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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -</style> -<title>GOLD ELSIE</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="Gold Elsie" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.trl" content="Mrs. A. L. Wister" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="E. Marlitt" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1868" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="42426" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-03-28" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="Gold Elsie" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="Gold Elsie" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="elsie.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-03-29T04:32:43.815670+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42426" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="E. Marlitt" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="Mrs. A. L. Wister" name="MARCREL.trl" /> -<meta content="2013-03-28" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -<style type="text/css"> -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="gold-elsie"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">GOLD ELSIE</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>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 </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: Gold Elsie -<br /> -<br />Author: E. Marlitt -<br /> -<br />Release Date: March 28, 2013 [EBook #42426] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>GOLD ELSIE</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">GOLD ELSIE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">FROM THE GERMAN -<br />OF</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">E. MARLITT</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF "THE OLD MAM'SELLE'S SECRET."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />MRS. A. L. WISTER.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">PHILADELPHIA: -<br />J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. -<br />1868.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by -<br />J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.,</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States in and -<br />for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-i"><span class="x-large">GOLD ELSIE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CHAPTER I.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It had been snowing all day long,—so steadily that the -roofs and window-sills were covered deep with spotless -white cushions. And now the early twilight fell, -bringing with it a wild gust of wind that raged among the -falling snow-flakes like some bird of prey among a flock of -peaceful doves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although the weather was such that the comfort-loving -inhabitants of any small town would hardly have sent -their dogs out of doors, not to mention venturing their -own worthy persons, yet there was little difference to be -seen in the size of the crowd that usually frequents the -streets of the large Capital, B——, between the hours of -six and seven in the evening. The gas lamps were an -excellent substitute for those heavenly lights which would -not make their appearance. Carriages were whirling -around corners in such tempestuous haste that many a -pedestrian rescued life and limb only by a sudden leap aside, -while curses both loud and deep were hurled after the -coachmen enveloped in their comfortable furs, and the -elegant coaches which contained behind their glass doors -charmingly dressed women, whose lovely flower-crowned -heads, as they peeped from among masses of muslin and -tulle, certainly had no suspicion of the fire and brimstone -called down upon them. In the warm atmosphere, -behind the huge shop windows, elaborately curled and -frizzed wax heads, surrounded by blond and black scalps, -stared out upon the passers-by. Smiling shopmen -displayed their fascinating merchandise, and withered old -flower-sellers stood among their fresh-blooming bouquets, -which exhaled beauty and fragrance beneath the light of -the lamps that shed a brilliant glare upon the slippery -pavement and upon the flood of human life streaming by, -revealing the pinched, blue features and the desperately -uncomfortable movements of all, old and young.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But stay,—not of all! A female figure has just entered -one of the principal streets from a narrow by-way. A -small threadbare cloak closely envelopes her slender form, -and a worn old muff is pressed against her breast, -confining the ends of a black lace veil, behind which two -girlish eyes are glowing with the sunlight of early youth. -They look out joyously into the whistling snow-storm, -rest lovingly upon the half-open rosebuds and dark purple -violets behind the glass panes of the shop windows, and -only veil their light beneath their long dark lashes when -sharp hail-stones mingle with the driving snow-flakes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whoever has listened while childish fingers, or -sometimes fingers no longer childish, confidently begin upon -the piano a well-known melody, which goes bravely on for -a few bars, then is arrested by a frightful discord -followed by a wild grasping after every key on the -instrument except the correct ones, while the patient teacher -sits by, ceasing to attempt to evoke order out of chaos by -the usual steady marking of the time, wearily waiting -until the panting melody is seized again and carried on -with lightning rapidity through several easy bars as over -some level plain,—whoever has thus had his ears stretched -upon the rack, can understand the delight with which -this young girl, who has just given two music lessons in -a large school, offers her hot cheek to the wind as to an -energetic comrade, whose mighty roar can breathe wondrous -melodies through the pipes of an organ or over the -strings of an Æolian harp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus she passes lightly and swiftly through the storm -and crowd; and I do not for an instant doubt that if I -should present her now upon this slippery pavement to -the gentle reader as Fräulein Elizabeth Ferber, she would -with a lovely smile make him as graceful a courtesy as -though they both stood in a ball-room. But this -introduction cannot take place,—and we really do not need -it, for I forthwith intend to relate to the reader my -heroine's antecedents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Baron Wolf von Gnadewitz was the last scion of a -famous house whose remote ancestry could be traced back -into the dubious twilight which even preceded that golden -age when the travelling merchant, journeying through -some sequestered pass, was forced to surrender his costly -stuffs and wares to a knightly banner and shining steel-clad -troup of retainers as often as to the buff-coated highway -adventurer. From those illustrious times there had -been handed down, in the crest of the Gnadewitzes a -wheel, upon which one of these same noble ancestors had -breathed out his knightly soul in consequence of having -spilt rather too much ignoble trading-blood in one of the -above-mentioned assaults upon his merchant prey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Baron von Gnadewitz, the last of his race, was -chamberlain in the service of the Prince Royal of X——, and -possessor of various orders and large estates, as well as -of those peculiarities of character and disposition which -were, in his estimation, befitting the high-born, and which -he was accustomed to designate as "distinguished," -because all common men, bound by work-a-day moral -considerations, and compelled by the stern necessities of life, -lose all taste for the inimitable grace and elegance of -vice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Baron Wolf von Gnadewitz was as fond of pomp and -show as his grandfather, who had forsaken the old castle -Gnadeck upon a mountain in Thuringia, the cradle of his -line, and had built him in the valley below a perfect fairy -palace in the Italian style. The grandson allowed the old -castle to fall into decay, while he enlarged and improved -the modern mansion considerably. Yes, it seemed as -though he entertained not the smallest doubt but that his -latest descendant would be found occupying this favourite -palace at the day of judgment, for the old castle was quite -dismantled in order that the vast chambers of the new -abode might be thoroughly furnished. But he reckoned -without his host. Wolf von Gnadewitz had a son, 'tis -true,—a son who, at twenty years of age, was so complete and -thorough a Gnadewitz that the illustrious image of his -ancestor who had perished upon the wheel paled before -him. This promising youth one day, upon the occasion -of the great autumn hunt in the forest, struck one of his -whippers-in a fearful blow upon the head with the loaded -handle of his hunting-whip—a fearful blow, but a perfectly -just punishment, as every one of the guests invited to -the hunt declared, for the man had stepped upon the paw -of a favourite hound so clumsily as to render the -animal entirely useless for a whole day. And thus it -happened that, a short time afterward, Hans von Gnadewitz -was to be found not only upon the boughs of the -genealogical tree in the hall of the new castle, but suspended -by a rope around his neck to a bough of one of the actual -trees in the forest. The beaten whipper-in expiated the -deed upon the scaffold, but that could not bring the last -of the Gnadewitzes to life again, for he was dead,—irrevocably -dead, the physicians said; and the long tale of -robber-knights, wild excesses, hunting orgies, and -horse-racing came to an end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this terrible catastrophe, Wolf von Gnadewitz left -the castle in the valley, and indeed that part of the country, -and dwelt upon one of his many estates in Silesia. He took -into his house to nurse him a young female relative, the -last survivor of one of the collateral branches of his house. -This young relative proved to be a girl of angelic beauty, -at sight of whom the old baron entirely forgot the object -for which he had invited her beneath his roof, and at -last determined to clothe his sixty years in a -wedding-garment. To his exceeding indignation, however, he -now learned that there might come a time, even to a -Gnadewitz, when he could no longer be regarded as a -desirable </span><em class="italics">parti</em><span>, and he fell into a violent rage when his -young relative confessed that, in utter forgetfulness of -her lofty lineage, she had given her heart to a bourgeois -officer, the son of one of his foresters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man possessed no worldly gear, only his -sword and a remarkably fine manly person; but he was -rich in mind, accomplished, amiable in disposition, and -of stainless character. When Wolf von Gnadewitz, in -consequence of Marie's confession, turned her from his -doors, young Ferber carried her home with delight as his -wife, and for the first ten years of their married life would -not have exchanged his lot with that of any king on -earth. Still less would he have made such an exchange -in the eleventh year, for that was the eventful 1848; but -with it came fierce struggles for him, and an entire -alteration in his circumstances. He was obliged to decide -between two duties. One had been inculcated while he was -in his cradle by his father, and ran thus: "Love your -neighbour, and especially your German brother, as -yourself;" the other, which he had in later years imposed -upon himself, commanded him to draw the sword in his -master's interest. In this strife the teachings of his -childhood conquered entirely. Ferber refused to draw -the sword upon his brethren; but his refusal cost him -his commission, and with it all assured means of -subsistence. He retired from the army, and soon afterward, -in consequence of a severe cold, was stretched upon a -sick-bed, which he left only after years of disheartening -weakness. He then moved with his family to B——, -where he obtained quite a lucrative situation as -bookkeeper in an extensive mercantile establishment. It was -high time, for his wife's small property had been lost -shortly before by the failure of a bank, and the -remittances of money which came to the distressed family -from time to time from Ferber's elder and only brother, -a forester in Thuringia, were all that kept them from -extreme poverty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unluckily this good fortune was of short duration. -Ferber's chief was a pietist of the most severe description, -and spared no one in his zeal for proselytism. His -efforts to convert Ferber to his own narrow dogmas were -met by such quiet but decided resistance, that the pious -spirit of the saintly Herr Hagen was seized with holy -horror. Remorse at the thought of affording protection -and subsistence to such an avowed free-thinker, gave -him no peace by night or by day, until he had freed -himself from such a burden of guilt, by a note of dismissal, -which banished the tainted sheep from his fold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About the same time Wolf von Gnadewitz went home -to his ancestors, and as during his earthly career he had -strictly conformed to the Gnadewitz custom of leaving -no insult, fancied or otherwise: unavenged, no worthier -conclusion to his life could be found than the will which -he drew up with his own hands shortly before he -descended into the narrow chamber of lead which was to -contain for all futurity his noble bones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This manly document, which constituted sole heir to -his large estates a distant relative of his wife's, -concluded with the following codicil:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In consideration of the undeniable claim which she -has upon my property, I bequeath to Anna Marie Ferber, -born von Gnadewitz, the castle of Gnadeck in the -mountains in Thuringia. Anna Marie Ferber will understand -my benevolent intention in her behalf in leaving to her -a mansion crowded with memories of the noble race to -which she once belonged. In full remembrance and -consideration of the good fortune and many blessings -which have always hovered above this ancient pile, I -hold it entirely superfluous to increase my legacy further. -But if Anna Marie Ferber, blind to the value of my gift, -should wish to sell or exchange it in any way, her right -to it must be abdicated in favour of the orphan asylum -of L——."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus, with the utterance of a biting satire, Wolf -von Gnadewitz betook himself to his funeral bed of state. -Ferber and his wife had indeed never seen the old castle, -but it was notoriously a crumbling heap of ruins, which -the hand of improvement had not touched for fifty years, -and which, when the modern abode in the valley was -completed, had been stripped of furniture, tapestries, and, -in the case of the main building, even of the metallic -roofing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since that time the ponderous oaken door of the -principal entrance had remained closed, and the dusty, rusty -bolts and bars had never once been withdrawn. The huge -forest trees which were growing before it spread abroad -their mighty branches, and drooped them among the thick -brushwood at their feet, so that the deserted castle lay -behind the green impenetrable wall like a coffined mummy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lucky heir, who was greatly annoyed by seeing -so large a part of his woodland possessions in stranger -hands, would gladly have purchased the old castle at a -high price, but the cunning clause at the conclusion of the -codicil forbade any such transaction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frau Ferber laid the copy of the will which had been -sent her, and upon which there dropped from her eyes a -few tears of regret, upon her husband's desk, and then -took up her work,—some delicate embroidery,—with -redoubled, almost feverish industry. In spite of his -exertions Ferber had been unable to procure another situation, -and was now doing his best to maintain his family by -translating, a labour but poorly paid, and even by copying -law papers, while his wife eked out their scanty means by -the proceeds of her needle, which she plied night and day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But dark as were the heavens above the struggling -pair, one star rose quietly among the black clouds and -seemed not unlikely to indemnify them by its radiance -for all the storms with which fickle fortune had -overwhelmed them. A presentiment of this gentle light -which was to beam upon his gloomy path possessed -Ferber when he stood for the first time beside the cradle -of his first-born, a daughter, and gazed into the lovely -eyes which smiled upon him from the baby face. All Frau -Ferber's friends had been unanimously of opinion that -the little girl was a charming creature, a wonderfully -gifted child; indeed, they had declared it did not look in -the least like an ordinary baby, did not appear to belong to -the class of miserable little wretches, who, red as lobsters, -seem determined to scream their way through the world; -but,—here they had broken off; and it was intimated -that were it not for fear of the sneers of their liege -lords, and the utterly prosaic tendencies of the nineteenth -century, they should certainly suspect that some -benevolent fairy had been at work in this case.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They contended as to who should be so far favoured as -to hold the little creature at the baptismal font, and -should show the deepest tenderness for the little -god-daughter, declaring that the day of her baptism could never -be effaced from their remembrance; but this demand upon -their memories was altogether too great, for when Ferber -fell into difficulties, selfishness passed its finger over the -recorded day, and no trace of it remained in their minds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This change, which little Elizabeth experienced in the -ninth year of her existence, disturbed her not at all. Her -probable fairy protectress had, in addition to other rich -gifts, endowed her in her cradle with an invincible -joyousness of temperament and great force of will; so she -took from her mother's hand her scanty evening meal -as gratefully and gaily as she had once received the -inexhaustible delicacies presented to her by admiring -god-parents; and when on Christmas-eve the room was adorned -only by a poor little Christmas-tree hung with a few -apples and gilded nuts, the child did not seem to remember -the time when friends had crowded around to deck its -boughs with all imaginable toys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ferber educated his daughter himself. She never -attended a school of any kind, an omission in her training -which cannot, unfortunately, in the present age, be -regarded as anything but an advantage, when we see how -many young girls leave school with far more knowledge -upon some subjects than is at all desirable or pleasing to -the anxious mother, who strives at home to preserve -unsoiled her child's purity of mind and heart, and often does -not dream how her tender care is made of no avail by -the taint which one impure nature in the school will -communicate, and which may perhaps colour an entire -after-life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth's pliant mind was finely developed beneath -the control of her gifted parents. Thoroughly to -understand the study which occupied her, and to appropriate -its results in such a manner as to make them inalienably -her own were duties which she most conscientiously -fulfilled. But she gave herself to the study of music -with an ardor that inspires a human being only when -engaged in a pursuit felt to be especially his own. She -soon far outstripped her mother, who was her instructress, -and as when a child she would often leave her playthings -if she saw a cloud upon her father's brow, to -sit on his knee and divert him with some tale of -wonder, thus, as a girl, she would charm away the demon -of gloom from her father's mind by strange and -delicious melodies which lay like pearls in the depths of her -soul, until she brought them to light for the first time -for his relief and enjoyment. And this was not the only -blessing springing from her rare talent for music. The -exquisite touch upon the piano, in the garret in which the -family lived, attracted the attention of several of the more -aristocratic inhabitants of the house, and Elizabeth soon -had two or three pupils in music, and had lately been -employed in a large school as teacher of the piano, thus -sensibly increasing the means of subsistence of the family.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here let us resume the thread of our story, and we shall -not shrink, I hope, from the trouble that we must take in -following our heroine through the wet streets upon this -stormy evening to her home and her parents.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-ii"><span class="large">CHAPTER II.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Even during the long walk through the streets, alternately -straight and crooked, gloomy and bright, Elizabeth -enjoyed in imagination the delicious sensation of comfort -that the sight of the cosey room at home always caused -her. There sat her father at his writing-table with its little -study-lamp, ready to raise his pale face with a smile when -Elizabeth entered. He would take his pen, which had -been travelling so busily over the paper for hours, in his -left hand, and with his right draw his daughter down -beside him to kiss her forehead. Her mother, who, with -her work-basket at her feet, usually sat close beside her -husband that she might share the light of his study-lamp, -would welcome her with tender loving eyes, and point to -Elizabeth's slippers, which her care had placed by the -stove to warm. Upon the stove apples would be roasting -with a cheering hiss, and in the warm corner beside -it was the sofa-table, where the tea-kettle would be -singing merrily above its spirit-lamp, whose weak, blue -light illumined the regiment of tin soldiers, which her -only brother, Ernst, a child six years of age, was busily -drilling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth mounted to the fourth story before she -reached the dark, narrow passage which led to her -father's rooms. Here she hastily took off her bonnet and -placed upon her lovely fair hair a boy's cap, trimmed -with fur, which she drew from under her cloak. Then -she entered the room, where little Ernst ran toward her -with a shout of joy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But this evening the light shone from the sofa-table in -the usually dark corner by the stove, while the writing-table -was left neglected in the gloom. Her father sat -upon the sofa, with his arm around her mother's waist; -there was a joyous light upon the countenances of both, -and, although her mother had evidently been weeping, -Elizabeth instantly perceived that her tears had been tears -of joy. She stood still upon the threshold of the door -in great astonishment, and must have presented a most -comical appearance with the child's cap surmounting her -amazed countenance, for both father and mother laughed -aloud. Elizabeth gaily joined in their laughter, and -placed the fur cap upon her little brother's dark curls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There, my darling," she said, tenderly taking his rosy -face between her hands and kissing it, "that is yours; -and there is still something left to help on your -housekeeping, mother dear," she continued, with a happy smile, -as she handed her mother four shining thalers. "They -gave me my first five thalers of salary at school to-day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Elsbeth," said her mother, with the tears in -her eyes, as she drew her down to kiss her, "Ernst's last -year's cap is still quite respectable, and you needed a pair -of warm winter gloves much more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I, mother? just feel my hands; although I have -been in the street for an hour almost, they are as warm -as if I had been holding them before the fire. No; new -gloves would be a most superfluous luxury. Our boy is -growing taller and stouter, and his cap has not kept pace -with him; so I consider the cap a necessary expense."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, you good sister!" cried the child with delight; -"even the little baron on the first story has not such a -charming cap as this. How fine it will look when I go -hunting, hey, papa?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hunting!" laughed Elizabeth; "are you going to -shoot the unfortunate sparrows in the Thiergarten?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, what a miserable guesser you are, Madam Elsie!" -the boy rejoined, gleefully. "In the Thiergarten, indeed!" -he added, more seriously; "that would be pretty sport. -No, in the forest,—the real forest,—where the deer and -hares are so thick that you don't even have to take aim -when you want to shoot them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should like to hear what your uncle would say to -this view of the noble chase," said his father with a smile, -taking up a letter from the table and handing it to Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Read this, my child," said he; "it is from your 'forester -uncle,' as you call him, in Thuringia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth glanced over the first few lines, and then read -aloud:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The prince, who sometimes prefers a dish of bacon -and sauerkraut at my table to the best efforts of his French -cook in the castle of L——, passed several hours with -me at my lodge yesterday. He was very condescending, -and informed me that he purposed employing an assistant -forester, or rather forester's clerk, for he saw that my -duties were too onerous. I seized upon my opportunity,—the -game was within shot, and if I missed I had nothing -to lose but a couple of charges fired into the air; -now was my time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I told him how the jade, fortune, had played the -very devil with you for this many a year, and how, in spite -of your fine talents and acquirements, poverty had knocked -at your door. My old master knew well what I was -driving at, for I spoke, as I always do, in good German. -Thus far in my life every one has understood what I had -to say. It is only the fops and fools of his court who -fawn around him, who would persuade him that good, -honest German is too coarse for royal ears, and that he -must always be addressed in French. Well, my old -master said that he would like to offer you this situation as -forester's clerk, because he thought that with regard to -myself,—and here he said a couple of things that you need -not hear, but which delighted me,—old fellow as I am,—quite -as much as when in old times, upon examination-day, -the schoolmaster used to say, 'Carl, you have done -yourself credit to-day.' Well, his highness has -commissioned me to write to you, and he will arrange matters. -Three hundred and fifty thalers salary, and your fuel. -Now think it over; it is not so poor an offer, and the -green forest is a thousand times pleasanter than your -confounded attics, where the neighbours' cats are forever -squalling, and where your eyes are blinded by the smoke -of a million chimneys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must not think that I am one of those wheedling, -parasitical fellows who use their master's favour to -benefit all their own kith and kin. No; I can tell you -that if you were not what you are, that is, if you were -not really talented and well educated, I would bite my -tongue out before I would recommend you to my master; -and, on the other side, I should always try to secure in -his service such an honest, capable fellow as yourself. -No offence; you know I always like a plain statement of -a plain case.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But there is another matter to be considered. You -ought to live with me, and it could be very easily -arranged if you were a bachelor, whom four walls would -content, with a chest for his solitary wardrobe. But, -unfortunately, there is no possible room in my lonely old -rat's-hole of a forest-lodge for an entire family. It is in -rather a tumble-down condition, and has needed a doctor -for some time, but I suppose the authorities will do -nothing for it until the old balconies come crumbling about -my ears. The nearest village is half a league, and the -nearest town a league from the lodge; you cannot -possibly walk these distances every day, in the miserable -weather that we have here sometimes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now old Sabina, my housekeeper, who was born in the -nearest village, has made a wild suggestion which I -herewith impart to you. Old castle Gnadeck, the deceased -Baron Gnadewitz's brilliant legacy to you, is, as I have -told you, situated at about a rifle's shot distance from the -lodge. Well, Sabina says that when she was a strong -hearty girl,—which, by the way, must have been -something beyond a quarter of a century ago,—she was a -chambermaid in the Gnadewitz household. Then the new -castle was not entirely furnished, and did not suffice to -contain the crowd of guests yearly invited to the great -hunt. And so part of the building connecting the two -principal wings of the old castle was somewhat repaired -and furnished. Sabina had to make and air the beds and -attend to the rooms, to her great terror, and no wonder,—her -old brain is perfectly crammed with all sorts of witch -and ghost stories,—for the rest she is a most respectable -person, and rules my household with a steady rein.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She maintains most firmly that this part of the castle -cannot be in a crumbling condition, for it was then in an -excellent state of preservation, and would, she is sure, -afford a capital shelter for you and yours. May be she is -right; but are your children bold enough to brave the -ghostly inhabitants that are said to haunt those old walls?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know how vexed I was about your worthless -legacy, and that I have never once been able, since the -death of the sainted Wolf von Gnadewitz, to induce myself -to visit the old ruin. But after hearing Sabina's tale -yesterday afternoon, I made one of my men climb a tree -which stood upon the only spot which could give you a -glimpse into the robber's nest, and he declared that -everything had fallen into decay there. And this morning I -have been to the authorities in the town, but they would -not give me the keys of the castle without special -permission from your wife, and made, besides, as much fuss -about it as if the treasures of Golconda lay hid in the -mouldy old rooms. None of those who placed the seals -upon the doors could tell me what sort of a place it was, -for they never entered it, under the impression that the -ceiling might fall and dash out their prudent brains, but -contented themselves with placing a dozen official seals -as large as your hand upon the principal entrance door. -I should very much like to investigate matters with you, -so pray decide quickly and start with your family as soon -as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here Elizabeth dropped the letter and looked with -sparkling eyes at her father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, how have you decided, father dear?" she asked -hastily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," he replied gravely, "it is quite a hard task to -tell you our resolution, for I see by your face that you -would not for the world exchange this gay populous city -for the loneliness and quiet of the Thuringian forest. -Still, you must know that my application to the Prince -of L—— for the place in question lies sealed in that -envelope. However, it is only reasonable that your wishes -should be consulted in some degree, and we can be -induced to leave you here in case——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, no; if Elizabeth will not go I would rather stay -here, too," interrupted the little boy, clinging anxiously to -his sister.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never fear, my darling," she said to him with a laugh; -"I shall find a place in the carriage, and if I could not, you -know I am as bold as a soldier, and can run like a hare. -My longing for the greenwood, which has been the fairy-land -of my imagination ever since I was a very little child, -shall be my compass, and I shall get along bravely. What -will papa do when, some evening, a weary way-worn -traveller, with ragged shoes and empty pockets, prays for -admission at the gate of the old castle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, then, indeed, we must admit you," said her father, -smiling, "if we would not draw down upon our crumbling -roof the hostility of all good spirits who protect courage -and innocence. But you will have to pass by the old -castle if you wish to find us, and knock at some modest -peasant hut in the valley, for the ruined old pile will -scarcely afford us an asylum."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid not, indeed," said his wife. "We shall -work our way laboriously through wild hedges and thick -underbrush, like the unfortunate suitors of the Sleeping -Beauty, to find at last——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poetry itself!" cried Elizabeth. "Why, the first -delicious bloom will be brushed from our woodland life if -we cannot live in the old castle! Certainly there must -be four sound walls and a whole roof in some one of its -old towers, and with heads to plan and strong willing -hands to execute, the rest can be very easily arranged. -We will stop up cracks with moss, nail boards over -doorways that have lost their doors, and paper our four walls -ourselves; we can cover the worm-eaten floors with -homemade straw mats; declare war to the death upon -the gray-coated, four-footed little thieves who would -invade our larder, and soon banish all cobwebs by a good -broom skilfully wielded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With glowing looks, quite carried away by her dreams -of the future home in the fresh green forest, she went to -the piano and opened it. It was an old, worn-out -instrument, whose hoarse, weak tones harmonized perfectly -with its shabby exterior; but, nevertheless, beneath -Elizabeth's fingers Mendelssohn's song, "Through the -dark green Forest," rang deliciously through the little -room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her parents sat quietly listening. Little Ernst dropped -asleep. Without, the howling of the storm was lulled, -but the snow was driving noiselessly past the uncurtained -window in huge flakes. The opposite chimneys, no longer -smoking, had put on thick white night-caps, and looked -stiffly and coldly, like peevish old age, into the little attic -room, which enclosed, in the midst of the snow-storm, a -perfect spring of joy and gaiety within its four walls.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-iii"><span class="large">CHAPTER III.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Whitsuntide! A word that will thrill with its magic -the human soul as long as trees burst into leaf, larks soar -trilling aloft, and clear spring skies laugh above us. A -word which can awaken an echo of spring in hearts -encrusted with selfishness and greed of gain, chilled by the -snows of age, or deadened by grief and care.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whitsuntide is at hand. A gentle breeze flutters over -the Thuringian mountains, and brushes from their brows -the last remains of the snow which whirls mistily into the -air and leaves its old abiding-place in the guise of -luminous spring clouds. Freed from their wintry garments, -the mountains deck their rugged brows with wreaths of -young strawberry vines and bilberries. In the valley -below, the rippling trout-stream is flowing forth from the -dark forest directly across the flower-strewn meadow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lonely saw-mill is clacking merrily, while its low -thatched roof shines white with the fallen blossoms of -the sheltering fruit trees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before the windows of the scattered huts of the -wood-cutters and of the villagers many an accomplished -bullfinch was singing in his little cage the airs which were -the fruits of a course of instruction in high art, daring -the winter in the hot, close room of his master. And -his brothers in the forest were trilling wilder but far -sweeter lays, for their little throats inhaled the clear air -of freedom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Where, a few weeks before, the melted snow had -foamed down from the mountain tops in a bed created by -its own torrent, beautiful moss was now weaving a soft -carpet, that would soon quite conceal the scarred breast -of the mountain, while here and there, through the thick -green the silver thread of some little stream glittered in -the sunlight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon the highway running through a charming valley -of the Thuringian forest the Ferbers were travelling, in a -well-packed carriage, toward their new home. It was -very early in the morning; the bell from a distant -church-tower had just tolled the hour of three, -wherefore only the shabby old sign-post by the roadside and -a herd of stately stags were permitted the sight of a -happy face that looked upon this lovely forest for the first -time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth leaned far out of the window of the dark -carriage, and inhaled deep draughts of the invigorating air, -which she maintained had already cleared away from her -eyes and lungs all the dust of the city. Ferber sat -opposite, sunk in thought. He too was refreshed by the -beauty and tender grace of the forest; but he was more -deeply moved by the delight in the eyes of his child, who -was so susceptible to the charms of nature and so -unspeakably grateful for the change in their circumstances. -How busy her hands had been since the Royal answer to -Ferber's application for the new office had been received! -There had been much to do. She had shared faithfully -in all the cares which their departure from the city -brought upon her parents. It is true the prince had sent -his new official a considerable sum of money for -travelling expenses, and the forester uncle, too, had shown his -usual generosity; but with the greatest economy it did -not suffice, and therefore Elizabeth had employed every -hour which she usually had for recreation in sewing -for a large ready-made linen establishment,—occupying -herself thus with her needle for many a night, after her -unsuspecting parents were sleeping soundly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There had been one bitter experience amid all the busy -hurry, which had cost the young girl many tears. She -had seen her dear piano borne off upon the shoulders of -two strong men to its new possessor. It had to be sold -for a few thalers, because it was old and frail,—too frail -to be transported to the new home. Ah, it had been so -true a friend to the family! Its thin, quavering voice had -sounded in Elizabeth's ears tender and dear as the voice -of her mother. And now, probably, unfeeling children -would thrum upon its venerable keys, and tease the old -instrument to speak more strongly, until it should be -mute forever. But this sorrow was past, and lay behind -her, with much beside which she had sacrificed and -endured silently; and as she sat looking out into the -morning twilight, with eyes sparkling with delight,—eyes that -seemed to read behind the misty veil of the dawn all -kinds of brilliant prophecies for the future,—who could -have discerned in that figure, glowing with the -elasticity of youth, one trace of the fatigue of the last busy -weeks?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For another half hour the travellers drove along the -smooth, level highway, and then turned aside into the -thick forest by a well-kept carriage-road. The sun was -just rising in the eastern sky, and shot his rays upon the -earth in splendid amazement at the diamonds with which -she had adorned herself during his absence. In the night -a heavy shower had come up, much rain had fallen, and -the large drops were still hanging upon twig and leaf, -falling pattering upon the roof of the carriage whenever -the postillion touched one of the overarching boughs with -his whip. What a glorious forest! From the thick -underbrush at their feet the trees reared their colossal -trunks, and above, their boughs intertwined in a fraternal -embrace as though determined to defend their peaceful, -quiet home from light and air as from two deadly enemies. -Only here and there a slender, green-tinted sunbeam -would slip from bough to bough down upon the feathery -grass and the little strawberry-blossoms, sprinkled -everywhere like snow-flakes, even laying their little white -heads impertinently upon the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a short drive the wood grew less dense, and soon -the retired Lodge appeared in the midst of a meadow in -the heart of the forest. The postillion sounded his horn. -A tremendous barking of dogs was heard; and with a -loud whirr a large flock of doves soared, terrified, into -the air from the pointed gable of the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A man in a hunting uniform was standing at the open -door,—a gigantic figure, with a huge beard that almost -covered his breast. He shaded his eyes with his hands -as he looked keenly at the approaching carriage, but -suddenly running down the steps, he tore open the door, and -threw his arms around Ferber, as the latter sprang out. -For one instant the brothers stood in a close embrace; -then the forester gently released the slender figure of the -younger, and, holding him by the shoulder at arm's length, -gazed searchingly into his pale worn countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor Adolph!" he said at last, and his deep voice -trembled with emotion. "Has fate brought you to this? -But wait awhile, we will have you sound and well again; -it is not too late. A thousand welcomes to you! And -now let us stick together until the last great trumpet call, -when we shall not be asked whether we will stay -together or not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried to master his emotion, and helped his -sister-in-law and little Ernst, whom he embraced and kissed, to -descend from the carriage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said he, "you must have been knocked up at -an early hour, I must say, and that's hardly the thing for -women."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What can you be thinking of, uncle?" cried Elizabeth. -"We are no slug-a-beds, and know exactly how the -sun looks when he says good morning to the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Halloa!" cried the forester with a laugh of surprise. -"Who is that quarrelling with me in the corner of the -carriage? Come out instantly, little one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I, little? Well, sir, you will be finely surprised when -I do get out and you see what a tall, stately maiden I am!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these words Elizabeth sprang down from the high -carriage and stood on tiptoe, drawing herself up to her -full height beside him. But although her slender, -graceful figure was something above middle size, she seemed -at this moment like a pretty king-bird measuring itself -with an eagle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look," she said, in a rather disappointed tone, "I am -nearly up to your shoulder, and that is more than tall -enough for a respectable girl."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her uncle, holding himself as erect as possible, looked -down upon her with a roguish smile of great self-satisfaction -for a moment, then suddenly picked her up in his -arms as though she had been a feather, and amid the -laughter of the others carried her into the house, calling -in a voice of thunder—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sabina, Sabina, come here, and I will show you how -the wrens look in B——."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He put his terrified burden down in the hall as gently -and carefully as though he were handling some brittle -plaything, took her head tenderly between his large hands, -kissed her forehead again and again, and said, "That -such a queen of Liliput, such a moonshine elf, should dream -of being as large as her tall uncle! But, forest fairy as -you are, you know all about the sun, for your head is -covered with its beams."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she was carried into the house upon her uncle's -arm the girl's hat had fallen from her head, revealing a -mass of fair hair, the golden colour of which was all the -more remarkable as her delicately pencilled eyebrows and -long lashes were coal black.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean while an old woman entered from a side -door, and at the head of the first flight of stairs several -boyish faces appeared, which, however, vanished as soon -as they found themselves perceived by the forester. "Oh, -you need not run away," he cried, laughing. "I have -seen you peeping. They are my assistants," he turned -to his brother; "the fellows are as curious as sparrows, -and to-day I really cannot blame them," and he glanced -archly at Elizabeth, who, standing aside, was binding -her loosened braids around her head. Then he took the -old woman by the hand and presented her, with an air of -comical solemnity: "Fräulein Sabina Holzin, Minister of -the Interior to the Forest Lodge, High Constable in all -stable and farm affairs, and to every one therein concerned, -and, lastly, absolute monarch in the kitchen department. -While she is putting the dinner on the table do just as -she tells you, and all will go well with you; but, if she -begins with her stock of old proverbs and ghost stories, -get out of her way as quickly as possible, for there is no -end to them. And now,"—he turned to the smiling old -woman, who was a miracle of ugliness, and who yet -prepossessed all in her favour by her honest eyes, by an -expression of roguery and fun that lighted up her face, and -especially by the spotless cleanliness of her attire,—"now -bring us as quickly as you can whatever pantry and -cellar will afford: I know you baked our Whitsuntide -cakes earlier than usual, that our travellers might have -something to refresh them after their fatigue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these words he opened the door opposite to the -one from the kitchen through which the old woman -disappeared, and showed his guests into a large apartment -with bow-windows. But Elizabeth lingered behind, -looking through the door which led into the court-yard, -for, between the white picket fences which shut in the -feathered tribes on each side of the enclosure, she saw -gay beds of flowers, while three or four late-blossoming -apple trees stretched their rosy bloom-laden branches -over one corner of the space. The garden was large, -climbing a short distance up the mountain side by terraces, -and even enclosing within its realm a beautiful group of -old beeches, outlying members of the forest. While -Elizabeth, entranced, stood thus in the hall, the door of a side -wing of the house opened and a young girl stepped out -into the court-yard. She was strikingly beautiful, -although her figure was rather diminutive, a defect for which -nature had seemed to wish to indemnify her by gifting her -with a pair of large eyes that glowed like dazzling black -suns. Her abundant dark hair was arranged evidently with -an eye to coquettish effect, and several charmingly curled -locks had escaped just above the pale forehead. Her -dress, too, although of simple material, betrayed in its -arrangement the greatest care, and the observer could not -but suspect that the skirt was so artistically looped not -merely that the hem might be kept from the dust, but also -with an eye to the neat little boot which it revealed, and -which certainly was not made to be hidden beneath the -heavy woollen stuff of the dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had in her hand a bowl full of grain, and threw a -handful upon the stones at her feet. A great noise -ensued; the doves fluttered down from the roof, the fowls -left their roosts and nests with loud cacklings, and the -watch-dog felt it his duty to assist in the universal -clamour by barking loudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was astonished. It is true, her uncle had -been married, but he never had any children, as she -knew; who then was this young girl, of whom no -mention had been made in his letter? She descended the -steps that led to the court-yard, and approached the -stranger: "Do you live at the Lodge?" she asked, kindly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The black eyes were riveted searchingly upon her for -one moment, with a look of unmistakable surprise, then -an expression of annoyance flitted across her delicate lips, -which closed more tightly than before; the eyelids fell -over the glittering eyes, and she turned silently away, as -though entirely unconscious of the presence or address of -any one, and continued feeding the fowls with the grain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Sabina passed through the hall with the -coffee-tray. She beckoned confidentially to Elizabeth, who -stood amazed, and, when she drew near, bade her follow -her into the house, saying: "Come, child, you can do -nothing with her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the sitting-room, Elizabeth found all as comfortable -and happy as if they had lived together for years. Her -mother was sitting in a large arm-chair, which the forester -had pushed near a window that commanded a lovely view -down one of the vistas of the forest. A large striped cat -had sprung confidingly into her lap, where it was purring -with satisfaction beneath the small hand that was gently -stroking it. And for little Ernst, the four walls of the room -were a perfect museum of all imaginable curiosities. He -had climbed into one chair after another, and was then -standing in speechless admiration before a glass case -containing a gorgeous collection of butterflies. The two men -were seated, side by side, upon the lounge, in deep -consultation concerning the future abode of the family, and, -as Elizabeth entered, she heard her uncle say, "Well, if -the old ruin on the mountain cannot afford you shelter, -you must stay here with me. I can move my writing-table -and all my other matters out of your way for awhile, -and then I will besiege the authorities in the town until -they consent to add another story to the right wing of -my old house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth took off her travelling cloak, and assisted old -Sabina to set the table. The first shadow had fallen -upon the enjoyment that had filled her soul. Never before -had any advance of hers been met with unkindness. That -she owed this exemption from the ill humour of others to -her beauty, the charm of her manner, and the childlike -purity of her nature, which exercised an unconscious -influence upon all around her, had never occurred to her. -She had taken it for granted that she should experience -only kindness from all, since she was conscious of -meaning well by all the world. Her disappointment at the -repulse was all the greater, because the sight of a young -girl of about her own age had caused her such surprise -and joy; and the beautiful face of the stranger had -interested her deeply. The studied arrangement of the -girl's dress had not struck her, as she herself had never -yet known the desire of heightening her attractions by -the aids of the toilet. Her father and mother had -always assured her that no time spent in the cultivation -of mind and heart was lost, and that if they were -what they should be, her exterior could never be -unattractive, whatever might be the form with which nature -had endowed her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The thoughtful expression of Elizabeth's face did not -escape her mother's notice. She called her to her, and -her daughter began an account of the meeting; but at the -first words the forester turned towards her. A deep -wrinkle appeared between his bushy eyebrows, and made -his face dark and gloomy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed," he said, "have you seen her already? Well, -then, let me tell you who and what she is. I took her -into my house some years ago, that she might assist -Sabina in her housekeeping. She is a distant relative of -my deceased wife, and has no parents, brothers nor sisters. -I wished to do good, but I have provided myself with -a perpetual scourge,—although I do not deserve it. -She had not been here a month before I discovered that -she had not a single healthy thought in her entire -composition; she is a mass of exaggerated ideas and -inconceivable arrogance. I had half a mind to send her back -to the place she came from, but Sabina, who has still less -cause than I to love her, entreated me not to do it. -Why, I cannot tell, for the girl gave her a great deal -of trouble, and was insolent. I did all I could to tame her -haughty spirit by giving her regular duties to perform, -and for awhile matters went on pretty well. But about -a year ago a certain Baroness Lessen came to live over -at Lindhof,—that is the name of the former Gnadewitz -property, which the heir-at-law sold to a Herr von Walde. -The possessor himself, who has neither wife nor child, is a -kind of antiquary, travels a great deal, and leaves his only -sister under the charge of the aforesaid baroness, more's -the pity, for she turns everything upside down. Years -ago, when I used to hear great piety spoken of, all my -veneration was excited, and I wished at least to take my -cap off; but now, when I hear of such things, I clench -my fist and pull my hat down over my eyes, for the -world has greatly changed. The Baroness Lessen -belongs to those pious souls who grow cruel, hard, and -narrow-minded out of what they call pure fear of the -Lord; who persecute a fellow-creature who does not cast -his eyes down hypocritically, but lifts them to heaven -where God dwells, as persistently as a hound hunts down -game. This is the herd to which my excellent niece -belongs; there could not be a better soil for all the weeds -that her brain generates, and all sorts of annoyances are -the consequence. She made acquaintance with a lady's-maid -over there, and spent all her leisure time with her. -At first I was content enough, until all at once she began -with her plans,—for our conversion, as she calls it. -Sabina was a miserable sinner, because she would not leave -off work, at least ten times a day, to pray; the poor -old thing, who never misses church every Sunday at -Lindhof, even through wind and rain, and often with -rheumatism racking her old bones, and who has lived a -faithful, laborious life, infinitely more religious than sixty -years of idleness spent upon her knees. And then my -fine moralist attacked me; but there she found her match, -and contented herself with a single effort. Then I forbade -all intercourse with Lindhof; but my prohibition was of -little use, for whenever my back is turned she takes -occasion to slip over there. Of course, there can be no -question of any gratitude towards me; I have no bond -of union with her as her guardian, and that makes my -task of guiding and guarding her doubly difficult. God -only knows what insane idea has taken possession of her -now, but for two months she has been perfectly dumb, -not only here at home, but everywhere. For that space -of time not a single word has passed her lips. Neither -sternness nor gentle entreaty produces the slightest effect -upon her. She attends to her duties just as she used to -do, eats and drinks like every one else, and is not one -whit less vain or wise in her own conceit. But because -she grew pale, and did not look very well, I consulted a -physician, who had formerly known her, with regard to -her health. He assured me that her physical health was -excellent, and advised that she should be treated with -gentle firmness, as the minds of several of her family had -previously been somewhat affected. He said, too, that -she would grow tired of her entire silence, and would -begin talking some fine day like a magpie. I am content -to wait; but in the mean time it is a sore trial to me. -All my life I have longed to have happy faces around -me, and would rather eat bread and salt with cheerful -people than the costliest dainties with morose -companions. Come, my Fair one with the golden locks," he -concluded, stroking Elizabeth's head with his huge hand, -"push your mother's arm-chair up to the table, tie a -napkin round the neck of that little rogue who is staring his -eyes out at my case of rifles, and let us breakfast together, -for you all need repose, and must rest your weary limbs -after your long journey. After dinner we must begin to -think of Castle Gnadeck; but first strengthen your eyes -with a little sleep, lest they should be dazzled by the -splendour which will flash upon them up there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After breakfast, while her father and mother were asleep -and little Ernst was dreaming in a large bed of the -wonders of the forest-lodge, Elizabeth unpacked in the upper -room, which her uncle had resigned to her, all that was -necessary for the coming night. She would not for the -world have gone to sleep. She went repeatedly to the -window and looked across to the wooded mountain which -arose behind the lodge. There, above the tops of the -trees, she could see a black streak, which stood out -distinctly against the clear blue sky. That was, as old -Sabina said, an ancient iron flag-staff upon the roof of -Castle Gnadeck, from which in times long gone by the -proud banner of the Gnadewitzes had flouted the air. -Was there behind those trees the asylum for which she -longed, where her parents might rest their feet, weary with -long wandering upon foreign soil?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then her eyes sought the court-yard below, but the -dumb girl did not appear again. She had not come to -breakfast, and seemed to wish to avoid all intercourse -with the guests at the lodge. For this Elizabeth was -very sorry. Although her uncle's account had not -been promising, a youthful spirit is not quick to -resign its illusions, and would rather be undeceived by the -bursting of its gay bubble than admonished by the -experience of age. The beautiful girl, who could so -determinedly conceal her secret behind closed lips, became -doubly interesting to her, and she exhausted herself in -conjectures as to the cause of this silence.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-iv"><span class="large">CHAPTER IV.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After a most cheerful dinner, Sabina brought from -the cupboard a pipe, which she filled and handed with a -match to the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you thinking of, Sabina?" he said, rejecting -it with a comical air of displeased surprise. "Do you -think I could find it in my heart to sit here and smoke a -quiet pipe while Elsie's little feet are dancing with -impatience to run up the mountain, and she is longing to poke -her little nose into the magic castle? No, I think we had -better start at once upon our voyage of discovery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All were soon ready. The forester gave his arm to his -sister-in-law, and they started off through the court and -garden. After they had gone a little way, they were -joined by a mason from the neighbouring village, whom -the forester had sent for that he might be at hand if -necessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They walked up the mountain by a tolerably steep and -narrow path through the thick forest, but this path -gradually broadened, and at last led to a small open space, on -one side of which arose what seemed like a tall gray rock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here I have the pleasure," said the forester to his -brother, with a sarcastic smile, "of revealing to you the -estate of the lamented Baron von Gnadewitz in all its -grandeur."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were standing before a lofty wall, which looked -like one solid block of granite. They could see nothing -of any buildings that might be behind it, because the -surrounding forest was too thick and close to allow of a -sufficiently distant point of observation. The forester led -the way along the wall, at the base of which thick -underbrush was growing, until he reached a large oaken -door with an iron grating in the upper half of it. Here -he had had the matted growth of underbrush cleared -away, and he now produced a bunch of large keys which -had been handed over to Frau Ferber as she had passed -through L—— the day before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The utmost exertions of the three men were necessary -before the rusty locks and bars would move, but at last -the door creaked, or rather crashed upon its hinges, and -a thick cloud of dust floated up into the air. The -explorers entered and found themselves in a court-yard -bounded on three sides by buildings. Opposite them was -the imposing front of the castle, with a flight of broad -stone steps, and a clumsy iron balustrade, leading to the -entrance door upon the first story. Running from each -side of the main building were gloomy colonnades, whose -granite pillars and arches seemed to defy the tooth of -time. In the centre of the court-yard a group of old -chestnut trees stretched their aged boughs above a huge -basin, in the midst of which couched four stone lions with -wide open jaws. Formerly four powerful streams of -water must have poured through them from the bowels -of the earth, filling the entire basin; but now there was -only a small stream trickling through the threatening -teeth of one of the monsters, sufficing to sprinkle with -moisture the grass and weeds growing in the cracks of -the stone basin, and, by its low, mournful ripple, giving a -faint suggestion of life in this wilderness. The outer -walls of the structure and the colonnades were all that -could be regarded without terror in this space. The -window frames, from which every pane of glass had been -broken, showed the sad desolation within. In some -rooms the ceilings had already fallen in; in others, the -joists were bent as though the lightest touch might -send them crashing down. Even the stone steps seemed -half hanging in the air,—some mossy fragments had -already become detached from them, and had rolled into -the centre of the court-yard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can do nothing here," said Ferber. "Let us go on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through a deep, dark portal they entered another -court-yard, which, although much larger than the first, -by its striking irregularity produced an impression of -far greater desolation. Here, a dreary, crumbling pile -of masonry projected far out, and formed a dark -corner never visited by a sunbeam; there, a clumsy tower -shot into the air, throwing a deep shadow upon the wing -at its back. An old elder bush, leading a straggling -existence in one corner, with its leaves covered with -fallen crumbs of mortar, and some dry grasses between -the stones of the pavement, made the scene yet more -desolate. No noise disturbed the deathlike silence -reigning here. Even the jackdaws soaring in the air above -ceased their chatter, and the echoes of the footsteps upon -the stone pavement had a ghostly sound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, those old knights," said Ferber, almost appalled -at the sight of the desolation around him, "have heaped -up these piles of granite, and thought that this cradle of -their race would proclaim the splendour of their name -through all coming centuries. Each has altered and -arranged his inheritance after his own taste and convenience, -as we see from these different kinds of architecture, and -lived as if there were no end to it all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And yet each lodged here but for a little space," -interrupted the forester, "and paid his landlord, the earth, -for his lodging with his own crumbling bones,—now -turned to dust. But let us go on. Brr—rr!—it makes -me shiver. Death everywhere,—nothing but death!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you call that death, uncle?" suddenly exclaimed -Elizabeth, who had hitherto been awed and silent, pointing, -as she spoke, through a door which was half concealed -by an interposing column. There, behind a grating, fresh -sunny green was shining, and young climbing roses -leaned their blossoms against the iron bars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth ran towards the door, and, exerting all her -strength, pushed it open. The space upon which she -entered had probably been the former flower-garden, but -such a name could scarcely be applied to the tangled -wilderness of green, where not even the narrowest vestige -of a path could be discerned, and where here and there -only the mutilated remains of a statue appeared among -the mass of shrubs, bushes, and parasitical plants. A -wild grape-vine had climbed to the upper story of the -building, and taken firm hold there of the window-sills,—its -green branches and wreaths falling thence like a shower -upon the wild roses and lilac bushes beneath. And in -this secluded, blooming spot of ground, a buzzing and -humming were heard, as if Spring had assembled here her -entire host of winged insects. Countless butterflies -fluttered over the flowers, and golden beetles were running -glittering across the broad fern leaves at Elizabeth's feet. -And above this little world of bloom and busy life several -fruit trees and magnificent lindens waved their leafy crests, -while upon a slight elevation were seen the remains of -what had once been a pavilion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The garden was surrounded upon three sides by -buildings; the square was completed by a high, green -wall, which had been constructed of earth, like a dam, -and above which the trees of the forest waved a greeting -to their neighbours within. Here were also the same -signs of decay,—tolerably well preserved outer -walls,—complete ruin within. Only one building of two stories, -connecting two high wings, attracted attention from its -closed appearance. The light did not shine through it, as -through its doorless and windowless companions; its flat -roof, finished in front and at the back by a heavy stone -balustrade, must have bidden defiance to time and tempest, -as had also the gray window-panes which peeped out -here and there from the tangled growth of vines that -covered everything. The forester measured it with a keen -glance, and declared that this must be Sabina's famous -building,—possibly the interior might not be in as -crumbling a condition as the rest of the castle,—only he could -not understand how they were to get into the old swallow's -nest. Certainly, the rank growth around the base -of the walls would have obscured all trace of steps or -door, even were there any such entrance. They determined, -therefore, to venture up into one of the large side -wings by a worn but tolerably secure flight of stone steps, -and thus attempt to arrive at the interior of the -connecting building. They succeeded in gaining ingress to the -tall wing, although they could keep their footing only by -clinging to the uneven walls. They first entered a large -saloon which had the blue sky for a ceiling, and whose -only decoration was a few green bushes growing through -its walls. Remnants of galleries, worm-eaten joists, and -various fragments of frescoed ceiling were heaped up in -piles, over which the explorers had to scramble as best -they might. Then followed a long suite of rooms in the -same utterly desolate condition. Upon some of the walls -fragments of family portraits were still hanging, upon -which, strangely and comically enough, only an eye, or, -perhaps, a pair of delicate folded hands, or a mail-clad, -theatrically-posed leg, was yet distinctly to be traced. -At length they reached the last apartment, and stood -before a high-arched doorway which had evidently been -bricked up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha!" said Ferber, "here they intended to cut off -this building from the universal desolation. I think -that before we venture any further upon this break-neck -expedition it would be well to knock out these stones."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His proposal was at once favourably received, and the -mason began his task; he soon penetrated into a recess -in the wall, which he assured them was double at this -spot. The other two men lent their assistance, and a -thick oaken door was revealed behind the masonry that -they cleared away. This door was not locked, and yielded -readily to the mason's strong arm. They entered an -entirely dark, close room. One slender sunbeam, straying -through a crack showed them where to find a window; -the bolt of the shutter, rusty from long disuse, resisted -for some time the strength of the forester, and the trees -upon the outside opposed an additional obstacle to their -exertions. At last the shutter yielded with a crash; -the golden-green sunlight streamed in through a high -bow-window and disclosed an apartment not broad, but -very deep, the walls of which were hung with Gobelin -tapestry. Upon each of the four corners of the ceiling -were painted the arms of the Gnadewitzes. To the -surprise of all, this room was entirely furnished as a sleeping -apartment. Two canopied beds, with hangings dingy -with age, that occupied the two long walls of the room, -were all made up; the pillows were covered with fine linen -cases, and the silken coverlid still preserved its colour -and texture. Everything that could conduce to the -comfort of an aristocratic occupant was here, buried, indeed, -beneath a mass of dust, but in a state of excellent -preservation. Beyond this apartment, and opening into -it, was another much larger, with two windows; it was -also completely furnished, although in antique style, and -evidently with furniture hunted up from various other -rooms for the purpose. An antique writing-table, its top -most artistically inlaid and resting upon strangely carved -claw feet, harmonized but poorly with the more modern -form of the crimson sofa; and the gilt frames, in which -hung several well-painted hunting pictures, did not -accord with the silver mountings of the huge mirror. -Nevertheless, nothing was wanting that could complete -the solid comfort of the room. A thick, though -somewhat faded carpet was laid upon the floor, and a large -antique timepiece stood beneath the mirror. A small -boudoir, also furnished, and from which a door led to a -vestibule and a flight of steps, opened from the larger -apartment. Behind these rooms were three others of a -similar size, with windows looking upon the garden; one -of these, containing two beds and pine furniture, was -evidently intended for the servants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well done!" cried the forester with a smile of -satisfaction; "here is an establishment that exceeds the -wildest flights of our modest fancy. If the sainted -Gnadewitz could see us now he would turn in his leaden coffin. -All this we owe, I suppose, to the neglect of a housekeeper -or to the forgetfulness of some childish, old steward."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But do you think we ought to keep these things?" -asked, in a breath, Frau Ferber and Elizabeth, who had -been silent hitherto from wonder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly, my love," said Ferber; "your uncle -left you the castle with everything which it contained."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And little enough it was," growled the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But in comparison with our expectations a perfect -mine of wealth," said Frau Ferber, as she opened a -beautiful glass cabinet containing different kinds of china; "and -if my uncle had actually endowed me with an estate in -my young days, when I was full of hope and enthusiasm, -I doubt whether it would have made as much impression -upon me as does this unexpected discovery, which relieves -us all of so much anxiety."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time Elizabeth had gone to the window of -the first room which they had entered, and was trying to -part the boughs and vines which grew so thick and strong -all along this side of the building that they formed a -barrier through which only a greenish twilight penetrated. -"It is a pity," she said, as she found that her efforts -were vain; "I should have liked some glimpse of the -forest outside."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, do you think," said her uncle, "that I shall -allow you to live behind this green screen, which shuts out -air as well as light? Rely upon me to take that matter -in charge, my little Elsie."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They next descended the stairs. These, too, were in -perfect preservation, and led to a large hall with a huge -oaken table in the centre, surrounded by spindled-legged, -straight-backed chairs. The floor was of red tiles, and -the panels on walls and ceiling were covered with -beautiful carving. This large apartment was provided with -four windows and two doors opposite to each other; one -of these led into the garden, and the other, which was -opened with difficulty, into a narrow open court-yard lying -between the building-and the outer wall. Here the -syringas and hazel bushes were growing everywhere, making -an absolute thicket, through which, however, the three -men penetrated, and reached a little gate in the outside -wall which communicated with the forest without.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said Ferber, delighted, "every obstacle to our -living here is removed. This entrance is most valuable. -We shall never have to pass through the older court-yards, -which are really dangerous places, surrounded as they are -by crumbling ruins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They made one more tour through their newly found -home with an eye to its future arrangement, and the mason -was ordered to be upon the spot the next day that he -might convert one of the back rooms into a kitchen. -Then, after the oaken door leading into the large, ruinous -wing had been well bolted and secured, they took their -way through the gate in the wall, an undertaking difficult -indeed, on account of the thick bushes which opposed -their progress, but infinitely preferable to the perilous path -by which they had entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the returning party entered the garden of the forest -lodge, Sabina came towards them, in great anxiety to learn -the results of their expedition, accompanied by little Ernst, -who had been entrusted to her care while his mother and -sister were away. She had prepared the table with its -snowy cloth and shining coffee-service upon a shady knoll -under the beech trees, and now clapped her hands with -delight upon hearing of all they had found.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! gracious Powers," she cried, "I hope the Herr -Forester understands now that I knew what I was talking -about. Yes, yes, all those things were left there and -forgotten, and no wonder. As soon as the young lord was -buried, old Gnadewitz packed off as quick as he could, -and took every servant with him except the old -house-steward Silber, and he was childish with age, and -besides had enough to do to take care of all that was left -in the new castle; it was crowded with furniture and plate, -and he had a hard time to keep it all right; so everything -was left in the old rooms, and no one knew anything -about them. Ah, I've dusted and cleaned everything -there often enough, and frightened indeed I was whenever -I came to that old clock, for it plays such mournful music -when it strikes, it used to sound like something unearthly, -when I was all alone at work in the old place. Ah, how -time flies, I was young then!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then came an hour of rest and comfortable discussion, -while they drank their coffee. As Elizabeth had decided -that nothing could be more charming than to awaken in -their own rooms upon Whit-Sunday morning,—when the -ringing of the church-bells in the surrounding villages -would come softly echoing through the forest glades,—a -view of the matter in which her mother sympathized, -they determined to undertake all the necessary repairs -and cleaning immediately, that they might occupy the -rooms upon the eve of Whit-Sunday, and the forester -placed all his men at their disposal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sabina had taken up her position upon a grassy bank -at a short distance from the table, that she might be at -hand if wanted; and that she might not be idle, she had -pulled up a couple of handfuls of carrots from the garden -and was busily scraping and trimming them. Elizabeth -sat down beside her. The old woman gave a sly glance -at the delicate white fingers, that contrasted so with her -own brown, horny hands, as they picked some carrots up -from her lap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't touch," she said, "that is no work for you,—you -will make your fingers yellow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What matter for that?" laughed Elizabeth. "I will -help you a little, and you shall tell me a story. You -were born here, and must know many a tale about the -old castle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may be sure of that," replied the old housekeeper. -"The village of Lindhof, where I was born, belonged to -the Lords von Gnadewitz time out of mind, and you see -in such a little place as that every one talks and thinks of -the great people who rule over it. Nothing happens of -any account in the castle that is not described and handed -down from father to son in the village, and, long after the -lords and ladies are dust, their stories are told by the -village girls and boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now there was my great-grandmother, whom I -remember perfectly, she knew many a thing that would -make your hair stand on end; but she had a monstrous -respect for every one at Gnadeck, and used to bob down -my head with her trembling hands whenever a Gnadewitz -drove by our cottage,—for I was but a little thing then, -and did not know how to make a respectable courtesy. -She knew about all the lords who had lived at the old -castle for hundreds of years; yes, many a thing that had -happened there, that must have outraged God and man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Afterwards, when I lived at the new castle, and had -to sweep the long gallery where their pictures were all -hanging upon the wall,—pictures of people whose very -bones had mouldered away,—I often used to stand still -before them and wonder to see them looking so like -everybody else, when they used to make such a fuss about -themselves, as if God Almighty had brought them down -to the earth with his own hands. There were not many -beauties among the women. I often thought, in my stupid -way, that if pretty Lieschen, the most beautiful girl in the -village, could only have been painted and hung in such a -rich gold frame, with a silken scarf and such quantities -of jewels upon her neck and in her hair, and the blackamoor -with his silver waiter standing just behind her lovely -face and neck, she would have looked a thousand times -prettier than the lady who was so ugly, and frowned so -with pride and arrogance that two great wrinkles went -up to the very roots of her hair. And yet she was the -very one that the family was proudest of. She had been -a very wealthy countess, but hard and unfeeling as a stone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Among the men, there was only one whom I liked to -look at. He had a frank, kind, honest face, and a pair of -eyes black as sloes; but he had shown how true it is that -the good always get the worst of it in this world. All -the others had a fine time of it as long as they lived. -Many of them had done harm enough in their time, and -yet their death-beds were as calm and peaceful as if they -had always been just and true; but poor Jost von -Gnadewitz had a sad fate. My great-grandmother's -grandmother had known him when she was a very little girl. -Then they always called him the wild huntsman, because -he never left the forest, but would hunt there from -morning until night. In the picture he had on a green coat -and a long white feather in his cap, that was most -beautiful to see dangling among his coal-black curls. He was -kind-hearted, and never harmed a child. While he lived -all the villagers prospered, and they wished he might live -forever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But all of a sudden he left this part of the country, -and no one knew, for some time, where he had gone, -until one night in a dreadful storm he came back as quietly -as he had gone away. But always after that he was a -changed man. The people of Lindhof prospered as -before, but they saw no more of their master. He -dismissed all his servants, and lived alone in his old castle -with only one favourite attendant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And at last it began to be whispered that he was busy -with magic and the black art up there, and no one dared -to go near the castle even at high noon, let alone the -dark night. But my old great-grandmother was a bold, -saucy girl, and used sometimes to pasture her goats right -under the walls of the castle court-yard. Well,—once as -she was leaning against a tree there, gazing at the high -walls, and lost in thoughts concerning all that might be -going on behind them, suddenly an arm appeared above -them white as snow, and then a face fairer than sun, moon, -and stars, my grandmother said, and at last with a -sudden spring a young maiden stood upon the top of the -broad wall, and, stretching her arms up into the air, cried -out something in a strange tongue that my grandmother -could not understand, and was just about to leap down -into the deep ditch full of water that then entirely -surrounded the castle, when Jost appeared behind her, and, -putting his arms around her, begged and implored her -so that a stone would have melted at such entreaties -wrung from a heart full of terror and anguish. And -finally he took her up in his arms like a child, and they -both disappeared from the wall. But the veil became -loosened from the maiden's head and floated away across -the ditch to where my grandmother was standing. It -was exquisitely fine, and she carried it home in great glee -to her father; but he declared it was woven by the devil, -and threw it into the fire, forbidding my grandmother -ever to go up the mountain near the castle again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some time after,—certainly a whole year after Jost -first shut himself up so closely at Gnadeck,—he came -down the mountain very early one morning on horseback; -but you would hardly have known him, his face was so -haggard and pale, all the paler for the full suit of black -that he wore. He rode very slowly, and nodded sadly to -every one whom he met; he never came back to this -place again; he was slain in battle, and his old servant -with him—'twas at the time of the thirty years' war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the beautiful girl?" asked Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, no one ever heard tale or tidings of her again. -Jost left a large sealed packet in the town-house at L——, -and said that it was his last will, and must be opened -whenever news of his death should be received. But a -short time after his departure, there was a terrible fire in -L——; a great many houses, and even the church and -the town-house, were burned to the ground with -everything which they contained, and of course the packet -was destroyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Before Jost left, the pastor from Lindhof went to see -him several times; but the reverend gentleman kept as -quiet as a mouse, and, as he was already very old, he -soon departed this life, and everything that he knew -was buried with him. So no living being knows anything -about the strange maiden, nor ever will know till the day -of judgment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, never trouble yourself to keep the matter quiet, -Sabina," called the forester to her from the table, as he -shook the ashes out of his pipe. "Elsie had better get -used as soon as possible to the terrible conclusions to your -stories. Tell her at once—for you know all about -it—how the beautiful maiden one fine day flew up the -chimney and away upon a broomstick."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I don't believe that, sir, although I know——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That the whole country is swarming with such creatures, -all ripe for the gallows," interrupted her master. -"Yes, yes," he continued, turning to the others, "Sabina -is one of the old Thuringian stock. She has sense enough, -and her heart is in the right place; but when there is any -question about witchcraft she loses one and forgets the -other, and is nearly ready to turn any poor old woman -away from the door, just because she has red eyes, without -giving her a morsel of food."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, indeed, sir, I'm not quite so bad as that," the old -woman declared with some irritation. "I give her -something to eat; but I always stick my thumbs in the palms -of my hands, and never answer one of her questions,—there's -no harm in that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every one laughed at this charm against witches and -witchcraft, which the old servant told with the utmost -gravity as she arose and emptied the carrot-tops from her -apron, that she might prepare the afternoon meal, which -was to be eaten earlier than usual, as there was much to -do in the old castle before nightfall.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-v"><span class="large">CHAPTER V.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As Elizabeth opened her eyes the next morning, the -tall clock in the room below was striking eight, and she -started up with the provoking consciousness that she had -overslept herself; and it was all owing to a vivid and -terrible dream. The golden atmosphere of poetry, which -had yesterday hovered around Sabina's narrative, had -become a gloomy cloud in the night, the shadow of which -embittered and burdened the first moments of her -awakening. She had been flying in deadly terror through the -spacious, dreary halls of the old castle, always pursued -by Jost. Thick curls were waving wildly above his pale -forehead, beneath which his black eyes gleamed upon her, -and she had just stretched out her arms in greater terror -than she had ever experienced in her life before, to defend -herself from him, when she awoke. Her heart was still -beating violently, and she thought with a shudder of the -wretched girl upon the castle wall, who, pursued, perhaps, -as she had been, had sought relief in death, when she -was again captured by her tormentor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She sprang up and bathed her face in cold water; then -she opened her window and looked out into the courtyard. -There sat Sabina under a pear tree, busy with her -churn. All the feathered crowd of the place stood around, -looking impatiently for the crumbs that she threw to them -from time to time from a bowl upon the table by her side, -while she improved the occasion to rebuke the arrogant -and greedy, and to console the oppressed and down-trodden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When she saw the young girl, she nodded kindly, and -called up to her to say that every one in the lodge had -been busy up there in the old castle since six o'clock. -When Elizabeth reproached her for letting her sleep so -long, she assured her that she had done so by the express -desire of her mother, who thought that her daughter had -overtasked her strength in the last few weeks of -excitement and exertion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sabina's kind, placid face, and the fresh air of the -morning soothed Elizabeth's nerves at once, and brought back -her thoughts to the world of reality which was just now -opening so brightly before her. She took herself seriously -to task that, despite her uncle's fatherly admonition, she -had leaned out of the open window until midnight upon -the previous night, gazing across the moonlit meadow -into the silent forest. But common sense often plays a -poor part when opposed to excited fancy. Where it -should conduct a rigid examination and discriminate -wisely, it suddenly finds itself deserted in the -judgment-seat, and must retire in confusion, while the varied and -motley spectacle which fancy conjures up proceeds -without interruption. Thus Elizabeth's self-reproaches soon -vanished before the picture which presented itself to her -memory, and still threw around her all the magic of a -moonlit night in the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as she had dressed, and drank a tumbler of -fresh milk, she hastened up to the castle. The sky was -overcast, but only with those light, thin clouds which -foretell a fresh although not a sunny, spring day. -Therefore the birds' morning concert was of longer duration -than usual, and the dew-drops lay as large and full in the -cups of the flowers as if their existence for the day were -not threatened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Elizabeth entered the large gate of the castle, which -stood wide open, a huge green mound, piled up by the -fountain, met her eye. It was formed of thistle stalks, -ferns, and bramble bushes, which had been torn from -their home in the garden, and were here bidding farewell -to their long, merry life. The path through the arched -gateway of the second court-yard to the grating was -strewn with green boughs and leaves, as though a joyous -marriage train had been passing through the old ruins; -and even on the sill of a high window, that showed the -remains of coloured glass in the lacework of the stone -rosette of its pointed arch, some boughs had been caught -as they were carried past, and the trailing end of a wild -vine was coiling its living green lovingly around the -stone trefoil of the Holy Trinity, which betrayed -unmistakably that the dark, dreary hall within had once -been the chapel of the castle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The garden, where it had yesterday been impossible to -take two steps, seemed to Elizabeth entirely changed. -A considerable part of it had been cleared, and showed -distinct traces of having been tastefully laid out. She -could easily proceed along a partially cleared path, across -which timid hares and squirrels ran fleetly now and then, -until she reached the green rampart which had only -been seen from a distance yesterday. At each end of -the long, grassy embankment, broad, worn, stone steps -led up to a low breastwork, over which one could look -out into the forest, and there, where the trees were -somewhat thin, through a green vista down into the valley, -where the forest lodge, with the white doves dotting its -blue-slated roof, was nestling cosily. At the foot of the -embankment, just where the broad path terminated, was -a little stone basin, into which a strong stream of crystal -water flowed through the mouth of a mossy little marble -gnome. Two lindens arched their boughs above this -gurgling brook, and threw their grateful shade upon the -tender forget-me-nots, which grew here in masses in the -damp earth and wreathed the little basin with their -heavenly blue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Directly opposite the embankment lay her future -habitation, which, with its window-shutters thrown back and -the large door on the ground-floor wide open, looked so -bright and hospitable to-day that Elizabeth welcomed -with joy the thought that she was looking upon her home. -Her gaze wandered over the garden, and she thought -upon those moments of her childhood when, her little -heart full of unconquerable longing, she had lingered -behind her parents during some pleasant walk, and, with -her face pressed close against the iron grating, had gazed -into some strange garden. There she had seen happy -children playing carelessly upon the greensward; they -could bend down the lovely roses that hung in such -clusters, and inhale their fragrance as long as they liked. -And what a pleasure it must be to creep under the flower-laden -boughs and sit there in the green, just like grown-up -people in an arbour! But there was nothing for her then -but the look and the longing. No one had ever opened the -barred door to the child with the wistful eyes, who would -have been only too happy if they would have thrust a -few flowers through the grating into her little hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Elizabeth was standing upon the embankment, -the forester appeared at one of the upper windows of -the dwelling. When he saw her graceful figure leaning -against the low breastwork, as, with her beautiful head -half turned towards the garden, she seemed sunk in a -reverie, his features were illumined by an expression of -pleasure and quiet delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Elsie soon found him out, and nodding to him -gaily, bounded down the steps towards the house. Little -Ernst ran to her in the hall, and she took him up in her -arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The assistance which the little boy had afforded had -been, according to his own enthusiastic account, -invaluable indeed. He had carried bricks for the mason who -had been mending the hearth, had helped his mother to -shake out the beds, and declared with pride that the lords -and ladies upon the woollen hangings looked far -handsomer since he had brushed off their dusty faces. He -threw his arms around his sister's neck as she carried -him up-stairs, assuring her all the way that he liked it a -thousand times better here than in B——.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester received Elizabeth in the antechamber -above. He scarcely gave her time to say good morning -to her parents, but conducted her instantly into the -gobelin-hung apartment. Ah, what a transformation! The -green lattice-work that had obscured the window had -vanished. Without, beyond the outer wall, the forest -retreated like side-scenes on either side, opening a full -view of a distant valley that was to Elizabeth a perfect -paradise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is Lindhof," said the forester, pointing to a -large building in the Italian style, which lay tolerably -near to the foot of the mountain upon which Gnadeck -stood. "I have brought you something that will show -you every tree upon the mountains over there, and every -blade of grass in the meadows of the valley," he -continued, as he held an excellent spy-glass before her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then the grand, solemn mountain domes seemed -to approach, their granite peaks, sometimes crowned by a -solitary fir, breaking through the forest here and there. -Behind these nearest summits towered countless ranges -in the blue misty light, and from a distant, dim valley -which separated two giant mountains, arose two -slender, shadowy gothic towers. A little river, a highway -bordered by poplars, and several gay villages enlivened -the background of the valley. In front lay Castle -Lindhof, surrounded by a park laid out in princely style. -Beneath the windows of the castle extended a closely shaven -lawn, beset with small, quaintly-shaped beds glowing with -all the colours of the rainbow. Thence Elizabeth's eyes -soon wandered, and rested delightedly upon the mysterious -gloom of an avenue of magnificent lindens, their heavy -foliage interlacing above their brown trunks, while here -and there drooping boughs swept the ground beneath with -their broad leaves. They bordered a little crystal lake, -which just now looked melancholy enough amid all its -flowery surroundings, for its depths mirrored a cloudy -sky. Now and then a swan stretched its white neck -curiously among the low-hanging linden boughs, and sent -a shower of feathery spray from its wings to sprinkle their -old trunks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hitherto Elizabeth had allowed the glass to range -restlessly hither and thither, but now she attempted to hold -it steadily, for she had made a discovery which excited -her interest most powerfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under the last trees of the avenue stood a couch. A -young lady lay upon it, her charming head thrown back -so that a part of her chestnut curls fell down across the -pillow. Beneath the hem of her long white muslin dress, -which enveloped her form to the throat, peeped out two -tiny feet encased in gold-embroidered satin slippers. She -held in her delicate almost transparent hands some -auriculas, which she was thoughtlessly twisting and waving to -and fro. Her lips alone showed any colouring; the rest -of her face was lily-pale; one would almost have doubted -its being informed with life had not the blue eyes gleamed -so wondrously. But these eyes with their depth of -expression were riveted upon the countenance of a man -who, sitting opposite, appeared to be reading aloud to -her. Elizabeth could not see his face, for his back was -turned toward her. He seemed young, tall, and well -made, and had a profusion of light-brown hair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that lovely lady over there the Baroness Lessen?" -asked Elizabeth, eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester took the spy-glass. "No," said he, "that -is Fräulein von Walde, the sister of the proprietor of -Lindhof. You call her charming, and certainly her head -is lovely, but she is a cripple; she walks upon crutches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment Frau Ferber joined them. She too -looked through the glass, and thought the countenance -of the young lady most beautiful. She was particularly -struck with the expression of gentle kindness which, as -she said, "transfigured the features."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said the forester, "she is kind and benevolent. -When I first came here the whole country around was -full of her praises. But matters are changed indeed, since -the Baroness Lessen has had the control of affairs over -there. No more alms are distributed among the poor, -unless they are earned by hypocrisy. Woe to the wretch who -asks any assistance there! He will be turned away -without a penny, if he ventures to hint that he would rather -listen to the pastor in the village church on Sundays than -go to the castle chapel, where the chaplain of the baroness -every week calls down fire and brimstone, and every -imaginable pain of hell, upon the heads of the ungodly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly such violent measures are poorly fitted to -win souls to heaven and inspire people with Christian -love," said Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They destroy all good, and foster hypocrisy, I tell -you!" cried the forester, angrily. "Do they not set an -example of it themselves? They are always reading in the -Bible of Christian humility, yet every day they grow -haughtier and more supercilious. Why, they would actually -persuade us that their high-born bodies are moulded of a -different clay from those of their poor brothers in Christ. -It stands written, 'When thou doest thine alms, let not -thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth;' but no -hen ever makes more to-do over her newly-laid egg than -these people over their charities. There are perpetual -collections, fairs, and lotteries for the poor, and the whole -neighbourhood is black-mailed, but when it comes to -taking the money from, where it is plentiest, their own -purses,—oh, that's carrying the joke too far, as the -saying goes. I know people who have been for twenty -years collecting subscriptions from others to found a -poor-house. These very people have a yearly income of six -thousand thalers, but of course it never occurs to them to -add one penny from their own store in aid of their -charitable project. They must purchase a reputation for -benevolence and Christian self-sacrifice more cheaply than that. -Zounds! how it enrages me to see people wearing -their piety so pinned upon their sleeves! Over there in -the castle a bell is set ringing just so many times a day, -that every one in the country around may say, when they -hear it, 'They are having prayers at the castle.' The -closet, where God has commanded us to shut to the door -and kneel in prayer, is altogether too small to suit their taste. -And it is not only this trumpet-blowing that outrages me. -I hold it to be actually wicked to make such a mere everyday -form of the worship of the Holiest. Do you suppose -that the maid-servant, with a hot smoothing-iron in -her hand, or the cook, who is just putting her roast to the -fire, can rejoice in the sound of that bell?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is most certainly a dubious kind of piety," said -Frau Ferber, smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or even the gracious ladies themselves, who are busy -with the last novel or a piquante bit of court scandal—for -an interest in all such things is quite consistent with the -loftiest piety—do you suppose they are able to divert -their thoughts in one instant from worldly affairs and turn -them all heavenwards? But these people run in and out -of the kingdom of heaven without any thought or -preparation, and congratulate themselves upon the honour that -they are doing to the Creator."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And does Herr von Walde sympathize with these -reforms of the baroness?" asked Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From everything that I can gather from the villagers, -I should judge not; but how does that mend the matter? -He is probably at this moment prying into the pyramids -that he may throw light upon antiquity; how should he -know that his cousin here is zealously doing her best to -blow out the advancing light of the present? Besides, -I dare say he has a crack in his own brain. The prince -of L——, who knows him well, wished some years ago to -make a match between him and a young person of -quality at court, but, as I hear, my gentleman refused the -alliance because the fair one's pedigree was not sufficiently -long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, perhaps then he may install as mistress of -Lindhof some fair daughter of a fellah, whose ancestors lie -among the mummies at Memphis," said Elizabeth, laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't believe he will marry at all," rejoined the -forester. "He is no longer young, is too fond of a -wandering life, and has never shown any love for women's -society. I'll wager my little finger that that fellow there -with the book in his hand thinks just as I do, and already -in his inmost soul regards Lindhof and all the other -charming estates in Saxony, and God only knows where else, -as his own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has he any claims to them?" asked Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly. He is the son of the Baroness -Lessen, whose family is the only one in the world related to -the brother and sister von Walde. The baroness was -first married to a certain Herr von Hollfeld; that young -man is the fruit of that marriage, and by the death of his -father he came into possession of Odenberg, a large estate -on the other side of L——. The fair widow was fully -conscious that her freedom must be made available to assist -her up at least one step in the ladder of human happiness -and perfection, and naturally this could only be attained -by a marriage with high rank, wherefore Frau von -Hollfeld one day became Baroness Lessen. 'Tis true the -baron's name had been made somewhat notorious by -several acts on his part which people of common, low-born -ideas might call dishonourable; but what matter for that? -Was he not a lord chamberlain, and did not the keys of -his office unlock many a door for him where St. Peter's -would have availed nothing, in spite of the power given -to them? However, the baron died after two years of -marriage, leaving his widow a little daughter and an -enormous amount of debts. I have no doubt she is glad -enough to queen it at Lindhof, for I hear that she has no -part or parcel in her son's property."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here a maid from the lodge interrupted them with -bucket and broom, giving unmistakable signs that she -was about to begin the duties of her office in this -apartment. The spy-glass was hastily closed, and while the -forester went into the garden to renew his labours there -in clearing away the luxuriant green from the lower -window-sills, Frau Ferber and Elizabeth busied themselves -with dust-cloths and brushes in restoring the furniture of -the room to something of its original appearance.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-vi"><span class="large">CHAPTER VI.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Whitsuntide was over. The brazen bells had retired -into private life, and looked black and silent through the -loopholes in the bell-towers, that seemed like the coffins of -the melodious life which had so lately streamed forth -from them during the holidays. But the bright flower-bells -in the forest, hanging loosely on their stalks, could -not forget the festival. They had joined in bravely when -the air had quivered with the brazen clang, and still rang -gently with every breeze that swept through the -underbrush. What did they care that the wood-cutter, his -holiday clothes and face all laid aside, tramped past them -in his heavy boots, whistling some rude melody! The -forest heeded not, but kept up the same mysterious -murmur amid its branches like a thousand-voiced whisper of -prayer, and the little birds sang as before their matin and -vesper hymns in God's praise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up in old Castle Gnadeck, as in the forest, the festal -spirit of the holidays still reigned, although Ferber had -already entered upon the duties of his office, often making -unavoidable visits to L——, while Frau Ferber and -Elizabeth had, through Sabina, received several large -orders from a ready-made linen establishment in L——, -and were besides busy every day for some hours in the -garden which even in this first year gave promise of -abundant fruit and flowers. Notwithstanding this constant -industry, there was a holiday air pervading the whole place, -arising from the consciousness in the minds of each one -of the family that there had come a happy turn in their -affairs; they were continually comparing their present -with their former situation, and the new and unaccustomed -life of the forest had an almost intoxicating effect -upon their spirits.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her parents had given Elizabeth the gobelin room, -because there was the finest prospect from its windows, and -because the girl when she had first entered it had -declared that she liked it best of all. The gloomy door -which led into the huge old wing Had been walled up -and gave no sign that such a dreary waste lay beyond -it. The further end of the room was filled by one of the -renovated canopied bedsteads, and by the window stood -the antique writing-table, with its quaint inkstand and -writing utensils of porcelain, and two vases filled with -lovely flowers; while just outside the window, embowered -in the topmost branches of a syringa bush, was the -canary's cage; its occupant vying with the forest songsters -in its shrill trilling with all the envy of some spoiled -bravura singer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While they were arranging the room, and Frau Ferber -was every moment bringing in some new piece of furniture -to add to it a greater air of comfort and luxury, her -husband went to the longest wall, and, stretching his -arms across it, banished to the anteroom the lounge that -had just been placed there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stay,—this space I appropriate," he said with a -smile. Then he brought a large bracket of dark wood and -nailed it upon the wall, which was wainscoted neatly to -the ceiling on this side. "Here," he continued, as he -placed upon the bracket a bust of Beethoven, "this -mightiest mortal shall be enthroned alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But that looks so blank and bare," said Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only wait until to-morrow or the day after, and you -will, I am sure, admit that my arrangements are not to -be despised, and that Elizabeth will have both pleasure -and profit from them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And on the next day, which had been Whitsun-eve, -he went to town with the forester. They returned -toward evening, but did not enter through the gate in the -garden wall. The great gate was flung wide open, and -four strong men bore in a large and shining object -through the ruins. Elizabeth was standing near the -kitchen window, engaged, for the first time in her new -home, in preparing the evening meal, when the men -entered the garden with their burden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She cried out, for it was a piano—a large, square piano, -which was immediately borne up stairs and placed in the -gobelin room under Beethoven's bust. Elizabeth laughed -and wept at the same moment, as she rapturously -embraced her father, who had expended his little capital, -the proceeds of the sale of their furniture in B——, that -he might provide her again with what had been the -delight of her life. And then she opened the instrument -and a flood of rich melody filled the rooms where the -silence of death had reigned for so many years.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester had come with her father to enjoy -Elizabeth's surprise and delight. He now leaned silently -against the wall, as the wondrous sounds flowed forth from -beneath the girl's touch. For the first time he heard the -true speech of the glowing life that animated the -delicate young frame. How thoughtful and inspired was the -air of the finely-shaped head which crowned her graceful -form, so suggestive of earnest maidenhood! Hitherto -only jests and merry repartee had been exchanged -between uncle and niece. He often called her his butterfly, -because of the airy grace of her motions and her quickness -of mind, which never left her at a loss for a reply to -his merry attacks; but his favourite name for her was -"Gold Elsie," for he maintained that her hair was such -perfect gold that he could see it shining and shimmering -in the darkest parts of the forest as she approached, and -that it heralded her coming to him as the jewel in the -giant's shield had once announced his approach to Childe -Roland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Elizabeth had finished she spread her arms above -the instrument as if to embrace it, and, leaning her head -upon it, smiled the happiest smile; but her uncle -approached her softly, gave her a silent kiss upon the -forehead, and departed without a word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From this time he came up every evening to the old -castle. As soon as the last rays of the setting sun had -faded from the tree-tops, Elizabeth sat down at the piano. -The little family took their places in the large low -window-seat, and lost themselves in the fairy world, which -was opened to them by the great master whose image -looked down from the wall upon the inspired young -performer. And then Ferber would think of how Elizabeth -had portrayed the free life in the forest when the letter from -her uncle had first arrived in B——. 'Tis true no elves -or gnomes appeared, but the spirits which the mightiest -of the masters of music had imprisoned in sound floated -forth from their prison-house on a flood of melody, -breathing into the solemn silence around a mysterious -life—a life of whose joys and sorrows every sympathetic -human soul is conscious, although to genius alone is -granted power to embody and reveal them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One afternoon they were all sitting together at their -coffee. The forester had brought his pipe and newspaper, -and begged of Elizabeth a cup of the refreshing beverage. -He was just about to read aloud an interesting article in -his paper, when the bell at the garden gate sounded. To -the astonishment of every one, when little Ernst ran to -open it, a servant in livery entered and handed Elizabeth -a note. It was from the Baroness Lessen. She began -by saying much that was flattering with regard to the -young girl's masterly performance upon the piano, to -which she had listened for the two or three previous -evenings while walking in the forest, and concluded by -preferring a request that Elizabeth would consent, of course -for a stipulated consideration, to come to Castle Lindhof -every week and play duets with Fräulein von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The style of the letter was extremely courteous; nevertheless -the forester, after a second perusal of it, threw it -angrily upon the table, and said, looking steadily at -Elizabeth,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope you will not consent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why not, my dear Carl?" asked Ferber in her stead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because Elizabeth is, and always will be, far too good -for those people down there!" cried the forester, with -some irritation. "But if you choose to see what you -have carefully planted, choked up and ruined by poisonous -weeds and mildew—why, do it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is certainly true," replied Ferber quietly, "that my -child has known until now none other than a parent's care. -We have endeavoured most conscientiously, as was our -duty, to cherish every germ of good, to foster every plant -of tender growth. But we have had no idea of producing -a mere hot house flower, and alas for us and for her, if -all that we have unweariedly tended and nourished for -eighteen years is so loosely planted in the soil that it can -be torn thence by the first blast of life! I have educated -my daughter to live in the world; she must battle her -way among its storms, as we all must. If I should be -taken from her to-day, she must herself guide the helm -which I have hitherto held for her. If the people in the -castle below are not fit associates for her, matters will -soon arrange themselves. Either both parties will feel -their unsuitability to each other and all intercourse will -cease, or everything that offends Elizabeth's principles -will pass by her like idle wind, leaving no impression. -Why, you yourself never avoid a danger, but rather prove -your strength by meeting it bravely."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, zounds! I am a man, and can take care of myself!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how do you know that Elizabeth hereafter will -possess any support except what she finds in herself, or -have any sharer in the responsibility of her actions?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester cast a keen glance at his niece, whose -earnest eyes were riveted upon her father's face. He -who was to her the embodiment of wisdom and tenderness -was echoing her own ideas, and the expression of -her beautiful face showed what she felt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father," she said, "you shall see that you have not -been mistaken—that I am not weak. I never could -endure the trite image of the ivy and the oak, and shall most -certainly not illustrate it in my own person. Be -comforted, uncle dear, and let me go down to the castle," -she said, smiling archly at the forester, whose forehead -showed a deep frown of decided irritation. "If the people -there are heartless, don't suppose for one moment that -they will make a cannibal of me, and that I shall eat my -own heart up. If they try to crush me with supercilious -arrogance, my own inner standard of action shall be so -high that I can look down in pity upon the harmless -arrows of their scorn; and if they are hypocrites, I shall -turn with all the more delight to gaze into the sunny face -of truth, and be more deeply convinced of the ugliness of -their black masks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fairly spoken, oh incomparable Elsie, and incontestably -true,—if only these same people would kindly hand -you their masks to examine. But you will awake some -day to find that what you have believed to be gold is only -the merest tinsel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No indeed, dear uncle; I will not foolishly allow -myself to be imposed upon. Remember, we have had many -trials since my childhood; they have not been borne -without teaching me some good lessons. Certainly we must -all trust somewhat in our own strength, and I shall not -despair for a long time, even if upon my first experience -of the world I plunge into an abyss of Egyptian darkness, -full of frightful monsters. But look, uncle dear, to what -your zeal for my soul's welfare has brought you,—your -coffee looks as though it could be skated upon, and your -meerschaum is at its last gasp."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester laughed, although the laugh was not from -his heart. And while Elizabeth refilled his cup for him -and handed him a lighted match, he said to her: "You -must not suppose that my ammunition is exhausted -because I say to you, 'Well, well, go and try it.' I look -forward to the satisfaction of seeing the courageous chicken -come flying back again some day, only too thankful to -creep under the sheltering wing of home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha!" laughed Frau Ferber, "you have no idea of -the stern determination in that little head. But let us -decide. I advise Elizabeth to pay her respects to the -ladies to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next afternoon at about five o'clock Elizabeth -descended the mountain. A broad, well-kept path led through -the forest, which melted imperceptibly into the park. No -gateway separated its carefully-tended grounds, with their -clumps of trees and feathery grass, from the wild woods -beyond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had put on a fresh light muslin dress, and a -small, white, round straw hat. Her father walked with -her as far as the first meadow, and then she went bravely -on alone. No human being crossed her path during her -long walk; it even seemed as though the trees rustled -more softly here in the leafy avenues and arcades than -in the forest beyond, and as if the birds modulated their -notes more gently. She started at the noise of the -crunching gravel beneath her tread as she approached the -castle, and wondered to find how timid the intense quiet -had made her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last she reached the principal entrance, and caught -sight of a human face. It was a servant, who was busy -in an imposing vestibule, but who moved as noiselessly -as possible. Upon her request that he would announce -her to the baroness, he slipped up the broad staircase -fronting the hall door, at the foot of which stood two -lofty statues, their white limbs half concealed by the -orange trees placed at their bases. He soon returned, -and assuring her that she was expected, led the way -quickly up the stairs, scarcely touching the steps with -the tips of his toes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth followed him with a beating heart. It was -not the grandeur around her that oppressed her, it was -the sensation of standing all alone in this new untried -sphere. The servant conducted her through a long -corridor, past the open doors of several apartments, which, -furnished with extraordinary splendour, were heaped -with such a profusion of elegant trifles that a simple -child, unused to such luxury, would have supposed -herself in a fancy-shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her guide at last carefully opened a folding-door, and -the young girl entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Near the windows, opposite Elizabeth, upon a couch lay -a lady in apparently great suffering. Her head was resting -upon a white pillow, and warm coverings were spread over -her entire figure, which, in spite of its wrappings, betrayed -decided embonpoint. In her hand was a vinaigrette.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She raised her head slightly, so that Elizabeth could -see her face distinctly; it was round and pale, and at -first sight by no means unprepossessing. Upon a closer -view, the large blue eyes, that glittered beneath light -eyelashes and elevated eyebrows as light, looked cold as -ice, an expression in nowise softened by the supercilious -lines about her mouth and nostrils, and by a broad, -rather projecting chin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Fräulein, it is very kind of you to come!" cried -the baroness in a weak voice, which nevertheless sounded -harsh and cold, as she pointed to a lounge near her, and -motioned to Elizabeth, who courtesied politely, to sit -down. "I have begged my cousin," she continued, "to -arrange matters with you in my room, as I am really -too ill to take you to hers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This reception was certainly courteous, although there -was a considerable amount of condescension in the lady's -tone and manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth sat down, and was just about to reply to the -question how she liked Thuringia, when the door was -suddenly flung open, and a little girl of about eight years -of age ran in, holding in her arms a pretty little dog, -struggling and whining piteously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ali is so naughty, mamma, he will not stay with -me!" cried the child, breathlessly, as she threw the dog -upon the carpet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have probably been teasing the little thing -again, my child," said her mother. "But I cannot have -you here, Bella; you make so much noise, and I have a -headache. Go away to your room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it's so stupid there! Miss Mertens has forbidden -me to play with Ali, and gives me those tiresome old -fables to learn; I cannot bear them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, stay here; but be perfectly quiet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The child passed close to Elizabeth with a stare and -an examination of her dress from top to toe, and mounted -upon an embroidered footstool before the mirror in order -the easier to reach a vase of fresh flowers. In a moment -the tastefully arranged bouquet was thrown into the -wildest disorder by the little fingers, which busied -themselves with sticking single flowers into the delicately -embroidered eyelet-holes of the muslin curtain. During this -operation large drops of the water, in which the flowers -had been placed, dropped from the stems upon Elizabeth's -dress, and she was obliged to move her chair, as there -seemed no likelihood that any stop would be put to the -proceeding, either by the little Vandal herself or by her -mother's prohibition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had only had time to move, and to reply to the -reiterated question of the baroness, that she already felt -very happy and, quite at home in Thuringia, when the -lady hastily arose from her reclining posture, and, with -an amiable smile upon her lips, nodded towards a large -portière, which was drawn noiselessly aside and on the -threshold of the door appeared the two young people -whom Elizabeth had lately seen through the spy-glass; but -how strangely ill-assorted they now seemed to be, as she -saw them thus standing together. Herr von Hollfeld, a -slender figure of great height, was obliged to bend very much -on one side to afford any support to the little hand that -rested upon his arm. The sylph-like little figure, which -had lain upon the couch in the park, was no taller than a -child's. The exquisitely lovely head was sunk between the -shoulders, and the crutch in her left hand showed how -helpless was her crippled condition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive me, dearest Helene," cried the baroness, as -the pair entered, "for troubling you to come to me; but, -as you see, I am again the poor wretched creature upon -whom you are so ready to bestow your angelic pity and -kindness. Fräulein Ferber," here she motioned towards -Elizabeth, as if presenting her, and the young girl rose, -blushing, "has had the kindness to come, in compliance -with my note of yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And, indeed, I am very grateful to you fordoing so!" -said the little lady, turning towards Elizabeth with a smile -of great sweetness, and holding out her hand. Her glance -measured the blushing girl before her with an expression -of surprise, and then rested upon the heavy golden braids -that appeared below the hat. "Oh, yes," she said, "I -have already seen your lovely golden hair; yesterday as -I was walking in the forest you were leaning over a wall -up there at the old castle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth blushed yet more deeply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But because you were there," continued the little -lady, "I lost the pleasure for which I had clambered up -the height, the pleasure of hearing you play, which I had -enjoyed on the previous evening. So young and child-like, -and yet with such a thorough appreciation of classic -music! it seems impossible! You will make me very -happy if you will play often with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Something like a shade of displeasure flitted across the -features of the baroness, and a close observer might -have noticed a scornful contraction of her lips, but it was -lost upon Elizabeth, whose attention was entirely absorbed -by interest in the unfortunate little lady whose delicate -silvery voice seemed to come fresh from the depths of her -heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time, Herr von Hollfeld pushed a chair for -Fräulein von Walde close to the lounge, and left the room -without uttering a word. But as he went out by the -door directly opposite to Elizabeth, she could not help -noticing that he directed a last long look at her before -slowly closing it after him. It disturbed her, for his -expression was of so strange a kind that she hurriedly -glanced over her dress to see if anything there could have -struck him as odd or unsuitable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the last few moments Bella had been sitting upon -the carpet, playing with the dog. It would have been a -charming picture, if the whinings and uneasy movements -of the little animal had not betrayed that the child was -teasing it. At each loud cry from the dog, Fräulein von -Walde started nervously, and the baroness said, -mechanically, "Don't tease him so, Bella!" At last, however, -when the animal uttered a most piteous howl, the mother -raised her forefinger threateningly, and said, "I must -call Miss Mertens."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh," replied the child contemptuously, "I don't care -for her! She doesn't dare to punish me, for you told her -she mustn't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment, the portière was gently drawn aside, -and a pale, faded gentlewoman appeared. She courtesied -to the ladies, and said, timidly: "The chaplain is waiting -for Bella."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I won't have a lesson to-day!" the little girl -cried, taking a ball of worsted from the table and -throwing it at the speaker.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, my child, you must," said the baroness. "Go -with Miss Mertens, and be a good little girl, Bella."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bella, as though the matter affected her no more than -it did Ali, who had retreated behind the sofa, threw -herself into an arm-chair and drew her feet up under her. -The governess was about to approach her, but at an angry -look from the baroness she retired to the door again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This disgraceful scene would probably have lasted much -longer if the baroness had not brought up a </span><em class="italics">corps de -reserve</em><span> to her assistance in the shape of a box of bonbons. -The child, after she had crammed her mouth and pockets -full, left her seat, and, pushing aside the hand which her -governess held out to her, ran out of the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth sat petrified with astonishment. The delicate -features of Fräulein von Walde also showed evident -disapproval; but she said nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness sank back among her pillows. "These -governesses will be my death," she sighed. "If Miss -Mertens could only learn how to treat, judiciously, a child -of Bella's sensitive, nervous temperament! She never -takes into account social position, temperament, and -physical constitution. She would model all after the same -pattern—the daughter of a grocer or a peer; a finely-strung, -sensitive nature, or a robust, rude, day-labourer -physique—'tis all the same thing to her. Miss Mertens is a -disagreeable, pedantic schoolmistress; her English, too, is -detestable. Heaven only knows in what mean little -English county she learned her native tongue!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But really, dear Amalie," said Fräulein von Walde, -"I do not find her English impure," and her voice sounded -exquisitely kind and soothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There you come with your never-failing angelic -amiability; but, although I do not understand English, I can -always hear, in one instant, how much more high-bred -your accent is, my dear, when you are talking with her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth inwardly doubted the value of this estimate, -and Fräulein von Walde blushed with a deprecating gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the baroness continued: "And Bella hears it, too; -she will not open her lips when her governess speaks -English to her, and I cannot blame her in the least; it -provokes me excessively when this person blames the -child for obstinacy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under the influence of her irritation the voice of the -baroness, which had at first been very weak and suffering, -had grown perceptibly stronger. She suddenly seemed to -become aware of this herself, and closed her eyes with an -expression of great weariness. "Oh heavens!" she sighed, -"my unfortunate nerves are too much for me. I grow -excited instead of being kept quiet; these vexations are -poison both to my mind and body."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would advise you, Amalie, when you are as nervous -and weak as you are to-day, to leave Bella without a fear -to Miss Mertens' care. I am convinced that nothing can -be better for her. While I fully understand your touching -anxiety on the child's account, I can confidently assure -you that Miss Mertens is far too gentle and cultivated a -person to do anything that would not conduce to her -welfare. You look quite worn out," she continued, -sympathizingly. "We had better leave you alone; Fräulein -Ferber will certainly have the kindness to accompany me -to my room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So saying she arose, and leaning over the baroness -imprinted a gentle kiss upon her cheek. Then she laid her -hand upon the arm of Elizabeth, whom the baroness -dismissed with a gracious nod, and left the apartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they slowly walked through the various corridors, -she told Elizabeth that it would be a special delight to -her brother, who was so far from her, if she should resume -her music. He used to sit alone with her listening to her -playing for hours, until a nervous malady that had -attacked her had forced her to give up her beloved music -for a long time. Now she felt much stronger, and her -physician had also given his consent; she would be very -diligent, that she might surprise her brother upon his -return home. Elizabeth then took leave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She hastened with winged speed through the park, -and along the path which ascended the mountain. In -the forest glade just before the open garden gate her -parents were awaiting her return, and little Ernst ran -lovingly to meet her. What an air of home breathed all -around her here! The greeting that she received showed -how she had been missed; the canary was singing merrily -in his green embowered cage, the garden laughed in beauty, -and in the background, under the group of lindens above -the cool spring, the snowy table was spread for supper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Italian castle with all its splendour, its aristocratic -air, and its oppressive silence, only broken by the clamour -of a spoiled child, faded behind her like a dream of the -night; and when she had imparted her impressions of all -that she had seen and heard to her parents, she concluded -with the words: "You have taught me, father dear, never -to form any settled judgment of others upon a slight -acquaintance with them, for such judgment runs a fair -chance of being unjust, but what can I do with my unruly -fancy? Whenever I think of the two ladies, I see in -imagination a lovely young weeping willow, whose elastic -graceful branches are the constant sport of a furious tempest."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-vii"><span class="large">CHAPTER VII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>From this time Elizabeth went regularly to Lindhof -twice a week. The day following her first visit Baroness -Lessen had arranged the hours for the lessons in a very -courteous note, and had insisted upon a most generous -compensation for Elizabeth's time. These lessons soon -proved a source of much enjoyment. Helene von Walde, -owing to the absence of all practice for many years, was -very deficient in technical knowledge and capacity, and -could not be compared at all with Elizabeth; but she -played with much feeling, her taste was refined and -cultivated, and she was entirely free from the wretched -habit, common to most dilettanti, of depreciating -whatever lay beyond her reach. Baroness Lessen was never -present during the music lessons, and therefore the -moments of rest gradually became especially delightful to -Elizabeth. At such times a servant usually brought in -some light refreshments. Helene leaned back in her -armchair, and Elizabeth seated herself upon a cushion at her -feet, and listened enchanted to the flute-like silvery voice -of the unfortunate lady as she recounted many an -experience of the past. The image of the absent brother here -played a principal part. She was never weary of telling -of his care and thoughtfulness for her, of how, although -he was many years her senior, he was continually -studying how to gratify and humour her childish whims and -peculiarities. She related how he had purchased Lindhof -only because, upon a visit which she had formerly made -in Thuringia, she had experienced great benefits from the -pure Thuringian air; everything showed how dearly he -loved her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One afternoon, when they had been practising unusually -long, a servant entering announced a visitor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stay and drink tea with me this afternoon," said -Fräulein von Walde to Elizabeth. "My physician is here -from L——, and several ladies from the neighbourhood -have just arrived; I will send some one up to the castle -that your mother may not be anxious about you. My -tête-à-tête with the doctor will not last long, and I shall -soon be with you again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so saying she left the room. Scarcely ten minutes -had elapsed before the door opened and Fräulein von -Walde entered, leaning upon the arm of a gentleman whom -she presented to Elizabeth as Doctor Fels, from L——. -He was tall, with an intellectual countenance, and as soon -as he heard Elizabeth's name he entered into a lively -conversation with her, comically assuring her that his own -surprise and horror, as well as that of the entire respectable -population of L——, had really known no bounds when -it was reported that old Castle Gnadeck had received -within its crumbling walls inhabitants of flesh and blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there was a rustling in the antechamber, and -upon the threshold of the door appeared two figures of -rather singular exterior. Their great resemblance of -feature plainly revealed their relationship as mother and -daughter. Both wore dark dresses, which, contrary to -the prevailing mode, fell limp and close around them, large -scarfs of black woollen stuff, and brown, round straw -hats, tied, in the case of the mother, with black ribbon, -while the daughter had a lilac bow beneath her chin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene von Walde received the ladies courteously, -presenting them as Frau and Fräulein Lehr, and Elizabeth -afterwards learned that, residing in L——, they spent -their summers in lodgings in the village of Lindhof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately after their entrance the Baroness Lessen -appeared, leaning upon her son's arm, and accompanied -by a gentleman who was addressed by those present as -Herr Möhring, the chaplain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness was dressed in dark silk, but with the -greatest elegance, and made a most imposing appearance. -She paused for an instant upon the threshold of the door, -and seemed to be disagreeably surprised at Elizabeth's -presence. She measured her with a haughty look of -inquiry, and replied to her courtesy by a scarcely perceptible -inclination of the head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene noticed the look, and approaching her said in a -soothing whisper, "I kept my little favourite with me -to-day—I had already detained her so long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This excuse did not escape Elizabeth's ear. It offended -her, and she would willingly have flown away through -the window near which she was standing, had not pride -induced her to stay and brave the arrogance of the -baroness. The great lady seemed entirely pacified by the -explanation of what had occurred without her consent. -She put her arm around Helene, stroked her curls -tenderly, and said a hundred caressing things to her. Then -she requested those present to follow her to the adjoining -room, where tea was prepared. She did the honours of -the tea-table, and discovered a talent, by no means to be -despised, for leading and carrying on the conversation. -With admirable tact, she contrived always to make -Helene the centre of attention without in the least -wounding the self-love of the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth sat silent between the doctor and Fräulein -Lehr. The conversation possessed little interest for her, -inasmuch as it related to people and circumstances -entirely strange to her. Frau von Lehr had much to say, -and seemed perfectly instructed in every matter, private -or public, that had taken place during the last few weeks -among the people living around Lindhof. She spoke -in a peculiarly mournful, suppressed tone of voice, and -at the conclusion of the rehearsal of each exciting piece -of news cast down her eyes and inclined her head with -great apparent humility and resignation, as though she -were a lamb suffering for the sins of the world. Now -and then she drew forth from a huge reticule which she -carried a small bottle of rose-water, with which she -moistened her eyes, as they seemed weak with perpetual -casting towards heaven.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What a contrast between her and Helene's madonna -face, as it leaned against the dark plush of the lounge, -reminding Elizabeth more than ever of the water-lily -lying dreamily with its snow-white leaves upon the dark -surface of the lake! To-day there was a strange glow -upon the delicate features. It was not that all traces of -suffering had vanished, but there was a peaceful light of -content in her eyes, and a happy smile wreathed the pale -lips as often as she took up from her lap the bouquet of -rosebuds which Herr von Hollfeld had presented to her -when he entered. He sat beside her, and sometimes -joined in the conversation. As soon as he opened his -lips the ladies were silent, listening with the greatest -attention, although his talk was anything but fluent, and, -as Elizabeth soon discovered, betrayed not the slightest -originality of mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a very handsome man, of about four and -twenty. There was great repose in the finely-cut -features, which at first seemed to indicate manliness and -strength of character; but any such impression which -their regularity might have produced was effaced by a -searching glance into his eyes. Those eyes, although -they were large and faultless in shape, had no depth -whatever, and never lighted up with that meteoric flash -which so often reveals the man of intellect, even when he -does not speak. Its want can be atoned for by that mild -glow which speaks of deep sensibility, and which, -although it does not instantly impress us, gradually -attracts and enchains us. But there was nothing of this -to be discovered in Herr von Hollfeld's fine blue orbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This sentence, however, would have been echoed by -but few, for it was the present fashion, especially at the -court of L——, to regard Herr von Hollfeld as a prodigy, -whose silence gave warrant of unfathomable depths of -intellect and sensibility,—in which opinion the ladies in -and around Lindhof most cordially joined, as was -illustrated by the conduct of Frau von Lehr's very stout -daughter, who leaned forward, directly across the -modestly shrinking Elizabeth, and listened, as if to the -enunciation of a new gospel, whenever Herr von Hollfeld -opened his lips. And she, too, appeared quite willing to -allow her light to shine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Were you not charmed with the lovely sermons with -which Herr Möhring edified us during the holidays?" -she asked, turning to Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I regret not having heard them," she answered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you did not attend divine service?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes! I went with my parents to the village church -at Lindhof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed!" said the Baroness Lessen, turning for the -first time toward Elizabeth, and smiling sarcastically. -"And were you greatly edified at the village church at -Lindhof?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most truly was I, gracious lady," Elizabeth quietly -replied, looking calmly into the contemptuous eyes that -were turned upon her. "I was deeply affected by the -simple, earnest words of the preacher. His discourse was -not delivered in the church, but under the trees outside. -When the service was about to begin it was evident that -the little church could not contain the crowd of worshippers, -and an altar was constructed under God's free sky. -Such altars might often be erected."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unfortunately, they often are," said Herr Möhring, -who until then had spoken little, contenting himself with -confirming all Frau von Lehr's remarks by an amiable -smile or an assenting nod. Now, however, his broad, -shiny face grew purple, and, turning to the baroness, he -continued, contemptuously: "Yes, most gracious lady, it -is only too true; the old idols are being replaced in the -sacred groves, and we shall have druids sacrificing to -them beneath the oaken shades."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, that never occurred to me. With the aid of -my wildest imagination I should never have dreamed at -the time that I was assisting at a heathen sacrifice," -rejoined Elizabeth. She smiled, but continued with serious -warmth: "It seemed to me, on that glorious spring -morning, as the tones of the organ streamed forth from the -open doors and windows of the church, and that reverend -old man spoke in such devout tones, as it did when I -entered the temple of God for the first time in my life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You seem to have an excellent memory, Fräulein," -Frau von Lehr here remarked: "How old were you at -that time, if I may ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eleven years old."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eleven years old! Oh, heavens! how can such a -thing be possible?" cried the lady in holy horror. "How -possible with Christian parents! Why, my children were -familiar with the house of God from their earliest years, -as you can testify, my dear doctor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes indeed, madame," he replied with great gravity. -"I remember that you ascribed the attack of croup, by -which you lost your little son at two years of age, to a -couple of hours in the cold church."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth looked up quite terrified at her neighbour. -The doctor had joined in the conversation hitherto only -by throwing in a sarcastic word here and there very drily, -which amused Elizabeth greatly, inasmuch as he was -always met by a reproving glance from the baroness. -When the young girl began to speak she had not noticed -him any more than had the others, whose entire attention -had been occupied with the wretched heathen child, so -that no one had observed how he was bursting with -inward laughter at the daring replies of the young -stranger, and their effect upon those present. His -answer appeared thoughtless and cruel to Elizabeth; but -he must have known his companions well, for Frau von -Lehr was not at all offended, but replied with great -unction: "Yes, the Lord took the pious little angel to -himself; he was too good for this world;" then, turning to -Elizabeth, she said: "And so you were shut out from the -Lord's kingdom for the first eleven years of your life?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only from His temple, gracious lady. As a little -child I was instructed in the history of Christianity, and -with my first thoughts were blended ideas of God's -wisdom and love. I cannot remember the time when I did -not hear of them from my father; but it is a firm -principle of his never to allow very young children to go to -church; he says they are entirely incapable of appreciating -the importance and meaning of what they see and -hear there; the sermon, which must be entirely beyond -their comprehension, wearies them, and they conceive a -dislike to the place. My little brother Ernst is seven -years old, and has never yet been to church."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, happy father, who has the courage to frame and -execute such plans for his children's culture!" exclaimed -Doctor Fels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what hinders you from letting your children -grow up without care, like mushrooms?" asked the -baroness with malice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I can readily tell you in a very few words, most -gracious lady. I have six children, and cannot afford to -have masters for them at home. My profession prevents -me from teaching them myself, and, therefore, I am -obliged to send them to the public school and subject -them to its laws, which require them to attend church -regularly. Just as little can I carry out my views with -regard to another subject,—the putting of the Bible into -the hands of young children. The Sacred Book, which -contains the holy principles that should regulate all our -thoughts and actions, and, as such, should be regarded -with veneration by the young,—does not belong in their -hands at a time when childhood, with rare exceptions, -seeks amusement instead of instruction, and is always -curious to investigate whatever is forbidden and mysterious. -And, therefore, I know,—and any observant teacher -will admit,—that children who devote themselves -constantly to the perusal of the Bible, for which they are -commended by thoughtless parents, do not always search -for the text of the last sermon,—but read much else -beside,—often meeting with words and expressions which a -careful mother would guard them from hearing at home, -but whose significance is often made only too clear by -their intercourse with other children not so carefully -educated, left to the charge of ignorant and vulgar servants. -And suppose, even, that they seek explanation of certain -words and phrases from their mothers only; an intelligent -mother will always know, 'tis true, how to reply to -their queries, but she must, most certainly, forbid them -the use of many expressions which they find in the Bible,—let -us recall to mind the Song of Solomon,—and so the -first seeds of doubt and unbelief are sown in the childish -mind, which is wanting in the strength that only moral -culture and riper understanding can give."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the Baroness Lessen arose with a gesture of -impatience. Upon her full cheeks, usually so pale, -two round, crimson spots had appeared, a sign to all -who knew her, of great irritation. Fräulein von Walde, -who had been a passive listener to the conversation, -also arose, took her cousin's arm, and, leading her to -the window, asked whether she would not like to hear -a little music from Elizabeth and herself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This propitiatory proposal was received with a gracious -inclination of the head,—the more especially as the baroness -did not feel herself quite equal to the doctor in a war of -words; and, as everyone must have seen her indignation, -she was quite willing to have it supposed that the -beautiful, soothing music was the cause of her refraining from -annihilating the impious defamer of her holy zeal, for she -was perpetually presenting Bibles to poor children.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She took her seat in a windowed recess, and looked out -upon the landscape, upon which the first shadows of -approaching evening were falling. Her look was cold and -cruel,—an expression often seen in a certain kind of -light-blue eye, shaded by white eyelashes. The corners of her -mouth were drawn down, a sign of great displeasure, -which did not vanish even when Schubert's Erlking, -arranged for four hands, was performed in a masterly -manner by Helene and Elizabeth. The waves of melody -broke against that breast unfelt, as the waves of the ocean -upon a rocky shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the last chord died away, the ladies arose from the -instrument, and the doctor, who had stood immovably, -listening, hastened towards them. His eyes sparkled as -he thanked them for a treat which, as he assured them, -was richer than any he had enjoyed for years. Here -Fräulein von Lehr's face grew scarlet, and her mother -cast a malicious glance at the unlucky enthusiast. Had -not her daughter the preceding winter played several -times in public in L——, for the benefit of some -charitable association, and had he not attended every -concert? However, the doctor did not appear to notice the -storms that he was calling down upon his head. He -discussed Schubert's compositions in a manner that manifested -refined perception and a thorough knowledge of his subject.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there was a harsh clash of chords upon the -piano; it seemed as though fingers of bone were -belabouring the keys. They looked round with a start. The -chaplain was seated at the instrument, with head thrown -back and inflated nostrils. He raised his hands for a -second attack, and began a beautiful choral, which his -horrible playing converted into torture for sensitive ears. -Still it might have been endured, when, to Elizabeth's -horror, he began to sing in a nasal, snuffling tone;—that -was too much. The doctor seized his hat, and bowed to -Helene and the baroness, the latter only vouchsafing him -a slight wave of the hand in token of dismissal, without -turning her face from the window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An incomparable expression of humour hovered upon -the doctor's features. He pressed Elizabeth's hand -cordially as he departed, and took leave of the rest with a -courteous bow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the door closed behind him, the baroness -arose with excitement and approached Helene, who was -sitting in a corner of the sofa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is intolerable!" she cried, and her sharp voice -sounded muffled, as if suppressed anger were choking -her, while her searching gaze rested full upon the little -lady, who looked up to her almost timidly. "How can -you, Helene, here in your own house, hear our rank, our -dignity as women,—yes, even our holy of holies, which -we are bound so faithfully to defend,—assailed so grossly -without one word of reply?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, dear Amalie, I cannot see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will not see, child, in your inexhaustible patience -and long-suffering, that this doctor insults me whenever -he can. Well, I must submit to that, for this is not my -house, and besides, as a Christian, I would rather -endure wrong than resort to retaliation. But this -submission must cease when the sacred claims of the Lord -are assailed. Here we should strive and struggle, and -not grow weary. Is it not actually blasphemous for this -man to seize his hat, and, </span><em class="italics">sans façon</em><span>, take his departure -from the room while our hearts are being stirred and -elevated by the lofty thoughts which the truest form of -music, the choral, can alone express?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had spoken louder and louder, until she did not -perceive that her voice was entirely destroying the effect -of a touching phrase, just delivered by the unwearied -chaplain, whose efforts had not been intermitted for an -instant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, you must not blame the doctor for that," said -Fräulein von Walde. "His time is precious; most likely -he has a patient to see in L——; he was about to leave -just before we began to play."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"While that heathenish Erlking was going on, the -worthy man entirely forgot his patients," the baroness -interrupted contemptuously. "Well, I must submit. -Unfortunately, in our degenerate days, the scoffers of our -faith have gained the upper hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, for heaven's sake, Amalie, what do you want -me to do? You know only too well that Fels is -indispensable to me. He is the only physician who knows -how to relieve me when I am in great suffering," cried -Helene, and her eyes filled with tears, while her cheeks -were suffused with a blush of irritation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought, Fräulein Helene,"—began Frau von Lehr, -who had hitherto sat in her corner silently, and on the -watch, like a spider in its web,—"I thought that the -welfare of our souls should be our first consideration; care -for our poor bodies should, in my estimation, rank second -in our view. There are many other skilful physicians -in L——, with as great a reputation for learning as -Dr. Fels enjoys. Believe me, my dear, it often gives great -pain to our Christian friends in L—— to know that a -scoffer, an infidel, is admitted to your confidence as your -friend and adviser."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Even if I consented to sacrifice myself so far," replied -Helene, "as to employ another physician, I dare not take -such a step without first obtaining my brother's consent; -and I know that I should meet with determined opposition -there, for Rudolph is warmly attached to the doctor, -and puts entire confidence in him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, more's the pity!" cried the baroness. "I have -never been able to comprehend that weakness in -Rudolph's character. Doctor Fels imposes upon him utterly -with his seeming frankness, which might better be called -insolence. Well, I wash my hands of the affair, only for -the future I must decline any visits from the doctor, and -entreat you, my dear Helene, to excuse me when he is -with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fräulein von Walde made no reply. She arose and -looked sadly around the room for an instant, as if -missing something. It seemed to Elizabeth that her eyes -sought Herr von Hollfeld, who had left the room -unperceived a short time before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness took up her lace shawl, and Frau von -Lehr and her daughter prepared for departure. Both paid -several compliments to the chaplain, who had finished his -performance, and was standing at the piano rubbing his -hands with embarrassment; and then all took leave of -Helene, who replied to their good-nights in a tone of great -exhaustion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Elizabeth descended the stairs she saw Herr von -Hollfeld standing in a retired, dimly-lighted corridor. -During his mother's outbreak of anger he had sat quietly -turning over the leaves of a book, never joining in the -conversation by word or look. His conduct had -disgusted Elizabeth, who had hoped that he would have -stood by Helene and silenced his mother by a few serious -words. She was still more displeased when she noticed -that he was steadily regarding herself while he was -apparently occupied with his book. He might easily have -seen her displeasure in her face, but he continued to stare -most insultingly. She felt herself at last blush deeply -beneath his gaze, and she was the more provoked at -feeling this, as the same thing had occurred against her will -several times before. It was remarkable that she never -went home from Castle Lindhof without chancing to meet -Herr von Hollfeld either in the hall, upon the stairs, or -stepping suddenly from behind a tree in the park. Why -these meetings at last became painfully embarrassing to -her she could not have explained to herself. She thought -no more about it, and usually forgot him entirely before -she reached her home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was standing now in the dark passage. A black -slouched hat was pulled down over his face, and his -summer coat had been exchanged for a light cloak. He -seemed to be waiting for some one, and as soon as -Elizabeth had reached the last stair approached her hastily, -as though about to address her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same moment Frau von Lehr and her daughter -appeared on the landing above.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha, Herr von Hollfeld," cried the elder lady, "are -you going to walk?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young man's features, which had seemed to Elizabeth -strikingly animated, instantly assumed a quiet -expression of entire indifference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have just come in from the garden," he said negligently, -"where I have been refreshing myself in the soft -night air. Attend Fräulein Ferber home," he said -authoritatively to a servant who issued from the servants' room -with a lantern, and then with an obeisance to the ladies, -he retired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How glad I am," said Elizabeth, as an hour later she -was sitting at her mother's bedside relating the events of -the afternoon, "that to-morrow will be Sunday. In our -dear little simple village church I shall forget all the -disagreeable impressions which the last few hours have left -upon my mind. I never could have believed that I could -have listened to a choral without being moved to -aspiration and devotion. But to-day I was really angry, when, -amid the clatter of the teacups, and after an hour passed -in talk certainly not inspired by love of our neighbour, I -suddenly heard those tones which have always been -sacred to hours of meditation and serious thought. -Behind all this religious zeal there lies hidden boundless -arrogance,—that I saw clearly to-day; but if others feel -as I do, these people will scarcely make many proselytes. -Acknowledge, mother dear, that I am not naturally -antagonistic, and yet to-day I felt for the first time in my -life an irresistible desire to defy and contradict."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then she spoke of Herr von Hollfeld and his -strange behaviour in the hall, adding that she could not -understand what he could possibly have wished to say -to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, we will not puzzle ourselves about that," -said Frau Ferber. "If he should ever propose to -accompany you on your way home, do not fail to reject such an -offer peremptorily. Do you hear, Elizabeth?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, dearest mother, what are you thinking of?" -cried the girl with a laugh. "The skies will fall before -such a thing happens. If he could allow Frau Lehr and -her daughter, who consider themselves persons of -distinction, to go home without an escort, he will hardly -condescend to notice my insignificant self."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-viii"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>About a week after the arrival of his relatives the -forester had published an edict in his domicile, which, as -he said, had been hailed with joy by his prime minister, -and in accordance with which the duty of taking their -mid-day meal every Sunday at the Lodge was imposed -upon the Ferber family. Those were joyous days for -Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Long before the first sound of the church bell they -usually set out for church. In her fluttering white dress, -her soul filled with the consciousness of youth and -happiness, convinced that such a clear, lovely day, must bring -joy with it, Elizabeth walked beside her parents, and -looked eagerly for the moment when the round gilt ball -upon the village church tower at Lindhof emerged from -the waves of green in the valley below them; then from -the dark and silent forest paths to the right and left, groups -of church-goers from the different hamlets around would -appear and join them with kindly greetings, until, while -the bells were ringing, the whole assembly arrived in the -meadow just before the church, where the forester was -usually awaiting them. He welcomed them from a distance -with sparkling eyes and a flourish of his hat in the -air. In every movement of his tall figure, in his whole -bearing, might be read that inflexible integrity which -never bowed to the mighty ones of the earth, that -expression of manly power and force of character from which -we expect to see quick resolve and bold action result, but -which never suggests the tender emotions of a -sensitive nature. Elizabeth declared that it was always a -touching surprise when a single gentle star beamed forth -at night from a sky covered with clouds, and that the -sudden look of melting tenderness that occasionally -illumined her uncle's frank, determined countenance, affected -her in like manner. And she had many an opportunity -of observing this change of expression, for she had grown -to be the apple of his eye. He had never had any children, -and now poured forth all the paternal affection of which -his large, warm heart was capable, upon his brother's -lovely child, who, he felt with pride, resembled himself in -many points of character, although in her they were -transfigured by the charm of feminine delicacy and refinement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And she repaid his affection with the clinging love and -filial care of a daughter. She soon discovered how to make -many an addition to his domestic comfort, and where -Sabina's penetration or capacity were at fault, she effected -many an improvement, with so much tact that the old -servant was never offended, whilst a new life opened upon -her uncle, surrounded by Elizabeth's tender care.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the return from church, her uncle led Elizabeth by -the hand, "just like a little school-girl," as she said, and, -indeed, it looked like it. The excellent sermon which they -had just heard, furnished matter for abundant conversation -and exchange of newly-developed thoughts and sentiments; -while the birds twittered and sang as though -determined to vindicate their right to speak here, and the -golden-green sunshine came quivering through the tops -of the trees, flecking their heads as they passed with its -transfiguring light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the farthest end of the long dim forest aisle, for it -was a very narrow path which led from the Lodge to the -village of Lindhof, a little point of light indicated the -meadow, in the middle of which stood the old house. -With every step the picture grew more distinct, until at -last they could distinguish Sabina waiting for them at the -door, shading her eyes with the corner of her white apron, -and retreating into the house when she saw them, that she -might take her stand behind the soup tureen, which was -smoking upon the table beneath the beeches, where she -fulfilled her duty with the air of a general upon a rampart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But to-day Sabina had prepared a particularly delicious -repast, for in the centre of the table was piled a huge -crimson pyramid, the first wood-strawberries of the year, -hailed with delight by little Ernst, and by full-grown -Elizabeth too. The forester laughed at the enthusiasm -of the big and little child, and declared that he had a -surprise to offer as well as Sabina,—he would have the horse -harnessed and take Elizabeth to L——, where he had -a little business to attend to,—a long-promised pleasure. -The young girl accepted his proposal with delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At table Elizabeth related the occurrences of the -previous evening. Her uncle shook with laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The doctor's a bold fellow," he said, still laughing; -"but 'tis of no use, he has drunk his last cup of tea at -Lindhof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Impossible, uncle,—it would be outrageous!" cried -Elizabeth, earnestly. "Fräulein von Walde would never -permit such a thing, she will resist with all her might."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he said, "I wish we could question the little -lady to-day with regard to her sentiments towards the -doctor, and you would see. How can a strong will -inhabit such a frail dwelling? That imperious woman will -soon influence her, and there is none to resist, for 'Heaven -is high, and the Czar afar,' as the Russians say. We -know, Sabina, that many a strange thing has happened -since the rule of the baroness began, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, yes indeed, Herr Forester!" replied the old woman, -who was just putting a dish upon the table. "When I -think of poor Schneider,—she is the widow of a -day-labourer in the village," she said, turning to the others; -"she always worked hard to make both ends meet, and -no one could say a word against her, but she had four -children to feed, and lived from hand to mouth. And -matters went badly with her last harvest, and she had -nothing to give her children to eat, so she was driven to -do what was wrong, and took an apron full of potatoes -from a splendid field belonging to the castle. But the -overseer, Linke, who happened to be standing behind a -tree not far off, saw her, sprang out upon her instantly, -and knocked her down. Even if he had stopped there -'twould not have been so bad, but he kicked her brutally -as she lay upon the ground. I had been to Lindhof, and -as I was passing beneath the cherry trees near the -village, on my way home, I saw some one lying upon the -ground,—it was the poor woman, bleeding profusely, and -with not a soul near her. She could not move, so I called -some people, who helped me to carry her home. The Herr -Forester was absent, but I was sure of his permission, -and so I nursed and tended her as well as I could. The -people in the village were furious at the overseer,—but -what could they do? There was some talk of arresting -him, but it all came to nothing. Linke is one of the -saints, he is the baroness' right-hand man, turns up his -eyes, and does everything in the name of the Lord. It -must never get abroad that such a pious man could -behave so inhumanly, and so the baroness drove to town -every day, and was wonderfully condescending, and, in -short, the story was hushed up, and the poor woman, -who has never entirely recovered, had to get along as -best she might, for neither she nor her children ever had -a bite or a drop from the castle all the while that she was -sick. Ah! yes, the overseer and the baroness' old -waiting-maid make a hard time of it for the poor people, they -keep a close watch to see who misses prayers or chapel -over there, and they have been the means of depriving -many an honest man of work at the castle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't say any more about it," said the forester. "I -cannot relish my food when I think of these things, and -our pleasant Sunday, to which I look forward all the week, -must have no other shadows upon it than those cast by -the white, fleecy clouds up there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the meal was concluded the forester's modest -little equipage made its appearance. He handed in -Elizabeth, and seated himself by her side. As she nodded a -farewell to the others, she glanced up at the house, and -started with actual terror at the eyes which were gazing -down upon her from a window in the upper story. 'Tis -true, the head disappeared instantly, but Elizabeth had -time to recognize the mute Bertha, and to convince -herself that she was the object of that look of rage -and hate, although she could not divine its cause. Until -now Bertha had withdrawn herself entirely from all -intercourse with the Ferber family. She never appeared -when Elizabeth was at the Lodge. She took her Sunday -dinner alone in her own room, and the forester allowed -her to please herself in the matter. He had no desire to -establish any relation between the two girls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frau Ferber had once made an attempt to address the -unfortunate girl. Her gentle feminine nature could not -believe that mere wilfulness was the spring of Bertha's -extraordinary behaviour. She suspected the existence -of some deeper cause, perhaps of some secret grief, -which made her indifferent to her surroundings, or -rendered her so irritable that she chose to remain silent -rather than be engaged in perpetual strife. A gentle -word from her, a kindly advance on her side, would, -she hoped, unseal Bertha's lips; but she succeeded no -better than Elizabeth had done. She was even so outraged -by the girl's manner that she strictly forbade all further -attempt at intercourse with her upon Elizabeth's part.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a charming drive, Elizabeth and her uncle -reached their destination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>L—— was certainly a small town, and bore the -unmistakable impress of a small town, although the court -resided there from the appearance of the first primrose to -the fall of the last autumn leaf, and its inhabitants took -the greatest pains to adapt themselves, in their social life, -to the manners and customs of a large Capital. But the -loud, uneasy creaking of the machinery of a most complicated -domestic economy could not be drowned by the rustle -of the most flowing and elegant crinoline. The honest -townsfolk, who left their dwellings, with doors wide open, -in perfect safety, to earn their daily bread in the little -uneven streets, or in the strips of meadow land between -their houses, fell as far short of being peacocks as did the -ducks, that daily delighted to swim in the little brook -running directly through the town, of becoming stately -swans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The situation of the place was undeniably delightful. -In the centre of a not very spacious valley, nestled at the -foot of an eminence whose summit was crowned by the -royal castle and domain, it lay buried in the dark, rich -green of avenues of lindens, and surrounded in spring by -the lovely blossoms of countless orchards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester took Elizabeth to the house of an assessor, -one of his friends. She was to wait for him there -until he had concluded his business. Although made -cordially welcome by the lady of the house, she would -gladly have turned round and followed her retreating -uncle,—for she found herself, to her vexation, in the midst -of a large assemblage of ladies. Her hostess informed -her that, in honour of her husband's birthday, she had -gotten up a set of tableaux from mythology, to rehearse which -was the cause of the present gathering. At the -coffee-table, in a pleasantly-furnished apartment, eight or ten -ladies were seated, already dressed in mythological -costume, and upon the arrival of the stranger, they measured -her with glances that seemed to penetrate every plait and -fold of her simple attire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the goddesses, without exception, had submitted -themselves, in their costume, to the sceptre of the royal -fair of France, and wore their white robes over abundant -crinoline, which was then the fashion, "For," said Ceres, -a trig little blonde, upon whose flushed brow a whole -harvest was waving, "one looks so forlorn without crinoline;" -and how else could her dress have supported the huge -bunches of wheat ears and red poppies with which it was -adorned? How Dame Ceres had managed this difficulty -in her days of splendour was a problem which no one -took the pains to solve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Perhaps the artificial light of the evening would be -favourable to the remarkable arrangement of some of the -toilets, but now the bright sunlight illuminated and -revealed with cruel sincerity every pasted bit of gold-paper, -every paper-muslin scarf that should have represented -satin, and every basting stitch in the improvised tunics. -Several old-fashioned paste shoe-buckles glittered in the -girdle of Venus; and the silver crescent upon the forehead -of Diana showed the blotting-paper behind it at every -movement of the head which it adorned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hostess went from one to the other of her guests, -exerting herself for the entertainment of all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a shame!" she said, entering the room after a -short absence, "Frau Räthin Wolf has sent to say that -her Adolph cannot come to-night; he is in bed with a -fever. As soon as the note came, I ran across myself to -Doctor Fels; but there is no doing anything with that -man upon the subject of his children's education. He -repeated his former refusal, and so ungraciously, that I am -quite outraged. He says that he considers any part in -such entertainments with grown-up people entirely unfit -for half-grown boys like his Moritz, who get their heads -filled with a sense of their own importance, their minds -distracted from their lessons,—and Heaven knows what -besides. He told me, most insolently, that he thinks I -should have done better this evening to have provided -my suffering husband—suffering, indeed, he is as lively -as a fish in the sea, except for a touch of rheumatism—with -a supper that he liked, than to have worried him -with such buffoonery, which will only deprive him of his -usual comfort and night's rest, and do no living creature -any earthly good."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How coarse! how rude! He is always pretending -to be a connoisseur of art, and doesn't understand it one -whit better than my little finger," was heard from one -and the other of the ladies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let my experience console you, dear Adele," said -Ceres. "Were it not that my husband cannot dispense -with his services as a physician, Fels should never darken -my doors again. When I had that children's fancy-ball -last winter, which was acknowledged to be a great -success, he refused my invitation to his children; and what -do you think he said to me, when I begged him to allow -his little girls to come,—'Does it really give you pleasure -to see such monkey-tricks?' I never will forgive him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth suddenly seemed to see the doctor's intellectual -face, with its searching glance, sarcastic smile, -and the slightly contemptuous play of its finely-formed -lips. She laughed inwardly at his rude replies; but she -was struck at the same time by the depressing thought, -how hard it is for a man to live up to his convictions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what would you have, Frau Director?" broke in -Flora, a delicate, languishing figure with a pretty but -very pale face, who had hitherto been entirely occupied -in smiling upon her flower-decked reflection in an -opposite glass. "He has treated us no better. Two years -ago he told my father and mother to their faces, that it -was not only folly but want of principle—just think of -such a thing!—to allow me to go into society so young, -with my constitution. Papa and mamma were furious,—as -if they did not know best about their own children! It -was well that we all knew what prompted such tender -care on his part. His youngest sister was then still -unmarried, and, naturally enough, she was by no means -pleased to see young girls usurping her place in society. -Papa would have dismissed the doctor upon the spot, -but mamma depends upon his prescriptions. Well, they -paid no attention to his advice, and, as you see, I still -live."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The silence of the assemblage confirmed Elizabeth's -conviction that the triumph which Flora spoke of was a -very doubtful one, and that this delicate creature, with -her narrow chest and pallid face, would still have to -atone severely for the physician's neglected counsel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a barouche slowly passing down the street -attracted the ladies to the window. Where she was -sitting Elizabeth could plainly see the object of the -universal curiosity. In the elegant vehicle sat the Baroness -Lessen and Fräulein von Walde. The latter had her -face turned towards the assessor's house, and she looked -as if she were diligently counting the windows of the -lower stories. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, always -a sign in her of inward agitation. The baroness, on -the contrary, was leaning back negligently among the -cushions, and appeared to be entirely unconscious of -everything around.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Lindhof ladies," said Ceres. "But, Heavens! what -is the meaning of that? They are entirely ignoring -Doctor Fels' windows. There stands the doctor's -wife. Ha, ha! what a long face; she tried to bow, but -the ladies have no eyes in the backs of their heads."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth looked across at the opposite house. A very -beautiful woman, with a lovely fair-haired child in her -arms, was standing at the window. There certainly -was a puzzled look in her pleasant blue eyes, but the -delicate oval of her face was not in the least lengthened. -Attracted by the movements of the child, who stretched -out his little arms towards the fantastic heads at the -windows of the assessor's house, she looked across, and, -archly smiling, nodded to the ladies, who kissed their -hands, and replied to her salutation by all sorts of tender -pantomime.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strange!" said the hostess; "what could the ladies -mean by passing by her house without nodding to her? -They never went by without stopping before to-day. -Frau Fels would stand on the carriage-step for ever so -long, and Fräulein von Walde seemed to like her so -much—the baroness, 'tis true, often made a wry face. It -certainly is very strange; but we must wait and see what -the future will bring forth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Herr von Hollfeld must have stayed at Odenberg. -He was with the ladies this morning when the carriage -passed," said Diana.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How will Fräulein von Walde endure the separation?" -asked Flora, with a sneer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, is there anything in that quarter?" asked the -hostess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you know that, child?" cried Ceres. "We -can't tell yet what his sentiments are, but beyond all -doubt she loves him passionately. In fact, it is almost -certain that the love is all on one side; for how can -such an unfortunate cripple inspire affection,—and in -such a cold nature as Hollfeld's, which has been -unmoved by the greatest beauties?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, true enough," said Venus, with a glance at the -mirror, which Flora, in spite of her emaciation, had -entirely monopolized. "But Fräulein von Walde is -enormously rich!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, he can have the wealth at a cheaper rate," said -Flora. "He is said to be heir to the sister and brother -too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, the brother!" rejoined Venus. "He had better -not rely upon his chances there. Herr von Walde is a -man in the prime of life, and may marry at any time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nonsense!" cried Ceres, excitedly. "The woman is -yet to be born, or rather sent down from heaven, who -can touch him. He is haughtiness itself, and has less -heart than his cousin. How provoked I used to be at -the court-balls, to see him standing in the doorway with -his arms crossed as if they were glued together, and -looking down so arrogantly upon the crowd. Only when -the princess, or one of the royal family, requested him to -dance did he stir from the spot, and then he was at no -pains to conceal that he cared not a bit for the honour. -Well, we know well enough what his requisitions are for -the woman at whose feet he will lay the proud name of -von Walde—Ancestors! ancestors she must have, and -her pedigree must date from Noah's ark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All laughed, except Elizabeth, who remained very -grave. Fräulein von Walde's behaviour had made a -deep impression upon her. She was annoyed, and felt -that her views of human nature had been lowered. Was -such a change possible in the course of a few short -hours? The fact just stated by the ladies, that Helene -von Walde loved the son of the Baroness Lessen, would -have fully explained the influence exercised by the latter -to any one of a practical, matter-of-fact nature,—but not -to Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The elevating sentiment, described by the poets of -all ages and all climes as the truest and most ennobling -of which human nature is capable, could not possibly be -an incentive to unworthy conduct; and it was equally -hard to imagine how Herr von Hollfeld could inspire -that sentiment. Here she judged from the one-sided, -personal point of view from which we are prone to pass -sentence on others; but whether from the instinct of -her true womanly nature, or whether she really -possessed the clear insight that sees in the lines of the -face the clear indications of the soul within and traces -them to their source, we cannot say,—certainly, in this -case, her judgment of a man with whom she had had -scarcely any intercourse was entirely correct.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Hollfeld was certainly not calculated to -personate the ideal of a refined feminine nature. He neither -possessed intelligence nor wit, was inordinately vain, and -by no means content with the interest excited by his fine -person. He was fully aware that most women will -forgive defects of person sooner than defects of mind; and -therefore he adopted the mask of silence and reserve, -behind which the world is so ready to see great intelligence, -originality, and strength of character. There was no -man living who could boast of being upon intimate terms -with Herr von Hollfeld; he was cunning enough to elude -every attempt to test the quality of his mind, and avoided -all earnest conversation with men, while women, as soon as -they perceived the rough shell of his repellant behaviour, -were only too ready to cry, "the sweeter the kernel." Herr -von Hollfeld understood his part,—he was moved by -secret desires and hopes, which were strengthened by the -difficulty attending their attainment. Animated by no lofty -aspirations, he was the slave of avarice and sensuality. -To make his position a brilliant one from a worldly point -of view, he disdained no petty intrigue, and his office as -chamberlain at the court of L—— opened the way to -many such. He deceived and lied, and was all the more -dangerous on account of the frank honest seeming -behind which men never suspected the low schemer, or -women the vulgar sensualist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was glad when she saw her uncle turn the -corner and approach the house. With a sigh of relief she -took her place in the carriage at his side. She took off her -hat, and bathed her hot forehead in the fresh, delicious -evening breeze that swept gently by. The last rays of -the sun were just gilding the trembling leaves of the -poplars by the roadside, and there was a rosy light upon the -fields of blooming grain; but the forest that enclosed in -its bosom Elizabeth's home lay dark and gloomy beyond, -as if it had already forgotten the sunny life which had -penetrated its inmost recesses so short a time before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester glanced several times at the silent young -girl at his side. Suddenly he transferred both reins and -whip to one hand, took hold of Elizabeth's chin, and -turned her face up to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, let me see, Elsie!" he said. "What! why, -zounds! you have got two wrinkles there in your -forehead as deep as old Sabina's furrows. What has -happened? Come, out with it! Something has vexed you, -hey?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, uncle, I am not vexed, but pained that you were -so right in your estimate of Fräulein von Walde," replied -Elizabeth, while a deep blush of emotion covered her face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pained because I was right, or because Fräulein von -Walde has acted unworthily?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, because what you prophesied was evil, and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And therefore it follows that you should be angry -with me. He is always the criminal who tells the truth -in such a matter. And pray, which of the utterances of -my worldly wisdom has been justified by time?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She told him of Helene's conduct, and of what the -ladies had said. The forester smiled meaningly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh women, women, and those women in especial! -They prophesy an immediate marriage if two people only -say good morning to each other. But perhaps they are -right in this case,—it clears up much to my mind that has -hitherto seemed inexplicable to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, uncle, you cannot believe that any one would -sacrifice the best feelings of our nature to such a preference?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Many other things have happened, my child, for the -sake of such a preference, and although I do not for one -moment defend Fräulein von Walde's weakness and -submission; still, I shall henceforth judge her more leniently. -She succumbs to the power which leads us to forget father -and mother for another's sake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! that is just what I cannot understand," said -Elizabeth, earnestly. "How can any one love a stranger -better than father or mother?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hm!" rejoined the forester, touching the horses lightly -with his whip, to accelerate their speed. This "hm" -was followed by a clearing of his throat, and he changed -the subject, for he justly thought, "If that be so, she -will never understand my definition of love, although -I should speak with the tongues of angels." And he -himself?—Far, far in the past lay the time when he had -carved the dear name upon the trees, and trained his deep -voice to sing love songs; when he had walked miles for -a single smile, and had hated as his bitterest enemy the -man who dared to regard with favour the object of his -adoration. He looked back and rejoiced in that wonderful time, -but to paint it with its tempests of excited feeling,—its -tears and laughter, its hopes and fears,—was more than -he could do.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you see that perpendicular black streak just above -the forest there?" he asked, after a long silence, pointing -with his whip to the mountain which they were approaching.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed, it is the flag-staff upon Castle Gnadeck. -I saw it a few moments ago, and am now rejoicing -unspeakably in the thought that there lies a spot of earth -that we may call our own,—a place from which no one -has the right to drive us. Thank God, we have a home!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And such a home!" said the forester, as his beaming -eyes looked around the horizon. "When I was quite a -little child, how I longed for the Thuringian forest! It was -all because of my grandfather's stories. In his youth he -had lived in Thuringia, and had the tales and legends of -his home at his tongue's end; and when I had reached -man's estate, I came hither. Then all the forest which -we see before us belonged to the Gnadewitzes, but I would -not enter their service,—my father had told me too much -about them. I was the first Ferber from time immemorial -who had renounced their service. I applied to the Prince -of L——. The last of the Gnadewitzes divided his forests -because the Prince of L—— was willing to pay an -immense sum of money that he might enlarge his own -woodland possessions. And thus it happened that the most -ardent desire of my youth was gratified, for I live now -in the house that may be called the cradle of the Ferbers. -You know that we came at first from Thuringia?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes, I have known that from my childhood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And do you know the story of our origin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it was long ago, and perhaps I am the only one -who now knows anything about it, but it shall not be lost, -for remembrance is all the gratitude that posterity can -show for a brave action,—so now you shall hear the story, -and then you can tell it again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About two hundred years ago,—you see we can trace -back a considerable pedigree,—the only pity is that we -have no idea who the mother of our race was,—if you -should ever be asked any questions concerning her by the -Baroness Lessen, or others, you can answer with -confidence that we suspect her to have been either Augusta -von Blasewitz,—for the story dates from the thirty years' -war,—or a vivandiere: perhaps she was a good, honest -woman, who clung to her husband through all the -hardships of the war, although I cannot forgive her for -forsaking her child,—well, then, about two hundred years -ago, as the wife of the huntsman Ferber opened her door -in the morning—the very door that now shuts upon my -home—she saw a little child lying upon the threshold. -She clapped the door to again in a great hurry, for the -forest was then swarming with gypsies, and she thought -it would prove to be one of their dirty brats. But her -husband was more of a Christian, and took the child in. -It was scarcely a day old. A paper was pinned upon its -breast, stating that the child was born in holy wedlock, -that he had been baptized by the name of Hans, and that -whoever would take care of him should receive further -revelations concerning him at some future day. Hidden -in the child's dress was found a purse containing some -money. The huntsman's wife was a good woman, and -when she heard the child was born of Christian parents, -and was probably the son of some honest soldier who -had left it here that it might not be exposed to the -dangers of the war, she took it to her heart and brought it -up with her own little girl as if they had been brother -and sister. It was well for him that she did so, for no -one ever heard another word about his relatives. His -foster-father afterwards adopted him, and, to make his -happiness complete, he married his foster-sister. He, as well -as his son and grandson, lived where I live now, as -foresters to the Gnadewitzes, and they all died there. My -grandfather was the first who left this place with his -master for one of the estates in Silesia. As a boy, I was much -disappointed that some countess mother did not turn up -in the end who should recognize the foundling as her son, -stolen from her by the malice of an enemy, and bear him -home in triumph to her castle. Later in life I learned to -endure the want of this romantic termination to the story -with a good grace, as I considered that in such case my -own appearance here would have been very dubious, and -my honest name pleased me too much to wish it changed -for any other; but imagine my sensations when I stood -for the first time upon the threshold where the little -foundling had passed the most helpless moment of his life, when, -deserted by his natural parents, sympathy had not yet -supplied their place. The worn stone is undoubtedly the -same upon which the child lay, and as long as I live here -or have anything to do with the place, it shall never be -removed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the forester leaned forward and pointed -through the boughs, for they had entered the wood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you see that white spot?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The white spot was the cap of Sabina, who was sitting -at the door of the Lodge waiting for them. When she -saw the carriage, she rose quickly, shook the contents of -her apron, which proved to be a quantity of forget-me-nots, -into a basket, and came to assist Elizabeth to alight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The horse trotted, neighing, behind the house, where he -was awaited and received with a caressing pat. Hector -laid himself down upon the ground, wagging his tail -contentedly, and the doves and sparrows, which the noise of -the arrival had frightened away, returned and hopped -fearlessly about upon the green painted bench and table -under the linden, where, as the little rogues well knew, -the forester was in the habit of taking his morning and -evening meals. He went into the house for a moment -that he might exchange his uniform for the more comfortable -garment worn at home, and soon returned, pipe and -newspaper in hand, to the linden, where Sabina soon -began to lay the table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Tis a fact, it's a silly piece of Sunday work for such -an old woman as I am," said the housekeeper, laughing, -as she passed Elizabeth, who, sitting upon the stone -step which now possessed such an interest for her, -continued the weaving of the wreath which Sabina had -begun. "But I have been used to such work from my -youth. I have two little black pictures up in my room, -likenesses of my blessed father and mother; they certainly -deserve that I should honour them and hold them in -loving remembrance, so I hang fresh flowers around them -every Sunday, as long as there is a blossom to be had. -A couple of children from Lindhof bring me fresh ones -every Sunday, and to-day they brought me so many that -there is enough for a wreath for Gold Elsie; if she puts -it in a dish of water it will keep fresh all through the -week."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth sat a long time this evening with her uncle. -A flood of memories came rushing over his mind, called -forth by his narration of the old story of two hundred -years before. He recalled many a wish, plan, and -aspiration of his youth, which now provoked only a smiling -sigh of sympathetic pity,—they had all vanished before the -actual, like dust before the wind. He talked them over -now, as one who, standing upon the land, hears the dash -of the breakers afar that cannot reach him. Sometimes -he would make some witty attack, in the midst of his -recollections, upon Elizabeth, who would parry his thrusts -and retort merrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile a light arose behind the trees, which had -blended undistinguishably with the dark heavens, but -which now stood out in strong relief against the bright -background. Single rays shot like silver arrows between -interlacing boughs, and lay motionless like oases of light -upon the dim meadow, until at last the moon arose, -large and victorious, above the tops of the trees, and its -full lustre flooded the landscape. The gentle breeze of -evening had long since folded its wings,—you could -have counted the shadows of the linden leaves upon the -moonlit earth, so distinct and motionless they lay. All -the clearer was heard the gurgle of the little fountain in -the court-yard of the Lodge, and the low, indefinite -murmur from the woods, which Elizabeth called "the sleepy -rain" of the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There," said Sabina, crowning Elizabeth's head -lightly with the forget-me-not wreath, which she had just -completed. "Carry it home so, and you'll not crush it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then it may stay there," said she, laughing, as she -arose. "Many thanks for my ride! Good-night, uncle, -good-night, Sabina!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then she hastened through the house and garden, -and was soon outside the gate, which she closed behind -her, and flew along up the narrow moonlit forest path. -In the dwelling-room above, the lamp was burning; in -spite of the bright moonlight, its beams were distinctly -visible, for the front of her home lay in deep shade.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she reached the little clearing, a remarkable shadow -fell across her path. It was neither a tree nor a post, -but the figure of a man, a stranger, who had been -standing upon one side of the path, and now, to her terror, -approached her. The apparition courteously removed its -hat, and Elizabeth's terror vanished on the instant, for -she saw before her the smiling, good-humoured countenance -of a well dressed, rather elderly man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I pray your pardon, Fräulein, if I have frightened -you," he said, as he looked kindly over the large, shining -glasses of his spectacles into her face. "I assure you, I -have no designs either upon your life or your purse, and -am simply a peaceful traveller, returning to his home, -who greatly desires to know what the light in the ruins -yonder may betoken; and yet this moment convinces me -that my question is quite superfluous. Fairies and elves -are holding their revels there, while the fairest among -them keeps guard in the forest around, that none may -invade their charmed circle with impunity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This gallant comparison, trite as it may appear, was -not ill applied at this moment, for the slight girlish figure -in white robes, with the blue wreath crowning her -angelic countenance, and bathed in moonlight, might -well have been mistaken for a fairy vision, as it glided -so lightly among the trees of the wood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She herself laughed inwardly at the quaint compliment, -but with a little pique at the thought of resembling -such a mercurial elfish being, and she replied to the old -gentleman with maidenly dignity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am really sorry," she said, "to be forced to lead you -back to realities, but I fail to see anything in the light -yonder, except a commonplace lamp in the dwelling-room -of a forester's clerk in the service of the Prince of L——."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" laughed the gentleman, "and does the man -live all alone in those uncanny old walls?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He might do so with a quiet mind, for over those -whose consciences are pure nothing uncanny can have -any power. Nevertheless some loving creatures bear him -company, among the rest, two well-fed goats and a canary -bird, not to mention the owls, who have retired into -private life in great indignation, since the frivolous conduct -of human beings does not assort at all well with the solemn -views of life entertained by their grave worships."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or perhaps because they shun the light and cannot -endure——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That the new arrival should adore the truth?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps that, too; but I was about to suggest that -they fly from the two suns that have suddenly arisen in -the old ruins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two suns at once? That would be a terrible -experience for their poor owls' eyes, and might even prove -too much for a fire-worshipper," replied Elizabeth, -laughing, as she passed him with a slight inclination, for her -parents had just emerged from the gate in the wall, and -were advancing towards her. They had come out with -some anxiety when they heard Elizabeth's voice and that -of a stranger, and they gently reproved her, after she had -related her little adventure, for entering so thoughtlessly -into conversation with strangers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your badinage might have had unpleasant consequences -for you, my child," said her mother. "Fortunately, -they were gentlemen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gentlemen?" interrupted her daughter, with surprise. -"There was only one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look around," said her father; "you can see for yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And certainly just where the path began to descend -into the valley, two hats were plainly to be seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you see, mother dear," said Elizabeth, "what an -entirely harmless encounter it was. One never stepped -out from behind the bushes, and there was certainly not -an atom of the brigand to be seen in the kind old face of -the other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When she went to her room she carefully took the -wreath from her head, laid it in fresh water, and placed -it before the bust of Beethoven, then she kissed the -forehead of the sleeping Ernst, and said good-night to her -father and mother.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-ix"><span class="large">CHAPTER IX.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Hallo, Elsie, do not run so!" shouted the forester, -the next day at three o'clock in the afternoon, as he -came out of the forest with his rifle on his shoulder and -crossed the meadow towards the Lodge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was running down the mountain, her round -hat hanging upon her arm instead of resting upon the -braids that glanced in the sunlight, and as she reached -the house she flew laughing into her uncle's arms, which -he extended to receive her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She put her hand into her pocket, and stepped back -a few paces. "Guess what I have in my pocket, uncle," -she said, smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what can it be? No need to puzzle one's brains -long about it. Probably a little sentimental hay,—a few -dried flowers, kept for the sake of the melancholy -associations that they recall,—or some printed sighs over the -woes of the world, bound in gilt pasteboard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wrong, indeed; twice wrong, Herr Forester, for, in -the first place, your wit glances harmlessly aside from me, -and in the next—look here!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She drew a little box from her pocket, and lifted the -cover. There, upon green leaves, was comfortably lying -a large lemon-coloured caterpillar, with black spots, broad -bluish-green stripes upon its back, and a crooked horn -upon its tail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By all that is wonderful, Sphinx Atropos!" cried the -delighted forester. "Ah, my sunbeam, where did you -find that exquisite specimen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Over at Lindhof, in a potato-field. Isn't it beautiful? -There, let us shut the box carefully, and put it back in my -pocket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! am I not to have it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes; you can have it,—that is if you are inclined -to pay for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zounds! What a girl you have become! Come, give -it to me,—here are four groschen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not for the world. You can't have it for one -farthing less than twelve. When many a ragged, yellow old -bit of parchment,—that one can hardly bear to touch,—is -paid for with its weight in gold, certainly such a -perfect piece of Nature's workmanship is worth twelve -groschen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yellow old parchment! never breathe such a word -into scientific ears, if you value your reputation."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, there are none such to be breathed into here in -the forest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take care; Herr von Walde——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is hiding in the Pyramids."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he might suddenly return and take a certain -self-conceited young person to strict account. He is -cock-of-the-walk among learned men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, for aught I care, they may raise monuments in -his honour, and strew laurels in his path, as much as they -choose. I cannot forgive him for forgetting, in the midst -of all that dead lumber, the claims that the living have -upon him. While he is engaged in an enthusiastic search, -perhaps, for some wonderfully preserved receipt by -Lucullus, or lost in investigations as to whether the Romans -did actually feed their fish upon the flesh of slaves, the -poor employed upon his estate starve under the baroness' -rule—actually crushed beneath the yoke of modern slavery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hallo! how his left ear must burn! What a pity that -he cannot hear this confession of faith! Here are your -twelve groschen, if you must have them. You want to -buy some trinket or other, a feather, or ribbons for your -hat, hey?" he said, smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She held her hat out at arm's length before her, and -contemplated with admiration the two fresh roses which -she had stuck into the simple band of black velvet that -encircled it. "Does not that look lovely?" she asked. -"Do you think I would voluntarily hide my head beneath -nodding plumes when I can have roses, fresh roses? And -there is your caterpillar, and now you shall know why I -want to black-mail you. This morning the poor widow -of a weaver in Lindhof came to my mother, begging a -little assistance. Her husband had had a fall, which injured -his arm and his foot, so that he has not been able to earn -anything for weeks. My mother gave her some old linen -and a large loaf of bread. She could do nothing more, -as you know. See, here I have fifteen groschen,—from -my money-box,—there is not another farthing in it just -now, and three from little Ernst, who would gladly have -sold his tin soldiers to help the poor woman, and with -the price for the caterpillar I shall have a whole thaler, -which I shall carry to the poor thing immediately."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me see. Here is another thaler; and, Sabina," -he called into the house, "bring out a piece of meat from -your pickling-tub, and wrap it up in green leaves. You -shall take that too," he said, turning again to Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, you dearest of splendid uncles!" cried the girl, -taking his large hand between her slender palms and -pressing it tenderly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But take care," he continued, "that the piece of good -salt meat does not turn into roses. It would be a sad -change for the poor weaver's wife. You seem to be -following in the steps of your saintly namesake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; but fortunately I have here no cruel Landgrave -to fear. And if I had, I would tell the truth in spite of -him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gracious gods, what a heroic soul it is!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I think the courage to tell a lie would be far -greater, even though it were a pious one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, true, my daughter. I think I could hardly have -done it either. Ah, here comes Sabina!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old housekeeper issued from the door, and whilst -she wrapped up the meat for Elizabeth, in accordance with -the forester's directions, she whispered to him that Herr -von Walde, who had yesterday arrived from abroad, had -been waiting for him for some time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here in the dwelling-room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now they had been standing directly beneath the -open windows of this room. Elizabeth turned quickly -round, blushing scarlet, but could see no one. Her -uncle, without turning, shrugged his shoulders with an -infinitely comical gesture, stroked his long moustache, -and whispered, with a suppressed laugh: "Here's a nice -state of things! You have settled matters finely,—he -has heard every word.7"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So much the better," replied his niece, throwing her -head back with an air of defiance. "He does not hear -the truth very often, perhaps." Then bidding farewell to -her uncle and Sabina, she walked slowly away through -the forest in the direction of Lindhof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first she was annoyed at the thought that Herr von -Walde had been obliged, entirely against his will, to listen -to the judgment which had been passed upon him. Then -she was sure that she should have told him just the same -truth to his face. And as it was scarcely to be supposed -that he would ever trouble himself about her estimate of -him, it certainly could do him no harm that he had been -involuntarily the auditor of a frank, impartial sentence -passed upon him, even although such sentence came from -the lips of a young girl. But how had it happened that -he had returned so suddenly and unexpectedly? Fräulein -von Walde had always spoken of her brother's absence -as likely to continue for several years, and the day before -she had had not the slightest expectation of his return. -And then her encounter of the previous evening flashed -into her mind. The old gentleman had said that he was -a traveller returning home; but it was impossible that he, -with his smiling, good-humoured face, could be the grave, -haughty proprietor of Lindhof, who, perhaps, was the -person that had remained concealed beneath the trees while -his companion was getting an answer to his inquiries. -But what could Herr von Walde want with her uncle, -who, as she knew, had never stood in any relation to -him whatever?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These and similar thoughts occupied her mind upon -her way to the weaver's. Husband and wife were delighted -by the unhoped-for assistance, and heaped Elizabeth -with profuse professions of gratitude as she left the -house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She passed through the village, and directed her steps -to Lindhof, where she had promised to practice as usual. -The lesson had not been postponed, notwithstanding the -return of Herr von Walde. The proprietor's return had -worked a great change in the whole look of the castle. -All the windows of the lower story on the south side, -which had so long been dark and closed behind their -white shutters, now reflected the sunlight in a long, shining -row. The apartments within were undergoing a thorough -airing and dusting. A glass door stood wide open, -revealing the interior of a large saloon. Upon one of the -steps which led down to the garden at the back lay a -snow-white greyhound, with his slender body stretched -out upon the hot stone and his head resting upon his -forepaws; he blinked at Elizabeth as though she had been -an old acquaintance. At an open window the gardener -was arranging a stand of flowers, and the old steward -Lorenz was walking through the rooms, superintending -everything.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was remarkable that all the people whom the young -girl met had, as if by magic, entirely altered their whole -expression. Had a tempest swept through the sultry -atmosphere and a fresh breeze filled all the rooms, so that -voices sounded clearer, and bent forms grew straight and -elastic? Even old Lorenz, whose face had always worn -so grim and depressed a look, as though there were a -weight of lead upon his shoulders, shot real sunshine -from his eyes, although he was scolding one of the maids; -Elizabeth looked on in surprise. She had only seen him -before gliding about upon the tips of his toes, and in low, -suppressed tones announcing guests to the ladies in the -drawing-room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In amazement at this sudden bursting into bloom of -new life and activity, Elizabeth turned towards the wing -appropriated to the ladies. Here the deepest silence still -reigned. In the apartments of the baroness the curtains -were closely drawn. No noise penetrated through the -doors by which Elizabeth passed. The air of the -passages was heavy with the odour of valerian, and when at -the lower end of one of the halls, Elizabeth saw through -an open door one human face, what a change met her -eye! It was the baroness' old waiting-maid who looked -out, probably to see who was so bold as to invade the -solemn repose of the corridor. Her cap was set upon her -false curls all awry, and the curls themselves were but -loosely put on. Her countenance wore a troubled -expression, and a round, red spot on each cheek, betokened -either high fever or some violent, mental agitation. She -returned Elizabeth's salute shortly and sullenly, and -disappeared into the room, closing the door noiselessly -behind her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Elizabeth reached Fräulein von Walde's apartment, -she thought that she had arrived at the last act in the -mysterious drama which had begun in the baroness' -rooms, for no "come in" answered her repeated knock. -Not only were the curtains here drawn, but the shutters -also were closed as she saw when she gently opened the -door. The profound quiet and the darkness deterred -her from entering, and she was about to shut the door -again when Helene, in a weak voice, called to her to -enter. The little lady lay on a couch at the farther end -of the room, her head resting on a white pillow, and -Elizabeth could hear that her teeth were chattering as if with -cold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, dear child," she said, and laid her cold, damp -hand upon her young friend's arm, "I have had a nervous -attack. None of my people have observed that I am lying -here so ill, and it has been terribly lonely in this dark -room. Pray open the windows wide,—I need air, the -warm air of heaven."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth immediately did as she desired, and when the -daylight streamed in upon the pale face of the invalid, it -revealed traces of violent weeping.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sunshine aroused more life and motion in the room -than Elizabeth had anticipated; she was startled by a loud -scream which proceeded from one corner. There she -discovered a cockatoo, with snow-white plumage and a -brilliant yellow crest, swinging to and fro upon a ring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heavens! what a fearful noise!" sighed Helene, pressing -her little hands upon her ears. "That terrible bird -will tear my nerves to pieces!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth's glance rested amazed upon the little stranger, -and then explored the rest of the apartment, which looked -like a bazaar. Upon tables and chairs were lying costly -stuffs, shawls, richly-bound books, and all kinds of toilet -articles. Fräulein von Walde noticed Elizabeth's look, -and said briefly, with averted face: "All presents from -my brother, who returned home quite unexpectedly yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How cold her voice was as she said it! And there was -not the slightest hint of pleasure to be discovered in her -features, swollen with weeping; the large eyes, usually so -soft and gentle, expressed only vexation and annoyance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth stooped silently and picked up a gorgeous -bouquet of camellias, that was lying half faded upon the -floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes," said Helene, sitting up, while a slight flush -appeared on her cheeks, "that is my brother's good-morning -to me; it fell down from the table, and I forgot it. -Pray put it in that vase there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor flowers," said Elizabeth, half aloud, as she looked -at the brown edges of the white petals, "they never -dreamed when they opened their tender buds, that they -were to bloom in such a cold atmosphere!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene looked up into her friend's face with a searching, -troubled glance, and for an instant her eyes expressed -regret. "Put the flowers on the sill of the open -window," she whispered quickly, "the air there will do them -good. Oh, heavens!" she cried, sinking back among her -cushions. "He is certainly a most excellent man, but his -sudden return has destroyed the harmony of our delightful -home life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth looked almost incredulously at the little lady -who lay there, her clasped hands raised, and her eyes -lifted to heaven, as if fate had decreed her a most bitter -trial. If she had failed yesterday to find the key to -Helene's conduct, she was certainly more puzzled than -ever to-day by this incomprehensible character. What -had become of all those sentiments of fervent gratitude -that had breathed from every word whenever Helene had -spoken of her absent brother? Had all the sisterly -tenderness which had seemed to fill her heart vanished in a -single moment, so that she now lamented what, according -to her own words, she had so lately regarded as the most -delightful thing that could happen? Even supposing -that the returned brother did not sympathize with the -circle in which alone she felt happy, if he should oppose -her dearest wishes, was it possible that coldness and -anger could exist between two beings whom fate had -bound together by so close a tie, a tie which must bring -them all the nearer to each other, since one was so -helpless, and the other so alone in the world? Elizabeth -suddenly felt profound pity for the man who had sailed -on distant seas and wandered through strange lands so -long, only to be greeted as a disturbing element when -he once more appeared at his own fireside. Apparently -there was one tender spot in his proud heart, love for -his sister; how deeply wounded he must be that she had -no loving welcome for him, and that her heart was cold -and hard towards him!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Occupied with these thoughts, Elizabeth arranged the -flowers in the vase. She returned not a syllable to -Helene's outbreak, which had so maligned her brother to -stranger ears. And Helene herself, shamed probably by -Elizabeth's silence, seemed to be conscious that she had -lost her self-control, for she suddenly, in an altered voice, -begged her to take a chair and stay with her for awhile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment the door was violently flung open, and -a female figure appeared upon the threshold. Elizabeth -was at some trouble to recognize in this apparition -in its neglected, careless dress, betraying every sign of -great agitation, the Baroness Lessen. Her scanty locks, -usually so carefully arranged, were streaming from under -a morning-cap across her forehead, no longer white and -smooth as ivory, but flushing scarlet. The stereotyped -self-satisfaction had vanished from her eyes, and she -presented a most insignificant appearance as she looked shyly -into the room!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Helene!" she cried anxiously, without noticing -Elizabeth, and her corpulent figure advanced with -unwonted rapidity. "Rudolph has just sent for the -unfortunate Linke to come to his room, and he abused the -poor man so violently and loudly that I heard him in -my bed-room on the other side of the court—Heavens! how -wretched I am! The morning has agitated me so -that I can scarcely stand, but I could not listen to such -injustice any longer, and sought refuge here. And those -servile wretches, the other servants, who, while Rudolph -was away, scarcely dared to wink their eyes,—there they -stand now boldly beneath the windows, taking a -malicious pleasure in the misfortunes that are befalling a -faithful servant. Everything is destroyed that I had -arranged so carefully and with such pains for the -salvation of this household. And Emil is at Odenberg! How -miserable and forlorn we are, dearest Helene!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She threw her arms around the neck of the little lady, -who started up pale as ashes. Elizabeth took advantage -of this moment to slip out of the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she passed along the corridor leading to the -vestibule she heard some one speaking loudly. It was a deep, -sonorous, manly voice, which grew louder now and then -under the influence of excitement, but there was no -sharpness in its tones even when they were loudest. Although -she could not distinguish a word, the tone thrilled through -her,—there was something inexorable in the intonation -of the emphasized sentences.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The echo in the long corridor was deceptive. Elizabeth -did not know whence the voice proceeded, and she -therefore ran forwards quickly that she might the sooner -reach the open air. But after a few steps she heard, as -though the speaker were directly beside her, the words, -"To-morrow evening you will leave Lindhof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, most gracious Herr!"—was the answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have nothing else to say to you! now go!" was -uttered in a commanding tone; and just then Elizabeth, -to her terror, found herself opposite a wide-open folding -door. The tall figure of a man stood in the middle of -the room, his left hand behind him, and his right pointing -to the door. A pair of flashing, dark eyes met her -own as she passed hastily through the vestibule and into -the garden. It seemed as if that look, in which there -glowed an indignant soul, pursued her and drove her -onward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the Ferber family were sitting at supper, her father -told with expressions of pleasure how he had made the -acquaintance of Herr von Walde that day at the Lodge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, and how does he please you?" asked his wife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a question, dear child, that I might be able -to answer if I should happen to have daily intercourse -with him for a year or so, although even then I cannot -tell whether I should be able to give a satisfactory -reply. The man is very interesting to me—as one is -continually tempted to try to discover whether he really -is what he appears,—a perfectly cold, passionless nature. -He came to my brother to learn the particulars concerning -the affair between his superintendent and the poor -labourer's widow, because he had been informed that -Sabina had been an eye-witness of the ill treatment she -had received. Sabina was obliged to tell how she -discovered the poor woman. He asked about everything, even -the smallest circumstance, but in a very short, decided -manner. What impression Sabina's account made upon -him no one could tell; his looks were utterly impenetrable, -not the smallest change of countenance betrayed -his thoughts. He comes directly from Spain. From the -few remarks that he let fall, I judge that his sudden return -to Thuringia is owing to a letter from some one of his -friends here, telling him of the mismanagement of affairs -upon his estate and the unhappiness among his tenantry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And his exterior?" asked Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is pleasing, although I have never seen so much -reserve and inaccessibility expressed in a man's -bearing I entirely understand how he has the reputation -of boundless haughtiness; and yet I cannot, on the -other hand, convince myself that such exceeding folly can -lurk behind such remarkably intellectual features. His -face always wears the look of cold repose of which I -have spoken; but, between the eyebrows, there is what -I might call an involuntary, unguarded expression of -what a superficial observer might think sternness; to me -it seems settled melancholy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth listened thoughtfully to this description. -She had already learned how that cold repose could be -entirely laid aside for a time, and she told her father of -the scene which she had witnessed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then sentence has been passed sooner than I -anticipated," said Ferber. "Possibly your uncle may have -done his part towards this end by his strong language,—he -does not hesitate when asked for an opinion. He -was so frank with Herr von Walde, that he felt quite -relieved and retained not an iota in his heart of all that -had been vexing him in the course of the past year."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-x"><span class="large">CHAPTER X.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Scarcely a week had passed since the evening mentioned -in the last chapter, but these few days had brought -about great changes in the household at the castle of -Lindhof. The dismissed superintendent had already been -replaced by a new man, whose power, however, was very -limited, as Herr von Walde had undertaken the chief -oversight of affairs himself. Several day-labourers who -had been summarily dismissed, either because they were -warm adherents of the village pastor, and had, on -account of their work, been frequently absent from prayers -at the castle, or because they did not care to listen to -the chaplain's sermons, were again working on the estate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day before, Sunday, Herr von Walde, accompanied -by the Baroness Lessen and little Bella, had attended -service in the village church at Lindhof. To the surprise -of all, the chaplain, Herr Möhring, had appeared in the -organ-loft as one of the audience, and at noon the worthy -pastor had taken dinner with the family at Castle Lindhof. -Doctor Fels paid daily visits there, for Fräulein von -Walde was sick. That was the reason why Elizabeth -had not been requested to give her another lesson, and -also, as the forester said, why the Baroness Lessen "had -not been banished to Siberia, for," said he, "Herr von -Walde would not be such a savage as to make his ailing -sister still more ailing, by depriving her of the society -which was dearest to her. He knew that if his mother -left, Herr von Hollfeld's visits would also cease." It was -malicious to say so, but, as he added, "incontrovertibly -just."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the village it was well known that it had required -several terrible tempests to clear the air at Castle -Lindhof. For the first three days after his arrival Herr von -Walde had taken his meals alone in his private apartments, -and the letters which the baroness' waiting-maid -had delivered to him, at all times of the day, from her -mistress, were returned unopened, until at last the -violent illness of his sister had brought about a meeting -between her brother and her cousin by her bedside. -Since that day intercourse had again been apparently -established between the two, although the servants -declared that they exchanged scarcely a word at table. -Herr von Hollfeld had been over once to greet the -returned traveller, but it was observed that he rode away -with a perceptibly lengthened face, after a very short stay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On a melancholy, rainy day in August, Elizabeth was -again requested by Fräulein von Walde to spend half -an hour with her at the castle. The lady was not alone -when she entered the room. Herr von Walde sat in the -recess by the window. His tall figure was leaning back on -a couch, his head nearly touching the light-coloured wall -behind him, so that his dark-brown hair stood out in -strong relief against it. His right hand, which carelessly -held a cigar, was resting upon the window-sill, while his -left was raised as if he had just been speaking. His -neighbour, the Baroness Lessen, was bending towards -him, and, with a most winning smile upon her face, -seemed to be listening intently to his words, although, as -it appeared, they were not addressed to her, but to -Helene. She was sitting tolerably near him, and had -some crochet work in her hand. Fräulein von Walde -was lying upon a lounge. A full dressing-gown entirely -enveloped her small figure, and her beautiful brown -curls escaped from beneath a morning-cap, trimmed with -pink ribbons, which heightened, by force of contrast, the -pallor of her countenance. The cockatoo was perched -upon her hand, and from time to time she held him caressingly -to her cheek. "The terrible bird" was now called -"darling," and might scream as loud as it liked,—it was -only soothed by a tender "What's the matter with my -pet?" Here, then, all was peace and reconciliation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon Elizabeth's entrance Helene beckoned to her -kindly, but it did not escape her that there was a slight -embarrassment in the little lady's manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dear Rudolph," she said, as she took Elizabeth's -hand, "let me present you to the delightful artiste to -whom I owe so many pleasant hours,—Fräulein Ferber, -called by her uncle, and in all the country around, -Gold Elsie. She plays so deliciously that I entreat her -to make us forget the gray and gloomy skies above us this -afternoon. You see, dear child," she continued, turning -to Elizabeth, "that I am still too weak to assist you -at the piano; will you have the great kindness to play -something alone for us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With all my heart," replied Elizabeth. "But I shall -play timidly, for there are two formidable powers to -oppose me,—the gloomy heavens, and the favourable -expectations that you have awakened of my performance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pray allow me to excuse myself for an hour," said -the baroness, as she collected her working materials and -arose; "I should like to drive out with Bella,—it is so -long since the poor child has taken the air."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, I should suppose that she could easily take it -here at any time, by simply putting her head out of the -window," said Herr von Walde dryly, knocking the ashes -from his cigar as he spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heavens! are you unwilling, Rudolph, that I should -take a drive? I will instantly remain at home, if——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can conceive of no reason why I should be unwilling. -Drive as often and as much as you like," was -the indifferent reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness compressed her lips, and turned to -Helene: "We have decided, then, to take coffee in my -room. I shall not stay out long, on account of the mist. -I shall be back punctually in an hour, and shall depend -upon the pleasure of conducting you to my room myself, -dearest Helene."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That pleasure you must resign," said Herr von -Walde. "It has been my office for many years, and I -hope my sister does not think me grown too awkward -during my absence to discharge it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly not, dear Rudolph; I shall be greatly -obliged, if you will be so kind," cried Helene, quickly, -looking anxiously from one to the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness conquered her vexation bravely. She held -out her hand to Herr von Walde, with a smile of great -sweetness, kissed Helene upon the cheek, and rustled out -of the room with an "au revoir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this conversation, Elizabeth observed more -closely the features of the man, whose glance and voice -had impressed her so profoundly. It is true, her terror, -for really the emotion caused by her first meeting with -him was nothing less, had been renewed for a moment, -as on entering she caught sight of Herr von Walde. -How quiet the eyes were now, which had seemed -before to flash fire; his look, as it rested upon the -baroness, was icy cold. With this expression in his eyes, -the upper part of his face, which bore the stamp of great -sternness, grew to iron. A carefully arranged chestnut-brown -moustache covered his upper lip, and his beard; -which was unusually fine and silky, fell in soft waves -upon his chest. Herr von Walde did not look young, -and although his well-knit figure had preserved all its -elasticity, there was that indescribable composure and -self-possession in his whole manner and heaping peculiar -to the man of riper age, and which inspires involuntary -respect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the baroness had left the room, Elizabeth opened -the piano.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no! no notes!" Helene cried to her, as she saw -her turning over the music-sheets. "We want to hear -your own fancies; pray extemporize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth seated herself immediately, and soon the -outer world was all forgotten by her. A wealth of -melody welled up in her soul, which carried it far aloft. -At such moments she knew that she was gifted beyond -thousands of her fellow-mortals, for she had the power of -giving expression to the most hidden emotions of her -heart. The purity of her whole inner world was -mirrored in sound; she had never been obliged to seek for a -melody which should embody her feeling, it lay ready -in her soul,—ready as the feeling itself. But to-day there -was something blended with the tones that she could not -herself comprehend; she could not possibly pursue and -analyze it, for it breathed almost imperceptibly across the -waves of sound. It seemed as though joy and woe no -longer moved side by side, but melted together into one. -As she was herself impressed by this strange presence, -she penetrated still deeper into her world of -feeling,—gradually the clear depths of her pure, maidenly soul -were revealed to the listeners; they stood, as it were, -by some transparent, magic fountain, and saw within its -quiet waters the lovely form of the young girl reflected, -with twofold distinctness, for there was a perfect harmony -between her exterior and her interior being.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last faint chord died away. Large tear-drops -hung from Helene's lashes, and her pallor was almost -supernatural. She glanced towards her brother, but he -had turned his face away, and was gazing out into the -garden. When at last he looked towards her, his features -were as calm as ever, only a slight flush coloured his -brow; the cigar had dropped from his fingers and lay -upon the ground. He said not one word concerning her -playing to Elizabeth, as she rose from the piano. Helene, -whom this silence distressed, exhausted herself in flattering -expressions, that she might induce her young friend -to forget, or, at least, not to notice the coldness and -indifference which her brother displayed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was it not delicious?" she cried. "The people in -B—— could have had no idea of the golden fountain of -music bubbling up in Elsie's heart, or they would never -have allowed her to wander into the Thuringian forest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you lived until now in B——?" asked Herr von -Walde, fixing his eyes upon Elizabeth. She met his gaze -for an instant; the ice had all melted, and was replaced by -a wondrous radiance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," she answered, simply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was a sad experience to come suddenly from a -large beautiful city, which offers every imaginable -diversion and enjoyment, to the silent forest, and live upon -a lonely mountain. You were, of coarse, inconsolable at -the exchange?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I regarded it as a piece of undeserved good fortune," -was the unembarrassed reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed? Most strange! It seems to me that one would -hardly choose the thistle when the rose might be had."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, I cannot presume to pass judgment upon -your opinions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, because you do not know me; but my idea is -almost universal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yet surely it is very one-sided."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, I will not combat further your peculiar -taste, with which you would scarcely find any one to -sympathize among companions of your own age. I will rather -believe, for your credit, that it was not so easy to leave -your friends."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it was very easy, for I had none."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that possible?" cried Fräulein von Walde. "Did -you have no intercourse with any one?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes, with the people who paid me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You gave lessons?" asked Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But did you never feel the want of a female friend?" -cried Helene quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never, for I have a mother," replied Elizabeth in a -tone of deep feeling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Happy child!" she murmured, and drooped her head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth felt that she had unwittingly touched a sore -place in Helene's heart. She was sorry, and longed to -efface the impression. Herr von Walde seemed to read her -thoughts in her face, for, without noticing Helene's -emotion, he asked: "And did you desire to live in the -Thuringian forest especially?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I had been told from my earliest childhood -that my family had its origin in the Thuringian forest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, yes, you belong to the Gnadewitzes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My mother's name was Gnadewitz. I am a Ferber," -answered Elizabeth, with decision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You say that as if you were thankful that you did -not bear the name of Gnadewitz."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am thankful for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hm!—in its time it has made a fine noise in the -world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None pleasant to hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, what would you have? At every court it was -pure gold, for it was very old, and the last of those who -bore it were heaped with dignities and honours, on -account of the antiquity of their name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pardon me, but I cannot possibly understand how—" -she blushed, and was silent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go on; you have begun the sentence, and I depend -upon hearing the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, how sin can be honoured, because it is -old," she rejoined, with hesitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Softly! they say that several of the Gnadewitz lineage -were brave and true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That may be; but is there not great injustice in the -idea of rewarding their merit, centuries after, by honouring -those who are neither good nor true?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Should not noble deeds live forever?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly; but, if we refuse to emulate them, -we certainly are not worthy to share in their rewards," -was Elizabeth's prompt answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A carriage rolled up the avenue. Herr von Walde -frowned, and passed his hand across his eyes as if he had -been rudely awakened from a dream. In a moment -the door opened, and the baroness entered. She, as well -as Bella, who was walking by her mother's side to-day -with quite an air of grown-up dignity, had not yet laid -aside her bonnet and mantle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad to be at home again," she cried. "The air -to-day is horrible. I repented a hundred times having -left the house, and shall probably atone for my maternal -solicitude by a heavy cold. Bella was so anxious to see -for herself how you are, dear Helene, that I allowed her -to come in with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The child went directly up to the lounge. She did not -appear to notice Elizabeth, who was sitting close by, and -brushed past her so rudely, as she bent to kiss Helene's -hand, that a button upon her sack caught in the -delicate trimming of Elizabeth's dress and tore it. Bella -lifted her head and glanced at the mischief she had done; -then she turned and went across to Herr von Walde to -give him her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said he, withholding his hand, "have you no -apology to make for your awkwardness?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She made no reply, and retired to the side of her -mother, upon whose cheeks the ominous red spots -appeared. The look which she cast upon Elizabeth showed -that her daughter was not the cause of her irritation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, child, can't you speak?" asked Herr von Walde, -rising.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fräulein Ferber sat so close," said the baroness in a -tone of excuse, as Bella continued obstinately silent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, I should have moved aside. There is no great -harm done," said Elizabeth, and she held out her hand to -Bella with an enchanting smile. But the child took no -notice of it, and hid both her hands in her dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without a word, Herr von Walde approached her, took -her by the arm, and led her directly to the door, which he -opened. "Go instantly to your room," he said, "and do -not come where I am again unless I particularly desire -you to do so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness was raging inwardly. Her countenance -worked for a moment, but what could she do? She was -powerless to contend with the violence and barbarism of -this man, who was master here, and who now took his -seat again with a composure that betrayed an utter -unconsciousness of the cruelty of his behaviour. Her -prudence obtained the upper hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope, dear Rudolph," said she, and her voice trembled -a little, "that you will not reckon this slight -misdemeanour against Bella. Pray, make some allowance,—it -is all the fault of her governess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Miss Mertens? Indeed, it must have cost her, with -her innate gentleness and refinement, infinite pains to -train Bella to conduct herself as she has just done."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness blushed scarlet; but she controlled -herself. "Heavens!" she cried, determined to change the -subject; "this stupid circumstance has made me forget -to tell you that Emil has ridden over from Odenberg. -He got wet through on horseback, and is just changing -his dress. May he pay his respects?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene's cheeks glowed, and a ray of happiness shot -from her eyes; but she said not a word, only drooping -her face so as to conceal every sign of her inward agitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied Herr von Walde. "Does he intend -to make some stay here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He will be here for a few days, with your permission."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By all means. Then we shall see him in your room -when we come to take coffee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He will be most happy. Will you not come immediately? -My maid tells me that all is in readiness there -to receive you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth arose, and prepared to take her leave. Herr -von Walde, as soon as he saw this, looked inquiringly -at the baroness. Doubtless he expected that she would -extend an invitation to the young girl, but just at this -moment the lady discovered that the gardener's arrangement -of the flower-stand in the window was "too charming," -and in enraptured contemplation of a bunch of -azaleas she turned her back upon Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fräulein Ferber courtesied profoundly and left the room, -after Helene had repeated, in a trembling voice, her -expressions of gratitude. Without, in the corridor, she met -Herr von Hollfeld. At sight of her he quickened his pace, -casting a lightning glance around to assure himself that -no listener was near. Before she was aware of it, he had -seized Elizabeth's hand, imprinted a glowing kiss upon -it, and whispered: "How rejoiced I am to see you once -more!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her astonishment was so great that she could not at -first find a word to say. She drew back her hand as -though she had been stung, and he accepted her repulse, -because at that very moment the door of Helene's room -opened, and Herr von Walde appeared. Hollfeld raised -his hat to Elizabeth as if he had just seen her, and his -features subsided instantly into an expression of utter -indifference as he walked towards his relative.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was disgusted with his farce,—first, at the -insulting familiarity, which made her blood boil with -indignation, and then, at the denial of any acquaintance before -a third person. Her maidenly pride was deeply wounded. -She reproached herself that she had not rebuked his -impertinence boldly upon the spot. A crimson flush glowed -in her cheeks with shame that she should have been -treated so by any man; it seemed as if the spot upon -her hand, where his hot lips had rested, still burned, and -she hastily held it beneath the stream of a fountain in -the park, that the imaginary stain might be washed away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much agitated, she reached her home, and complained -with tears to her mother of the insult that she had -received. Frau Ferber was a sensible woman, possessed of -clear, calm insight. She was convinced by Elizabeth's -resentment that her child's heart was not in the least -danger, and her fears were laid to rest. It was easy to -defend her from attacks from without; but who could -guard her from the grief that a misplaced attachment -would entail upon her?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know now what manner of man Herr von Hollfeld -is," she said. "It will not be difficult strictly to -avoid all future contact with him, and if he should -presume in spite of your efforts, he must be sternly repulsed. -His conduct seems to be the result of aristocratic -conceit and cowardice, two qualities which will probably -deter him from any further advances, when he discovers -how disagreeable they are to you. But at all events, -familiarize yourself with the thought that your behaviour -towards him must of necessity create an enemy who will, -at some future day, put a stop to your intercourse with -Fräulein von Walde. Of course such a consideration -cannot for one instant lead you to hesitate as to your line of -conduct. Go on your way then, my child, quietly and with -self-possession. I should certainly not advise you to give -up your visits to Castle Lindhof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Assuredly not! no, that I will not do!" cried Elizabeth, -quickly. "What would my uncle say if the chicken should -actually come flying back to creep beneath the shelter of -home?" she added, smiling through her tears. "It would -be wretched indeed, if with all the strength of which I -have boasted, I am not strong enough to repulse an -impertinent man so effectually that he shall desist from all -future advances."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She recalled her conversation with Herr von Walde, -and found, to her great satisfaction, that she must -certainly be exceedingly brave, for assuredly it had required -no small exercise of courage, while confronting that stern -countenance, to declare her own convictions, which -attacked so decidedly the proud edifice of his ancestral pride. -She had expected every moment to see his glance sheathe -itself in ice again, as it had done in conversation with the -baroness; but the singular glow and expression which had -so struck her when first he addressed her, had not faded -from his eyes,—she could almost, in fact, believe that -she detected beneath his moustache a smile lurking -around the corners of his mouth. Perhaps he had -determined to-day to enact the part of the lion towards -the mouse. He had magnanimously permitted a little -girl to pour out her naive ideas at his feet, where they -might remain lying, since to bend his aristocratic back to -pick them up and examine them was not to be thought -of,—they probably amused him as exemplifying the saying -of the dog "baying the moon." She repeated all this -continually to herself, that she might stamp afresh upon her -treacherous memory his general reputation for boundless -arrogance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She could not tell how she became conscious of it, but -she was now perfectly aware that she should suffer -unspeakably if Herr von Walde's arrogance was ever -exercised towards her; so she must be doubly on her guard -and not allow herself to be misled by his observance of -the usual forms of common politeness, of his high regard -for which the next day brought her a most convincing -proof.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XI.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>She had just gotten ready, the next afternoon, to go into -the garden with her work-basket, when the bell rang at the -gate in the wall. In consideration of the scene of the day -before, her surprise was certainly justifiable, when, as the -gate was opened, she saw Bella standing before her. Behind -the child stood Miss Mertens and the elderly gentleman -with whom Elizabeth had lately had an evening encounter. -As she entered Bella extended her hand, but looked shy and -confused and said not a word. Elizabeth, much amazed, at -once guessed the reason of her coming, and tried to help -her in her embarrassment by saying how glad she was to -have a visit from a little girl, and by asking her to come -into the garden. But Miss Mertens stepped forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do not make it all so pleasant for Bella, Fräulein -Ferber," said she, "she has been expressly ordered to -make an apology to you for her misconduct yesterday. I -must insist upon her speaking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These words, spoken with much firmness, and still -more, perhaps, the sheltering darkness of the hall through -which Elizabeth was leading her by the hand, at last -loosened Bella's tongue, and she softly begged pardon for -her fault, and promised never to be so naughty again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now that is happily settled," cried the gentleman, -as he advanced to Miss Mertens' side, and with an -arch smile made a low bow to Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It may, perhaps, strike you as very odd," he said, -"that I should attach myself to this reconciliation -deputation, with which I have no concern; but I have an idea -that on such occasions people are rather inclined to -overlook all slight transgressions, and so,—there can be no -more favourable moment for the smuggling in of a -stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My name is Ernst Reinhard; I am the secretary and -travelling companion of Herr von Walde, and I have -had no more earnest desire for a week past than to -become acquainted with the interesting family at Castle -Gnadeck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth kindly extended her hand. "These old walls -have witnessed so many of the misdeeds of the robber -knights of old, that we have no right to condemn -smuggling; you will be cordially welcomed by my parents."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She led the way, and opened the huge oaken door -leading into the garden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her parents and uncle, who, with little Ernst, were -sitting under the lindens, arose as the strangers entered, -and came towards them. Elizabeth introduced them all -round, and then, at a sign from her mother, returned -to the house to order some refreshments for the guests. -When she came back again, Bella had already laid aside -her sack and parasol, and with a joyous face was -sitting in a swing, which had been hung between two trees. -Ernst was swinging her, and seemed not a little proud -of his new playmate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed," said Reinhard, pointing to Bella as she flew -up in the swing, shouting with delight, "no one who -had seen that child this morning and her sullen bearing, -as she went into Herr von Walde's apartment to ask -forgiveness for yesterday's misconduct, or her defiant and -angry expression, when he told her that he could not -receive her again until she had personally begged -pardon of Fräulein Ferber,"—here Elizabeth reddened, and -became absorbed in the preparation of some bread and -honey for the two children,—"would recognize her for the -same being, whose face is now beaming with the innocent -joy of childhood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hour passed very pleasantly. Miss Mertens -was both refined and cultivated, and Reinhard told many -delightful stories of his travels and researches.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably we should not have thought of returning -home for some time," he said in concluding an interesting -account of adventures in Spain, "had we not received -unfavourable accounts from Thuringia, which, following fast -upon each other, induced Herr von Walde to give up new -plans for travel. The ambition of power often makes its -possessor blind. The incautious request from a feminine -pen that Herr von Walde would pension off the good old -village pastor at Lindhof, because he had grown prosy -and was incapable of training the souls under his care, -capped the climax of our unwelcome hews, and we set -out for home immediately.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When, late in the evening, as we approached Lindhof, -we left the highroad and our carriage, that we might go -the rest of the way on foot, we met with a most -charming adventure. How odd! look, Reinhard, what do -you suppose is the meaning of that light in the ruins -of Castle Gnadeck?' asked Herr von Walde. 'It means -that there is a lamp there,' was my reply. 'We must -investigate this,' said he, and we ascended the hill. -The light grew brighter, and at last, to our -astonishment, we saw that it streamed from two high -illuminated windows. And then, light steps were heard -behind us, something white fluttered among the bushes, -and suddenly, what I took for a being of ethereal mould -hovered before us upon the moonlit sward. I took -heart and approached, expecting every moment that the -airy form would vanish before the breath of my lips; but -alas! its own lips opened, and told of two well-trained -goats and a canary bird."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All laughed at this account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"While we were descending the mountain," Reinhard -continued, "my master said not a word; but from certain -signs I judged that he was quite as ready to laugh at me -as you were; it would have been a fine thing if you could -have accompanied us as a good fairy, for we left all the -moonlight and beauty behind us upon the mountain, and -had to walk on through the dim valley, where the mists -were rising, and where there was nothing, not even a -wandering zephyr to bid us welcome home. At Castle -Lindhof numberless lights were flitting to and fro like -will-o'-the-wisps. The carriage, with our luggage, had -already arrived, and seemed to have produced the same -effect by the sound of its rolling wheels, as that ascribed -to the thunder at the day of judgment, for there was such -hurry, confusion, and disorder reigning there when we -arrived, that, for my part, I should have been thankful to -retrace my steps, and lay my weary head upon the first -quiet, mossy spot that I could find in the forest. The -only person who, in the midst of the universal agitation, -presented an appearance of placid self possession was the -chaplain, Möhring. He had put on a white cravat with -great despatch, and welcomed the master of the house at -the foot of the grand staircase in a speech full of unction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The reign of that stern gentleman is at an end now, -is it not?" asked the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed, thank God!" replied Miss Mertens. -"He will leave Lindhof in a short time. Baroness -Lessen's influence has procured him a good parish. He could -not endure to sink back into insignificance where he had -so lately held sway. I can readily understand it, for he -had ruled with all the persecuting zeal of a tyrant who -seeks to tread every one beneath his feet. He would -not allow a thought in his kingdom without his -permission, and even the baroness, his mistress, upon whom -he smiled so servilely, felt his iron rule. Every one in -the household, without exception, was obliged to write -down, in the evening, the thoughts and sentiments that -had occurred to them during the avocations of the day. -I can see before me now the poor housemaids, to whom -even a short letter to their friends at home is a greater -task than a long ironing-day, sitting in that cold room -on the winter evenings, holding the pen in their tired -clumsy fingers, and beating their poor brains for -something to say.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes, if the chaplain had worked as hard as I have -done the whole day,' one would whisper softly but -angrily to another, 'he would not relish writing much.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, I think so," cried the forester. "What a -shameful system of torture and oppression has been -carried on there under the cloak of service to the Lord!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The worst of it all is," said Ferber, "that unless a -man is possessed of great culture, or of a special fund of -good humour, he ends by detesting not only his tormentors -but the whole subject of religion that causes him such -suffering. Thus, he is led more and more astray from all -faith, while his outward observance of forms must be -stricter than ever, his subsistence depending upon his -wearing the mask well. All this gives the death-blow to -true religion among the people."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we are fortunate in at least having one among -us who has force of character enough and sufficient -strength of will, to say, 'Thus far shalt thou go and no -farther!' Zounds! it came upon us like a second deluge!" -said the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, Herr von Walde is possessed of an energy and -force of character such as falls to the lot of but few," -replied Miss Mertens, quickly. "His mouth is closed, but -his eyes are wide open, and servility, malice, and -hypocrisy quail before them and drop their masks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean while Reinhard had been attentively -examining the walls of the ruinous wing of the old castle -which bounded the garden on the south. Three large, -pointed, arched windows, faultless in shape, extended -upward to the height of the second story from about -six feet from the ground. Close beside them a curious -jutty projected far into the garden, forming a deep -corner, where grew a giant oak, which stretched some of its -boughs through the two nearest sashless windows far -into the airy, cool apartment within, which must once -have been the chapel of the castle, intended to -accommodate a large number of worshippers, for it extended -through the entire depth of the wing. Opposite these -windows were three others of like dimensions; they had -been less exposed to wind and weather, and had -preserved some fragments of coloured glass in their -delicately carved stone rosettes. Through them could be -seen the dark court-yard, with its crumbling, ghostly -walls like a picture painted in gray. The garden side of -this wing looked gay and odd enough. The most -extravagant caprice had here heaped together all styles of -windows and decorations; judging by the exterior, the old -building must have been a perfect labyrinth of rooms, -passages, and staircases. The jutty alone seemed to -be in a most dangerous state of decay. It inclined -perceptibly to one side, and appeared to be awaiting the -moment when it should bury the blooming life of the oak -beneath its masses of stone. It had thrown a green -mantle coquettishly over its falling form,—an impenetrable -garment of ivy wreathed it all over from the ground to -the ruinous roof, and effectually concealed every crack and -aperture in the masonry. Some sprays of the ivy had -crept across the oak and climbed up to the sculptured -arms on the principal front of the chapel, which looked -forth grimly enough from beneath its intrusive decoration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I attempted," said Ferber, "to explore this wing as -far as I could, shortly after my arrival here, for its -peculiar style of architecture interests me greatly; but I -could not get farther than the chapel, where, indeed, it -seemed dangerous to stay long. You see the whole upper -story has fallen in, and the weight of the ruins has caused -the ceiling of the chapel to sink considerably, so that it -seems ready to tumble at the slightest breath of wind. -The jutty has only lately looked so threatening in -consequence of several severe storms. It must be taken -away, for it makes a part of the garden inaccessible to us. -If I could have engaged any workmen, it should have -been pulled down before now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this explanation, Reinhard had no further relish, -as he expressed it, for wandering about in the old ruins. -But he was all the more interested in the connecting -building, and Ferber arose to show his guests his dwelling. -And first, they ascended the rampart behind them. -Ferber was very capable and skilful, and employed every -moment of his leisure in improving his new possession. -With his own hands he had mended the steps which led -to the top of the rampart, and they arose now smooth -and white from the close-shaven turf which clothed its -sloping side. On top, the tolerably wide plateau was -strewn with fresh gravel, and in the centre of it, -embowered in the linden boughs which overshadowed the basin -below, stood a group of home-made garden chairs and a -table. While they leaned against the breastwork and -enjoyed the confined but lovely view from the steep -mountain over the valley beneath, Elizabeth told the story of -Sabina's ancestress, for doubtless this rampart had been -the scene of her narrative.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Br-rr!" said Reinhard, shuddering. "What a leap it -would have been! The wall is high, and when I -imagine below there, instead of that mossy carpet, the -sluggish, slimy waters of a castle-ditch full of frogs and -lizards, I cannot possibly understand the resolution -required to throw one's self over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," said Miss Mertens, "despair has led many a -one to seek a death even more horrible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment Elizabeth saw with her mind's eye -the glowing, passionate expression with which Hollfeld -had hastened towards her on the preceding evening. She -remembered the disgust that she had experienced at -his touch, and she thought to herself that it was not -very difficult to imagine the position of the persecuted -girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come in, child," said her uncle, rousing her from her -reverie. "Are you listening to hear the grass grow that -you stand there so silent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beneath his clear gaze, and at the sound of his strong, -honest voice, the terrible vision vanished in an instant. -"No, uncle," she replied, laughing, "that I shall not -attempt, even though I do boast that I have wonderfully -keen eyes and ears for the processes of nature."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took her hand, and led her after the others, who -were just entering the house. At the top of the steps, -Bella came running to Miss Mertens. She had several -picture-books in one hand, and with the other she drew -her governess into Elizabeth's room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only think, Miss Mertens, you can see our castle from -here!" she cried. That they were the owners of Lindhof -she seemed firmly to believe, and no wonder. The way -in which the baroness had, until now, wielded her sceptre, -had left no doubt in the child's mind that her mother was -the indisputable mistress of Lindhof. "Look," she -continued gaily, "do you see the path down there? Uncle -Rudolph has just ridden past. He saw me, and waved -his hand to me. Mamma will be glad that he is kind to -me again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Mertens admonished her to be a good little girl, -and get her hat and sack, for it was time to go.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth and Ernst accompanied them out into the park.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have stayed too long," said Miss Mertens anxiously, -as she took leave of the Ferbers and stepped out -into the forest-clearing. "I must be prepared for a -tempest this evening."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You think the baroness will be vexed at your -remaining here so long?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Without doubt."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind,—you must not repent it. We have spent -such a delightful afternoon," said Reinhard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The children had wandered on before them, hand in -hand, and disappeared now and then among the trees on -either side of the path, plucking flowers. Hector, who -had forsaken his master to accompany them, leaped -joyously hither and thither, never forgetting to return now -and then to be stroked and patted by the gentle hand of -Elizabeth, the lady of his love, as her uncle said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he stopped, and stood still in the centre of -the path. They had nearly reached the borders of the -park. Through the forest they could see the vivid green -of the lawn, and the plashing of the nearest fountain -was audible. Hector had discovered a female figure hastily -approaching. Elizabeth recognized her instantly as silent -Bertha, although her whole appearance seemed strangely -altered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She could have had no idea that any one was near, -for, as she walked, she gesticulated violently with her -arms. Her cheeks were crimson, her eyebrows contracted -as though in the greatest agony of mind, and her lips -moved as though she were talking to herself. Her white -hat, which she had decked with flowers, had slipped from -her dark braids, and was hanging upon her neck by its -loose red strings, which, as her motions grew still more -earnest, became wholly untied, and the hat fell on the -ground without the knowledge of its owner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She came rapidly forward, and did not raise her eyes -until just as she stood close to Elizabeth. Then she -started as though stung by an adder. In a moment the -expression of anguish upon her countenance was changed -to one of the bitterest anger. Hate flashed from her eyes, -her hands clenched convulsively, and while something -like a low hiss escaped her lips, she seemed as if about -to spring, raging, upon the young girl. Reinhard -instantly placed himself by Elizabeth's side, and drew her -slightly back. When Bertha saw him, she uttered a low -cry, and rushed madly into the thicket, through which -she forced a path, although her clothes were torn by the -thorns, and she struck her forehead against the drooping -boughs. In a few moments she was lost to sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That was Bertha, from the Lodge!" cried Miss Mertens, -with surprise. "What can have happened to her?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes,—what can have happened?" repeated -Reinhard. "The young creature was in a state of terrible -excitement, and seemed to grow actually furious at sight -of you," turning to Elizabeth. "Is she related to you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No indeed," she replied. "She is only distantly -connected with my uncle, and I do not even know her. -She has avoided me from the beginning most resolutely, -although I wished much to be on friendly terms with -her. It is clear that she hates me, but I cannot tell -why. Of course it troubles me, but her character is not -sufficiently pleasing to induce me to attach much -importance to her dislike."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good Heavens, my child, there is no question of -dislike here! The little fury would have gladly torn you to -pieces with her teeth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not afraid of her," replied Elizabeth, smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I would advise you to be careful," said Miss -Mertens. "There was something actually demoniac in her -looks. Where could she have been?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably at the castle," remarked Elizabeth, as she -picked up Bertha's hat, and brushed the moss and dried -leaves from it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not," rejoined Miss Mertens. "Since she has -been dumb she has, very strangely, ceased visiting -Lindhof. Before then she came every day, attended the Bible -Class, and was a great protegée of the baroness, but -suddenly it all came to an end, to the surprise of all. Only -now and then, in my solitary rambles in the park, I have -seen her gliding through the bushes like a snake,—indeed -she seems to me to bear an affinity to that reptile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had already reached one of the gravelled paths -leading through the park, and it was time to take leave of -each other. They separated with mutual cordiality.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Elsie," said Ernst, as the other three vanished -behind a group of trees, "we'll see which of us will reach -the corner first." The corner was the entrance to a narrow -forest-path which led directly to the foot of the mountain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Agreed, my darling," laughed Elizabeth, and began to -run. At first she kept even step with the little boy who -was beside her; but just before the goal was reached, she -flew forward lightly as a feather, and stood in the entrance -of the path, and, to her terror, close to the head of a horse -which snorted violently. Hector, who was by her side, -barked loudly. The horse leaped aside and stood erect -upon his hind legs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Back!" cried a powerful voice. Elizabeth snatched op -the little boy and sprang with him out of the way, while -the horse rushed out of the forest, and, scarcely touching -the ground with his hoofs, galloped madly across the -meadow. Herr von Walde was seated upon the frightened -animal, which did its best to throw its rider. He, -however, sat firm as a rock; only once he leaned from -his saddle and struck with his riding-whip at Hector, who -was leaping and barking about the horse, greatly -increasing its fright. For awhile it bounded wildly over -the meadow, then suddenly turned away and disappeared -into the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth's teeth fairly chattered with fright at the -horrible accident which she had no doubt would shortly occur. -She took Ernst by the hand and was about to run to the -castle for assistance, when, before she had gone many steps, -she saw the horseman returning. The animal was much -more quiet, his bit was covered with foam, and his legs -trembled. Herr von Walde patted his neck caressingly, -sprang off, tied him to a tree, and then approached Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pray forgive me," she said in a trembling voice, as -soon as he stood beside her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What for, my child?" he rejoined gently. "You have -done nothing. Come, sit down upon this bank, you are -deadly pale."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He moved as if to take her hand and lead her to the -spot which he had designated, but his arm dropped -instantly by his side. Elizabeth mechanically obeyed -him, and without another word he seated himself beside -her. Little Ernst leaned against his sister and fixed his -large beautiful full eyes upon Herr von Walde's face. The -boy had been frightened for one moment when the horse -had first appeared, but the gallop around the meadow had -amused him, for he had no suspicion of danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did you intend to do when you came running -so hastily into the forest?" Herr von Walde asked -Elizabeth after a short silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An arch smile played about the still pale lips of the -young girl. "I was pursued," she replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By whom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By this boy," pointing to Ernst, "We were running a race."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is the little one your brother?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes;" she looked lovingly in the boy's face and passed -her hand over his dark curls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And she is my only sister," said the little fellow with -great emphasis.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed! Well, you seem quite fond of this only -sister," said Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes; I love her dearly. She plays with me just like -a boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it possible?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes; if I want to play soldiers she puts on just -the same kind of paper hat that she makes for me, and -marches, drumming up and down the garden, just as long -as I choose. And before I go to bed she tells me lovely -stories while I am eating my supper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A bright smile broke over Herr von Walde's face. -Elizabeth had never seen it before, and she found that it -gave an indescribable charm to features which she had -thought immovably stern; it seemed to her like a clear -sunbeam breaking through a thick, cloudy sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are quite right, my boy," he said, drawing the -child towards him; "those are most valuable talents to -possess; but is she never angry?" he asked, pointing to -Elizabeth, who was enjoying like a child, Ernst's -revelations, which seemed comical enough to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, never angry," replied the boy, "only serious -sometimes, and then she always plays on the piano."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Ernst——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes, Elsie," he interrupted her eagerly; "don't -you remember when we were so poor in B——?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, there you are right," she replied with -composure; "but it was only when papa and mamma had to -work so hard that we might have bread to eat; it was -much better afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you still play on the piano?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," answered Elizabeth laughing, "but no longer -for the reason which Ernst gives. My father and mother -are now provided for."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you?" Herr von Walde persisted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I? I am quite brave enough to fight life's battle -and win my own independence in the struggle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How do you propose to do it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Next year I shall go somewhere as a governess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does not Miss Mertens' example deter you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not at all. I am not so weak as to wish for a -luxurious life while so many others in my circumstances -take upon themselves so bravely the yoke of service."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But here there is question not only of service but -of endurance. You are proud. It is not only your look -at this moment which tells me so, but every sentiment -which you uttered yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, it may, perhaps, be pride that induces -me to rank real dignity of character far above any -mere exterior advantages which egotism has invented -and maintains, and for that very reason I believe that -one human being can humble another only by setting -before him an example of moral and intellectual greatness -which it is impossible for him to imitate,—never by -insulting treatment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you think that these views will steel you against -all the mortifications great and little which a heartless, -capricious mistress might heap upon you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh no, but I need never bow before her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A short pause ensued, during which Ernst approached -the horse, examining him attentively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From what you said yesterday, I gathered that you -are attached to your present home," Herr von Walde -began again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, more than I can tell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! I can understand that, for this is the loveliest -spot in Thuringia. How then can you so easily endure -the thought of leaving it again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the contrary, I shall not find it at all easy; but -my father has taught me that our pleasures must yield to -our necessities, and I understand perfectly that it must -be so. I confess that I cannot easily comprehend how one -can give up what is so pleasant except at the command of -necessity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! that was aimed at me. You cannot conceive -how a man can voluntarily hide himself in the pyramids -when he might breathe the cool, sunny air of Thuringia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth felt a burning blush suffuse her cheeks. Herr -von Walde had humourously alluded here to the jesting -conversation that she had had with her uncle, to which -he had been an involuntary listener.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I should attempt to explain this to you I should -fail, for you seem to me to find all that you look for in -your home circle," he said after a moment's silence. -He had leaned forward and was mechanically drawing -figures with his riding-whip upon the ground at his feet. -He spoke in those deep tones which always appealed -powerfully to Elizabeth's mind. "But there is a time for -some of us," he continued, "when we rush out into the -world, to forget in its whirl and novelty that we cannot -find happiness at home. If a man cannot fill up a -painful void in his existence, he can at least ignore it by -devoting himself to science."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This, then, was the sore spot in his heart. He had -not found the affection in his own home that he longed -for, and that he had a right to claim and expect from a -sister for whom he manifested always the purest and -most self-sacrificing tenderness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had comprehended this pain, even before she -had seen Herr von Walde, and, at this moment, when he -alluded to it so openly, she longed most fervently to -console him. Words of sympathy hovered upon her lips, but -she was possessed suddenly by an unconquerable shyness -which prevented her from speaking; and as she glanced -up at him and marked the firm lines of his profile and his -brow which was so proud and commanding, while his -voice sounded so gentle and melancholy, the embarrassing -suspicion flashed upon her that he had forgotten for a -moment who was sitting beside him; his aristocratic ideas -would cause him bitterly to repent the moment when, under -the influence of a sudden self-forgetfulness, he had revealed -a glimpse of his sternly guarded consciousness to an -insignificant girl. This thought dyed her cheeks again; she -arose quickly and called Ernst. Herr von Walde turned -in surprise, and for an instant his eyes rested searchingly -upon her face; then he also arose, and, as if to confirm -her suspicion, stood at once proudly calm and composed -before her,—but she noticed for the first time that sad, -gloomy expression between the eyebrows, which her -father had spoken of, and which impressed her just as his -voice had done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are usually very quick to think,"—he said, -evidently trying to give the conversation a gayer turn, and -slowly walking along by Elizabeth's side,—she was going -for Ernst who had not heard her call. "Before one has -quite finished a sentence the answer is plainly ready on -your lips. Your silence, therefore, at this moment, tells -me that I was quite right when I said that you would not -understand me, because you have found all the happiness -that you look for."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The idea of happiness is so different with different -people, that indeed I hardly know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We all have the same idea," he interrupted her; "it -may still slumber in you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no!" she cried, forgetting her reserve and with -enthusiasm,—"I love my friends with my whole heart, -and am most happily conscious that I am loved in -return!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, then you did not quite misunderstand me! Well,—and -your friends,—there must be a large circle to whom -you open your heart?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," she cried, laughing,—"their tale is soon told! -My parents, my uncle, and this little fellow here," and she -took Ernst by the hand as he came running to her, "who -grows larger and makes more demands upon me every -year. But now we must go, my darling," she said to the -child, "or mamma will be anxious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She bowed courteously to Herr von Walde,—it seemed -to her that the shade upon his brow had disappeared. -He raised his hat to her and shook hands with -Ernst,—then he walked slowly towards the horse that was -pawing impatiently, untied it, and led it away by the -bridle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know, Elsie," said Ernst, as they were ascending -the mountain, "whom Herr von Walde looks like?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The brave knight of St. George, just when he has -killed the dragon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha!" she laughed. "But you have never seen any -picture of the brave knight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know that. Still I think he looks like him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And she too had thought of the resemblance when she -had seen him controlling his unruly steed. At this moment -she remembered the pang she had suffered at the thought -of a probable accident, and her unspeakable delight at -seeing him return from the thicket unharmed. She stood -still, and with a smile of wonder laid her hand upon her -throbbing heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now see," said Ernst, "you have been running too -quickly up the mountain. I could not keep up with you. -What would uncle say if he knew it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She walked slowly on, like one in a dream. She -scarcely heard the child's reproof. What then was this -strange half-consciousness which had yesterday mingled -itself with her melodies, causing them to mourn and to -rejoice at the same moment? Again she felt it take -possession of her soul more mightily and intoxicatingly than -before, but it was just as mysterious and incomprehensible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Elsie," cried Ernst, impatiently, "what is the -matter with you? You are walking so slowly that it will -be dark before we reach home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took hold of her dress, and tried to pull her on. -This call from the outer world was too energetic to be -any longer withstood,—Elizabeth roused herself and -walked on quickly, to the child's entire content.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they reached the castle Elizabeth laid Bertha's -hat, which was still hanging upon her arm, upon the table. -She was unwilling to mention her meeting with the girl -to her parents, for she rightly judged that it would make -them anxious, and that they would relate the occurrence -to her uncle, who had been so angry and bitter of late -whenever Bertha was alluded to, that Elizabeth feared -that if he heard of the meeting in the wood he would put -a stop to the annoyance by immediately dismissing the -cause of it from the Lodge. Ernst had noticed neither the -hat nor her desire to conceal it, so there was no danger -that he would betray her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After supper Elizabeth walked down to the Lodge. She -met Sabina in the garden, and heard to her satisfaction -that her uncle had gone to Lindhof. She gave the hat -to the old housekeeper, and told her of Bertha's -extraordinary behaviour, asking in conclusion whether she were -at home yet. Sabina was indignant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed I think, child, that if you had been alone she -would have scratched your eyes out. I don't know what -will become of her. These last few days she has been -worse than ever. She does not sleep at nights, but walks -up and down in her room, talking again—but only to -herself. If I had but the courage to open her door just when -she is at the worst,—but I could not do it though you -would give me heaps of gold. You will laugh at me, I -know; but she's not right. Look at her eyes—they -sparkle and glow as though all the fire of the Blocksberg were -burning in them. No, I shall hold my tongue; the Herr -Forester sleeps soundly, and so do the rest,—but I wake -at the slightest noise, and I know perfectly well that -Bertha is up and away many a night, and when she goes the -great watch-dog is gone too from his kennel. He is the -only one in the house that loves her; and, fierce as he is, -he never touches her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does my uncle know this?" asked Elizabeth with surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not for the world! I wouldn't for my life tell him, -for who knows what mischief would come of it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Sabina, only think. You may do great harm to -my uncle by remaining silent. The house is so lonely if -there is no dog in the yard——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I stand at the window of my room and watch -until she comes from the mountain and chains up the dog -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a tremendous sacrifice to make to your superstition! -Why not tell Bertha——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hush! not so loud, there she sits!" Sabina pointed -through the fence to the pear tree in the court-yard. Upon -the stone bench under the tree Bertha was sitting, -apparently quite composed, trimming carrots. The crimson of -excitement had passed away from cheek and brow, and -given place to a livid pallor. Elizabeth could see now -that the girl had lately grown much thinner. Her delicate -nose looked pinched, and her cheeks had lost their lovely -oval. There were dark ridges around her eyes, and -between her eyebrows there were two deep wrinkles in -the delicate skin which gave a sullen expression to -the face, but, in connection with certain lines around -the mouth, lent an air of deep melancholy to her look. -The sight cut Elizabeth to the heart. Some misery was -burdening the soul of that lonely creature, misery all the -harder to endure because it was borne in silence. She -forgot all the dislike of her which Bertha had always -shown, and took several quick steps towards her, that -she might lay that weary head upon her breast and -say, "Rest here, poor child! Tell me of the grief that -you are struggling with in such loneliness, and I promise -to aid you to endure——" but Sabina seized her arm and -detained her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must not go," she whispered in terror; "I will -not let you. She is just in a condition to stick that knife -into you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But she is so terribly unhappy. Perhaps I can -convince her that only the kindliest sympathy moves me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no! I'll soon show you whether anything can -be done with her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sabina descended the steps into the court-yard. Bertha -let her approach without raising her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fräulein, Elizabeth found it," said Sabina, holding -the hat towards her; then she laid her hand upon the -girl's shoulder, and continued kindly: "She would like -to say a few words to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bertha started up as if she had received a deadly -insult. She angrily shook off Sabina's hand, and darted -a furious glance towards the spot where Elizabeth was -standing,—a proof that she had known before that she -was there. She threw her knife upon the table, and by -a hasty gesture overset the basket at her feet, so that -the carrots were scattered around upon the pavement. -She ran into the house. They heard her through the -open window shut the door of her own room and bolt -it behind her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was stupefied with surprise mingled with -much pain. She would have so liked to console the -wretched girl, but she now perceived that it was not to -be thought of.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a week past she had been daily to the castle. -Fräulein von Walde had been steadily improving in -health since the afternoon when, as the baroness tenderly -expressed it, she had found a cure in the coffee which she -herself had prepared, and in Herr von Hollfeld's arrival. -She was diligently practising several duets, and at last -confided to Elizabeth that she wished to celebrate her -brother's birthday fête the last of August. It was to be -a very splendid celebration, for she intended to make it -also a welcome home to the long absent traveller. On -that day he should first hear her play again after so many -years, and she knew what a pleasant surprise it would -be to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth always looked forward with a mixture of -pleasure and dread to these practisings. She did not -know why herself; but the castle and park had -suddenly become dear and attractive to her; she even had a -kind of tender regard for the bank where she had sat -with Herr von Walde, as if it were an old friend; she -made a little circuit in order to pass by it. Herr von -Hollfeld's behaviour inspired her, on the contrary, with -very different feelings. After she had several times -foiled his attempts to meet her by a hasty avoidance -of him, he came to Fräulein von Walde's room, one -day, and begged permission to remain there during -the lesson. To Elizabeth's terror, Helene, with delight -beaming in her eyes, assured him that he was doubly -welcome as a convert who had hitherto had no taste -whatever for music. He now made his appearance -regularly, silently laying some fresh flowers upon the piano -before Helene as he entered, in consequence of which -she invariably struck several false chords. Then he retired -to a deep window-seat whence he could look the players -directly in the face. As long as the practising continued -he covered his eyes with his hand, as if he wished to shut -out the world that he might resign himself entirely to the -charms of music. But, to Elizabeth's vexation, she soon -observed that he only covered his face so as to conceal -it from Helene; from behind his hand he stared the whole -time fixedly at Elizabeth, following her every motion. She -shuddered beneath those eyes which, usually so dull and -expressionless, always burned with a peculiar fire when he -looked at her. Under this hateful ordeal she often had to -exercise great self-control in order to play correctly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene apparently had no suspicion of the cunning -which Hollfeld had employed to attain his end. She -often stopped playing for awhile and conversed with him, -that is, she talked herself, and, usually, very well. She -listened to his monosyllabic replies,—which were empty -and foolish enough,—as if they were the words of an -oracle wherein more meaning than met the ear was to -be found.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He always departed a few minutes before the end of -the lesson. The first time that he did so, Elizabeth -discovered him from one of the hall windows that -commanded an extensive view of the park, standing waiting -at the entrance of the forest-path, by which she must pass. -She defeated his intention, not without secret self-gratulation, -by paying a visit of an hour to Miss Mertens, who -received her with open arms; and she grew so fond -of the governess that she never passed the door of her -room without entering for an hour's quiet talk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Mertens was almost always depressed and sad. -She saw that her stay at Lindhof was becoming impossible. -The baroness, suddenly deprived of her sovereign -authority and its consequent manifold occupations, was -often bored nearly to death. She was obliged to wear -her mask of gentleness and content while she was with -her relatives, which was hard enough, and therefore all -her ill humour had to be pent up within the locked doors -of her own apartment. But she never vented it upon -Bella, for, looking upon her child more as a born baroness -than as a daughter, she restrained herself; nor upon her -old waiting-maid, for whom she had, no one knew why, -what the old steward Lorenz called "an ungodly sort of -respect." Nor could she scold the lower servants without -offending the master of the house, and therefore all her -malice was wreaked upon the unfortunate and defenceless -governess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In order to torment her victim most thoroughly, the -lady ordered the lessons to be daily conducted beneath -her own most illustrious eyes. In presence of the pupil, -the methods of the teacher were perpetually analyzed -and criticised. It was no wonder that Bella did not improve -under such instructions, and her nerves, too, were sure to -be ruined, for Miss Mertens had the most disagreeable -voice in teaching in the world,—how, too, could the child -be expected to be graceful while she had constantly before -her eyes the angular, clumsy manner in which her -governess held her book and turned over the leaves, etc.? -In history, Miss Mertens' reflections were quite too -sentimental, or too plebeian, and, besides, she was so -outrageously impertinent "as to have opinions of her own." In -some cases the lesson was deliberately interrupted; the -baroness placed herself in the teacher's chair, and the -governess was obliged to listen reverentially to a lecture -full of supercilious scorn and aristocratic arrogance. -If the lady needed support, the chaplain, Herr Möhring, -was sent for. And then, the nettle-stings of her -discourse vanished into insignificance by the side of the -cruelty with which the unappreciated martyr invoked upon -the head of the wretched governess all the gall of his -suppressed sermons. The baroness must have known -that the chaplain's French was execrable,—but she -requested him to be present during the French hour that he -might correct Miss Mertens' accent. Bella's improvement -was forgotten in the overflow of her mother's petty malice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sometimes Miss Mertens would declare, with tears, -that only love for her mother, who looked to her for -support, induced her to submit to this martyrdom. The old -lady was almost entirely dependent upon the exertions -of her daughter, and therefore any change of situation -was very undesirable in view of the pecuniary loss -which must attend it But however depressed her -spirits might be, her gentle face brightened whenever -Elizabeth knocked at the door, and asked, in her sweet, -fresh accents, if she might come in. At sight of the -young girl all her care and anxiety took flight, and as -they sat together on the little sofa by the window they -had many a happy hour, and the poor governess seemed -to live over again her own youthful days, and Elizabeth -gained not a little from the fund of knowledge and riper -experience of her more mature friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These brief afternoon visits had also a secret charm -for Elizabeth, which she would not for the world have -confessed, and which, nevertheless, caused her heart to -throb quickly, and an undefined sensation of mingled joy -and anxiety to possess her as she knocked at the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The windows of Miss Mertens' room looked out upon -a large court-yard, which Elizabeth used to call the -convent garden,—it lay so retired and quiet, encircled by its -four high walls. Some spreading lindens cast their green -shade upon the rich grassy soil, only intersected here and -there by narrow paved paths. In the centre of the space -was a fountain, which supplied the house with delicious -water, and upon the edge of the large basin several -marble figures were reposing their white limbs, bathed in the -green light that broke through the overhanging trees. -When the sun poured his fierce rays, like melted lead, -upon the open parts of the park and garden, this spot -was always refreshingly cool. A door upon the ground-floor, -leading from the court-yard directly into Herr von -Walde's library, almost always stood open. Now and -then he himself would issue from it, and pace to and -fro with folded arms. What thoughts lay hidden behind -that fine white forehead, when, after walking thus for -awhile, with his head sunk upon his breast, he suddenly -raised it, as if roused from some delightful dream! Miss -Mertens often remarked that he seemed to have returned -from his travels much altered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before his departure, she said, Herr von Walde's face -had seemed to her like that of a statue, so serious and -immovable; and although she had always known him -to be a man of genuine nobility of character, she had -been oppressed when near him by the icy coldness of his -manner. Now it seemed to her as if some revivifying -hand had passed over his nature; even his step was -lighter and more elastic, and she would maintain that, in -his pacings to and fro in the court yard, a smile frequently -broke over his face, as if he saw, in imagination, some -vision that delighted him. While she talked thus, Miss -Mertens would smile and declare mysteriously that he -must certainly have brought home some very agreeable -memories with him, and that she could not refrain from -suspecting that matters at Lindhof would soon wear a -different aspect. She never noticed the involuntary start -of her young friend when she arrived at this conclusion, -and Elizabeth was equally unaware of it, for the pang -that she felt at such an idea, made her utterly incapable -of controlling her external behaviour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quiet pacing to and fro beneath the lindens was, -however, often interrupted, not only by Herr von Walde's -workmen and men upon business, but by the needy and -unfortunate, who would come timidly down the steps, ushered -by a servant, and stand with bowed heads before the -commanding figure that confronted them, until they were -encouraged by the gentle tones of his voice to speak, as -he kindly bent down to catch their whispered words. -They always left him greatly cheered, for those who -were not worthy of his assistance did not dare to present -themselves before him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day Elizabeth set out for Castle Lindhof a half hour -earlier than usual. The fact was that her father, in -returning at noon from the Lodge, had met Miss Mertens in -the forest. She had evidently been weeping, and was -unable to speak at the moment; she had merely bowed -and passed hurriedly on. This intelligence made -Elizabeth very anxious. She would not for the world have -postponed her visit to the governess until the end of her -lesson,—the lonely woman was certainly in need of love -and friendly sympathy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just across the large meadow which bordered upon the -forest was a charming pavilion. A dark grove -surrounded the graceful structure upon three sides, so that -its white front stood out in shining contrast with the green -shade. It had hitherto been kept closed, although the -outside shutters to the windows were thrown back and -Elizabeth had seen that the room within was furnished -most luxuriously. But to-day, as she issued from the -forest, she saw that the doors of the pavilion were -wide open. A servant, with a waiter in his hand, stepped -out and requested her to enter. As she approached she -could see that Fräulein von Walde, the baroness, and -Hollfeld were drinking coffee in the pretty room which -constituted the whole interior of the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are a little too early to-day, my child," said -Helene, as her young friend appeared upon the threshold. -Elizabeth replied that she wished to pay a visit to Miss -Mertens before the practising.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! pray let that go to-day," said Helene, quickly, -but evidently confused, while the baroness looked up from -her crotchet-work with a malicious smile. "Do you know -that a large package of new music has just come from -Leipzig?" continued Fräulein von Walde; "I have looked -over it slightly, the pieces are beautiful. Perhaps we can -find among them just the thing that we want for our -concert. Sit down, we will go to the castle together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She offered Elizabeth a basket of cake, and put a -magnificent pear upon her plate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment, Herr von Walde's dog came bounding -into the room; instantly both ladies were on the alert and -expectant; Helene looked towards the door with a manifest -effort to seem quiet and unconstrained, but the baroness -threw her work into a basket, examined the coffee-pot to -see whether the coffee was still hot, placed a cup near -the sugar basin, and drew a chair up to the table. The -malicious smile was replaced by an air of grave reserve, -and she was apparently resolved to make as dignified and -imposing an appearance as possible. At sight of the dog, -Hollfeld hastened into the garden, and came back in a few -moments with Herr von Walde, who had evidently just -returned from a drive, for he wore a gray dust coat and -a round felt hat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We were afraid, dear Rudolph," Helene cried out to -him as soon as he appeared, while she half arose and -held out her hand,—"that we should not see you at all -to day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I found more business awaiting me at L—— than I -had anticipated," he replied, seating himself, not upon the -chair which had been placed for him, but upon the sofa -by the side of his sister, so that when Elizabeth raised -her eyes she looked him full in the face, for he sat directly -opposite to her. "Besides," he continued, "I have been -at home full half an hour, but Reinhard wished to speak -with me upon private business which required immediate -action, and so I nearly lost the pleasure of taking coffee -with you, my dear Helene."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That miserable Reinhard!" and Fräulein von Walde -pouted a little; "he might have waited awhile,—the -world would still have turned around."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! dear child," sighed the baroness, "we cannot -alter these things. We are condemned all our lives long -to be the slaves of our inferiors."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde quietly turned towards her, and his -glance measured her slowly from head to foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, why do you look at me so, my dear Rudolph?" -she asked, not without a tinge of uneasiness in her tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I looked to see whether you really seemed fitted to -play one of those sad parts in Uncle Tom's Cabin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Always ridicule when I look for sympathy," rejoined -the lady, endeavouring to lend a gentle, melancholy tone -to her harsh voice. "I might have known it, but——" She -sighed again. "We do not all possess your enviable -equanimity, which is never affected by the petty annoyances -and necessary evils of this life. We poor women have our -miserable nerves, which make us doubly sensitive to -everything that jars upon our minds. If you had seen me this -morning, in what a wretched condition I was——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have been tried inconceivably. Well, Miss Mertens -must answer for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has she injured you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What an expression! My dear Rudolph, how could -a person in her situation injure me? She has vexed me,—made -me exceedingly angry!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am greatly pleased to see that you do not bend -without a struggle to the yoke of bondage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have lately had to endure more than I can tell with -that stupid creature," the baroness continued, without -heeding her cousin's comment. "My maternal duties are sacred -in my eyes, and therefore I have been obliged to superintend -my child's instruction. It is, of course, a matter of -great moment to me that her youthful mind should be -rightly trained. Unfortunately, I have become more and -more convinced that Miss Mertens' knowledge is very -limited and her views and principles not those which I -should wish adopted by a young girl of Bella's rank in -life. This morning I heard the silly woman telling the -child that nobility of soul was far superior to nobility of -birth—as though the one could be separated from the -other,—and that she ranked a beggar with a clear conscience -above a crowned head whose conscience was not pure; -and a quantity more of the same stuff. When I tell you -that Bella, the Lord willing, will live at court,—I have -all but secured the post of maid of honour at the court of -B—— for her,—you will readily conclude that I -interrupted such teaching upon the spot. You must admit, -my dear Rudolph, that, with such views, Bella would -play a poor part at court—nay, even her stay there would -be quite impossible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, there is no doubt of that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank Heaven!" cried the baroness, breathing freely. -"I was really in a little doubt as to how you would -receive Miss Mertens' dismissal. You know you always -valued her far above her deserts. She was so impertinent -when I interfered with her lessons that there was nothing -for me to do but to send her away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no right to lay down laws to you with regard -to your people," replied Herr von Walde, coldly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I always try to please you as far as I can, -my good Rudolph. I cannot tell you how rejoiced I -am that I shall see no more of that repulsive English -face."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry that you will not be able entirely to avoid -it, since she will still remain under the same roof,—my -secretary Reinhard was betrothed to her about half an -hour ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The work dropped from the baroness' fingers. This -time not only her cheek but also her brow was suffused -with crimson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has the man lost his senses?" she cried at last, -recovering from her stupefaction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not, since he has just given such proof of being -in full possession of them," said Herr von Walde, with -composure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I must say that he plays his part of antiquary -well. Such a lovely, blooming, young bride!" cried the -lady contemptuously, endeavouring to laugh heartily. -Hollfeld joined in her laughter, thus giving the first sign -of his having heard the conversation. Helene cast a -troubled glance at him; but this mirth cut Elizabeth to -the soul,—she felt the greatest indignation stirring within -her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope," the baroness began again, "that you will not -take it ill of me——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I cannot consent to associate with that person -any longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot force you to anything, Amalie, any more than -I can forbid my secretary to marry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you can dismiss him if he chooses a wife who -makes his residence beneath your roof disagreeable to -your nearest relatives."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I cannot do either; he has been engaged by -me for life, and I have just secured to his future wife a -pension in case of his death. Besides, you make a slight -mistake, my good cousin, if you suppose that anything -in the world could induce me to allow a man to leave -me whom I have always found faithful. I am much -pleased with Reinhard's choice, and have allotted him -the use of the apartments upon the ground-floor of the -north wing during his life. His mother-in-law will reside -with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I congratulate him upon that valuable -acquisition," replied the baroness, and her sharp voice -trembled with anger. "I will, however, make one -remark: as I cannot bring myself to endure the presence -of that person in my apartments for a day longer, she -must provide herself with some place where she can stay -until her marriage. Probably even you will see, my -dear Rudolph, that there is a manifest impropriety in the -interesting pair's still living, under present circumstances, -beneath the same roof."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Permit me," said Elizabeth, here turning to Helene, -"I am very sure that my parents would extend a warm -welcome to Miss Mertens,—we have quite room enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, thank you!—matters could not be better arranged," -answered Fräulein von Walde,—extending her hand to her -young friend. The baroness shot an angry glance at -Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The affair will thus be settled very satisfactorily," -she said, preserving her composure with difficulty. "I -will contain myself, and hope in all humility that the -future Frau Reinhard will vouchsafe me a spot where I -shall be relieved from the sight of her disagreeable -countenance. Apropos, Fräulein Ferber," she continued after -awhile, in a careless tone, "I have just remembered -that the money for your lessons has been for several days -in the hands of my maid; just knock at her door as you -go by, and she will give it to you with a receipt, which -you will please sign."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Amalie!" exclaimed Helene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will do as you desire, madame," replied Elizabeth, -quietly. She had noticed that while the baroness was -speaking a lightning flash of rage shot from Herr von -Walde's eyes, a thunder-cloud seemed to pass over his -countenance, but in a moment these witnesses to his -agitation gave place to a look of withering sarcasm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I might offer a little advice, Fräulein," he said, -turning to Elizabeth,—"I should counsel you not to -venture rashly into the baroness' apartments,—they are -uncanny. Evil spirits are seen there in broad daylight, and -they have often worked mischief. Do not give yourself -the slightest trouble in the matter,—my steward shall -attend to it; he is thoroughly trustworthy, and manages -such affairs with so much delicacy that he would really -shame even a lady."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness hastily folded her work together and arose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would be better for me to pass the rest of the day -in my solitary room," and she turned to Helene, and her -lips quivered; "there are times when our most harmless -words and actions are misunderstood and resented. I -pray you, therefore, to excuse me from appearing at tea."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She made a ceremonious courtesy to the brother and -sister, took the arm of her son, who looked much confused, -and rustled out of the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene arose with tears in her eyes, and was about to -follow her, but her brother took her hand with kindly -gravity, and drew her down again upon the Sofia beside -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you not give me the pleasure of your company -while I drink my coffee?" he said gently, and as quietly -as if nothing had occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes, if you wish it," she replied hesitatingly and -without looking at him; "but I am sorry to tell you that -you must hurry a little, for Fräulein Ferber has come to -practise with me, and she has already been kept waiting -an unconscionable time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, let us go to the piano immediately,—but upon -one condition, Helene."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That you allow me to listen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no, that I cannot permit,—I am not far enough -advanced,—your ears could not endure my bungling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor Emil! He does not dream that he owes the -delight of listening to you to his uncultivated ear!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene blushed. She had hitherto never mentioned -Hollfeld's visits to her brother for reasons that may -easily be imagined. Besides, she supposed that they -would have been a matter of entire indifference to him, -and now it appeared that he really attached importance -to them. She seemed to herself to be a detected deceiver, -and for a few moments she could not speak. Elizabeth -suspected what her sensations were; she too grew -confused, and felt her face flush painfully. Just at this -moment Herr von Walde turned towards her, his keen, -searching glance scanned her countenance, and the -gloomy wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does Fräulein Ferber improvise during these hours -for practice as they are called?" he asked his sister, -speaking more quickly than was his wont.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh no," she answered, glad to recover her composure,—"had -she done so I should not have spoken of bungling. -I admitted Emil because I think that where there -is a budding taste for music, it should be encouraged."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde smiled slightly, but it was not the smile -which had lately possessed such a peculiar charm for -Elizabeth. The dark lines in his brow did not disappear, -and his look was gloomy as he still observed Elizabeth -keenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right, Helene," he said at last, not without -a tinge of irony. "But what magnetism there must -be in these musical practisings that they have worked -such miracles! A very short time ago Emil would much -rather have listened to his Diana's baying, than to -Beethoven's sonatas."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene was silent, and cast down her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we have forgotten Miss Mertens," said her -brother suddenly, in a different tone. "Would it not be -advisable for Fräulein Ferber to settle that matter as -soon as possible?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed," replied Helene, quickly, seizing upon -any pretext to divert the conversation from its present -painful direction. "We had better omit the lesson for -to-day,—while you, dear child," and she turned to Elizabeth, -"take the necessary steps,—pray go now, then, to your -parents, and ask them in my name to offer an asylum to -the poor lady."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth arose, and Helene also stood up. When her -brother saw that she wished to leave the pavilion, he put -his arm about her little form, raised her from the ground -like a feather, and carried her to the wheeled chair that -stood outside the door. After he had arranged the cushions -at her back, and covered her little feet carefully with -a shawl, he raised his hat to Elizabeth, who saw that the -wrinkle between his eyebrows was not yet gone, and -pushed the chair along the nearest path leading to the -castle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She quite fills his heart," thought Elizabeth, as she -ascended the mountain, "and Miss Mertens must be -wrong if she imagines that he will ever give to another a -higher, or even a like place in his affections. He is -jealous of his cousin, and rightly so. How can it be—" -and here she stood still for a minute as two masculine -figures arose to her mind's eye,—"that such a man as -Hollfeld can have any charms for Helene by the side of -Herr von Walde? The one retreats behind an appearance -of wise silence because he has nothing to say, while -the other, through whose noble external repose breaks -such fire, possesses a world of power trained and -restrained by force of character. Hence his seeming great -reserve, which commonplace people cannot possibly -understand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She suddenly remembered the look that Herr von -Walde had fixed upon her. Did he think her an -accomplice,—his sister's confidante,—and was he vexed with -her when, in fact, she had, at this present moment, no -more earnest desire than that Herr von Hollfeld's -passion for music might subside as quickly as it had been -aroused? Of course, she could not say so to any one,—least -of all to Herr von Walde,—and, therefore, she must -silently pay the penalty for those painful blushes that -had suffused her cheeks just at the wrong moment, and -when there was no earthly reason for them.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Her father and mother instantly acceded to Elizabeth's -request; and she hastened back to the castle to carry to -Miss Mertens their cordial invitation. The governess, -when Elizabeth entered her room, was leaning with folded -hands against the wall. At her feet stood a trunk half -packed, closets and wardrobes were wide open, and the -chairs were heaped with books, dresses, and linen. The -young girl hastened to her friend, threw her arms around -her, and looked into her face, which, while it bore traces -of tears, was beaming with happiness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am so astounded by the sudden change in my lot," -said Miss Mertens, after Elizabeth had offered her -congratulations, "that I am obliged to close my eyes how and -then and collect my senses. Only this morning everything -seemed so dark before me,—I actually could not -tell where to go,—the ground seemed slipping from under -my feet. And just in the midst of my anxiety a home is -suddenly provided for me. A man whom I esteem -thoroughly, but whose regard for the poor governess I had -never suspected, will be forever faithful to me, and I can -fulfill the warmest desire of my heart and have my dear -good mother to live with me! What will she say when -she receives the news,—she, who has suffered so much in -thinking that I must battle with the storms of life alone, -and that she could not recall me to her loving heart!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She told Elizabeth that in a few weeks Reinhard would -go to England for her mother. His employer had -himself proposed the journey, and insisted upon defraying -all the expenses. Whenever Miss Mertens mentioned -Herr von Walde the tears filled her eyes,—she declared -that all the wrong done her by the baroness was -more than overbalanced by his kindness and generosity; -he could not endure to have any one beneath his roof -suffer injustice. Elizabeth completed the measure of her -happiness by the invitation which she brought. Miss -Mertens had intended to go to the little village inn until -she could find lodgings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But now we will go to your house together as soon -as possible," she said, her face beaming with joy. "The -baroness, a short time ago, sent me my salary, requesting -that I would not again enter her presence, and Bella -passed through my room without even looking at me,—that -grieves me, grieves me very deeply, for I have -cherished her like the apple of my eye. Her health -used to be very delicate, and while her mother has been -absent, attending the court balls, I have sat by her -bedside and watched her feverish slumbers night after night. -Now it is all forgotten,—but I only meant to let you -know that I need not take leave of either of them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Miss Mertens went to bid good-by to Fräulein -von Walde and a few others in the house who were fond -of her, Elizabeth packed up a travelling bag for her. -The new inmate of Gnadeck only took a few necessary -articles with her; the rest of her possessions were sent to -the future apartments of the betrothed pair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was an amusement for Elizabeth to arrange Miss -Mertens' books in a bookcase in one of these apartments. Herr -von Walde had allowed all the furniture in the rooms -to remain for the use of their new inhabitants. Many of -these books were most interesting; she not only glanced -at their title pages, but, as she stood there, ran over -several pages. Miss Mertens and her affairs were all -forgotten for the moment as if they had never existed. While -she was buried in Goethe's appearance in the crowd at -the coronation of Joseph II., a fresh rose fell over her -shoulder upon the pages of the book Elizabeth started, -but instantly smiled, shook off the rose, and went on -reading. Miss Mertens, who was doubtless standing -behind her, should not exult in any effect of her teasing. -But she suddenly uttered a low cry,—a white, -well-formed man's hand appeared and was gently laid upon -hers. She turned round,—not Miss Mertens, but Hollfeld, -was standing behind her and spreading out his arms -with a smile, as if to seize the startled girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly her alarm was converted into indignation; -but before she could breathe a word, a harsh commanding -voice cried out: "Emil, everybody is looking for -you. Your superintendent from Odenberg is here to see -you upon business of importance. Pray go to him instantly!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beside Elizabeth was an open window. Outside of it -stood Herr von Walde, with his arms leaning upon the -broad sill looking in. It was his voice which banished -Hollfeld on the instant in great embarrassment. What an -angry expression there was upon the uncovered forehead, -in the compressed lips, and in the eyes that flashed upon -Hollfeld's retreating figure as it vanished through the -opposite door!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last his glance returned to Elizabeth, who had -hitherto stood still, but who now, recovering from her -two-fold fright, was about to retreat into the recesses of the -apartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you doing here?" he asked, brusquely; his -voice had not lost its former harsh tone. Elizabeth, -deeply wounded by the manner and style of his address, -was about to return a defiant answer, when she suddenly -recollected that she was in his house, and therefore she -simply answered:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am arranging Miss Mertens' books."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There was another answer upon your lips,—I saw it, -and I wish to know what it was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then,—I was about to say that I do not reply -to questions asked in such a manner."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why did you suppress this reproof?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because it occurred to me that you have the right to -command here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad,—it is well that you think thus,—for I -should like just at this moment to exercise this obvious -right of mine: tread upon that rose which lies languishing -there at your feet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I shall not do,—it has done no wrong." She -picked up the rose, a beautiful half-open centifolia, and -laid it upon the window-sill. Herr von Walde took the -flower, and without more ado tossed it away over the lawn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There let it die a poetic death," he said with a sneer, -"let the grasses bend above it, and the evening dews shed -sympathetic tears over the poor victim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rigid expression had passed away from his features, -but there was still the same inquisitorial look -in his eyes, and his voice was not much gentler, as he -asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What were you reading when it was my misfortune -to interrupt you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goethe's 'Wahrheit und Dichtung.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know the book?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only selections from it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, how do you like the touching story of Gretchen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have it open in your hands."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I was reading the coronation of Joseph II., at -Frankfort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me see it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She handed him the open book.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is even so! But look how ugly that is! Just -where Goethe describes the emperor ascending the throne, -there is an ugly green spot. Doubtless you pressed -the green rose leaves too tenderly upon the leaf of the -book; the Emperor, Goethe, and Miss Mertens will hardly -forgive you for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That spot is old—I did not touch the rose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you smiled at sight of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I thought it came from Miss Mertens."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, there is something touching in this friendship! -It must have been a great disappointment when, instead -of your friend, you saw my cousin's handsome face -behind you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes.' How that sounds! I like laconic brevity, -but it must not be ambiguous. What does that 'yes' -mean? It sounds neither sweet nor bitter; and then -your face!—why is that defiant frown there between -your eyebrows?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I think that there are limits to every right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did not know that I was making use of my right -just at present."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you will know it if you will ask yourself whether -you would address me thus harshly in my father's -house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde grew pale. He compressed his lips, -and retreated a few paces. Elizabeth took the book which -he had laid upon the window-sill, and went to the -bookcase to close it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Under the same circumstances, I should have spoken -exactly so in your father's house," he said, after awhile, -somewhat more gently, as he again approached the -window. "You make me impatient. Why do you answer so -ambiguously? How could I tell from that simple syllable -whether the disappointment of which you spoke were a -disagreeable or a pleasant one? Well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He leaned far across the window-sill, and looked full into -her face, as though to read the answer upon her lips; but -she turned away with irritation. Hateful thought! How -could any one suppose that Hollfeld could ever be -agreeable to her? Did not her face, her whole bearing -towards the man, show how thoroughly disagreeable she -thought him?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment Miss Mertens entered the room to seek -Elizabeth. She had completed all her preparations, and -was quite ready to leave the house. With a sigh of -relief, Elizabeth hastened to her, while Herr von Walde -left the window and paced to and fro several times on -the lawn. When he again approached, Miss Mertens -went towards him, and courtesied profoundly. She told -him that she had in vain endeavoured to obtain access to -him several times that day, and that she rejoiced to have -an opportunity to thank him for his kindness and -thoughtfulness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He made a deprecating gesture, and offered his -congratulations upon her betrothal. He spoke very calmly. -Again his whole presence breathed an atmosphere of -dignity and reserve, so that Elizabeth could not -understand how she had ever found the courage to remind -this man of the laws of common politeness. The eyes -that had flashed so passionately now looked serenely -into Miss Mertens' face. The deep, gentle tones of his -voice obliterated all remembrance of the cutting irony -that had rendered it so sharp a few moments before, when -it had given to his words such an accent of irritation, -and had sounded as if designed only to wound and avenge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That Herr von Walde was filled with bitterness towards -his cousin, Elizabeth had already noticed once before that -day. But why should she be made to suffer whenever -he encountered him? Was not Hollfeld's continual -intrusiveness sufficient annoyance to her? Why should she -be made the victim of an irritation for which Helene alone -was to blame? A sharp pang shot through her as she -remembered how tenderly and forgivingly Herr von Walde -had taken his sister in his arms, never casting a single -look of reproach upon her when Hollfeld's visits had -been alluded to. She, the poor piano-player, who was of -necessity forced to endure Hollfeld's presence, must be -the scapegoat. Or had he perhaps seen how Hollfeld -had thrown the rose upon her book, and was his -aristocratic pride wounded that his cousin should pay such -homage to an untitled maiden? This thought flashed -upon Elizabeth as an explanation of everything. Yes, -thus only could his conduct be explained. She was to -crush the poor flower, that all proof might be destroyed -that Herr von Hollfeld had for one moment forgotten his -aristocratic descent. That was the reason why he had -suddenly spoken in such a harsh tone of command,—a -tone which only those heard from him who had -committed some fault, and why she was called upon to -explain the impression which Hollfeld's sudden -appearance had made upon her. At this moment she would -have liked to confront him, and tell him frankly how -odious his high-born cousin was to her,—that so far -from feeling honoured by his attentions, she looked upon -them as nothing less than insults. But it was too late. -Herr von Walde was discussing Reinhard's journey to -England with Miss Mertens so calmly and kindly that it -would have been ridiculous, in the midst of such a -discussion, suddenly to resume the thread of the previous -stormy conversation. Besides, he did not once look at -her again, although she stood tolerably near to Miss -Mertens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am really half persuaded to go with him," he -said in conclusion to the governess. "Reinhard shall -return with your mother, for I intend to give him the -entire charge of Lindhof here, and I will pass the winter -in London, and go to Scotland in the spring."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And not return for years?" Miss Mertens interrupted -him, anxiously. "Has Thuringia, then, no attraction -for you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes; but I suffer here, and you know that prompt -and active treatment will often cure where cautious, -cowardly delay might bring danger. I hope much from the -air of Scotland."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last words were spoken in a tone meant to be gay, -but the lines between his brows were stronger than ever, -and caused Elizabeth to doubt much whether his -cheerfulness were genuine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He shook hands with Miss Mertens, and walked slowly -away, soon disappearing behind a clump of trees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There it is," said the governess, sadly; "instead of -bringing a lovely young wife home to Lindhof, as I hoped -he would, he is going away again, and perhaps will not -return for years. He is restless, and no wonder, when -one thinks of the comfortless home that he has. -Baroness Lessen he cannot endure, and yet he is forced -to see her daily at his fireside, for his sister, whom he -loves so tenderly, has declared to him, that in the society -of this woman she is able to forget the bitter trials of her -life. And his cousin, too, is an unbidden guest. Herr -von Walde's nature is too frank and open to allow him -to conceal his dislikes; but these people are made of iron -and steel,—the indifference of the master of the house -never affects them in the least; they have neither eyes -nor ears when he hints at their leaving. And as for -Herr von Hollfeld, he seems to me a very insignificant -creature, and very repulsive. I cannot conceive how he -could have won Fräulein von Walde's heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know that too?" asked Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, child, that has been a secret known to everybody -for a long time. She loves him as truly and deeply as -only a woman can love. But this unfortunate -attachment, on which she now lives and breathes as in -sunlight, will one of these days cast the darkest shadow that -has yet fallen upon her sorrowful existence. All this -Herr von Walde comprehends; but he cannot open the -eyes of his sister without inflicting a mortal wound, -and so he sacrifices everything to his fraternal -tenderness, and leaves the home where he is made so unhappy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this conversation, Miss Mertens and Elizabeth -had left the castle, and were now ascending the -mountain path. Reinhard, who had been to the village, soon -joined them. Miss Mertens told him of her interview -with Herr von Walde, and all that he had said about -going to England.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He has not yet mentioned it to me," said Reinhard; -"but he often looks as if he longed to leave Lindhof. -Such a household! The master of the house is considered -by his relatives in the light of a fifth wheel to a -coach,—he maintains them, and they show their gratitude -by estranging his sister's heart from him. Good -Heavens! if I could only take his place for two days, I -would soon exorcise the evil spirit and not a trace of -it should ever appear again. However, I hope that Herr -von Hollfeld will at least soon return to Odenberg for -a few days. His superintendent has just arrived with -the intelligence that the housekeeper has left,—no one -stays there long—my gentleman is too stingy. And -several other matters are in disorder there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they reached Castle Gnadeck, the guest was -most cordially welcomed by the Ferbers. How -comfortable and homelike did Miss Mertens' room seem to its -new inmate! It shone with neatness; the counterpane -and table-covers were spotless, a beautiful Schwarzwald -clock was ticking softly just above the prettily arrayed -writing-table, and a vase of roses and mignonette upon -the window-sill filled the air with fragrance. Through -the open door could be seen the dwelling-room of the -family. There the table was already laid, and Elizabeth -lighted the spirit-lamp beneath the tea-kettle, while -Miss Mertens was arranging in drawers and wardrobe the -few articles that she had brought with her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean while the forester, with his long pipe and -Hector, had arrived, and Reinhard also stayed, so that a -merry circle was soon assembled. The forester was in a -particularly happy humour. Elizabeth sat beside him, and -did her best to join in his gaiety; but it had never -seemed so difficult to her before, and he, who had an -acute perception of the most delicate modulations of her -voice, soon perceived it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Holla, Gold Elsie, what is the matter with you?" -he cried, suddenly. "All is not right here." He took -her by the chin and looked into her eyes. "I see,—there -is a veil over your eyes, and over your heart, too! -Zounds! what a sudden change! And what does this -sad nun's face mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth blushed deeply beneath his scrutinizing gaze. -She did all that she could to parry his questions by -jest and laughter, but she did not succeed very well, -and at last there was nothing for her but to seat -herself at the piano, where he never teased nor laughed -at her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How much good it did her heavy heart to give it voice -in full rolling chords, as the sound floated sadly out into -the gathering twilight,—telling of the gloom that had -fallen upon her at the thought of Herr von Walde's again -leaving Thuringia! Where now were all her dreamings -and all her endeavours to read the meaning of that -mysterious warning that had of late breathed through her -melodies? It rung out clearly now in mighty tones, at the -sound of which all the former gentle breathings of her -inward emotions died away in an inaudible whisper. A fairy -land, full of golden promise, was revealed before her; -her enchanted eyes gazed rapturously upon the fair -landscape,—but never, never might she tread that magic -ground, for nothing could bridge the abyss at her feet. -The veil beneath which her heart had hitherto lain in -blissful self-ignorance was rent, and with joy and pain -unspeakable she knew—that she loved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She did not know how long she had been playing. -But she was suddenly aroused from her utter forgetfulness -of the world without by a bright gleam of light -falling directly on the pale bust of Beethoven. Her -mother had just lighted the large lamp, and Elizabeth -saw her uncle sitting near her on the broad window-seat. -He must have entered noiselessly. As her hands -dropped from the keys, he gently smoothed her hair with -his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know, child," he said, after the last faint -sound had died away, and his voice trembled with -emotion, "if I had not already seen that something was the -matter, I should soon have learned it from your playing,—it -was tears, nothing but tears!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xiii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Miss Mertens' presence lent an additional charm to -the circle at Gnadeck. For the first time for long, dreary -years the governess found herself an object of interest -and affection, and at home. Her gentle nature, so -long chilled and repressed, now showed itself, and, -combined with her varied culture, made her a most attractive -addition to the household. She longed to be of use -whenever she could, and took great pains with little -Ernst, who had a lesson every day in French and -English; while Elizabeth, too, gathered all the advantage -that she could from her visitor, and studied diligently, -knowing that it was the best resource to ward off sad -reveries.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean while, the practisings at Castle Lindhof -went on as before. Hollfeld, who had only been absent -at Odenberg for one day, was still an enthusiastic auditor, -trying by every means in his power to obtain a private -interview with Elizabeth. Once or twice he had -cunningly contrived that, in the intervals of rest, Helene -should leave the room to find something that he wanted, -but he gained nothing by these manoeuvres, for Elizabeth -always left the room at the same time to procure a -glass of water. His attempts to meet her upon her -return to her home she frustrated also, for Miss Mertens -and little Ernst were always awaiting her at the -borders of the park. This perpetual frustration of his -endeavours at last made him impatient and less -cautious. He no longer held his hand before his face. His -looks were entirely unguarded, and it was only owing -to her near-sightedness that Helene was spared a most -painful discovery. Thus Elizabeth's visits to the castle -grew more and more annoying, and she was thankful -that the fête day was at last close at hand, since with -that celebration the daily practisings would, at all events, -be discontinued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day before Herr von Walde's birthday, Reinhard -announced at Gnadeck that a guest had already arrived -at Castle Lindhof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That scatter-brain completes our misery," he said, -with vexation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is she?" said Miss Mertens and Frau Ferber, -laughing at the same moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, she is said to be a friend of Fräulein von Walde,—a -lady from court at L——. She is to assist in the -ordering of the fête. Heaven help us all, for she turns -everything upside down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, it must be Fräulein von Quittelsdorf," cried -Miss Mertens, still laughing. "Yes, indeed, there is -quicksilver in her veins. She is terribly frivolous, but -she is not really bad at heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later in the afternoon Reinhard accompanied -Elizabeth to Lindhof. As she approached the castle, Herr -von Walde's horse was led up to the great entrance on the -southern front of it. He himself immediately issued -from the glass door, riding-whip in hand, and -descended the steps. Elizabeth had not seen him since the -afternoon when he had treated her with such harsh want -of consideration. She thought he looked very pale and -stern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as he was mounting, a young lady, dressed in white, -came out upon the steps. She was extremely pretty, -and with much grace she hastened down to pat the horse -upon the neck and give him a lump of sugar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fräulein von Walde, who also appeared leaning upon -Hollfeld's arm, stood at the top of the steps, and kissed -her hand in token of farewell to her brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is not that young lady Fräulein von Quittelsdorf?" -asked Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Reinhard assented, with a wry face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She is certainly very pretty," said the young girl. -"Herr von Walde seems much interested," she added, -in a lower tone, as the rider leaned from his saddle, and -appeared to be listening intently to what the young lady -was saying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, he does not wish to be rude, and therefore gives -her a moment's attention. She would talk the moon out -of the sky, and, I verily believe, would seize and hang -upon the horse's bridle if she saw any danger of his -leaving before she had finished what she had to say."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time they had reached the vestibule. Here -Elizabeth took leave of Reinhard, and betook herself to -the music-room, where she found Fräulein von Walde and -Hollfeld. The former retired for a moment to her -dressing-room, to arrange her curls, that were somewhat out of -order, and Hollfeld took advantage of this moment to -approach Elizabeth, who had retired to the recess of a -window, and was turning over the leaves of a music-book.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We were provokingly disturbed the other day," he -whispered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We?" she asked, with emphasis, retreating a step or -two. "I, indeed, had reason to complain of being -disturbed. I was much provoked, I assure you, by the -interruption of my reading."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, every inch a queen!" he cried jestingly, but in a -low tone of voice. "I certainly did not intend to -offend you,—on the contrary, do you not know what that -rose meant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would most certainly say that it would a thousand -times rather be left to perish upon its stalk than be -plucked for such idle purposes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cruel girl! You are hard as marble. Can you not -guess, then, what lures me hither daily?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Admiration, doubtless, for our great composers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are wrong."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then the hope of improving your musical taste."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no! That would not bring me a step hither. -For me, music is only a bridge——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From which you might easily fall into cold water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And would you allow me to drown?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly—yes. I am not ambitious of a medal -from the Humane Society," replied Elizabeth, dryly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fräulein von Walde returned. She seemed surprised -to find the pair conversing, for until this moment there -had never been a word exchanged between them. She -looked keenly at Hollfeld, who could not control his -feeling of annoyance, and then seating herself at the -piano, began to prelude, while Elizabeth arranged the -notes. Hollfeld took his usual place, and leaned his head -upon his hand with a melancholy air. But never had his -gaze rested upon Elizabeth with such glowing and -passionate intentness. She repented having entered into -conversation with him. Her endeavour to repulse him by -coldness and severity appeared to have had quite a -contrary effect. Repugnance and fear overcame her at sight -of him, and, notwithstanding the thought of her uncle's -probable smile of triumph, the determination rather to -resign the practisings entirely than to subject herself -any longer to these insolent glances, gained ground in -her mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hour was nearly ended, when Fräulein von Quittelsdorf -entered in haste. In her arms she carried a -little creature in a long, white, infant's cloak, pressing its -head down upon her shoulder with one hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Frau Oberhofmeisterin von Falkenberg sends her compliments," -she said with formality,—"regrets excessively -that a cold will prevent her presence to-morrow, but she -takes the liberty of sending her lovely, blooming -grandchild——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the creature in her arms made desperate -exertions, and, with a loud howl, jumped down upon the -ground, and ran under a chair, dragging the long robe -after it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Cornelie, you are too childish," cried Fräulein -von Walde, with a laugh of amusement and vexation, as -Ali's distressed face, surrounded by a baby's cap, peeped -out from beneath the chair. "If our good Falkenberg -could hear of this, you would play no more tricks at the -court of L——."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bella, who had also just entered, shrieked with laughter, -only endeavouring to control herself when her mother, -amazed at the noise, appeared and represented to her how -unbecoming such loud merriment was. The baroness, -smiling, shook a threatening forefinger at Fräulein von -Quittelsdorf when Helene told her what had happened, -and then approached Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps Fräulein von Walde has not told you," she -said rather graciously, "that all invited to the fête -to-morrow will assemble at four o'clock in the large -saloon. Pray be punctual. The concert will not be over -until near six. I tell you this that your parents may not -expect you at home before that time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At these words, Helene looked down upon the keys of -the piano in great confusion, while Fräulein von Quittelsdorf -took her stand beside the baroness, and stared Elizabeth -impertinently in the face. Beautiful as were the -black eyes that were fastened upon her, Elizabeth was -annoyed by their steady stare. She bowed to the -baroness, assuring her that she would be punctual, and then -looked full and gravely at the fair impertinent. The -effect was instantaneous. Fräulein von Quittelsdorf looked -away, and, in some confusion, turned upon her heel like -a spoiled child. Just then she discovered Herr von -Hollfeld in the recess of the window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How, Hollfeld," she cried, "are you here, or is it your -spirit? What are you doing here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am listening, as you see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are listening? Ha, ha, ha! And of coarse -enjoying such indigestible food as Mozart and Beethoven! -Don't you remember telling me, four weeks ago, at the -last court concert, that you always suffered from dyspepsia -after listening to classical music?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She laughed boisterously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, pray let nonsense go now, dearest Cornelie," said -the baroness, "and aid me in this programme for the -fête with your inventive genius. And you, dear Emil, -would do me a great favour if you would come too. You -know that I am obliged now to enforce my authority by -the presence of a masculine supporter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld arose with visible reluctance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, take me too, pray! Would you be so cruel -as to leave me here alone until tea-time?" cried Helene, -reproachfully, as she stood up. She looked displeased, -and it seemed to Elizabeth that she noticed, for the -first time, an envious expression in the lovely blue eyes -as they looked at the tripping feet of Cornelie, who, -without another word, had taken Hollfeld's arm, and was -leaving the room. Elizabeth closed the piano, and took -a hasty leave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In all the passages of the castle through which she -went there was hurry and bustle. The servants were -carrying baskets of china, glass, and silver to the rooms -adjoining the grand saloon. From the subterranean regions -of the kitchens there streamed a fragrant odour, and -through the open door of one of the servants' rooms -were seen heaps of green garlands and wreaths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And he in whose honour all were exerting themselves -to-day was riding alone in the forest, gloomily devising -ways and means for fleeing from the joyless, unquiet life -in his home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth went down to the village to execute a -commission for her father. A few days before, a violent -storm in the night had so shaken the ruinous jutty in -the corner of the garden that there was danger that the -slightest jar might send it toppling down upon the -garden, burying beneath its fragments the beds and paths -which had just been so laboriously arranged. Two -Lindhof masons had promised to take down the ruin the -following Monday, but as the forester had declared that he -knew from experience that small reliance was to be placed -upon their promises, Elizabeth was to remind them of -their engagement, and impress upon them the urgent -necessity for keeping it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The result of her expedition was favourable. One of -the workmen swore by all that was Holy that he would -be upon the spot, and she was now wandering through -the quiet, lonely path towards her home. About midway -upon the path leading from the village to the forest Lodge, -a much narrower path branched off, and ascended the -mountain to Castle Gnadeck. It was seldom used, and -might have escaped stranger eyes, for in some places it -was overgrown with low bushes, and fallen leaves lay so -thick among the gnarled roots of the trees that it seemed -never to have been trodden by the foot of man. Elizabeth -loved the path, and now chose it for her return home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had never encountered a human being here, but -to-day she had not penetrated far into the green twilight -before she observed, about twenty paces in front of her, -towards the right, just by the trunk of an enormous -beech tree, something like an arm slowly projected and -then dropped. She could distinctly perceive this -movement, as just at that spot the trees separated, and -encircled a light spot of grass which shone like an oasis -in the dark forest. Elizabeth advanced noiselessly and -slowly, but as she arrived opposite to the beech tree she -suddenly stood still in terror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A man was leaning against the tree. His back was -turned towards her; his head was uncovered save by -masses of coarse, uncombed hair. For one moment he -stood motionless, apparently listening, then advanced a -step, raised his right arm, and pointed the barrel of a -pistol towards the light spot in the forest, after awhile -letting his arm fall again by his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is practising at a mark," thought Elizabeth, but -she only thought so to compose herself, for an indescribable -terror had at once taken possession of her; she did -not know whether to run backward or forward in order -to escape observation, and so she stood still, rooted to -the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the noise of a horse's hoofs struck upon her -ear. The man started and stood erect as though -electrified. A few moments afterwards a horseman appeared -where the forest was more open. The horse walked slowly -over the soft turf; its rider, lost in thought, had dropped -the bridle upon its neck. The man with the pistol -rapidly advanced a couple of paces; raised his arm in -the direction of the horseman, and at the same moment -turned his head so that Elizabeth instantly recognized the -former superintendent, Linke, his features deadly pale and -distorted with rage and hate, while the horseman, who -was slowly coming within range of the deadly weapon, -was Herr von Walde. An instantaneous transformation -took place in Elizabeth. The girlish terror that had -caused her to tremble at sight of the villain, gave place to -a wondrous courage and an incomprehensible calmness -and self-control at the thought that she was destined to -come to the rescue here. She glided noiselessly through -the trees and stood suddenly, as if she had risen from the -earth, beside Linke, who, his eyes riveted upon his -victim, had no suspicion of her approach. With all the -strength of which she was mistress she seized his arm -and threw it up. The pistol was discharged with a loud -report, and the ball whistled through the air and lodged -in the trunk of a tree; as the startled wretch fell upon -the ground, a woman's loud scream for help rang through -the forest. The assassin tottered to his feet and plunged -into the thicket. In the mean time the horse had reared -and plunged with fright, but, speedily controlled by its -rider, came galloping across the clearing to the spot -where Elizabeth was leaning against a beech tree, pale -as death. The danger was past, and her feminine -nature was reasserting itself. She trembled in every limb, -but a happy smile illuminated her countenance when -she saw Herr von Walde coming towards her safe and -unharmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At sight of her he leaped from his horse; but she, who -had just manifested such extraordinary self-possession, -screamed with fright and turned suddenly as she felt two -hands laid upon her shoulders from behind,—Miss -Mertens' agitated face was close to her own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good God! Elizabeth," cried the governess, breathlessly, -"what have you done! he might have killed you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde pushed through the underbrush that -separated them from him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you wounded?" he asked Elizabeth, hurriedly and -earnestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She shook her head. Without another word he raised -her from the ground and carried her to the fallen trunk of -a tree, where he gently placed her. Miss Mertens sat -down beside her and leaned the girl's head upon her -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now pray tell me what has happened," said Herr -von Walde to the governess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," cried Elizabeth in terror; "not here, let us -go,—the murderer has escaped,—perhaps he is lurking -among the bushes, and may yet accomplish his design."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Linke was about to murder you, Herr von Walde," -said Miss Mertens, in a trembling voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Miserable wretch! that shot then was for me," he -calmly observed. He turned and went into the thicket -where Linke had disappeared. Elizabeth almost lost her -self control, and was on the point of following him when -he returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Reassure yourself," he said to her; "there are no -traces of him to be seen; he will not shoot again to-day. -Come, I beg you, Miss Mertens, tell me all about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It appeared that knowing that Elizabeth was going to -the village, the governess had gone to meet her in the -narrow forest path. As she was slowly descending the -mountain she saw all that Elizabeth had seen. The -villain's intentions were plain, but she had been so paralyzed -by fright that she had not been able to move nor cry out. -She stood fastened to the spot with deadly terror, when -suddenly Elizabeth, whom she had not seen, stood -behind the assassin. In her horror at her friend's danger, -the cry for help escaped her which had been heard -simultaneously with the report of the pistol. She related all -this hurriedly, and in conclusion added: "Where did you -get the courage, Elizabeth, to seize the man? I shudder -at the mere thought of touching him, and should have -screamed loudly instead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I had screamed," replied Elizabeth, simply, "Linke -might have accomplished his purpose, in his involuntary -start of alarm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde listened quietly but intently to Miss -Mertens' account. Only when she described how -Elizabeth had seized the murderer's arm, did his face lose -colour for an instant, as he riveted a keen, anxious glance -upon the girl, to assure himself that she had actually -escaped the danger unhurt. He leaned over her, took -her right hand and pressed it to his lips, and Elizabeth -plainly perceived that his hand trembled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Mertens, who observed how this expression of -gratitude confused Elizabeth and called up a burning -blush in her cheeks, left her seat, and picking up the -pistol Linke had thrown from him in his flight, handed -it to Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Horrible!" he murmured. "The wretch would have -murdered me with one of my own weapons."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth now arose, and assured Miss Mertens that -all traces of her fright had vanished, and that she was -quite able to resume her walk towards Gnadeck. They -would both have taken leave of Herr von Walde, but he -tied his horse to the terrible beech tree, and said, lightly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We know well that Linke's nature is most revengeful; -he may perhaps hate her to whom I owe my life even -more than he hates me. I cannot permit you to proceed -without a protector."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They ascended the mountain. Miss Mertens hastened -on, that she might incite Herr von Walde to greater -speed, in order to take steps for the apprehension of the -criminal as quickly as possible; but her exertions were -all in vain. He walked slowly by the side of Elizabeth, -who, after a few moments of conflict with herself, begged -him, in a gentle, timid tone, not to go back alone to his -horse, but to send for him from Castle Lindhof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He smiled. "Belisarius is wild and obstinate; you -know him already," he said. "He obeys no one but -myself, and would never allow any one but his -master to take him home. Besides, I assure you, that -cowardly wretch will attempt nothing further to-day. And -if he should, I bear a charmed life. Has not my happy -star risen to-day in my heavens?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stood still. "What do you think," he asked, suddenly, -in a low tone, and his eyes flashed as he looked at -her, "shall I listen to the delicious hope that it may shine -upon me for the rest of my life?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it is to tempt you to run repeated risks, it were -certainly better not to place such unconditional faith in -your star."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And yet I run the greatest risk of all in trusting -such a hope," he murmured, half to himself, as his face -darkened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not understand you," said Elizabeth, surprised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is quite natural that you should not," he replied, -bitterly. "Your wishes and hopes lie in quite another -direction. Notwithstanding all our stern self-discipline, -we are sometimes overmastered by a beautiful dream. -No, no, say nothing more! I am punished already, for I -am awaking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He quickened his pace, and walked by Miss Mertens' -side, while Elizabeth followed more slowly, lost in wonder -at the harsh tone which he had suddenly assumed, and -which so wounded her. He spoke not another word; and -when at last the walls of the old castle appeared through -the trees, he took his leave, coldly and shortly, and -descended the mountain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Mertens looked after him in surprise. "Incomprehensible -man!" she said at last, and shook her head. -"Even though he attaches but little value to his life, as -would seem to be the case, surely a word or two of -gratitude at parting from you would not be superfluous, -when he knows that you have risked your life for his sake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see no necessity for anything of the kind," rejoined -Elizabeth. "You attach altogether too much importance -to what I have done. I simply fulfilled my duty to my -neighbour; and would," she added, with a strange -defiance in her tone and manner, "have done the same if -the case had been reversed, and Linke's had been the -threatened life. I hope sincerely that Herr von Walde -understands this, for to his haughty nature the feeling of -obligation to another must be intensely painful, and I -would not for the world be that other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment anxiety and anger were striving -within her for the mastery. In thought she followed -Herr von Walde, and shuddered with horror as she -remembered that perhaps he was just passing some spot -where the assassin was lying in wait for him; then she -reminded herself, as she quickened her steps, of what utter -folly it was to waste so much thought and feeling upon a -man who persistently turned the roughest side of his -nature towards her. Even in intercourse with the -baroness, who was so utterly distasteful to him, he -preserved his repose of manner, never for one moment -forgetting the laws of common courtesy, although he -invariably maintained his convictions with the greatest -decision. He had never been seen by those about him -except when surrounded by an atmosphere of the serenest -dignity. It was only when talking with her that he did -not appear to consider it worth his while to control -himself. How violent and bitter he could be then! How -his eyes flashed as he waited impatiently for her replies, -when they were not prompt and decided! And he -required besides that she should understand him almost -before he spoke, and yet was often utterly -incomprehensible even when he did speak. Perhaps every one -else was cleverer than she, and could more easily -comprehend his manner of speaking, which was such a riddle -to her. Was it unwise to determine to avoid all -intercourse with him for the future? Certainly not. Well, -fortunately, his departure was at hand. Fortunately? -The structure of self-deception, which her pride and -defiance had erected, crumbled to ruins at this thought; -yes, it so utterly vanished, that, to Miss Mertens' -surprise, she turned and walked quickly down the path that -led to Castle Lindhof. She must satisfy herself that he -reached his home in safety. Miss Mertens followed her -to a grove whence they could see the door where he -usually dismounted, and they were greatly relieved when -he shortly emerged from the forest.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xiv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIV.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the evening the Ferber family were sitting in the -shade of the lindens at the spring. Frau Ferber and -Miss Mertens were busied in making a rug which was to -lie upon the floor under the piano in winter time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frau Ferber had lost for awhile that dignified composure -that so well became her still beautiful face. She -could not forget the afternoon's occurrence; for, although -she saw her child before her safe and sound, she had been -very much agitated by Miss Mertens' account. She looked -frequently at Elizabeth, fearing, as she remarked her -slightest change of colour, that some illness would ensue -from the excitement that she had passed through. The -father's views were different. "That's my brave -daughter!" he said with sparkling eyes, "determine coolly and -execute quickly,—thus I would have you do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Frau Ferber, her husband had always seemed the -ideal of what a man should be. Even now, after so many -years of married life, she followed blindly where he led; -and in her estimation his opinions admitted of no -question. But to-day, as she listened to his paternal praises, -a sigh escaped her as she remarked that a mother loved -her children infinitely more than a father possibly could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly not more, only differently," was Ferber's -quiet rejoinder. "It is because I love them that I -educate them to be full-grown, responsible beings, capable of -thinking and acting courageously and independently, that -they may never belong to the miserable class whom want -of all force of character condemns to constant suffering."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had also brought her work-basket into the -garden, but little Ernst looked greatly disappointed as he -saw her take out her sewing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then, Elsie," he said petulantly. "Herr -von Walde may ask me a dozen times if I love you,—I -shall not say yes again. You never play with me any -more; and, I suppose, you think you are as big a girl as -Miss Mertens! But you needn't think that,—you won't -be for a long while yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They all laughed at this odd confounding of age with -size. But Elizabeth rose immediately to amuse the little -boy, tucked up her long dress, and drew lots which should -chase and which run from the other; and then they were -both off like a flash, up and down the rampart, hither and -thither through the garden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time there was a ring at the gate in the -wall. Herr Ferber opened it, and Dr. Fels, Reinhard, and -the forester appeared upon the threshold. Elizabeth was -just running along the principal walk, and did not -immediately see the visitors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I must say," laughed Dr. Fels, standing still, -"this is a wonderful transformation. In the afternoon -Valkyria, and in the evening a butterfly!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the forester advanced, threw his arm around his -niece, and then held her off at arm's length, that he might -scan her delicate figure. "My fine darling!" he cried -with sparkling eyes, "she looks as fragile and delicate as -though she were made of ivory, and yet she has the force -of a man in her heart and hands; 'tis an immense pity -you are not a boy. I would clap you into a green -hunting-coat in spite of all that your father could say."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean while Dr. Fels also drew near, and held out -his hand to Elizabeth. "Herr von Walde rode to town -to-night," he said, "and requested me to come hither. He -is very anxious to know that your fright and terror have -produced no evil consequences."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None whatever," she replied, blushing deeply. "As -you see," she added, laughing, "I am perfectly well able -to perform my sisterly duties, and Ernst has just assured -me that I am very hard to catch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I will carry Herr von Walde this message, word -for word," said the doctor with an arch smile. "Let -him decide whether it is a comforting one, or the contrary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ferber now invited the gentlemen to join the circle -beneath the lindens. The doctor lighted a cigar and -seemed most content. They discussed Linke's attempt -very fully. After his dismissal from Lindhof, many -of the underhand dealings by which he had taken -advantage of his master's absence, had come to light. -Although Herr von Walde had taken no steps to bring -the offender to justice, the knowledge of his dishonesty -spread abroad, and was the means of preventing the -superintendent from procuring another situation. Undoubtedly -this had filled the measure of his desire for revenge, and -had excited him to to-day's deed. Every means had been -tried for the apprehension of the assassin; the forester -with his men had searched the forest, but their -exertions had been followed by no result. Reinhard said -that every one at Castle Lindhof had been forbidden to -mention the matter to Fräulein von Walde, lest the fright -should injure her. And the baroness, Hollfeld, and the -old waiting-maid were to know nothing of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Herr von Walde has also requested," he continued, -"that the matter should be kept as secret as possible in -L——, for he knows that half the town is invited for -to-morrow's fête."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is, everything that creeps or flies upon a golden, -silver, or coloured field," interrupted the doctor -sarcastically; "every coat of arms that can be found, and all -the court-councillors, and officials. Oh, the selection has -been made upon the strictest principles of court etiquette, -I assure you. So I have enjoined it upon my wife to -conduct herself with becoming humility, like a crow among -soaring falcons. To our surprise the baroness,—for she -manages the whole affair,—has sent us an invitation."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Apropos, my dear doctor!" cried Reinhard laughing, -"they told me in L—— to-day that the old Princess -Catharine wished to install you as her physician, but you -declined the honour,—is that true? All L—— is actually -standing on its head with surprise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that is nothing new; the dear little town passes -half its time in that posture, and the consequence is that -the light of intelligence shines upon the tough soles of its -feet. But you have heard correctly. I was sufficiently -bold to decline that honour."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"First, because I have no time to be coddling the -hysterical whims of her aristocratic head every day; and -then my sacred respect for court etiquette is too great."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes," cried the forester, laughing, "that is the -reason why I always cross myself three times when I -leave the royal castle behind me. The prince and -princess,—our good princess especially troubles no -one,—they shut their eyes when mere matters of ceremony are -not according to stiff, prescribed rules; but that court -mob, that lisps and crawls and wags its tail about -them,—heaven help us! it absolutely shrieks murder if a man -walks boldly and uprightly, and goes into fits at the sound -of a voice that comes clear and full from the chest just -as God meant it should."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It had grown very dark. The family and Miss -Mertens accompanied the visitors to the gate in the wall; and, -as they all stepped forth upon the open sward, they heard -sweet sounds floating up from the valley through the -forest, which lay steeped in the silence of night, and where -the birds had ceased to flit among the boughs, and even -the breeze had fallen asleep in the tree-tops in the midst -of the strange tales from distant lands that it whispered -to them every evening. The band from the town was -serenading Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XV.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The next morning at five o'clock the inmates of Gnadeck -were awakened by a discharge of artillery. "Aha!" -said Ferber to his wife, "the celebration is beginning." But -Elizabeth was startled from a fearful dream, in which -the misfortune which she had yesterday averted seemed -actually to take place. She had just seen Herr von Walde -fall dying to the ground, when the cannon in the valley -awoke her. It was some time before she could collect -herself. For one moment she suffered fearfully. It -seemed as if heaven and earth were vanishing from her -as that noble figure fell; and even now, when she saw -the golden light of morning falling upon the familiar -objects in her room and not upon the blood-stained sward, -her agitated nerves still quivered; she had never, not -even the day before, when she had so fearlessly risked her -life for his, felt so deeply that his death would be hers -also.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and again the cannon thundered up from the -valley. The window-panes shook slightly, and the little -canary fluttered in terror from side to side in his cage. -At each report Elizabeth shuddered; and when her -anxious mother, who could not quite allay her fears for the -result of the previous day's occurrence, although her child -had seemed unharmed and well, came to her bedside to -ask how she had slept, the girl threw her arms around -her neck and burst into an uncontrollable fit of tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good heavens, my child!" cried Frau Ferber, much -frightened, "you are ill. I knew that you would suffer -from yesterday's shock, and there is that terrible shooting -going on in the valley."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had some trouble in convincing her mother -that she felt perfectly well, and that she could not be -induced to lie in bed, but was resolved to take her breakfast -with the family. And to put a stop to all further -remonstrance, she immediately arose, bathed and dressed, and -assisted her mother in preparing the simple breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sound of the cannon suddenly ceased, and before -long all traces of tears vanished from Elizabeth's eyes. -The world looked brighter to her; for, although a life of -renunciation lay before her, he still lived; this thought -had, in consequence of her fearful dream, a soothing -effect upon her restless heart. Even if he went away to -distant lands, and she was forced to live years without -seeing him, a time must come when he would return. -And she could still love and think of him, for he belonged -to no one else.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later in the day she went with her family and Miss -Mertens to the Lodge, where they had been invited to -dine. There was a dark cloud upon the forester's brow -as he came to meet them. Elizabeth soon discovered -that he was troubled about Bertha.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot and will not bear it any longer!" he cried -angrily. "Must I turn spy in my old age, and constantly -be upon the watch to prevent a wayward, foolish child, -who has no possible claim upon me, from making a -perpetual fool of herself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But remember, uncle, she is unhappy," said Elizabeth, -somewhat alarmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unhappy?—she is a deceitful fool!—I am no ogre, and -when I thought her really unhappy, that is, when she lost -both her parents, I did all that I could to protect and -guide her. But that is not what is the matter with her, -for scarcely two months after her loss she went singing -about and chattering like a magpie, so that I was really -grieved to see such heartlessness and frivolity. What is -she unhappy about, eh? But I don't want to know her -state secret if she has no confidence in me;—let it alone. -For all I care she may wear that die-away look upon her -face for the next year; but to pretend to be dumb, to run -about in the forest at night like a maniac, and perhaps -one of these fine days burn down my house about my -ears, it is more than I can bear, and I must have a word -or two to say about the matter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you not heed the warning that I gave you?" -asked Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly I did; I put her into another room; she -sleeps now just above me, so that I can hear her lightest -step. At night both the house doors are not only bolted, -as they have always been at night, but locked too, and I -take the key into my room. And oh! the cunning of -women,—but that's an old story. At any rate my -precautions ensured us some rest. But last night I could -not get to sleep; the affair with Linke was running through -my brain, and I heard steps above me, cautious steps, soft -as a cat's. Aha! I thought, she is at her nightly -promenades again, and I rose, but when I went up-stairs the -nest was already empty. On a table at the open window -a light was burning, and as I opened the door the curtain -flew into the flame. Zounds! if I had not been quick as -a flash we should have had a blaze that would have been -well fed by those old balconies. And how did she get -out? Through the kitchen window. I would rather take -care of a swarm of ants than of such a sly, deceitful -creature."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am convinced that some love affair is at the bottom -of the girl's conduct," said Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, you told me so once before, sister-in-law," -replied the forester with irritation, "and if you would be -kind enough to tell me with whom, I should be infinitely -obliged to you. Look around us and see if there is any -one here to turn a girl's brain. My assistants,—they are -not half good enough for her; she never would have a -word to say to them; it cannot be the rogue Linke, with -his crooked legs and carroty wig, and there is no one -else here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have forgotten one," said Frau Ferber significantly, -with a glance towards Elizabeth, who had lingered -behind to cut a whip for Ernst.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well?" asked the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Herr von Hollfeld."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester remained silent for awhile. "Hm!" he -muttered at last, "I should never in the world have thought -of him. No, no," he continued quickly, "I do not believe -it, for in the first place the girl cannot possibly be such a -fool as to believe that he would make her my lady von -Odenberg, and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps she hoped that he would, and finds herself -mistaken," interrupted Frau Ferber.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She is vain and arrogant enough for it, but he,—he -cares nothing for women,—he is a cold, heartless egotist," -said the forester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An egotist, I grant you," said Frau Ferber, "and that -explains Bertha's conduct and manner."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That would be a fine affair," cried the forester angrily, -"to think that I should have been hoodwinked like any -old fool in a comedy! I will sift the matter now to the -bottom, and woe to the girl if she has really dared to bring -disgrace upon herself and me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dinner was a very quiet one. The forester was -out of sorts, and would have extorted a confession from -Bertha upon the spot had not Frau Ferber prayed him to -wait for a few days. After coffee the guests left the -Lodge; the forester threw his rifle across his shoulder, and -plunged into the forest, which, as he said, always soothed -and brought him to reason.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth dressed herself for the concert, that is, she -put on a simple, white muslin dress, whose only decoration -was a bouquet of fresh wild flowers. Her mother tied -around her neck a little locket attached to a very narrow -black velvet ribbon, and this was her toilet, which would -certainly have seemed most embarrassingly simple to most -young girls going for the first time among a large -assemblage of brilliantly-dressed people; but Elizabeth, if she -thought of it at all, congratulated herself upon the -delicate neatness of her muslin, and would rather not have -worn her mother's little ornament on this occasion, as she -considered that she was to appear only as a musician and -not as one of the guests, and that her fingers were all that -she need be anxious about. She was rather annoyed -that the arms above these same fingers were bare, and -that her dress was low-necked. She had hitherto never -worn a dress that did not cover her neck to her chin, and -could not see why the fashionable world had decided that -women should be </span><em class="italics">decolleté</em><span> in large assemblies. She -thought as little of the exquisite form and dazzling -whiteness of her shoulders and arms as of the beauty and grace -of her head, which, with its heavy braids of golden hair, -was set so exquisitely upon her finely-moulded neck. Her -mother herself had arranged her hair to-day, and it -clustered in short shining curls above her forehead, contrasting -wondrously with the delicately pencilled but decided arch -of the dark eyebrows. And Frau Ferber could not but -agree with Miss Mertens, who, as she watched Elizabeth -disappear upon the forest path, declared with enthusiasm -that she was supernaturally lovely. The mother had just -acknowledged to herself that her child's beauty had -unfolded in a most striking degree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Elizabeth entered the vestibule of Castle -Lindhof she encountered Dr. Fels, who, with his wife upon -his arm, was just turning down one of the corridors. She -hastened towards him, and accosted him gaily, for her -heart had been beating anxiously as she approached the -castle, at the thought that she should be obliged to enter -entirely alone the spacious saloon, where the greater part -of the company were doubtless already assembled. The -doctor received her most cordially, and presented her to -his wife, in an undertone, as "yesterday's heroine." Both -gladly took her under their protection. The large -folding-doors were flung open, and Elizabeth was grateful for the -lucky star that had allowed her to take shelter behind the -tall, commanding figure of the doctor's wife, for she was -at first rather overcome at sight of the large, richly-decorated -apartment, over whose highly-polished floor glided -the costly dresses of the ladies and the polished boots of -the gentlemen. In the centre of the saloon stood the -Baroness Lessen, arrayed in magnificent dark-blue -moire-antique, and receiving the guests. She returned the -salutations of the doctor and his wife very politely, but very -coolly, and replied to the doctor's question, "Where is -Herr von Walde?" by pointing to a knot of men -standing near a window, whence issued a murmur like the -Babylonish confusion of tongues.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Fels and his wife walked towards the spot, -Elizabeth gladly and gratefully obeyed a gesture from Helene, -who, sitting at another window, hurriedly and agitatedly -informed her that she had suddenly had an attack of what -is called "stage fright;" that she was in overwhelming -terror at playing before so many people, and would rather -creep into a mouse-hole. And then she begged Elizabeth, -instead of the four-handed composition with which the -concert was to open, to play a sonata of Beethoven's, a -wish with which Elizabeth immediately complied. Her -embarrassment vanished. She stepped up to the table -where the music was lying, and selected the sonata which -she was to play. Meanwhile, carriage after carriage -rolled into the court-yard. The folding-doors opened and -closed incessantly upon such quantities of tulle and -velvet and lace, which were crowded into the saloon, that -Elizabeth smiled pityingly at the thought of her simple -white muslin, so soon to loose its unwrinkled smoothness -in such a crush of crinoline.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She could very easily decide, from the manner of the -baroness, upon the social rank of the guests. One -gracious wave of the feather-crowned head of the great lady -answered every social requirement whenever she received -untitled guests, and these untitled guests did their part -well in acknowledging and respecting this aristocratic -reserve. All, in obedience to a gesture from the baroness, first -made their way towards the window where stood Herr von -Walde,—who, however, remained entirely invisible to -Elizabeth,—and then scattered into single groups, either -awaiting the opening of the concert, or engaged in -conversation among themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the doors flew open again, and a corpulent -old lady hobbled in upon the arm of an equally aged -gentleman, whose coat glittered with orders,—and with them -came Fräulein von Quittelsdorf. The baroness hastened -toward these guests, and Fräulein von Walde also arose -with difficulty, and, taking Hollfeld's arm, went to meet -the aged pair, while all the ladies standing around her -followed like the tail of a comet. The crowd of men -at the window divided suddenly as by magic, and Herr -von Walde's lofty figure appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must come to you, if we wish to see you, naughty -man!" cried the old lady, shaking her forefinger at him, -as she hobbled towards him. "You see, in spite of my -poor feet, and although you have neglected me shamefully, -I am here to-day to offer you my congratulations."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He bowed, and said a few words to her, to which she -replied by laughingly tapping him upon the shoulder with -her fan. Then he conducted her to an arm-chair, where -she seated herself with much majesty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Countess of Falkenberg, chief lady in waiting at -the court of L——," was the reply of the doctor's wife -when Elizabeth asked who the old lady was. Fräulein -von Quittelsdorf looked exquisitely beautiful to-day in her -white crape dress, with a wreath of scarlet euphorbia in -her dark hair, as she busied herself about the noble lady, -while she did not forget to cast a roguish glance now -and then at Fräulein von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The arrival of the guests from the court was the signal -for the beginning of the concert. Elizabeth could almost -hear her own heart beat. She was standing behind the -doctor's wife, and was hidden from all the eyes which -would in one moment be directed towards her, following -every one of her movements. Suddenly she was overcome -with timidity, and she repented bitterly having -consented to play first alone. She trembled when Fräulein -von Walde motioned to her to begin, but there was no -time to withdraw. She took a long breath, and walked -slowly, with downcast eyes, to the piano, where she -courtesied timidly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At first there was a breathless silence; then a whisper -ran from mouth to mouth, which was instantly hushed -when the young girl struck the keys. Elizabeth's fear -and embarrassment all vanished at the sound of the first -chords. She was no longer alone. He with whom she -had so often wandered along meadow paths in brilliant -sunshine, and past gloomy abysses in storm and rain, was -with her,—the one who had so often aroused within her -joyous presentiments, and who had expressed in immortal -harmonies all the loftiest and most sacred aspirations -of her nature,—who was as dear and familiar to her -as her mother's face, although her gaze fell dazzled by the -fiery glories which wreathed his majestic head. The -flower-crowned heads ranged against the walls, the -lorgnettes and spectacles which, glittering in the sunlight, -shot their lightning directly upon the lonely performer in -the midst of the saloon, all vanished. She was alone -with the great master, following with rapture every -manifestation of his creative spirit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An actual storm of applause startled her when she had -finished. She courtesied, and then almost flew to her -protectress, Frau Fels, who, speechless with emotion, held -out both hands to her. The concert did not last very -long. Four young gentlemen from L—— sang a delightful -quartette, and then there was a performance by -a famous violin player. Fräulein von Quittelsdorf sang -two songs in a charming voice, but without any ear, so -that at every high note the guests either moved involuntarily -and nervously upon their chairs, or cast their eyes -down in confusion. And then came one of the -well-practised duets. Fräulein von Walde had recovered her -composure, and played excellently well with Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the concert was over, Elizabeth went towards -the door of an anteroom, where she had left her shawl. -She was closely followed by an elderly gentleman, who -had been sitting opposite her, and had regarded her -attentively. At his request, Frau Fels presented him to -the young girl as the Military Inspector-general Busch. -He said many flattering things about Elizabeth's -performance, and added that he was much pleased to -become acquainted with the heroic preserver of the life of -the lord of the castle; he had accepted to-day's invitation -with all the greater pleasure, since within the last few -hours he had been deprived of all hope of claiming her -assistance in the investigation of the murderous attempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He laughed heartily at Elizabeth's sudden alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no, I pray you not to look so horror-stricken, -Fräulein," he said at last. "As I have just told you, we -shall have no occasion to subject you to a cross-examination. -Linke has himself put a stop to our proceedings -by a single blow. His dead body was taken from the -lake in the park this afternoon," he added, in a low -tone. "They informed me of it at the inn, where I -alighted. I proceeded, accompanied by the Waldheim -physician, who happened to be at the inn, to the scene of -the suicide, and convinced myself that that hand will -never again be raised against the life of another. The -condition of the body shows that Linke must have sought -death immediately after the failure of his murderous -purpose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth shuddered. "Does Herr von Walde know -of his fearful end?" she asked in a trembling voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; I have had no opportunity to speak with him alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None of the company present appear to have any -suspicion of yesterday's occurrence," said Frau Fels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fortunately they have not, thanks to our foresight -and reserve," replied the inspector-general, ironically. -"As it is, poor Herr von Walde has been quite -overwhelmed with congratulations upon being born into the -world. What would his friends have done to him had -they known how fortunately his life has been preserved?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The butler, Lorenz, at this moment approached Elizabeth -and held out to her a little silver waiter, upon which -lay several folded slips of paper. She looked up in -questioning surprise, and he said respectfully:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you have the kindness to take one of the papers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is probably part of our entertainment," said -Frau Fels. "Take it quickly, that the butler may not be -detained."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost mechanically she took up one of the slips of -paper, but started in alarm as the Baroness Lessen -suddenly appeared at the door, and looked searchingly around -the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Lorenz," she said hastily, stepping towards -the servant, "what are you doing here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have just handed Fräulein Ferber the salver, -gracious lady," replied the old man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness gave him an angry look, and then -measured Elizabeth from head to foot. "How, Fräulein -Ferber," she said sharply, "are you still here? I thought -you were at home long ago, resting upon your laurels."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without waiting for a reply, she turned to leave the -room; but just upon the threshold she looked back at the -old butler with a frown and shrugged her shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What can you be thinking of, Lorenz? You grow -very thoughtless. This infirmity has grown upon you -of late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these words, she bustled out, and the old man -quietly followed. He replied not one word to her harsh -reproof,—only contracted his bushy, gray eyebrows, so -that his honest eyes almost disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others remained looking at each other in astonishment, -when the doctor entered. He made a profound, -comical obeisance to his wife, and said solemnly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In consideration of the fact that Fräulein von -Quittelsdorf has just had the clemency to unite us again as -closely as by the priestly blessing fifteen years ago, I am -content still further to endure the conjugal yoke, and -particularly on this day to enjoy by your side, and, cherished -by your tender care, O true and faithful spouse, all the -delights prepared for us!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My dear husband, what do you mean?" cried his -wife, laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pardon me,—I mean nothing at all. Ah, I see you -have not heard Fräulein von Quittelsdorf's directions. -What a pity! I am then compelled to inform you that -every married couple here present, whether now upon a -war footing or otherwise, must repair, within the next -quarter of an hour, to the convent tower in the forest, where -a rural festival will be held. There it will be your duty -to provide me with as much to eat and drink as my soul -may desire, and in every way to attend upon my wishes, -after the pattern of the famous Penelope. But that the -unmarried men who are present in large numbers may -have no reason to complain,—that their mouths also may -be filled,—a sort of lottery has been ingeniously devised. -Every unmarried lady is provided with a slip of paper, -upon which stands written the name of some unmarried -man, and it is left to Cupid and Fate either to unite or to -separate faithful hearts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At these words Elizabeth was seized with actual -terror. She had never thought of other entertainments -following upon the concert; but now she clearly -understood why the baroness, on the previous day, had so -distinctly alluded to her return home after the conclusion of -the music. Her cheeks glowed with shame, for she had -exposed herself to the charge of being very assuming by -taking from the butler's salver the little slip of paper, -which now burned like fire in her hand. Always quick -to decide, she went into the saloon where the opening -of the mysterious papers was going on amid the laughter -of the ladies and their assigned partners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a senseless idea this, of Fräulein von Quittelsdorf's," -a young sprig of nobility was just exclaiming peevishly -to his neighbour as Elizabeth passed them. "Here -I have that stout, pious Fräulein Lehr upon my hands. -</span><em class="italics">Fi donc!</em><span>"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had not long to look for the baroness. She -was standing apart, near a window, in lively, but, as it -seemed, not entirely agreeable conversation with Fräulein -von Quittelsdorf, the chief lady in waiting, and Helene. -The countess seemed to be remonstrating with Fräulein -von Quittelsdorf, who did nothing but shrug her pretty -shoulders helplessly from time to time. Intense vexation -was expressed in the baroness' countenance,—there was -no need of the round, red spot on either cheek to show -that she was angry. Not far from the group Herr von -Walde was leaning with folded arms against a pillar. -He seemed to be only half listening to the words of the -be-ribboned old courtier who was standing beside -him,—his eyes were fixed upon the gesticulating ladies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth hurriedly approached the baroness. It did -not escape her that, at sight of her, Fräulein von -Quittelsdorf gently nudged the countess, whereupon the latter -turned and regarded her with a malevolent air. She saw -that she was the subject of their discussion, and she -quickened her pace, that she might avert from herself as soon -as possible any unworthy suspicion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most gracious lady," she said, with a slight -courtesy, "in consequence of a misunderstanding, I have -become possessed of this slip of paper, and have just -learned that it entails upon me duties which I cannot -possibly undertake, for my parents are expecting me at -home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She handed the little slip to the baroness, who took it -immediately, while a ray of actual sunshine broke over -her features.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think you are in error, Fräulein Ferber," Herr von -Walde suddenly interposed, in a clear, melodious voice. -"It is incumbent upon you to excuse yourself to the -gentleman whose name the paper contains; it rests with -him whether he will release you or not." He scanned, with -a peculiar smile, the company, who were dividing into -couples and making ready for departure; even the old -gentleman beside him approached the countess, and -offered her his arm. Herr von Walde continued, as he -slowly approached: "As master of the house, I cannot -permit any want of consideration of one of my guests, -wherefore I must beg you, Fräulein Ferber, to open -the paper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth obeyed, and then handed him the open slip, -with a crimson blush. He glanced at it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" he cried, "I have, as I see, defended my own -rights. You must admit that I am fully justified in either -accepting or refusing to accept your excuses. I prefer the -latter course, and must entreat you strictly to comply -with the injunctions laid upon you by that paper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness approached him, and laid her hand upon -his arm. It looked as if she were almost struggling to -suppress her tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive me, dear Rudolph," she said, "it is really -not my fault."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know to what fault you allude, Amalie," he -replied, with icy coldness; "but you certainly choose the -right time in which to ask forgiveness,—-just at this -moment I could easily forgive an injury."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took his hat which a servant handed to him, and -made the signal for departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But my parents!" stammered Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are they ill, or about to leave Gnadeck immediately?" -he asked, standing still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Neither."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, pray then let me see to it that they receive -intelligence of the cause of your delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He called a servant, and despatched a message to -Gnadeck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the saloon was gradually emptied, the group of -ladies which had been joined by the aged cavalier and -Hollfeld, who looked much chagrined, remained standing -near the window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It serves you quite right, Cornelie," said the -countess. "You have set the crown upon your folly to-day. -What a silly idea this lottery is! How often have I -endeavoured to put a stop to your nonsense, to which, -unfortunately, our gracious princess lends only too willing -an ear? How should the butler know any better, when -you gave him no instructions? You consider yourself to -belong naturally to the court, and yet do not know that -that sort of person has not an idea of his own. I should -not for an instant grudge you this lesson, if only poor von -Walde were not the victim of your frivolity. There he -goes with that little white goose upon his arm; he who, -with his haughty, aristocratic self-consciousness, has many -a time been regardless of the wishes of some high-born -lady, who would have been charmed to take his arm. -What must he suffer to be tied for several hours to that -little piano-player, the daughter of a—forester's clerk?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why does he sacrifice himself so very readily?" rejoined -Fräulein von Quittelsdorf. "It was quite unnecessary -for him to meddle at all in the matter. The girl had -made up her mind to go, when suddenly he steps forth -like a knight without fear or fault, and takes up the -burden voluntarily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At all events the burden is dazzlingly beautiful," said -the old cavalier with a conceited smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you thinking of, count?" cried the -countess. "That is just like you, who rave about every -round-faced peasant girl that you meet. I do not -deny that the girl is pretty; but was not poor Rosa -von Bergen an actual angel of beauty? Hundreds were -languishing at her feet; but von Walde, whom she -really preferred, was like a glacier to her. No, he has -not the smallest sensibility to feminine beauty and -loveliness. I long ago erased his name from my list of -eligibles for my young protegées. He has just declared, most -distinctly, his reason for sacrificing himself to-day. He is -evidently much pleased and delighted with the attentions -that we have lavished upon him, and wishes to see -every one happy and contented about him,—even the -little thing who played the piano. I advise my dearest -Lessen for the future not to trust implicitly to the tact -and ingenuity of our charming Quittelsdorf."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The maid of honour bit her lips, and dragged her lace -shawl over her lovely shoulders. The carriage now drew -up in which the countess and Helene, accompanied by -the baroness and the count, were to be driven to the place -of rendezvous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The old cat!" cried Fräulein von Quittelsdorf, after -she had assisted the countess into the carriage. "She is -furious because she was not asked to assist in the -arrangements for to-day. Did not you see, Hollfeld, how very -nearly that false front of hers slipped down upon her nose -when she was waggling her head in such agitation? I -should have laughed for two weeks without intermission -if her bald head had suddenly made its appearance -underneath that flower garden on top!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was convulsed with laughter at the idea. Her -companion walked, without a word, and with accelerated pace, -by her side, as though he heard nothing of her chatter. -His whole bearing manifested hurry and disquiet. He -seemed most desirous to overtake the rest of the -assemblage as quickly as possible. He cast searching glances -through the bushes on either side of the way, and, -whenever he caught a glimpse of a white dress, stopped for a -moment, as though to identify the wearer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, you are too tiresome, Hollfeld; you weary -me to death!" cried the lady peevishly. "To be sure it -is your privilege to be as mute as a fish and yet enjoy -the reputation of a clever man. Where your wits are -now I am sure I cannot imagine. What, in Heaven's -name, are you running so fast for? Allow me to entreat -you to have some regard for my crape dress, which will -be torn to rags by these bushes through which you are -hurrying me, with such speed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The convent tower,—the only uninjured remnant of -a former nunnery,—was situated in the depths of a grove -of oaks and beeches in a part of the forest domain -appertaining to the Lindhof estate, which here extended far -towards the east.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A certain lady of Gnadewitz, a sister of the ancestor -of the wheel, had built the nunnery, whither she, with -twelve other young maidens, retired to pray for the soul -of her brother, cut off so ignominiously in the flower of -his days. Year after year the giant boughs of the oaks -had tapped at the windows of the cells and leaned above -the high wall over the small garden of the convent. They -had seen many a fresh young creature pass hurriedly -along the dim narrow forest path to ring the bell at the -convent portal with feverish impatience, as though unable -to wait one instant longer for the promised peace abiding -within those walls. They had seen how, behind those -irrevocable bolts and bars, the mute lips of the nun grew -white,—how convulsively her waxen hands clutched the -crucifix, while her agonized looks would seek the ground; -for the sight of the clear, blue heavens, arching above -the gay children of the outer world, awakened joyous -memories within her, and breathed a keen desire for -pleasure and life into the soul and heart muffled forever -in the folds of the sackcloth of her order.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Reformation, which overthrew the convents like -card houses, had stridden through this still forest also, -and had passed its mighty hand over the walls of this -gloomy pile, which had, in expiation of the misery and -crime that had cursed its origin, been the perpetual abode -of unhappiness. And even the hollow mockery of existence -within its walls had vanished to the four winds. One -stone after another had tumbled to the feet of the lofty oaks, -whose branches had brushed against it while it formed -part of some carved arch or window-frame, and which -now strewed leaves upon it till it sank away far more -softly bedded than the poor bodies of the nuns, which -were, so said the legend, all sleeping together in a -subterranean dungeon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tower was square, clumsy, and ugly. On the flat -roof above, that was surrounded by a stone balustrade, -the stairs were capped by a very small, square apartment, -from which egress upon the roof was obtained through -a massive oaken door. Here there was a magnificent -prospect and distant view of L——. For the sake of -this prospect the tower had been rebuilt and kept in -constant repair. Immense iron clamps bound the walls -together at the corners, and numberless lines of fresh -mortar meandered across its blackened surface, so that -the old building looked at a distance like a gigantic piece -of agate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But to-day the old pile was decked out like some old -fellow dressed for a wooing. Fresh flowers,—that is to -say, four gigantic fir trees—were sticking in his hat; and -from their tops gay banners were floating, like large -birds above the green waves beneath. The old fellow, -who, until to-day, had only whispered nightly and daily -confidences to his comrades the oaks but had never made -an advance towards them from his dignified position, was -now clutching them with green wide-spread arms; huge -garlands were draped from his topmost walls, and were -lost among the boughs of the surrounding forest; while -from one side a white sail-cloth was extended and -attached to the trunks of two tall hemlocks. Beneath the -shade of this tent were several refreshing-looking casks, -a whole battery of dusty red-sealed flasks and countless -silver-capped bottles in ice-buckets,—all presided over by -a very pretty girl in the dress of a vivandiere.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had silently and passively left the large hall -upon Herr von Walde's arm. In spite of her determination -to go home, she had not had the courage to gainsay -him, or to tell him of her desire,—he had spoken in a tone -of such authority; and, what had influenced her still more, -had entered the lists, as it were, for her, and sought to -help her out of her embarrassment. Any opposition on -her part would have seemed like obstinate defiance of -him, and would have served only to increase her painful -apprehension of drawing to herself general attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The silken garments of the ladies rustled along the -walls of the corridor behind her. Laughing and chattering, -the gay crowd followed Herr von Walde in a long -train until it issued from the chief entrance door, and -then it scattered hither and thither, taking the various -forest paths which led to the convent tower. Those -whose elaborate toilets required special care took the -broad, well-kept path. Herr von Walde certainly never -dreamed that his companion's simple, snowy muslin -could be as precious in her eyes as were the rich dresses -of the other ladies in theirs, or he certainly would not -have selected the narrow, lonely pathway into which he -suddenly turned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is usually very damp here," Elizabeth broke silence -timidly,—hitherto no words had passed between them. -Her feet trembled as though they would far rather retreat -than advance, and yet it is possible that her thoughts were -not of her dress nor her thin shoes, but rather of the long, -narrow, leafy way before them, through which she must -pass alone by his side, and of the voice that would -suddenly sound in her ears with that harsh, authoritative -tone almost always adopted by him when alone with her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It has not rained for a long time,—see how dry the -ground is," he quietly replied, as he walked slowly on and -broke off a twig which threatened to brush Elizabeth's -cheek. "This path is the shortest, and we can for a -quarter of an hour at least escape from the buzz and -clatter with which my friends and relatives are celebrating -the completion of my thirty-seventh year. But perhaps -you are afraid of meeting Linke in this sequestered -spot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shudder passed through the young girl's frame. She -thought upon the criminal's desperate end, but she could -not control herself sufficiently to impart her knowledge -to Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not fear him any longer," she said gravely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He has probably left the country, and if not, he would -hardly be so discourteous as to intrude upon the pleasures -of people who are seeking to indemnify themselves for the -pains they have taken with their formal congratulations. -By-the-way, you cannot have failed to observe that every -member of the company to-day has honoured me with a -few moments of special attention, even the youngest slip -of a girl in white muslin has made me her courtesy and -uttered her studied desire for my health and happiness. -You, perhaps, do not think me old enough yet to need the -wishes of others for a prolongation of my life?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should suppose that such wishes were as -appropriate to youth or the prime of life as to advanced age; -the one possesses as little as the other a monopoly of -existence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then, why did you not come to me? Yesterday -you saved my life, and to-day you care so little about -it that you do not even take the trouble to open your lips -and say 'God protect it for the future.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have just said yourself 'every one of the -company.' I did not belong to the company, and therefore -could not intrude myself among those who offered their -congratulations." She spoke quickly, for there was -discontent in his tone, and the arm upon which her hand -rested moved impatiently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you were invited——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To entertain your guests."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was that modest view of the case the only reason -why you did not wish to come with me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; most certainly my refusal could not have had -anything to do with the gentleman who had fallen to my -lot, whose name I could not possibly know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can hardly persuade me of that; you must have -seen at the first glance that all the gentlemen present, -with the exception of myself, were already appropriated; -you must have known that my sister, without drawing a -paper, had requested Hollfeld to accompany her, as she -can walk more easily leaning upon his arm than upon any -other. Confess——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I knew and saw nothing. I was far too much -troubled when I entered the ball-room to return the -paper, for the hour at which I was expected to return -home had been particularly mentioned to me yesterday. -I had no idea that any special festivity was to follow the -concert, and in taking the folded slip of paper I -committed an indiscretion, for which I cannot forgive -myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He suddenly stood still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I pray you look at me," he said, in a tone of command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She raised her eyes, and although she felt her cheeks -glow, she sustained unflinchingly the gaze which at first -rested sternly upon her and then became indescribably -gentle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," he muttered softly, as if to himself, "it were -a crime to suspect deceit here. Yes, double-dyed," he -continued in an altered, sarcastic tone; it sounded as though -he wished to sneer away some momentary weakness,—"was -I not the involuntary auditor of your declaration: -'It needs more courage to tell a lie boldly than to confess -a fault?'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is my conviction, I repeat it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, what a splendid thing strength of character is! -But I should suppose that if one were too upright to -soil the lips with deceit, a strict watch should be kept -upon the eyes also, lest they lie. I know one moment in -your life when you appeared what you were not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth, wounded, attempted to withdraw her hand -from his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no—you do not escape me so easily!" he cried, -retaining it. "You must either deny or acknowledge it. -You looked indifferent lately, when I threw away my -cousin's tender token, the rose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Should I have flown after it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, if you had been true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth knew now why he had entered this lonely -path with her,—she was to confess her feelings towards -Hollfeld. She was confirmed in her former suspicions,—Herr -von Walde was evidently most anxious lest she -should prize his cousin's homage too highly and perhaps -imagine that he could forget her social position. The -moment had come when she could declare her sentiments. -By a hasty movement she released her hand from his -arm, and stepped a little aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I grant you," she said, "that if my face that day -expressed indifference, it was not in harmony with my -thoughts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought so!" he cried, but there was no triumph in -the exclamation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was in fact indignant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At my interference?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At the unauthorized levity of Herr von Hollfeld."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He startled you greatly; but——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, he insulted me! How dared he intrude upon -me? I abhor him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She must have been right in her solution of his -manner; but she had never dreamed that her declaration -would be so highly prized by him. A weight seemed to -fall from his heart. A ray of purest joy broke from the -eyes which had gazed at her with a mixture of mistrust, -contempt, and sarcasm. He drew a deep breath, and -half extended his arms. Elizabeth involuntarily looked -round to discover what it was that caused his eyes to -flash and glow so. She saw nothing, but she felt his -hand tremble as he laid hers once more upon his arm. -They walked on a few paces without a word. Suddenly -he stood still again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now we are entirely alone," he said, in the gentlest -possible tone. "See, only one small eye of heavenly -blue looks down upon us,—no prying faces are near to -come between us,—I cannot,—I will not be deprived of -a birthday greeting from you. Give it to me now, when -no one can hear it but myself alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was silent and confused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, do you not know how it is done?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes," she replied, and an arch smile hovered -upon her lips. "I am well practised in such things. My -parents, my uncle, Ernst——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All have birthdays," he interrupted her, smiling. -"But you cannot wonder that I want a birthday greeting -all to myself,—that I desire that it may sound quite -different from any that you have hitherto uttered,—for I am -neither your father, nor your bluff forester uncle, and -certainly I cannot lay claim to the rights of the brother with -whom you play. Come, speak!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still she said nothing. What should she say? Her -eyes were cast down, for she could no longer endure that -searching glance, that seemed to penetrate her very soul -with its troubled expression of entreaty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then come," he cried abruptly, drawing her forward, -after waiting in vain for some moments for one word -from her lips. "It was a foolish wish of mine. I know -that your tongue, which is always ready to say what is -kind and gentle to others, is dumb for me, or only ready -with some rebuke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At these words she grew pale, and involuntarily stood -still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will, then?" he asked more gently, "and cannot -find the words?" he continued, shaking his head, as -she was silent but looked up at him beseechingly. "Well, -then, I have a plan. Let me say what I should like to -hear from your lips, and you will repeat it after me word -for word."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the smile played around Elizabeth's mouth, and -she murmured assent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the first place, you give your friend your hand," -he began, and took her hand in his,—she trembled, but -did not withdraw it,—"and then you say, 'You have -hitherto been a wretched wanderer upon the face of the -earth,—it is high time that the clouds above you should -break, and be penetrated by the pure ray of light which -has transformed your whole existence. It is my true -and earnest wish that this light may never forsake you. -Here is my hand, as the pledge of a happiness so -inconceivable——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So far she had repeated this strangely-worded greeting -after him, but at the last words she hesitated. He -seized her other hand also, and urged passionately, "Go -on, go on!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is my——" she began at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, Herr von Walde," suddenly cried Cornelie's voice -from the thicket, "what a delightful meeting! Now I -shall enjoy in company with you the triumph of being -received with a flourish of trumpets!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Never in her life had Elizabeth seen such a sudden -change take place in a human countenance as now -transformed Herr von Walde's features. One strong blue vein -stood out upon his pale forehead, his eyes flashed, and -he involuntarily stamped his foot. It really seemed -as if he would have liked to hurl back into the thicket -the unwelcome intruder, who, holding up her crape skirt, -came hurrying through the bushes towards them. He -could not command his emotion as quickly as usual; -perhaps he did not wish to do so, for he frowned angrily as -Hollfeld made his appearance behind the lady. As he -came in sight, Herr von Walde drew Elizabeth's hand -through his arm with gentle violence, as if he feared lest -she should be snatched from him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, how you look, Herr von Walde," cried Fräulein -von Quittelsdorf, stepping into the middle of the path; -"actually as if we were bandits, with designs upon your -life; or, at all events, upon your property!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without replying a word to this attack, he turned to -his cousin and asked, "Where is my sister?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She was afraid of the long rough path," the latter -replied, "and preferred to drive."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I suppose you will hardly leave Helene to be -lifted out of the carriage by the old Count Wildenau; -I cannot understand how, as her faithful knight, you -could leave the principal path. A few, quick steps will -enable you to rejoin her. I will not prevent you from -doing so," said Herr von Walde sharply, while a -sarcastic smile quivered around the corners of his mouth. -He stepped aside with Elizabeth to allow the pair to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And pray, if one may ask, why did you leave the -principal path yourself?" asked Fräulein von Quittelsdorf -flippantly, much more like a pert chamber-maid than -a maid of honour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That you can easily learn; simply because I hoped, -by coming along this lonely path, to escape the eloquent -tongues of certain ladies," replied Herr von Walde drily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, how cross you are! Heaven shield us from such -an irritable birthday hero!" cried the lady, shuddering, -and retreating a few paces with a comical assumption of -terror. "It was a mistake that we did not come to you -to-day with funereal faces, and muffled to the eyes in black -crape!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She pouted, and, taking Hollfeld's arm, would have -dragged him forward; but he, strangely enough, seemed -inclined, for the first time in his life, to set his cousin's -wishes at defiance. He walked on slowly, and as if -weary of existence, peering right and left into the bushes, -apparently intensely interested in every stone in the -pathway, every squirrel that ran swiftly past. Then he began -a conversation with his companion, whose answers -absorbed his attention so entirely that he paused and stood -still to listen to them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde muttered something between his teeth; -Elizabeth could not understand it; but the hostile glance -that he cast after his cousin showed how the behaviour -of the latter incensed him. He said not another word to -her. He turned slowly towards her, and she felt that he -continued to regard her steadfastly, but she was unable -to lift her eyes to his. Had she done so he must have -discovered on the spot how greatly she was moved by -the strange words that he had just whispered to her -with so much emotion in his voice. One look would -have betrayed the conflict within her, and then,—she -could not pursue the thought,—he would doubtless have -repented the simple wish that he had expressed. Thus -deeply agitated, it was natural enough that the young -girl's eyelids fell low over her eyes, and that she failed -to observe the inaudible sigh that escaped her companion, -or mark how all signs of irritation vanished from his -features to give place to the shade of melancholy that was -so wont to rest upon his brow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A faint and dying trumpet note, which was doubtless -the result of the impatience of the musicians who were -waiting upon the roof of the tower, betrayed the close -vicinity of the scene of festivity. And soon a buzz and -noise, as of some neighbouring gypsy encampment, broke -upon their ears; the path grew broader, gay throngs were -seen fluttering through the bushes, and suddenly a loud -flourish of bugles and trumpets sounded over their heads. -Elizabeth availed herself of the opportunity to slip her -hand from the arm of her conductor and to lose herself -in the crowd that gathered around the lord of the feast; -while a young girl, habited as a Dryad, and accompanied -by four other wood-nymphs, approached, and, in limping -hexameters, welcomed him to the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, von Walde has gotten rid of his Dulcinea at the -right moment. I don't see the girl at all, now," the -Countess Falkenberg whispered smilingly to Count -Wildenau, who was sitting beside her upon a kind of raised -dais, beneath the shade of a group of oaks. "He will never -forgive the baroness and our flippant Cornelia for so -stupidly forcing him into playing the knight, even for -a few moments, to such a creature. My child," and -she turned to Helene; seated at her right, who was -anxiously searching the crowd with troubled eyes, "when -those people release him we must take him in here among -us, and do everything in our power to make him forget -the provoking beginning of the festival."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene nodded mechanically. Apparently she had only -heard half of what the lady had whispered in her ear. -Her poor little figure, enveloped in a heavy, light-blue -silk, leaned helplessly and wearily back in her huge -armchair, and her cheeks were whiter than the lily-wreath -that crowned her brow.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Elizabeth had encountered in the throng -Dr. Fels and his wife. The latter immediately took the -young girl under her care, that they might not be -separated again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only stay until the dancing begins," she replied to -Elizabeth's remark that the moment seemed to have -arrived when she could slip away unnoticed, and go home. -"I do not wonder that you wish to leave as soon as -possible," she added, with a smile. "We, too, shall not stay -long. I am anxious about my children at home. I made -a great sacrifice to my husband's position in coming at -all. Herr von Walde, to whom you are assigned for the -day by lot, does not dance. So never fear, you will be -released."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the crowd separated. From the top of the -tower sounded a grand march, and while the gentlemen -sought the shade of the trees, the ladies, according to -the rules of the feast, hastened to provide them with -refreshments from the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde walked slowly across the sward, his -hands clasped behind him, talking with the -military-inspector Busch, by his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My dear Herr von Walde, now pray come to us!" -the Countess Falkenberg cried out to him, extending -her hand with an air almost caressing. "I have kept -such a charming place here for you. Come, rest upon -your well-earned laurels. 'Tis true, all the young ladies -present are disposed of by lot, but here are our fair -and lovely wood-nymphs all ready to wreathe your -goblet, and furnish you from the tent with all that your -heart can desire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am deeply touched by your kindness and care for -me, gracious lady," the gentleman replied, "but I cannot -think that Fräulein Ferber will leave me to appeal to the -general sympathy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spoke loudly, and turned to Elizabeth, who was -standing quite near. She had heard every word, and -instantly walked quietly towards him, placing herself at his -side, as though she were by no means inclined to delegate -to others one jot of her duty. As he saw her approach -him thus, something of a joyful surprise lit up his -countenance. He cast an answering glance at the face that, -unembarrassed now by those around, looked smilingly -up at him. Strangely enough, he seemed entirely to forget -the charming place that the countess had reserved for -him, for, after a slight obeisance to her stately ladyship -and her court of young ladies, he offered his arm to -Elizabeth, and conducted her to the shade of a giant oak, -where Doctor Fels had just provided comfortable places -for his wife and himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, that is carrying his revenge a little too far," -said the great lady, with irritation, turning for sympathy -to Count Wildenau and the five disconcerted Dryads. -"He really throws scorn upon the entire fête by taking -so much notice of that young person. I begin to be -really vexed with him. No one is more ready than I to -grant that he is entirely right to be angry, but I really -think that he should not allow himself to be so carried -away by his indignation as to forget those of his guests -who have had no share in the absurdities of the baroness -or of von Quittelsdorf. I'll wager that that little fool -there attributes his attentions to the influence of her -beautiful eyes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The small band of amiable Dryads shot annihilating -looks at Elizabeth, who was quietly proceeding to the -refreshment tent, whence she presently issued with a flask -of champagne and four glasses, which she placed upon -the table beneath the oak, where Herr von Walde was -sitting with the doctor and his wife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Our young ladies to-day are wearing perfect flower -gardens upon their heads," said Frau Fels, as the young -girl approached the table. "Fräulein Ferber alone is -as destitute of ornament as Cinderella. I cannot have -it so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She took two roses from the large bouquet which she -held in her hand, and stood up to place them in -Elizabeth's hair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, I pray you," cried Herr von Walde, detaining -her hand, "nothing should adorn that hair but orange -blossoms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But they are only worn by brides," said the doctor's -wife naively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know that well," he replied quietly; and as if he -had said the most natural thing in the world, he filled -the glasses, and turned to Dr. Fels. "Clink glasses with -me, doctor," he said; "I drink to the welfare of the -saviour of my life—of Gold Elsie of Castle Gnadeck!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The doctor smiled, and the glasses clinked with a loud -ring. At this signal, a group of gentlemen approached, -glasses in hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You come at the right moment, gentlemen," the lord -of the feast cried out to them. "Drink with me to the -fulfilment of my dearest wish!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A loud "vivat" resounded through the air, and the -glasses clinked merrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Scandalous!" cried the old court lady, and dropped -her fork, with its choice morsel, upon her plate; "really, -they are conducting themselves over there like students -at a carouse! I am positively shocked! What an -unseemly noise! Actually the mob in the street is better -behaved when they shout 'vivats' to our gracious Prince. -Apropos, my love," she continued, turning to Helene, "I -observe that your brother seems quite intimate with -Doctor Fels."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He esteems him highly as a thoroughly upright man -of great scientific attainments," replied Helene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is all very well,—but he certainly cannot be -aware that the man just now is in very bad odour at -court. Only imagine, he has had the inconceivable -insolence to refuse our beloved Princess Catharine——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I know that story," said Fräulein von Walde, -interrupting the irritated lady; "my brother related the -circumstance to me himself a few days ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How!—is it possible that the facts are known to him, -and that he has so little regard for the sentiments of the -court,—which has always distinguished him so highly! -Incredible! I assure you, dear child, my conscience -pricks me sorely; I shall scarcely be able to lift my eyes -in the presence of their Serene Highnesses, when they -arrive in L——, at the thought of having been in the -society here of that impertinent creature."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene shrugged her shoulders, and left the lady to her -qualms of conscience and a brimming glass of champagne, -with which she probably intended to fortify herself in -anticipation of the dreaded arrival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the society of this lady Fräulein von Walde suffered -all the galling annoyance that conventionalities -inflict;—she was obliged to listen, with an amiable and interested -smile, to a thousand wretched trifles, while her heart -was tortured with pain; indeed, only just such a person -as the Countess Falkenberg, who sought and found her -highest earthly happiness in a gracious glance from a -Princely eye, a person whose whole intellectual capacity -was exercised in standing sentinel before the domain of -etiquette and in guarding religiously the hardly-won -prestige of her social position,—only such a one could have -been blind to the signs of the deepest suffering in the -countenance of the younger lady.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld had not only been so inattentive as to leave -Helene, upon her arrival at this spot, to the care of Count -Wildenau, he had even, upon his tardy appearance, -omitted all explanation or apology for his delay, and had finally -seated himself beside her in a sullen and abstracted mood. -She thought him strangely altered, and she racked her -restless heart and brain with vain surmises. At first her -suspicions rested upon Cornelie, who, true to her -mercurial temperament, fluttered hither and thither like a -will-o'-the-wisp, talking and laughing incessantly. But she -was soon reassured upon this point, for she could not -catch a single glance of Hollfeld's directed towards the -coquettish and graceful court beauty. The anxious -inquiries that she made of him were answered in -monosyllables. She beckoned to one of the servants who was -bearing past a tray of delicacies, and herself placed them -before Hollfeld,—but he did not eat a morsel, and only -swallowed in quick succession several glasses of fiery wine -which he procured for himself at the refreshment tent. -This careless conduct, which she now observed for the -first time, caused her unspeakable pain. At last she was -silent, and closed her eyes as though fatigued; no one -noticed the crystal drops trembling on their lashes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a shadow was cast upon the universal merriment, -which had been all the more unrestrained from the -fact that the lord of the feast, usually so grave and serious, -had joined in it so cordially,—at least Elizabeth felt -convinced that the face of the butler, Lorenz, who now -appeared in the distance, boded no good. The old man took -the greatest pains to attract his master's attention without -being seen by the other guests. At last he succeeded. -Herr von Walde arose, and stepped aside with him into -the thicket, while the group of gentlemen around him -dispersed. He soon returned, with marks of dismay in -his countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have just received sad news, which will compel me -to leave you immediately," he said, in a low voice, to -the doctor. "Herr von Hartwig, in Thalleben, one of -my oldest friends, has met with a terrible accident; the -injury is fatal; they write me that he cannot live a day -longer. He summons me to him that he may entrust his -young children to my care. I pray you inform the -Baroness Lessen of my departure, and its cause; she will -see that the festivities are not interrupted. Let my sister -and my guests suppose that I am called away for a few -minutes by some trifling matter of business, and will -return hither shortly. I shall not be missed after the -dancing begins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The doctor went instantly to find the baroness. His -wife had strayed away from the spot a few moments -before, so Elizabeth was left alone with Herr von Walde. -He turned to her quickly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought we should not part from each other to-day -without the conclusion of my birthday greeting," he said, -while striving to meet her eyes, which shyly avoided his, -"but I seem to be one of those unfortunate ones whose -unlucky stars snatch from them the prize when it seems -almost within their grasp." He endeavoured to give an -air of humour to his words, but they only sounded the -more bitter. "However, I submit," he continued, in a -determined tone; "I must go. It cannot be helped, but -my duty may be made easier and sweeter for me by a -promise from you. Do you remember the words which -you lately repeated after me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not forget so quickly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that encourages me greatly! There is a fairy -tale which tells of a realm of inexhaustible riches and -endless delights, revealed by a single word. Such a word -the conclusion of your greeting can be to me. Will you -aid me in having it uttered?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How can I help you to the attainment of riches and -delights?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is my affair. I do most earnestly entreat you -at this moment to make no further attempt at evasion, -for time presses. Let me ask you,—will you endeavour to -retain in your memory, during my absence, the beginning -of that birthday greeting?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And will you be ready, when I return, to hear the -conclusion?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good; in the midst of the sorrow and gloom to -which I am summoned there will be a glimpse of clear -blue sky above me, and for you——may my good angel -whisper in your ear the word that will unlock that fairy -realm for me. Farewell!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave her his hand, and disappeared upon the path -leading directly to the castle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth stood still for a few moments in a state of -delicious stupefaction, from which she was roused by the -surprise of the doctor's wife at finding the gentlemen -gone. Elizabeth told her what had happened, and the -doctor shortly returned and related that the baroness had -been greatly piqued that her cousin had not considered -it worth his while to inform her in person of the cause -of his departure. The unlucky doctor had been obliged -to bear the brunt of the lady's ill humour, which had -vented itself in several biting remarks, but he had been -so discourteous as to allow them to pass him by -without in the least disturbing his serenity. He seated -himself at the table and began to eat with an excellent -appetite.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Elizabeth went to take leave of Fräulein -von Walde. There was nothing now to detain her any -longer. She longed to be alone with her thoughts, to -recall undisturbed every word that he had spoken, and -to ponder upon its meaning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going?" asked Helene, as Elizabeth stood -behind her chair and bade her farewell. "What does my -brother say to that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rudolph has been summoned to the castle upon some -business matter," the baroness, who just now appeared, -answered in Elizabeth's stead. "Fräulein Ferber is -released from all necessity of remaining any longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene cast a glance of displeasure at the speaker. -"I cannot see why," she said. "His business cannot -detain him long, he will certainly return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably," rejoined the baroness; "but he may be -delayed quite late. Fräulein Ferber, meanwhile, will be -very much fatigued in a circle where she is such an utter -stranger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has my brother released you?" Helene turned to -Elizabeth, hardly allowing the baroness to complete her -sentence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," answered she, "and I pray you to allow me to -take my departure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this short dialogue the Countess Falkenberg -leaned back and measured Elizabeth from head to foot -with her cold, piercing eyes; but Hollfeld arose and -departed without saying a word. Fräulein von Walde -looked after him with an air of anxious discontent, and -at first did not reply to Elizabeth's request; but at last, -with evident absence of mind, she held out her hand and -said, "Well, then, go, dear child, and a thousand thanks -for your kind assistance to-day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth took a hasty leave of Doctor Fels and his -wife, and then entered the forest with a light heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She breathed more freely as the throng was left behind -her, and as a few sounding chords concluded the waltz -whose bewildering notes had for a short distance -accompanied her. She could now yield herself up undisturbed -to the magic that had laid so sweet a spell upon her -entire mind and being, and forced her to listen still to the -tones of that voice which had died upon her ear, ensnaring -her heart with its thrilling melody, and at the sound of -which all the suggestions of maidenly reserve, all the -arguments of her understanding, vanished. She called to -mind how passively she had followed him, although her -deeply offended pride had prompted her instantly to -leave the circle where she seemed to be so unwelcome a -guest; she still experienced the delight with which she -had hastened to his side when he had so emphatically -declared, before all present, that he belonged to her for -the day, and would accept of no substitute in her place. -He might have conducted her to the end of the world,—she -would have followed him blindly with unhesitating -reliance and the most entire abandonment of herself to -his guidance. And her parents? She understood now -how a daughter could forsake father and mother to follow -a man whose path in life had been widely separated from -her own, leading, perhaps, in directly an opposite -direction,—a man who had known nothing of the inclinations, -influences, occurrences great and small, by which every -fibre of her life had been previously intertwined with the -life of her family. Two months before, all this would -have been an inexplicable riddle to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She turned into a path which she had often trodden -with Miss Mertens. It led, by many a narrow winding, -through the thicket, out upon the broad path which -traversed the forest, and for some distance formed the -boundary line between the Prince's domain and the estate -of Herr von Walde. On the other side of this broad path -opened the wide road which led through the forest to her -uncle's Lodge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lost in her day-dreams, Elizabeth did not hear the sound -of hasty footsteps approaching; she therefore started in -alarm when she heard her name pronounced, close to her, -by a man's voice. Hollfeld stood just behind her. She -suspected why he had followed her, and she felt her heart -beat quickly, but she collected herself, and, standing aside, -made room for him to pass her in the narrow pathway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, that was not what I wished, Fräulein Ferber," -he said smiling, and in a tone of such familiarity as deeply -offended her. "I wished to have the pleasure of -accompanying you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thank you," she coldly replied, "it would be giving -you needless trouble; I always greatly prefer walking -alone in the forest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And have you no fear?" he asked, stepping so close -to her that she felt his hot breath upon her cheek.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only of unwelcome companionship," she replied, -retaining her self-possession by an effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! here is the same dignified reserve again in which -you always entrench yourself with me; and wherefore? -I shall soon put an end to it, however. To-day, at least, -I shall not respect it as I have hitherto been forced to -do,—I must speak to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is what you have to say of such consequence as to -require you to absent yourself from your friends and the -fête?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; it is a wish upon which my life depends; it -pursues me day and night; I have been ill and wretched at -the idea that it may never be gratified—I——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time Elizabeth had accelerated her pace. -It was hateful to her,—the presence of this man, in whose -eyes glowed all the passion which he had hitherto partly -repressed and which had already inspired her with such -deep aversion and disgust; but she was perfectly -conscious that absolute self-possession was her only weapon, -and therefore she interrupted him, while her lips quivered -with the sickly semblance of a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" she said, "our practisings, then, have had most -desirable results; you wish my assistance in music, if I -understand you rightly?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You misunderstand me intentionally," he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Accept the misunderstanding as an act of forbearance -on my part," said Elizabeth seriously; "I should else be -obliged to say much to you which it might please you -still less to hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go on, I pray. I know your sex sufficiently well to -be quite aware that they delight in wearing the mask of -coldness and reserve for awhile,—their favours are all -the more welcome. I do not grudge you the pleasure of -this innocent coquetry, but then——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth stood for one moment dumb and stupefied at -his insolence; such hateful words had never before -shocked her ears. Shame and indignation drove the -blood to her face, and she sought in vain for terms in -which to punish such unexampled temerity. He -interpreted her silence otherwise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I knew it," he cried triumphantly. "I see through -you; the blush of detection becomes you incomparably! -You are beautiful as an angel! Never have I seen so -perfect a form as yours! Ah! you know well enough that -you made me your slave the first time I saw you; since -then, I have languished at your feet. What shoulders -and what arms! Why have you hitherto veiled them so -enviously?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An indignant exclamation broke from Elizabeth's lips:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How dare you," she cried loudly and violently, -"offer me these insults! If you have not understood me -hitherto, let me tell you now, clearly and distinctly, that -your society, which you force upon me thus, is hateful to -me, and that I wish to be alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bravo! that authoritative tone becomes you -excellently well," he said, with a sneer; "the noble blood -that you inherit from your mother shows itself now. -What have I done to make you suddenly play this -indignant part? I have told you that you are beautiful, -but your mirror must tell you the same thing fifty times -a day, and I do not believe that you break it for the -telling."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth turned her back upon him contemptuously, -and walked quickly onward. He kept pace with her, -and seemed quite sure of a final victory. She had just -reached the broad forest-road when a carriage dashed -past. A man's head appeared at the window, but at -sight of her was drawn back quickly, as though surprised. -He looked out once more, as if to convince himself that -he had seen correctly, and then the carriage vanished -around a sharp turn in the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth involuntarily extended her arms after the -retreating carriage. Its inmate well knew how she -detested Hollfeld; after the declaration that she had made -to him a few hours before, how could he doubt that she -was most unwillingly in the society of this man? Could -he not delay his journey for one moment, to free her from -such odious importunity?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld observed her action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha!" he cried, with a malicious laugh, "that looked -almost tender. If it were not for my cousin's seven and -thirty years, I might actually be jealous! Perhaps you -supposed that he would immediately descend from his -vehicle and gallantly offer you his arm to escort you to -your home! You see he is too conscientious; he denies -himself that indulgence, and prefers to fulfil a sacred -duty. He is an iceberg, for whom no woman possesses -a single charm. You owe his behaviour to you to-day, -which was so very courteous, not to your enchanting eyes, -O bewitching Gold Elsie, but to his desire to provoke my -honoured mamma."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And does nothing deter you from ascribing such -mean motives to the man whose hospitality you enjoy so -freely?" cried Elizabeth, provoked. She had determined -not to reply to him again by a single syllable, in hopes -that she might thus weary out his pertinacity; but the -manner in which he spoke of Herr von Walde overcame -her self-control.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mean?" he repeated. "You express yourself strongly. -I only call it a little revenge which he was fully justified -in taking. And as for his hospitality,—I am only using -now what will be all my own at some future period; I -cannot see that it should alter my opinion of my cousin. -Besides, I am the one to sacrifice myself, I deserve all the -gratitude. Is my devotion and attention to Fräulein von -Walde to go for nothing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It must be a hard task to pluck a few flowers and -carry them to a poor invalid!" said Elizabeth ironically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha! you are, as I am happy to observe, jealous -of these little attentions of mine," he cried triumphantly. -"Did you seriously suppose for one moment that -I could really be in love with her, while my sense of -beauty was so perpetually outraged? I esteem my cousin, -but I never forget for one instant that she is a year older -than I, that she limps, is crooked, and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Detestable!" Elizabeth interrupted him, beside herself -with the abhorrence he inspired; she hastily crossed -the broad forest-road. He followed her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Detestable, say I, too," he continued, endeavouring to -keep pace with her; "especially when I see your -Hebeform by her side. And now I beg you, do not run so -fast; let there be the peace between us of which I dream -day and night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He suddenly passed his arm around her waist and -forced her to stand still, while his glowing face, with eyes -sparkling with unholy fire, approached her own. At first -she gazed at him speechless and stupefied, then a -shudder convulsed her frame, and with a gesture of utter -aversion she pushed him from her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't dare to touch me again!" she cried in a clear -ringing voice,—and at the same moment she heard the -loud barking of a dog near her. She turned her head in -joyful surprise towards the spot whence the noise proceeded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hector! Hector! here, good dog!" she called; and -the forester's huge hound burst through the thicket and -fawned upon her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My uncle is not far off," she turned coldly and quietly -to her discomfited companion; "he will be here in a -moment. As you can hardly desire that I should request -him to rid me of your society, I advise you to return -immediately to the castle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And, in fact, he stood still like a coward, while she, -accompanied by the dog, proceeded towards her home. -Hollfeld stamped his feet in his rage, and cursed the -blind passion that had robbed him of all prudence. He -did not for one instant imagine that he could really be -disagreeable to Elizabeth,—he, the pet of society, whose -slightest word, were it only an invitation to dance, made -such a sensation in the little world of L——, and was -so often an occasion of envy and discord among the ladies! -The idea was absurd. It was far more likely that the -daughter of the forester's clerk was a coquette, who -intended to make conquest as difficult as possible for him. -He had no faith in the existence of that virgin purity -of soul which made Elizabeth thus insensible, and the -magic of which affected even him most powerfully, -although he did not understand its influence. He had no -faith in the sacred reserve of a young girl's inner life, and -therefore could not possibly conceive of the instinctive -aversion which his selfish, unprincipled nature inspired. -He reproached himself angrily for having been too -sudden and violent, thus defeating his own ends, and -deferring indefinitely the accomplishment of his hopes. He -wandered about in the forest for an hour before he could -master his emotions; for the guests, who were still dancing -on the green before the convent tower whence the gay -music reached his ears, must not suspect the volcano -seething beneath that cold and interesting exterior.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth had apparently walked away with a firm, -decided step, but she took care to look neither to the -right nor the left, lest she should suddenly see his hated -face beside her. At last she ventured to stand still and -look around her. He had disappeared. With a sigh of -relief, she leaned against the trunk of a tree to collect -her thoughts, while Hector stood beside her sagely -wagging his tail, seeming thoroughly to understand that he -was playing the part of her protector. Doubtless he had -been taking a forest walk for his own amusement, for -there were no signs of his master. Elizabeth felt her -knees tremble beneath her. Her terror, when Hollfeld -had clasped her waist, had been extreme. In her -innocence she had never imagined such rudeness, and hence -his sudden touch had made her for one moment rigid with -horror. She shed bitter tears of shame as she recalled -Herr von Walde's image, not clothed in the gentleness of -the last few hours, but stern and reserved. She thought -she should scarcely dare ever to look up at him again -since that wretch had touched her. All her happy -visions lay shattered at her feet. This unhappy -encounter with Hollfeld had ruthlessly brought her back -to reality. What he had said of Herr von Walde, coarse -and slanderous as it was, had revived much in her mind -which she had once believed, and considered as a bar -to her growing interest in him. She thought of his -invincible pride of descent, of his self-renouncing love for -his sister, and of the universal opinion that his heart was -cold as ice where women were concerned. All the gay -brilliant dreams which had hovered around her path -through the forest now folded their wings and vanished -beneath the searching gaze of her awakened consciousness. -She could hardly tell what it was that formerly -made her so happy. Was it not most likely that only a -strong sense of justice had induced him to show her such -gentle kindness and consideration to-day,—to protect her -from the insolent annoyance of his relatives? Had he not -in like manner protected Miss Mertens, and endeavoured to -indemnify her for the injustice that she had encountered -beneath his roof? And the birthday greeting! Ah, she -must not think of that, or its unfinished conclusion, for -then all her dead visions would instantly celebrate a -blissful resurrection!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As she entered the Lodge Sabina came towards her, pale -as ashes, in great distress. She pointed mutely to the -door of the dwelling-room. Within the apartment her -uncle was speaking loudly, while he was pacing heavily to -and fro.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh dear! oh dear!" whispered Sabina, "everything is -going wrong in there. Bertha has kept out of your -uncle's way most carefully for the last few weeks, but a -little while ago she was standing at the great door and -did not see that he was coming into the yard. He gave -her no time to run off, but took her by the hand and led her -instantly into the room there. She was as white as the -wall, in her fear of him,—but that didn't help her,—go she -must. Ah, Lord have mercy upon me! I should not like -to have the Herr Forester for a father confessor——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A loud burst of sobbing, that sounded almost like a -stifled shriek, interrupted Sabina's whispering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better so!" they now heard the forester say in a far -gentler tone of voice; "at least that is a sign that you are not -quite hardened. And now speak out! Remember that I -stand here in place of your good parents. If you have a -sorrow confide it to me; be sure that if it has befallen you -without fault on your part, I will faithfully assist you to -bear it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only stifled sobs ensued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You cannot speak?" asked the forester after a short -pause. "I know of a certainty that there is no physical -obstacle in the way of your speaking, for you talk to -yourself continually when you believe yourself -unobserved; you must be putting some force upon -yourself,—have you made a vow against the use of your -tongue?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Probably an assenting nod must have confirmed him in -this supposition, for he continued, with great irritation, -"What an insane idea! Do you suppose that you can -do your Heavenly Father good service by renouncing one -of his best gifts, the power of speech? And are you -going to be silent all your life long? No! You will -speak, then, if that which you hope to effect by means of -your vow fails to come to pass? Very well, I cannot -force you to speak,—then endure alone what depresses -you and makes you so unhappy, for that you are unhappy -any one can read in your face. But let me tell you that -you will find an inexorable judge in me, if it should ever -appear that you have done anything that shuns the light -and should not be told to honest men; for in your -boundless arrogance you have hitherto rejected every -well-meant piece of advice, every attempt to guide and direct -you, making it impossible for me to care for you as it is -my duty and desire, standing as I do in the place of your -parents. I will bear with you a little longer; but should -I find you once leaving the house after nightfall, this is -your home no longer,—you must go. And let me tell you -also, to-morrow I shall send for the doctor to tell me -whether you are really ailing; you have looked wretchedly -for the last few weeks. Now go!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The door opened, and Bertha staggered out. She did -not notice Sabina and Elizabeth, and when she heard the -door close behind her, she suddenly wrung her hands -above her head in the speechless agony of despair, and -rushed up the stairs as though hunted by the furies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That girl has something on her conscience, whatever -it may be," said Sabina, shaking her head. Elizabeth -went in to her uncle. He was leaning against the -window, and drumming upon one of the panes with his -fingers, a common habit with him when irritated. He -looked very gloomy, but his features lighted up as -Elizabeth entered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm glad you are come, Gold Elsie!" he exclaimed; -"I need to see some true, pure face beside me; I -shudder at the black eyes of that girl who has just gone out. -Never mind, I have taken up my domestic cross again, -and shall bear it on for awhile; I cannot see the child -cry, even though I were sure that the effect of every tear -was exactly calculated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth was heartily glad that the dreaded encounter -between Bertha and her uncle was well over. She hastened -to divert his thoughts entirely from the unfortunate -girl by describing to him the festivities she had just -witnessed, telling him cursorily of Herr von Walde's sudden -departure. She informed him also of Linke's dreadful -end, at which, however, he was not greatly surprised, as -he had expected some such termination to the affair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He accompanied Elizabeth to the garden gate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be very careful not to ring too loudly at the gate in -the wall," he warned her as she left him. "Your mother -had an attack of headache to-day, and has gone to bed. -I was up there a little while ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth ran up the mountain in some anxiety, but -Miss Mertens, leading little Ernst by the hand, came to meet -her on the sward before the castle, and soothed her fears. -The attack was over, and her mother was enjoying a -refreshing sleep when Elizabeth softly went to her bedside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was already twilight; the most profound quiet -reigned throughout the house,—the striking clocks had -been stopped,—the window shutters were closed that the -rustling of the leaves without might not be heard,—not -even a fly buzzed,—for Ferber had tenderly taken care -that nothing should disturb the stillness that surrounded -the sleeper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If her mother had been sitting in her arm-chair in the -window recess of the dwelling-room behind the protecting -curtains, looking upon the green domain without, -above which stretched the calm evening skies,—the dear -familiar corner would have become a confessional, where -Elizabeth, kneeling upon the cushion at her mother's -feet, would have poured out her overcharged mind and -heart. But now she thrust back her precious secret -into the inmost recesses of her soul: and who knows -whether she will ever find courage to reveal what must -fill her mother's heart with the keenest anxiety?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xvi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVI.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The ruins of Gnadeck might well listen in amazement -to the strange noise which had resounded through their -crumbling walls from the first peep of dawn. It was -not the familiar sound of destruction caused by furious -storms, or the melting of the snow when spring appeared. -Then the water softly excavated little gutters between -the stones, and lifted from its niche, without any other -warning, one block of granite after another, that, the -instant before its final downfall, looked proudly and -threateningly down upon the world; for its overthrow had been -planned more secretly than that of a royal favourite or -an unpopular ministry. And then a violent storm would -arise some midnight,—a mighty crash would come, and -the rays of the rising sun would wander for the first -time over walls and floors that they had never touched -before. There would be a huge pile of masonry heaped -upon the pavement, and all through the day, with every -gentle breeze, broken bits of mortar and little rills of sand -would trickle down from the wound; but before long, -tender grass would sprout from the jagged edges, and -years, long years, would again ensue before the -mischievous water beneath the green garment would prepare a -new victim for the tempest. It was a slow, scarcely -perceptible decline. The ruins might be as easy as the invalid -whose disease, though incurable, may permit him to rival -the Old Testament patriarchs in length of days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was human hands to-day that were effecting the work -of destruction. With incredible speed and activity they -dislodged stone after stone. The old jutty, which had -advanced so boldly for years, like a valiant sentinel -keeping watch before this wing of the castle, presented a -most deplorable appearance. It had already been shorn -of much of its height; its ivy mantle was torn, and dark -window niches and mossy masonry came to light, which, -perhaps, once were rich in stone carving. The -workmen were very diligent. It interested them greatly, -hazardous as was their task, to obtain a glimpse down -into the dark nooks and corners of the old pile, that -popular superstition had peopled with countless ghastly -apparitions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the afternoon, Frau Ferber was sitting upon the -shady rampart with Miss Mertens and Elizabeth, when -Reinhard, who, always made his appearance at a -certain hour of the day, interrupted their reading. He -announced that Linke's body had been committed to the -earth as privately as possible that morning, and that -Fräulein von Walde had learned, through the carelessness of -a servant, of the attempt upon her brother's life. But -he remarked, with some bitterness, that Herr von Walde's -anxiety, lest his sister's fright upon hearing of the assault -should have disastrous consequences, had been wholly -unnecessary, since the lady had heard of it with entire -composure, and even the terrible accident that had befallen -Herr von Hartwig, whose wife was one of her friends, -had apparently produced very little impression upon her. -"But if the life of her fair-haired favourite had been in -danger," he declared angrily, "she would most certainly -have torn her chestnut curls. That Herr von Hollfeld is -utterly odious to me! He has been walking about the -house to-day, looking as if he would like to poison us -all. I'll wager that this charming mood of his is the -cause of Fräulein von Walde's red and swollen eyes, -which she tried to conceal from me when I met her in -the garden just now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the mention of the hated name, Elizabeth bent low -over her work. The blood rushed to her face at the -thought of Hollfeld's insolence the day before, of which -she had not yet told her mother, for fear that it might -cause a return of her headache; and perhaps there were -other reasons for her silence; but she would not -acknowledge to herself how much she dreaded lest her parents, -upon learning of Hollfeld's rudeness, should prohibit her -from going to Lindhof again, in which case all chance of -seeing Herr von Walde would be at an end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time, the destruction of the jutty was -going on uninterruptedly. After awhile Ferber entered -the garden. He had been to the Lodge, and had brought -the forester home with him to take coffee. Ernst came -running to them in a great state of excitement. The -child had obediently forborne to transgress the bounds -which his father had set for him, that he might not be -exposed to danger; but he had been looking on from -his post of observation, following the progress of the -workmen with the greatest interest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Papa! papa!" he cried, "the mason wants to speak -to you,—come right away; he says he has found something!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And in fact one of the workmen made signs to the -brothers to come nearer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have come to what seems to be a small chamber," -the man called down to them, "and, as well as I can see, -there is a coffin in it. Will you not examine into the -matter, Herr Ferber, before we proceed? You can come -up here with entire safety; we have firm foothold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Reinhard had heard the call and came hastily down -the terrace steps. A concealed apartment, containing a -coffin!—the words were music to his antiquarian ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three men cautiously ascended the ladder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The workmen were standing just where the huge -jutty sprang forth from the main building, and they -pointed down to a tolerably large opening at their feet. -Until now they had come upon no room that had been -closed; the roof of the main building was partly gone, -and standing upon this spot, you could look in all -directions through a labyrinth of open rooms, half ruinous -passages, and through great gaps in the floors down into -the castle chapel. The old ruins did not seem half so -desolate from within as from without; the blue heavens -peeped in everywhere, and the fresh breeze swept through -as often as it would. But now a space suddenly appeared -at their feet surrounded by firm walls, and covered by a -tolerably well-preserved ceiling. As well as they could -judge from where they stood, the room lay like a wedge -between the chapel and the space behind. At all events, -there must be a window somewhere at the extreme -corner formed by the wall of the jutty and that of the -main building, for from that direction a weak reflection -streamed in through coloured glass, and flickered upon -the object which was dimly visible, and which the masons -took for a coffin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately a ladder of greater length was procured, -as the room was quite a high one, and one by one all -went down in a state of highly-wrought expectation. -In descending, there was within reach a wainscoted wall -almost black with age. The profusion of strange, rich -carving that adorned it startled the eye. Close to the -ceiling a plain strip of wood, of much more modern date, -had been nailed, upon which were still hanging some rags -of black cloth; while the rest of what had once been the -mourning drapery of the apartment lay in mouldering, -shapeless heaps upon the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Doubtless concealment had been the purpose of the -room from the beginning, for there had been no heed -paid to symmetry of form in its construction. It -represented an irregular triangle, and in one somewhat -rounded corner was the very small window whose -existence they had suspected. It lay so close to the -chapel that Reinhard's supposition that in old Catholic -times the church treasures had been secreted here -seemed most probable; all the more so as on one side -five or six worn stone steps led down to a door in the -chapel wall, which had been walled up from within. -The window was just behind the evergreen oak, which -pressed its thick branches against it, and the ivy had -twined a tender lattice-work across the panes; but -nevertheless the sun stole through the coloured glass in the -graceful, delicate stone rosette, which was in a state of -perfect preservation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was in fact a coffin,—a small, narrow, leaden -coffin,—standing out in strong contrast with the black velvet -covering of its pedestal, which was thus found lonely and -forgotten within these three walls. At its head was a -huge candelabrum, in the branches of which were still to -be seen the remains of wax candles; but at its foot was -a footstool, upon which lay a mandolin, its strings all -broken. It had been an old instrument in the hands of -its last possessor, for the black colour of its neck was -worn away in spots, and the sounding-board was slightly -hollowed where the player had pressed her little fingers. -At the approach of the intruders the last fragments of the -withered heap of flowers fluttered down from the coffin, -upon whose lid in gilt letters was inscribed the name "Lila."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Set in the thick wall of the most extensive side of the -apartment was a kind of press, of dark oak, which -Reinhard at first supposed had been appropriated to the -safe-keeping of the priestly robes and ornaments. He opened -the doors, which stood ajar; as they shook in opening -there was a rustle within, and little clouds of dust flew -forth from a quantity of female garments hanging -inside. They formed a strange, fantastic wardrobe,—gay, -and most coquettish in fashion, they contrasted -oddly enough with the grave solemnity of their surroundings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She who had worn these garments must have been a -wonderfully small and delicate creature, for the silk -skirts,—most of them bordered with embroidery in gold -thread,—were as short as though made for a child; and -the shape of the black and violet velvet bodices, with -their silken ribbons and tinsel trimmings, must have -fitted an exquisite, pliant, maiden waist. Many, many -years must have elapsed since a human being had breathed -within these walls,—since any hand warm with life had -touched these hidden objects. The hooks in the press -had, in some cases, pierced the mouldering stuffs; and -the threads, which had once confined the pearls and -spangles of the trimming, hung loose and broken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Against one wall was placed a little table with a stone -top. Its legs, grown weak with age, appeared scarcely -able to sustain it, and it leaned forward, endangering -the safety of a casket that stood upon it. This casket -was a master-piece of workmanship in ivory and gold. -The cover did not seem to be locked; it looked rather -as if it had been lightly closed, in order to preserve a -broad parchment which projected from the box and had -obviously been arranged with the view of attracting -attention. It was yellow with age and covered deep,—as was -all else,—with dust; but the large, stiff, black characters -upon it were distinctly visible, and the name, "Jost von -Gnadewitz," was perfectly legible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good Heavens! what have we here?" cried the -forester, whose speech almost failed him with -amazement "Jost von Gnadewitz!—the hero of Sabina's -tale of her great-grandmother!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ferber approached the table, and carefully raised the -cover of the casket. Within, upon a dark velvet -cushion, lay ornaments of antique workmanship, bracelets, -brooches, a necklace of gold coins, and several strings -of costly pearls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The parchment had fallen to the ground. Reinhard -picked it up, and offered to read the contents aloud. It -was, even for the time when it had been composed,—about -two hundred years before,—very clumsily written, and -very badly spelled. The writer had evidently understood -how to wield the hunting-spear better than the -pen,—nevertheless an air of poesy breathed through the lines. -They ran thus:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whoever you may be who are the first to enter this -room, by all that is sacred to you, by everything that -you love or that has a home in your heart, do not -disturb her repose. She lies there sleeping like a child. -The sweet face beneath the dark curls smiles again now -that death has touched it. Once more, whoever you are, -whether noble or beggar, descendant of hers or not, let -my eyes be the last to rest upon her!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I could not lay her in the dark, cold ground. Here -the golden light will play around her, and birds will -alight upon the branches of the tree outside with the -breath of the forest ruffling their feathers, while the songs -that hushed her in her cradle gush from their throats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The golden sunlight was quivering in the forest, and -the birds were singing in the trees, when the graceful -roe parted the bushes, and gazed with shy, startled eyes -at the young huntsman who was lying in the shade. -His heart beat quickly and wildly at sight of her; he -threw his weapons from him, and pursued the maiden-form -that fled before him. She, the child of the forest, -a daughter of that people which the curse of God -pursues making them wanderers upon the face of the earth, -with no home for their weary feet, not a foot of land that -they can call their own whereon to lay their dying -heads,—she had vanquished the heart of the proud, -fierce huntsman. Suing for her love, he haunted the -camp of her tribe, day and night; he followed her -footsteps like a dog, and entreated her passionately until she -was touched, to leave her people and fly with him in -secret. In the silence of night he bore her away to his -castle, and, alas! became her murderer. He did not heed -her prayers, when she was suddenly seized by the uncontrollable -longing for her forest liberty. As the prisoned -bird flutters wildly about its cage, beating its delicate wings -against the confining wires, so she wandered in despair -through the halls which had once resounded to her -intoxicating song and the delicious music of her lute, but -which now only echoed to her sighs and complaints. He -saw her cheeks grow pale, saw her eyes averted from him -in hate; his heart died a thousand deaths when she thrust -him from her, and shuddered at his touch; despair -possessed him, but he doubly bolted every door, and guarded -them in deadly terror, for he knew that she was lost to him -forever if once again her foot should press the woodland -turf. And then there came a time when she grew less -restless,—'tis true she glided past him as though he were -a shadow, a nothing,—she never lifted her eyes when he -approached her and addressed her in the tenderest tones -of entreaty,—it was long since she had spoken to him, -and still no words passed her lips; but she no longer -beat her tiny hands against the window-bars, tearing her -hair, and calling with shrill shrieks upon those who passed -through the forest without, enjoying all the sweets of -liberty. She no longer fled madly, like some hunted -thing, through halls and corridors, nor mounted the castle -wall to throw her fair body into the gloomy waters of -the moat. She sat beneath the evergreen oak with a sad, -patient look upon her lily-white face; she knew of the -life within her own,—she was about to become a mother. -And when night came, and the huntsman bore her up the -broad stairway in his arms,—she did not resist, but she -turned her face from him, that his breath might not touch -her cheek, that no glance of his loving eyes might fall -upon her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And one day the pastor of Lindhof came to the -castle. The people declared that Jost, a lamb of his flock, -had dealings with the devil, and he came to rescue the -lost soul. He was admitted, and saw the creature for -whose sake the wild huntsman had renounced his merry -life in the forest, and heaven itself. Her beauty and -purity touched him. He spoke to her in gentle tones, and -her heart, paralyzed with suffering, melted at his addresses. -For the sake of the child that was to come, she was -baptized, and the unholy tie that had bound her to her lover -was hallowed by the sanction of the church. And when -her dark hour of pain had passed, she pressed her cold lips -upon the brow of her child, and, with that kiss, her spirit -burst its bonds,—she was free, free! The triumph of that -moment transfigured the earthly tenement from which the -soul had departed. The wretched man saw those -glorious eyes darken in death; he writhed at her feet in an -agony of remorse and despair, and implored her in vain -for only one last glance of love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The boy was christened, and received his father's -name,—my baptismal name. I gazed with a shudder into his -eyes,—they are my eyes. Together we have murdered her. -My old servant, Simon, has taken the boy away. I cannot -live for him. Simon says, and the pastor also, that no -woman can be found willing to nourish my child at her -breast, for, in the eyes of the people I am lost,—doomed -eternally to hell-torments. The wife of my forester, -Ferber, has adopted the child without knowing whence it -comes——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here the reader paused, and looked up over the parchment -at the brothers. The forester, who, until now, had -been leaning against the opposite wall listening with -the greatest attention, suddenly stood by his side, and -clutched his arm convulsively. The colour left his -sun-burnt cheeks for one moment. It seemed as if his heart -ceased to beat, so great was his agitation. And Ferber -also drew near, testifying in his face and gestures -extreme surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go on, go on!" cried the forester at last, in stifled accents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Simon laid him upon the threshold of the forest -lodge," Reinhard read further, "and to-day he saw -Ferber's wife kissing and tending him like her own little -girl. By the laws of my family, he has no claim upon -the Gnadewitz estate, but my maternal inheritance will -preserve him from want. My directions I have confided, -in a sealed packet, deposited in the town-house at L——, -to the public authorities. They will substantiate his claim -to be my son and heir. May he, as Hans Jost von Gnadewitz, -found a new race. The Almighty will provide kind -hearts to protect his youth,—I cannot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Everything which adorned that lovely form in happier -days shall surround it in death, and yield to the same -decay. Her child has a claim upon her jewels, but my -heart revolts at the thought that what has rested upon -her dazzling brow, her pure neck, may perhaps be torn -asunder and desecrated by faithless hands. Better to -leave all here to fade and fall to ruin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Once more I implore you, whom chance may lead to -this sanctuary, after the lapse of centuries -perhaps,—honour the dead, and pray for me,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"JOST VON GNADEWITZ."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The two brothers clasped each other's hands, and, -without a word, approached the coffin. In their veins -flowed the blood of that strange being who had once -kindled to a flame the heart of the fierce, proud lord of -the castle,—of that woman whose ardent soul, thirsting -for freedom, exultingly fled from the idolized body which -had crumbled to a little heap of ashes here in its narrow -leaden tomb. Two tall figures stood there, descendants -of him who, with his dying mother's consecrating kiss -upon his brow, was borne out into the forest, and laid -upon the low threshold of a servant, while his nobly-born -father, despair in his heart, rushed madly to death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She was the mother of our race," Ferber said at last, -with much emotion, to Reinhard. "We are the descendants -of the foundling whose parentage has been a mystery -until this hour, for the papers which would have -established him in his rights were destroyed when the -townhouse at L—— was burned down. We must suspend -work here for a few days," he said, turning to one of the -masons, who, prompted by a pardonable curiosity, had -descended the ladder half way, and, from this post of -observation, had listened in speechless amazement to the -unfolding of a tale which would afford a subject for -winter evenings in the large, peasant spinning-rooms, for a -long time to come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Instead, you must prepare a grave to-morrow in the -church-yard at Lindhof," the forester called up to him; -"I will speak to the pastor about it afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He went again to the press, and looked at the -garments that had once enveloped the delicate limbs of the -gypsy maiden, and had evidently been adjusted with -great care, that they might recall the times when they -had been seen upon the beautiful Lila by the enraptured -eyes of her lover. Upon the floor of the press were -ranged shoes. The forester took up a pair of them; -they were scarcely longer than the width of his broad -hand,—only Cinderella's feet could ever have worn them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will take these to Elsie," he said, smiling, holding -them carefully between his forefinger and thumb, "she will -be surprised to find what a Liliputian her ancestress was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Ferber, after brushing the dust from the -mandolin, took it carefully under his arm, while Reinhard -closed the jewel-box and lifted it from the table by the -exquisitely wrought handle on the lid. Thus the three -men ascended the ladder again. Arrived at the top, all -the boards that they could procure were placed over the -opening, so as to afford a temporary protection from -wind and rain, and then they descended from their -perilous position upon the summit of the ruin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Below, the ladies had been awaiting them for some -time, in a state of great expectation, and were not a -little surprised at the strange procession that descended -the ladder. But not one word did they learn of what -had been seen or heard, until the whole party were once -more seated beneath the linden. Then Reinhard placed -the casket upon the table, described minutely the hidden -apartment and its contents, and, at last producing the -parchment, read again what we have already learned; -of course with far greater fluency than before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In breathless silence the ladies listened to these -outpourings of a passionate, burning heart. Elizabeth sat -pale and still; but when Reinhard came to the words -that suddenly threw such a glare of light upon the dim -past of her family, she started up, and her eyes rested in -speechless surprise upon the smiling face of her uncle, -who was observing her narrowly. Even Frau Ferber sat -for awhile after the reader had finished, fairly dumb with -amazement. To her clear, calm mind, accustomed to -reason carefully, this romantic solution of family -questions, which had been unanswered for centuries, was -almost incomprehensible. But Miss Mertens, to whom -the whole bearing of the discovery was explained by -Ferber, as she did not even know the story of the -foundling, clapped her hands above her head at such a -revelation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And does not this parchment give you a claim to your -inheritance?" she asked quickly and eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Undoubtedly," replied Ferber, "but how can we tell -in what that maternal inheritance consisted? The family -has died out, the very name of Gnadewitz is extinct. -Everything has passed into strange hands; who can tell -to what we may lay claim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, let all that rest," said the forester with decision; -"such matters cost money, and in the end we might come -into possession of only a few thalers. Oh no! let it go! -We have not starved yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth musingly took up the shoes which her uncle -had placed before her. The faded silk of which they were -made was torn here and there, and showed perfectly the -shape of the foot. They had been much worn, but not -apparently upon the soil of the forest; the soles showed -no traces of such contact; probably they had covered the -restless feet at the time of her imprisonment, "when she -fled madly through halls and corridors like some hunted -thing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha! Elsie, now we know where you got your slender -waist and those feet that trip over the sward, scarcely -bending the blades of grass," said her uncle. "You are -just such a forest-butterfly as your ancestress, and would -flutter just so against the bars of your cage if you were -shut up within locked doors; there is gypsy blood in your -veins were you ten times Gold Elsie and though your -skin is like a snowdrift. There, put on those things, you -will find that you can dance in them easily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh no, uncle," cried Elizabeth deprecatingly, "they -seem to me like sacred relics; I could not put them on -without fearing that Jost's fiery black eyes might -suddenly glare out at me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frau Ferber and Miss Mertens agreed with her, and the -former declared that in her opinion the press, with all that -it contained, ought to be carefully removed to some quiet, -dry place, where it might be preserved untouched as a -family relic until it fulfilled its destiny, which was to -decay with all else that is mortal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, with regard to the press, let it be as you say," -Reinhard here interposed; "but it seems to me that a -different fate should await these articles."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He opened the casket. The sunlight penetrating, its -interior came flashing back in a thousand sparkling -rays, dazzling the eyes that looked on. Reinhard took -out a necklace,—it was very broad, and of admirable -design.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"These are brilliants of the purest water," he explained -to the rest,—the necklace was set thick with precious -stones,—"and these rubies here must have gleamed -magnificently from the dark curls of the beautiful gypsy -girl," he continued, as he took two pins from their velvet -cushion with heads formed like lily-cups of red stones, -from which chains, set thick with rubies, fell like a -glittering little shower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth, smiling, held a costly agraffe above her forehead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so you think, Herr Reinhard," she said, "that -we should let all reverence for the past go, and -recklessly adorn ourselves with these jewels? What would -my white muslin dress say if I should some day introduce -it into such distinguished society?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The brilliants are exquisitely becoming to you," -replied Reinhard, smiling; "but to my mind a nosegay of -fresh flowers would be far more suitable with the white -muslin; and therefore I should advise that these precious -stones be transformed at the jeweller's into shining coin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ferber nodded assentingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! Reinhard," cried Miss Mertens, "do you think -these family jewels should be sold?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," he replied; "it would be both foolish and -sinful to let such capital lie idle. The stones alone must -be worth full seven thousand thalers, and then there are -these very fine pearls, and this wrought gold, which will -bring a very clever little sum besides."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zounds!" exclaimed the forester; "let them go then -on the spot,——See, Adolph," he continued more gently, -and rested his arm upon his brother's shoulder, "Heaven -has been kind to you here. Did I not tell you that -all would go smoothly with you in Thuringia, although -I never dreamed that eight thousand thalers were -waiting for you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For me?" cried Ferber with surprise. "Does it not -all belong to you as the elder?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None of that! What, in Heaven's name, should I do -with the trash? Am I to begin to invest capital in my -old days? I think I see myself at such work! I have -neither chick nor child in the world, hold an excellent -office,—and when my old bones fail me, there is a pension -for me, which, try as I may, I shall never be able to -spend. Therefore I resign my birthright in favour of the -girl with the golden hair and Ernst, the rogue, who shall -perpetuate our stock; I will not even have a mess of -lentil pottage in exchange, for Sabina says it is not good -with venison. Don't touch me!" he cried, with a comic -gesture of refusal, clasping his hands behind him, as Frau -Ferber, with tears in her eyes, came to him with -outstretched arms, and his brother would have remonstrated -with him. "It would be much better for you, sister-in-law, -to go and see about our coffee. It is really past -hearing! four o'clock and not a drop of the usual -refreshments, for the sake of which I dragged myself up here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He accomplished his aim in diverting from himself all -grateful acknowledgments. Frau Ferber hastened into -the house, accompanied by Elizabeth, and the others -laughed. The whole party were soon seated upon the -terrace, busy with the brown, fragrant beverage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes," said the forester, leaning comfortably back -in his chair; "I never thought, when I awoke this -morning, that I should lie down at night a Herr von -Gnadewitz. I shall gain a step in my profession, of -course, instantly; that yellow parchment, with its crooked -letters, has done for me in an instant what thirty years -of hard service have failed to accomplish. As soon as -his Highness arrives in L—— I shall make my best -bow, and introduce myself by my new name. Zounds! how -those people will stare!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A peculiar side glance was directed, as these words -were spoken, towards Elizabeth, and at the same moment -the speaker puffed away at his pipe so vigorously that -his face was quite concealed by a thick cloud of smoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Uncle," cried his niece, "say what you will, I know -that you can never intend to patch up again the shattered -crest of the Gnadewitzes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't see why not, 'tis a beautiful coat of arms, with -chevrons, stars——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a wheel covered with blood," interrupted -Elizabeth. "God forbid that we should swell the number -of those who revive the sins of their ancestors to prove -the antiquity of their race, and thus make nobility -ignoble,—nothing in the world seems to me more detestable. I -should think that all those who have been tortured and -hunted down in life by that pitiless, haughty race, would -arise, like accusing ghosts, from their graves, if the -name should ever be revived, beneath whose shelter such -oppression and tyranny existed for centuries. When I -compare the two fathers,—one seeking death like a coward, -never considering for an instant that his poor child had -the most sacred claims upon him; the other, a poor -servant, taking the outcast compassionately to his heart, -and bestowing upon it his own honest name,—then I know -well which was the noble, which name deserves to be -perpetuated. And think what sorrow that haughty race -has caused my poor, dear mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True enough, true enough," Frau Ferber declared -with a sigh—"in the first place, I owe to it a stormy, -unhappy childhood, for my mother was a beautiful, -amiable girl, whom my father married against the will of -his relatives, who could not forgive her ignoble -extraction. This misalliance was a source of endless -suffering and annoyance to my poor mother, for my father had -not sufficient strength of character to break with the chief -of the Gnadewitz family, and live only for his wife. This -weakness on his part was the cause of constant strife -between my parents, which I could not but be cognizant -of. And we"—here she held out her hand across the table -to her husband—"we can never forget all we had to -contend with before we could belong to each other. I would -not for the world return to the class who so often -ruthlessly stifle every warm, humane sentiment, that outward -rank and show may be preserved."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you never shall return, Marie," said her husband, -with a smile, as he pressed her hand. He glanced -mischievously at his brother, who was still puffing forth -immense clouds of smoke, while he was doing his best, -most unsuccessfully, to keep up the frown upon his -brow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! my fine plans," he sighed at last, with a comical -look of disappointment. "Elsie, you are a cruel, foolish -creature. You forget what a fine life we should lead, if I -had a position at court, and you were a fine lady. There, -does not that tempt you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth shook her head, smilingly, but most decidedly</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And who knows," added Miss Mertens, "but that, -before we could turn round, some noble knight, of -stainless lineage, would bear away from old Gnadeck our -high-born Elsie as his wife!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think I would go with him?" cried Elizabeth, -indignantly, her cheeks aglow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why not?—if you loved him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, never," replied the girl in a suppressed voice, -"not even if I loved him,—for I should then be all the more -wretched in the consciousness that the prestige of my -name had weighed heavier in the balance than my heart, -that in the eyes of that man all aspiration after spiritual -elevation and moral excellence was worthless in -comparison with a phantom, which the miserable prejudices -of men had tricked out with tinsel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frau Ferber gazed with surprise at her daughter, -whose face showed evident signs of deep emotion. The -forester, on the other hand, held his pipe firmly between -his teeth, and clapped his hands loudly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elsie, child of gold!" he cried at last, "give me your -hand! that's my brave girl! true metal, through and -through! Yes, I say, too, God keep me from swelling -the number of those who give up an honest name for the -sake of their own personal advantage. No, Adolph, we -will not cast scorn upon the parish register of the little -Silesian village where we were christened; we will go -on writing our names as they are written there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And as they have faithfully clung to us in joy and -sorrow for half a century," added Ferber with his quiet -smile, "I will keep this document for this fellow," and -he laid his hand upon little Ernst's curly head, "until -his judgment is clear and ripe. I cannot and must not -decide for him, but I trust I shall train him so that he will -prefer to carve out a path for himself by his own energy, -rather than to lie idly in the hot-bed of old traditions -and wrongs enjoying privileges which should be the -reward only of lofty endeavour. The Gnadewitzes in -their long career added nothing to the world, but took -much from it; let them moulder in their graves, and their -high-sounding, undeserved titles with them!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Selah!" cried the forester, knocking the ashes from his -pipe. "And now let us go," he said to his brother, "and -advise with the Lindhof pastor. A spot beneath the -beautiful lindens in our village church-yard seems to me -infinitely preferable to those three gloomy walls, within -which the mother of our line has lain for so long; and that -the 'dark, cold ground' may not touch her coffin, let us -have a grave built in the earth and closed with a tombstone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He departed, accompanied by Ferber and Reinhard, -and, whilst her mother and Miss Mertens were putting -the jewel-box away in a place of security, Elizabeth -climbed the ladder placed against the ruined jutty, -pushed aside the boards, and descended into the secret -chamber. A slender ray of the setting sun touched a ruby -pane in the little window and threw a bloody stain upon -the name "Lila," on the lid of the coffin. Elizabeth, with -head bowed and hands clasped, stood for a long while -beside the lonely bier, whereon that burning heart had -slept undisturbed since the moment when death had -stilled its wild beating and ended its sorrow. -Centuries had flown by, effacing, as if they had never -existed, all the transporting charm of that short life,—all -the stormy emotion which had worked its ruin,—and yet -the young heart that was throbbing restlessly in that -chamber of death beside that bier, fancied that the -emotions causing it to throb so wildly could never die.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xvii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The news of the occurrence at Gnadeck had reached -Lindhof Castle even before Reinhard returned thither. -The masons on their way home to the village had related -the wonderful story to a servant whom they met in the -park, and the tale had flashed like lightning from mouth -to mouth until it reached the boudoir of the ladies of the -castle, where it produced the effect almost of a bombshell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the favourite themes of the baroness had always -been her own infallibility with regard to blue blood. She -maintained that by means of a very delicate and sensitive -organization she could recognize the existence of this -life-giving stream even in people whose names she did not -know. It was thus only natural that she should be -able to detect immediately every noble drop happening -to flow in plebeian veins. She always had admitted -that "the little Ferber" had something distinguished in -her appearance in right of the noble descent of her mother. -But with regard to the forester, that delicate perception of -hers had been so much at fault that she had never dreamed -of acknowledging his bow except by an almost imperceptible -inclination of the head, which was all she deigned -to bestow upon people of so low a rank in life. Why, in -her noble rage at the rude blasphemer, who could forbid -his ward, Bertha, to attend the Bible-class at the castle, -she had often gone so far as to declare that she could -detect his low origin a hundred paces off. And this -was the man to bring to nought her reputation for -this keen perception of aristocracy! He was the -descendant of a lofty line,—the possessor of a name which, -centuries back, had glowed in all the light of feudal splendour!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To be sure, there was great consolation for her in the -thought that two centuries of ignoble marriages had -rendered the noble blood very difficult to recognize. She -declared as much very earnestly to Fräulein von Walde, -who, reclining upon her lounge, was observing the -baroness' agitation with a slight, rather contemptuous, -smile. Personal interest in Fräulein Ferber, or the more -unprejudiced mind of the younger lady, may have prompted -some little reproof to her cousin; at all events she lifted her -head and said quickly, not without a slight appearance of -irritation: "Pardon me, Amalie, but that is a mistake. -I know for a certainty that the wife of the forester's clerk -is not the only nobly-born person who has married into -the Ferber family. They have always been a fine, -remarkably intellectual race, whose personal advantages -have often conquered the prejudices of birth. I really do -not believe that there have been more plebeian marriages -in their family than can be found in the pedigree of the -Lessens, and you would hardly maintain that there is not -a drop of genuine noble blood in Bella's veins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A delicate colour flickered over the elder lady's faded -cheek, and the glance which she directed towards her -companion from beneath her half-closed eyelids, was -anything but gentle or amiable. A sickly smile still hovered -upon her lips. Since the previous day she had, to her -horror, frequently felt the ground tremble beneath her -feet. It was actually terrifying suddenly to meet with -contradiction in a quarter where for years she had found -only complete adherence and blind submission.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was, however, quite right in attributing the change -in Helene's demeanour not only to the "unhappy" -influence exercised upon her by her brother, but far more to -her own son, who had conducted himself so strangely -during the last few days. Helene's was, in reality, a -noble nature, capable of appreciating all that was lofty and -honourable, and animated by the purest desire for the good -and true; but she had been accustomed from childhood to -consider herself as the centre of the loving care and -attention of all around her. Notwithstanding her physical -infirmity, she had never known the bitterness of being -slighted. That she might forget her weakness, every -one around her made her the object of marked attention. -While she knew that she could never occupy a wife's -position, her heart, overflowing with tenderness, had -joyously welcomed a first love; and although, when -alone, she might bewail with tears the neglect of nature, -which had denied her the crowning joys of life, still she -possessed the blissful conviction that her love was -returned. Hollfeld's constant attentions, his frequent -sojourn at Lindhof, his continual expressions of tenderness, -were well calculated to plant this conviction ineradicably -in her mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he had appeared altered and constrained in -her presence, and neglected her in the most unaccountable -manner. She suffered greatly; her inner self revolted; -insulted feminine dignity, an irritation hitherto unknown, -and devoted affection, were all at war within her; she -was yet far from that height to which, early or late, every -noble nature attains: resignation and forgiveness. She -grew bitter and violent, and she manifested this change -less towards him who had caused her suffering than, by -way of indemnifying herself, towards those whose tyranny -she had endured for the sake of her love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld had been reading aloud to the ladies, when -the old waiting-maid of the baroness entered the room -upon some errand, and, before leaving, glibly narrated -the remarkable discovery at Gnadeck. If Helene's -eyes had not been riveted upon the lips of the speaker, -the change in her cousin's features could not have -escaped her. He listened breathlessly, with an expression -of the intensest delight. In passing from mouth to -mouth, the discovered jewels had come to be of "priceless -value," and the beautiful Lila's coffin was now pure -silver.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness also had not observed the striking change -in her son's sullen aspect; and in consequence of Helene's -reproof, very naturally darted at him an angry glance, -which was not seen by Fräulein von Walde. She was -greatly amazed to see him suddenly approach his -cousin. He smoothed the embroidered cushion beneath -her head, and pushed the bouquet of flowers in the vase -nearer to her, that she might more easily inhale their -fragrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Helene is quite right, mother," he said with a kindly -glance at his cousin, who replied by a happy smile. "You -should be the last to bring in question the nobility of that -family."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although the baroness was tortured by the thought -that those who had been so far beneath her, might now -be her equals,—nay, even rank considerably above her in -wealth; still she wisely suppressed the bitter retort that -rose to her lips, and contented herself with observing -that the whole story at present had altogether too much -the air of a legend or fable to be implicitly believed. For -her part, she should require the testimony of more -competent eye-witnesses than the two masons, before she -could consider it worthy of credit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A competent eye-witness was just passing beneath -the windows. It was Reinhard, who was returning from -the mountain. He smiled as his attendance upon -Fräulein von Walde was immediately required; for, from the -curious looks of the servant, he guessed that the story of -the discovery at Gnadeck had reached the castle, and -that information from him upon the subject was what the -ladies desired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At his entrance he was immediately assailed by Helene -with questions. He answered them in his usual calm -manner, and took a malicious pleasure in detecting the -keenest curiosity and the greatest irritation behind the -apparently careless and indifferent remarks and questions -of the baroness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And will the Ferbers venture to lay claim to the old -name on the strength of that scrap of parchment?" she -asked; taking a large dahlia from the vase of flowers, -and smelling it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should like to know who could dispute their claim," -replied Reinhard. "It only remains to be proved that -they are the descendants of Jost von Gnadewitz, and -that can be done at any moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lady leaned back in her large arm-chair, and -dropped her eyelids, as if she were weary or bored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed! and those treasures of Golconda, are they -really as priceless as Dame Rumour reports them to -be?" The tone of voice was meant to be contemptuous, but -Reinhard's practised ear detected with great satisfaction -that it betrayed great eagerness, and something like -secret anxiety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Priceless?" he repeated. "Well, in such cases so much -depends upon the estimation in which such things are -held by their possessors, that I can hardly judge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He might, we know, have told their value, but he -thought, rather ungallantly, that a little uncertainty would -prove a healthy excitement for the lady.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The examination would probably not have concluded -here, if Bella had not suddenly burst into the room with -her usual violence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mamma, the new governess has come," she cried, out -of breath, shaking back, with a toss of her head, the sandy -locks that had fallen over her forehead; "why, she is -uglier than Miss Mertens!" she went on, without taking -the least notice of Reinhard's presence. "She has a -bright red ribbon on her bonnet, and her mantilla is even -more old-fashioned than Frau von Lehr's. I won't go to -walk with her, you need not tell me to, mamma!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness put both hands to her ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My child, I pray you, for Heaven's sake, do not speak -so loud," she gasped; "your voice goes through and -through me; and what nonsense you talk! you will have -to walk out with Mademoiselle Jamin whenever I bid you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This reproof, uttered with considerable emphasis, causing -Bella to pout angrily while she secretly tore a piece -of the fringe from one of her mother's cushions, was -the result of what might have been called the period of -martyrdom that had followed Miss Mertens' departure. -The baroness had been forced to take upon herself the care -of Bella, and it was, as she declared, death to her nerves. -To Fräulein von Walde she always maintained that all -her trouble was in consequence of the defects of Miss -Mertens' educational system; but in the depths of her -soul she acknowledged, that her daughter strikingly -resembled in disposition the deceased Lessen,—among -whose characteristics an indomitable obstinacy and a -determined proclivity to a perpetual </span><em class="italics">dolce far niente</em><span>, -were the most prominent. She was, however, far from -admitting that any injustice had been done to Miss -Mertens; that person had been paid to educate her daughter, -and consequently should have known, without ever -acting in opposition to the mother's views, or reproving the -child, how to correct all her faults. Therefore, the glimpse -that she had just had perforce of Bella's character, was of -no advantage for the new governess; the unfortunate -French woman, with the gay ribbons on her bonnet, had -no presentiment of the joyless days that awaited her. -Just now, her arrival removed a weight from the mind -of the baroness, to whom nothing could have been less -desirable than a dispute at present between teacher -and pupil, and hence her rebuke of Bella's impertinent -remarks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The baroness arose and went to her apartments, accompanied -by her sullen daughter, to receive the stranger. -At the same time, Reinhard departed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you wish me to go on reading, Helene?" asked -Hollfeld, after the three had left the room. As he took -up the newspaper his manner was almost caressing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By and by," she replied with hesitation, looking at -him searchingly, with a kind of timid anxiety in her eyes. -"I should like to ask you, now that we are once more -alone together, to tell me what has changed you so during -these last few days. You know, Emil, that it pains me -deeply when you refuse to let me share in what delights -or troubles you. You know that it is not idle curiosity -which leads me to pry into your affairs, but a sincere and -heartfelt interest in your weal or woe. You see how I -suffer from your reserve. Tell me frankly if I have done -anything to make you think me unworthy of your confidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She stretched out her hands towards him as if in -entreaty. The gentle melancholy in the tones of her voice -would have melted a stone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld crushed and twisted the rustling newspaper -uneasily in his hands. He held down his head, and -avoided meeting the pure, frank gaze of the poor girl. -Any one with any knowledge of the world could not -have failed to perceive in his attitude, and in the restless -eyes that sought the ground, the crafty plotter endeavouring -to hit upon some device by which to deceive. To -Helene's innocent, loving eyes, the lofty figure, slightly -leaning forward, the face beneath the thick, light curls, -rather suggested a thoughtful Apollo.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will always have my confidence, Helene," he -broke silence at last. "You are indeed the only being -in the world in whom I can confide,"—Helene's eyes -sparkled at these words, the poor child was so proud of -the distinction,—"but there are obligations in life whose -existence we can hardly acknowledge to ourselves, far less -have the courage to confess to others."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fräulein von Walde sat upright, in eager expectation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am forced," Hollfeld continued, with a stammer, -"to adopt a certain resolution, and it has been weighing -heavily upon me for days."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked up to see what impression his words had made.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene seemed to have no suspicion of what he was -about to say, for she never changed her attitude, and -looked as if she would have read the words upon his lips. -He was therefore compelled to proceed without any -assistance from her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know, Helene," he slowly continued, "that for -the last year I have had constant trouble with my -housekeepers. They are continually leaving me, often without -warning even, and I have no way of ordering my domestic -affairs. The day before yesterday, the last one, who -only entered my house two weeks ago, declared she would -not stay. I cannot tell what to do about it; my house -is nothing but an annoyance to me under these -circumstances—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, you want to sell Odenberg?" Helene interrupted -him eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, that would be folly, for it is one of the finest -estates in Thuringia; but I am forced to find some other -way out of my troubles, and nothing is left for me -but—to marry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If some unseen and mysterious agency had suddenly -opened a yawning abyss at Helene's feet, her face -certainly could not have expressed more horror and -amazement than at this moment. She opened her white, -quivering lips, but no sound issued from them, and, entirely -incapable of concealing her pain, she covered her face -with her hands, and sank back among the cushions with -a low cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld hastened to her side, and took both her hands -in his.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Helene," he whispered, in a low, tender tone,—his -manner was perfect,—"will you let me speak and show -you how sore my heart is? You know only too well that -I love, and that this love will be my first and only one as -long as I live."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His tongue did not stammer over this odious lie; on -the contrary, it aided his plans with such insinuating -tones that the poor girl's heart was torn by a wild conflict -of emotions. If some good angel would only have -whispered to her to lift her eyes for one moment, she could -not but have been undeceived, for the look that -accompanied his protestations was utterly contemptuous as it -glanced at her crippled figure; and perhaps, in the first -moments of her indignation, she might have found strength -enough to have extricated herself from the snares of the -wily egotist. But her eyes were closed as if she would -shut out all the world, and revel only in the sound of -the voice which for the first time spoke of love to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Would to Heaven," he continued, "that I might follow -the dictates of my heart, and live for this love only, -for I desire nothing beyond the pleasure of constant -intercourse with you, Helene. But you know I am the last of -the Hollfelds and must marry. My sacrifice can be -lessened only in one way,—I must choose a wife who knows -you, and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O tell me quickly!" cried Helene, giving way to her -grief, while the tears burst from her eyes. "Your choice -is already made! I know it,—it is Cornelie!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Quittelsdorf?" he cried, with a laugh. "That -will-o'-the-wisp? No, I would far rather leave the -administration of my domestic affairs to the most repulsive -of housekeepers! What should I do without an enormous -income with such an extravagant, frivolous wife! Besides, -let me tell you most emphatically, my sweet Helene, my -choice is not yet made,—hear me, and do not weep so -violently, you break my heart; I must have a wife who -knows and loves you; a simple-hearted woman, of -genuine understanding, to whom I can say: my heart belongs -to another who never can be mine, be my friend and here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And do you imagine that any one could understand you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most certainly, if she loved me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I could not,—never, never!" She buried her face -in the cushions, sobbing convulsively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now an ugly frown appeared on Hollfeld's smooth -forehead. His lips were compressed, and for an instant -the colour left his cheeks. He was evidently very angry. -An expression of hatred lighted up the eyes that rested -upon the young creature who was unexpectedly rendering -his part so difficult to play. But he controlled himself, -and lifted her face with a light, caressing touch. The -poor thing trembled beneath his hypocritical contact, and -let her delicate head rest passively upon his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And would you then forsake me, Helene," he asked -sadly, "if I were compelled to fulfil so hard a duty? -Would you turn away and leave me lonely, with a wife -whom I did not love?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She raised her swollen eyelids, and from beneath them -broke a ray of inexpressible love. He had played his -part admirably, and that glance told him that the game -was in his own hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are now fighting the same battle," he continued, -"which I have struggled through during the last few days, -before I could arrive at any fixed determination. At first -the thought that any third person may interfere with our -relations to each other may well appall you, but I give -you my word that shall not be. Think, Helene, how -much more I can do for you; how much more truly I -can live for you then than now. You can come to me -at Odenberg. I will guard your every footstep, and -cherish you as the apple of my eye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld possessed very little intellect, but he had a -vast amount of cunning, which, as we see, served his turn -better than intellect could have done. His poor victim -flew into the net, her heart torn and bleeding, her force -of will utterly annihilated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will try to endure the thought," Helene at last -whispered almost inaudibly. "But what a being that woman -must be who could bear with me, and whom I might at -last learn to love like a sister! Do you know any such -lofty-minded, self-sacrificing creature?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have an idea,—it occurred to me just now quite -suddenly,—at present it is vague and unformed. After due -consideration I shall certainly unfold it to you. But you -must first be more composed, dear Helene. Think for a -moment. I place the choice of my future wife solely and -entirely in your hands. It depends upon you to approve -or condemn what I propose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And are you strong enough to pass your life with a -woman to whom you cannot give your love?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He suppressed a contemptuous smile, for Helene's eyes -were riveted upon his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can do all that I resolve to do," he answered; "and -to have you near me will give me strength.—But let -me entreat one favour of you,—say nothing as yet to my -mother of this important matter, as you know she wishes -to control everything and everybody, and I could not -now endure her interference. She will learn all soon -enough when I present my future wife to her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At any other time, this heartless, unfilial speech would -have disgusted Helene; but, at this moment, she scarcely -heard it, for every thought and feeling had been thrown -into the wildest uproar by the words, "future wife," -which suggested, in spite of the multitude of unhappy -wives, the idea of supreme contentment and bliss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, my God!" she cried, wringing in an agony of grief -the little hands that lay in her lap. "I always hoped -to die before this; I was not, indeed I was not so selfish -as to think you could lead a lonely life for my sake; but -I hoped that the necessarily short period of my life might -induce you to let this cup pass from me,—to wait until -my eyes should be closed upon my misery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Helene, what do you mean?" cried Hollfeld, still -controlling his temper with difficulty. "At your age, -who would think of dying? We will live—live, and in -time be, as I confidently hope, happy indeed. Think of -the matter, and you will see it all as I do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He pressed her hand affectionately to his lips, imprinted -a kiss upon her brow, for the first time,—took his hat, and -left the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside, as the door closed upon the suffering girl, -he gave full play to the expression of contempt that he -had so long suppressed, and which gave place only to a -look of self-satisfaction still more detestable. One hour -before, his heart had been filled with rage. His passion -for Elizabeth, fanned into a flame by her rejection of -his advances, had been a consuming fire, and had robbed -him of all his boasted self-control. But the idea of -marriage with the daughter of the forester's clerk had never -occurred to him,—such a thought would have seemed to -him insane. He had exhausted his ingenuity in -contriving plans to procure a return of affection from the -object of his passion. The late occurrence at Gnadeck -had given his thoughts another direction. Elizabeth was -now a most desirable match, noble and wealthy. No -wonder, then, that he exulted at the news, and -immediately formed the magnanimous resolution of honouring -the fair flower of Castle Gnadeck with an offer of -marriage. There was, of course, no doubt that she would -accept the offer, for although coquetry had led her to -reject his advances hitherto, she could not possibly pursue -such a line of conduct, in view of the brilliant prospect of -becoming the envied wife of Herr von Hollfeld. He was -so secure upon this point that not a cloud of distrust -darkened the horizon of his future. It was not only his -intense desire to possess Elizabeth that urged him on to -act as quickly as possible,—the thought, that as soon as -the discovery in the ruins became known, other suitors -would present themselves for the hand of Gold Elsie, -already so famous for her beauty,—this thought made his -blood boil in his veins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only one obstacle stood between him and the fulfilment -of his determination, and that was Helene. It was -not that he hesitated, through sympathy, at the thought -of how the fondly-loving girl would suffer,—he knew no -pity with regard to her,—but he was in dread lest too -hasty a marriage might cost him the inheritance which -he looked for from her. It was a case for prudence and -forethought. We have seen how, in cold blood, he made -use of the unhappy girl's deep and blind affection, and, -while pretending to submit to her decision the weightiest -questions concerning his future life, riveted the chain that -bound her to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he had left the room Helene tottered to the -door, and bolted it after him. And then she resigned -herself to utter despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They who have never known the hours of torture that -ensue upon the sudden hearing of some unexpected -misfortune,—hours when we would fain shriek out our -misery into the ears of the universe, and when, needing the -sympathy and support of others as never before, we are -driven, as by some evil spirit, to darkness and loneliness, -as though light and sound were deadly poison to our -wound,—they, we say, who have never known the -pangs that threaten to efface all the landmarks of a -previously harmonious inner life, will scarcely be able -to conceive that Helene sank down upon the floor, with -her little hands plucking wildly at her fair curls, and her -frail, diminutive form shivering as from a fever fit. She -had lived and breathed only in her absorbing affection for -this man. If a few gloomy looks, some slight neglect of -his, had sufficed to plunge her into the deepest melancholy, -and make her utterly careless of an event that would -once have wrung her sisterly affection to the very soul, -how much greater must her agony now be in the conviction -that she was about to lose him forever!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the wild chaos of thought filling her brain, she -was entirely incapable of one clear, decided conclusion. -The humiliating consciousness of her physical infirmities, -which caused her to be thrust out of an earthly -paradise; Hollfeld's confession of love to which she had -just listened, and which brought such infinite joy and -woe; a frantic jealousy of the woman, whoever she might -be, who was to stand beside him as a wife,—all these -emotions were seething in her mind, threatening to sever -the frail thread that bound together soul and body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was late, and night had already fallen, when she -admitted her anxious maid, and yielded to her entreaties -to retire to rest. She emphatically refused to see the -physician, sent word to the baroness, who asked to come -in to say good-night, that she could not be disturbed, -her need of rest was so great,—and then passed the -most wretched night of her life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She grew a little more quiet, that is, the fearful tension -of her nerves relaxed somewhat, when the first beam of -morning light pierced the curtains of her room. The -thin golden ray seemed to glide into her darkened soul, -and illumine thoughts which had hitherto been hidden in -the wild tumult of her mind. She began to believe that -Hollfeld's course was one of the purest self-sacrifice. -She had never been able to disguise or thrust from her -the haunting conviction that his marriage might one day -become an imperative necessity, and she could not fail to -be conscious that her idea of his waiting until she should -be no more had never occurred to him. Was not his -sacrifice great? Loving her, and her only, he must belong -to another; ought she to make the performance of a -sacred duty difficult for him by her grief? He had asked -her to tread a thorny path with him. Should she draw -back like a coward when he set her such an example of -strength and endurance? And if another woman could -be found content with friendship instead of love, should -she allow herself to be outdone in self-renunciation?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In feverish haste she rang the bell by her bedside, and -summoned her maid. Yes, she would be strong; but -she was conscious that only entire certainty could give -her courage and the power of endurance; she must -know, as soon as possible, the name of the woman whom -Hollfeld thought capable of undertaking so hard a part -in life. She had passed before her, in review, every -unmarried woman of her acquaintance, but had rejected -on the instant each and all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hour had not yet arrived at which she was accustomed -to take breakfast with the baroness and Hollfeld; -her brother always avoided this early meeting of his -household, but she could not remain in her lonely room, -and, as she was greatly exhausted, was pushed in her -wheeled chair into the dining-room. To her surprise, -she heard from one of the servants that the baroness had -gone to walk half an hour previously,—a very strange -piece of news, but one that she was most glad to learn, -for just as she was wheeled into a recess of one of the -windows she discovered Hollfeld pacing to and fro upon -the lawn without. He seemed to have no suspicion that -he was observed. His fine, manly figure moved with -elastic grace. Now and then he put a cigar to his lips -with evident enjoyment, and the delicate aroma floating -through the air reached Helene at her window. At first -the little lady was painfully impressed by his unusually -gay and cheerful expression; she could not but confess to -herself that youthful exuberance of spirits, love of life, -and an unwonted exhilaration of mind were manifest in -his every look and motion, even in the half-unconscious -smile that now and then parted his lips, discovering his -wonderfully white teeth. There was no trace there of -those struggles which she had passed through during the -night; he certainly did not look much like the victim of -an inexorable combination of circumstances. But was -not his self-possession the result of great mental force -and a strong manly will? He must have reached a -height almost too lofty for human nature to attain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little lady's brow contracted in a frown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emil!" she cried loudly, almost harshly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld was evidently startled, but in a second he -stood beneath her window, and waved a "good-morning" -to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" he cried, "are you there already? May I -come up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," she replied more gently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And in a few moments he entered the room. Helene -had reason to be better pleased with his present air and -manner; there was an expression of great gravity upon -his countenance as he threw his hat upon the table and -pushed a chair close to her side. Taking both her hands -tenderly within his own, he gazed into her face, and really -seemed struck by her ashy cheeks and the lustreless eyes -that met his.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You look ill, Helene," he said pityingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you wonder at it?" she asked, with a bitterness -that she was unable to conceal. "Unfortunately I am -denied the gift of such perfect self control as could enable -me in a few hours after a crushing experience to look -forward with content and gaiety to the future. I envy you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are unjust, Helene," he replied quickly, "if you -judge me from my exterior. Is it the part of a man to -whine and cry when he submits to the inevitable?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You certainly do not seem inclined to any such course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was provoked beyond measure. The puny, little -creature at his side, who, with her crippled figure, ought -to be thankful to God if a man could so far control -himself as not to treat her with absolute rudeness and -aversion, and who had previously been so grateful for the -smallest attention, had suddenly taken upon herself to -reprove him! Although he had done all he could to inspire -her with faith in his ardent love for her, in his soul he -thought it showed a measureless vanity in the child to -imagine herself capable of inspiring any man with such -a passion, and with great irritation he acknowledged to -himself that in her case he had to contend with most -determined obstinacy and disgusting sentimentality. It cost -him great pains to control himself, but he even -accomplished a melancholy smile, which became him infinitely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When I tell you of the cause of my cheerful looks -you will repent your reproaches," he said. "I was just -picturing to myself the moment when I could go to your -brother and say, 'Helene has decided to live in my family -for the future,' and I cannot deny that the thought gave -me satisfaction, for he has always regarded my love for -you with an eye of disfavour."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They say Love is blind, but in most cases he closes his -eyes voluntarily; knowing that perfect vision would kill -him, he fights desperately against annihilation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene did her best to reconcile what he said with his -previous appearance, and succeeded excellently. With a -deep sigh she held out her hand to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe and have faith in you," she said fervently. -"The loss of this faith would be my death-blow. Ah, -Emil, you must never, never deceive me, not even -although you think it would be for my good. I would -rather learn the harshest truth than harbour the faintest -suspicion that you were not perfectly true to me. I -have had a terrible night, but now I am composed, and -I beg you to tell me more of what you spoke of yesterday. -I am but too sure that I shall not regain entire self-command -until I know with certainty who it is that is to -stand between us. At present she is a phantom, and in -her unreality lies the cause of the tormenting anxiety that -is consuming me. Tell me the name, Emil, I entreat you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld's eyes sought the ground. Affairs just then -did not look very promising.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know, Helene," he began at last, "that I -hesitate to discuss this subject with you to-day? You are -greatly agitated. I am afraid that such a conversation -will make you ill. And, as I must say that the project -which I spoke of yesterday seems more and more feasible -to me the more I ponder it, I fear much lest in your -agitation you should overlook its great advantages."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed I will not!" cried Helene, as, sitting upright -she riveted her unnaturally bright eyes full upon him. -"I have overcome myself, and am ready to submit to the -inevitable. I promise you I will be thoroughly impartial; -as impartial as if I—did not love." She blushed as the -confession escaped her for the first time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then," said Hollfeld, with hesitation,—he could -not quite master his emotion,—"what do you think of the -young girl of Castle Gnadeck?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elizabeth Ferber?" cried Helene, in the greatest -astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elizabeth von Gnadewitz," he hastily corrected her. -"The sudden change in her social position first suggested -the girl to me. Hitherto I have scarcely noticed her, -except that her modest demeanour and the repose of her -countenance impressed me favourably."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! did you see nothing to admire in that lovely, -wondrously-gifted creature, except repose and a modest -demeanour?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, yes," he replied, with an air of indifference, "I -remember that several times, when you were provoked -at some mistake that you had made, she never altered a -muscle, but patiently went over the passage with you -again and again, until you were perfect in it. That -pleased me. I believe her to possess great equanimity -of mind, and that is the characteristic that my wife will -need above all others. I know, too, that she fairly adores -you, and that is the chief consideration. Besides, she has -been educated in the strictest economy, her requirements -will be few, and she will readily assume her right -position with regard to you and me. I believe that she has -a certain amount of tact, and she has been notably -brought up,—a great advantage to——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene had sunk back upon her pillows, and covered -her eyes with her hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," she cried, sitting up once more, and -interrupting his eager flow of panegyric,—"not that poor, -darling child! Elizabeth deserves to be truly loved."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A loud and sudden howl here caused her to give a -little cry of fright. Hollfeld had just stepped upon the -paw of his pointer, Diana, who had accompanied him -into the room, and was lying stretched out at her -master's feet. The interruption was most welcome to -him,—for Helene's last words sounded to him so comical, in -connection with his own vehement desires, that he could -hardly restrain his laughter. He opened the door and -sent the limping brute from the room. When he -returned to the young girl he was all grave composure -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we will both love the girl, Helene," he said -with apparent indifference, as he resumed his seat. Helene -was in a state of too great excitement to notice the -flippancy of his tone and manner. "Let her only leave you -the first place in my affections. She must do that. She -certainly has enough coolness and presence of mind; she -testified those qualities abundantly the day she saved -Rudolph's life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, how?" cried Helene, opening wide her eyes in -amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The servant, who had on the previous day involuntarily -let slip some mention of the occurrence in the forest, had, -in terror at his oversight, instantly refrained from all -further particulars relating to it, simply asserting that -the bullet intended for Herr von Walde had fortunately -fallen wide of its mark. Hollfeld had heard the exact -account of the murderous attempt only an hour before -from the gardener. Elizabeth's fearless conduct -naturally lent her a new charm in his eyes, and goaded afresh -his desire to win her as soon as possible. He related -the story, which he had just heard, to Helene, concluding -his account by saying: "You now have one more reason -to love the girl, and her conduct strengthens my -conviction that she is the only one whom I should select."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was his last round of ammunition. He stroked -back the hair from his brow with his delicate white hand, -and from beneath it narrowly and eagerly watched the -little lady, whose head was so sunk amid the pillows that -only her profile was visible. The tears were gushing -from her closed eyelids; she said not a word; perhaps -she was struggling with herself for the last time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But why did it never occur to her that Elizabeth might -fail to accede to Hollfeld's wishes? Any loving woman -can answer this question for herself, if she will only -reflect that the loving heart believes the object of its -passion irresistible, and learns with difficulty that all the -world does not share its conviction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The silence, which began to be painful, was interrupted -by the return of the baroness from her walk. Helene -started, and quickly dried her tears. With evident -impatience she submitted to the caresses with which the lady -overwhelmed her, replying in monosyllables to the tender -inquiries with regard to her health.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah!" cried the baroness, as she shook the scarf from -her shoulders and left it in her son's hands, while she -sank clumsily into an arm-chair. "How very warm I -am! That path up the mountain is terrible! No power -upon earth shall take me over it again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you go up the mountain, mother?" asked -Hollfeld incredulously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, yes; you know the physician prescribed an -early morning walk for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes; but that was so many years ago, and I -thought you always maintained that the trouble with -your heart made any such exercise impossible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Still, everything ought to have a fair trial," replied -his mother, a little embarrassed, "and as I could not -sleep last night, I determined to try once more; but it -will do no good,—I have just had fresh cause for -vexation. Only think, Helene, just outside in the gravel walk -I met Bella with her new governess,—would you believe -it, the woman had the impertinence to let the child walk -by her left side! And she looks, too, like a perfect -simpleton. I was really angry, and defined her position to -her as clearly as I could. But tell me yourself, is it not -hard that I cannot even attempt to refresh myself with -a walk without encountering what makes me miserable -and ill?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as she leaned her forehead in a melancholy -manner upon her hand, she discovered that the false curls -upon her temples had been pushed considerably awry -by her bonnet. She arose hastily, and begged for a -little time before breakfast that she might arrange her -dress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the way," she said carelessly, turning round to -her son and cousin as she reached the door, while she set -her bonnet firmly upon the rebellious front, "that fellow, -Reinhard, imposed upon us finely yesterday. I accidentally -encountered the forester's clerk, Ferber, up there -near the ruins,—I congratulated him——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! now I understand the ascent of the mountain!" Hollfeld -interrupted his mother ironically. "And you -actually spoke to the man, mother?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! now there is no reason why I should not. The -jewels principally interested me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you wish to buy them?" asked her son contemptuously, -remembering the constant ebb in her finances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hardly," she replied with an angry glance; "but I -have always had a perfect passion for precious stones; -and if your father had not died so suddenly, I should -now have had a charming set of diamonds, which he had -promised me, and you would have been six thousand -thalers the poorer. But to return to the discovered jewels. -Ferber told me just what they were, and, when I asked -him, frankly replied that they would bring about eight -thousand thalers,—that is what that fellow, Reinhard, -calls inestimable wealth. Once more adieu for a few -minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The contemptuous smile disappeared from Hollfeld's -face, as he listened to his mother's words, and gave -place to a decided expression of disappointment; he had -suddenly experienced a sensation like the shock of a -shower-bath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely was the door closed behind the baroness, when -Helene aroused herself from her apparent apathy, and -stretched out both hands to Hollfeld.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emil," she said quickly, in a low voice, with trembling -lips, "if you succeed in gaining Elizabeth's love, and -I cannot doubt that you will, I agree to your plan, but I -must always live with you at Odenberg."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course," he replied, although with some hesitation; -his voice had lost its former decision of tone, "but let me -warn you that you will have to resign many luxuries. -My income is not large, and as you have just heard, -Elizabeth has nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She shall not come to you poor, Emil,—rely upon -that," the little lady rejoined in a tender voice, and with -eyes unnaturally bright. "From the moment she promises -to be yours I regard her in the light of a sister; I -will share faithfully with her, and will instantly make -over to her the rents of my estate of Neuborn, in Saxony; -I will talk to Rudolph about it as soon as he returns, -and when death closes my eyes, all that I possess will -be hers and yours. Are you content with me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are an angel, Helene," he cried; "you shall never -repent your magnanimity,—your generous devotion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And this time there was no dissimulation in his -delight, for the rents of Neuborn made Elizabeth a very -wealthy bride.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xviii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVIII.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Two days had passed since the morning upon which -Helene had, as she thought, won such a victory over -herself, and had been convinced that the conflict within her -would be quieted by absolute certainty. But she had -been far from fathoming the depths of her sentiments; -she had snatched at a straw in the whirling flood, and it -had afforded her not one instant's support. Only two -days!—but they outweighed in suffering her whole -previous life. She constantly repeated to herself that the -long desired repose that she had dreamed of was close at -hand, and yet she shuddered at the thought of the time -that must intervene before death should bring her release, -with the same horror with which the sceptic looks -forward to the moment of dissolution. She became distinctly -aware that her promise to pass her days at Odenberg -converted her remaining years into a period of -superhuman self-sacrifice, and yet, for worlds, she would not -have retracted one iota of all that she had vowed to -Hollfeld. She would be worthy of his love. No -sacrifice was too great that was rewarded by his esteem. -Poor dupe!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her nerves suffered intensely during this protracted -mental conflict. She had constant fever, and could -scarcely sleep at all. The subject that occupied her -whole mind was constantly hovering upon her lips, but -she refrained from all mention of it in accordance with -Hollfeld's request. He had also entreated her to forego -Elizabeth's society for a few days; he feared that, in her -agitation, she might stand in the way of his wishes. He -himself had already taken the first steps towards a -continuation of his pursuit of Elizabeth. He had twice -presented himself at Gnadeck at the gate in the wall, to -make inquiries after the health of the "von Gnadewitzes," -but although he had nearly pulled off the bell-handle the -door had not been opened. The first time no one had -been in the house, and upon the last occasion Elizabeth -had observed him coming. Her parents had gone with -little Ernst to the Lodge, and Miss Mertens had agreed -to Elizabeth's idea of not admitting the unwelcome -visitor. They sat together in the dwelling-room, laughing, -while the little bell rang till it was quite hoarse. Of -the conspiracy against his admission the visitor of course -had no suspicion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was seven o'clock in the morning; Helene was -already lying dressed upon her lounge, she had passed -a restless, sleepless night. The baroness was still in bed, -and Hollfeld had not yet made his appearance; but -the little lady could not be alone, and therefore her maid -was sitting sewing in the room. Her replies to Helena's -remarks were unheard by the poor sufferer, but there was -something soothing in the mere sound of a human voice -after her wretched, lonely night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The noise of an approaching carriage was heard. -Helene opened the window and leaned out. Her brother's -travelling carriage was just driving up the sweep, its -wheels sinking deep in the smooth gravel; but it was -empty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is your master?" Helene cried out to the -coachman, as the vehicle passed beneath her window.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My master got out at the entrance of the park road," -the old man replied, taking off his hat, "and is coming -home on foot over the mountain, past Castle Gnadeck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little lady shut the window, and shivered as though -she were cold; the single word "Gnadeck" had acted upon -her nerves like an electric shock. Every word that -brought Elizabeth to her mind produced the same effect -upon her that one's imagination would experience from -some sudden apparition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She arose, and leaning upon the arm of her maid, went -down to her brother's apartments. She ordered -breakfast to be served in the room opening with glass doors -upon the grand staircase, and seated herself in an -armchair to await the traveller's return. She took up one of -the gorgeously bound books that were lying about, and -mechanically turned over the leaves; but, although her -eyes rested upon the engravings that filled its pages, -she could not have told whether it were portrait or -landscape that lay open before her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After she had waited half an hour, her brother's tall -form appeared behind the glass door. The book slipped -from her lap as she held out her hands to welcome him. -He seemed surprised at this reception; but he was -evidently much pleased at finding his sister alone and glad -to see him. He hurried towards her, but started in alarm -at a nearer view of her face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you feel worse, Helene?" he asked with anxious -tenderness, as he seated himself beside her. He put -his arm around her and raised her head a little, that he -might see her face more closely. There was so much -kindness and caressing sympathy in his accent and -manner that suddenly it was as if the warm air of spring -breathed over her heart, that had been as it were -congealed with pain. Two large tears rolled down her -cheeks as she leaned her head upon her brother's -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has not Fels been to see you while I have been -away?" he asked anxiously. The little lady's aspect -evidently caused him great alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. I gave express orders that he should not be -sent for. I am taking the drops that he prescribed for -my nervous attacks, and he can do nothing more for me. -Don't be concerned, Rudolph, I shall be better soon. You -have had a sad time at Thalleben?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," he answered, but his eyes still rested anxiously -upon his sister's altered features. "Poor Hartwig died -before I arrived; he suffered fearfully. He was buried -yesterday afternoon. You would scarcely know his unfortunate -wife, Helene; this blow has added twenty years to her life!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He imparted to her some further particulars -concerning the sad event, and then passed his hand across -his eyes, as though desirous of banishing from his mind -all the trouble and sorrow that he had witnessed during -the last few days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, and is all going on here as usual?" he asked -after a short pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not quite," Helene replied with some hesitation. -"Möhring left us yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Heaven speed him! I am glad that I escaped -a final interview with him. Well, I have one more -enemy in the world, but I cannot help it; he belongs to -a class of men whom I despise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And at Gnadeck a piece of good fortune has befallen -the Ferbers," Helene continued in an unnaturally quiet -voice, averting her face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The arm-chair in which she was sitting was suddenly -pushed aside by the arm upon which her brother had been -leaning. She did not look up, and therefore could not -see the livid pallor that overspread his face for a moment, -while his quivering lips essayed twice to frame the simple -monosyllable "Well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene related the story of the ruins, to which her -brother listened breathlessly. Every word that she spoke -seemed to lift a weight from his heart, but he never -dreamed how it cut into the very soul of the narrator -like a two-edged sword, and that all this was only the -prelude to her announcement of the terrible sacrifice that -she was about to make.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is, indeed, a most wonderful solution of an old -riddle," he said, when Helene had finished. "But I -question whether the family will think it great good -fortune to belong to the von Gnadewitz race."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! you think so," Helene interrupted him quickly, -"because Elizabeth has always spoken so slightingly of -the name. I cannot help, however, in such cases, thinking -of the fable of the fox and the grapes." She spoke these -last words with cutting severity. Her passionate -excitement and agitation had brought her to the point of -denying her nobler nature and of attributing mean motives to -one who had never injured her, and whom, in cooler -moments, she knew to be all purity and honour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An expression of intense amazement appeared upon -Herr von Walde's countenance. He stooped and looked -keenly into his sister's averted face, as if to convince -himself that her lips had actually spoken such harsh words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just at this moment Hollfeld's large hound rushed up -the staircase and into the room, where he made two or -three playful bounds, and then vanished again at the -sound of a shrill whistle from the lawn without. His -master was passing by, who apparently did not know -of Herr von Walde's return, or he would certainly have -appeared to welcome him. He walked on quickly, -and turned into the path that led up the mountain to -Gnadeck. Helene's gaze followed the retreating form -until it was lost to sight, and then, clasping her hands -convulsively, she sank back in her chair. It seemed as if -for a moment all strength failed her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Waldo poured a little wine into a glass, and -held it to her lips. She looked up gratefully, and tried to -smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not yet at the end of all I have to tell," she -began again, rising from her half-reclining position. "I -am like all novelists,—I reserve my most interesting -facts until the last." She could not hide her struggle for -firmness and composure beneath the mask of playfulness -which she attempted to assume in these words. Her gaze -was riveted upon the trees outside the window, as she -said: "A happy event is about to take place among -us,—Emil's betrothal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had certainly expected some instant expression of -astonishment from her auditor, for, after a moment's -silence, she turned around to him in surprise. His brow -and eyes were covered by his hand, and the uncovered -portion of his face was deadly pale. At Helene's touch -he dropped his hand, arose hastily, and went to the open -window, as if for a breath of fresh air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you ill, Rudolph?" she cried, with anxiety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A passing faintness, nothing more," he replied, again -approaching her. His face looked strangely altered as he -walked several times up and down the room, and then -resumed his seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I told you of Emil's approaching betrothal, Rudolph," -Helene began again, emphasizing each word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard you," he replied mechanically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you approve this step on his part?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is no affair of mine. Hollfeld is his own master, -and can do as he pleases."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe his choice is made. If I dared, I would -tell you the young girl's name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no need to do so. It will be time enough to -hear it when the banns are published in church."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His expression was icy; the tone of his voice sounded -rough and harsh; the blood seemed to have forsaken his -cheeks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rudolph, I implore you not to be so rough," Helene -begged, in a tone of entreaty; "I know that you are no -friend to much speaking, and I am accustomed to your -laconic replies; but now you are too cold and silent, just, -too, when I have a request to make of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me what it is; am I to have the honour of -playing the part of groomsman to Herr von Hollfeld?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene recoiled at the bitter contempt expressed in -these words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You do not like poor Emil, it is more evident to-day -than ever before," she said reproachfully, after a little -pause, during which Herr von Walde had arisen and -traversed the room with hasty steps; "I entreat you -earnestly, dear Rudolph, listen to me patiently; I must -talk over this matter with you to-day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He folded his arms and stood still, leaning against a -window-frame, whilst he said briefly: "You see I am -ready to listen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The young girl," she began, with a hesitation which -was the result less of her own internal agitation than of -her brother's icy demeanour, "the young girl whom Emil -has selected is poor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very disinterested on his part; proceed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emil's income is not large."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The poor man has only ten thousand a year; starvation -in his case seems unavoidable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused, evidently surprised. Her brother never -exaggerated; the sum, then, which he had mentioned, must -be correct to a farthing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, he may be wealthier than I thought," she went -on after a short pause; "that is not the question at -present; his choice is a girl who is very dear to me, very -dear." What effort this cost her! "She has done what -must forever fill my sisterly heart with gratitude." Herr -von Walde unfolded his arms, and drummed with -such force upon the window-pane with the fingers of -his left hand, that Helene thought the glass would be -broken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She will be as a sister to me," she continued, "and I -do not wish that she should come into Hollfeld's house -without a dowry. I desire to make over to her the rents -of Neuborn. May I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The estate belongs to you,—you are of age. I have -no right either to consent or refuse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes, Rudolph, you are my next of kin, and -should inherit all that I have. Then I may be sure of -your consent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly so, if you really think it necessary——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, thank you, thank you!" she interrupted him, -extending to him her hand. But he did not seem to notice -it, although he was looking fixedly at her. "You are not -angry with me for this?" she asked, anxiously, after a -few moments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am never angry when you are striving to make -others happy. You must remember how I have always -encouraged and assisted you in such efforts. But here I -do think you are in too great haste. You seem to me -very ready to plunge that young creature into misery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She started up as though a viper had stung her. "That -is a cruel accusation!" she cried. "Your prejudice against -poor Emil, which is founded, Heaven only knows upon -what, leads you beyond all bounds. You know the man -far too slightly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know him far too well to wish to know him any -better. He is a dishonourable villain, a miserable fellow -of no character, by whose side a woman, let her claims -for honour and uprightness in a man be ever so small, -must be wretched. Woe to the poor creature when she -finds him out!" His voice trembled with suppressed -pain; but Helene heard in it only anger and violence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh Heavens! how unjust!" she cried, raising her -tearful eyes to the ceiling. "Rudolph, you are committing -a great sin. What has poor Emil done to you, that -you should persecute him so unrelentingly?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must a man be personally aggrieved in order to -estimate correctly another's character?" he asked, angrily. -"My child, you have been grossly deceived; but your eyes -are blinded. The time will come when you will acknowledge -it with shame. If I should try to remove this cup -of suffering from your lips, it would avail nothing; you -would repulse me, seeing in me only a barbarian treading -under foot all your holiest affections. You force me -to leave you to pursue your path alone, until the -moment when you will fly to me for consolation and succour. -My heart will always be open to you; but what will -become of that other, bound irrevocably to her dreadful -fate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He went into the next room, and locked the door after -him. For awhile Helene sat as if paralyzed,—then she -arose with difficulty, and supporting herself by the walls -and the furniture, left the apartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her soul was filled with bitterness, almost with hatred, -towards her brother, who had to-day roughly and -ruthlessly handled all that she had tenderly encircled with -the most delicate fibres of her heart. That heart was -well nigh broken as she called vividly to mind the -self-sacrifice which her lover proposed. She seemed to herself to -have already wronged him deeply in allowing such terrible -abuse of him to fall upon her ears. He should never, -never learn how her brother's prejudices had carried him -away. No sacrifice, not the greatest, would now be -sufficient to atone for the injustice which he was forced -unconsciously to endure. And since her brother had so -openly declared his opinion of Hollfeld, she would not -allow that he should longer share the hospitality of -Lindhof. She would herself request him to return to -Odenberg, of course suppressing her reason for such a -request. But first his engagement to Elizabeth should -be concluded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Occupied with these thoughts, she entered the dining-room, -and when Hollfeld appeared shortly afterward, she -received him with a quiet smile, and announced to him -that her brother, without even hearing the name of the -future bride, had approved of her resolution with regard -to her dowry. She desired to see Elizabeth now as -soon as possible, and Hollfeld, greatly rejoiced to observe -her repose of manner, assented. It was agreed that the -interview should take place at four o'clock that afternoon, -in the pavilion. Hollfeld left the room to despatch a -servant to Gnadeck with a request, in Helene's name, -to that effect. How surprised the little lady would have -been, could she have heard it expressly enjoined upon the -servant to name three, as the appointed hour, while the -butler was ordered to have everything arranged in the -pavilion at that time!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xix"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIX.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When the servant from Lindhof rang the bell at the -gate in the wall, Elizabeth was sitting in the hall. She -was weaving a long garland of evergreens and ivy, and -Miss Mertens, sitting beside her, had in her hand a -half-finished wreath of asters. The grave had been made -ready in the Lindhof church-yard, and in the afternoon, -between five and six o'clock, the leaden coffin containing -the mortal remains of the beautiful Lila was to be -consigned to the earth. If Jost's dreaded eyes could have -gazed upon his lovely descendant, they would certainly -have beamed with a mild and tender light to see her -engaged in preparing an offering of fresh flowers and green -vines with which to adorn the bier of his idolized love.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After consulting her mother, Elizabeth accepted the -invitation, all the more willingly as it referred only to "an -hour's talk." Soon after the servant's departure, -Reinhard appeared. He looked very grave, and told Miss -Mertens that his master had returned from Thalleben in -the strangest state of mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He must have been greatly shocked by the misery -that he witnessed in the desolate home," he remarked, -"for I really do not recognize my kind master. I had -several unavoidable communications to make to him, but -I saw that I spoke in vain; he did not listen, but sat -opposite me, looking utterly crushed, evidently lost in the -most painful reflections. He started up hastily when I -began at last to tell him of our discovery up here in the -ruins, and interrupted me angrily with 'I have heard -all about that matter already; I pray you leave me -alone.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Miss Mertens plainly perceived that Reinhard was -really wounded by Herr von Walde's manner towards him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dear friend," she said soothingly, "in moments of -great mental suffering we either are not aware of the -external world, or the consciousness of it increases our pain; -we cannot endure that all around us should pursue its -customary course while all within has received such a -shock, a shock that we cannot recover from. Herr von -Walde was doubtless warmly attached to his unfortunate -friend, and—but, good Heavens! Elizabeth, what are you -doing?" she interrupted herself, "do you really think that -looks well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She pointed to the garland. In fact, whilst Reinhard -had been speaking Elizabeth had, with trembling hands, -picked up two or three large dahlias and woven them -into her graceful green wreath. She now looked down, -and was aware for the first time of what she had been -doing. The poor flowers were instantly torn from the -soft green pillow where they had laid their heavy heads -so comfortably, and treated with as much severity as if -they had insisted on going where they were not wanted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three o'clock had long since struck in the Lindhof -church-tower when Elizabeth hurried down the mountain. -Her uncle had detained her in conversation; he was -provoked that she had accepted the invitation. "For," he -said, and with some justice, "surely the poor creature -whom we consign to her resting-place to-day deserves -that we should consecrate at least one day to her -memory." He had no idea of what was passing in the heart -of his niece. He did not dream that for the last few days -his darling had counted the hours which must pass before -she could think, "He is at home again;" and, to his -vexation, his usually obedient child slipped from him and -vanished through the garden gate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her feet scarcely touched the ground. She hoped by -walking quickly to overtake the time which she had lost, -and could have cried, when her thin dress caught upon a -bramble, and could only be extricated by patience and -skill. At last, almost out of breath, she reached the -pavilion. Both of the folding-doors were open; the room -was still empty. Upon the table stood a salver of -refreshments, and Helene's corner of the sofa was arranged -for her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much relieved, Elizabeth entered, and was leaning -against one of the opposite windows which looked out -upon some tall shrubbery, when she heard, a slight noise -behind her. Hollfeld had hitherto been concealed by one -of the open folding-doors, and he now approached her. -She turned to leave the apartment without even honouring -the object of her aversion by a look; but he placed -himself in her path, although his manner was no longer -insolent,—on the contrary, it was respectful and even -submissive, as he assured her that the ladies would appear -directly. Elizabeth looked up surprised; there was not -in his voice the faintest trace of that impertinent tone -that had so irritated and outraged her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I give you my word that Fräulein von Walde will be -here in one moment!" he repeated, as she again attempted -to reach the door. "Is my presence, then, so disagreeable -to you?" he added more gently, with a tinge of sadness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Most assuredly it is," Elizabeth replied coldly and -decidedly; "if you will remember your late conduct -towards me, you will know that to be left one moment -alone with you must be odious to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How stern and implacable that sounds! Must, then, -my punishment for my thoughtless jest be so severe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I advise you, in future, to be more prudent in your -choice of those with whom you wish to jest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good Heavens! I see now that it was a mistake; I -regret my impetuosity, but how could I dream——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That any respect was due to me?" Elizabeth -interrupted him, with flashing eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no!——, I never doubted that!—Heavens! how -angry you can be! But I could not possibly know that -you possessed the right to claim more, far more, than -mere respect."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth looked at him inquiringly; she evidently did -not understand him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can I do more than sue on my knees for pardon?" -he continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It shall be granted upon condition that you leave me -instantly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What cruel obstinacy! I should be a fool indeed to -lose this precious moment. Elizabeth, I have told you -already that I love you ardently,—that I am dying of -love for you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I am quite aware of having distinctly told you -that it is a matter of utter indifference to me." She began -to tremble, but her glance was, nevertheless, firm and -composed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elizabeth, do not drive me to extremities!" he cried -in great agitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would especially request you to remember the common -rules of politeness, which require us not to address -strangers by their Christian names."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are a very imp of coldness and malice!" he cried, -now trembling with rage. "Well, I grant that there is some -show of reason for your irritation with me," he added, -controlling himself by an effort; "my conduct towards -you has not been what it should be, but I will atone for -it abundantly. Listen to me quietly for one moment, and -you will relax your severity. I offer you my hand. You -must know that I can give a brilliant position, as far as -rank and wealth are concerned, to my future wife."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked down at her with a smile of triumph. It -was so natural that his lovely opponent should be -paralyzed with joyful surprise at this unexpected disclosure -of his intentions; yet, strange to say, the result that he -anticipated did not ensue. Elizabeth stood proudly erect, -and retreated a pace or two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I regret this, Herr von Hollfeld," she said with quiet -dignity. "You might have spared yourself this humiliating -moment. After all that I have hitherto said to you, -I scarcely comprehend what you have just declared. Since -you force me to it, I must tell you most emphatically -that our paths in life lie in opposite directions; and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that nothing could induce me to connect my lot -with yours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stared at her for a moment vaguely, as though -perfectly incapable of understanding her words. His face -grew livid, and his white teeth were buried in his underlip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And would you really carry the farce so far as to give -me such an answer?" he asked at last in a hoarse voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth smiled contemptuously, and turned away. -Her behaviour transported him with rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your reasons? I will know your reasons!" he -ejaculated, stepping between Elizabeth and the door which -she was trying to reach. He caught at her dress to -detain her. She shrunk from him, and retired a few steps -farther into the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Leave me!" she cried, gasping for breath. Terror -almost choked her utterance; hut, nevertheless, she once -more took courage, and raised her head proudly, with an -air of command. "If there is no spark of honour in you -to which I can appeal, you force me to use the only -weapons at my command, by declaring to you that I -thoroughly despise you; I detest the sight of you; the -hiss of a poisonous viper could not inspire me with the -aversion and disgust with which I listen to the words by -which you would awaken my affection. I have never -harboured one sentiment of regard for you; but, if I -had, it must have been instantly annihilated by your -despicable conduct towards me. Let me go now in peace, -and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did not allow her to finish her sentence. "That I -shall certainly not do," he hissed between his teeth; his -face that had hitherto been so pale, flushed crimson, and -his eyes flashed as he darted towards her, like some -raging wild beast. She fled to the window, as she -saw it was impossible to reach the door, and tried to lift -the sash, hoping to be able to leap from the low sill -to the ground without. But she stood still, transfixed -with horror. A terrible face was looking into the room -from the shrubbery outside. The features were deadly -pale, and distorted by a fiendish grin, while the fire of -madness gleamed in the eyes that were riveted upon -Elizabeth's face. She hardly recognized in the dreadful -apparition dumb Bertha; shivering with terror, she -recoiled; Hollfeld's extended arms encircled her -form,—blinded by passion, he did not perceive the ghastly face -at the window. Elizabeth pressed her ice-cold fingers -upon her closed eyes to shut out the horrible sight; she -felt her persecutor's hot breath upon her hands; his hair -brushed her cheek; she shuddered, but her physical force -failed her; she succumbed beneath the twofold horror,—no -sound escaped her lips. At sight of Hollfeld, Bertha -raised her clenched fists as though to dash them through -the window panes,—then, suddenly she paused as if listening -to some noise near, dropped her hands, and with a -shrill laugh, vanished among the shrubbery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this was the work of a few seconds. The sound of -the shrill laughter startled Hollfeld, and he looked up. -For one moment, his gaze sought to penetrate the bushes, -behind which Bertha had disappeared, and then it returned -to the form which lay in his arms, and which he clasped -to his heart. His cunning foresight, his prudent hypocrisy, -that had always enabled him to conceal his baseness -from the eyes of the world, were all forgotten. He did -not remember that the time that Helene had appointed -had arrived,—that through the wide open door the -gardener, or any of the servants, might enter the room; his -passion had mastered him, and he never observed that, in -fact, Fräulein von Walde was standing upon the threshold -of the door, leaning on her brother's arm, while, -behind them, the baroness was stretching out her long -neck, with an unmistakable air of great displeasure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Emil!" she cried, her voice vibrating with anger. He -started, and looked wildly around; involuntarily he -opened his arms; Elizabeth's hands dropped from her -eyes, and she staggered towards the nearest couch. The -harsh, rude voice of the baroness sounded like sweet -music in her ears, for it brought her succour. There too -stood the tall, manly form, at sight of which her failing -pulses throbbed wildly again. She could have thrown -herself at his feet, and prayed him,—"Save me from that -man, whom I detest and flee from, as I would from sin -itself." But what a look met hers! Did that annihilating -glance really come from the same eyes that a few days -previously had so tenderly sought her own? Was this -man, with the stern, erect head, and the pale, cold brow, -the same who had bent over her, saying with such -unutterable gentleness,—"may my good angel whisper in -your ear the word that will unlock that fairy realm for -me?" He stood there now like an evil angel, whose -mission is to avenge and to crush to the dust some poor, -quivering, human heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Helene, who had stood as though lifeless or rooted to -the ground during the scene in the interior of the -apartment, now withdrew her arm from her brother's and -approached Elizabeth; she did not for one instant doubt -that Hollfeld had prospered in his wooing, and that the -matter had been happily concluded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A thousand welcomes to you, dearest Elizabeth!" -she cried in great agitation, and, while tears broke from -her eyes, she took the young girl's trembling hands -between her own. "Emil brings me a dear sister,—love -me as a sister, and I shall be grateful to you as long as I -live. Do not look so stern, Amalie," she turned beseechingly -to the baroness, who was standing like a pillar of -stone just outside the pavilion; "Emil's future happiness -is at stake. Look at Elizabeth! Does she not satisfy -every desire that you can have with regard to the one -who will occupy such a close relation to you? Young, -richly endowed by nature, of an ancient family and -distinguished name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She stopped, startled. At last the life seemed to -return to Elizabeth's stiffened limbs, and she was capable -of understanding what was said. By a hasty movement -she released her hands from Helene's, and stood erect -before her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are mistaken, gracious lady," she said in a clear -ringing voice; "I have no claim to such distinction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! have you not an undeniable claim to the name -of von Gnadewitz?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Doubtless; but that claim will never be asserted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Would you really reject such happiness?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot see that true happiness has anything to do -with an empty sound." Her endeavour to lend firmness -to her faithless voice was distinctly perceptible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the baroness had drawn near. She was -inwardly furious that her son had made his choice without -in the faintest degree consulting her, or asking her maternal -consent; besides, the object of his choice was detestable to -her. But she knew well that her interference would -accomplish nothing,—her son would shrug his shoulders, -perhaps smile contemptuously, and be confirmed in his -resolve. It was most fortunate, too, for her and her -interests, that Helene had taken up the matter as she had, -determined, as it seemed, to carry it through with an -enthusiastic degree of self-sacrifice. Although she was -thoroughly in the dark as to the little lady's motives for -such a line of conduct, she could not fail to perceive that -she was in earnest, and therefore, however discontented -at heart, she resolved to put a good face upon the matter, -and to play the part of a forgiving and blessing parent. -Elizabeth's replies suddenly closed her lips. She -conceived a hope that Elizabeth might put a stop to the -matter by her own obstinacy; if so, she would pour oil -on the flames.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have to contend here with a plebeian prejudice, -my love," she said to Helene, who had listened in -amazement to Elizabeth's answers. "You may, however, have -most excellent reasons for shunning the light of loftier -realms," the lady continued, in a cutting tone, turning to -Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no reason to shun that light," the young girl -replied, "even should it suddenly reveal faults hitherto -unsuspected, as it sheds a brilliant glare on the stains -upon the crest of the Gnadewitzes. But we love our -name because it is true and honest, and we would not -exchange this stainless inheritance for a title made famous -by the tears and toil of others!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heavens, what exalted sentiments!" cried the baroness -with a sneer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You cannot be serious, Elizabeth," said Helene. "Do -not forget that the earthly happiness of two human beings -hangs upon your decision." She cast a meaning glance -at Elizabeth, which of course was utterly incomprehensible -to her. "You must bring a noble name with you -into the sphere to which you will now belong, and you -certainly would not destroy your own hopes and those of -others?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am utterly at a loss to understand you,"' said -Elizabeth with some irritation. "It never occurred to -me to connect the name of von Gnadewitz with any -hopes whatever; least of all can I conceive how the -wishes or happiness of others can depend upon the -resolution of such a poor, insignificant girl as I."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are not poor, dear child," rejoined Helene. -"Come," she continued, with emotion, "let us from -to-day be sisters indeed! You too, dear Rudolph," and -she turned with some embarrassment to her brother; -"you will welcome Emil's bride into our family, and -permit me to share everything with her like a sister?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," was the reply, spoken sternly, but firmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth put her hand to her forehead; what she had -heard sounded so incredible. "Emil's bride" was what -Fräulein von Walde had said; was she speaking of -her?—impossible! Had these people conspired to terrify her -thus? And he,—he who knew how she detested Hollfeld, -had sided with them; he was standing there with folded -arms, the perfect image of implacable sternness and -reserve. He had been, hitherto, quite silent, and had opened -his lips only to utter the "yes," which had so crushed -her. Had he not, previously, endeavoured almost rudely -to prevent his cousin's advances? At thought of that, it -suddenly flashed upon her that she was now of noble rank,—that -explained everything. Hollfeld's nobility could not -be dishonoured now by an alliance with her; his relatives -were, therefore, all quite willing to accede to his suit, and -Helene's surprise at her announcement that she despised -the name which they thought noble, was perfectly -natural; still, how they could possibly imagine an -understanding, upon her part, with the man whom she -detested, was utterly beyond her comprehension, for her -brain reeled with the wild uproar of her thoughts. One -thing only was quite clear, she must immediately -convince them of their error.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I find myself the object of a misunderstanding, the -origin of which I cannot possibly comprehend," she said -hastily. "It is Herr von Hollfeld's duty to make an -explanation here; but as he prefers to be silent, I am -forced to declare that he has had no encouragement -whatever from me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, dear child," said Helene, in great confusion, -"did we not see with our own eyes as we entered that——" -she did not proceed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These words sounded like a thunder clap in Elizabeth's -ears. The idea that that moment of helpless terror could -be misunderstood by any one, had never entered her pure -and innocent mind. And now she found, to her unutterable -pain, that it had placed her in a hatefully false light. -She turned, for an instant, toward Hollfeld, but one -glance convinced her that she had no satisfaction,—no -concern for her honour, to look for from him. With his -back turned to the rest, he was standing at the window -like a detected school-boy. If the ladies only had been -present, he would doubtless have extricated himself by -some bold and cunning lie; but Herr von Walde was -there, and he was utterly at a loss. He contented -himself by preserving an ambiguous silence, which gave -unlimited scope for conjecture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"God in heaven, how terrible!" cried the young girl, -wringing her hands. "As you entered you saw," she -continued, averting her face, and drawing a deep breath, -"a defenceless girl striving vainly to repel the insolence -of a man lost to all sense of honour. The reiterated -declaration on my part that I thoroughly despise and -utterly detest him was of no avail in freeing me from his -presence. I have never concealed these sentiments from -Herr von Hollfeld,—on the contrary——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here she was interrupted by a loud noise. Helene -had sunk back upon the couch, and her right hand -clutched the table near her, shaking it so that the china -and glass upon it rattled. The little lady's face was -ashy-pale,—her despairing glance sought Hollfeld. In -vain she endeavoured to conquer her agitation. The -light that suddenly revealed such a hateful web of -intrigue was too lurid,—its glare had the annihilating -effect upon her hitherto unsuspicious mind of a flash -of lightning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth, although she was herself much agitated, and -prepared to give further expression to her indignation, -felt her heart melt with sympathy at sight of the little -lady. In vindicating her own honour she had torn -the bandage from Helene's eyes, and she was filled -with sorrow for her, although she knew that she must -have been undeceived sooner or later. She hastily -approached her, and took the icy little hands, which had -dropped from the table, between her own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgive me if I have terrified you by my hasty -words," she said beseechingly, but firmly. "You can -readily understand my position. A few explanatory -words from Herr von Hollfeld would have sufficed to -clear me from every degrading suspicion. I should not -then have been forced to declare so emphatically what -I thought of his character and conduct. I regret what -has happened, but I cannot retract one word that I have -said."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She kissed Helene's hand, and silently left the -pavilion. She fancied that Herr von Walde extended his -hand to her as she passed him, but she did not look up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside, she followed the narrow, winding way that -led through a grove to the pond. She passed by the -castle, along the broad gravel-walk, and entered the little -forest-path leading to the convent tower, without knowing -whither she was going, or remembering that every step -took her farther from her home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was in a state of fearful excitement. A wild -chaos was seething in her brain. Hollfeld's offer of -marriage,—his insolent passion,—Bertha's sudden -appearance at the window of the pavilion,—the inconceivable -fact that Helene had received her with joy as the bride -of the man whom she herself loved,—all these things -passed through her mind, and in the midst of the -confusion she distinctly heard Herr von Walde's -"yes." He too, then, would have welcomed her as Herr von -Hollfeld's bride! It would have cost him nothing to see -her his cousin's wife. This marriage had doubtless -been decided upon in family conclave. Herr von Walde -had weighed the for and against with his usual cool -judgment, and had finally agreed with Helene that -Emil's choice would not prove a blot upon the von -Hollfeld escutcheon. She could be graciously received, and -they would themselves provide the dowry which the -bride was deficient in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At these thoughts Elizabeth set her teeth, as if she -were enduring physical agony. She was filled with -unutterable bitterness; her sincere and ardent -sentiments had been misunderstood and crushed under foot -by that cold-blooded, calculating aristocrat. How could -she ever have imagined that he could sympathize in -the least with a young, earnest heart, enamoured of -freedom, and giving no heed to the belittling, often -ridiculous institutions of the world,—he who found the -pride and glory of woman only in the ruins and ashes -of a long ancestral line?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several times she paused, lost in thought, and then she -walked on quickly, heedless that she was traversing the -same path along which she had gone in such confusion -by his side a few days before. The overhanging boughs -and branches brushed her forehead; she forgot how he -had bent them aside, lest they should annoy her. The -underbrush was still trodden down, and the stripped -leaves were not quite withered upon the spot where -Fräulein von Quittelsdorf and Hollfeld had broken through the -bushes to reach the two lonely wanderers. Here was the -place where the unfinished birthday greeting had been -whispered; Elizabeth passed unheeding by, and it was -well that she did so, for there were no tears in her burning -eyes; here where she could have wept her very heart out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last she looked around her with surprise. She -stood before the convent tower. Hers was perhaps the -first human foot that had pressed this turf since the -place had been deserted by the latest guests or the weary -servants on the night of the fête.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It looked sadly out of order; the grass had been -trodden down by the dancers, whose tread had not been -fairy-like. The two hemlocks, which had sustained the -refreshment tent, lay prostrate upon the ground in the midst of -fragments of broken bottles and the remains of the -fireworks. Above, the shrivelled garlands were still -hanging between the tower and the oaks, while a gentle breeze -swept whispering among the poor flowers, which hung -crushed together in the air, their short season of triumph -long since ended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was already twilight beneath the oaks, although a -golden light illumined their topmost boughs, and played -upon the gray roof of the tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was with a slight shudder that Elizabeth became -aware of her loneliness in the heart of the dim, silent -forest; nevertheless she was irresistibly drawn towards -the spot where Herr von Walde had taken leave of her. -She stepped across the trampled sward,—then stood for -an instant as if rooted to the earth,—for the evening -breeze brought to her ear single broken tones of a -human voice. At first she seemed to hear something like -a distant ejaculatory cry for help; then gradually the -sounds grew more connected, and rapidly drew near. It -was a shrill, piercing, female voice, shouting, rather than -singing, a hymn. Elizabeth could hear that the singer, -whoever she might be, was running quickly as she sang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All at once the melody ceased, or rather it was -interrupted by a burst of horrid laughter, and then by a -shriek, which ran through a perfect scale of scorn, -triumph, and bitter agony.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A foreboding of evil filled Elizabeth's mind. She looked -anxiously in the direction, in the dark wood, whence the -noise was approaching. It was hushed for a moment, -and then the hymn began again, while the singer came -rushing on like the wind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth stepped within the open door of the tower, -for she did not wish to encounter the strange singer; -scarcely had she crossed the threshold, when the laughter -was repeated close at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the opposite side of the open sward Bertha rushed -out of the thicket, and by her side ran Wolf, the forester's -savage watch-dog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wolf, seize her!" she shrieked, pointing with both -hands to Elizabeth. The animal came tearing, barking, -across the open space.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth shut the door behind her, and ran up the -tower stairs. She thus gained a moment's advantage; -but before she had reached the roof of the tower the door -below was opened. The growling dog rushed up the -stairs followed by the maniac cheering him on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The terrified and hunted girl reached the topmost stair,—she -heard the growl of the savage brute behind her,—he -was just at her heels,—with one last effort she stepped -out upon the roof, closed the oaken door, and leaned her -whole weight against it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a few moments Bertha rattled at the latch upon -the other side,—it did not yield. She raved, and threw -herself against the oaken panels, while Wolf, barking and -growling, scratched at the threshold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Amber witch out there!" she shrieked. "I'll throttle -you! I'll drag you through the thicket by your long, -yellow hair! You have stolen his heart from me, with -your moonshine face,—vile hypocrite that you are! -Seize her, Wolf, seize her!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dog whined, and tore at the door with his paws.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tear her in pieces, Wolf; bury your teeth in her -white fingers that have bewitched him with their devilish -music! curse her! cursed be the tones that come from -her fingers! may they turn to poisonous arrows, and -bury themselves in her own heart and destroy it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again she threw herself against the door; the old -oaken planks creaked and groaned, but it did not yield to -the little powerless feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth meanwhile leaned against the door on the -other side, with lips tightly closed and a face pale as -death. She had seized a piece of wood that lay at her -feet that she might defend herself, if need should be, -against the dog. Her whole frame shuddered at the -curses which Bertha shrieked out, but she nerved herself -with new resolution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had she only glanced at the latch of the door, she -would have seen that any effort upon her part to keep it -closed was wholly needless,—a huge bolt had slipped -forward, against which the maniac's utmost strength could -avail nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Open the door!" Bertha shouted again. "Transparent, -brittle creature! Ha! ha! Old Bruin, whom I hate, -calls her Gold Elsie. The old fellow despises heaven, -and may go to hell for all I care, for I shall be blessed, -eternally blessed. He calls her Gold Elsie because she -has hair of amber. Fie! how ugly you are! my hair is -black as the raven's wing. I am a thousand times the -fairer. Do you hear me, moonlight face?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She paused exhausted, and Wolf, too, ceased his -whining and scratching at the threshold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same moment the tolling of a distant bell broke -the evening silence of the forest. Elizabeth well knew -what it signified,—a funeral train was descending the -mountain from the ruins of old Castle Gnadeck. Lila's -mortal remains were leaving the walls which had once -echoed the sighs and groans of the lovely gypsy girl. -She was borne through the forest, in longing for which -her heart had broken two centuries before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bertha, too, seemed to listen to the sound of the bell; -for a moment she did not stir.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are ringing," she cried suddenly; "come, Wolf, -let us go to church; let her stay up here with the clouds -that will fall upon her in the night,—the tempest will tear -her hair, and the ravens will come and pick out her eyes, -for she is accursed, accursed!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then she began the hymn again. Her terrible -voice echoed eerily against the narrow walls of the -tower. She ran down and out of the door below, then -rushed singing across the open space, and disappeared -in the thicket whence she had issued at first,—the dog -following her. She never once turned round towards -the tower. As soon as she turned her back upon it she -seemed to forget entirely that the object of her hatred was -standing up there upon the gray stone platform. Elizabeth -caught a last glimpse of her scarlet jacket among the -dark bushes, and then, with her savage companion, she -was seen no more. Gradually her song died away, and -soon the gentle breeze wafted only the tolling of the bell -to the ears of the lonely girl upon the roof of the tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a deep-drawn breath of relief she relinquished -her constrained position, which she had until now retained -mechanically, and tried to lift the latch of the door. It -was rusty and resisted her efforts as it had Bertha's. -She now discovered with alarm that the bolt had sprung,—it -had, indeed, defended and protected her, but it was -also her jailer,—for she could not possibly stir it; worn -out at last with her fruitless attempts to withdraw it, she -dropped her hands at her sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What was to be done? She thought with distress of -her parents who had probably been made anxious by her -prolonged absence,—for they knew that she fully intended -to be present at the interment of her ancestress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Around her were grouped the mighty monarchs of the -forest, their topmost boughs still tipped here and there by -the fading western light. Far in the distance gleamed a -strip of light,—there lay L—— with its lofty castle, whose -long rows of windows glittered for a few moments, and -then disappeared in gloom. And there towered the -mountain crowned by the ruin of Gnadeck; but the forest hid -from her her dear home, she could not even see the lofty -flagstaff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth soon relinquished all hope of being seen by -passers-by,—and she knew that her feeble cry for help -must die away unheard, for the tower lay hidden in the -depths of the forest; no frequented road passed near it; -and who would be likely to be walking at nightfall in -the quiet path which led nowhere except to the convent -tower?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nevertheless she made one attempt, and uttered a loud -cry. But how weak it sounded! It seemed to her that -the boughs of the nearest tree absorbed it entirely; it -only startled some ravens in the vicinity, and they flew -croaking away overhead; then all was still again,—fearfully -still. The Lindhof church bells were silent. -A faint red yet glimmered in the west, tinging a few -little floating clouds,—the forest lay in deep shadow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Utterly at a loss, Elizabeth walked to and fro upon -the flat roof. Sometimes she stood still at the corner -looking toward Castle Lindhof, which was the -nearest inhabited mansion, and raised her voice in a vain -cry for help. At last she ceased all such efforts, and -seated herself upon the bench which was set into the -outer wall of the small landing, at the top of the stairs, -and which was tolerably protected by the projecting roof -from wind and weather.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was not afraid of passing the night here, for she -did not doubt that search would be made for her in the -forest; but how many anxious hours her friends must -pass before she could be found!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This thought troubled her greatly and increased her -nervous agitation. She had passed through so much -during the day, and had had no assistance, nothing but -her own force of character to sustain her. She was still -trembling from the terror of the last shock. What could -have caused poor Bertha's outbreak of insanity? She -had spoken of a heart which Elizabeth had stolen from -her,—was it possible that Hollfeld had played some part -in this sad story, as Frau Ferber had lately so often -insisted?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Such a suspicion revived all the painful sensations that -had before possessed her. But now, sitting motionless -against the old wall, while the darkening heavens seemed -to draw near her, and nothing spoke of life around save -the damp night air that swept soothingly across her hot -cheek,—now her moistened eyes bore witness that the -stern stoicism with which her crushed heart had armed -itself, had vanished. All, all was over; she had broken -with the inmates of Lindhof forever. She had shattered -Helene's ideal, and she had thrown back to Herr von -Walde the gift of his consent to her marriage which he -had offered her; doubtless his pride had been mortally -wounded. Most probably she should never see him -again. He would soon set out upon his travels, glad to -efface the impression made upon him by the ingratitude -of the poor music-teacher.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She covered her face with her hands, and the tears -trickled through the slender white fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the mean time the night had fallen, still it was -not quite dark. The crescent moon was reigning in the -skies, where all the other shining wanderers appeared and -went their way, never heeding that their sister planet, -the earth, careering in space with them, contained millions -of little worlds, each inclosing in its sphere heights -and depths, tossing waves with their ebb and flow, mighty -storms, and only too rarely a sacred repose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now life began to stir in the old tower. There -was a low murmur and moaning upon the stairs; slight -blows were struck from within upon the oaken door, and -wings brushed the inner wall; the owls and bats were -longing to be abroad, and could not find their accustomed -place of egress. And in the forest below there arose a -rustling and crackling,—the deer broke through the thicket -and roamed about in entire security. From the distant -east, where the forest almost in its primeval luxuriance -descended into the valley and then again climbed an -opposing range of mountains, a faint shot was occasionally -heard. Every time Elizabeth heard the sound she -nestled closer against the wall beneath the protecting -roof, as if in fear lest she should be discerned by some -unfriendly eye gazing thence;—those hunting there were -outlaws.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still no succour came. Her fear, then, lest her parents -should be anxious, had been unfounded. Of course, they -supposed her to be yet at the castle,—perhaps they were -displeased at her long absence from home; but they -would possibly wait until ten o'clock for her return. It -might be midnight before she was released.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It grew quite cold. With a shiver, she drew her thin -shawl close about her, and tied a handkerchief around -her throat. She was obliged to leave her seat, and walk -to and fro on the roof, to prevent herself from becoming -chilled. Occasionally she leaned over the balustrade and -looked down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>White cloud-like phantoms were hovering hither and -thither over the open space beneath,—the mists rising -from the damp ground. Elizabeth no longer thought -of the motley spectacle,—the ostentation and vanity -that had filled this place a few days before. She forgot -the countless idle words that had filled the air, causing -such a confusion of tongues that the old tower, instead -of standing upon honest Thuringian soil, might have -challenged the skies upon the banks of the Euphrates. -Forth from the billows of mist floated the shadowy forms -of the nuns buried under these walls, their features -pale and passionless, their desolate hearts stilled within -their long-flowing robes, and their waxen brows, beneath -their white bands, haunted no longer by restless doubts -and longings. They would fain have trodden the path -leading from the world to heaven, had they not been so -often dragged down to earth again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth thought of those dark times, when these -gloomy walls were erected in expiation of the crime of a -knightly assassin,—cold stone walls to appease Him from -whom has come the Word made life,—who is the source -of Eternal Love. Could all the prayers, breathed by -the inmates of that living tomb,—all the masses,—the -organs rolling thunder, blot out the stain of blood which -the criminal carried to the foot of the eternal throne? -No, a thousand times no! He heeds no incense wafted -before the shrine of Baal. His eternal edicts are not -reversed by the creatures whom He has made.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What a terrible episode in the family history of the -Gnadewitzes those crumbling ruins commemorated! -And could it be possible that a being, conscious of a -fervent desire for moral elevation and spiritual growth, -should be duly respected only when permitted to bear -that name? Must she learn that a spotless life was -nought, laid in the balance with a human device, which -was, in fact, a phantom of the brain,—an absolute nothing?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Was the superstition that committed witches to the -flames darker than this delusion of the privileges of birth, -by which many a true and richly-gifted human life is as -ruthlessly destroyed as by the faggot of the executioner,—the -delusion, that flatly contradicts the Almighty decree, -which declares all God's children to come alike from His -creating hand,—alike in outward form, in physical -structure, in the possession of senses, whereby both king and -beggar enjoy and suffer, alike in the possession of that -vital spark that animates these outward shapes? Where -is there a soul, even although it has attained the -summit of human perfection, that is not conscious of some -weakness, or a human being so depraved, that one good -quality at least does not glimmer forth from the slough -of vice into which he has sunk?—And can he be -influenced by such narrow prejudice,—he, whose brow -bears the impress of high intelligence, whose glance and -voice can melt with a tenderness that reveals a soul -alive to the best and deepest emotions of our nature? -Could he rank the hollow form above the immortal -rights of humanity, which accord freedom of thought -and action to all? Did not that false system -continually crush out the highest and holiest sentiment of -the human heart, love? If Elizabeth had loved Hollfeld, -what would her lot have been without the discovery in -the ruins? And if,—here a sarcastic smile hovered -upon her quivering lips,—if one thought of affection for -her had ever stirred Herr von Walde's heart, and he -should come now and offer his hand?——Never, never -would she consent to give herself to him, with the -consciousness that her unutterable love had only been -returned when such return was no longer forbidden by the -old worn-out laws of society. The pain of renunciation -lost much of its torture, contrasted with the torment -that would be the result of such a life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With looks full of gloom, Elizabeth once more walked -to the corner of the balustrade looking towards Castle -Lindhof, and stood gazing in that direction. One and -the same star rose above that graceful pile and the poorest -hut in the neighbouring village, casting its mild light -impartially upon each,—or was there really a stronger gleam -upon the spot where the park opened into the forest? No; -that light came from below, and penetrating quickly -farther and farther into the forest, faintly tinged the boughs -above with its rays. It was most certainly a torch borne -along the narrow path by which Elizabeth had reached -the convent tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once the light was, for an instant, immovable, and a -faint shout reached her ears. She felt convinced now -that help was at hand,—that search was made for her,—and -she raised her voice in reply, although she knew that -the faint sound could not reach the bearer of the torch. -The light hesitated but for a moment, and then quickly -came nearer and nearer. She could soon plainly distinguish -the flame of the torch, and see the shower of sparks -that fell from it to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elizabeth!" suddenly resounded through the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voice thrilled through her every nerve,—for it was -his voice. Herr von Walde was calling her in tones of -unutterable anxiety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here," she called down to him; "I am here, upon the -convent tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The torch-bearer plunged through the thickets and -hurried across the open sward. In a few moments he stood -upon the landing without, shaking the door with a -powerful hand. Several stout blows followed, and the old -planks were burst open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr von Walde stepped out upon the roof. In his -left hand he held the torch, while with his right he drew -Elizabeth within the circle of its light. His head was -uncovered, his dark hair lay in dishevelled locks upon his -forehead, and his face was very pale. He hastily scanned -her figure, as if to convince himself that she was unhurt. -He was evidently in a state of great agitation, the hand -which grasped her arm trembled violently, and for a -moment he could not speak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Elizabeth, poor child!" he ejaculated at last, with a -gasping sigh, "did the insult that you received in my -house to-day drive you hither to this dreary ruin, and the -gloomy night?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth explained to him that her stay here had not -been voluntary on her part, as the bolted door testified, -and related in a few words, as she descended the stairs, -all that had occurred. He went before and offered her his -hand to support her, but she took hold of the rope which -served for a hand-rail, and turned away her eyes that she -might ignore his proffered aid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment a strong draught of air extinguished -the torch, which had burnt only dimly, and all was -enveloped in darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now give me your hand!" he said, in the tone of -command which she knew so well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can take hold of the rope, I need no other support," -she replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last word had scarcely left her lips when she felt -herself lifted from the ground like a feather by two strong -arms and carried down the steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Foolish child!" he said, as he set her down upon the -grass outside. "I will not have you dashed to pieces -upon the stone pavement of that dreary tower."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She entered the path which led directly to Castle -Lindhof,—it was the shortest. Herr von Walde walked silently -by her side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you intend to leave me to-night without saying -one kind word to me?" he suddenly asked, standing -still. Pain and suppressed auger strove in his voice -for the mastery. "Have I had the misfortune to offend you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, you have wounded me grievously."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I did not instantly chastise my cousin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You could not,—his suit had your entire approbation. -You, as well as the others, would have forced me to -accept Herr von Hollfeld."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I force you? Oh, child, how little you understand a -man's heart? I was the victim of a terrible error when -I uttered that 'yes.' I longed to try if it were a delusion, -and to free myself from it. Now you shall learn that I -will banish everything that can remind you of to-day's -terror. You like Lindhof?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Baroness Lessen is about to leave the castle. -Let me entreat you to be my sister's stay and support -when I leave her again, when I begin my wanderings -anew. Will you consent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot promise to do so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fräulein von Walde will not desire my society, and -even if——. I have already declared once to-day that I -shall not bear the new name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a strange reply! What has that to do with -the matter? Ah, now I understand. At last I begin to -see clearly. Then you think that I agreed to Hollfeld's -suit because you suddenly had a right to an ancient name? -Speak, is not this the fact?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I believe this to be the fact."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you suppose further, that the same reason leads -me to desire your companionship for my sister. You are -convinced that aristocratic pride prompts all my thoughts -and actions?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pray let me inquire of you what name you bore when -I asked you for a birthday greeting, when we last walked -together here in this path?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then we did not know of the secret hidden in the -ruins," said Elizabeth, in an almost inaudible tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you forgotten the words which I dictated to -you that afternoon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No,—I remember every syllable of them with the -greatest distinctness," she replied quickly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And do you think it possible that such words can end -with, 'I hope the coming year will prove a happy one,' -or the like?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl did not speak, but looked up at him with a -crimson blush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Listen to me quietly for one moment, Elizabeth," he -continued, but he himself was so far from quiet that his -voice sounded faint and faltering, as though half stifled -by the throbbing of his heart, "a man who might have -been regarded as fortune's favourite, so richly did she -endow him in his cradle with rank and wealth, mistrusted -these advantages when he arrived at years of discretion. -He feared that they would stand in the way of what he -considered the true happiness of his life. He had created -for himself an ideal of her by whose side alone he could -find real peace,—not that he required extraordinary -physical beauty or intellectual power,—he sought a pure, -true heart, that should be influenced by no consideration -of worldly advantages, but should give herself to him -for his own sake alone. He gradually arrived at the -conviction that his ideal must remain an ideal, for in his -search for its realization, he came to be thirty-seven -years old. When hope has folded her wings, and night -is falling around us, there is something overpowering -in the sudden flushing of a morning light, at the -eleventh hour. The mind is unhinged, the long, weary -waiting has rendered it almost incapable of believing -in great, unexpected happiness. At last, Elizabeth, he -found the heart he had sought,—a heart accompanied -by a clear, well-balanced intellect that was infinitely -superior to all narrow, sordid considerations,—but this -heart throbbed in a youthful form adorned with every -imaginable grace. Was it to be wondered at that the -man of riper years, possessing, as he knew, no personal -advantages, regarded with mistrust another who could -lay in the balance youth and a fine person? Was it to be -wondered at that he allowed himself to be carried away -one moment, inspired by the boldest hopes, by some word, -some act on the young girl's part, only to be cast down -utterly the next, when he saw that other in her society? -Was it not natural that he should fear that youth only -could attract youth? Never did heart of man long -more wildly than his for the accomplishment of his -desire,—never was there a man more possessed, in -moments of despair, by a cowardly doubt as to its -fulfilment. And when they told him that his little idolized -darling belonged to that other, he emptied the bitter cup -to the dregs, and said 'yes' because he imagined that she -had already said it. Elizabeth, I stood on the threshold -of the pavilion to-day in a state of utter despair. You -do not know what it is, when a merchant heaps all his -treasure, every jewel that he possesses, in a single ship, -and sees it sink before his eyes. Shall I try to tell you -what I felt when you so decidedly rejected the rank which -you might have claimed, and so made an alliance with -Hollfeld impossible? Shall I tell you that my sister's -condition, and consideration for you yourself, alone -prevented me from chastising that scoundrel upon the spot? -He has already left Lindhof, and will never cross your -path again. Will you forget the insult that you received -in my house to-day?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had taken her hands in his, and held them pressed -close to his breast. Without withdrawing them she -assented to his question with trembling lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And shall we not forget everything, my darling little -Gold Elsie, that has occurred between the beginning and -the conclusion of the birthday wish? My golden darling, -the delight of my eyes, my own Elizabeth Ferber stands -again before me, and will repeat after me what I say, -will she not? The last sentence which was so cruelly -interrupted—tell me what it was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is my hand as the pledge of an unutterable bliss," -faltered Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In life, in death, and for all eternity, I will be your own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But she opened her lips in vain to repeat after him the -words which he uttered so solemnly, with the most -profound emotion. She burst into tears and threw her -arms around the neck of her lover, who clasped her to -his heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This divine dream must not fade," he said with a -sigh, as Elizabeth gently extricated herself from his -embrace. "Leave me your hand at least, Elizabeth, I must -learn to believe in my bliss. If you leave me now, I -shall be crushed by doubt again to-night. You are -thoroughly conscious that you are irrevocably mine? Do -you know that you must leave father and mother, and the -dear home upon the mountain, for my sake?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it, and will do so gladly, Rudolph," she said -smiling, but firm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"God bless you, my darling, for those words! But you -must know the depths of my doubt. Is it not pity for -my boundless love that induces you to yield your consent -to my suit?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Rudolph, it is love,—a love which first awoke -in my heart,—does not this sound strangely,—when I saw -in your angry eyes, and heard in the tones of your voice, -how you detested cruelty and injustice! And since that -moment it has never left me; on the contrary, it has -increased and grown stronger, in spite of all my efforts to -destroy it, notwithstanding all the harsh words that have -so often wounded it sorely."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who spoke such words?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You, yourself; you were harsh and unkind to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, child, those were the outbreaks of insane -jealousy! I have struggled for and exercised self-control -all my life long, but I could not conceal how I was -tortured then. And would you, on that account, have -closed upon me the heaven that is opening before me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not on that account,—for one kind look from you made -me happy again; but another obstinate opponent entered -the lists,—my reason. It had grown well aware of -everything that report declared concerning your incredible -aristocratic arrogance, and, at every wild throb of my -heart, dinned into my ears your reasons for refusing the -alliance which the prince proposed to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! those sixteen quarterings!" cried Herr von -Walde, smiling, "But see, my little Gold Elsie, what a -Nemesis that was!" he continued more gravely. "To -avoid annoyance, I seized upon the first means at hand, -and, as I now know, it almost cost me the happiness of my -life. I like the Prince of L——, but any residence at his -court was rendered, for a time, utterly odious to me, by the -matrimonial alliances proposed for me, principally by the -Princess Catharine. She had taken it into her head that -I must marry one of the ladies of her court. No one -could believe that the girl was entirely indifferent to me, -for she passed for a brilliant beauty, and had broken many -a heart. All that I could say was of no avail; they -continued to plot and intrigue, and so one day I cut the -whole matter short by declaring to her Highness that -her plan for me would cost me one of my estates, since, -as is true, by my uncle's will it was devised to the State -if I should marry a wife who could not show sixteen -quarterings in her escutcheon. This declaration put an -end to my torment; no such person was to be found in -the length and breadth of the little kingdom, and all -thought it natural that I should wish to retain my estate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And will you suffer this loss for my sake?" cried -Elizabeth, in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is no loss, Elizabeth; it is an exchange,—an -exchange by which I gain a priceless treasure,—the -happiness of an entire existence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A torch glimmered through the thicket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Halt! this way!" cried Herr von Walde.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few moments one of the servants appeared, -and was ordered to hasten as quickly as possible to -Gnadeck and announce Fräulein Ferber's safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The servant hurried away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have been very selfish, Elizabeth," said Herr von -Walde, putting her hand within his arm, and no longer -loitering. "I knew that your family was most anxious -about you; that your father and uncle were ranging the -forest in search of you, while my people, and many of the -Lindhof peasants, were traversing the country in all -directions upon the same errand, and yet I forgot -everything when I found you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My poor father and mother!" sighed Elizabeth, not -without a slight twinge of conscience; the whole world -had ceased to exist for her when he appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Friedrich runs quickly," von Walde said, soothingly; -"he will reach the summit of the mountain long before -us, and tell them you are safe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They entered the park and passed by the castle. It -lay in darkness and silence. Only from Helena's -chamber window gleamed a faint light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is a life-and-death struggle going on there," -murmured Herr von Walde, looking up. "She loved -that wretch devotedly; how fearful her awakening must be!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go and comfort her," begged Elizabeth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Comfort her? At such a moment? My child, who -could have come to me with comfort when I thought I -had lost you? Helene shut herself in her room when I -ordered Herr von Hollfeld's horse to be brought to the -door; her maid is near her. A long time must elapse -before she wishes to see me; when we have been grossly -deceived we do not immediately turn to those who warned -us of the deceit. Besides, I will not enter my house -again until I am sure that your parents will not snatch -you from me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The path branched aside to the well-known bank in -the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you remember?" asked Elizabeth, smiling, as she -pointed to it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes. There you told me so bravely of your -determination to go out into the world as a governess, and -I took the liberty of declaring to myself that I never -would permit it. I had to exert all my self-control to -prevent myself from then and there clasping my little bird -in my arms and pressing its golden head, filled with such -bold resolve, to my breast. And there I drew from you -the unconscious naive confession that your parents still -held the first place in your heart. But you adopted a -cold, repellant demeanour, as soon as I attempted to be -confidential."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was shyness,—and I am not yet quite sure that -to-morrow, when I see your stern face by daylight, I -shall not fall into the same embarrassment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will never be stern again, my child; joy has -touched it with its gentle finger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon afterwards, the old beeches which look in at the -windows of the Ferber's dwelling-room saw a strange -sight. A man of fine presence, his face pale with -profound emotion, conducted the daughter to her parents, -and then asked them to give her back to him as his -future wife,—his other self. The old beeches saw him -take his young love in his arms, and receive the blessing -of her agitated parents. They saw the mother's face, -smiling through tears, raised gratefully to Heaven, and -little Ernst shaking the canary's cage, that he might -awaken that sleepy songster and announce to him, with -great solemnity, that Elsie was betrothed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chapter-xx"><span class="large">CHAPTER XX.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>While happiness was reigning in the home upon old -Gnadeck, a sad event occurred in the valley.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two peasants from Lindhof, who, provided with -torches, had been looking for Elizabeth, heard, as they -were proceeding from their village to the forest, a loud -growling at a little distance,—it sounded like an angry -dog. Not far from them lay stretched across the road -a human form, while a large dog lying beside it, as -if to defend it, had placed both his forepaws upon its -breast. The animal became infuriated at the approach of -the men, and, gnashing its teeth, threatened to fly at -them. They were afraid, and ran back to the village, -where they met a party bearing torches, and among them -the forester, who had just heard from Herr von Walde's -servant of Elizabeth's safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly all hastened to the spot which the frightened -peasants described. This time the dog did not growl. -He whined, and crept to the forester's feet; it was Wolf, -his watch-dog, and there lay Bertha, apparently lifeless. -She was bleeding profusely from a wound in her head, -and her face was as pale as death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester did not speak, he shunned the sympathetic -glances of the by-standers; anger and pain strove for the -mastery in his features. He raised Bertha from the -ground, and carried her into the first house in the village; -it was the poor weaver's. Then he sent a messenger for -Sabina. Fortunately, the Waldheim physician was with -one of his patients in the village. He was sent for, and -soon brought the poor girl to herself. She recognized -him, and asked for water. Her wound was not -dangerous, but the physician shook his head and looked -meaningly at the forester, who was anxiously watching him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The doctor was a blunt man, with rather rude manners. -He suddenly approached the forester, and said a few -words to him in a slight undertone. The old man -staggered back as though from a mortal blow, stared -absently at the doctor without replying a word,—and then -left the house without looking at the sick girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Uncle, uncle, forgive me!" she cried after him in -heart-breaking tones, but he had already vanished into -the dark night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now Sabina made her appearance in the doorway. -A maid followed her, bearing a huge bundle of linen upon -her head, and a basket upon her arm, containing bandages, -provisions, and all manner of necessary articles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gracious Powers! what have you been doing with -yourself, Bertha?" cried the old woman with tears in her -eyes, as she saw the pale face, and the bandaged head -lying upon the pillow. "And to-day, too, when I thought -you went out looking so much better,—you had such -beautiful red cheeks!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl buried her face in the bedclothes, and began -to sob convulsively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The physician told Sabina what was to be done, and -strictly forbade the invalid to converse or even to speak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Must I be silent?" cried Bertha, raising herself in -bed. "Ah! silence may be easy for such an old man, -whose blood runs cool and calm in his veins. But I must -speak, Sabina, and if it kills me,—so much the better!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She drew the old housekeeper towards her upon the -bed, and, weeping bitterly, confessed all to her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She had had a love affair with Hollfeld, who had -promised to marry her, and had induced her to swear -solemnly that she would keep silent concerning their -relations to each other, and not claim her rights until he -should authorize her to do so; for, as he told her, he -must first influence his mother and his relatives at -Lindhof to accede to his wishes. The unthinking girl -promised all that he asked,—and in addition vowed solemnly -that no human being should hear one word from her lips -until she could proclaim her proud secret to the world. -The meetings of the pair usually took place in the -convent-tower or in the pavilion in the park. No one -discovered them. The baroness' suspicions were aroused -by some slight circumstance,—she fell into a violent rage, -and forbade Bertha ever to show her face at Lindhof -Castle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still Bertha's lofty hopes were unshaken, for Hollfeld -consoled her, and referred to the future. But then came -Elizabeth Ferber, and he was an altered man from that -moment. He avoided Bertha, and when she compelled -him by threats to an interview, he treated her with a -coldness and contempt that excited the girl's passionate -nature to frenzy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When at last she became convinced that she had to do -with a man utterly devoid of honour, the whole horror -of her situation was laid bare before her. She fell into -a state of the wildest despair, and then began her nightly -escapades. Sleep scarcely visited her eyes, and she grew -more composed only when she could shriek out her agony -and woe in the lonely forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last came the end to the tragedy,—the same end that -has befallen such tragedies hundreds of times before, and -that will continue to befall them,—for the warning example -convinces the understanding but never touches an -unsuspecting, loving heart. Hollfeld offered the poor girl -a sum of money if she would relinquish her claims and -leave that part of the country. He pretended that his -mother and his Lindhof relatives forced him to marry the -newly-made Fräulein von Gnadewitz. Bertha denounced -him as an unprincipled liar, and rushed from his presence. -In a frenzy of rage she presented herself before -his mother and told her all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus far Bertha continued her sad tale connectedly, -only interrupted by her violent gestures, sobs, and tears. -She paused for a moment, and an expression of -inextinguishable hatred distorted her countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That horrible woman," she cried at last, gasping -for breath, "has the Bible always upon her lips. She -knits and sews night and day for missionaries, who are -to carry the word of God to the heathen, that they may -be converted; but they cannot in their ignorance be -more inhuman and cruel than this Christian in her pride. -She wishes to root out idol-worship, and sets up herself -for an idol, surrounding herself by a crowd of fawning, -flattering hypocrites, who declare that she is one of the -elect,—not as other people are. Woe to the upright, -honest man who refuses to consider her as such,—his -crime is blasphemy! She thrust me from her doors, and -threatened to have the dogs hunt me from the park, if I -ever showed my face there again. From that time I -do not know what became of me," she said, sinking back -exhausted among the pillows, and pressing her hands -upon her aching forehead. "I only know that I awaked -and saw the doctor's face bending over me. He told my -uncle of my disgrace,—I heard him. What will become -of me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sabina had listened to this confession with horror and -grief. She had always advocated the strictest purity -and decorum, and had been, as Bertha well knew, a -stern and inflexible judge in such unhappy cases as that -of the wretched girl. But her heart was full of love and -pity. She looked down upon the crushed sinner before -her with tears of compassion, and soothed the weary -head upon her kind old breast. She was rewarded by -seeing the poor girl fall asleep in her arms, like a child -worn out with weeping.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon nothing was heard in the little room but the quiet -breathing of the sick girl and the ticking of the clock. -Sabina put on her spectacles, drew an old worn copy of -the New Testament from her basket, and watched faithfully -by the bedside until the bright dawn looked in at -the windows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bertha did not die, as she had hoped to do in -consequence of her agitating confession. On the contrary, -she recovered very quickly, nursed and tended by -Sabina and Frau Ferber. There was no return of her -insanity. The wound in her head, which had been caused -by a fall upon a sharp stone, had produced a most beneficial -result in the copious loss of blood which had ensued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forester was beside himself at the disgrace which -Bertha had brought beneath his honest roof. For some -days he would not even listen to his brother's calm, soothing -words. After Sabina had communicated to him Bertha's -confession, he rode to Odenberg to call "the worthless -scoundrel to account;" but the servants there informed -him, shrugging their shoulders, that their master had -started upon a journey; they could not tell whither, or -when he would return. Herr von Walde's search for -him was also without result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bertha herself declared that she would never again -hear of her betrayer, whom she now regarded with a hate -as fervent as had been her love. A few weeks after her -recovery she left the weaver's hut,—she never again -entered the Lodge,—to go to America. But she did not go -alone. One of her uncle's assistants, a fine young fellow, -begged for his dismissal, because he had always loved -Bertha in silence, and could not find it in his heart to let -her go alone into the wide world. She had promised -to be his. They were to be married in Bremen, and -sail thence for the New World, where he would lead a -farmer's life. Herr von Walde provided the pair with a -considerable sum of money; and, at Frau Ferber's and -Elizabeth's request, the forester silently consented that -Sabina should rob the overflowing store of linen that his -deceased wife had accumulated, to furnish the household -of the emigrants.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Upon a gloomy autumn day a well-packed travelling -carriage left Castle Lindhof and slowly rolled towards -L——. Her haughty arrogance all vanished, the -baroness sat huddled together in one corner of it. Her -brilliant part at Lindhof was played; she was -reluctantly returning to her small rooms and reduced -circumstances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mamma," said Bella, in her shrill, childish accents, -as she opened and shut the carriage window and drummed -against the seat with her feet, "does the castle belong -now to Elizabeth Ferber? Will she drive in our beautiful -carriage with the white damask cushions? Can she go -into your room whenever she pleases and sit in the -embroidered arm-chairs? Old Lorenz says that she will be -the mistress there now, and that all her orders must be -obeyed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Child, do not torment me so with your chatter," -groaned the baroness, burying her face in her -pocket-handkerchief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is very unkind of Uncle Rudolph to send us away," -the child continued, without heeding what her mother -said. "You know we have no silver dishes to eat from -in B——, have we, mamma? Shall we dine at a -restaurant, mamma? and will you dress your own hair while -Caroline washes and irons? Why——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Silence!" her mother interrupted the flood of speech -that so tormented her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bella cowered terrified in a corner, and did not look up -until the carriage was rolling over the stone pavement of -L——. The baroness cast a hasty glance at the Princely -castle, then drew her veil over her face and burst into -tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In consequence of Bertha's confession there had been -a stormy interview between Herr von Walde and the -baroness, which had ended in the departure of the latter. -Helene repulsed her with aversion when she appealed to -her, and she was forced to enter the travelling carriage, -which appeared punctually before the castle at the hour -appointed by its master. There was one consoling drop -in her cup of misfortune,—Herr von Walde had provided -the means for Bella's education, upon condition that it -should be more sensibly conducted than heretofore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost at the same hour in which the Baroness Lessen -was leaving Lindhof forever, the Countess von Falkenberg -presented herself in the boudoir of the princess, who -had returned with her husband a few days before from -the baths.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The countess made as profound an obeisance as her -uncertain limbs would permit, but showed a degree of -haste that she would have stigmatized in another as -contrary to all rules of etiquette. She held an open letter -in her hand, which had been somewhat crushed by her -trembling fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am most unhappy," she began in an unnatural tone -of voice, "to be obliged to impart to your highnesses a -most scandalous piece of news. Oh, mon Dieu, who would -have thought it! Well, if even in our own sphere all -sense of shame, all dignified self-consciousness, is at an -end,—if every one is to heed the dictates of low and -vulgar impulses,—no wonder that the halo surrounding -us is dimmed, and the mob ventures to attack the throne -itself!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Calm yourself, my dear Falkenberg," said the prince, -who was present, with evident amusement. "Your preface -is somewhat after the magnificent style of a Cassandra. -But as yet I see no signs of earthquake; and to my great -satisfaction I observe,"—and he glanced out of the -window at the quiet market-square with a smile,—"that my -faithful subjects are quite composed. What have you to -tell us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She looked up surprised,—his sarcastic tone made her -falter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, if your highness only knew!" she cried at last. -"That man, upon whose pride of birth I so relied, Herr -von Walde, informs me that he is betrothed. And to -whom? to whom?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To Fräulein Ferber, the niece of my brave, old forester," -the prince, smiling, replied. "Yes, yes, I have heard -something of this; Walde knows what he is about, I see. -The little girl is a miracle of beauty and loveliness they -say. Well, I hope he will not keep us waiting long to -make her acquaintance, but will present her to us soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your highness," cried the paralyzed countess, "she is -the daughter of your highness' forester's clerk!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes, my good Falkenberg," chimed in the -princess, "we know that. But be calm; she is I assure you -of noble rank."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will your highness graciously permit me," rejoined -the old lady, her face crimson, as she pointed to the -crumpled letter, "here it stands in black and white,—his -betrothal with a person of low birth,—here is the name, -Ferber, and no other, and just so it will be written upon -von Walde's genealogical tree forever. It actually seems -as if the man paraded it with a sort of ostentation. The -inconceivable indifference of these people in refusing to -assume the name of von Gnadewitz shows plainly enough -that they have nothing in common with that aristocratic -family. Their noble blood has utterly degenerated in the -course of years, and, according to my notions of nobility, -the girl is and always will be of low birth. I sincerely pity -poor Hollfeld, who is, as your highness knows, of stainless -descent; by this misalliance he will lose at least half a -million,—and the poor Lessen, too, from whom I have just -had a few sad lines,—she leaves Lindhof to-day, of course -to escape from such scandalous proceedings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Those are matters affecting your own personal -feeling, and of course I say nothing with regard to them," -rejoined the prince, not without severity. "But I herewith -request you to announce to the princess and myself the -fact, as soon as Herr von Walde wishes to present his -bride to us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the next room, the door of which was open, Cornelie -was merrily turning upon her heels and snapping her -fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha! and that was why Sir Bruin wished to escape -the tongues of certain eloquent ladies!" she cried, with a -stifled laugh. "Cornelie, where was your usual penetration -with regard to the masculine heart? Oh, the thing -delights me for old Falkenberg's sake," she said, in a -whisper, to another young lady who sat at the window -embroidering. "Now for at least two weeks we shall have -the pleasure of seeing how the loyal creature will look -daggers at their highnesses whenever their backs are -turned, while all the honey of the promised land will -overflow her withered lips as soon as the sun of their -royal smile shines upon her. I could wish that every -man whom we know would follow Herr von Walde's silly -example!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good Heavens! Cornelie, are you insane?" cried her -companion at the window, dropping her needle from her -fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time that every drop of blood in the -Falkenberg's aristocratic veins was so outraged, Doctor -Fels returned to his home, and went to the nursery, where -his wife was bathing her baby and superintending the -knitting fingers of her two little daughters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rejoice with me, dear love!" he cried, with sparkling -eyes, as he stood upon the threshold of the door. -"Lindhof will have a mistress, and such a mistress! Gold -Elsie, our beautiful Gold Elsie! Do you hear, my -darling? Now the sun will shine brightly there. The -healthy atmosphere has conquered, and the evil spirit -that actually dropped mildew upon poor human souls has -fled. I have just seen it drive past in Herr von Walde's -travelling carriage. The announcement of the betrothal -has fallen upon our worthy town like a bomb-shell. I -tell you it is wonderful to see the long, incredulous faces! -But the news has not surprised me at all. I have known -what must happen ever since Linke's murderous -attempt. Since I drove that evening to Lindhof by Herr -von Walde's side, to see whether the excitement had -produced no ill effects upon the brave child, I have known -well that his hour had struck, that he had a heart indeed, -a heart full of fervent, passionate love."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Let us pass over a space of two years, and once more -enter the old Gnadeck ruins. We shall ascend the mountain -by a broad well-kept road, leading to the castle gate, -which has exchanged its rusty bolts and bars for more -convenient fastenings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>We remember with a shiver the cold, damp court-yard -behind this gate, shut in by gloomy colonnades on three -sides, while the crumbling buildings threatened to bury -us beneath their ruins. We remember the lonely basin in -the centre, that, surrounded by the lions of stone, has -waited in vain during so many years for the silver stream -that should fill it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Remembering all this, we ring the bell. At its clear -sound, a fresh, trim maiden opens the massive gate, and -invites us to enter. But we start back almost dazzled, -for from the open gate what a flood of light and colour -greets us! The ruins have vanished, the high wall that -surrounded them alone remains, and we are for the first -time aware how extensive is the space which it encloses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>We do not tread upon the echoing pavement of a -courtyard, a smooth gravel-walk is beneath our feet; before -us stretches a level, well-kept lawn. In its centre stands -the granite basin, and from the threatening jaws of the -lions are pouring four powerful streams of water. The -chestnuts still remain the faithful guardians of the -fountain, but since their boughs have been bathed in heaven's -air and light they have grown strong and young again, -and are now covered with a wealth of fan-like blossoms. -We wind among the gravel paths that intersect the lawn, -delight our eyes with the groups of shrubbery, still -very young, that are so tastefully scattered here and -there, and with the gay beds of carefully tended flowers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before us lies the home. Its four walls are free now -to the air and light, and have put on a fresh bright -garment; but its front is far more stately than it used to be. -New windows are seen on every side. Ferber has had -four rooms added to it; for when the forester retires to -private life, he and Sabina are to live there also. In the -family dwelling-room,—from whose two high windows -can now be seen the same view formerly seen only from -Elizabeth's room above,—Herr von Walde has had the -trees thinned so that her parents might always have the -home of their darling before their eyes,—stands the young -Frau von Walde. She has been kept in the house for -several weeks, and her first expedition has been to carry -her first-born to her parents' home. There he lies in her -arms. Miss Mertens, or rather the happily married Frau -Reinhard, has just removed the veil from the little thing. -The minute, plump, red face shows, in the eyes of the -mother, an unmistakable resemblance to Herr von Walde. -Ernst is laughing loudly at the vague movements of the -fat little fists, which are stretching out in all directions. -But the forester stands with his own powerful hands -behind him, and an expression of great anxiety, as if he -feared that if he moved he might do the frail atom -an injury. He is no less delighted with his -grand-nephew than are Elizabeth's parents with their -grandchild. He has outlived his distress concerning Bertha, -and basks in Elizabeth's happiness, which was a great -surprise to him at first, and which he maintained he was -obliged to become accustomed to anew every morning. -Not, indeed, that he thought such good fortune one whit -too great for his darling,—he would have thought the -richest of earthly crowns well placed upon Elizabeth's -head; but it was so strange to him to see his sunny Gold -Elsie by the side of her grave, thoughtful husband.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Elizabeth is happy in the fullest sense of the word. -Her husband adores her, and his words have proved -true,—the expression of stern melancholy has faded forever -from his brow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just now the young wife is looking tenderly at the -little creature in her arms, and then down into the valley, -whence Herr von Walde will soon appear to conduct her -to her home. Her glance grows sad for a moment, and -tears fill her eyes, as they rest upon a lofty gilded cross, -glimmering among the trees upon the shore of the -lake,—beneath those rustling boughs Helene has slept for a -year. She died in Elizabeth's arms, praying God to bless -the dear sister who had so helped her to bear her burden -of woe until her spirit could soar away from its frail -mortal tenement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hollfeld has sold Odenberg, and no one knows in what -corner of the earth he hides his discontent at the -overthrow of all his plots.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">THE END.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">ENTERTAINING NEW BOOKS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">Published by J. B. LIPPINCOTT & Co., Philadelphia.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics small">Will be sent by Mail, post-paid, on receipt of price.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">THE WHITE ROSE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. By G. J. WHYTE MELVILLE, author of "Cerise," -"Digby Grand," "The Gladiators," etc. 12mo. Cloth. $1.60.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The book abounds in beautiful sentiments, beautifully -expressed, and its moral tone is undeniably good. We take pleasure -in commending it to the public."—</span><em class="italics">Phila. Ev. Bulletin</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">THE OLD MAM'SELLE'S SECRET.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. After the German of E. Marlitt. By -MRS. A. L. WISTER. 12mo. Fine cloth. $1.75.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">THE VOICE IN SINGING.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Translated from the German of EMMA SEILER by a Member of -the American Philosophical Society. One vol. 12mo. Tinted -paper. Fine cloth, beveled boards. $1.50.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We would earnestly advise all interested in any way in the -vocal organs to read and thoroughly digest this remarkable -work."—</span><em class="italics">Boston Musical Times</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">ABRAHAM PAGE, ESQ.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. "Pity the sorrows of a poor old man." 12mo. Tinted -paper. Cloth. $1.50.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">WALDEMAR KRONE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Story of Waldemar Krone's Youth. By H. F. EWALD, -author of "The Nordby Family," "Johannes Falk," etc. -Translated from the Danish. One vol. 12mo. Neat cloth. $1.75.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Since reading 'Quits' and the 'Initials,' we have met with few -more interesting books.... It claims unwearied attention -from beginning to end, and shows no ordinary -power."—</span><em class="italics">Phila. Ev. Bulletin</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">FIGHTING THE FLAMES.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Tale of the Fire Brigade. By R. M. BALLANTYNE, author of -"The Wild Man of the West," "The Coral Islands," "The -Red Eric," etc. With Illustrations. 12mo. Cloth. $1.50.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An interesting and spirited little work. Mr. Ballantyne is well -known as a popular writer for youth, and his present work does -not detract from his reputation."—</span><em class="italics">Phila. Ev. Telegraph</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">OLD DECCAN DAYS;</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Or, Hindoo Fairy Legends current in Southern India. Collected -from Oral Tradition By M. FREER. With an Introduction -and Notes by SIR BARTLE FREER. 12mo.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">SILVER LAKE;</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Or, Lost in the Snow. By R. M. BALLANTYNE, author of "Fighting -the Flames," "The Coral Islands," etc. Illustrated. 12mo.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">THE AMERICAN BEAVER, and his WORKS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By LEWIS H. MORGAN, author of "The League of the Iroquois." -Handsomely illustrated with 23 full-page lithographs and -numerous wood-cuts. One vol. 8vo. Tinted paper. Cloth -extra. $5.00.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have read Mr. Morgan's elaborate but most lucidly written -volume with intense delight and full -satisfaction."—</span><em class="italics">Boston Ev. Transcript</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">DIXON'S SPIRITUAL WIVES.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By W. HEPWORTH DIXON, author of "New America," "William -Penn," "The Holy Land," etc. SECOND EDITION. Complete -in one crown 8vo volume. With Portrait of Author from -Steel. Tinted paper. Extra cloth. $2.50.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The subject of 'Spiritual Wives' is at once sensational, appalling, -and full of deep interest. If we look at it simply as a system, -it is replete with scenes which cannot be surpassed even in -fiction."—</span><em class="italics">London Morning Post</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">U. S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Annals of the United States Christian Commission. By -REV. LEMUEL MOSS, Home Secretary to the Commission. In one -vol. 8vo of 752 pages. Handsomely illustrated. Tinted -paper. Cloth extra. $4.50.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">LETTERS FROM THE FRONTIERS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Written during a period of Thirty Years' Service in the -U. S. Army. By MAJ.-GEN. GEORGE A. McCALL, late Commander -of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. One vol. crown 8vo. -Toned paper. Fine cloth. $2.50.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"His letters in the volume before us include a period of over -thirty years of active service in Florida, the West, the Mexican -War, and New Mexico. They are admirably written—easy, -familiar, graphic, anecdotal, descriptive, and full of information. -It seems as if the gallant writer was as much master of the pen as -of the sword."—</span><em class="italics">Phila. Press</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">BAKER'S ABYSSINIA.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Nile Tributaries of Abyssinia, and the Sword Hunters of the -Hamran Arabs. By SIR SAMUEL WHITE BAKER, author of -"The Albert Nyanza." With Maps and numerous Illustrations, -drawn by E. Griset from Original Sketches by the Author. -Superfine paper. One vol. royal 8vo. Extra cloth. $6.00.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>... "We have rarely met with a descriptive work so well -conceived and so attractively written as Baker's Abyssinia, and we -cordially recommend it to public patronage.... It is beautifully -illustrated, and contains several well executed maps of -great value."—</span><em class="italics">N. O. Times</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">A TUTOR'S COUNSEL TO HIS PUPILS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>En Avant, Messieurs! Letters and Essays. By the -REV. G. H. D. MATHIAS, M.A. Second Edition. Small 12mo. Extra Cloth. -Price $1.50.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This truly admirable little volume is made up of scattered -fragments of instruction, furnished by the author in his capacity of -tutor, to a pupil. It comprises a series of brief essays on such -topics as these: On the Study of Language; Where had I best -Travel; On Style; On English Composition; On Novels; How to -give money away; A little Learning is not a dangerous thing, etc. -They are written in a lively, easy style, and abound with practical -suggestions and information of the highest value. The writer's -power of illustrating and enforcing his precepts by the adduction -of pertinent facts, is remarkable, and such as tutors are rarely -blessed with. The essays on Style and English Composition are -particularly worthy of perusal; and every page of the book -contains matter that will profit not only the young but the -old.—</span><em class="italics">Boston Commercial Bulletin</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">GLOBE EDITION OF SCOTT'S POETICAL WORKS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Poetical Works of SIR WALTER SCOTT, Baronet, with a -Biographical and Critical Memoir by Francis Turner Palgrave, -late Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford. Square 12mo. Price, -Cloth, $2.00; Cloth, extra gilt top, $2.25; Half Turkey, gilt -top, $3.50; Half Calf, gilt extra, $4.00; Full Roxburgh -Turkey, gilt extra, $6.00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">POEMS,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By MRS. FRANCES DANA GAGE. Printed on fine tinted paper. -12mo. Cloth, beveled boards. Price $1.75.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">ELSIE MAGOON; or, The Old Still-House,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Temperance Tale. Founded upon the actual experience of -everyday life. By MRS. FRANCES D. GAGE. One vol. 12mo. -Cloth. Price $1.50.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">LAST DAYS OF A KING,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An Historical Romance. Translated from the German of Moritz -Hartmann by MARY E. NILES. 12mo. Cloth. Price $1.50.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">ROBERT SEVERNE: His Friends and his Enemies,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. By WILLIAM A. HAMMOND. 12mo. Extra Cloth. -Price $1.75.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">WORKS BY "OUIDA."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">GRANVILLE DE VIGNE, or Held in Bondage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By "OUIDA," author of "Strathmore, or Wrought by his own -Hand," "Chandos," etc. One vol. 12mo. Cloth, $2.00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">STRATHMORE, or Wrought by his own Hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By "OUIDA," author of "Chandos," "Granville de Vigne, or -Held in Bondage," etc. One vol. 12mo. Cloth, $2.00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">CHANDOS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. By "OUIDA," author of "Strathmore," "Granville de -Vigne," etc. One vol. 12mo. Cloth, $2 00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">IDALIA,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. By "OUIDA," author of "Chandos," "Strathmore," -"Granville de Vigne," etc. 12mo. Cloth, $2.00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">CECIL CASTLEMAINE'S GAGE, and other Stories.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First Series of Novelettes. By "OUIDA," author of "Idalia," -"Strathmore," "Chandos," "Granville de Vigne," etc. -Revised for publication by the author. 12mo. Cloth, $1.75.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">RANDOLPH GORDON, and other Stories.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Second Series of Novelettes. By "OUIDA," author of "Idalia," -"Strathmore," "Cecil Castlemaine's Gage," etc. 12mo. Cloth, -$1.75.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">UNDER TWO FLAGS.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Novel. By "OUIDA," author of "Idalia," "Chandos," -"Granville de Vigne," etc. 12mo. Cloth. $2.00.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="bold">BEATRICE BOVILLE, and other Stories.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Third Series of Novelettes. 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