--committed perjury in order to hide her from her persecutors--'"
+
+"Yes--yes," moaned the dying man, "all that have I done."
+
+"And do you imagine that you will be allowed to breathe such a
+confession into a human ear?" sternly responded the count.
+
+"I must--I must--to make my peace with God."
+
+"Henry, if you knew God as He is you would not tremble before him. If
+you could realize the immeasurable greatness of His benevolence, His
+love, His mercy, you would not be afraid to appear before Him with the
+plea: 'Master, Thou sentest me forth; Thou hast summoned me to return. I
+came from Thee; to Thee I return. And all that which has happened to me
+between my going and my coming Thou knowest.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, you have a great soul. It will know how to rise to
+its Creator. But what can my poor, ignorant little soul do when it
+leaves my body? It will not be able to find its way to God. I am afraid;
+I tremble. Oh, my sins, my sins!"
+
+"Your sins are imaginary, Henry," almost irritably responded Count
+Vavel. "I swear to you, by the peace of my own soul, that the load
+beneath which you groan is not sin, but virtue. If it be true that human
+speech and thought are transmitted to the other world, and if there is a
+voice that questions us, and a countenance that looks upon us, then
+answer with confidence: 'Yes, I have transgressed many of Thy laws; but
+all my transgressions were committed to save one of Thy angels.'"
+
+"Ah, yes, Herr Count, if I could talk like that; but I can't."
+
+"And are not all your thoughts already known to Him who reads all
+hearts? It does not require the absolution of a priest to admit you to
+His paradise."
+
+But Henry refused to be comforted; his eyes burned with the fire of
+terror as he moaned again and again:
+
+"I shall be damned! I shall be damned!"
+
+Count Vavel now lost all patience, and, forgetting himself in his anger,
+exclaimed:
+
+"Henry, if you persist in your foolishness you will deserve damnation.
+Did not you say so yourself, when you pledged your word to me on that
+eventful day? Did you not say, 'The wretch who would become a traitor
+deserves to be damned'?"
+
+With these words he rose and strode toward the door. But ere he reached
+it his feeling heart got the better of his anger. He turned and walked
+back to the bed, took the dying man's ice-cold hand in his, and said
+gently:
+
+"My old comrade--my brave old companion in arms! we must not part in
+anger. Don't you trust me any more? Listen, my old friend, to what I say
+to you. You are going on before to arrange quarters; then I will follow.
+When I arrive at the gates of paradise, my first question to St. Peter
+will be, 'Is my good old comrade, the honest, virtuous Henry, within?'
+And should the sainted gatekeeper reply, 'No, he is not here; he is down
+below,' then I shall say to him, 'I am very much obliged to you, old
+fellow, for your friendliness, but a paradise from which my old friend
+Henry is excluded is no place for me. I am going down below to be with
+him.' That is what I shall say, so help me Heaven!"
+
+The sufferer who stood on the threshold of death strove to smile. He
+could not return the pressure of his master's hand, but he slowly and
+with painful effort turned his head so that his cold lips rested against
+the count's hand.
+
+"Yes--yes," he whispered, and his dim eyes brightened for an instant.
+"If we were down there together--you and I--we should not have to stop
+long there; some one with her prayers would very soon win our release."
+
+Count Vavel suddenly beat his palm against his forehead, and exclaimed:
+
+"I never once thought of her! Wait, my brave Henry. I will return
+immediately. I cannot allow you to have a priest, but I will bring an
+angel to your bedside."
+
+He hastened to Marie's apartments.
+
+"You have been weeping?" she exclaimed, looking up into his tear-stained
+eyes with deep concern.
+
+"Yes, Marie; we are going to lose our poor old Henry."
+
+"Oh, my God! How entirely alone we shall be then!"
+
+"Will you come with me to his bedside? The sight of you will cheer his
+last moments."
+
+"Yes, yes; come quickly."
+
+A wonderful light brightened Henry's face when he saw his young
+mistress. She moved softly to the head of his bed, and with her delicate
+fingers gently stroked the cheeks of the trusty old servant.
+
+He closed his eyes and sighed when her hand touched his face.
+
+"Is he smiling?" whispered Marie to Ludwig, gazing with compassionate
+awe on the distorted countenance. Then she bent over him and said:
+
+"Henry--my good Henry, would you like me to pray with you?"
+
+She knelt beside the bed and in a feeling tone repeated the beautiful
+prayer which the good Pere Lacordaire composed for those who journey to
+the other world, pausing from time to time to let the dying man repeat
+the words after her.
+
+Henry's tongue became heavier and heavier as he repeated, with visible
+effort, the soul-inspiring words.
+
+Then Marie repeated the Lord's Prayer. Even Ludwig could not do
+otherwise than bend his knee upon the chair by which he stood, and bow
+his skeptical head, while the innocent maid and his dying servant prayed
+together.
+
+When Marie rose from her knees, the painful smile had vanished from
+Henry's lips; his face was calm and peaceful; the distortion had
+disappeared from his countenance.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+After Henry's death, life for the occupants of the Nameless Castle
+became still more uncomfortable. Ludwig Vavel had lost his only
+friend--the only one who had shared his cares and his confidences. He
+was obliged to hire a servant to assist Lisette, and, remembering what
+Henry had advised, took the old soldier with the wooden leg into the
+castle. For the old invalid, the change from hard labor to comfortable
+quarters and easy work was certainly an improvement. Instead of cutting
+wood all day long for a mere pittance, he had now nothing to do but
+brush clothes which were never dusty, polish the furniture, receive the
+supplies from and deliver orders to Frau Schmidt every morning, to place
+the newspapers on the library table, and convey the victuals from the
+kitchen to the dining-room.
+
+But two weeks of this easy work and good wages, and the comforts of the
+castle, were all that the old soldier could endure. Then he took off his
+handsome livery, and begged to be allowed to return to his former life
+of hardship and poverty. Afterward he was heard to aver that not for the
+whole castle would he consent to live in it an entire year--where not
+one word was spoken all day long; even the cook never opened her lips.
+No, he could not stand it; he would rather, a hundred times over, cut
+wood for five groats the day.
+
+No sooner did Baroness Katharina learn that Count Vavel was again
+without a man-servant than she sent to the castle Satan Laczi's son, who
+was then twelve years old, and a useful lad.
+
+Two leading ideas now filled Count Vavel's entire soul.
+
+One was an enthusiastic admiration for a high ideal, whose embodiment he
+believed he had found in the lovely person of his young charge. All the
+emotions that a man of deep and profound nature lavishes on his faithful
+love, his only offspring, his queen, his guardian saint, Count Ludwig
+now bestowed on this one woman, who endured with patience, renounced
+with meekness, forgave and loved with her whole heart, and who, even in
+her banishment, adored her native land which had repulsed and cruelly
+persecuted her.
+
+The second idea encompassed all the emotions of an opposing passion: a
+boundless hatred for the giant who, with strides that covered kingdoms
+and empires, was marching over the entire eastern hemisphere, marking
+his every step with graves and human skeletons; an enmity toward the
+Titan who was using thrones as footstools, and who had made himself a
+god over a greater portion of Europe,
+
+Count Vavel was not the only one who cherished a hatred of this sort; it
+was felt all over Europe. What was happening in those days could be
+learned only through the English newspapers. Liberty of speech was
+prohibited throughout the entire continent. Only an indiscreet
+correspondent would trust his secret to the post; and Ludwig Vavel only
+by the exercise of extreme caution could learn from his banker in
+Holland what was necessary for him to know. Through this medium he
+learned of the general discontent with the methods of the all-powerful
+one. He learned of the plans of the Philadelphia Club, which counted
+among its members renowned officers in the army of France. He heard that
+a number of distinguished Frenchmen had offered their services and
+swords to the foreign imperial army against their own hated emperor. He
+heard of the dissatisfied murmuring among the French people against the
+frightful waste of human life, the never-ending intrigues, the
+approaching shadows of the coalition.
+
+All this he heard there in the Nameless Castle, while he waited for his
+watchword, ready when it came to reply: "Here!"
+
+And while he waited he interested himself also in what was going on in
+the land in which he sojourned. He had two sources for acquiring
+information on this subject--Herr Mercatoris in Fertoeszeg, and the young
+attorney, who was now living in Pest. The count corresponded with both
+gentlemen,--personally he had never spoken to the pastor, and but once
+to his attorney,--and from their letters learned what was going on in
+that portion of the world in the vicinity of the Nameless Castle.
+
+However, as there was a wide difference between the characters of his
+two correspondents, the count was often puzzled to which of them he
+should give credence. The pastor, who was a student and a philosopher,
+and a defender of the existing state of affairs, affirmed that there was
+not on the face of the globe a more contented and peace-loving folk than
+the Hungarians. The young lawyer, on the other hand, asserted that the
+existing system was all wrong; that general dissatisfaction prevailed
+throughout Hungary. His irony did not spare the great ones who swayed
+the destiny of the country. In a word, resentment against oppression,
+and discontent, might be read in every line of his epistles.
+
+Count Vavel was rather inclined to believe that the younger man
+expressed the temper of the nation. In reality, however, it was only the
+discontent of a small social body, which found quite enough room for its
+meetings in the sleeping-chamber of one of the sympathizers. Within this
+circumscribed space, and amid a lively interchange of opinions,
+originated many a daring project that was never carried beyond the
+threshold of the hall of meeting.
+
+Ludwig Vavel, on reading the young man's letters, had come to the
+conclusion that Hungary awaited his (Vavel's) enemy as its liberator.
+
+The Diet, it is true, had authorized the "recruit contingent," but the
+recruits were not taken from those who were inspired with love for the
+fatherland, and who would do battle for an idea. The enlisted men were
+chiefly homeless wanderers. This "cannon-fodder" would go into battle
+without enthusiasm, would perform what was required of them like
+obedient machines.
+
+Of what good would be such a crew against a host that had called into
+being a great national consciousness, a host that was made up of the
+best force of a vigorous people, a host whose every member was proud of
+his ensign with its eagle, and who held himself superior to every other
+soldier in the world?
+
+Vavel well knew that the giant of the century could be conquered only by
+heroes and patriots. A hireling crew could not enter the field against
+him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+When a sacrifice is demanded by one's fatherland, it becomes the duty of
+every true patriot to offer himself as the victim.
+
+Consequently, Herr Vice-palatine Bernat Goeroemboelyi von Dravakeresztur
+did not hesitate to immolate himself on the sacrificial altar when his
+attention was directed by his superior to Section 1 of Article II. in
+the laws enacted by the Diet in the year 1808. Said clause required the
+vice-palatine to call in person on those "high and mighty persons" who,
+instead of appearing with their horses at the _Lustrations_,--according
+to Section 17 of Article III.,--preferred to send the fine of fifty
+marks for non-attendance.
+
+Among these absentees from the county meetings was Count Ludwig Vavel.
+
+The Vice-palatine's task was to teach these refractories, through
+patriotic reasoning, to amend their ways. The sacrifice attendant upon
+the performance of this duty was that Herr Bernat would be obliged,
+during his official visit to the Nameless Castle, to abstain from
+smoking.
+
+But duty is duty, and he decided to do it. He preceded his call at the
+castle by a letter to Count Vavel, in which he explained, with
+satisfaction to himself, the cause of his hasty retreat on the occasion
+of his former visit, and also announced his projected official
+attendance upon the Herr Count on the following day.
+
+He arrived at the castle in due time; and Count Vavel, who wished to
+make amends for his former rudeness to so important a personage, greeted
+him with great cordiality.
+
+"The Herr Count has been ill, I understand?" began Herr Bernat, when
+greetings had been exchanged.
+
+"I have not been ill--at least, not to my knowledge," smilingly
+responded the count.
+
+"Indeed? I fancied you must be ill because you did not attend the
+Lustrations, but sent the fine instead."
+
+"May I ask if many persons attended the meeting?" asked Count Vavel.
+
+"Quite a number of the lesser magnates were present; the more important
+nobles were conspicuous by their absence. I attributed this failure to
+appear at the Lustrations to Section I of Article III. of the militia
+law, which prohibits the noble militiaman from wearing gold or silver
+ornamentation on his uniform. This inhibition, you must know, is
+intended to prevent emulation in splendor of decoration among our own
+people, and also to restrain the rapacity of the enemy."
+
+"Then you imagine, Herr Vice-palatine, that I do not attend the meetings
+because I am not permitted to wear gold buttons and cords on my coat?"
+smilingly queried the count.
+
+"I confess I cannot think of any other reason, Herr Count."
+
+"Then I will tell you the true one," rather haughtily rejoined Count
+Vavel, believing that his visitor was inclined to be sarcastic. "I do
+not attend your meetings because I look upon the entire law as a
+jest--mere child's play. It begins with the mental reservation, 'The
+Hungarian noble militia will be called into service _only_ in case of
+imminent danger of an attack from a foreign enemy, and then only if the
+attacking army be so powerful that the regular imperial troops shall be
+unable to withstand it!' That the enemy is the more powerful no
+commander-in-chief finds out until he has been thoroughly whipped! The
+mission of the Hungarian noble militia, therefore, is to move into the
+field--untrained for service--when the regular troops find they cannot
+cope with a superior foe! This is utterly ridiculous! And, moreover,
+what sort of an organization must that be in which 'all nobles who have
+an income of more than three thousand guilders shall become cavalry
+soldiers, those having less shall become foot-soldiers'? The money-bag
+decides the question between cavalry and infantry! Again, 'every village
+selects its own trooper, and equips him.' A fine squadron they will
+make! And to think of sending such a crew into the field against
+soldiers who have won their epaulets under the baptismal fires of
+battle! Again, to wage war requires money first of all; and this fact
+has been entirely ignored by the authorities. You have no money,
+gentlemen; do you propose that the noble militia host shall march only
+so long as the supply of food in their knapsacks holds out? Are they to
+return home when the provisions shall have given out? Never fear, Herr
+Vice-palatine! when it becomes necessary to shoulder arms and march
+against the enemy, I shall be among the first to respond to the first
+call. But I have no desire to be even a spectator of a comedy, much less
+take part in one. But let us not discuss this farce any further. I
+fancy, Herr Vice-palatine, we may be able to find a more sensible
+subject for discussion. There is a quiet little nook in this old castle
+where are to be found some excellent wines, and some of the best latakia
+you--"
+
+"What?" with lively interest interrupted the vice-palatine. "Latakia?
+Why, that is tobacco."
+
+"Certainly--and Turkish tobacco, too, at that!" responded Count Vavel.
+"Come, we will retire to this nook, empty one glass after another, enjoy
+a smoke, and tell anecdotes without end!"
+
+"Then you do smoke, Herr Count?"
+
+"Certainly; but I never smoke anywhere but in the nook before mentioned,
+and never in the clothes I wear ordinarily."
+
+"Aha!--that a certain person may not detect the fumes, eh?"
+
+"You have guessed it."
+
+"Then there is not an atom of truth in the reports malicious tongues
+have spread abroad about you, for I know very well that a certain lady
+has not the least objection to tobacco smoke. I do not refer to the Herr
+Count's donna who lives here in the castle--you may be sure I shall take
+good care not to ask any more questions about _her_. No; I am not
+talking about that one, but about the other one, who has puzzled me a
+good deal of late. She takes the Herr Count's part everywhere, and is
+always ready to defend you. Had she not assured me that I might with
+perfect safety venture to call here again, I should have sent my
+secretary to you with the _Sigillum compulsorium_. I tell you, Herr
+Count, ardent partizanship of that sort from the other donna looks a
+trifle suspicious!"
+
+The count laughed, then said:
+
+"Herr Vice-palatine, you remind me of the critic who, at the conclusion
+of a concert, said to a gentleman near whom he was standing: 'Who is
+that lady who sings so frightfully out of tune?' 'The lady is my wife.'
+'Ah, I did not mean the one who sang, but the lady who accompanied her
+on the piano--the one who performs so execrably.' 'That lady is my
+sister.' 'I beg a thousand pardons! I made a mistake; it is the music,
+the composition, that is so horrible. I wonder who composed it?' 'I
+did.'"
+
+Herr Bernat was charmed--completely vanquished. This count not only
+smoked: he could also relate an anecdote! Truly he was a man worth
+knowing--a gentleman from crown to sole.
+
+Toward the conclusion of the excellent dinner, to which Herr Bernat did
+ample justice, he ventured to propose a toast:
+
+"I cannot refrain, Herr Count, from drinking to the welfare of this
+castle's mistress; and since I do not know whether there be one or two,
+I lift a glass in each hand. Vivant!"
+
+Without a word the count likewise raised two glasses, and drained first
+one, then the other, leaving not enough liquor in either to "wet his
+finger-nail."
+
+By the time the meal was over Herr Bernat was in a most generous mood;
+and when he took leave of his agreeable host, he assured him that the
+occupants of the Nameless Castle might always depend on the protection
+and good will of the vice-palatine.
+
+Count Vavel waited until his guest was out of sight; then he changed his
+clothes, and when the regular dinner-hour arrived joined Marie, as
+usual, in the dining-room, to enjoy with her the delicate snail-soup and
+other dainties.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+At last war was declared; but it brought only days of increased
+unhappiness and discontent to the tiger imprisoned in his cage at the
+Nameless Castle--as if burning oil were being poured into his open
+wounds.
+
+The snail-like movements of the Austrian army had put an end to the
+appearance of the apocalyptic destroying angel.
+
+Ludwig Vavel waited like the tiger crouched in ambush, ready to spring
+forth at the sound of his watchword, and heard at last what he had least
+expected to hear.
+
+The single-headed eagle had not hesitated to take possession of that
+which the double-headed eagle had hesitated to grasp.
+
+Napoleon had issued his memorable call to the Hungarian people to assert
+their independence and choose their king from among themselves.
+
+Count Ludwig received a copy of this proclamation still damp from the
+press, and at once decided that the cause to which he had sacrificed his
+best years was wholly lost.
+
+He was acquainted with but a few of the people among whom he dwelt in
+seclusion, but he believed he knew them well enough to decide that the
+incendiary proclamation could have no other result than an enthusiastic
+and far-reaching response. All was at an end, and he might as well go to
+his rest!
+
+In one of his gloomiest, most dissatisfied hours, he heard the sound of
+a spurred boot in the silent corridor.
+
+It was an old acquaintance, the vice-palatine. He did not remove his
+hat, which was ornamented with an eagle's feather, when he entered the
+count's study, and ostentatiously clinked the sword in its sheath which
+hung at his side. A wolfskin was flung with elaborate care over his left
+shoulder.
+
+"Well, Herr Count," he began in a cheery tone, "I come like the gypsy
+who broke into a house through the oven, and, finding the family
+assembled in the room, asked if they did not want to buy a
+flue-cleanser. At last the watchword has arrived: 'To horse, soldier! To
+cow, farmer.' The militia law is no longer a dead letter. We shall
+march, _cum gentibus_, to repulse the invading foe. Here is the royal
+order, and here is the call to the nation."[3]
+
+[Footnote 3: Written by Alexander Kisfalndy, by order of the palatine. A
+memorable document.]
+
+Count Vavel's face at these words became suddenly transfigured--like the
+features of a dead man who has been restored to life. His eyes sparkled,
+his lips parted, his cheeks glowed with color--his whole countenance was
+eloquent; his tongue alone was silent.
+
+He could not speak. He rushed toward his sword, which was hanging on the
+wall, tore it from its sheath, and pressed his lips to the keen blade.
+Then he laid it on the table, and dashed like a madman from the
+room--down the corridor to Marie's apartment. Without knocking, he
+opened the door, rushed toward the young girl, raised her in his arms as
+if she were a little child, and, carrying her thus, returned to his
+guest. "Here--here she is!" he cried breathlessly. "Behold her! Now you
+may look on her face--now the whole world may behold her countenance and
+read in it her illustrious descent. This is my idol--my goddess, for
+whom I have lived, for whom I would die!"
+
+He had placed the maid on a sort of throne between the two bookcases,
+and alternately kissed the hem of her gown and his sword.
+
+"Can you imagine a more glorious queen?" he demanded, in a transport of
+ecstasy, flinging one arm over the vice-palatine's shoulder, and
+pointing with the other toward the confused and blushing girl. "Is there
+anywhere else on earth so much love, so much goodness and purity, a
+glance so benevolent--all the virtues God bestows upon his favorites? Is
+not this the angel who has been called to destroy the Leviathan of the
+Apocalypse?"
+
+The vice-palatine gazed in perplexity at the young girl, then said in a
+low tone:
+
+"She is the image of the unfortunate Queen, Marie Antoinette, who looked
+just like that when she was a bride."
+
+Involuntarily Marie lifted her hands and hid her face behind them. She
+had grown accustomed to the piercing rays of the sun, but not to the
+questioning glances from strange eyes.
+
+"What--what does--this mean, Ludwig?" she stammered, in bewilderment. "I
+don't understand you."
+
+Count Vavel stepped to the opposite side of the room, where a large map
+concealed the wall. He drew a cord, and the map rolled up, revealing a
+long hall-like chamber, which, large as it was, was filled to the
+ceiling with swords, firearms, saddles, and harness.
+
+"I will equip a company of cavalry, and command it myself. The entire
+equipment, to the last cartridge, is ready here."
+
+He conducted the vice-palatine into the arsenal, and exhibited his
+terrible treasures.
+
+"Are you satisfied with my preparations for war?" he asked.
+
+"I can only reply as did the poor little Saros farmer when his
+neighbor, a wealthy landowner, told him he expected to harvest two
+thousand yoke of wheat: 'That is not so bad.'"
+
+"Now _I_ intend to hold a Lustration, Herr Vice-palatine," resumed the
+count. "Here are weapons. Are enough men and horses to be had for the
+asking?"
+
+"I might answer as did the gypsy woman when her son asked for a piece of
+bread: 'You are always wanting what is not to be had.'"
+
+"Do you mean that there are no men?"
+
+"I mean," hastily interposed Herr Bernat, "that there are enough men,
+and horses, too; but the treasure-chest is empty, and the _Aerar_ has
+not yet sent the promised subsidy."
+
+"What care I about the Aerar and its money!" ejaculated Count Vavel,
+contemptuously. "_I_ will supply the funds necessary to equip a
+company--and support them, into the bargain! And if the county needs
+money, my purse-strings are loose! I give everything that belongs to
+me--and myself, too--to this cause!"
+
+He opened, as he spoke, a large iron chest that was fastened with iron
+bolts to the floor.
+
+"Here, help yourself, Herr Vice-palatine!" he added, waving his hand
+toward the contents of the chest. It was a more wonderful sight than the
+arsenal itself. Rolls of gold coin, sacks of silver, filled the chest to
+the brim.
+
+Herr Bernat could only stare in speechless amazement. He made no move to
+obey the behest to "help himself," whereupon Count Vavel himself thrust
+his hands into the chest, lifted what he could hold between them of gold
+and silver, and filled the vice-palatine's hat, which that worthy was
+holding in his hand.
+
+"But--pray--I beg of you--" remonstrated Herr Bernat, "at least, let us
+count it."
+
+"You can count it when you get home," interrupted Count Vavel.
+
+"But I must give you a receipt for it."
+
+"A receipt?" repeated his host. "A receipt between gentlemen? A receipt
+for money which is given for the defense of the fatherland?"
+
+"But I certainly cannot take all this money without something to show
+from whom I received it, and for what purpose. Give me at least a few
+words with your signature, Herr Count."
+
+"That I will gladly do," responded the count, turning toward his desk,
+and coming face to face with Marie, who had descended from her throne.
+
+"What are you going to do?" she asked, laying her hand on his arm.
+
+"Write."
+
+"Are you going to let strangers see your writing, and perhaps betray who
+you are?"
+
+"In a week the strokes from my hand will tell who I am," he replied,
+with double meaning.
+
+"Oh, you are terrible!" murmured Marie, turning her face away.
+
+"I am so for your sake, Marie."
+
+"For my sake?" echoed the young girl, sorrowfully. "For my sake? Do you
+imagine that _I_ shall take pleasure in seeing you go into battle?
+Suppose you should fall?"
+
+"Have no fear on that score, Marie," returned the young man,
+confidently. "I shall have a guiding star to watch over me; and if there
+be a God in heaven--"
+
+"Then may He take me to Himself!" interposed the young girl in a fervent
+tone, lifting a transfigured glance toward heaven. "And may He grant
+that there be not on earth one other Frenchwoman who is forced to pray
+for the defeat of her own nation! May He grant that there be not
+another woman in the world who is waiting until a pedestal is formed of
+her countrymen's and kinsmen's skeletons, that she may be elevated to it
+as an idol from which many, many of her brothers will turn with a curse!
+May God take me to Himself now--now, while yet my two hands are white,
+while yet I cherish toward my nation nothing but love and tenderness,
+now when I forgive and forget everything, and desire none of this
+world's splendor for myself!"
+
+Ludwig Vavel was filled with admiration by this outburst from the
+innocent girl heart.
+
+"Your words, Marie, only increase the brilliancy of the halo which
+encircles your head. They legalize the rights of my sword. I, too, adore
+my native land--no one more than I! I, too, bow before the infinite
+judge and submit my case to His wise decision. O God, Thou who
+protecteth France, look down and behold him who rides yonder, his horse
+ankle-deep in the blood of his countrymen, who looks without pity on the
+dying legions and says, 'It is well!' Then, O God, look Thou upon this
+saint here, who prays for her persecutors, and pass judgment between the
+two: which of the two is Thy image on earth?"
+
+"Oh, pray understand me," in a pleading voice interposed Marie, passing
+her trembling fingers over Ludwig's cheek. "Not one drop of heroic blood
+flows in my veins. I am not the offspring of those great women who
+crowned with their own hands their knights to send them into battle. I
+dread to lose you, Ludwig; I have no one in this wide world but you. On
+this whole earth there is not another orphan so desolate as I am! When
+you go to war, and I am left here all alone, what will become of me? Who
+will care for me and love me then?"
+
+Vavel gently drew the young girl to his breast.
+
+"Marie, you said once to me: 'Give me a mother--a woman whom I can
+love, one that will love me.' When I leave you, Marie, I shall not leave
+you here without some one to care for you. I will give you a mother--a
+woman you will love, and who will love you in return."
+
+A gleam of sunshine brightened the young girl's face; she flung her arms
+around Ludwig's neck, and laughed for very joy.
+
+"You will really, really do this, Ludwig?" she cried happily. "You will
+really bring her here? or shall I go to her? Oh, I shall be so happy if
+you will do this for me!"
+
+"I am in earnest," returned Ludwig, seriously. "This is no time for
+jesting. My superior here"--turning toward the vice-palatine--"will see
+that I keep the promise I made in his presence."
+
+"That he will!" promptly assented Herr Bernat. "I am not only the
+vice-palatine of your county: I am also the colonel of your regiment."
+
+"And I want you to add still another office to the two you fill so
+admirably: that of matrimonial emissary!" added Count Vavel. "In this
+patriarchal land I find that the custom still obtains of sending an
+emissary to the lady one desires to marry. Will you, Herr Vice-palatine
+and Colonel, undertake this mission for me?"
+
+"Of all my missions this will be the most agreeable!" heartily responded
+Herr Bernat.
+
+"You know to whom I would have you go," resumed the count. "It is not
+far from here. You know who the lady is without my repeating her name.
+Go to her, tell her what you have seen and heard here,--I send her my
+secret as a betrothal gift,--and then ask her to send me an answer to
+the words she heard me speak on a certain eventful occasion."
+
+"You may trust me!" with alacrity responded Herr Bernat. "Within half
+an hour I shall return with a reply: _Veni, vidi, vici!_"
+
+After he had shaken hands with his client, the worthy emissary
+remembered that it was becoming for even so important a personage as a
+Hungarian vice-palatine to show some respect to the distinguished young
+lady under Count Vavel's protection. He therefore turned toward her,
+brought his spurred heels together, and was on the point of making a
+suitable speech, accompanying it with a deep bow, when the young lady
+frustrated his ceremonious design by coming quickly toward him and
+saying in her frank, girlish manner:
+
+"He who goes on a matrimonial mission must wear a nosegay." With these
+words she drew the violets from her corsage, and fastened them in Herr
+Bernat's buttonhole.
+
+Hereupon the gallant vice-palatine forgot his ceremonious intentions. He
+seized the maid's hand, pressed it against his stiffly waxed mustache,
+and muttered, with a wary glance toward Count Vavel: "I am sorry this
+pretty little hand belongs to those messieurs Frenchmen!"
+
+Then he quitted the room, and in descending the stairs had all he could
+do to transfer without dropping them the coins from his hat to the
+pockets of his dolman.
+
+Marie skipped, singing joyously, into the dining-room, where the windows
+faced toward the neighboring manor. She did not ask if she might do so,
+but flung open the sash, leaned far out, and waved her handkerchief to
+the vice-palatine, who was driving swiftly across the causeway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When Herr Bernat Goeroemboelyi, in his character of emissary, arrived at
+the manor, he proceeded at once to state his errand:
+
+"My lovely sister Katinka, I am come a-wooing--as this nosegay on my
+breast indicates. I ask your hand for a brave, handsome, and young
+cavalier."
+
+"Thank you very much for the honor, my dear Bernat bacsi, but I intend
+to remain faithful to my vow never to marry."
+
+"Then you send me out of your house with a mitten, Katinka hugom?"
+
+"I should prefer to detain you as a welcome guest."
+
+"Thanks; but I cannot stop to-day. I am invited to a betrothal feast
+over at the Nameless Castle. The count intends to wed in a few weeks."
+
+He had been watching, while speaking, the effect of this announcement on
+the lovely face before him.
+
+Baroness Katharina, however, acted as if nothing interested her so much
+as the letter she was embroidering with gold thread on a red streamer
+for a militia flag.
+
+"The count is in a hurry," continued Herr Bernat, "for he may have to
+ride at the head of a company of militia to the war in less than three
+weeks."
+
+Here the cruel needle thrust its point into the fair worker's rosy
+finger.
+
+Herr Bernat smiled roguishly; and said:
+
+"Would n't you like to hear the name of the bride, my pretty sister
+Katinka?"
+
+"If it is no secret," was the indifferent response.
+
+"It is no secret for me, and I am allowed to repeat it. The charming
+lady Count Vavel intends to wed is--Katharina Landsknechtsschild!"
+
+The baroness suddenly dropped her embroidery, sprang to her feet, and
+surveyed the smiling emissary with her brows drawn into a frown.
+
+"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
+beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
+you remember them?"
+
+The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:
+
+"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
+veil that separates the two."
+
+"The veil has been removed."
+
+"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
+pretty?"
+
+"More than pretty!"
+
+"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"
+
+"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
+nor betrothed to Count Vavel--nor yet his secret love."
+
+"Then she must be his sister--or daughter."
+
+"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."
+
+"Then what is she? Not a servant?"
+
+"No; she is his mistress."
+
+"His mistress?"
+
+"Yes, his mistress--as my queen is my mistress."
+
+"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
+came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
+believe the count--loves _me_?"
+
+"That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
+know that he loves you. That he deserves your love I can swear! No one
+can become thoroughly acquainted with Count Vavel and not love him. I
+went to the castle to ask him to join the noble militia, and he let me
+see the lady about whom so much has been said. She had excellent
+reasons, baroness, for veiling her lovely face, for whoever had seen her
+mother's pictures would have recognized her at once. When Count Vavel
+goes into battle to help defend our fatherland, he must leave the royal
+maid in a mother's hands. Will you fill that office? Will you take the
+desolate maid to your heart? And now, Katinka hugom, give me your answer
+to the Count's words."
+
+With sudden impulsiveness the baroness extended both hands to Herr
+Bernat, and said earnestly:
+
+"With all my heart I consent to be Count Vavel's betrothed wife!"
+
+"And I may fly to him with this answer?"
+
+"Yes--on condition that you take me with you."
+
+"What, baroness? You wish to go to the castle--now?"
+
+"Yes, now--this very moment--in these clothes! I have no one to ask what
+I should or should not do, and--_he_ needs me."
+
+When his emissary had departed, Count Vavel began to reflect whether he
+had not been rather hasty. Had he done right in giving to the world his
+zealously guarded secret?
+
+But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
+that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
+free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!
+
+He seated himself at the table to write to his friends abroad; but he
+could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
+guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
+Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
+the same day a declaration of war and one of love.
+
+His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
+study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
+fingers, and flung it on the floor.
+
+"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.
+
+"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.
+
+"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother--the beautiful lady from the
+manor."
+
+"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
+nonsense?"
+
+"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in _two_
+carriages!" persisted the maid. "Come and see them for yourself!"
+
+She drew him from his chair to the window in the dining-room, where his
+own eyes convinced him of the truth of Marie's announcement.
+
+Already the two vehicles were crossing the causeway, and the baroness's
+rose-colored parasol gleamed among the trees. Deeply agitated, Count
+Vavel hastened to meet her.
+
+"May I come with you?" shyly begged Marie, following him.
+
+"I beg that you will come," was the reply; and the two, guardian and
+ward, hand in hand, descended to the entrance-hall.
+
+Baroness Katharina's countenance beamed with a magical charm--the result
+of the union of opposite emotions; as when shame and courage, timidity
+and daring, love and heroism, meet and are blended together in a
+wonderful harmony--a miracle seen only in the magic mirror of a woman's
+face.
+
+While yet several paces distant, she held out her hand toward Count
+Vavel, and, with a charming mixture of embarrassment and candor, said:
+
+"Yes, I am."
+
+This was her confirmation of the words Vavel had spoken in the forest in
+the presence of the three dragoon officers: "She is my betrothed."
+
+Vavel lifted the white hand to his lips. Then Katharina quickly passed
+onward toward Marie, who had timidly held back.
+
+The baroness grasped the young girl's hands in both her own, and looked
+long and earnestly into the fair face lifted shyly toward her. Then she
+said:
+
+"It was not for his sake I came so precipitately. He could have waited.
+They told me your heart yearned for a mother's care, and it must not be
+kept waiting."
+
+After this speech the two young women embraced. Which was the first to
+sob, which kiss was the warmer, cannot be known; but that Marie was the
+happier was certain. For the first time in years she was permitted to
+embrace a woman and tell her she loved her. Ludwig Vavel looked with
+delight on the meeting between the two, and gratefully pressed the hand
+of his successful emissary.
+
+When the two young women had sobbed out their hearts to each other, they
+began to laugh and jest. Was not the mother still a girl, like the
+daughter?
+
+"You must come with me to the manor?" said Katharina, as, with arms
+entwined about each other, they entered the castle. "I shall not allow
+you to stop longer in this lonely place."
+
+"I wish you would take me with you," responded Marie. "I shall be very
+obedient and dutiful. If I do anything that displeases you, you must
+scold me, and praise me when I do what is right."
+
+"And I am not to be asked if I consent to this abduction of my ward?"
+here smilingly interposed Count Vavel.
+
+"Why can't you come with us?" innocently inquired Marie.
+
+The other young woman laughed merrily.
+
+"He may come for a brief visit; later we will let him come to stay
+always." Then she added in a more serious tone: "Count Vavel, you may
+rest perfectly content that your treasure will be safe with me. My house
+is prepared for assault. My people are brave and well armed. There is no
+possible chance of another attack from robbers like that from which you
+delivered me."
+
+"Ludwig delivered you from robbers?" repeated Marie, in astonishment.
+"When? How?"
+
+"Then he did not tell you about his adventure? What a singular man!"
+
+Here the vice-palatine interposed with: "What is this I hear? Robbers? I
+heard nothing about robbers."
+
+"The baroness herself asked me not to speak of the affair," explained
+the count.
+
+"Yes, but I did not forbid you to tell Marie, Herr Count," responded
+Katharina.
+
+"'Baroness'--'Herr Count'?" repeated Marie, turning questioningly from
+her guardian to their fair neighbor. "Why don't you call each other by
+your Christian names?"
+
+They were spared an explanation by Herr Bernat, who again observed:
+
+"Robbers? I confess I should like to hear about this robbery?"
+
+"I will tell you all about it," returned the baroness; "but first, I
+must beg the vice-palatine not to make any arrests. For," she added,
+with an enchanting smile, "had it not been for those valiant knights of
+the road I should not have become acquainted with my brave Ludwig."
+
+"That is better!" applauded Marie, hurrying her "little mother" into the
+reception-room, where the wonderful story of the robbery was repeated.
+
+And what an attentive listener was the fair young girl! Her lips were
+pressed tightly together; her eyes were opened to their widest
+extent--like those of a child who hears a wonderful fairy tale. Even the
+vice-palatine from time to time ejaculated:
+
+"_Darvalia_!" "_Beste karaffia_!"--which, doubtless, were the proper
+terms to apply to marauding rascals.
+
+But when the baroness came to that part of her story where Count Vavel,
+with his walking-stick, put to flight the four robbers, Marie's face
+glowed with pride. Surely there was not another brave man like her
+Ludwig in the whole world!
+
+"That was our first meeting," concluded Katharina laughingly, laying her
+hand on that of her betrothed husband, who was leaning against the arm
+of her chair.
+
+"I should like to know why you both thought it best to keep this robbery
+a secret?" remarked Herr Bernat.
+
+"The real reason," explained Count Vavel, "was because the baroness did
+not want her protege, Satan Laczi's wife, persecuted."
+
+"Hum! if everybody was as generous as you two, then robbery would become
+a lucrative business!"
+
+"You must remember," Katharina made haste to protest, "that all this has
+been told to the matrimonial emissary, and not to the vice-palatine. On
+no account are any arrests to be made!"
+
+"I will suggest a plan to the Herr Vice-palatine," said Count Vavel.
+"Grant an amnesty to the robbers; not to the four who broke into the
+manor,--for they are merely common thieves,--but to Satan Laczi and his
+comrades, who will cheerfully exchange their nefarious calling for the
+purifying fire of the battle-field. I myself will undertake to form them
+into a company of foot-soldiers."
+
+"But how do you know that Satan Laczi and his comrades will join the
+army?" inquired Herr Bernat.
+
+"Satan Laczi told me so himself--one night here in the castle. He opened
+all the doors and cupboards, while I was in the observatory, and waited
+for me in my study."
+
+It was the ladies' turn now to exhibit the liveliest interest. Each
+seized a hand of the speaker, and listened attentively to his
+description of the robber's midnight visit to the castle.
+
+"Good!" was Herr Bernat's comment, when the count had concluded. "An
+amnesty shall be granted to Satan Laczi and his crew if they will submit
+themselves to the Herr Count's military discipline."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+The little servant, Satan Laczi, junior, interrupted the conversation.
+He came to announce dinner. Lisette had not needed any instructions. She
+knew what was expected of her when a visitor happened to be at the
+castle at meal-times. Besides, she wanted to show the lady from the
+manor what she could do. Not since the count's arrival at the Nameless
+Castle had there been so cheerful a meal as to-day. Marie sparkled with
+delight; the baroness was wit personified; and the vice-palatine bubbled
+over with anecdotes. When the roast appeared he raised his glass for a
+serious toast:
+
+"To our beloved fatherland. Vivat! To our revered king. Vivat! To our
+adored queen. Vivat!"
+
+Count Vavel promptly responded, as did also the ladies. Then the count
+refilled the glasses, and, raising his own above his head, cried:
+
+"And now, another vivat to _my_ queen! Long may she reign, and
+gloriously! And," he added, with sudden fierceness, "may all who are her
+enemies perish miserably!"
+
+"Ludwig, for heaven's sake!" ejaculated Marie, in terror. "Look at
+Katharina; she is ill."
+
+And, indeed, the baroness's lovely face was pallid as that of a corpse.
+Her eyes were closed; her head had fallen back against her chair.
+
+Ludwig and Marie sprang to her side, the young girl exclaiming
+reproachfully:
+
+"See how you have terrified her."
+
+"Don't be frightened," returned Ludwig, assuringly; "it is only a
+passing illness, and will soon be over."
+
+He had restored the fair woman to consciousness on another occasion; he
+knew, therefore, what to do now. After a few minutes the baroness opened
+her eyes again. She forced a smile to her lips, shivered once or twice,
+then whispered to Ludwig, who was bending over her with a glass of
+water:
+
+"I don't need any water. We were going to drink a toast; wine is
+required for that ceremony."
+
+She extended her trembling hand, clasped the stem of her glass, and,
+raising it, continued: "I drink to your toast, Count Vavel! And here is
+to my dear little daughter, my good little Marie. May God preserve her
+from all harm!"
+
+"You may safely drink to Ludwig's toast," gaily assented Marie, "safely
+wish that the enemies of your Marie may 'perish miserably,' for she has
+no enemies."
+
+"No; she has no enemies," repeated the baroness in a low tone, as she
+pressed the young girl closely to her breast.
+
+A few minutes later, when Katharina had regained her usual self-command,
+she said:
+
+"Marie, my dear little daughter, I know that our friend Ludwig is eager
+to discuss war plans with his emissary. Let us, therefore, give him the
+opportunity to do so, while we make our plans for quite a different sort
+of war!"
+
+"What!" jestingly exclaimed Count Vavel, "my lovely betrothed speaks
+thus of her preparations for our wedding?"
+
+"The task is not so easy as you imagine," retorted Katharina. "There
+will be a great deal to do, and I mean to take Marie with me."
+
+"To-day?"
+
+"Certainly; is she not my daughter? But seriously, Ludwig, Marie must
+not remain here if the recruiting-flag is to wave from the tower, and
+if the castle is to be open to every notorious bully in the county. You
+gentlemen may attend to your recruits here, while Marie and I, over at
+the manor, arrange a fitting ensign for your company. Before we bid
+adieu to the castle, however, we must pay a visit to the cook. If her
+mistress leaves here I fancy she will not want to stop."
+
+"Lisette was very fond of me once," observed Marie; "and there was a
+time when she did everything for me."
+
+"Then she must come with us to the manor to a well-deserved rest. I can
+send one of my servants over here to attend to the wants of the
+gentlemen."
+
+The two ladies now took leave of Count Vavel and his visitor. Marie led
+the way to her own apartments, where she introduced the cats and dogs to
+Katharina. Then she drew her into the alcove, and secretly pulled the
+cord at the head of the bed.
+
+"Now you are my prisoner," she said to the baroness, who was looking
+about her in a startled manner. "Were I your enemy--your rival--I should
+not need to do anything to gratify my enmity but refuse to reveal the
+secret of this screen, and you would have to die here alone with me."
+
+"Good heavens, Marie! How can you frighten me so?" exclaimed Katharina,
+in alarm.
+
+"Ha, ha!" merrily laughed the young girl, "then I have really frightened
+you? But don't be alarmed; directly some one will come who will not let
+you 'perish miserably.'"
+
+The baroness's face grew suddenly pallid; but she quickly recovered
+herself as Count Vavel came hastily into the outer room.
+
+"Did you summon me, Marie?" he called, when he saw that the screen was
+down.
+
+"Yes, I summoned you," replied Marie. "I want you to repeat the
+good-night wish you give me every night."
+
+"But it is not night."
+
+"No; but you will not see me again to-day, so you must wish me good
+night now."
+
+Ludwig came near to the screen, and said in a low, earnest tone:
+
+"May God give you a good night, Marie! May angels watch over you! May
+Heaven receive your prayers, and may you dream of happiness and freedom.
+Good night!"
+
+Then he turned and walked out of the room.
+
+"That is his daily custom," whispered Marie. Then she pressed her foot
+on the spring in the floor, and the screen was lifted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+Lisette had finished her tasks in the kitchen when the two ladies came
+to pay her a visit. She was sitting in a low, stoutly made chair which
+had been fashioned expressly for her huge frame, and was shuffling a
+pack of cards when the ladies entered.
+
+She did not lay the cards to one side, nor did she rise from her chair
+when the baroness came toward her and said in a friendly tone:
+
+"Well, Lisette, I dare say you do not know that I am your neighbor from
+the manor?"
+
+"Oh, yes, I do. I used often to hear my poor old man talk about the
+beautiful lady over yonder, and of course you must be she."
+
+"And do you know that I expect to be Count Vavel's wife?"
+
+"I did not know it, your ladyship, but it is natural. A gallant
+gentleman and a beautiful lady--if they are thrown together then there
+follows either marriage or danger. A marriage is better than a danger."
+
+"This time, Lisette, marriage and danger go hand in hand. The count is
+preparing for the war."
+
+This announcement had no other effect on the impassive mountain of flesh
+than to make her shuffle her cards more rapidly.
+
+"Then it is come at last!" she muttered, cutting the cards, and
+glancing at the under one. It was only a knave, not the queen!
+
+"Yes," continued the baroness; "the recruiting-flag already floats from
+the tower of the castle, and to-morrow volunteers will begin to enroll
+their names."
+
+"God help them!" again muttered the woman.
+
+"I am going to take your young mistress home with me, Lisette," again
+remarked the baroness. "It would not be well to leave her here, amid the
+turmoil of recruiting and the clashing of weapons, would it?"
+
+"I can't say. My business is in the kitchen; I don't know anything about
+matters out of it," replied Lisette, still shuffling her cards.
+
+"But I intend to take you out of the kitchen, Lisette," returned the
+baroness. "I don't intend to let you work any more. You shall live with
+us over at the manor, in a room of your own, and, if you wish, have a
+little kitchen all to yourself, and a little maid to wait on you. You
+will come with us, will you not?"
+
+"I thank your ladyship; but I had rather stay where I am."
+
+"But why?"
+
+"Because I should be a trouble to everybody over yonder. I am a person
+that suits only herself. I don't know how to win the good will of other
+people. I don't keep a cat or a dog, because I don't want to love
+anything. Besides, I have many disagreeable habits. I use snuff, and I
+can't agree with anybody. I am best left to myself, your ladyship."
+
+"But what will become of you when both your master and mistress are gone
+from the castle?"
+
+"I shall do what I have always done, your ladyship. The Herr Count
+promised that I should never want for anything to cook so long as I
+lived."
+
+"Don't misunderstand me, Lisette. I did not ask how you intended to
+live. What I meant was, how are you going to get on when you do not see
+or hear any one--when you are all alone here?"
+
+"I am not afraid to be alone. I have no money, and I don't think anybody
+would undertake to carry _me_ off! I am never lonely. I can't read,--for
+which I thank God!--so that never bothers me. I don't like to knit; for
+ever since I saw those terrible women sitting around the guillotine and
+knitting, knitting, knitting all day long, I can't bear to see the
+motion of five needles. So I just amuse myself with these cards; and I
+don't need anything else."
+
+"But surely your heart will grow sore when you do not see your little
+mistress daily?"
+
+"Daily--daily, your ladyship? This is the second time I have laid eyes
+on her face in six years! There was a time when I saw her daily,
+hourly--when she needed me all the time. Is not that so, my little
+mistress? Don't you remember how I had a little son, and how he called
+me _chere maman_, and I called him _mon petit garcon_?"
+
+As she spoke, she laid the cards one by one on her snowy apron. She
+looked intently at them for several moments, then continued:
+
+"No; I don't need to know anything, only that she is safe. _She_ will
+always be carefully guarded from all harm, and my cards will always tell
+me all I need know about _mon petit garcon_. No, your ladyship; I shall
+not go with you; I cannot leave the place where my poor Henry died."
+
+"Poor Lisette! what a tender heart is yours!"
+
+"Mine?" suddenly and with unusual energy interrupted Lisette. "Mine a
+tender heart? Ask this little lady here--who cannot tell a lie--if I am
+not the woman who has the hardest, the most unfeeling heart in all the
+world. Ask her that, your ladyship. Tell her, _mon petit garcon_," she
+added, turning to Marie,--"tell the lady it is as I say."
+
+"Lisette--dear Lisette," remonstrated Marie.
+
+"Have you ever seen me weep?" demanded the woman.
+
+"No, Lisette; but--"
+
+"Did I ever sigh," interrupted Lisette, "or moan, or grieve, that time
+when we spent many days and nights together in one room?"
+
+"No, no; never, Lisette."
+
+The woman turned in her chair to a chest that stood by her side, opened
+it, and took out a package carefully wrapped first in paper, then in a
+linen cloth.
+
+When she had removed the wrappings, she held up in her hands a child's
+chemise and petticoat.
+
+"What is needed to complete these, your ladyship?" she asked.
+
+"A dear little child, I should say," answered Katharina, indulgently.
+
+"You are right--a dear little child."
+
+"Where is the child, Lisette?"
+
+"That I don't know--do you understand? _I--don't--know._ And I don't
+inquire, either. Now, will you still imagine that I have a tender heart?
+It is years since I looked on these little garments. What did I do with
+the child that wore them? Whose business is it what I did with her? She
+was _my_ child, and I had a right to do as I pleased with her. I was
+paid enough for it--an enormous price! You don't understand what I am
+talking about, your ladyship. Go; take _mon petit garcon_ with you; and
+may God do so to you as you deal with him. Take care of him. My cards
+will tell me everything, and sometime, when I have turned into a hideous
+hobgoblin, those whom I shall haunt will remember me! And now, _mon
+petit garcon_"--turning again to Marie,--"let me kiss your hand for the
+last time."
+
+Marie came close to the singular woman, bent over her, and pressed a
+kiss on the fat cheeks, then held her own for a return caress.
+
+This action of the young girl seemed to please the woman. She struggled
+to her feet, muttering: "She is still the same. May God guard her from
+all harm!" Then she waddled toward Katharina, took her slender hand in
+her own broad palm, and added: "Take good care of my treasure, your
+ladyship. Up to now, I have taken the broomstick every evening, before
+going to bed, and thrust it under all the furniture, to see if there
+might not be a thief hidden somewhere. You will have to do that now. A
+great treasure, great care! And, your ladyship, when you shall have in
+your house such a little chemise and petticoat, with the little child in
+them, trotting after you, chattering and laughing, clasping her arms
+round you and kissing you, and if some one should say to you, as they
+said to me, 'How great a treasure would induce you to exchange this
+little somebody in the red petticoat for it?' and if you should say, 'I
+will give up the child for so much,' then, your ladyship, you too may
+say, as I say, that your heart is a heart of stone."
+
+Katharina's face had grown very white. She staggered toward Marie,
+caught her arm, and drew her toward the door, gasping:
+
+"Come--come--let us go. The steam--the heat of--the kitchen makes--me
+faint."
+
+The fresh air of the court soon revived her.
+
+"Let us play a trick on Ludwig," she suggested. "We will take his canoe,
+and cross the cove to the manor. We can send it back with a servant."
+
+She ordered her coachman to take the carriage home; then she took
+Marie's hand and led her down to the lake.
+
+They were soon in the boat. Marie, who had learned to row from Ludwig,
+sent the little craft gliding over the water, while Katharina held the
+rudder.
+
+Very soon they were in the park belonging to the manor; and how
+delighted Marie was to see everything!
+
+A herd of deer crossed their path, summoned to the feeding-place by a
+blast from the game-keeper's horn. The graceful animals were so tame
+that a hind stopped in front of the two ladies, and allowed them to rub
+her head and neck. Oh, how much there was to see and enjoy over here!
+
+Katharina could hardly keep pace with the eager young girl, who would
+have liked to examine the entire park at once.
+
+What a number of questions she asked! And how astonished she was when
+Katharina told her the large birds in the farm-yard were hens and
+turkeys. She had never dreamed that these creatures could be so pretty.
+She had never seen them before--not even a whole one served on the
+table, only the slices of white meat which Lisette had always cut off
+for her. But what delighted her more than anything else was that she
+might meet people, look fearlessly at them, and be stared at in return,
+and cordially return their friendly "God give you a good day!"
+
+What a pleasure it was to stop the women and children, with all sorts
+and shapes of burdens on their heads or in their arms, and ask what they
+were carrying in the heavy hampers; to call to the peasant girls who
+were singing merrily, and ask where they had learned the pretty songs.
+
+"Oh, how delightful it is here!" she exclaimed, flinging her arms around
+the baroness. "I should like to dig and work in the garden all day long
+with these merry girls. How happy I shall be here!"
+
+"To-morrow we will visit the fields," said Katharina "Can you ride?"
+
+"Ride?" echoed Marie, in smiling surprise. "Yes--on a rocking-horse."
+
+"Then you will very soon learn to sit on a living horse."
+
+"Do you really believe I shall?" breathlessly exclaimed Marie.
+
+"Yes; I have a very gentle horse which you shall have for your own."
+
+"One of those dear, tiny little horses from which one could not fall? I
+have seen them in picture-books."
+
+"He is not so very small; but you will not be afraid of falling off when
+you have learned to ride. Then, when you can manage your horse, we will
+ride after the hounds--"
+
+"No, no," hastily interposed the young girl; "I shall never do that. I
+could not bear to see an animal hurt or killed."
+
+"You will have to accustom yourself to seeing such sights, my dear
+little daughter. Riding and hunting are necessary accomplishments;
+besides, they strengthen the nerves."
+
+"Have not the peasant women got strong nerves, little mama?"
+
+"Yes; but they strengthen them by hard work, such as washing clothes."
+
+"Then let us wash clothes, too."
+
+Katharina smiled indulgently on the innocent maid, and the two now
+entered the manor, where Marie made the acquaintance of Fraeulein Lotti,
+the baroness's companion.
+
+Marie's attention was attracted by the number of books she saw
+everywhere; and they were all new to her. Ludwig had never brought
+anything like them to the castle. There were poems, histories, romances,
+fables. Ah, how she would enjoy reading every one of them!
+
+"Oh, who is doing this?" she exclaimed, when her eyes fell on an easel
+on which was a half-finished painting--a study head.
+
+Her admiration for the baroness increased when that lady told her the
+picture was the work of her own hand.
+
+"How very clever you must be, little mama! I wonder if you could paint
+my portrait?"
+
+"I will try it to-morrow," smilingly replied the baroness.
+
+"And what is this--this great monster with so many teeth?" she asked,
+running to the piano.
+
+Katharina told her the name of the "monster," and, seating herself in
+front of the "teeth," began to play.
+
+Marie was in an ecstasy of delight.
+
+"How happy you ought to be, little mama, to be able to make such
+beautiful music!" she cried, when Katharina turned again toward her.
+
+"You shall learn to play, too; Fraeulein Lotti will teach you."
+
+For this promise Marie ran to Fraeulein Lotti and embraced her.
+
+While at dinner Marie suddenly remembered that she had not yet seen the
+little water-monster, and inquired about him.
+
+The baroness told her that the boy had gone back to his fish companions
+in the lake; then asked: "But where did you ever see the creature?"
+
+Marie hesitated a moment before replying; a natural modesty forbade her
+from confessing to Ludwig's betrothed wife that he had taught her how to
+swim, and had always accompanied her on her swimming excursions in his
+canoe.
+
+"I saw him once with you in the park, when I was looking through the
+telescope," she answered, with some confusion.
+
+"Ah! then you also have been spying upon me?" jestingly exclaimed the
+baroness.
+
+"How else could I have learned that you are so good and beautiful?"
+frankly returned the young girl.
+
+"Ah, I have an idea," suddenly observed the baroness. "That spy-glass is
+here now. The surveyor to whom Ludwig gave it sent it to me when he had
+done with it. Come, we will pay Herr Ludwig back in his own coin! We
+will spy out what the gentlemen are doing over at the castle."
+
+Marie was charmed with this suggestion, and willingly accompanied her
+"little mama" to the veranda, where the familiar telescope greeted her
+sight.
+
+Two of the windows in that side of the Nameless Castle which faced the
+manor were lighted.
+
+"That is the dining-room; they are at dinner," explained Marie,
+adjusting the glass--a task of which the baroness was ignorant. When she
+had arranged the proper focus, she made room for Katharina, who had a
+better right than she had to watch Ludwig.
+
+"What do you see?" she asked, when Katharina began to smile.
+
+"I see Ludwig and the vice-palatine; they are leaning out of the window,
+and smoking--"
+
+"Smoking?" interposed Marie. "Ludwig never smokes."
+
+"See for yourself!"
+
+Katharina stepped back, and Marie placed her eye to the glass. Yes;
+there, plainly enough, she beheld the remarkable sight: Ludwig, with
+evident enjoyment, drawing great clouds of smoke from a long-stemmed
+pipe. The two men were talking animatedly; but even while they were
+speaking, the pipes were not removed from their lips--Ludwig, indeed, at
+times vanished entirely behind the dense cloud of smoke.
+
+"For six whole years he never once let me see him smoking a pipe!"
+murmured Marie to herself. "How much he enjoys it! Do you"--turning
+abruptly toward the baroness, who was smilingly watching her young
+guest--"do you object to tobacco smoke?"
+
+She seemed relieved when the baroness assured her that tobacco smoke was
+not in the least objectionable.
+
+Some time later, when reminded that it was time for little girls to be
+in bed, Marie protested stoutly that she was not sleepy.
+
+"Pray, little mama," she begged, "let us look a little longer through
+the telescope; it is so interesting."
+
+But even while she was giving voice to her petition the windows in the
+dining-room over at the castle became darkened. The gentlemen evidently
+had retired to their rooms for the night.
+
+"Oh, ah-h," yawned Marie, "I am sleepy, after all! Come, little mama, we
+will go to bed."
+
+Katharina herself conducted the young girl to her room. Marie exclaimed
+with surprise and delight when, on entering the room adjoining the
+baroness's own sleeping-chamber, she beheld her own furniture--the
+canopy-bed, the book-shelves, toys, card-table, everything. Even Hitz,
+Mitz, Pani, and Miura sat in a row on the sofa, and Phryxus and Helle
+came waddling toward her, and sat up on their hind legs.
+
+The things had been brought over from the castle while the baroness and
+Marie were in the park.
+
+"You will feel more at home with your belongings about you," said
+Katharina, as she returned the grateful girl's good-night kiss.
+
+
+
+
+PART VII
+
+THE HUNGARIAN MILITIA
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel and the vice-palatine disappeared from the window of
+the dining-room, they did not retire to their pillows. They went to
+Ludwig's study, where they refilled their pipes for another smoke.
+
+"But tell me, Herr Vice-palatine," said the count, continuing the
+conversation which had begun at the dining-table, "why is it that six
+months have been allowed to pass since the Diet passed the militia law
+without anything having been accomplished?"
+
+"Well, you must know that there are three essential parts among the
+works of a clock," returned Herr Bernat, complacently puffing away at
+his pipe. "There is the spring, the pendulum, and the escapement. The
+wheels are the subordinates. The spring is the law passed by the Diet.
+The pendulum is the palatine office, which has to set the law in motion;
+the escapement is the imperial counselor of war. The wheels are the
+people. We will keep to the technical terms, if you please. When the
+spring was wound up, the pendulum began to set the wheels going. They
+turned, and the loyal nobles of the country began to enroll their
+names--"
+
+"How many do you suppose enrolled their names?" interrupted the count.
+
+"Thirty thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry--which are not all
+the able-bodied men, as only one member from each family is required to
+join the army. After the names had been entered came the question of
+uniforms, arms, officering, drilling, provisions. You must admit that a
+clock cannot strike until the hands have made their regular passage
+through all the minutes and seconds that make up the hour!"
+
+"For heaven's sake! What a preamble!" ejaculated the count. "But go on.
+The first minute?"
+
+"Yes; the first minute a stoppage occurred caused by the escapement
+objecting to furnish canteens; if the militiamen wanted canteens they
+must provide them themselves."
+
+"I trust the clock was not allowed to stop for want of a few canteens,"
+ironically observed Count Vavel.
+
+"Moreover," continued the vice-palatine, not heeding the interruption,
+"the escapement gave them to understand that brass drums could not be
+furnished--only wooden ones--"
+
+"They will do their duty, too, if properly handled," again interpolated
+Vavel.
+
+"A more disastrous check, however, was the decision of the _Komitate_
+that the uniform was to consist of red trousers and light-blue dolman--"
+
+"A picturesque uniform, at any rate!"
+
+"There was a good deal of argument about it; but at last it was decided
+that the companies from the Danube should adopt light-blue dolmans, and
+those from the Theiss dark-blue."
+
+"Thank heaven something was decided!"
+
+"Don't be too premature with your thanks, Herr Count! The escapement
+would not consent to the red trousers; red dye-stuff was not to be had,
+because of the continental embargo. The militia must content itself with
+trousers made of the coarse white cloth of which peasants' cloaks are
+made. You can imagine what a tempest that raised in the various
+counties! To offer Hungarian nobles trousers made of such stuff! At
+last the matter was arranged: trousers and dolman were to be made of the
+same material. The Komitate were satisfied with this. But the escapement
+then said there were not enough tailors to make so many uniforms. The
+government would supply the cloth, and have it cut, and the militiamen
+could have it made up at home."
+
+"That certainly would make the uniform of more value to the wearer!"
+
+"_Would have made_, Herr Count; would have made! The escapement suddenly
+announced that the cloth could not be purchased; for, while the dispute
+about the colors of the uniform had been going on, the greedy merchants
+had advanced the price of all cloths to such an exorbitant figure that
+the government could n't afford to buy it."
+
+"To the cuckoo with your escapement! The men have got to have uniforms!"
+
+"Beg pardon; don't begin yet to waste expletives, else you will not have
+any left at the end of the hour! The counties then agreed to pay the sum
+advanced on the original price of the cloth, whereupon the escapement
+said the money would have to be forthcoming at once, as the cloth could
+not be bought on credit."
+
+"Well, is there no treasury which could supply enough funds for this
+worthy object?" asked the count.
+
+"Yes; there is the public treasury for current expenses. But the
+treasurer will not give any money to the militia until they are mounted
+and equipped; the escapement will not furnish the cloth for the uniforms
+without the money; and the treasury will not give any money until the
+militia has its uniforms!"
+
+"Well, a man can fight without a uniform. If only these men have horses
+under them and weapons in their hands--"
+
+"Two of these requisites we already have; but the escapement announces
+that arms of the latest improvements cannot be furnished, because the
+government has not got them."
+
+"Well, the old ones will answer."
+
+"They _would_ if we had enough flints; but they are not to be had,
+because the insurrectionary Poles have captured the flint depot in
+Lemberg."
+
+"Each man certainly could get a flint for himself."
+
+"Even then there are only enough guns for about one half of the men. The
+escapement suggested that to those who had no arms it would
+furnish--halberds!"
+
+"What? Halberds!" cried Vavel, losing all patience. "Halberds against
+Bonaparte? Halberds against the legions who have broken a path from one
+end of Europe to the other with their bayonets, and with them carved
+their triumphs on the pyramids? Halberds against them? Do you take me to
+be a fool, Herr Vice-palatine?"
+
+He sprang to his feet and began to pace the floor excitedly, his guest
+meanwhile eying him with a roguish glance.
+
+"There!" at last exclaimed Herr Bernat, "I will not tease you any
+longer. Fortunately, there is a clock-repairer who, so soon as he
+perceived how tardily the hands performed their task, with his finger
+twirled them around the entire dial, whereupon the clock struck the
+hour. This able repairer is our king, who at once advanced from his own
+exchequer enough money to equip the militia companies, distributed six
+thousand first-class cavalry sabers and sixteen cannon, and loaned the
+entire Hungarian life-guard to drill the newly formed regiments. And
+now, I will wager that our noble militia host will be ready for the
+field in less than thirty days, and that they will fight as well as the
+good Lord permitted them to learn how!"
+
+"Why in the world did you not tell me this at once?" demanded Count
+Vavel.
+
+"Because it is not customary to put the fire underneath the tobacco in
+the pipe! The king's example inspired our magnates. Those whom the law
+compelled to equip ten horsemen sent out whole companies, and placed
+themselves in command."
+
+"As I shall do!" appended Count Vavel. "I hope, Herr Vice-palatine, that
+you will not forget the amnesty for Satan Laczi and his men. They will
+be of special value as spies."
+
+"I have a knot in my handkerchief for that, Herr Count, and shall be
+sure to remember. The company to be commanded by Count Ludwig Fertoeszeg
+will be complete in a week."
+
+"Why do you call me Fertoeszeg?"
+
+"Because a Hungarian name is better for your ensign than your own
+foreign one. Our people have an antipathy to everything foreign--and we
+have cause to complain of the Frenchmen who served in our army. Most of
+them were spies--tools of Napoleon's. Generals Moiselle and Lefebre
+surrendered fortified Laibach, together with its entire brigade, without
+discharging a gun. And even our quondam friend, the gallant Colonel
+Barthelmy, has taken Dutch leave and gone back to the enemy."
+
+"What? Gone back to the enemy!" repeated Ludwig, springing from his
+chair, and laughing delightedly.
+
+"The news seems to rejoice you," observed Herr Bernat.
+
+"I shout for very joy! The thought that we might have to fight side by
+side annoyed me. Now, however, we shall be adversaries, and when we
+meet, the man who did not steal Ange Barthelmy will send her husband to
+the devil! And now, Herr Vice-palatine, I think it is time to say good
+night. It will be the first night in six years that I shall sleep
+quietly."
+
+They shook hands, and separated for the night.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+From early morning until evening the enrolment of names went on at the
+Nameless Castle, while from time to time a squad of volunteers,
+accompanied by Count Vavel himself, would depart amid the blare of
+trumpets for the drill-ground.
+
+The count made a fine-looking officer, with the crimson shako on his
+head, his mantle flung over one shoulder, his saber in his hand. When he
+saluted the ladies on their balconies, his spirited horse would rear and
+dance proudly. His company, the "Volons," had selected black and crimson
+as the colors for their uniform. The shako was ornamented in front with
+a white death's-head, and one would not have believed that a skull could
+be so ornamental.
+
+The Volons' ensign was not yet finished, but pretty white hands were
+embroidering gold letters on the silken streamers; lead would very soon
+add further ornamentation!
+
+When Ludwig Vavel opened the door of his castle to the public, he very
+soon became acquainted with a very different life from that of the past
+six years. For six years he had dwelt among a people whom he imagined he
+had learned to know and understand through his telescope, and from the
+letters he had received from a clergyman and a young law student.
+
+The reality was quite different.
+
+Every man that was enrolled in his volunteer corps Count Vavel made an
+object of special study. He found among them many interesting
+characters, who would have deserved perpetuation, and made of all of
+them excellent soldiers. The men very soon became devoted to their
+leader. When the troop was complete--three hundred horsemen in handsome
+uniforms, on spirited horses--their ensign was ready for them. Marie
+thought it would have been only proper for Katharina, the betrothed of
+the leader, to present the flag; but Count Vavel insisted that Marie
+must perform the duty. The flag was hers; it would wave over the men who
+were going to fight for her cause.
+
+It was an inspiriting sight--three hundred horsemen, every one of noble
+Hungarian blood. There were among them fathers of families, and
+brothers; and all of them soldiers of their own free will. Of such
+material was the troop of Volons, commanded by "Count Vavel von
+Fertoeszeg."
+
+Count Vavel had a second volunteer company, composed of Satan Laczi and
+his comrades. This company, however, had been formed and drilled in
+secret, as the noble Volons would not have tolerated such vagabonds in
+their ranks. There were only twenty-four men in Satan Laczi's squad, and
+they were expected to undertake only the most hazardous missions of the
+campaign.
+
+Ah, how Marie's hand trembled when she knotted the gay streamers to the
+flag Ludwig held in his hands! She whispered, in a tone so low that only
+he could hear what she said:
+
+"Don't go away, Ludwig! Stay here with us. Don't waste your precious
+blood for me, but let us three fly far away from here."
+
+Those standing apart from the count and his fair ward fancied that the
+whispered words were a blessing on the ensign. She did not bless it in
+words, but when she saw that Ludwig would not renounce his undertaking,
+she pressed her lips to the standard which bore the _patrona Hungaria_.
+That was her blessing! Then she turned and flung herself into
+Katharina's arms, sobbing, while hearty cheers rose from the Volons:
+
+"Why don't _you_ try to prevent him from going away from us? Why don't
+you say to him, 'To-morrow we are to be wedded. Why not wait until
+then?'"
+
+But there was no time now to think of marriage. There was one who was in
+greater haste than any bridegroom or bride. The great leader of armies
+was striding onward, whole kingdoms between his paces. From the
+slaughter at Ebersburg he passed at once to the walls of Vienna, to the
+square in front of the Cathedral of St. Stephen. From the south, also,
+came Job's messengers, thick and fast. Archduke John had retreated from
+Italy back into Hungary, the viceroy Eugene following on his heels.
+
+General Chasteler had become alarmed at Napoleon's proclamation
+threatening him with death, and had removed his entire army from the
+Tyrol. His divisions were surrendering, one after another, to the
+pursuing foe.
+
+Thus the border on the south and west was open to the enemy; and to
+augment the peril which threatened Hungary, Poland menaced her from the
+north, from the Carpathians; and Russia at the same time sent out
+declarations of war.
+
+The countries which had been on friendly terms with one another suddenly
+became enemies--Poland against Hungary, Russia against Austria. Prussia
+waited. England hastened to seize an island from Holland. The patriotic
+calls of Gentz and Schlegel failed to inspire Germany. The heroic
+attempts of Kalt, Doernberg, Schill, and Luetzow fell resultless on the
+indifference of the people. Only Turkey remained a faithful ally, and
+the assurance that the Mussulman would protect Hungary in the rear
+against an invasion on the part of Moldavia was the only ray of light
+amid the darkness of those days.
+
+Then came a fresh Job's messenger.
+
+General Jelachich, with his five thousand men, had laid down his arms in
+the open field before the enemy. Now, indeed, it might be said: "The
+time is come to be up and doing, Hungary!"
+
+He who had neglected to celebrate his nuptials yesterday would have no
+time for marriage feasts to-morrow. Hannibal was at the gates! The noble
+militia host was set in motion. The Veszprime and Pest regiments moved
+toward the Marczal to join Archduke John's forces. The primatial troops
+joined the main body of the army on the banks of the March, and what
+there was of soldiery on the farther side of the Danube hastened to
+concentrate in the neighborhood of the Raab--only half equipped, muskets
+without flints, without cartridges, without saddles, with halters in
+lieu of bridles!
+
+Under such circumstances a fully equipped troop like that commanded by
+"Count Fertoeszeg," with sabers, pistols, carbines, and a leader trained
+in the battle-field, was of some value.
+
+The days which followed the flag presentation were certainly not
+calculated to whispers of happy love, while the nights were illumined
+only by the light of watch-fires, and the glare over against the horizon
+of cannonading. Count Ludwig had so many demands on his time that he
+rarely found a few minutes free to visit his dear ones at the manor.
+Sometimes he came unexpectedly early in the morning, and sometimes late
+in the evening. And always, when he came, like the insurgent who dashes
+unceremoniously into your door, there was a confusion and a bustling to
+conceal what he was not yet to see--Marie's first attempts at drawing,
+her piano practices, or the miniature portrait Katharina was painting of
+her. Sometimes, too, he came when they were at a meal; and then, despite
+his protests that he had already dined or supped in camp, he would be
+compelled to take his seat between the two ladies at the table. Hardly
+would he have taken up his fork, however, when a messenger would arrive
+in great haste to summon him for something or other--some question he
+alone could decide; then all attempts to detain him would prove futile.
+
+The day he received his orders to march, he was forced to take enough
+time to speak on some very important matters to his betrothed wife. He
+delivered into her hands the steel casket, of which so much has been
+written. When he entered the room where the two ladies were sitting,
+Marie discreetly rose and left the lovers alone; but she did not go very
+far: she knew that she would be sent for very soon. Why should she stop
+to hear the exchange of lovers' confidences, hear the mutual confessions
+which made _them_ so happy? She did not want to see the tears which _he_
+would kiss away.
+
+"May God protect you," sobbed Katharina, reflecting at the same moment
+that it would be a great pity were a bullet to strike the spot on the
+noble brow where she pressed her farewell kiss.
+
+"You will guard my treasure, Katharina? Take good care of my palladium
+and of yourself. Before I go, let me show you what this casket which you
+must guard with unceasing care contains."
+
+He drew the steel ring from his thumb, and pushed to one side the crown
+which formed the seal, whereupon a tiny key was revealed. With it he
+unlocked the casket.
+
+On top lay a packet of English bank-notes of ten thousand pounds each.
+
+"This sum," explained Ludwig, "will defray the expenses of our
+undertaking. When I shall have attained my object, I shall be just so
+much the poorer. I am not a rich man, Katharina; I must tell you this
+before our marriage."
+
+"I should love you even were you a beggar," was the sincere response.
+
+A kiss was her reward.
+
+Underneath the bank-notes were several articles of child's clothing,
+such as little girls wear.
+
+"Her mother embroidered the three lilies on these with her own hands,"
+said Ludwig, laying the little garments to one side. Then he took from
+the casket several time-stained documents, and added: "These are the
+certificate of baptism, the last lines from the mother to her daughter,
+and the deposition of the two men who witnessed the exchange of the
+children. This," taking up a miniature-case, "contains a likeness of
+Marie, and one of the other little girl who exchanged destinies with
+her. The Marquis d'Avoncourt, who is now a prisoner in the Castle of
+Ham,--if he is still alive!--is the only one besides ourselves who knows
+of the existence of these things. And now, Katharina, let me beg of you
+to take good care of them; no matter what happens, do not lose sight of
+this casket."
+
+He locked the casket, and returned the ring to his thumb.
+
+The baroness placed the treasure intrusted to her care in a secret
+cupboard in the wall of her own room.
+
+And now, one more kiss!
+
+The girl waiting in the adjoining room was doubtless getting weary.
+Suddenly Ludwig heard the tones of a piano. Some one was playing, in the
+timid, uncertain manner of a new beginner, Miska's martial song. Ludwig
+listened, and turned questioningly toward his betrothed. Katharina did
+not speak; she merely smiled, and walked toward the door of the
+adjoining room, which she opened.
+
+Marie sprang from the piano toward Ludwig, who caught her in his arms
+and rewarded her for the surprise. And thus it happened that Marie,
+after all, was the one to receive Ludwig's last kiss of farewell.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+The camp on the bank of the Rabcza was shared by the troop from
+Fertoeszeg and by a militia company of infantry from Wieselburg.
+
+The parole had been given out for the night. Count Vavel had completed
+his round of the outposts, and had returned to the officers' tent. Here
+he found awaiting him two old acquaintances--the vice-palatine and the
+young attorney from Pest, each of them wearing the light-blue dolman.
+
+The youthful attorney, whose letters to the count had voiced the
+national discontent, had at once girded on his sword when the call to
+arms had sounded throughout the land, and was now of one mind with his
+quondam patron: if he got near enough to a Frenchman to strike him, the
+result would certainly be disastrous--for the Frenchman. Bernat bacsi
+also found himself at last in his element, with ample time and
+opportunity for anecdotes. Seated on a clump of sod the root side up,
+with both hands clasping the hilt of his sword, the point of which
+rested on the ground, he repeated what he had heard from the palatine's
+own lips, while dining with that exalted personage in the camp by the
+Raab.
+
+At a very interesting point in his recital he was unceremoniously
+interrupted by the challenging call of the outposts:
+
+"Halt! who comes there?"
+
+Vavel hastened from the tent, flung himself on his horse, and galloped
+in the direction of the call. The patrol had stopped an armed man who
+would not give the password, but insisted that he had a right to enter
+the camp.
+
+Vavel recognized Satan Laczi, and said to the guard:
+
+"Release him; he is a friend of mine." Then to the ex-robber: "Come with
+me."
+
+He led the way to his own private tent, where he bade his companion rest
+himself on a pallet of straw.
+
+"I dare say you are tired, my good fellow."
+
+"Not very," was the reply. "I have come only from Kapuvar to-day."
+
+"On foot?"
+
+"Part of the way, and part of the way swimming."
+
+"What news do you bring?"
+
+"We captured a French courier in the marshes near Vitnyed just as he was
+about to ride into the stream."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Well, you see, one of my fellows happened to grasp him a little too
+tightly by the collar, because he resisted so obstinately--and, besides,
+it must have been a very weak cord that fastened his soul to his body."
+
+"You have not done well, Satan Laczi," reproved the count. "Another time
+you must bring the prisoner to me alive, for I may learn something of
+importance from him. Did not I tell you that I would pay a reward for a
+living captive?"
+
+"Yes, your lordship, and we shall lose our reward this time. But we
+did n't capture the fellow for nothing, after all. We searched his
+pockets, and found this sealed letter addressed to a general in the
+enemy's army."
+
+Vavel took the letter, and said: "Rest here until I return. You will
+find something to eat and drink in the corner there. I may want you to
+ride farther to-night."
+
+"If I am to go on a horse, that will rest me sufficiently," was the
+response.
+
+Vavel quitted the tent to read the letter by the nearest watch-fire. It
+was addressed to "General Guillaume."
+
+That the general commanded a brigade of the viceroy of Italy's troops,
+Vavel knew.
+
+The letter was a long one--four closely written pages. Before reading it
+Vavel glanced at the signature: "Marquis de Fervlans." The name seemed
+familiar, but he could not remember where he had heard it. He was fully
+informed when he read the contents:
+
+     "M. GENERAL: The intrigue has been successfully carried out.
+     Themire has found the fugitives! They are hidden in a secluded nook
+     on the shore of Lake Neusiedl in Hungary, where their extreme
+     caution has attracted much attention. Themire's first move was to
+     take up her abode in the same neighborhood, which she did in a
+     masterly manner. The estate she bought belonged to a Viennese baron
+     who had ruined himself by extravagance. Themire bought the
+     property, paying one hundred thousand guilders for it, on condition
+     that she might also assume the baron's name; such transfers are
+     possible, I believe, in Austria. In this wise Themire became the
+     Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild, and, as she thoroughly
+     understands the art of transformation, became a perfect German
+     woman before she took possession of her purchase. In order not to
+     arouse suspicion on the part of the fugitives, she carefully
+     avoided meeting either of them, and played to perfection the role
+     of a lady that had been jilted by her lover.
+
+     "Themire learned that our fugitive owned a powerful telescope with
+     which he kept himself informed of everything that happened in the
+     neighborhood, and this prompted her to adopt a very amusing plan of
+     action. _I_ wanted to put an end at once to the matter, and had
+     gone to Vienna for the purpose of so doing. I entered the Austrian
+     army as Count Leon Barthelmy, in order to be near my chosen
+     emissary. But my scheme was without result. I had planned that a
+     notorious robber of that region should steal the girl and the
+     documents from the Nameless Castle,--as the abode of the fugitives
+     is called,--but my robber proved unequal to the task. Consequently
+     I was forced to accept Themire's more tedious but successful plan.
+     The difficulty was for Themire to become acquainted with our
+     fugitive without arousing his suspicions. An opportunity offered.
+     One night, when we knew to a certainty that the hermit in the
+     Nameless Castle would be in his observatory because of an eclipse
+     of the moon, Themire put her plan into operation. The hermit, who
+     is only a man, after all, found a lovely woman more attractive than
+     all the planets in the universe; he was captured in the net laid
+     for him! When the moon entered the shadow, four masked robbers
+     (Jocrisse was their leader!) climbed into the Baroness
+     Landsknechtsschild's windows. The hermit in his observatory beheld
+     this incursion, and, being a knight as well as a recluse, what else
+     could he do but rush to the rescue of his fair neighbor? His
+     telescope had told him she was fair. Jocrisse played his part
+     admirably. At the approach of the deliverer the "robbers" took to
+     their heels, and the brave knight unbound the fettered and charming
+     lady he had delivered from the ruffians. As Themire had prepared
+     herself for the meeting, you may guess the result: the hermit was
+     captured!"
+
+Oh, how every drop of blood in Vavel's veins boiled and seethed! His
+face was crimsoned with shame and rage. He read further:
+
+     "Themire was perfectly certain that the mysterious hermit of the
+     Nameless Castle had fallen in love with her; and _I_ am not so sure
+     but Themire has ended by falling in love with the knight! Women's
+     hearts are so impressionable.
+
+     "I managed to have my regiment sent to her neighborhood, and took
+     up my quarters in her house. I sought by every means to lure the
+     hermit from his den; but he is a cunning fox, is this protector of
+     fair ladies! I could not get a sight of him. I decided at last to
+     waylay him (when he would be out driving with the veiled lady), to
+     pretend that I was a betrayed husband in search of his errant wife,
+     and ask to see the face of his veiled companion. This, naturally,
+     he would refuse. A duel would be the result; and as he has not for
+     years had a weapon in his hand, and as I am a dead shot, you can
+     guess the result--a hermit against a Spadassin! With a bullet in
+     his brain, the mysterious maid would become my property."
+
+Here an icy chill shook Vavel's frame. He read on:
+
+     "That was my intention. But something on which I had not counted
+     prevented me from carrying it out. When I insisted on seeing the
+     face of the veiled lady, after telling him I believed her to be my
+     wife, Ange Barthelmy (I need not tell you that that entire story
+     was an invention of my own; I published it in a provincial
+     newspaper, whence it spread all over Europe), my brave hermit
+     showed a very bold front, and we were on the point of exchanging
+     blows, when the lady suddenly flung back her veil and revealed the
+     face of--Themire! You may believe that I was dumfounded for an
+     instant; then I began to believe that my faith in this woman had
+     been misplaced. Could it be possible that she had been caught in
+     her own trap--that she had found this Vavel's eyes more alluring
+     than the fortune we promised her, and that instead of betraying him
+     to us she would do the very opposite--betray us to him? It may be
+     that she has woven a more delicate web than I can detect with which
+     to entangle her romantic victim the more securely. At all events,
+     when I asked Vavel what relation the lady at his side bore to him,
+     he replied: 'She is my betrothed wife.'
+
+     "I confess I am puzzled. But I have the means of compelling Themire
+     to keep her promise. Her daughter is in my power!"
+
+("Her daughter?" gasped Vavel. "Her daughter? Then Katharina is a
+married woman!")
+
+     "But," he continued to read, "it might happen that a woman who is
+     in love would sacrifice her child. So soon as this war broke out,
+     Vavel threw off his hermit's mask, and is now leading a company of
+     troopers--which he equipped at his own expense--against us.
+
+     "From Jocrisse's letters I learn that Vavel's treasures are now in
+     Themire's hands. That which our fair emissary was commissioned to
+     find is in her possession. Now, however, the question is, What will
+     she do with it?
+
+     "Jocrisse also informs me that Themire is quite bewitched with the
+     amiability of the maid who has been intrusted to her care. If this
+     be true, then matters are in a bad way. If this is not another of
+     Themire's schemes, but actual sympathy, if this girl, whose
+     remarkable loveliness of character (even Jocrisse is compelled to
+     praise her) has won the piquant little Amelie's place in her
+     mother's heart, then it will be more difficult to separate Themire
+     from the girl than to win her from her lover."
+
+This was a solitary ray of sunshine amid the threatening clouds which
+enveloped Ludwig. He continued to read with rapidly beating heart:
+
+     "I must know to a certainty what Themire proposes to do. To-day I
+     sent her a message by a trusty courier, informing her that I should
+     be at a certain place at an appointed time--that I wanted her to
+     meet me and deliver into my hands the treasures she now holds. She
+     will have an excellent excuse for leaving the manor. Our troops are
+     approaching Steiermark, and have already crossed the Hungarian
+     border. Thus it will seem as if she fell by accident into the hands
+     of the enemy.
+
+Vavel's heart almost ceased to beat. The letter shook in his trembling
+hands.
+
+     "I shall not, however," he continued to read, "depend on the fickle
+     mood of a woman, who may be swayed by a tear or a love-letter. If
+     Themire does not appear with the maid and the documents at the
+     designated spot to-morrow evening, then I shall ride with my troop
+     to the manor. My troop, as you know, belongs to the 'Legion of
+     Demons,' and they do not know the definition of the word
+     'impossible'! If Themire of her own free will delivers the
+     treasures into my hands, I shall thank her becomingly. If, however,
+     she fails to meet me, I shall take the maid and the documents by
+     force."
+
+Vavel did not notice that the firelight by which he was reading the
+letter had begun to grow dim; he believed the characters on the page
+before him were swimming in a blood-red mist.
+
+     "And now," the letter went on, "I come to my instructions to you,
+     general. You will move with your division toward the southern
+     shore of Lake Neusiedl, and cut off the way of our fugitives toward
+     the Tyrol. There is also another task which you must undertake. The
+     mysterious maid, once she is in our hands, must be treated with the
+     utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
+     know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
+     will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
+     yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
+     crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
+     crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
+     Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
+     with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
+     hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
+     sovereign can be."
+
+Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
+that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
+But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
+become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
+nature was concentrated--this was more horrible than all the torments of
+hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.
+
+     "With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
+     and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
+     the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
+     to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
+     exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
+     persons. Countess Themire Dealba's role is concluded. She must not
+     be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
+     sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five millions of francs,
+     as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
+     her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
+     them prepare for the journey.
+
+     "Very truly,
+
+     "MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."
+
+Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
+action.
+
+He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
+enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
+on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.
+
+Ludwig shook him vigorously.
+
+"Awake--awake! You must depart at once."
+
+Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.
+
+"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
+Fertoeszeg."
+
+"And what am I to do there?"
+
+"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
+kept concealed in the Nameless Castle?"
+
+"Yes; but I did n't do it."
+
+"Well, I want you to do it now for me."
+
+"Which do you want, the maid or the casket?"
+
+"Both, if possible; the maid in any case. But you must be sure that she
+is alone when you approach her. Then say merely the name 'Sophie Botta,'
+and she will listen quietly to what you have to say. Then show her this
+ring,--here, put it on your left thumb"--he drew the steel ring from his
+own thumb and slipped it on to Satan Laczi's,--"and say, 'The person who
+wears this ring sent me to fetch you away from here. You are to come
+with me at once.'"
+
+"And where am I to take her?"
+
+"You will have a carriage with four swift horses at the park gate
+nearest the cemetery, and must drive with the maid to Raab.--Don't stop
+on any account until you get there. In Raab you will inquire for the
+house of Dr. Tromfszky, who is our army physician. He will have been
+advised of your coming, and will take charge of the maid. Then you will
+return to me here, and report what you have done. Here is a passport; if
+you are stopped at our lines show it to the guard. And here is a purse;
+don't spare the contents. And do not speak to a living soul about your
+mission."
+
+"Your orders shall be obeyed," responded Satan Laczi, as he turned to
+leave the tent.
+
+Vavel did not go back to the officers' tent. He went out into the night,
+and stood with folded arms, gazing with unseeing eyes into the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+PART VIII
+
+KATHARINA OR THEMIRE?
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+It was a delightful May evening. Marie was practising diligently her
+piano lesson, in order to surprise Ludwig with her progress when he
+should return from the war. That he would return Marie was quite
+certain.
+
+Katharina had gone into the park for a solitary promenade. She had
+complained all day of a headache--a headache that began to trouble her
+after she had read the letter she had received that morning from the
+Marquis de Fervlans. She held the letter in her hand now, and read it
+again for the hundredth time.
+
+Yes, she had accomplished her mission successfully; the fugitive maid
+and the important documents were in her possession; and yet her
+trembling hand refused to grasp the promised reward. A fortune awaited
+her for the comedy she had played with such success--a comedy in which
+she had acted the part of the charitable lady of the manor.
+
+And what if there had been something of reality in the farce? Suppose
+her heart had learned to thrill with emotions hitherto unknown to it?
+Suppose it had learned to know the true meaning of gratitude--of love?
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+If she were alone in the world! But there was Amelie, her dear little
+daughter, who was now almost fifteen years old--almost a young lady.
+Should she leave Amelie in her present disagreeable position, a member
+of "Cythera's Brigade," or should she send for her, and confess to the
+man whose respect she desired to retain that the child was her daughter,
+and that she was a widow? Could she tell him what she had once been?
+Would he continue to respect, to love her?
+
+Five millions of francs!
+
+It was an enormous sum, and would become hers if she should order the
+carriage, and, taking Marie and the casket with her, drive leisurely
+along the highway until stopped by a troop of soldiers that would
+suddenly surround the carriage. A politely smiling face would then
+appear at the window of the carriage, and a courteous voice would say:
+
+"Don't be alarmed, ladies. You are with friends. We are Frenchmen."
+
+But to renounce the love and respect so hardly won! Ah, how very dearly
+she loved the man to whom she had betrothed herself in jest! In jest?
+No, no; it was not a jest!
+
+But five millions of francs!
+
+Would all the millions in the world buy one faithful heart?
+
+Katharina was suffering for her transgressions. She had intended to play
+with the heart of another, and had lost her own. Besides, she could not
+bear to think of betraying the innocent girl who loved and trusted her
+and called her "mother."
+
+But time pressed. Three times already Jocrisse had interrupted her
+meditations to inquire if her answer to the marquis's letter was ready.
+And still she struggled with herself. When Jocrisse appeared again, she
+said to him:
+
+"My letter is of such importance that I cannot think of intrusting it
+to the hands of a stranger. You yourself, Jocrisse, must take it to the
+marquis."
+
+"I am ready to depart at once, madame."
+
+Katharina wrote her reply, sealed it carefully, and gave it to Jocrisse,
+who set out at once on his errand.
+
+In the letter he carried were but three words:
+
+     "_Io non posso_" ("I cannot").
+
+Katharina locked herself in the pavilion in the park, and gave orders to
+the servants not to admit any visitors, whether acquaintances or
+strangers.
+
+An hour or more had passed when she heard a timid knock at the door, and
+an apologetic voice said:
+
+"A strange gentleman is here. I told him your ladyship would see no one;
+then he bade me give your ladyship this, which he said he had brought
+from Paris."
+
+Katharina opened the door wide enough to receive the object. It was a
+small ivory locket, yellow with age. Katharina's hand shook violently as
+she pressed the spring to open it. She cast a hasty glance at the
+miniature,--the likeness of her daughter Amelie,--then said in a
+faltering voice: "You may tell the gentleman I will see him."
+
+In a few minutes the visitor entered the pavilion.
+
+"M. Cambray!" exclaimed the baroness.
+
+"Yes, madame; I am Cambray, with my other name, Marquis Richard
+d'Avoncourt. I am he to whom you once said: 'I shall be grateful to you
+so long as I live.'"
+
+"How--how came you here?" gasped the baroness.
+
+"I managed to escape from my prison at Ham, went to Paris, where I saw
+your daughter--"
+
+"You saw my daughter?" interrupted the baroness, excitedly. "Did you
+speak to her? Oh, tell me--tell me what you know about her."
+
+"You shall hear all directly, madame. I told the countess that I
+intended to search for her mother, and asked if she had any message to
+send to her."
+
+"Did she send a letter with you?" again interrupted the baroness.
+
+"She did, madame. But before I give it to you I should like to have a
+shovel of hot coals and a bit of camphor."
+
+"But why--why?" demanded the baroness.
+
+"I will tell you. Do you know what Napoleon brought home with him from
+the bloody battle of Eilau?"
+
+"I have not heard."
+
+"The 'influenza.' I dare say you have never even heard the name; but you
+will very soon hear it often enough! It is a pestilential disease that
+is rather harmless where it originated, but when it takes hold of a
+strange region it becomes a deadly pestilence--as in Paris, where a
+special hospital has been established for patients with the disease. It
+was in this hospital I found your daughter as a nurse."
+
+"_Jesu Maria!_" shrieked the mother, in a tone of agony. "A nurse in
+that pest-house?"
+
+"Yes," nodded the marquis. Then he took from his pocket a letter, and
+added: "She wrote this to you from there."
+
+The baroness eagerly extended her hand to take the letter.
+
+"Would it not be better to fumigate it first?" said the marquis.
+
+"No, no; I am not afraid! Give it to me, I beg of you!"
+
+She caught the letter from his hand, tore it open, and read:
+
+     "DEAR LITTLE MAMA: What sort of a life are you leading out yonder
+     in that strange land? Do you never get weary or feel bored? Have
+     you anything to amuse you? _I_ have become satiated with my
+     life--lying, cheating, deceiving every day in order to live! While
+     I was a little girl I was proud of the praises heaped upon me for
+     my cleverness. But a day came when everything disgusted me. It is
+     an infamous trade, this of ours, little mama, and I have given it
+     up. I have begun to lead a different life--one with which I am
+     satisfied; and if you will take the advice of one who wishes you
+     well, you, too, will quit the old ways. You can embroider
+     beautifully and play the piano like a master. You could earn a
+     livelihood giving lessons in either. Do not trouble any further
+     about me, for I can take care of myself. If only you knew how much
+     happier I am now, you would rejoice, I know! Let me beg you to
+     become honest and truthful, and think often of your old friend and
+     little daughter,
+
+     "AMELIE (now SOEUER AGNES)."
+
+Katharina's nerveless hands dropped to her lap. This sharp rebuke from
+her only child was deserved.
+
+Then she sprang suddenly toward her visitor, grasped his arm, and cried:
+
+"Tell me--tell me about my daughter, my little Amelie! How does she look
+now? Is she much changed? Has she grown? Oh, M. Cambray! in pity tell
+me--tell me about her!"
+
+"I have brought you a portrait of her as she looked when I saw her
+last."
+
+He drew from his pocket a small case, and, opening it, disclosed a
+pallid face with closed eyes. A wreath of myrtle encircled the head,
+which rested on the pillow of a coffin.
+
+"She is dead!" screamed the horror-stricken mother, staring with wild
+eyes at the sorrowful picture.
+
+"Yes, madame, she is dead," assented the marquis. "This portrait is sent
+by your daughter as a remembrance to the mother who exposed her on the
+streets, one stormy winter night, in order that she might spy upon
+another little child--a persecuted and homeless little child."
+
+The baroness cowered beneath the merciless words as beneath a stinging
+lash: but the man knew no pity; he would not spare the heartbroken
+woman.
+
+"And now, madame," he continued in a sharp tone, "you can go back to
+your home and take possession of your reward. You have worked hard to
+earn the blood-money."
+
+Here the baroness sat suddenly upright, tore from her bosom a small gold
+note-case, in which was the order for the five millions of francs. She
+opened the case, took out the order, and tore it into tiny bits. Then
+she flung them from her, crying savagely:
+
+"Curse him who brought me to this! God's curse be upon him who brought
+this on me!"
+
+"Madame," calmly interposed the marquis, "you have not yet completed the
+task you were set to do."
+
+"No, no; I have not--I have not," was the excited response, "and I never
+will. Come--come with me! The maid and what belongs to her are
+here--safe, unharmed. Take her--fly with her and hers whithersoever you
+choose to go; I shall not hinder you."
+
+"That I cannot do, madame. I am a stranger in a strange land. I know not
+who is my friend or who is my foe. _You_ must save the maid. If
+atonement is possible for you, that is the way you may win it. You know
+best where the maid will be safe from her persecutors. Save her, and
+atone for your transgression against her. Ludwig Vavel gave you his love
+and, more than that, his respect. Would you retain both, or will you
+tear them to tatters, as you have the order for the five million francs?
+Will you let me advise you?" he asked, suddenly.
+
+"Advise me, and I will follow it to the letter!"
+
+"Then disguise yourself as a peasant, hide the steel casket in a hamper,
+and take it to Ludwig Vavel, wherever he may be."
+
+"And Marie?"
+
+"You cannot with safety take her with you. The maid and the casket must
+not remain together. You must conceal Marie somewhere until you return
+from the camp."
+
+"Will you not stay here and keep watch over her until I return?"
+
+"I thank you, madame, for your hospitality, but I must not accept it. I
+come direct from the influenza hospital. I feel that the disease has
+laid hold of me. I have comfortable quarters at the Nameless Castle,
+where my old friend Lisette will take care of me. Don't let Marie come
+to see me; and if I should not recover from this illness, which I feel
+will be a severe one, let me be buried down yonder on the shore of the
+lake."
+
+When the Marquis d'Avoncourt left the pavilion he was shaking with a
+violent chill, and as he took his way with tottering steps toward the
+Nameless Castle, Katharina, broken-hearted and filled with anguish, wept
+out her heart in bitter tears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+Marie had finished practising her lesson, and hastened to join Katharina
+in the park. She found her in the pavilion, and was filled with alarm
+when she saw her "little mama" kneeling among the fragments of her
+fortune. Katharina's tear-stained eyes, swollen face, and drawn lips
+betrayed how terribly she was suffering.
+
+"My dearest little mama!" exclaimed Marie, hastening toward the kneeling
+woman, and trying to lift her from the floor, "what is the matter? What
+has happened?"
+
+"Don't touch me," moaned the baroness. "Don't come near me. I am a
+murderess. I murdered her who called me mother."
+
+She held the ivory locket toward Marie, and added: "See, this is what
+she was like when I deserted her--my little daughter Amelie!"
+
+"Your daughter?" repeated Marie, wonderingly. "You have been married?
+Are you a widow?"
+
+"I am."
+
+Katharina now held toward the young girl the portrait M. Cambray had
+given her. "And this," she explained in a hollow tone, "is what she is
+like now--now, when I wanted her to come to me."
+
+"Good heaven!" ejaculated Marie, gazing in terror at the miniature, "she
+is dead?"
+
+"Yes--murdered--as you, too, will be if you stay with me! You must
+fly--fly at once!"
+
+"Katharina!" interposed the young girl, "why do you speak so?"
+
+"I say that you must leave me. Go--go at once! Go down to the parsonage,
+and ask Herr Mercatoris to give you shelter. Tell him to clothe you in
+rags; and when you hear the tramp of horses, hide yourself, and don't
+venture from your concealment until they are gone. I, too, am going away
+from here."
+
+"But why may not I come with you?" asked Marie, in a troubled tone.
+
+"Where I go you cannot accompany me. I am going to steal through the
+lines of Ludwig's camp."
+
+"You are going to Ludwig?" interrupted the young girl.
+
+"Yes, to deliver into his hands the casket containing your belongings.
+After that I--I don't know what will become of me."
+
+"Katharina! Don't frighten me so! Do you imagine that Ludwig will cease
+to love you when he learns you are a widow, and that you had a
+daughter?"
+
+"Oh, no; he will not hate me because I had a daughter," returned
+Katharina, shaking her head sadly, "but because my wickedness destroyed
+her."
+
+"Don't talk so, Katharina," again expostulated Marie.
+
+"Why, don't you see that she is dead? Look at these closed eyes, the
+white face! Ask these closed lips to open and tell you that I did not
+murder her!"
+
+"Katharina, this is not true! Your enemies have told you this to grieve
+you. Look at these two pictures! There is not the least resemblance
+between them. This pale one is not your daughter. He who told you so
+lied cruelly."
+
+Katharina sighed mournfully.
+
+"He who told me so does not lie. It was your old friend Cambray."
+
+"Cambray?" echoed Marie, with mingled delight and astonishment. "Cambray
+is here? My deliverer, my second father! Where is he?"
+
+"He is gone. He accomplished that for which he came,--to crush me to the
+earth, and to serve you,--and has gone away again."
+
+"Gone away?" repeated Marie, incredulously. "Gone away? Impossible!
+Cambray would not go away without seeing me! Which way did he go? I will
+run after him and overtake him."
+
+"No; stay where you are!" commanded Katharina, seizing her arm. "You
+must not follow him."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Listen, and I will tell you. Cambray brought these pictures and this
+letter from Paris. The letter was written by my daughter in the
+hospital, where she caught the dreadful disease which caused her death.
+She had been nursing the sick, like a heroine, and died like a saint. It
+is well with her now, for she is in heaven. If I weep, it is not for
+her, but for myself. The deadly disease Amelie died of has seized upon
+your friend Cambray; and the noble old man is unselfish even in dying.
+He does not want you to come near him, lest you, too, become affected by
+the pestilence. He is gone to the Nameless Castle, where Lisette will
+take care of him--"
+
+"Lisette?" interrupted Marie, excitedly. "Lisette, who was afraid to go
+near her own husband when he lay dying!"
+
+"Well, what would you? Shall I send some one to nurse him?"
+
+"No--no. _I_ am the one to take care of him! He was a father to me. For
+my sake he was imprisoned, persecuted, buried alive all these years! And
+I am to let him die over yonder--alone, without a friend near him! No; I
+am going to him. That which your other daughter had the courage to do,
+this one also will do!"
+
+"Marie! Think of Ludwig! Do you wish to drive him to despair?"
+
+"God watches over us. He will do what is well for all of us!"
+
+"Marie"--Katharina made a last effort to detain the young girl--"Marie,
+do you wish to go to Cambray to learn from him that I am the curse-laden
+creature who was sent after you to capture you and deliver you into the
+hands of your enemies?"
+
+Marie turned at these desperate words, held out her hand, and said
+gently:
+
+"And if he were to tell me that, Katharina, I should say to him that,
+instead of destroying me you liberated me, and instead of hating me you
+love me as I love you."
+
+She made as if she would kiss Katharina; but the excited woman turned
+away her face, and held toward Marie the letter Cambray had given her.
+
+"Read this, and learn to know me as I am," she said in a choking voice.
+
+While Marie was reading the letter, Katharina covered her burning face
+with both hands; but they were gently drawn away and held in the young
+girl's warm clasp, while she spoke:
+
+"A reply must be sent to this letter, little mother. I shall say to her,
+through the soul now on the eve of departure to the better land where
+she dwells: 'Little sister, your mother will wear the pure white
+garment, as you desired, in mourning for you. Instead of you, she will
+have me, and will love me, as I shall love her, in your stead. Bless us
+both, and be happy.' Shall I not send this message to your Amelie with
+my good friend Cambray?"
+
+"Go, then; go--go," convulsively sobbed Katharina, and fell upon her
+face on the floor as Marie hastened from the pavilion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+When her grief had exhausted itself, Katharina stole back to the manor,
+where she removed the steel casket from its hiding-place, wrapped it in
+her shawl, and, passing noiselessly and unseen down a staircase that was
+rarely used, crossed the park to the farmer's cottage.
+
+Here she told the farmer's wife that she was going to play a trick on
+her betrothed, that she wanted to borrow a gown and a kerchief. She bade
+the farmer saddle the mule which his wife rode when she went to the
+village, and to hang the hampers, as usual, from the pommel. In one of
+these she placed the steel casket, in the other a pistol, and filled
+them both with all sorts of provisions. Thus disguised, she mounted the
+quadruped, and set out alone on her way toward the camp.
+
+Almost at the same moment that Ludwig Vavel had learned of the deceit of
+the woman he loved, he became convinced that his ambitious designs had
+come to naught. The rising of the German patriots against Napoleon had
+ended in their defeat, and not a trace was left of the uprising among
+the French people themselves.
+
+It was the third day after the battle of Aspern when Master Matyas
+entered Count Vavel's tent.
+
+The jack of all trades had proved himself a useful member of the
+army--not, indeed, where there was any fighting, for he much preferred
+looking on, when a battle was in progress, to taking an active part in
+the fray. But as a spy he was invaluable.
+
+"I have seen everything," he announced. "I saw the balloon in which a
+French engineer made an ascent to the clouds, to reconnoiter the
+Austrian camp. He went up as high as a kite, and they held on to the
+rope below, down which he sent his messages--observations of the
+Austrians' movements. I saw the bridge, which is two hundred and forty
+fathoms long, which can be transported from place to place, and reaches
+from one bank of the Danube to the other. And I saw that demi-god flying
+on his white horse. He was pale, and trembled."
+
+"And how came you to see all these sights, Master Matyas?" interrupted
+Vavel.
+
+"I allowed the Frenchmen to capture me; then I was set to work in the
+intrenchments with the other prisoners."
+
+"And did you manage to deliver my letter?"
+
+"Oh, yes. The Philadelphians are easily recognized from the silver arrow
+they wear in their ears. When I whispered the password to one of them,
+he gave it back to me, whereupon I handed him your letter. I came away
+as soon as he brought me the answer. Here it is."
+
+This letter by no means lightened Vavel's gloomy mood. Colonel Oudet,
+the secret chief of the Philadelphians in the French army, heartily
+thanked Count Vavel for his offer of assistance to overthrow Napoleon;
+but he also gave the count to understand that, were Bonaparte defeated,
+the republic would be restored to France. In this case, what would
+become of Vavel's cherished plans?
+
+It was after midnight. The pole of "Charles's Wain" in the heavens stood
+upward. Ludwig approached the watch-fire, and told the lieutenant on
+guard that he might go to his tent, that he, Vavel, would take his
+place for the remainder of the night. Then he let the reins drop on the
+neck of his horse, and while the beast grazed on the luxuriant grass,
+his rider, with his carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, continued
+the night watch. The night was very still; the air was filled with
+odorous exhalations, which rose from the earth after the shower in the
+early part of the evening. From time to time a shooting star sped on its
+course across the sky.
+
+One after the other, Ludwig Vavel read the two letters he carried in his
+breast. He did not need to take them from their hiding-place in order to
+read them. He knew the contents by heart--every word. One of them was a
+love-letter he had received from his betrothed; the other was the Judas
+message of his enemy and Marie's.
+
+At one time he would read the love-letter first; then that of the
+arch-plotter. Again, he would change the order of perusal, and test the
+different sensations--the bitter after the sweet, the sweet after the
+bitter.
+
+Suddenly, through the silence of the night, he heard the distant tinkle
+of a mule-bell. It came nearer and nearer. He heard the outpost's "Halt!
+Who comes there?" and heard the pleasant-voiced response: "Good evening,
+friend. God bless you."
+
+"Ah!" muttered Ludwig, with a scornful smile, "my beautiful bride is
+sending another supply of dainties. How much she thinks of me!"
+
+The mule-bell came nearer and nearer.
+
+By the light of the watch-fire Vavel could see the familiar red kerchief
+the farmer's wife from the manor was wont to wear over her head. The
+mule came directly toward the watch-fire, and stopped when close to
+Vavel's horse. The woman riding the beast slipped quickly to the ground,
+emptied the provisions from the hampers, then, lifting the object which
+had been concealed in the bottom of one of them, came around to Vavel's
+side, saying:
+
+"It is I. I have come to seek you."
+
+"Who is it?" he demanded sternly, recognizing the voice; "Katharina or
+Themire?"
+
+"Katharina--Katharina; it is Katharina," stammered the trembling woman,
+looking pleadingly up into his forbidding face.
+
+"And why have you come here?"
+
+"I came to bring you this," she replied, holding toward him the steel
+casket.
+
+"Where is Marie?"
+
+"She is safe--with the Marquis d'Avoncourt."
+
+"What?" exclaimed Vavel, in amazement, flinging his carbine on the
+ground. "Cambray--d'Avoncourt--_here_?"
+
+"Yes; he is at the Nameless Castle, and Marie is with him."
+
+"After all, there is a God in heaven!" with deep-toned thankfulness
+ejaculated Ludwig. Then he added: "Oh, Katharina, how I have suffered
+because of--Themire!"
+
+"Themire is dead!" solemnly returned the baroness. "Let us not speak of
+her. Here, take these treasures into your own keeping; they are no
+longer safe with me. Open the casket and convince yourself that
+everything is there."
+
+"I cannot open it; I have not got the key."
+
+"Have you lost your ring?"
+
+"No. I have trusted the most notorious thief in the country with it. I
+have sent him with the ring to Marie. I bade him show it to her, and
+tell her that she was to follow him wherever he might lead her. Satan
+Laczi has the ring."
+
+Katharina covered her eyes with her hand, and stood with drooping head
+before her lover.
+
+"I have deserved this," she murmured brokenly.
+
+Vavel passed his hand over his face, and sighed. "It was all a dream!
+It was madness to expect impossibilities," he murmured. "I am familiar
+enough with the stars to have known that there are constellations which
+never descend to the horizon. The 'Crown' is one of them! Of what use
+are these rags now?" he exclaimed, with sudden vehemence, pointing to
+the casket, which Katharina still held on her arm. "Whom can they serve?
+They have brought only sorrow to him who has guarded them, and to her to
+whom they belong. I cannot open the casket; but I need not do that to
+destroy the contents. Pray throw it into the fire yonder."
+
+Katharina obeyed without an instant's hesitation. After a while the
+metal casket began to glow in the midst of the flames. It became red,
+then a pale rose-color, while a thin cord of vapor trailed through the
+keyhole.
+
+"The little garments are burning," whispered Vavel, "and the documents,
+and the portraits, and the heap of worthless money. From to-day," he
+added, in a louder tone, "I begin to learn what it is to be a poor man."
+
+"I have already learned what poverty means," said Katharina. "Look at
+these clothes! I have no others, and even these are borrowed."
+
+"I love you in them," involuntarily exclaimed Vavel, extending his hand
+toward her.
+
+"What? You offer me your hand? Do you believe that I am Katharina--only
+Katharina?"
+
+"That I may wholly and entirely believe that you are Katharina, and not
+Themire, answer one question. A creature who calls himself the Marquis
+de Fervlans and Leon Barthelmy is lying in ambush somewhere in this
+neighborhood, waiting for you to settle an old account with him. If you
+are the same to me that you once were, and if I am the same to you that
+I was once, tell me where I shall find De Fervlans, for it will be _my_
+duty then to settle with him."
+
+Katharina's face suddenly blazed with eager excitement. She flung back
+her head with a proud gesture.
+
+"I will lead you to the place. Together we will seek him!" she cried,
+with animation in every feature.
+
+"Then give me your hand. You _are_ Katharina--_my_ Katharina!"
+
+He bent toward her, and the two hands met in a close clasp.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Count Fertoeszeg ordered the drums to beat a reveille; then he selected
+from his troop one hundred trusty men, and galloped with them in the
+direction of Neusiedl Lake. Katharina on her mule, without the tinkling
+bell, trotted soberly by his side.
+
+
+
+
+PART IX
+
+SATAN AND DEMON
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+There was a notorious troop with Napoleon's army, the sixth Italian
+regiment, which was called the "Legion of Demons."
+
+The troop was made up of worthless members of society--idlers,
+highwaymen, outcasts, and desperate characters, who had lost all sense
+of respectability and morality. The majority of them had sought the
+asylum of the battle-field to escape imprisonment or worse.
+
+When their commander led his "demons" to an attack, he was wont to urge
+them thus:
+
+"_Avanti, avanti, Signori briganti! Cavalieri ladroni, avanti!_"
+("Forward, forward, Messieurs Highwaymen! My chivalrous footpads,
+forward!")
+
+A division of this legion of demons had made its way with the vice-king
+of Italy thus far through the belt-line, and had been intrusted with the
+mission mentioned in De Fervlans's letter to General Guillaume. The
+marquis commanded this body of the demons, he having, as Colonel
+Barthelmy in the Austrian army, become thoroughly familiar with that
+part of Hungary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Lisette and Satan Laczi's little son were living alone at the Nameless
+Castle.
+
+When Marie, who was come in quest of her friend Cambray, rang the bell,
+the door was opened by the lad.
+
+"Is there a strange gentleman here?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know. He went to see Lisette, and I did not see him come away,"
+was the reply.
+
+"Then let me come in," said the young girl. "I want to speak to Lisette,
+too."
+
+"She will beat me if I let you come in," returned the boy, opening the
+door after a moment's hesitation.
+
+The fumes of camphor were perceptible even in the vestibule; and when
+Marie's little conductor knocked at the door of the kitchen, a heaping
+shovelful of hot and smoking coals was thrust toward him, and a scolding
+voice demanded irritably:
+
+"What do you want again? Why do you keep annoying me, you little
+torment!"
+
+"Excuse me, Lisette," humbly apologized the lad, "but our young mistress
+from the manor is here."
+
+At this announcement Lisette hastily shut the door again, and opened a
+small loophole in an upper panel, through which she spoke in a sharp
+tone:
+
+"Why do you come here? Has the Lord forsaken you over yonder, that you
+come back to this pest-house? Get out of it as quickly as you can. Go
+down and hide yourself in the Schmidt's cottage--perhaps they will not
+betray you. Anyway, you can't stop here with us."
+
+"That is just what I mean to do, Lisette,--stop here with you,"
+smilingly responded Marie. "Where is my friend Cambray?"
+
+"How should I know where he is? A pretty question to ask me! He is n't
+anywhere. He has gone to bed, and you can't see him."
+
+"I shall hunt till I find him, Lisette."
+
+"Well, you will do as you like, of course; but you will not find M.
+Cambray, for he does n't want to see you."
+
+"Very well," returned Marie. Then to the lad by her side, "Come with
+me, Laczko; we will hunt for the gentleman."
+
+Lisette was beside herself with terror at the danger which threatened
+Marie; but before she could utter another word, the young girl and her
+little escort had disappeared down the corridor.
+
+There was a great change everywhere in the castle. The floors were
+covered with muddy foot-tracks; huge nails had been driven into the
+varnished walls, and great heaps of dust, straw, and hay lay about on
+the inlaid floors of the halls and salon. Marie hardly recognized her
+former immaculate asylum.
+
+She called, with her clear, soft-toned voice, into every room, "Cambray!
+father! art thou here?" but received no reply.
+
+Then she mounted the staircase to her own apartment. The door was open
+like all the rest, but a first glance told Marie that the room had not
+been used until now. Lisette, beyond a doubt, had lodged her respected
+guest in this only habitable chamber.
+
+Marie entered and looked about her. The metal screen was down!
+
+She hastened toward it. There was a light burning in the alcove, and she
+could see through the links by placing her eyes close to them. The noble
+old knight was lying on the bare floor, with his hands forming a pillow
+for his head. His glassy eyes were fixed and staring, and burning with a
+startling brightness. His parched lips were half-open, as if he were
+speaking.
+
+"Cambray! father!" called Marie; in a tone of distress.
+
+"Who calls? Marie?" gasped the fever-stricken man, making a vain attempt
+to rise. He fell back with a deep groan, but flung out his hand as if to
+ward off her approach.
+
+"Let me come in, Cambray. It is I, your little Marie. Please let me
+come in. There, close to your right hand, is a button in the floor.
+Press it, and this screen will rise."
+
+The sick man began to laugh; only his face showed that he was laughing,
+no sound came from his parched throat. He was laughing because he had
+prevented his favorite from coming to his pestilential resting-place.
+
+Marie deliberated a moment, then decided to resort to stratagem:
+
+"If you will not let me come in to you, papa Cambray," she called,
+simulating a petulant tone, "I shall go away, and not come back again.
+If you should want anything there will be a little boy here, outside;
+you can summon him by pressing that button. Good night, dear papa
+Cambray!"
+
+The sick man turned his face toward the screen and listened in dreamy
+ecstasy to the sweet voice. He raised his hand, waved it weakly toward
+the speaker, then clasped it with the other on his breast, while his
+lips moved as if in prayer.
+
+"Go fetch candles, and the tinder-box," whispered Marie to the little
+Laczko. "Place them here by the sofa, then light the lamp in the
+corridor."
+
+"May I fetch my gun, too?" asked the boy.
+
+"Your gun? What for?"
+
+"I should n't be afraid if I had it with me."
+
+"Then fetch it; but don't come into the room with it, for I am
+dreadfully afraid of guns. Leave it just outside the door."
+
+It was quite dark when Laczko returned with the candles and a heavy
+double-barreled fowling-piece. He carefully placed the latter in the
+corner, then asked:
+
+"Shall I light the candles now?"
+
+"Certainly not. I don't want the gentleman to know that I am here. Maybe
+he may want something, and open the screen. I am going to lie down on
+this sofa, and you are to stand close by the alcove and watch the
+gentleman. If he should lift the screen, and I have fallen asleep, you
+must waken me at once."
+
+Marie wrapped herself in her shawl, and lay down on the leather couch.
+Laczko took up his station as directed, close by the metal screen,
+through which he peered from time to time.
+
+But there was no danger of Marie falling asleep. She could not even keep
+her eyes closed. Every few moments she would sit up and ask in a
+cautious whisper:
+
+"What is he doing now?"
+
+"He is tossing from side to side."
+
+This reply was repeated several times.
+
+At last the answer came that the invalid was perfectly quiet, whereupon
+Marie decided not to inquire again for an hour.
+
+Suddenly she heard the lad say, in a trembling voice:
+
+"I am dreadfully frightened."
+
+"What of?" whispered Marie.
+
+"The gentleman lies so still. He has n't stirred for a long time."
+
+"He is asleep, I dare say."
+
+"If he were sleeping his breast would rise and fall; but he is perfectly
+still."
+
+Marie rose, and hastened to the screen. The smoking wick in the
+night-lamp near Cambray's head illumined his ghastly face. Marie had
+already seen one such pallid countenance--that of the old servant Henry
+when he lay dead on his bier.
+
+She shuddered, and retreated with trembling limbs, drawing the lad with
+her.
+
+"You may light the candle now," she whispered; "then we will go back to
+Lisette."
+
+Laczko lighted the candle, then shouldered his gun, and preceded his
+young mistress down the staircase to the lower story.
+
+They had almost reached the door of Lisette's room when Marie, who had
+been peering sharply ahead, stopped abruptly, and exclaimed in a
+startled tone:
+
+"There is a man!"
+
+Even as she spoke a dark form stepped from a doorway into the corridor
+in front of them. Marie retreated several steps; but her little escort
+proved that he was made of sterner stuff. He placed himself valiantly in
+front of his young mistress, laid his gun against his cheek, and aiming
+directly for the stranger's breast, said, in a brave tone:
+
+"Halt, or I will shoot you."
+
+"That's my brave lad," commented the stranger. "But don't shoot. It is
+I, your father."
+
+"Don't come any nearer, I tell you!" responded the lad, threateningly.
+
+"Why, I am not moving a muscle, lad; don't be foolish."
+
+"What do you want here?" demanded Laczko. "I will not let you do any
+harm to my mistress."
+
+Here Marie, who had recovered from her alarm, came forward, and laid her
+hand over her small defender's eyes.
+
+"Take down your gun, Laczko," she commanded. Then turning to the
+stranger asked: "What do you want, my good man?"
+
+For answer the man merely pronounced a name:
+
+"Sophie Botta."
+
+Without an instant's hesitation, and although she shuddered
+involuntarily when her eyes fell on the stranger's repulsive
+countenance, the young girl went close to his side, and said calmly:
+
+"What do you wish me to do?"
+
+Satan Laczi held the thumb-ring toward her, and said:
+
+"The person who wears this sent me to fetch you away from here. Are you
+ready to come with me at once?"
+
+"I am," replied Marie, who seemed unable to remove her eyes from the
+hideously ugly face before her.
+
+"My master," continued the ex-robber, "also bade me fetch a little steel
+casket. Do you know where it is hidden?"
+
+"The person who had it in her care has already taken it to your master,"
+was Marie's response.
+
+"Ah, she has taken it to him?" repeated Satan Laczi. "Then it is all
+right. I know now what I have to do. My master bade me convey you to a
+place of concealment; but my face is not exactly the sort to win
+anybody's confidence. Besides, I know some one who can perform this
+errand as well as I. The way to Raab is clear. Instead of taking you
+there myself, my wife will go with you. I think you would rather have
+her for a companion?"
+
+"Yes, I think I would rather go with a woman," diplomatically assented
+Marie.
+
+"As an additional protection, take this little lad with you." Here the
+ex-robber laid his hand on his son's shoulder, and looked proudly down
+on him. "His heart is already in the right place. And then he is not a
+wicked rascal like his father."
+
+He was silent a moment, then added: "But I intend to reform. When my
+master has spoken with the woman to whom he intrusted his treasures, and
+if she has not betrayed him, then I know where he will be to-morrow. And
+Satan Laczi will be there, too! Then I and my comrades will show them
+what we can do. But come, we must make haste, and get on as far as
+possible while the moon is shining."
+
+"But I am not properly clad for a journey," interposed Marie.
+
+"My wife brought a nice warm _bunda_ to wrap you in; it is in the
+carriage out yonder," returned the ex-robber.
+
+"One word first: you are acquainted with the man who made the metal
+screen in my apartments. Could you see him?"
+
+"He is in Count Vavel's service, and I can see him when I return to the
+camp."
+
+"Then tell him to come to the Nameless Castle at once. He understands
+the secret spring of the screen, behind which he will find a dead man.
+This man was a very good friend, and I want him properly buried."
+
+"I will give Master Matyas your order."
+
+Marie now took leave of the Nameless Castle, feeling that she would
+never again come back to it. But she had not the courage to enter her
+apartments again.
+
+The four-horse coach waited at the park gate. Marie entered it, wrapped
+the warm sheep-skin around her, and tied a cotton kerchief over her head
+in peasant fashion. Satan Laczi's wife took a seat by her side; the
+little Laczko climbed to the coachman's box, where he sat with his gun
+between his knees. Then the coachman cracked his whip, and the vehicle
+rattled down the road amid a cloud of dust. Satan Laczi looked after the
+coach until it disappeared around a turn in the road. Then he blew a
+shrill blast on his whistle, whereupon a number of wild-looking men,
+each armed to the teeth, emerged from the shrubbery and came toward him.
+Whispered orders were given, then the men in a body moved toward the
+willow-copse on the shore of the lake. Here were two flatboats drawn up
+on the beach. These were pushed into the water; the men entered them,
+each took an oar, and the unwieldy vessels were propelled along the
+shore toward the marshes.
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans had camped with his company of demons on the
+shore of Neusiedl Lake. The marquis himself had taken quarters at the
+inn in the nearest village, where, assisted by two companions of
+questionable respectability but of undoubted valor, he was testing the
+quality of the fiery wine of the region, when a peasant cart, drawn by
+three horses, drew up before the inn, and Jocrisse, Baroness Katharina's
+messenger, alighted.
+
+"Ah, here comes a sensible fellow," exclaimed the marquis. "I wonder
+what news he brings."
+
+He was very soon enlightened.
+
+"Hum! '_Io non posso!_'" he repeated, after reading the brief message
+Jocrisse delivered to him. "Very well, madame, I think I shall know what
+to do if you 'cannot'! Jocrisse, how is the country around Odenburg
+garrisoned?"
+
+"A division of militia cavalry occupies every town,"
+
+"That is exasperating! Not that I fear these militiamen might give my
+demons too much work; but I am afraid I may alarm them; then they will
+scamper in all directions, and frighten the entire Neusiedl region, so
+that when I arrive at Fertoeszeg I shall find the birds flown and the
+nest empty. We must take them by surprise. Have you ever before been in
+this part of the country, Jocrisse?"
+
+"I accompanied the county surveyor once as far as Frauenkirchen."
+
+"Is the road practicable for wheels?"
+
+"To Frauenkirchen it is good for wagons; but beyond the city it is in a
+wretched condition."
+
+"Very well. You will engage a post-chaise here, and follow us to
+Frauenkirchen, where you will wait for further orders. What time did you
+leave Fertoeszeg?"
+
+"About noon."
+
+"Listen. I suspect that your mistress will try to escape with the maid.
+If that is the case, we must bestir ourselves. But women are afraid to
+travel by night; and even if they have already left the manor, they
+cannot have gone very far. The water in the Danube was unusually high on
+the day of the battle at Aspern; that would cause the Raab to rise, and
+overflow the bridges crossing it. I shall doubtless overtake the
+fugitives at Vitnyed."
+
+"It will be rather risky crossing the Hansag at night," observed
+Jocrisse, "and no amount of money would induce one of these natives
+about here to act as guide. They are a peculiar folk."
+
+"Yes; but I shall not need a guide. I have an excellent map of the
+neighborhood, which I used when I was in garrison here. I used to hunt
+all over this region after wild boars and turkeys, and never had any
+difficulty finding my way, even at night."
+
+De Fervlans now sent orders to his troop to break camp at once, with as
+little stir as possible; and before twilight shadows fell upon the land,
+the demons were riding toward the Hansag.
+
+If we assume that Marie left the Nameless Castle in company with the
+wife of Satan Laczi at midnight, we can easily see that she would have
+but a few hours' advantage of the demons, who broke camp at sunset. If
+the latter met with no hindrance on their way, they would overtake the
+coach of the fugitives at the crossing of the Raab. As it was after
+midnight when Ludwig Vavel learned of the danger which threatened Marie,
+he could not, even if he had set out at once, have reached the Hansag
+before noon of the following day, by which time De Fervlans and his
+demons would have accomplished their errand. Therefore nothing short of
+a miracle could save the maid.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+The miracle happened--a true miracle, like the one of the biblical
+legend, when the Red Sea obstructed the way of the persecutor Pharaoh.
+
+Those who may doubt this assertion are referred to the "Monograph on
+Lake Neusiedl," in which may be read a description of the phenomenon. In
+the last years Lake Neusiedl had been drained, and where it had joined
+the lakes of the Hansag, a stout dam had been built. When the waters of
+the Hansag chain rose, the muddy undercurrent threw up great mounds of
+earth, like enormous excrescences on a diseased body. One of these huge
+mounds burst open at the top and emitted a black, slimy mud that
+inundated the surrounding morass for a considerable distance.
+
+Already in the neighborhood of St. Andras this slimy ooze was noticeable
+when the troop of demons galloped over the plantain-covered flats which
+here and there bent under the weight of the horsemen. As they proceeded,
+the enormous numbers of frogs became surprising, as if this host of
+amphibia had leagued against the invading demons. Then flocks of
+water-fowl, with clamorous cries and rustling wings, rose here and
+there, startled from their quiet nests by the approaching inundation,
+which by this time had completely hidden what was called in that region
+the public road. De Fervlans, at a loss what to make of this singular
+freak of nature, sent a horseman to the right, and one to the left, to
+examine the ground, and learn whence came the sea of slime, and how it
+might be avoided. Each of his messengers returned with the information
+that the slime was flowing in the direction he had ridden. The source,
+then, must be near where they had halted.
+
+"This is bad," said De Fervlans, impatiently. "This eruption of mud will
+hinder our progress. We can't run a race with it. We must look up
+another route, and this will delay us perhaps for hours. But we can make
+that up when on a hard road again."
+
+De Fervlans, who was familiar with the neighborhood, now led his troop
+in the direction of the path which ran through the morass toward the
+village of Banfalva, hoping thus to gain the excellent highway of
+Eszterhaza. Here and there from the swamp rose slight elevations of dry
+earth which were overgrown with alders and willows. On one of these
+"hills" De Fervlans concluded to halt for a rest, as both men and horses
+were weary with the toilsome journey over the wretched roads.
+
+Very soon enough dry wood was collected for a fire. There was no need to
+fear that the light might attract attention; the camp was far enough
+from human habitation, and neither man nor beast ever spent the night in
+the morass of the Hansag. Besides, they could have seen, from the top of
+a tree, if any one were approaching. They could see in the bright
+moonlight the long poplar avenue which led to Eszterhaza; and even a
+gilded steeple might be seen gleaming in the Hungarian Versailles, which
+was perhaps a two hours' ride distant.
+
+Suddenly the sharp call, "_Qui vive?_" was heard. It was answered by a
+sort of grunt, half-brute, half-human. Again the challenging call broke
+the silence, and was followed in a few seconds by a gunshot. Then a wild
+laugh was heard at some distance from the hill. De Fervlans hurried
+toward the guard.
+
+"What was it?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know whether it was a wild beast or a devil in human form," was
+the reply. "It was a strange-looking monster with a large head and
+pointed ears."
+
+"I 'll wager it is my runaway fish-boy!" exclaimed the marquis.
+
+"When I challenged the creature he stood up on his feet, and barked, or
+grunted, or whatever you might call it; and when I called out the second
+time he seemed to strike fire with something; at any rate, he did not
+act in the proper manner, so I fired at him. But I did n't hit him."
+
+"I should be sorry if you had," responded the marquis. "I am convinced
+that it was my little monster. I taught him to strike fire; and he was
+evidently attracted by the light of our camp-fire."
+
+Perhaps it would have been better had the guard shot the amphibious
+dwarf. Hardly had De Fervlans returned to his seat when the adjutant
+called his attention to a suspicious flashing in the morass a short
+distance from the hill on which they were resting. Suddenly, while they
+were watching the flashes of light, a column of flame rose toward the
+sky, then another, and another--the morass was on fire in a dozen
+places.
+
+"Hell, and all devils!" shouted De Fervlans, springing toward his horse.
+"The little monster has set the marsh-grass on fire, and it was I who
+taught the devil's spawn how to use touchwood! Give chase to the
+creature!"
+
+But the order for a chase came too late. In ten minutes the reeds
+growing about the hill were burning, and the demons were compelled to
+use their spurs in order to speed their horses from the dangerous
+conflagration.
+
+They did not stop until they had reached the Valla plain--driven to
+their mad gallop by the caricature of the "militiaman"!
+
+"This is a pretty state of affairs!" grumbled De Fervlans. "Mire first,
+then flames, bar our way. _Quis quid peccat, in eo punitur_--he who sins
+will be punished by his sin! I sinned in teaching that monster to strike
+fire. It has made us lose four more hours."
+
+The four hours were of some consequence to the fugitive maid and Ludwig
+Vavel.
+
+Dawn broke before the demons found the road between the groups of hills,
+and when they reached it, they still had before them that half of the
+Hansag which is formed by a series of small lakes.
+
+De Fervlans now became anxious to shorten their route. A lakelet of
+fifty or sixty paces in width is not an impassable hindrance for a
+horseman. Therefore it was not necessary to ride perhaps a thousand
+paces in making a detour of the lakelets--the demons must ride through
+them. How often had he, when following a deer, swam with his horse
+through just such a body of water. Only then it was autumn, and now it
+was spring.
+
+The flora of this marsh country has many species which hide underneath
+the water, and in the springtime send their long stems and tendrils
+toward the surface. De Fervlans was yet to learn that even plants may
+become foes. Those of his demons who were the first to plunge into the
+water suddenly began to call for help. Neither man nor beast can swim
+through a network of growing plants; at every movement they become
+entangled among the clinging tendrils and swaying stems, and sink to the
+bottom unless promptly rescued. The men on shore were obliged to grasp
+the tails of the struggling horses and draw them back to land. De
+Fervlans, who could not be convinced that it was impossible to swim
+across the narrow stretch of water, came very near losing his life among
+the aquatic growths. There was now no likelihood of their reaching the
+highway before sunrise.
+
+There was still another hindrance. The fire in the morass had alarmed
+the entire neighborhood, and the inhabitants were out, to a man,
+fighting the flames which threatened their meadows. Therefore De
+Fervlans, who wished to avoid attracting attention to his troop, was
+obliged to make his way through thickets and over rough byways, which
+was very tedious work.
+
+It was noon when they arrived at the bridge which crossed the Raab half
+a mile from Pomogy. At the farther end of this bridge was the
+custom-house, which was also a public inn.
+
+"We must rest there," said De Fervlans, "or our worn-out beasts will
+drop under us."
+
+Just as the troop rode on to the bridge, two men ran swiftly from the
+custom-house toward the swampy lowland. Before they entered the marsh
+they stopped, and bound long wooden stilts to their feet; and, thus
+equipped, stepped without difficulty from one earth-clod to another. No
+horseman could have followed them across the treacherous ground. De
+Fervlans's adjutant became uneasy when he saw these two men, whose
+actions seemed suspicious to him; but the marquis assured him that they
+were only shepherds whose herds pastured in the marshes.
+
+The troop dismounted at the inn, and demanded of the host whatever he
+had of victuals and drinks. He could offer them nothing better than sour
+cider, mead, and wild ducks' eggs. But when a demon is hungry and
+thirsty, even these will satisfy him. De Fervlans, who had not for one
+instant doubted that his expedition would be successful, spread out his
+map and planned their further march. General Guillaume would have
+received one of his letters at least,--he had sent two, with two
+different couriers in different directions,--and would now be waiting at
+Friedberg for the arrival of the demons and their distinguished captive.
+Therefore the most direct route to that point must be selected. It was
+not likely that any militia troops would be idling about that cart of
+the country; and if there were, the demons could very easily manage
+them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+One of the two men who crossed the morass on stilts was Master Matyas,
+whose distance marches during this campaign were something phenomenal.
+Matyas found Count Vavel with his troop already at Eszterhaza, and
+apprized him at once of De Fervlans's arrival at the bridge-inn. The
+Volons had not yet rested, but they had traveled over passable roads,
+and were not so exhausted. Their leader at once gave orders to mount.
+
+When Ludwig saw that Katharina also prepared to accompany the troop, he
+hurried to her side.
+
+"Don't come any farther, Katharina," he begged. "Remain here, where you
+will be perfectly safe. Something might happen to you when we meet the
+enemy."
+
+Katharina's smiling reply was:
+
+"No, my dear friend. I have paid a very high entrance-fee to see this
+tragedy, for that you will kill Barthelmy Fervlans I am as certain as
+that there is a just God in heaven!"
+
+"But _your_ presence will make me fear at a moment when I must not feel
+afraid--afraid for your safety."
+
+"Oh, don't trouble about yourself. I know you better. When you come in
+sight of the enemy you will forget all about _me_. As for me, I am going
+with you."
+
+The troop now set out on the march through the poplar avenue. When they
+drew near to Pomogy, Vavel sent a squad in advance to act as
+skirmishers, while he, with the rest of his men, took possession of a
+solitary elevation near the road, which was the work of human hands. It
+was composed of the refuse from a soda-factory, and encircled on three
+sides a low building. Vavel concealed his horsemen behind this
+artificial hillock, then, accompanied by Katharina, he ascended to the
+top to take a view of the surrounding country.
+
+He could see through his field-glass the bridge across the Raab and the
+inn at the farther end. The entire region was nothing but morass. A
+trench ran from the highway toward Lake Neusiedl; it could be traced by
+the dense growth of broom along its edges.
+
+"You are my adjutant," jestingly remarked Vavel to Katharina. "I am
+going down now; for if I should be seen here it will be known what is
+behind me. You are a farmer's wife, and will not arouse suspicion; stop
+here, therefore, and take observations with my glass, and keep me
+informed of what happens."
+
+The Marquis de Fervlans was enjoying a tankard of foaming mead when his
+adjutant came hastily into the room with the announcement that some
+troopers were approaching the bridge on the farther side of the river.
+De Fervlans hurried from the inn and gave orders to mount. As yet only
+the crimson hats of the troopers could be seen above the tall reeds on
+the farther shore.
+
+"Those are Vavel's Volons," said De Fervlans, taking a look through his
+glass. "I recognize the uniform from Jocrisse's description. Madame
+Themire has turned traitor, and sent the count to deal with me instead
+of coming herself. Very good! We will show the gentleman that war and
+star-gazing are different occupations. He was a soldier once; but I
+don't think he paid much attention to military tactics, else he would
+not have neglected to occupy yon hill, on which I see a peasant woman
+with a red kerchief over her head. That is an old soda-factory--I know
+the place well. I should n't wonder if Vavel had concealed some men
+there after all! That small body coming this way is evidently bent on a
+skirmishing errand. Well, our tactics will be to lure him from his
+concealment."
+
+He held a consultation with his subordinates; after which he turned
+toward the waiting demons, and called:
+
+"Signor Trentatrante!"
+
+The man came forward--a true type of the gladiator of the Vatican.
+
+"Dismount," ordered the marquis. "Take thirty men, and proceed on foot
+to the farther side of yon thicket, where you will lie in ambush until I
+have begun an assault on the soda-factory over yonder. The men in hiding
+there will show up when we approach; I shall then pretend to retreat,
+and lure them toward the thicket. You will know what to do then--fall
+upon them in the rear. When you have arrived at the thicket let me know.
+Set fire to that tallest clump of reeds near the willow-shrubs."
+
+"All right!" returned the signor. Then he selected thirty of his
+companions, who also dismounted, and they started at once to obey the
+orders of their leader.
+
+The "peasant woman with a red kerchief over her head," who was standing
+on the soda-factory hill, called in a low, clear tone to Ludwig:
+
+"De Fervlans is coming with his troop."
+
+"Then we must prepare a greeting for him," responded Vavel. He ordered
+his men into their saddles, then sallied forth with them to meet the
+enemy.
+
+The two bodies of soldiers moving toward each other were very nearly
+alike in numbers. Neither seemed to be in a particular hurry to begin an
+assault. Suddenly a column of smoke rose from the thicket near the
+bridge--it was the signal De Fervlans was waiting for. He gave orders to
+halt. The next instant there was a rattling salute from the demons'
+carbines. The "peasant woman" on the hill covered her face with both
+hands and shivered. The messengers of death flew about the head of her
+lover, but left him unharmed.
+
+Vavel now moved nearer to the attacking foe, and himself made straight
+for the leader. One of De Fervlans's lieutenants, however, a thick-set,
+sun-browned Sicilian, met the count's assault. There was a little
+sword-play, then Vavel struck his adversary's blade from his hand with a
+force that sent it whizzing through the air, and with his left hand
+thrust the Sicilian, who was reaching for his pistols, from the saddle.
+
+Nor had Vavel's companions been idle the while. The first assault was a
+success for the count's troop. De Fervlans now ordered a retreat. The
+death-heads looked upon this as a victory, and eagerly pursued the
+retreating foe. But the woman on the hill had already perceived that the
+retreat was but a feint. She saw the demons crouching among the reeds in
+the thicket, and guessed their intention.
+
+"Vavel!" she shouted at the top of her voice, "Vavel, take care! Look to
+your rear!"
+
+She imagined that her lover would hear her amid the tumult of the fight.
+
+But Vavel had ears and eyes only for what was in front of him. Nearer
+and nearer he approached to the trap De Fervlans had laid for him. He
+was in it! The trench was behind him now, and the demons in ambush were
+preparing to spring upon their prey.
+
+Katharina could look no longer. She ran down the hill, sprang on her
+mule, and galloped after her lover.
+
+De Fervlans's retreat was conducted in proper order, step by step, from
+earth-clod to earth-clod.
+
+Suddenly Katharina discovered that a mule was an obstinate beast. The
+one she was riding stopped abruptly, and would not advance another step.
+In vain she urged and coaxed. At last she sprang from the saddle, and on
+foot made her way toward the scene of the fray.
+
+At this moment the demons creeping steathily along the trench sprang
+from their concealment, their bayonets ready for action. They were on
+the point of firing a volley into the black backs of the Volons, when a
+rattling fire in their own rear brought down half of them dead and
+wounded. The uninjured on turning found themselves confronted by Satan
+Laczi and his comrades, who, black and slimy from their passage through
+the morass, sprang like tigers upon the foe.
+
+"Strike for their heads!" commanded Satan Laczi, as, with sabers drawn,
+the ex-robbers rushed upon the bewildered demons, who had at last met
+their match.
+
+When De Fervlans heard the firing in the neighborhood of the trench, he
+believed it to come from the muskets of his own men, and quickly sounded
+an attack. The demons, who had been feigning to retreat, now turned and
+met their pursuers, and a hand-to-hand conflict began.
+
+Vavel also had heard the firing behind him, and believed himself
+surrounded by the enemy. He beckoned to his trumpeter, to whom he wished
+to give orders to sound a retreat, but the man's horse unfortunately
+stumbled, and threw his rider to the earth. Three demons, at once sprang
+to capture the fallen trumpeter; but Vavel, who knew how necessary the
+man was to him, hastened to his assistance.
+
+De Fervlans in amazement watched this unequal encounter. A masterly
+conflict arouses admiration even in an enemy; and Vavel certainly
+proved himself a master in the art of fighting.
+
+He fought in cold blood; he was not in the least excited. He made no
+unnecessary thrusts, but wounded his three adversaries in the hand, the
+elbow, the forearm, whereby he rendered them incapable of further
+combat. De Fervlans saw how his skilled demons gave way before Vavel's
+masterly thrusts, while the Volons drew their unfortunate trumpeter from
+beneath his horse, and assisted him to mount again, after they had also
+helped the horse to his feet.
+
+But the trumpet was now useless; it was filled with mud. Consequently a
+signal for retreat could not be sounded.
+
+A dense mass of wild-hop vines inclosed the eastern side of the scene of
+action. De Fervlans glanced impatiently toward this green wall. The
+armed men who should penetrate it would decide the victory.
+
+Even as the thought flashed through his brain, the tangle of vines began
+to shake violently; but the first man to appear therefrom was not Signor
+Trentatrante, as De Fervlans had expected, but Satan Laczi, with his
+ferocious followers.
+
+The attack from this point was so unexpected that De Fervlans for a
+moment seemed stupefied; then quickly recovering himself, he dashed into
+the thick of the fight, Vavel following his example. By this time the
+trumpet had been cleansed, but no orders were received for a retreat
+signal; instead, the sound it shrilled above the fearful turmoil was:
+"Forward! forward!"
+
+With the blood pouring from a gaping wound in his head, Satan Laczi,
+swinging a saber he had captured from a foe, now rushed to meet De
+Fervlans, who at once recognized the former robber.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, preparing to meet the furious onslaught, "you have
+not yet found your way to the gallows!"
+
+"No; here in Hungary only traitors are hanged," retorted Satan Laczi, in
+a loud voice, as, with a mighty leap that would have done credit to a
+horse, he sprang toward the marquis, caught the reins from his hands,
+and with true robber-wit called: "Surrender, brother-rascal!"
+
+De Fervlans raised himself in his stirrups and brought his saber
+savagely down on the robber's head. This was the second serious cut
+Satan Laczi had received that day, and was evidently enough to calm his
+enthusiasm. He staggered to one side, made several vain attempts to
+straighten himself, then fell suddenly to the earth. His own blade,
+however, remained in the breast of De Fervlans's horse, where he had
+thrust it to the hilt.
+
+The marquis hardly had time to leap from the saddle before the poor
+beast fell under him.
+
+All seemed lost now. His men were confused and thrown into disorder. In
+desperation he tore his pistols from the saddle of his fallen horse.
+Only a single shrub separated him from his enemy,--twenty paces,--and De
+Fervlans was a celebrated shot.
+
+Count Vavel saw what was coming, and he too drew his pistol.
+
+"Good night, Chevalier Vavel!" in a mocking tone called De Fervlans, as
+his finger pressed the trigger. There was a sharp report, the ball
+whistled through the air--but Vavel did not fall.
+
+"Accept _my_ greeting, marquis!" responded Vavel, He raised his pistol,
+and fired without taking aim. De Fervlans fell backward to the ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+When De Fervlans's men saw that their leader had fallen they retreated
+toward the bridge, where a portion of the troop alighted and held at bay
+their pursuers, while the rest tore up and flung into the stream the
+planks of the bridge. Then the men who had prevented the Volons from
+following crossed on foot the narrow lengthwise beam to the opposite
+shore--a feat impossible for a man on horseback.
+
+The spot where the fiercest fighting had occurred was already cleared
+when Katharina arrived upon it. She shuddered with horror, and staggered
+like one who walks in his sleep as she moved about the desert place.
+
+Suddenly she came upon a large wild-rose bush covered with bloom. Close
+by it lay a horse with the hilt of a sword protruding from his breast.
+Near the dead animal lay a metal helmet ornamented with the gilded
+imperial eagle, and a little farther on lay a mud-stained form in a
+uniform of coarse gray cloth, with a gaping wound in his head; his left
+hand clutched the rushes among which he had fallen. As Katharina, in her
+peasant gown, moved timidly across the open space, she heard a voice say
+faintly in Hungarian:
+
+"For God's sake, good woman, give me a drink of water."
+
+Without stopping to question whether he was friend or foe, Katharina
+caught up the metal helmet to fetch the water.
+
+There was water everywhere about her, but it was the filthy water of
+the morass.
+
+Katharina remembered having heard that the shepherds of the Hansag, when
+they were thirsty, cut a reed and thrust it deep into the swampy earth,
+when clear, drinkable water would rise from the lower soil. She
+therefore thrust a long cane into the moist earth, then put her lips to
+it, and sucked up the water. On removing her lips a clear stream shot
+upward from the cane. She held the helmet under this improvised fountain
+until it was full, then returned with it to the rose-bush.
+
+The wounded man was lying on his back, his bloodstained face upturned
+toward the sky. Katharina knelt by his side, and held the helmet to his
+lips.
+
+"Themire!" gasped the wounded man.
+
+At sound of the name a sudden fury seemed to seize the woman.
+
+"De Fervlans!" she cried, in a hoarse voice. "_You!_ you, the accursed
+destroyer of my daughter! May God refuse to forgive you for making of me
+the wretched creature I am!"
+
+As she spoke she raised the helmet, of water above her head, as if she
+would dash it upon the dying man's face; but he turned his head away
+from her furious gaze, and did not stir again.
+
+Slowly Katharina lowered the helmet, and struggled with her excited
+feelings. She looked about her, and saw another motionless form lying
+across a clump of turf. Perhaps he was still alive. Perhaps she might
+help him.
+
+She stepped quickly to his side with the helmet of water and washed the
+blood and mud-stains from his face. Ah, what a hideous face it was! All
+the same, she carefully washed it, then bathed the gaping wounds in his
+head. They were horribly deep, and she was almost overcome by the
+fearful sight. But she looked upward for a moment, and it seemed to her
+as if she recognized amid the fleecy clouds a snow-white form, and heard
+an encouraging voice say:
+
+"That is right, mother. I, too, performed such work."
+
+Then she took her handkerchief and bound it around the wounded man's
+head. While so doing her eyes fell on the steel ring on his thumb.
+
+"Satan Laczi!" she exclaimed.
+
+She put her arms around him, and lifted him to a more comfortable
+position, wondering the while how he came to be there. Had he failed to
+find Marie, whom he was to accompany to Raab? Had Cambray, perhaps,
+prevented her from leaving the castle?
+
+She bent over the wounded man and said:
+
+"Satan Laczi, awake! Look up--come back to life!"
+
+And Satan Laczi was such an obedient fellow, he opened his eyes and saw
+the lady kneeling by his side.
+
+Then he opened his lips, and said in a very weak voice:
+
+"I should like a drink of water."
+
+Katharina made haste to fill the helmet again at her fountain.
+
+"Thank you, sister."
+
+"Look at me, Laczi bacsi;" commanded Katharina, in a cheerful tone.
+"Don't you know me? I am the woman who gave shelter to your wife and
+child. I am little Laczko's foster-mother."
+
+The wounded man smiled faintly, and murmured: "Yes, yes--Laczko--Laczko
+is a fine lad! He came near--shooting me because--because of the maid."
+
+"Tell me what you know about the maid," eagerly questioned Katharina.
+"Where is she?"
+
+The wounded man opened his eyes, and seemed to be trying to recall
+something. After a pause, he said slowly, and with evident difficulty:
+
+"You need n't--trouble about the--pretty maid. Laczko is a brave
+lad--and my wife--my wife is--an honest woman."
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," returned Katharina. "A good lad, and an honest
+woman. But tell me, in heaven's name, where is the maid?"
+
+"The maid--Sophie Botta went with--my wife to Raab--they are there
+now--and Laczko too."
+
+How gently the lady bathed the wounded man's face and hands! How
+carefully she renewed the bandages on the horrible wounds!
+
+Ludwig Vavel, who hart approached noiselessly, stood and watched her
+perform the labor of love. He saw, heard, and admired. Then he came
+close to the kneeling woman, and clasped his arms around her.
+
+"My Katharina! Oh, what a woman art thou!"
+
+
+
+
+PART X
+
+CONCLUSION
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+When Count Vavel returned from his skirmish with De Fervlans's demons,
+he sent his betrothed at once to Raab, with instructions not to separate
+herself again from Marie.
+
+He had not been able to accompany Katharina on her journey, as he had
+received marching orders immediately on his return to camp. On parting
+with his betrothed, however, he had promised to pay a visit to her and
+Marie at an early day, and to write to both of them daily.
+
+The first part of his promise he had not been able to fulfil; his time
+was too fully occupied with the duties of the field. But he sent
+frequent messages to his loved ones; while every day, no matter where he
+might be, he would be sure to receive his letter from Raab--one sheet
+covered to the edges with Katharina's writing, and the other with
+Marie's.
+
+Their letters were always cheerful, and filled with hope and confidence
+for the future. Ludwig fancied he could see the scene as Katharina
+described it, when Marie had opened the steel casket.
+
+He knew just how delighted the young girl had been when she beheld
+nothing but ashes instead of the little garments, the documents, the
+portraits, the bank-notes; and he could hear her joyous laugh on finding
+herself relieved of the burden of her greatness. But what he could not
+hear was Katharina reciting his brave exploits during the fierce
+struggle on the Hansag, a recital Marie insisted on hearing every day.
+
+Then the two, Marie and Katharina, would go every morning to church, to
+pray for Ludwig, to ask God to protect him, and bring him safely back to
+them. This was their daily pleasure and consolation.
+
+Then came the bloody days of Karako, Papa, Raab, and Acs. The militia
+troops took active part in all these battles, and proved themselves
+valiant warriors.
+
+Vavel with his Volons had been assigned to Mesko's brigade, and had
+shared its adventurous march from Abda, around Lake Balaton to Veszprim.
+Here he found his spy and scout, Master Matyas, awaiting him.
+
+For weeks he had not had a word from his loved ones. When he had sent
+them to Raab he believed he had selected a secure haven for them, but
+the course which events had taken proved that he had made a mistake in
+his calculations. Katharina and Marie were now surrounded on all sides
+by the enemy.
+
+It was while he was oppressed with these gloomy thoughts that his spy
+and scout suddenly appeared before him. Noah in his ark had not looked
+more longingly for the dove than had he for his brave Matyas.
+
+"Well, Master Matyas, what news?"
+
+"All sorts, Herr Count."
+
+"Good or bad?"
+
+"Well, mixed. Both good and bad. I will leave the good till the last. To
+begin: Poor Satan Laczi was buried yesterday--may God have mercy on his
+sinful soul! They fired three salvos over his grave, and the primate
+himself said the prayers for his soul. If Satan Laczi himself could have
+seen it all, he could hardly have believed that so much honor would be
+shown to his dead body. Poor Laczi! His last words were a greeting to
+his kind patron."
+
+"His life closed well!" observed the count. "He got what he longed
+for--a soldier's death. But tell me what you know about Raab."
+
+"I know all about it. I come from there."
+
+"Ah, did you see them? Has not the enemy besieged the city?"
+
+"Yes; the city as well as the fortress is in the hands of the enemy, and
+the baroness and the princess are both in it."
+
+"Who told you to call her a princess?" demanded Count Vavel, his face
+darkening.
+
+"I will come to that all in good time," composedly replied Matyas, who
+was not to be hurried. "Colonel Pechy," he went on, "bravely defended
+the fortress for ten days against the Frenchmen; but he had to yield at
+last--"
+
+"Where are Katharina and Marie?" impatiently interrupted Vavel. "What
+became of them when the city capitulated?"
+
+"All in good time, Herr Count, all in good time! I can tell you all
+about them, for I am just come from them."
+
+"Were they in any danger?"
+
+"Danger? No, indeed! When the city surrendered they were concealed in a
+house where they passed as the nieces of the Herr Vice-palatine
+Goeroemboelyi."
+
+"Is the vice-palatine with them now?"
+
+"Certainly. He has surrendered, too."
+
+"Excellent man! Who commands the Frenchmen at Raab?"
+
+"General Guillaume--"
+
+"General Guillaume?" excitedly interrupted Vavel.
+
+"Yes, certainly; Guillaume--that is his name. And he is a very polite
+gentleman. He does not ill-treat the citizens; on the contrary, the very
+next day after he entered the city he gave a ball in the large hotel,
+and invited all the distinguished citizens with their wives and
+daughters. The Herr Count's dear ones also received an invitation."
+
+"As the nieces of the vice-palatine, of course?"
+
+"Not exactly! I saw the invitation-card, and it was to 'Madame la
+Comtesse de Alba, avec la Princesse Marie.'"
+
+"Princess Marie?" echoed Vavel.
+
+"As I tell you; and that is how I come to know she is a princess."
+
+Vavel's brain seemed paralyzed. He could not even think.
+
+"The vice-palatine," nonchalantly continued Matyas, "protested that a
+mistake had been made; but the French general replied that he knew very
+well who the ladies were, and that he had received instructions how to
+treat them. From that day, two French grenadiers began to guard the
+baroness's door, day and night, just exactly as if they were standing
+guard over a potentate."
+
+Vavel paced the floor, mute with rage and fear.
+
+"Why did I desert them!" he exclaimed at last, in desperation. "Why did
+I not do as Marie wished--flee with her and Katharina into the wide
+world--we three alone!"
+
+"Well, you see you did n't, and this is the way matters stand now,"
+responded Master Matyas. "The general's adjutant visits the house twice
+every day to inquire after the ladies; then he reports to his superior."
+
+"If only Cambray had not died!" ejaculated the count.
+
+"Yes, but I helped to bury him, too," added Matyas, shaking his head.
+
+"Yes, so I was told. How did you manage to get the body from behind the
+metal screen?"
+
+"Oh, that was easy enough. You know the spring is connected with the
+bell in your study; when the screen unrolled, the bell rang. It was only
+necessary to reverse the operation: by pulling the bell-wire in the
+Herr Count's study the screen was rolled up."
+
+"A very simple arrangement, indeed," observed Count Vavel, smiling in
+spite of his gloom. "Ah, Master Matyas, if only you were clever enough
+to open for me the locks which now imprison my dear ones! That would be
+a masterpiece, indeed!"
+
+"I can do that easily enough," was the confident rejoinder.
+
+"You can? How?"
+
+"Did n't I say I would leave the good news until the last?"
+
+"Yes, yes. Tell me what you have in view."
+
+"I must whisper the secret in your ear; I have often overheard important
+secrets listening at the keyhole or while hiding under a bed, and what I
+have done another may be doing."
+
+Vavel bent his head so that Master Matyas might whisper the important
+information in his ear.
+
+The words were few, but they served to restore Vavel to a cheerful mood.
+
+He laughed heartily, slapped Master Matyas on the shoulder, and
+exclaimed:
+
+"You are truly a wonderful fellow!" Then he took a roll of bank-notes
+from his pocket, and pressed it into Matyas's hand. "Here--take these,
+and buy what is necessary. We will make the attempt at once."
+
+Master Matyas thrust the money into his own pocket, and darted from the
+room as if he had stolen it. Ludwig hastened to his general, to beg for
+leave of absence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+"Everything is ready," said Master Matyas to Vavel, pointing toward
+three covered luggage-wagons, which the Volons had captured from the
+Frenchmen at Klein-Zell.
+
+The "Death-head troop," as Vavel's Volons were designated, marched in
+the rear of the brigade; consequently they could drop out from it any
+time without attracting special notice.
+
+To-day the brigade marched toward Palota, and the Volons turned into the
+road which led to Zircz. They seemed, however, to have been swallowed up
+by the Bakonye forest, for nothing was seen again of them after they
+entered it. The inhabitants of Ratota still repeat tales of the handsome
+troopers--every man of them a true Magyar!--who rode through their
+village to the sound of the trumpet, nodding to the pretty girls, and
+paying gold coin for their refreshment at the inn. But the dwellers in
+Zircz complained that, instead of Magyar troopers, a squad of hostile
+cavalry passed through their village--Frenchmen in blue mantles, with
+cocks' feathers in their helmets, with a commandant who had given all
+sorts of orders that no one could understand. Luckily, the prior of the
+Premonstrants could speak French, and he acted as interpreter for the
+French commandant. And everybody felt relieved when he marched farther
+with his troop.
+
+These were the transformed Volons. They had exchanged their crimson
+shakos in the dense forest for the French helmets, and wrapped
+themselves in the blue mantles taken from the luggage-wagons. No one
+would have doubted that they were French _chasseurs_--even the trumpeter
+sounded the calls according to the regulations in the armies of France.
+
+Master Matyas hurried on in advance of the troop to learn if the way was
+clear. It would have been equally unpleasant to have met either
+Hungarian or French soldiery. They encountered neither, however; and at
+daybreak on the second day arrived at the village of Boercs, on the
+Rabcza, where is an interesting monument of times long past--a redoubt
+of considerable extent, in the center of which stands the village
+church.
+
+Vavel's troop camped within this redoubt, where they could escape
+attracting attention. The country about them, for a long distance, was
+occupied by French troops.
+
+The highway which led to Raab might be seen from the steeple of the
+church, and here Vavel took up his station with a field-glass.
+
+He had not been long in his tower of observation when he saw a heavy
+cloud of dust moving along the highway, and very soon was able to
+distinguish a body of horsemen. It was a company of cuirassiers, whose
+polished breastplates glittered in the sunlight like stars. The company
+was divided into two squads: one rode in front of a four-horse
+traveling-coach, the other in the rear of it.
+
+There were two ladies in the coach. The elder of the two shielded her
+face from the dust with a heavy veil; the younger lady wore no veil over
+her pale face, but held in front of it a fan, from behind which she took
+an occasional look at the variegated plain, where the ripening grain,
+blended with the green of the meadows, formed a rich, carpet on either
+side of the road.
+
+The young officer riding beside the coach sought to entertain the elder
+lady with observations on the country through which they were passing,
+and from time to time exchanged tender glances with the younger. These
+ladies were the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. They were on
+their way to Raab, where they expected an addition to their party in the
+person of _la Princesse Marie_, whom they were going to accompany to
+Paris. The troop of cuirassiers was their escort.
+
+"There come some _chasseurs_ on a foraging expedition," observed the
+young officer, pointing toward a body of horsemen that was approaching
+across the green plain.
+
+And, judging from the appearance of the riders, he was right; for the
+Volons, in order to deceive the Frenchmen, were bringing with them a
+couple of loaded hay-wagons, which they were dragging through the middle
+of the highway.
+
+While yet a considerable distance away from the approaching _chasseurs_,
+the postilions began to blow their horns for a clear way.
+
+The hay-wagons were turned, in obedience to the signal, but, in turning,
+the second one ran into the one in advance with such force that the pole
+was broken clean off.
+
+In front of the barricade thus formed Vavel halted his men, and
+commanded them to throw off their French cloaks and helmets. In a second
+the order was obeyed; the crimson shakos with their grim death-heads
+were donned, and the troop dashed forward upon the escort accompanying
+the coach.
+
+The astonished cuirassiers, who were wholly unprepared for the assault,
+were soon overpowered by the Volons, who also outnumbered them.
+
+The youthful leader had at once placed himself in front of the coach,
+ready for combat with the leader of the attacking foe, and Vavel was
+obliged to exercise all his skill to disarm without injuring him.
+
+At the moment when the young French champion's sword flew from his hand,
+the younger lady, forgetting all ceremony, cried in terror:
+
+"_Oh mon Dieu, ne tuez pas Arthur!_"
+
+Ludwig Vavel turned toward her, bowed courteously, and said in Talma's
+most exquisite French:
+
+"Do not be alarmed, ladies. You are perfectly safe. We are Hungarian
+gentlemen!"
+
+"But what do you want of us?" demanded the elder lady, haughtily
+surveying the count. "What business have we with you? We do not belong
+to the combatants."
+
+"I will tell this brave young chevalier what I want," replied Vavel,
+turning toward the youthful leader. "First, let me restore your sword,
+monsieur. You handle it admirably, only you need to grasp it more
+firmly. Then, let me beg of you to mount your horse--a beautiful animal!
+And third, I beg you to ride as quickly as possible to Raab, and give
+General Guillaume this message: 'I, Count Vavel de Versay, have this day
+taken captive the wife and daughter of General Guillaume. The general
+holds as prisoners my betrothed wife, Countess Themire Dealba, and my
+adopted daughter, Sophie Botta, or, if he prefers, _la Princess Marie_.
+I demand my loved ones in exchange for Madame and Mademoiselle
+Guillaume.' I have no further demands, monsieur, and the sooner you
+return the better. I shall await you in yonder redoubt, where you see
+the church-steeple. Adieu."
+
+The younger lady, with hands clasped pleadingly, mutely besought the
+youthful officer to assent. As if he would not do everything in his
+power to urge the general to consent to the exchange! The young
+Frenchman galloped down the road toward Raab. Count Vavel took his place
+beside the coach, and ordered the postilions to drive to Boercs. At
+first, the general's wife heaped reproaches on her captor.
+
+"This is a violation of national courtesies," she exclaimed irately. "It
+is brigandage, to waylay and take as prisoners two distinguished women."
+
+"Madame's husband has also detained as prisoners two distinguished
+women," in a respectful tone responded Vavel.
+
+"But my daughter is so nervous."
+
+"There is not a more timid creature in the world than my poor little
+Marie."
+
+"At all events, monsieur, you are a Frenchman, and know what is due to
+ladies of our station."
+
+"In that respect, madame, I shall follow General Guillaume's example."
+
+They were now among the gardens of Boercs, where the cherry-trees,
+heavily laden with fruit, rose above the tall hedges; and very soon they
+turned into a beautiful street shaded by walnut-trees, which led to the
+redoubt. The parsonage was the only house of importance in the village.
+The pastor was standing at his door when Vavel ordered the coach to
+stop. He assisted the ladies to alight, and begged the pastor to grant
+them the hospitality of his roof. The request was not refused, and the
+ladies were made as comfortable as possible.
+
+"Do you care to see the sights of the village, madame?" asked Vavel of
+the mother, after they had partaken of the lunch prepared by the
+pastor's housekeeper. The young lady, who was exhausted by the journey,
+had gone to her room. "There is a very old church here which is
+interesting."
+
+"Are there any fine pictures in it?" inquired madame.
+
+"There is one,--a very touching scene,--'The Samaritan.'"
+
+"Ancient or modern?" queried the lady.
+
+"The subject is old--it dates back to the first years of Christianity,
+madame. The execution is modern."
+
+"Is it the work of a celebrated artist?"
+
+"No; it is the work of our clerical host."
+
+The lady shook her head; she was uncertain whether Count Vavel was
+making sport of her or of the pastor.
+
+But she understood him when she entered the church. The house
+consecrated to the service of God had become a hospital, and was crowded
+with wounded French soldiers. The women of the village, as volunteer
+nurses, were taking care of them, and performed the task as faithfully
+as if the invalids were their own sons and brothers. The pastor himself
+supplied the necessary medicines from his own cupboard; for no army
+surgeon came here at a time when twenty thousand wounded Frenchmen lay
+at Aspern, and twenty-two thousand at Wagram.
+
+"Is it not an affecting tableau, madame?" said Count Vavel. "It would be
+a suitable altar-piece for Notre Dame--and the name of its creator
+deserves perpetuation!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+Monsieur le Capitaine Descourcelles rode an excellent horse, was a
+capital rider, and was plainly very much in love. These three
+circumstances combined brought back the gallant soldier from Raab by
+five o'clock in the afternoon.
+
+The captain of the cuirassiers was not a little surprised to find the
+general's wife playing cards with the hostile leader.
+
+"General Guillaume agrees to everything," he announced immediately, on
+entering the room. "He will release the ladies he has been holding as
+prisoners."
+
+Vavel hastened to shake hands with the bearer of these glad tidings, who
+was, however, more eager to kiss the hand of Vavel's partner, and to
+inquire:
+
+"I hope I find the ladies perfectly comfortable?"
+
+"Very comfortable indeed," replied madame. "_Messieurs les Cannibales_
+are very polite, and _leur Catzique_ plays an excellent hand at piquet."
+
+"And where is mademoiselle? I trust she is not suffering from the
+fatigue of the journey?"
+
+"Oh, no; she is very well. She is making her toilet, and will soon join
+us. I hope we shall leave here very soon."
+
+Madame now rose, and left the two soldiers alone in the room.
+
+"Here," observed the French captain, handing Vavel a paper, "is the
+_sauf conduit_."
+
+The pass contained the information that "Vavel de Versay, expatriated
+French nobleman and magnate of Hungary, together with the Countess
+Themire Dealba (alias Baroness Katharina Landsknechtsschild) and Sophie
+Botta (pretended Princess Marie Charlotte Capet), with attendants, were
+to be allowed to travel unmolested by any French troops they might
+chance to meet."
+
+Ludwig Vavel looked at this document a long time.
+
+"Do you doubt the assurance of a French officer, monsieur?" asked the
+captain.
+
+"No; I was just unable to understand why a word had been used here. I
+dare say it is a mistake. But no matter. I am greatly obliged to you."
+
+"Pray don't speak of it," responded the Frenchman, cordially shaking the
+hand Vavel extended toward him. "I must not forget to tell you that a
+four weeks' armistice was agreed upon to-day."
+
+The ladies now entered the room, prepared to continue their journey. The
+face of the younger one wore a more cheerful expression than on her
+arrival at the parsonage. Madame thanked Vavel for his courtesy, then,
+with her daughter, entered the carriage and drove away.
+
+Madame Guillaume was forgetful: she neglected to take leave of her host
+the pastor, and of her wounded countrymen in the church.
+
+Vavel communicated the news of the armistice to his adjutant, and
+commanded him to return at once with the Volons to Fertoeszeg, there to
+quarter themselves in the Nameless Castle, and await further orders.
+Then he mounted his horse, and, accompanied by Master Matyas, galloped
+out of the village.
+
+Twilight had deepened into night when the two men arrived at Raab. The
+clocks were striking eight, and the French trumpets were sounding the
+retreat at every gate. Vavel, therefore, would not be allowed to enter
+the city until the next morning; but Master Matyas, who did not stop to
+inquire which was the proper way when he wanted to go anywhere, knew of
+a little garden that belonged to a certain tanner, and very soon found
+an entrance along a rather circuitous route among the tan-vats.
+
+Vavel had already seen battered walls, and dwellings ruined by bombs and
+flames, yet the thought that he should find his loved ones amid these
+smoke-blackened ruins oppressed his heart.
+
+The two men attracted no attention. In the last days there had been many
+strangers in the city, deputations from the militia camps, to assist in
+establishing the line of demarcation. Master Matyas, without difficulty,
+led the way among the ruins to the neat little abode where the worthy
+vice-palatine had established his proteges. When they came within sight
+of the house Matyas observed:
+
+"The two Frenchmen with their bearskin caps are not on guard to-day. The
+vice-palatine's servant seems to be doing sentry-duty."
+
+Vavel applied his spurs and cantered briskly toward the house, but
+moderated his speed when he came nearer. He remembered how easily Marie
+was frightened by the clatter of horse-hoofs.
+
+At the corner of the street he alighted, and cautioning Matyas to
+exercise slowly the fatigued horses, proceeded on foot to the house.
+
+The servant on guard at the door saluted in military fashion with drawn
+sword. Ludwig hurried into the house. In the hall he encountered the
+little Laczko, who, at sight of the visitor, dropped the boot and brush
+he held in his hands, and disappeared through a door at the end of the
+hall. Vavel followed him, and found himself in the kitchen, where the
+widow of Satan Laczi also dropped to the floor the cooking-utensil she
+had in her hand.
+
+The count did not stop to question her, but went on into the adjoining
+room, whence proceeded the sound of voices, and here he found three
+acquaintances--the vice-palatine, Dr. Tromfszky, and the surveyor, Herr
+Doboka. The three started in alarm when they beheld Vavel. The doctor
+even made as if he would rush from the room--as when in the Nameless
+Castle the furious invalid had seized his groom by the throat.
+
+The expressions on the three startled countenances brought a sudden fear
+to Ludwig's heart.
+
+"Is any one ill here?" he asked.
+
+The vice-palatine and the doctor looked at each other, but did not
+speak; the surveyor began to stammer:
+
+"I say--I say that--"
+
+"Is Marie ill?" interrupted Vavel, excitedly.
+
+Herr Bernat silently nodded assent, and pointed toward the door leading
+into the next room.
+
+Vavel did not stop to inquire further, but strode into the adjoining
+chamber.
+
+What a familiar little room it was, another fairy-like retreat like that
+of the Nameless Castle! Here were Marie's toys, her furniture; the four
+cats were purring in the window-seat, and the two pugs lay dozing on the
+sofa.
+
+A canopy-bed stood in the alcove, and among the pillows lay Marie.
+Katharina was sitting by the bedside.
+
+"Oh, God!" cried Vavel, in a tone so full of anguish that every one who
+heard it, man, woman, and child, burst into tears. The invalid among the
+pillows alone laughed--laughed aloud for joy.
+
+And had she not cause to rejoice? Ludwig--_her_ Ludwig--did not hasten
+first to embrace and kiss his betrothed wife. No, _she_, his little
+Marie, was the first!
+
+He flung himself on his knees by the bed and covered the pale face with
+kisses and tears.
+
+"Oh, my dearest! My adored saint! My idol!" he sobbed, while Marie's
+face glowed with the purest earthly happiness.
+
+She pressed Ludwig's head to her breast and whispered soothingly:
+
+"Don't grieve, Ludwig; I am not going to die. I have not got that horrid
+influenza poor papa Cambray brought with him from Paris. I took a little
+cold the night we ran away from the bombs; but I shall soon be well
+again, now that you are come. I want to live, Ludwig, and you, who
+rescued me from death once before, will know how to do it again."
+
+Katharina laid her hand tenderly on the maid's head, and said gently:
+
+"Don't talk any more now, dearest; you know you must not excite
+yourself."
+
+Marie grasped the white hand and drew it down to Ludwig's lips.
+
+"Kiss it, Liadwig; kiss this dear, good hand. Oh, she has been a good
+little mother to me! She has wept so much because of me. If only you
+knew what she had planned to do when they were going to tear me away
+from her! But that danger is past, and now that you are come everything
+will be well. We have been reading about you, Ludwig. What a hero you
+are--our knight, St. George! I have n't been really ill, you know,
+Ludwig; it was only anxiety about you. I shall soon be well again.
+Please tell the doctor I don't need any more medicine. I want to get
+up--I feel strong already. I want to put on my gown; then I will take
+your arm and Katharina's, and we three will promenade to the window. I
+want to see the evening star. Please send Frau Satan to me; she can lift
+me more easily than Katharina, for I am very heavy. Ludwig, take
+Katharina into the next room while I am dressing. I know you have much
+to say to each other."
+
+Frau Satan now entered in answer to the summons. The doctor had ordered
+that the invalid's wishes must be obeyed.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina went into the next room. They looked long into each
+other's eyes, and in the gaze lay many of the thoughts which, if they
+cannot be told to the one person on earth, are never heard by any one
+else. Suddenly Katharina, without word of warning, dropped on her knees
+at her lover's feet, seized his hand, and laid her face against it.
+
+"You are my guardian angel," she whispered (the invalid in the next room
+must not be disturbed by the sound of voices); "you have rescued that
+saint from her enemies and saved me from perdition. Oh, Ludwig, if only
+you knew what I have suffered! Marie's every sigh, the feverish words
+uttered in her delirium, have been so many accusations oppressing my
+heart. These have been terrible days! To be compelled hourly to dread
+either of two horrible blows, and to have to pray to God that, if both
+could not be averted, to let the milder one fall! Death would have been
+welcome, indeed, compared to the other one. To listen tremblingly, hour
+after hour, for the knock at the door which would announce the messenger
+sent to bear Marie to Paris, or death with his scythe to bear her to the
+grave! And then to have to look on her sufferings, and hear her pray for
+her betrayer! Oh, it was terrible, terrible! Ludwig, you are just--as
+God is just. I have suffered as any woman in the Bible suffered. You
+have taken my load of sorrow from me, have released my heart from the
+tortures of perdition. All the evil I have done, you have made good.
+Therefore, do you pronounce judgment on me. Condemn me or forgive me. I
+deserve both; I will accept either at your hands."
+
+Without a word Ludwig Vavel raised the woman to her feet, clasped her in
+his arms, and pressed his lips to hers in a long, long kiss. In it were
+forgiveness, love, union.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+From the adjoining room came the sounds of a piano. Some one was playing
+the hymn of the Hungarian militia.
+
+Ludwig and Katharina hurried into the room. Marie was seated at the
+piano, arrayed in her favorite blue gown. Her transparent hands hovered
+over the ivory keys, and lured from them the melancholy air, to which
+she sang, in a voice that seemed to come from the distant clouds:
+
+    "Was kleinliche Bosheit ausgedacht,
+    Hat unserer Liebe ein Ende gemacht."
+
+At the last word her arms sank to her sides; the exertion had completely
+exhausted her. But she struggled bravely to overcome her weakness. She
+smiled brightly at Ludwig and Katharina, and said:
+
+"This melancholy song was not intended for you two. It was only to show
+Ludwig how I have improved. You two will love each other very dearly,
+won't you? And you will go far, far away from here, and leave 'Marie'
+buried in her tomb. I don't mean myself; I mean the troublesome girl who
+has made so much ill feeling in the world, because of whom so many
+people have suffered; the girl whose ashes rest there in the steel
+casket, and whose life was so sad that she had no desire to live longer.
+But 'Sophie' is going with you out into the world. She will see how
+happy you two can be. And now, help me to the window; I want to look at
+the evening star,"
+
+They rolled her arm-chair to the window, and Vavel opened the sash to
+admit the fresh air from the garden.
+
+Marie clasped Ludwig's and Katharina's hands in both her own, and
+whispered in a faint voice:
+
+"You will forget the past, will you not? or think of it only as a
+dream--a disagreeable dream. And don't go back to the Nameless Castle.
+The veiled woman, the locked doors, the silent man, the telescope, the
+lonely promenades in the garden--all, all were dreams. Don't think of
+them! Forget them all! The clanking swords, the thunder of cannons--all
+these were not. We only dreamed it. We never lived under the shadow of a
+throne. Who was Marie? A sovereign of cats, and crown princess in the
+realm of little dogs and birds--a nursery tale to tell naughty little
+children who will not go to sleep! But Sophie Botta will be here
+to-morrow, and the next day, and always; she will be with you, the
+silly, stupid little maid, who can do nothing but obey those whom she
+loves with all her heart."
+
+Vavel with difficulty refrained from giving voice to his overwhelming
+grief.
+
+"Just see," Marie continued in a gay tone, "how much better I am!
+Heretofore, when the hour came for the evening star to appear, the fever
+would come too, and to-day it has failed to come with the star. Joy has
+cured me. Don't take your hands away from me, Ludwig--Katharina. They
+will--hold me--hold me--fast."
+
+But they did not "hold her fast."
+
+And why should such a being remain on this earth--a being that could do
+naught else but love and renounce, adoring her nation even when it
+persecuted her?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A dark thunder-cloud rose above the horizon out over the Hansag. The sky
+looked like a vaulted ceiling hung with mourning draperies. From time
+to time a distant flash of lightning illumined the cloud-curtain, then
+would be heard the rumbling of thunder, like the deep tones of a distant
+organ.
+
+Under the threatening sky lay the glittering lake. Its surface of
+quicksilver was streaked here and there with black shadows--the track of
+the wind-gusts racing across it. The trees were rustling in the wind,
+making a sound like a distant choral.
+
+On the shore of Lake Neusiedl stood the Volons in rank and file. They
+were waiting for something that was coming from the farther shore of the
+little cove.
+
+Presently the glistening surface of the water was ruffled by a black
+object that pushed out from the shore. It was a boat. Six men were
+rowing, a seventh held the rudder. There was a coffin in the boat,
+covered with a simple pall. No ostentatious trappings ornamented the
+coffin; only a myrtle wreath lay on it. A woman, sat at the head of it,
+another at the foot--the former a lady, the latter a peasant wife.
+
+The six men, with even and powerful strokes, sent the craft through the
+ripples which occasionally leaped into the boat, as if they would salute
+her who had so often toyed with them.
+
+At the moment the boat touched the shore the storm burst. Vivid
+lightning illumined the heavy downpour of rain, and it seemed as if the
+black-robed forms bore the coffin to its grave amid a flood of
+harpstrings that reached from heaven to earth.
+
+The two weeping women followed the coffin; at a little distance they
+seemed two shadows. The helmsmen of the funeral boat now stepped to the
+head of the grave and opened his lips to speak, but a heavy peal of
+thunder drowned his voice. When it had ceased he said:
+
+"My brave comrades, you are here to pay a last honor to your patroness.
+There is nothing left for us to fight for. Peace has been proclaimed.
+The conqueror takes from you a plot of ground twenty-four hundred square
+miles in extent. The one lying here takes from you only six feet of
+earth. To you remain your tattered flag and your wounds. Return to your
+homes. My sword has finished its work, and will accompany the saint for
+whom it was drawn!"
+
+As he spoke he broke the keen blade in twain and cast the pieces into
+the grave, adding impressively, "May God give us forgetfulness, and may
+we be forgotten!"
+
+The Volons fired three salvos over the grave, the reverberating thunder
+and the flashing lightning mingling with the noise of the muskets.
+
+When the storm had passed the moon rose in a cloudless sky. Only the
+waves, which had been stirred by the tempest, continued to murmur to
+their favorite who was sleeping peacefully in her grave on the shore.
+
+Marie had asked to be buried on the grassy slope by the side of her old
+friend the Marquis d'Avoncourt, and that no other monument should mark
+her resting-place save the imperishable tree which turns to stone after
+it dies.
+
+And what could have been graven on her tomb? A name that was not hers? A
+history that was not true?
+
+Or would it have been well to carve on the marble her true life-history,
+that those who would not believe it might wage a lawsuit against an
+epitaph?
+
+No; it was better so. No one would ever learn what had become of her.
+
+Vavel had prayed for forgetfulness--that he might be forgotten.
+
+His prayer was granted.
+
+For a few years afterward tales were repeated about Sophie Botta, and
+some of her kinsfolk came from a distance to claim the sum of money
+Vavel had placed in the hands of the authorities for the young girl's
+heirs. But none of the claimants could produce satisfactory proofs of
+kinship, and after a while Sophie Botta was forgotten by all the world,
+as were Count Vavel and Katharina.
+
+The Nameless Castle as well vanished from the face of the earth, as have
+entire villages which once stood on the treacherous shores of Lake
+Neusiedl.
+
+Gradually, imperceptibly, the castle disappeared; gradually,
+imperceptibly, bastion after bastion vanished, until not even the stone
+hand which held aloft the sword in the noble escutcheon, or the towering
+weathervane, could be seen above the placid waters of the lake.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Castle, by Maurus Jokai
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