CHAPTERXXII。
　　THEREADING。
　　ThishappysmilestillbeameduponGoethe'sfaceashewalkedwiththedukelateintheeveningtowardBelvederetosoireeoftheDuchessAmelia，whowasinspiredwithaloveforthefinearts，andparticularlyliterature。Thetwogentlemenhadbusilyoccupiedthemselvesinpreparingthemfortheladyofhonor，FrauleinvonGochhausen，and，althoughaidedbyGoethe'sservant，Philip，andworkmen，itwaslatewhentheyarrived。
　　Astheyentered，theladiesandgentlemenwereseatedinalargecirclearoundthecentre-table。AtoneendsattheDuchessesAmeliaandLouisa，themotherandwifeofCharlesAugustusandneartheformerherfriendandfavoritethepoetWieland，oncethetutorofhersontheduke。Nearthepoetsatanelderlygentlemanofcheerful，good-naturedmien，who，withtheexceptionofWieland，wastheonlyonewhodidnotpresenthimself，likethedukeandGoethe，inWerthercostume。Heworeawhite，silver-embroideredcoat，withadark-bluesatinvest，andbreechesofthesame，shoeswithbuckles，andbosomandwristrufflesoflace。
　　Thisgentleman，withthebright，sparklingeyes，andpleasantface，wasthepoetGleim，wholookedverycomfortableandstatelyinthecircleofpowderedperukes。HisadmirationforFredericktheGreathadinspiredhimtowritesomebeautifulmilitarysongs，andhisloveofpoetryandliteraturemadehimanenthusiasticadmirerofallthosedevotedthemselvestoliterarypursuits。Besides，hewasrichandliberal，anditwasverynaturalthatthepoets，andauthorsexertedthemselveswithmarkedassiduitytopleaseFatherGleim。Theyweregratifiedtohavehimprinttheirworksforasmallremunerationinanannualwhichheentitledthe“AlmanachoftheMuses。”Hewasjustreadingaloudattheduchess'ssoireefromthelateeditionofthealmanach，andthesocietylistenedwithearnestandkindattention，occasionallyinterruptedwithanenthusiastic“Bravo！“or“Excellent！“fromtheduchess，followedbyamurmurofassentaroundthetable，whichcausedthepoet'sfacetobrightenwithjoyandsatisfaction，andhimtoreadonwithincreasedenergy。
　　TheentranceofthedukeandGoethewasunobserved，asitwasunderstoodthattheformerwishednonoticetobetakenofhisgoingorcoming，andtheduchesshadalsowavedherhand，nottointerruptFatherGleim。ThepoethasjustfinishedthenewpoemofmelodiousrhythmofimprisonedShubart。Ashepausedtowipetheperspirationfromhisbrowandsipalittleraspberrywater，atall，slenderyoungman，intheWerthercostume，approached，bowing，andregardingthepoetsokindly，thattheglanceofhisfineblackeyesfelllikeasunbeamontheheartoftheoldman。“Youappearsomewhatfatigued，mygoodsir，“saidtheunknown，inasweet，sonorousvoice。“Willyounotpermitmetorelieveyou，andreadinyoursteadfromthisgloriousbookofyours?“
　　“Doso，mydearGleim，“saidtheDuchessAmelia，smiling，“youseemreallyexhausted；lettheyoungmancontinuetheagreeableandwelcomeentertainment。”
　　FatherGleimwasverywellpleased；hehandedthebooktotheyoungstrangerwithagracefulbow，asthelatterseatedhimselfoppositetohim，andnexttoFrauleinGochhausen。
　　Hecommencedinaclear，distinctvoice。Theversesflowedfromhislipsgracefully，andinacultivatedstyle。Thecompanylistenedwithdevotedattention，andFatherGleim，theprotectorofalltheyoungpoets，satdelighted，noddingconsent，withapleasantsmile。
　　Itmustallbecharming——ithadcomeintoexistenceunderhisfosteringcare。Whatbeautifulversestolistento！“DieZephyrelauschen，DieBalcherauschen，DieSonusVerbreitetihrLichtmitWonne！“
　　Andhowcharminglytheyoungmanreadthem！SuddenlyFatherGleimstartled，andthesmiledieduponhislips。Whatwasit?Whatwastheyoungmanreading?Versewhichwerenotinthecollection，andwhichweremoreremarkablethanhehadeverheardfromhisyoungpoets。“ThosearenotintheAnnual，“criedGleim，quiteforgettingdecorum，——“that——“
　　OneglancefromthefineblackeyesoftheyoungmansoconfoundedFatherGleim，thatheceasedinthemidstofasentence，and，staringinbreathlessastonishment，listened。Gloriousthoughtswereexpressedtherein，andthepoetsoftheMuseAlmanachmighthavethankedGodifthelikehadoccurredtothem。Lovewasnottheburdenofthesong；neitherhearts，griefs，norbliss，butsatire，lashingrightandleftwithgracefuldexterity，anddealingaharmlessthrusttoeveryone。Allwereforcedtolaugh；thehappyfacesanimatedandinspiredeverything。Thebrilliantsatiricalversesrushedlikerocketsfromthelipsofthereader——arealilluminationofwitandhumor，ofgood-naturedjokesandbitingsarcasm，anditdelightedtheoldmanthateveryonehadreceivedhitsandthrustsbuthimself；hehadbeenspareduntilnow！Everyoneregardedhim，smilingandamused，asthereaderexaltedthemeritsoftheMaecenas，andpraisedhimhighlyfortheinteresthetookinthepoet'sheart，soul，andpurse，andshoutedvictorywhenoneexcelled。Butsuddenlythegoodfatheralsochanged，and，insteadofthepatronontherightthrone，therewasaturkey-cockontheroundnest，whichzealouslysoughttohatchoutthemanyeggsthathehadtotakecareofforothersbesideshisown；hesatbroodinguntiringly，andshedmanyatearofjoyoverthefinenumberofeggs，yetithappenedthatapoeticalviperhadputbutunderhimoneofchalk，whichhecaredforwiththeothers。
　　HerrGleimcouldnolongercontainhimself，and，strikingthetable，hecried，“ThatiseitherGoetheorthedevil！“Theentirecompanyburstintouncontrollablelaughter，andtheoldmanshoutedthesecondtime，thoughinwardlyangry，“ItiseitherGoetheorthedevil！“
　　“Both，dearFatherGleim，“saidWieland，whowasdryinghistearsfromlaughter，“itisGoethe，andhehasthedevilinhimto-day。Heislikeawildcolt，whichkicksoutbehindandbefore，anditwouldbewellnottoapproachhimtoonear。”[Footnote:Wieland'sownwords——SeeLewes'“LifeofGoethe，“vol。i。，p。432。]
　　Goethealoneretainedhiscomposure，andcontinuedreadinginaloudervoice，whichhushedallconversation。Helashedwithbittersarcasm“himwhoassumedtobeagod——awiseman——andwhocountedfornothingbetterthanapretentious，saucyfellow，whomadehimselfthescornofthepoetsbyhissweet，Werther-likesighs，andotherworthlesslamentations，heedingneitherGodnorthedevil！“
　　Andsohestormedandthundered，ridiculedandslanderedhisownfleshandblood，untilGoechhausen，redwithanger，roseandsnatchedthebookfromhishand，andclosedhislipswithherhand，crying:“Ifyoudonotcease，Goethe，Iwillwritetoyourbelovedmother，FrauAja，thatasatirist，acalumniatorhashadtheimpudencetodefameandslurherbelovedsoninamostsinfulandshamefulmanner！Iwillwritetoher，indeed，ifyoudonotstop！“
　　Goetherose，andbowingofferedhishandtoFatherGleiminsuchafriendly，affectionatemanner，thattheoldman，quitedelighted，thankedhimheartilyforthepleasureandsurprisewhichhehadaffordedhim。
　　Theduke，however，seatedhimselfbythelittleladyofhonor。
　　“Thusnelda，youareanincomparablecreature，andquitecalculatedtobetheancestressofalltheGermans。Ideclaremyselfyourcavalierfortheevening，andwilldevotemyselftoyouasyourmosthumbleservant，andwillnotquityoursideforamoment。”
　　“Verybeautifulitwillbe，mydearduke，amostcharmingidyl；intrueWatteaustyle，Iwillbethesweetshepherdess，andleadyourhighnessbyalittleribbon。Butwhereismypresent——mysurprise?“
　　“Youmustnotbeimpatient，Thusnelda，butwaitwhattimewillproduce。Youwillhaveit；ifnotto-day，to-morrow。Everydaybringsitsowncareandsorrow。”
　　“Ah，duke，insteadofgivingmemysurprise，youbeatmewithdoggerels。ThatcomesfromhavingaGoetheforcompanionandfriend。
　　Crazytricks，likechicken-pox，arecontagious，andthelatteryouhavecaught，duke。Itisanewkindofgeniusdistemper。Veryfortunately，ourdearCountessWertherhasanothermalady，orshemightbeinfected。Perhapsshehasitalready，CountWerther——howisit?'
　　“Idonotknow，Fraulein，“repliedthecount，startledfromreverie。
　　“Ireallydonotknow！Mywifeisquiteill，forthatreasonhasgonetoourestatetorecoverherpeaceandquiet。Itisunfortunatelyquiteimpossibleformetovisitherthere；butmydear，faithfulfriend，BaronvonEinsiedel，willdriveoverto-
　　morrowatmyrequest，mycommission——“
　　“Tosetthefoxtokeepthegeese，“interruptedThusneldainherlivelymanner。
　　“No，notthat，Fraulein，“saidCountWerther，quiteconfused，asthedukeburstintoamerrylaugh，callingThusneldaawittyKobold，andasherfaithfulCeladonofferedherhisarmtoconducthertohismother，theDuchessAmelia。
　　Thecompanywereallinaveryhappyframeofmind。Goethe'scharmingimpromptuhadkindledwitandhumoruponeverylip。Hehimselfwasthehappiestofall，forCharlottewasbyhisside，gazinguponhimwithherlarge，thoughtfuleyes，andpermittinghimtobehercavalierfortheevening。
　　ThedukealsodevotedhimselftoFrauleinvonGoechhausen，whowasthiseveningunsurpassablywittyandcaustic，delightinghim，andmakingtheDuchessAmelialaugh，andtheDuchessLouisasometimestoslightlyshrughershouldersandshakeherheadwithdisapproval。
　　InthemidstofamostinterestingconversationwithFrauvonStein，Goethewasinformedthatsomeoneawaitedhimintheanteroom。Hewentoutquickly，anduponreturninghewhisperedtotheduke，whonodded，andansweredhiminalowtone，andthenGoethebetookhimselftotheDuchessAmelia。
　　“Whatisit?“thelatterasked。“Haveimportantdispatchesarrived?“
　　“No；Icometoyourhighnessascourierfromyourson。Thedukebegsthatyouwilllockthedoorofyouranteroomwhenyouretire，andthatyouwilluponnoconditionopenit，nomatterhowmuchThusneldamaybegandimplore。”
　　“WillyounotinjuremypoorGoechhausen，youwantonfellow?“
　　“No！itisnotverydangerous，duchess。Itisonlyaharmlesssurprise，whichthedukepromisedFrauleinvonGoechhausen。”
　　“Verywell，then，itcantakeplace；IpromisetobequitedeaftoallThusnelda'sknockingandthumping，andIshallbegladtobeinformedto-morrowwhatthetrickis。Iprefernottoinquireto-
　　day，asImightfeelobligedtovetoitifitweretoosevere。Butlook，theDuchessLouisawillbreakup；doessheknowanythingabouttheaffair?“
　　“No，yourhighness，youknowverywellthattheyoungduchess——“
　　“Ismuchmoresensiblethantheoldone，andshakesherheaddisapprovinglywhenshehearsofyouringenuoustricks。PerhapsitwouldbewellifIwereequallysensible，butthereisnohelpforit。Ilikebright，happypeople，andIthinkwhenyouthventsitself，oldageismoresedateandreasonable。”
　　“Youarequiteright，duchess。Mankindresemblesnewwine。Ifthemustdoesnotfermentandfoamwell，nogoodwinewillcomeofit。
　　ButlookatourCharles，withthesaucyjestuponhislip，andthefireofinspirationinthosebrightbrowneyes。Onedayafine，strongwinewillclearitselffromthisgloriousfermentingmust。”
　　“Ihopeso，Goethe，andifthegodsgrantit，thegreatmeritwillbelongtoyou，whohaveprovedyourselfagoodvintager，andwewillrejoicetogetherinyourglorioussuccess。”
　　CHAPTERXXIII。
　　WITCHCRAFT
　　AnhourlaterthepalaceBelvederewassilentanddeserted；theguestshadtakentheirdeparture。Theduchesshadhersuiteandcommandedthemtoretire。FrauleinvonGochhausenaloneremainedwithhermistress，chattingbythebedside，andrecapitulatinginheramusingstyleallimportantandunimportanteventsofthesoiree，Theduchesssmiledatthemischievousremarkswithwhichsheornamentedherrelation，andatherkeen，individualizingofpersons。
　　“FrauleinGochhausen，youarethemostwickedandthemerriestmocking-birdGodevercreated，“criedtheduchess，“Havedonewithyourscandals，gouptoyourroom，piouslysayyoureveningprayers，andstretchyourselfuponyourmaidenbed。”
　　“Soon，duchess；onlyonethingmorehaveItocallyourattentionto。ThereisagossipafloatabouttheWerthers。Iperceiveitintheair，asthedovescentsthevulture。”
　　“Youalarmme，Gochhausen；whatgoodisit?YoudonotmeanthatthelovelyCountessWerther——“
　　“Isnotonlyverywearyofherhusband，butlooksaboutforasubstitute——afriend，astheingeniousladiesnowcallhim。ThatiswhatImean，andIknowtheso-calledfriendwhichthesweetsentimentalcountesshaschosen。”
　　“ItistheBaronvonEinsiedel，isitnot?“askedtheduchess。“Thatistosay，hisyoungerbrother，thegaylieutenant，notourgoodfriendparexcellence。
　　“Yes，Imeanthebrother，andIhavewarnedandtauntedthecountthisweekpast，butitisimpossibletoawakehimfromhisstupidityandthoughtlessness。”
　　“Againyouaregivingloosereinstoyournaughtytongue，Thusnelda。
　　CountWertherisathoroughlyscholarlyperson，whomIoftenenvyhisknowledgeofthelanguages。HehasstudiedSanscritandthecuneatedletters，amongotherancienttongues。”
　　“Itmaybethatheunderstandsthedeadlanguages，butthelivingonesnotintheleast。Thelanguageoftheeyesandinspirationheisblindto，withseeingeyes！Mydearduchess，ifyouarenotwatchful，andpreventtheaffairwithtimelyinterference，ascandalwillgrowoutofit，andyouknowwellthatitwouldbeawelcomeopportunityforourWeimarPhilistinesastheJenastudentscallcommonplacegossipstocry'Murder，'andhowlabouttheimmoralexampleofgeniuses，whichWolfgangGoethehasintroducedatcourt。”
　　“Youareright，“saidtheduchess，musingly；“yourapttongueandkeeneyeareevercarefullywatching，likeagoodshepherd-dog，thatnoneofthesheepgoastrayandarelost。Andyoudonotmindattackingthisorthatoneinthelegwithyoursharpteeth！“
　　“Letthosescreamwhoareunjustlybitten，yourhighness！Believeme，thecountesswillnotcryout；shewillmuchmorelikelytakecarenottoreceiveawell-meritedrebuke。Ibegyourgracetopreventthegossip！Notonaccountofthissilly，sentimentalyoungwoman，orherpedantichusband，butthatouryoungdukeandGoethemaynotbeexposedtoscandal，aswellasyourhighness。”
　　“Youareright——wemusttakecaretopreventit。Hasnotthecountessbeenabsentatherestatefourdays?“
　　“Yes，yourhighness，itisjustthisthattroublesme。Shewentawayassoundasafish，andhassuddenlyfallenveryill。Nophysicianhasbeencalled，but，to-morrow，thecountwillcommissionhisdearfriendthebarontodrivetohiscountry-seat，andbringhimtidingsofhisbetter-half。”
　　“Wemustcircumventthis。Inthemorningwewillarrangeapleasure-
　　drive，ofthewholecourt，tothecountry-seatofCountWerther。Itshallbeasurprise。LetFouriergiveouttheinvitationsearlyto-
　　morrow，foracountryparty，destinationunknown。Thedistributionofthecouplesinthecarriagesshallbedecidedbylot。TakecarethatLieutenantEinsiedelisyourcavalier，sothatwhenwearriveatthelittleWerther，hewillalreadybeappropriated，andthenwewillinducehertoreturnwithusandspendsometimeatBelvedere。
　　Now，good-night，Thusnelda；Iamverytiredandneedrepose。Sleepalreadyweighsuponmyeyelids，andwillclosethemassoonasyouaregone。Good-night，mychild——sleepwell！“
　　Thelittledeformedcourtladykissedtheextendedhand，thecandlestick，withonlyastumpofataperinit，andwithdrewfromtheprincelysleeping-room，courtesying，andwishinghermistressgood-night，withpleasantdreams。
　　Theanteroomwasdarkanddeserted。Thelightswereallextinguished，andFrauleinGoechhausenwas，intruth，theonlypersonwhohadnotlongsinceretiredintheducalpalace。Shewasaccustomedtobethelast，accustomedtotraversethelong，lonelycorridors，andmounttwoflightsofstairstoherbedroomuponthethirdstory。Thegayduchess，beingveryfondofsociety，hadhadthesecondstoryarrangedguest-chambersanddrawing-rooms。
　　Whyshouldthelittlecourtladybeafraidto-night?Shehadnotthoughtofit，butsteppedforwardbrisklytomountthestairs。Itwassurelyverydisagreeableforthewindtoextinguishherlampatthatinstant，justattheturningofstairs，andshecouldnotaccountforit，asnoneofthewindowswereopen，andtherewasnotraceofadraft。However，itwasanundeniablefact，thelightwasoutandshewasintotaldarkness——notevenastarwastobeseeninthecloudedsky。Itwas，indeed，truethatThusneldawassoaccustomedtothewaythatitmatteredlittlewhethershehadalightornot。Nowshehadreachedthecorridorandshecouldnotfailtofindthedoor，astherewasbutone，thatofherownroom。
　　Shestretchedoutherhandtoopenit，but，strangetosay，shemissedtheknob！Thenshewassurethatitwasfartheron；shefeltalongthewall，butstilliteludedhergrasp。Itwasunheardof——nohandleandnotadooreventobefound！Thewallwasbareandsmooth，andpaperedtheentirelength。Aslightshuddercreptoverthecourageouslittlewoman'sheart，andshecouldnotexplaintoherselfwhatitallmeant。Shecalledhermaid，butnoanswer——notasoundinterruptedthestillness！“Iwillgodowntotheduchess，“
　　murmuredThusnelda；“perhapssheisawake，andthenIcanre-lightmytaper！“
　　Thedoorwasfastened；theduchesshadlockedtheante-roomto-nightforthefirsttime。
　　Thusneldatappedlightly，andbeggedanentrancehumblyandimploringly。Noanswer，everythingwasquiet。Sherecalledthattheduchesshadtoldherthatshewasveryweary，andwouldsleepassoonasshewasalone，whichsheundoubtedlyhaddone。
　　Thusneldadidnotpresumetoawakeherbyknockinglouder。Shewouldbepatient，andmountagaintoherroom。Surelyshemusthavemadeamistake，andturnedtotheleftofthecorridor，wheretherewasnodoor，insteadoftheright，assheoughttohavedone。Itmustbethatitwasherfault。Shegropedalongthedarkflightsofstairstotheuppergallery，carefullyseekingtherightthistime，butinvain。Againshefeltonlythesmoothwall。Terrified，sheknewnotwhethershewasawakeordreaming，orwhethershemightnotbeinanenchantedcastle，orwalkinginhersleepinastrangehouse。Justheresheoughttofindherroomandthemaidawaitingher，butitwaslonely，deserted，andstrange——nodoor，nomaid。Thusnelda，withtremblinghandssmoothedherface，pulledfirsthernose，andthenherhair，toidentifyherself。“IsitI?“shesaid。“AmI，indeed，myself?AmIawake?IknowthatIamladyofhonortotheDuchessAmelia，andthatupontheupperstoryismyroom。Donotbefoolish，andimaginethatwitchcraftcomestopass；thedooristhere，anditcanbefound。”Thusneldarenewedhersearchwithout-spreadarmsandwide-spreadfingers，feelingfirstthissideofthewallandthentheother。
　　Bydaylightthedeformedlittleladyofhonormusthavebeenaverydrollfigure，infulltoilet，dancingalongthewallasifsuspendedbyheroutstretchedhands。Oh，itwasquitevaintoseekanylonger。
　　Itmustbeenchantment，andthedoorhaddisappeared。AnindefinabledreamcreptoverThusnelda，andshewascastdown。Forthefirsttimeajestfailedhertremblinglips，andsheweptwithanguish。
　　Yes，she，thekeen，mordant，jestinglittlewoman，prayedandimploredherMakertounlooseherfromtheenchantment，andpermithertofindthelong-sought-forentrance。Butprayingwasinvain，thedoorwasnottobefound，itwaswitchcraft，andshemustsubmittoit。Therustlingandmovingherarmsfrightenedhernow，andwhenshewalkedthedarknesspreventedherseeingifanyonefollowedher；soshecroucheduponthefloor，yieldingtotheunavoidablenecessitypassingthenightthere——thenightofenchantmentandwitchery。[Footnote:SeeLewes'“LifeandWritingsofGoethe，“vol。1。，p。408。]
　　NotaloneforFrauleinGoechhausenwasthisbeautifulMay-nightofsadexperiencewithwitches。TherewereotherplacesatWeimar。Intheneighborhoodoftheducalpark，inthemidstofgreen-meadows，stoodasimplelittlecottage。NearitflowedtheIlm，spannedbythreebridges，allclosedbygates，sothatnoonecouldreachthecottagewithouttheoccupant'sconsent。Itwasassecureasafortressoranislandofthesea，anddistinctlyvisibleeveninthenight，itswhitewallsrisingagainstthedarkperspectiveofthepark。Thisisthepoet'sEldorado，hisparadise，presentedtoWolfgangGoethebyhisfriendtheDukeCharlesAugustus。ItwaslateasthepossessorwoundhiswaytowardhisTusculum，ashefamiliarlycalledit，and，moreattractedbytheaspectoftheheavensthanbysleep，soughtthebalcony，togazeatthedarkmassofcloudschasingeachotherlikearmiesinretreatandpursuit；onemomentveilingthemoon，atanotherrevealingherfulldisk，andsoonagaincoveringtheearthwithdarkshadows，untilthelightningflasheddowninsnakywindings，makingthedarknessmomentarilyvisiblewithherluridglare。Itwasagloriousspectaclefortheintuitive，sympatheticsoulofthepoet，andheyieldedtoitsinfluencewithdelight。HeheardthevoiceofGodintherollingofthethunder，andsoughttocomprehendtheunutterable，andunderstanditinthispoeticalsense。Voicesspaketohimintherushingofthestorm，thesighingofthetrees，andtherustlingofthefoliage。Thestormpassedquickly，aprofoundquietandsolemnityspreadoutoverthenightlyworld，anditlayasifinrepose，smilinginblissfuldreams。Theairwasfilledwithperfumes，waftedtothebalconyuponwhichdreamedthepoetwithunclosedeyelidsandwakingthoughts。
　　Thecloudswerealldispersed；fullandclearwassuspendedthemooninthedeep，bluevault，wheretwinkledthousandsofstars，whisperingofunknownworlds，andthemysteriesofNature，andthegreatnessofHimwhocreatedthemall。
　　“Oh，beloved，goldenmoon，howcalmlyyoulookdownuponme，sublimeandlovelyatthesametime！WhenIgazeatyou，movingsoquietly，floatingininfinity，andcontemplatingreflectthyselfinfiniteness，Ithinkofyou，ohCharlotte，whostandsabovemelikethemoonsobrightandmild，andIenvelopmyselfinyourrays，andmyspiritbecomesheavenlyinyourlight。
　　Miristes，denkichnuranDich，AlsindenMondzuseh'n，EinsuesserFriedewehtummich，Weissnicht，wiemirgescheh'n！
　　“Yes，likesweetpeace，andquiet，sacredmoonlight，mythoughtsshallbeofyou，Charlotte；notliketheglowingraysofthesun，orthecoldlightofthestars。Brightandbeaminglikethemoonyouaretome，spreadingaroundmeyoursoftlight。Oh，beautifulgoldenmoon，mirroredinthewater，youlieasinasilverybath，andwouldenticemetoseekyouinthemurmuringdepths。Hark！howtheruffledwavesoftheIlmwithrepeatedgentlecaresseskisstheshore，rushfromthenceingoldenlinksdowntheriver！SweetoftheIlm，I
　　come，Icome！“
　　Goethehastenedfromthebalcony，threwasidehisapparel，plungedintothesilveryflood，shoutingwithjoy。
　　Whatheavenlypleasuretofloatthere，rockedbythemurmuringwaves，gazingatthesilverystarsandthegoldenmoon，alovelyMaynight，listeningtothevoicesofNature！Addtothattheperfume-
　　ladenbreezerisingfromtherain-refreshedmeadows。Howglorioustoplungeintothecoolstream，splashinganddashingthewater，andthentoshootlikeafishthroughthedropsfallinglikegoldenrain！Suddenly，whileswimming，Goetheraisedhisheadtolisten。Hethoughtheheardfootstepsonthepoet'sforbiddenbridge。ThemoondistinctlyrevealedapeasantfromOberweimar，whowouldbeearlytotheweeklymarket，andsoservehimselftotheshortestroutewhilenoonecouldseehim。
　　“Suchpresumptiondeservespunishment，mygoodpeasant，andifthereisnooneelsetodoittheghostsmust。”
　　Listen，whatasavageyellfromunderthebridge，andthenanothermoreunearthly！
　　Thepeasant，frightened，stoppedsuddenly，andlookeddownintotheriver。“Oh，whatcanitbe?“
　　Aglisteningwhitearmisraisedmenacinglytowardthebridge。A
　　whitefigure，withablackheadandlongblackhair，isseenplungingandsplashing，whilefearfulyellsareheardfromthedeep。
　　Thenitdisappeared，toreturn，andmenace，andyell，andplungeagain。
　　Thepeasantshriekedwithterror，andwasansweredwithacruellaugh。Thewhitefiguresankandrosefromtheriverscreechingandyelling，andthepeasantshriekedalsowithterror。
　　“Aghost！aghost！oh，havemercyuponus！Amen！amen！“
　　Frightlenthimwings，andhefled，followedbythesavageyellsofthewhitefigure，andneverstoppeduntilhereachedOberweimar，whereherelatedtotheastonishedandterrifiedneighborsthattherewasariver-ghostjustbythebridgewhichledtothecottageofthemadsecretaryoflegation，Goethe，andwhichhowledinthemoonlight。[Footnote:ThistraditionoftheghostoftheIlmhasbeenpreservedinWeimar，sinceGoethe'snocturnalbath，untilourtime——
　　SeeLewes，vol。i。，p。451。]
　　WiththepeasantalsodisappearedtheghostoftheIlm。
　　LikeahappychildofNature，refreshed，Goethewenttohisroomandthenagainsoughtthebalcony，tothrowhimselfuponthecarpetandgazeatthebluestarryvault，andenjoythegloriesofheavenwiththoughtfuldevotion，andthinkofCharlotte——onlyofher，notonceofthepoorThusneldavonGoechhausen，whopassedthenightuponthestairsofthePalaceBelvedere，andwho，atlastwearywithfrightandexhaustion，fellasleep，andwasawakenedbytheDuchessAmeliainthemorning，laughinglydemandingwhyshepreferredthelandingofthestairsforaplaceofrepose。
　　“BecauseIambewitched，duchess，andmysleeping-roomhasdisappearedfromearth——becausesomecurseddemonorwizardhasenchantedme，thiswicked——“
　　“Bewarewhatyousay！“interruptedtheduchess；“itismostprobablythedukethatyouareinveighingagainst，andcallingademonandwizard。”
　　AtthisThusneldasprangupasifstruckbyanelectricshock——“Thesurprise，thisiswhatthedukepromisedme。”
　　“Verylikely，“laughedtheduchess。“Thecourierjustarrivedwithaletterfrommysontoyou，andIcametobringitmyself，andfoundyou，tomysurprise，sleepinghere。Readit，andtellmewhathesays！“
　　“Oh，listen，yourhighness！“criedThusnelda，afterhavinghastilyperusedthecontentsoftheducalmissive。
　　“'IhopeIhavesucceededtosurpriseyou！
　　Demonsandwizardshaveclosedyourdoors，Andweepingyousleptonthestairwayalone。
　　Allwitchcrafthasnowdisappeared。
　　GoseekThesurprisethatfromBerlinIbroughtyou，WhichInowofferforanatonement。'“
　　“Aninsolentfellow，indeed，ismyson，“saidtheduchess，“butyousee，Thusnelda，hesays，paterpeccavi，andIamconvincedthatyouwillfindsomethingveryprettyandacceptableinyourroom。”
　　“Iwillnottakeit——indeedIwillnot，“poutedtheladyofhonor。
　　“Hesofearfullytormentedmelastnight。IassureyourhighnessI
　　washalfdeadwithterrorand——“
　　“Andyetyouwillforgivehim，Thusnelda，forthedukeisyourdeclaredfavorite；youdarenotreproachhimwereheneversoinsolent，foryouarejustasmuchso，andnotahair's-breadthbetter。Come，goupandseewhatitis。”
　　Shewent，andfoundfourmasons，whohadbeenatworksincedaybreaktoremovethewallandreplacethedoor。Thusneldawasobligedtolaughinspiteoftheunhappynightshehadpassed，assheclimbedoverrubbishandruinsintoherroom，andmethermaiddissolvedintears，whorelatedtoherthat“thedukehadhadherwalledin，forfearshewouldtellthetricktohermistress。”
　　“Andsoyouwerereallyhermeticallysealed?“saidtheduchess。
　　“Yes，yourhighness，“whimperedthemaid，“IthoughtInevershouldseedaylightagain。Iweptandprayedallnight。Theonlythingthatconsoledmewastheduke'scommand，whichPhilipbroughttome，togivethislittleboxtoFrauleinsosoonasthewallshouldbetakenawayinthemorning。”
　　“Giveittome，Lieschen，“criedThusnelda，impatiently，herfacebeamingwithsatisfaction，however，whensheopenedthebox。“Now，duchess，thatiswhatIcallasurprise，andthedukeshallbe，asheeverhasbeen，myfavorite。Ifhedoessometimesplayrudetricks，hemakesitallrightagain，inaverygenerousandprincelymanner。Seewhatabeautifulwatchhishighnesshasbroughtme，ornamentedwithdiamonds！“
　　“Yes，itisverypretty；giveittomethatImayreturnittotheduke，andnotmortifyhimtoomuch，asyouwillnotwearit。”
　　“Iwillacceptit，duchess，“criedThusnelda，laughing——“andallisforgivenandforgotten。”
　　CHAPTERXXIV。
　　THEPURSE-PROUDMAN。
　　“Trude，istherenonewsfromhimyet?Haveyouneverseenhimsince?Didhenottellyouaboutit?“
　　“No，mydearestMarie，“sighedoldTrude。“Thereisnoword，nomessagefromhim。Ihavebeentwentytimestothebaker'sineightdays，andwaitedatthecornerofthestreet，whereweagreedtomeet，butnoMoritzwasthere，andIhavenotbeenabletohearanythingabouthim。”
　　“Somethingmusthavehappenedtohim，“sighedMarie。“Heisveryill，perhapsdying，and——“
　　“No，no，mychild，heisnotill，Iwilltellyouallaboutit，ifyouwillnotworry。IhavebeentoHerrMoritz'slodgingsto-day。I
　　couldnotwaitanylonger，and——“
　　“Didyouseehim，andspeakwithhim，Trude?“
　　“NoMarie，hewasnotthere；andthepeopleinthehousetoldmethathehadbeengoneforaweek。”
　　“Gone！“repeatedMarie，thoughtfully。“Whatdoesitmean?Whatcouldpersuadehimtoabandonmeinthishourofneed?Tellme，Trude，whatdoyouthink?Consolemeifyoucan。Youreallyknownothingfurtherthanthatheisgone?“
　　“Alittlebitmore，butnotmuch，myheart'schild。Whenthepeopletoldmethathehaddisappearedeightdaysago，itseemedasifoneoftheAlpshadfallenonmyheart，andmylimbstrembledsoIcouldgonofarther，andIwasobligedtositdownuponthestairsandcrybitterly，picturingallsortsofdreadfulthingstomyself。”
　　“Dreadfulthings?“askedMarie。“Oh，Trude，youdonotbelievethatmygood，braveMoritzcoulddoanythingsinfulandcowardly，likewickedmen?Youdonotthinkthatmybeloved——oh，no，no——Iknowthatheismorenoble；hewillbeartheburdenoflifeasIwill，solongasitpleasesGod。”
　　Theoldwomanhungdownherhead，andhumblyfoldedherhands。
　　“Forgiveme，mychild，thatIhavesuchweakandsinfulthoughts。I
　　willapologizefortheminmyhearttoyouandyourbelovedsolongasIlive。AfterIhadcriedenough，IdeterminedtogototheGrayCloister，andbegthedirectortoseeme！“
　　“Didyouseehimtospeakwithhim，deargoodTrude?“
　　“Yes，dearchild。ItoldhimIwasanagedauntofHerrMoritz，whohadcometoBerlintovisithim；andfindingthathewasabsent，I
　　wouldliketoknowwherehehadgone，and，howlonghewouldremainaway。”
　　“Oh，Trude，howcleveryouare，andhowkindlyyouthinkofeverything！“criedMarie，embracingheroldnurse，andkissingaffectionatelyhersunburnt，wrinkledcheek。“Whatdidhesay?“
　　“HetoldmethatHerrMoritzhadbeggedpermissiontobeabsentfourteendaystotakeanurgent，unavoidablejourney；thattendayshadalreadyexpired，andhewouldsoonreturn。”
　　“Thenhewillbehereinfourdays，andperhapswillbringhopeandaid！Hehasgonetoseekit；IknowandIfeelit，thoughIcannotdivinewheretheassistancewillcomefrom。Oh，Trude，ifIcouldonlygainafavorabledelayuntilMoritzreturns！“
　　“Everythingisarranged，“murmuredTrude。“Themarriagelicenseisalreadymadeout，andParsonDietrichhaspromisedtobereadyatanyhour。HerrEbenstreithassentthemoney，doublingtheamountrequiredtothe'Invalids'Hospital'atBerlin，sothatwhenthepapersofnobilityarrive，there——“
　　“Hush！“interruptedMarie，“donotspeakofit。Itisfearfultothinkof，anditcrazesmetohearit。Iwillresorttoeveryextreme。Sincemyfatherandmotheraredeaftomyentreaties，I
　　willtrytomovehimtopity。Ihaveneverbeenabletoseehimalone；mymotheriswatchfulthatanexplanationshouldbeimpossiblebetweenus。Iwillimplorethismantohavepityuponme，andconfideinhimtowhomtheywouldsellme。”
　　Trudeshookherheadmournfully。“Ifearitwillbeinvain，dearchild。Thismanhasnoheart。Ihaveprovedhim，andIknowit——
　　Harkthebellrings！Whocanitbe?“
　　Bothsteppedoutofthelittlegarret-roomtopeepoverthebanister。SinceMariehadbeenbetrothedtotherichbankerEbenstreit，thegeneralhadreceivedfromhiskindwifeaservantinpompousliveryforhisownservice。Thisservanthadalreadyopenedthedoor，andMarieheardhimannounceinaloudvoice，“HerrEbenstreit！“
　　“He！“Mariestartedbackwithhorror。“He，soearlyinthemorning！
　　thisisnoaccident，Trude。Whatdoesitmean?Hush！theservantiscoming！“
　　“Iwillgodown，“whisperedTrude；“perhapsIcanhearsomething。”
　　Trudehurriedawayasheryoungladyglidedbackintoherroom，andneverglancedattheservantwhosprangpastheruponthestairs。
　　“Heisahypocriteandaspy；hehasbeenhiredtowatchandobservemychild，andhewillbetrayherifhediscoversanything。”
　　Theservantannounced，withrespectful，humblemien，thatHerrEbenstreithadarrived，andFrauvonWerrigdesiredherdaughtertodescendtotheparlor。
　　“Verywell——saythatIwillcomedirectly。”
　　Theservantremainedrubbinghishandsinanundecided，embarrassedmanner。
　　“Whydoyounotgodown?“askedMarie。“Haveyouanythingfurthertotellme?“
　　“Iwouldsay，“saidhe，spyingabouttheroom，asifhewereafraidsomeonewerelistening，“thatifapoor，simplemanlikemyselfcouldbeusefultoyou，andyoucouldconfideinmeyourcommissions，IshouldbetoohappytoprovetoyouthatCarlLeberechtisanhonestfellow，andhasaheart，andithurtshisfeelingstoseethemisssuffersomuch。”
　　“Ithankyou，“saidMarie，gently。“Iamgladtofeelthatyouhavesympathyforme。”
　　“IfIcanbeoftheleastservicetoyou，havethegoodnesstocallme，andgivemeyourcommissions。”
　　“IndeedIwill，althoughIdonotbelieveitpracticable。”
　　“IhopemisswillnotbetraymetoFrauvonWerrigoroldTrude。”
　　“No，Ipromiseyouthat，andhereismyhanduponit。”
　　Theservantkissedtheextendedhandrespectfully。“Iwillenterintotheserviceofmyyoungladyatonce，andtellhershemustpreparefortheworst:HerrEbenstreitjustsaid，'Thediplomaofnobilityhasarrived。'“
　　Marieturneddeadlypale，andforaninstantitseemedasifshewouldsinkdownfromfright，butsherecoveredherselfandconqueredherweakness。
　　“Thankyou，itisverywellthatIshouldknowthat；Iwillgodowndirectly，“saidshe。
　　Withcalm，proudbearingMarieenteredthesitting-roomofherparents，andreturnedthesalutationsofherbetrothed，whohastenedtowardherwithtenderassiduity。
　　“MydearMarie，“criedhermother，“IhavethehonortopresenttoyouHerrEbenstreitvonLeuthen。Thecertificateofnobilityarrivedthismorning。”
　　“Icongratulateyou，mother——youhaveatlastfoundthelong-desiredheirtoyourname。”
　　“Congratulatemeaboveall，mybeautifulbetrothed，“saidHerrEbenstreit，inahoarse，scarcelyintelligiblevoice。“Thistitlecrownsallmywishes，asitmakesmeyourhusband。Icametobeg，dearMarie，thatourmarriageshouldtakeplaceto-morrow，asthereisnothingnowtoprevent。”
　　“Sir，“sheproudlyinterruptedhim，“haveIeverpermittedthisfamiliarappellation?“
　　“Ihaveallowedit，“blurtedoutthegeneral，packedincushionsinhisroilingchair。“Proceed，mydearson。”
　　Thelatterbowedwithagratefulsmile，andcontinued:“Iwouldbeg，mydearMarie，tochoosewhetherourwedding-journeyshallbeinthedirectionofItaly，Spain，France，orwhereverelseitmaypleaseher。”
　　“Isitthusarranged?“askedMarie。“Isthemarriagetotakeplaceearlyto-morrow，andthenthehappypairtakeajourney?“
　　“Yes，“answeredhermother，hastily，“itissodecidedupon，anditwillbecarriedout。Youmaynaturally，mydeardaughter，havesomepreference；somakeitknown——Iamsureyourbetrothedwilljoyfullyaccordit。”
　　“Iwillavailmyselfofthispermission，“shequietlyanswered。“I
　　wishtohaveaprivateconversationwiththisgentlemanimmediately，andwithoutwitnesses。”
　　“Oh，howunfortunateIam！“sighedHerrEbenstreit。“MydearMarieasksjustthatwhichIunfortunatelycannotgranther。”
　　“Whatshouldpreventyourfulfillingmywish?“askedMarie。
　　“Mypromise，“hewhined。“Ontheverydayofmybetrothal，Iwasobligedtopromisemydearmother-in-lawnevertospeakwithyoualoneorcorrespondwithmysweetlady-love。”
　　“Thesearetherulesofdecencyandofetiquette，whichIhopemydaughterwillrespect，“saidFrauvonWerrig，inaseveretone。“Novirtuousyounggirlwouldpresumetoreceiveherbetrothedaloneorexchangelove-letterswithhimbeforemarriage！“
　　“Aftertheweddingtherewillbeopportunitiesenoughforsuchfollies，“grumbledthegeneral。
　　“YoumaybesurethatIshallusethem，dearfather，“laughedEbenstreit。“Iwouldbegmyrespectedmothertoreleasemeahalf-
　　hourfrommyoathto-day，thatImayindulgethefirstexpressedwishthatmyfuturewifefavorsmewith。”
　　“Itisimpossible，myson。Ineverdeviatefrommyprinciples。Youwillnotspeakwithmydaughterbeforemarriage，exceptinthepresenceofherparents。”
　　“Mother，doyouinsistuponit?“criedMarie，terrified。“Willyounotindulgethisslightwish?“
　　“'Thisslightwish！'“sneeredhermother。“AsifIdidnotknowwhyyouaskthisprivateconversation。Youwishtopersuadeourson-in-
　　lawtowhatyouinvainhavetriedtoimploreyourparentstodo。A
　　modestmaidenhasnothingtosaytoherfuturehusband，whichherparents，andaboveallhermother，couldnothear。Sotellyourbetrothedwhatyoudesire。”
　　“Well，mother，youmustthentaketheconsequences——HerrEbenstreit，theywillforcemetobecomeyourwife，theywillsellmeasmerchandisetoyou，andyouhaveacceptedthebargainingoodfaith，believingthatIagreetosacrificemyfreedomandhumanrightsforriches。Theyhavedeceivedyou，sir！Iamnotreadytogivemyselfuptothehighestbidder。Iamawoman，withahearttoloveandhate，whoesteemsaffectionsuperiortowealth。Icannotmarryyou，andIbegyounottoteachmetohateyou。”
　　Asavagecursebrokeforthfromthegeneral，who，forgettinghisgout，rosefurious，shakinghisclinchedfistathisdaughter。
　　Hiswifewasimmediatelybyhisside，andpushedhimintohisarm-
　　chair，commandinghim，inherharsh，coldtoremainquietandtakecareofhishealth，andlistentowhathisson-in-lawhadtosaytohisunfeelingandunnaturaldaughter。“Healonehastodecide——
　　Speak，mydearson，“saidshe，turningtotheyoungman，who，withamalicioussmile，hadlistenedtothebaroness，fixinghisdull-blueeyesupontheyounggirl，whoneverseemedsodesirabletohim，asshenowstoodbeforehimwithglowingcheeks。
　　“AgainIsay，speak，mydearson，andtellmydaughterthetruth；doyouhear，thetruth?“
　　“Ifyouwillpermitme，mydearestmother，Iwill，“answeredEbenstreit，withsubmissivekindness，againregardingthedaughter。
　　“Youhavemademeasadconfession，Marie，“saidhe，sighing，“butI
　　willacknowledgethatIamnotsurprised，foryourmothertoldmewhenIaskedforyourhand，thatshefearedIshouldnevergainyourconsent，foryoudidnotloveme，althoughsheherself，andthegeneral，wouldgranttheirs。”
　　“WasthatallthatItoldyou?“askedthemother，coldly。
　　“No，notall，“continuedEbenstreit，slightlyinclining；“youadded，'Mydaughterlovesabeggar，apoorschool-master，andsheentertainstheromanticideaofmarryinghim。'“
　　“Andwhatdidyoureply?“askedMarie，almostbreathless。
　　“MydearMarie，Ilaughed，repeatingmyproposalofmarriagetoyourmother，saying，thatIwasreadytotakeupthecombatwiththepoorpedagogue，andthatyouseemedallthemoreinterestingandamiableforthisromanticlove。Lifeissotediousandwretched，thatoneisgladtohavesomechangeanddistraction。Iassureyou，Ihavenotbeensoentertainedforlongyears，asinthelastfourteendaysinthissilentwarwithyou。Itamusesmeinfinitelytoseeyousostubbornandprudish，andincreasesmyloveforyou。Howcoulditbeotherwise?Therichbanker，Ebenstreit，hasneverseenawomanwhowasnotreadytoaccepthishand，andwhyshouldhenotlovethefirstonewhoresistsit?Youhaveexcitedmyself-loveandvanity。
　　Youhavemadethemarriageamatterofambition，andyouwillcomprehendthatmyansweris:'FrauleinvonLeuthenmustandshallbemywife，nomatterwhatitcostsme。Shedefiesmyrichesanddespisesmoney，soIwillforcehertorespectmywealthandrecognizeitspower。Besides，sheisacruel，egotisticaldaughter；
　　whohasnopityforherpoorparents，andiscapableofseeingthemperishforherfoolishattachment。Iwillmakeheragoodchild，andforcehertomakeherparents，andtherebyherself，happy。'AllthisIsaidtomyself，andIhaveactedandshallactaccordingly。Ihaveonlytoaddthattheceremonywilltakeplaceto-morrow，ateleven。
　　Wewillleaveimmediatelyafter。Havethegoodnessthereforetochooseinwhichdirection，thatImayatoncemakethenecessaryarrangements。”
　　“Lost——lostwithouthope！“criedMarie，inanguish，coveringherfacewithherhands。
　　“Rathersayrescuedfrommisfortune，“answeredEbenstreit，quietly。
　　“Believeme，thereisbutonesorrowthatmaynotbeborne，maynotbeconquered，andthatispoverty，whichisacorroding，consumingmalady，annihilatingbody，andsoul，swifterandsurerthanthemostsubtlepoison。Itstiflesallnoblefeelings，allpoeticalthoughtsandgreatdeeds，and，believeme，loveevencannotresistitsterriblepower。Onedayyouwillunderstandthis。Iwillbepatientandindulgent，andawaititwithhope。”
　　“Oh，whatanobleandhigh-mindedman！“criedthemother，withemphasis——“MarieshouldkneelandthankherMakerforsuchamagnanimoussaviorandlover，whowillshieldherfromallevilandmisfortune。”
　　Sobbingandsighing，thedaughterhadstoodwithherfaceconcealed；
　　nowsheregardedthecold-hearted，smilingwoman，withflashingeyesandkeencontempt。
　　“Thankhim！“shecried；“no，Iaccuse，Icursehim。Heisanatheist，anddenieslove。Heisnotcapableofanoblethoughtoraction，scorninganddefamingallthatisbeautifulandelevated，worshippingonlymammon。Iwillnevermarryhim。Youmayforcemetothealtar，andthereIwilldenouncehim。”
　　“Shewillkillme，“criedthegeneral；“shewillmurderheragedparents，leavingthemtostarveandperish，and——“
　　“Silence！“commandedhiswife。“Leaveoffyourcomplaints，sheisnotworththetearsorremonstrancesofherparents。Shewouldtrytobeourmurderess，butsheshallnot——Myson，informherofyourdecision。Answerher。”
　　“Theresponsetoyourromanticlanguageissimpleandnatural，mydearMarie。Ihavealreadyenteredintoyourfeelings，andampreparedforthisideaofrefusingyourloveratthealtar，whichisfoundinnovels，andIsupposedthatitmightoccurtoyou。Moneycompassesallthingsandaccordingtoourwishes。Myfortuneprocuresformeadispensationfrompublicauthoritiestobemarriedhereinthehouseofourdearparents。Thelawdemandsfourwitnesses，whowillberepresentedbyyourparents，myservantPhilip，andthesacristanwhomtheclergymanwillbring。”
　　“Andtheywillhearmeabjureyou。”
　　“Itisverypossible，dearest，butthewitnesseswillnotlistentoyou。Moneymakesthedeaftohear，andthehearingonesdeaf。OldparsonDietrichknowsthestoryofyourlove，andbelieves，withus，thatitisamaladythatyoumustbecuredof。Therefore，inpitytoyou，hewillnotlisten，andtheothersarcpaidtokeepsilent。”
　　“Istherenohope，OHeaven?“criedMarie，imploringly。“OGod，Thouhastpermittedit——hastThounopityinmyneed，andsendestmenoaid?“Rushingtoherfather，andkneelingathisfeet，shecontinued:“Havemercyuponyourpoorchild！Youareanoldman，andmaylivebutafewyears；donotburdenyourconsciencewiththefearfulreproachesofyouronlychild，whomyouwillcondemntoaninconsolablylongandunhappylife。”
　　“Haveyounopityyourself?DoyounotknowthatI，yourfather，amsopoor，thatIhavenoteventhenecessarycare?Youwishyourparentstosacrificethemselvesforyou，andsufferwant！No，thedaughtershouldsacrificeherselfforherparents。”
　　“Abeautifulsacrifice，afinesorrow！“sneeredhermother。“Shewillbearichwoman，andhavethemostsplendidhouseandfurnitureandmostcostlyequipageinBerlin！“
　　“Andahusbandwhoadoresher，“criedEbenstreit，“andwhowillfeelithisdutytomakeherandherparentshappy。Resolvebravelytoburythepast，andlooktheimmutablefuturejoyfullyintheface。
　　Elevenwillbethehappyhour；fearnotthatthealtarwillnotbeworthythecharmingbrideofsucharichfamily。Moneywillprocureeverything，andIwillsendafloristwhowillchangethisroomintoabloomingtemple，fittoreceivethegoddessoflove。Inyourroomyouwillfindthegiftofmyaffection，asimplewedding-dress，whichItrustyouwillapproveof。Oh，donotshakeyourhead，donotsaythatyouwillneverwearit；youmustbelievethatallresistanceisinvain。Youwillbecomemywife，Iandmymoneywillit。”
　　“AndI，“criedMarie，standingbeforehimpaleanddefiant，regardinghimwithunspeakablecontempt，“Iandmylovewillitnot。
　　MayGodjudgebetweenus！MayHeforgivethosewhohavebroughtthismisfortuneuponme！Icanonlysay，'Woetothem！'“
　　“Woetoyou！“criedhermother。“Woetotheseducerwhohaspersuadedourchildtosinandcrime，and——“
　　“Hushmother！IwillnotpermityoutoslanderhimwhomIlove，andevershall，solong——“
　　“Untilyouforgethim，andloveme，Marie，“saidEbenstreit。
　　Approachingher，heseizedherhand，andpressedakissuponit。
　　Shedrewitawaywithdisgust，andturnedslowlytothedoor，tossingbackherheadproudly。“Whereareyougoing?“demandedhermother。
　　Withherhandupontheknob，shereplied，turningherpale，wanfacetohermother，“Tomyownroom，whichIsupposeispermittedtome，asthereisnothingmoretobesaid。”
　　Hermotherwouldreply，andretainher，butherson-in-lawheldhergentlyback。“Lethergo，“saidhe；“sheneedsrestforcomposureandtoaccustomherselftothethoughtthatherfateisunavoidable。”
　　“Butwhatifsheshouldresorttodesperatemeansinhermadinfatuationandfoolishpassion?Someonemustwatchhercontinually，forshemaytrytoelope。”
　　“Youareright，dearestmother，someonemustbewithher，inwhomshewillconfide。WoulditnotbepossibletowinoldTrude?“
　　“No，nothingwouldgainher；sheisasillyfool，whothinksonlyMarieisofconsequence。”
　　Ebenstreitshruggedhisshoulders。“Thatmeansthatshewouldsellherselfatahighprice。Ibegthatyouwillsendforher。”
　　“Youwillsee，“saidshe，callingtheoldwoman，whoenteredfromtheoppositedoor。
　　Trudelookedabout，scowlingandgrumbling。“Leberechttoldmemymistresscalledme。”
　　“Whydoyouthenlooksofurious，andwhatareyouseekingonthetable?“askedFrauvonWerrig。
　　“Mymoney，“criedTrude，vehemently。“Ithoughtthatyoucalledmetopayme，andthatmywageswereallcountedoutonthetable。ButIseethereisnothingthere，andIfearIshallgetnone，andbepoorasachurch-mouseallmylifelong。Yourhonorpromisedmepositivelythat，assoonastheweddingwasdecidedupon，youwouldpaymeeveryfarthing，withinterest，andIdependeduponit。”
　　“Youshallhaveall，andmuchmorethanthegeneral'swifepromisedyou，ifyouwillbeatrueandfaithfulservanttous，“saidEbenstreit。
　　“ThatIalwayshavebeen，andevershallbe，“snarledTrude。“Nopersoncansayaughtagainstme。Now，Iwantmymoney。”
　　“Andobstinateenoughyouhavebeentoo，“saidhermistress。“Canyoudenythatyouhavenotalwaystakenmydaughter'spart?“
　　“Idonotdenyit。Ihavenursedherfromchildhood，andIloveherasmyownchild，andwoulddoanythingtomakeherhappy！“
　　“Doyoubelieve，Trude，“criedthegeneral，“thatMariecouldbehappywiththatpoor，starvingwretchofaschool-master?Hasshenotexperiencedinherownhomethemisfortuneandshameofpoverty?“
　　“Iknowitwell，“sighedtheoldone，sadly，“andithasconvertedmetobelievethatitwouldbeagreatmisfortuneforMarietomarrythepoorschool-master。”
　　“Well，willyouthenfaithfullyhelpustopreventit?“quicklyaskedEbenstreit。
　　“HowcanIdoit?“shesighed，shrugginghershoulder。
　　“Youcanpersuademydaughtertobereasonable，andyieldtothatwhichshecannotprevent。YouaretheonlyonewhocanmakeanyimpressionuponMarie，assheconfidesinyou。Watchher，thatinamomentofpassionatedesperationshedoesnotcommitsomerashact。
　　Youcantellus，further，whatshesays，andwarnusofanycrazyplanshemightformtocarryoutherownwill。”
　　“Thatistosay，ImustbetraymyMarie?“criedTrude，angrily。
　　“No，notbetray，butrescueher。Willyoudoit?“askedEbenstreit。
　　“Iwishtobepaidmywages，mytwohundredthalers，thatIhavehonestlyearned，andIwillhavethem。”
　　Ebenstreittookapieceofpaperfromhispocket。Writingafewlineswithapencil，helaidituponthetable。“Ifyouwilltakethistomycashieraftertheceremonyto-morrow，hewillpayyoufourhundredthalers。”
　　“Fourhundredthalersincash，“criedTrude，joyfullyclappingherhands。“Shallallthatbeautifulmoneybemine，and——No，Idonotbelieveyou，“shecried，herfacereassumingitsgloomy，suspiciouslook。“Youpromiseittometo-day，thatImayassistyou，andpersuadeMarietothemarriage，butto-morrow，whenoldTrudeisofnomoreuse，youwillsendmeawaypenniless。Oh，Iknowhowitis。
　　Ihavelivedlongenoughtounderstandthetricksofrichpeople。I
　　willseethecashfirst——onlyforthatwillIsellmyself。”
　　“Theoldwomanpleasesme，“saidEbenstreit。“Sheispractical，andsheisright——IfIpromiseyouthemoneyinanhour，willyoupersuadeMarietoceaseherfoolishresistance，andbemywife?Willyouwatchoverher，andtellusifanythingunusualoccurs?“
　　“Fourhundredthalersisaprettysum，“repeatedTrude，inalowvoicetoherself。“Imightbuymyselfaplaceinthehospital，andhaveenoughlefttogetmeanewbedandneatfurnitureand——“
　　Herehervoicewaslostinunintelligiblemumbling，and，muchexcited，sheappearedtocounteagerly。Withherbonyforefingershenumberedoverthefingersofherlefthand，asifeachwereafortunethatshemustverifyandexamine。
　　Themotherandthebankerregardedeachotherwithmockinglooks；
　　thegenerallookedatthemoney，grumbling:“IfIhadhadfourhundredthalersthelasttimeIplayed，Icouldhavewonbackmymoneyinplayingagain。”
　　“Oldwoman，“saidEbenstreit，“haveyounotfinishedwithyourreckoning?“
　　“Yes，“shesaid，withanexultantlaugh，“Ihavedone！Fourhundredthalersarenotsufficient。Imusthavefive，andifyouwillgivethemtomeincashinanhour，thenIwilldoeverythingthatyouwish，andpersuadeMarietothemarriage。Iwillwatchherdayandnight，andtellyoueverythingthatshesaysanddoes。ButImusthavefivehundredincash！“
　　Ebenstreitturnedhisdull-blueeyestoFrauvonWerrigwithatriumphantsmile。“Didyounottellmetheoldwomancouldnotbebought?IknewthatIwasright。Youdidnotofferhermoneyenough；
　　shewillsellherselfdearaspossible。”
　　“Yes，asdearasshecan，“laughedTrude——“fivehundredismyprice。”
　　“Youshallhaveitincashinanhour，“saidEbenstreit，inafriendlymanner。
　　“Somuchmoney，“whinedthegeneral；“itwouldhavesavedmeifI
　　hadhaditthatlasttime。”
　　“Myson-in-law，Imustconfessyouareexceedinglygenerous，“
　　remarkedthemother。
　　“Nosumwouldbetoogreattoassurememybride。Gonow，Trude，youshallhavethemoneyintime——Willyouallowme，father，tosendyourservanttomyofficeforit?“
　　“SendLeberechthere，Trude！“
　　Theoldwomanhurriedoutoftheroom，butthedooronceclosed，hermannerchanged。Onemighthavesupposedasuddencramphadseizedher，fromherdistortedface，andtwitchingandpanting，andbeatingtheairwithherclinchedfists，andherquiveringlipsutteringbrokenwords。
　　Approachingfootstepswarnedhertoassumehergeneralmannerandexpression，andceasehermanipulations。“Theladiesandgentlemenwishyouintheparlor，“mumbledTrudetotheservantdescendingthestairs。“Butwherehaveyoubeen，andwhathaveyoutodoupthere?“
　　“Iwaslookingforyou，lovelyone——nothingmore！“
　　“Well，nowyouhavefoundme，tellmewhatyouwant?Iknowyouweresneakingabout，listening，becauseyouthoughtIwaswithMarie。I
　　understandyoubetterthanyouthinkIdo。Ihavefoundmanyaviper，andIamfamiliarwiththeiraspect。Go！theyarewaitingforyou，andletmefindyouagainspyingabout，andIwillthrowapailofwateronyou！“
　　WiththisfriendlyassuranceTrudedismissedLeberecht，andhastenedwithyouthfulactivitytothelittlegarret-room，whenMariefelluponherneck，weepingbitterly。
　　“Calmyourself——donotweepso——itbreaksmyheart，mydearchild。”
　　“Andminecannotbreak。Imustendureallthisanguishandsurvivethisshame。Helpme，mygoodmother，standbyme！Itisimpossibleformetomarrythatdreadfulman。IhaveswornconstancytomybelovedMoritz，andImustbefirm，ordie！“
　　“Die?thenyouwillkillme！“murmuredtheoldone，“for，ifyougo，Imustgoalso。Butwewillnotgiveupyet，aswearebothliving；
　　wewillnotdespairforlife。IamgoingoncemoretoMoritz'slodgings；itmaybehehasreturned，andwillrescueyou。”
　　“Oh，do，goodTrude；tellhimthatIhavecourageanddeterminationtoriskandbeareverything——thatIwillawaithim；thatnothingwouldbetoodifficultordangeroustoservetounitemetohim！
　　TellhimthatIpreferalifeofpovertyandwantbyhisside，toabundanceandrichesinasplendidpalacewiththatdetestedcreature——butno，saynothingaboutit，heknowsitwell！Ifhehasreturned，tellhimallthathashappened，andthatIamresolvedtobravetheutmost，tosavemyself！“
　　“Iwillgo，dearchild，butIhavefirstmyworktodo，andenoughofittoo——butlistentowhattheyhavemademebecome。”Hastily，inalowvoice，sherelatedtoMariethestoryofhercorruption，excitedasbefore，herlimbsshakingandherfistsclinched。“Theysayweoldwomenresemblecats，butfromto-dayforthIknowthatisashamefullie！IfIhadpossessedtheirnatureandclaws，Ishouldhavesprungatthethroatofthisrascal，andtornouthiswindpipe；
　　but，insteadofthat，Istoodasifdelightedwithhisdegradingproposal！Oh，fie！thegood-for-nothingkidnapperwouldtemptapoorcreature！Letuswait，theywillgettheirreward。Heshallpaymethefivehundredthalers，andthenthistraderofheartsshallrecognizethat，howevermuchill-earnedmoneyhemaythrowaway，loveandconstancyarehottobebought。Wewillteachhimalesson，“andwiththis，theoldservantceased，gaspingforbreath。
　　“Gonow，Trude，andlearnifhehasreturned；uponhimdependsmyhappiness，andlifeeven——heismylasthope！“
　　“Iamgoing，butfirstIwouldgetthewagesofmysin，andplaythehypocrite，andtellafewuntruths；thenIwillgotoMoritz'slodgings，andthebakeralso。Donotdespair；IhaveajoyfulpresentimentthatGodwillhavepityuponusandsendusaid。”Trudekissedandembracedherchild，andscarcelywaitedanhour，whenshewasdemandedintheparlortoreceivehermoney。
　　HerrEbenstreitwasheartilydelightedwithherzealousimpatience，andhandedhertenrollsofgold，remindingheroftheconditions。
　　“Ihavealreadyconsoledheralittle，andshebeginstochange。I
　　hopeeverythingwillturnforgood。Justleaveheralonewithme。”
　　“Butfirst，Imustgoandseemyagedbrother，whowilltakecareofmymoney，“repliedTrude。“Heisasafemanandwillnotspendit。”
　　“Trude，“criedthegeneral，“whatanoldfool！toseekatdistancewhatissonearyou。Iwilltakeyourmoney，andgiveyouinterest。
　　Doyouhear?Iwilltakecareofit！“
　　“Thankyou，general，I'drathergiveittomybrother，onaccountoftherelationship。”Sheslippedoutoftheroom，hidthemoneyinherbed，andhurriedlyleftthehouse。
　　ScarcelyanhourpassedereTrudereturnedasfleetlyasshewent。
　　Shecastonlyalookintothekitchen，andhasteneduptoMarie'sroom。Hersuccesswasevidentinherhappy，smilingface，andcominghomeshehadrepeatedtoherself，“HowhappyMariewillbe！“almosttheentireway。
　　Shehadbutclosedthedoor，whenthemeanlittleLeberechtglidedfrombehindthechimney，andcrepttolistenatthedoor。
　　Withinwasalivelyconversation，andtwiceashoutofjoywasheardandMarie，exultant，cried，“Oh，Trude！dearTrude！allgoeswell，I
　　fearnothingnow。GodhassentmethesaviorwhichIimplored！“
　　Leberechtstood，bentover，applyinghiseartothekeyhole，listeningtoeveryword。
　　Oh，Trude！ifyoucouldonlyhaveseenthetraitor，gluedtothedoor，withopeneyesandmouth！Couldyouhaveseentheeavesdropperrubbinghishandstogether，grinning，andlisteninginbreathlesssuspense！
　　Whycannotyousurprisehim，Trude，andfulfilyourthreattodelugehimandchasehimawayfromyourchild'sdoor?Theyforgotthenecessityofprudence，andthepossibilityofbeingoverheard。Atlastitoccurredtotheoldservant，andshetoreopenthedoor，butnoonewasthere——itwasdesertedandstill。
　　“Godbethanked，noonehaslistened，“whisperedTrude。“IwillgodownandtellthemthatIhope，ifwecanstayaloneallday，youwillbecalmerandmorereasonable。”
　　“Doit，Trude；Idonotdaretoseeanyoneforfearmyfacewillbetrayme，andmymotherhasverysharpeyes。Returnsoon。”
　　Sheopenedthedoor，andsawnottheeavesdropperandspy，whohadbutjusttimetoconcealhimself，andstandmaliciouslygrinningattheretreatingfigureofthefaithfulservant。
　　Heslippedlightlyfromhishiding-placedowntohissleeping-room，inanicheunderthestairs。Foralongtimehereflected，uponhisbedside——hiswateryblueeyesstaringatnothing。“Thismustbewellconsidered，“hemumbled。“Thereis，atlast，acapitaltobewon。
　　WhichshallIdofirst，tograspagooddeal?ShallIwait，orgoatoncetoHerrEbenstreit?Verynaturallytheywouldbothdenyit，andsaythatIhadmadeupthewholestorytogainmoney。Ihadbetterlettheaffairgoon:theycantakeashortdrive，andwhentheyareaboutanhourabsent，Iwillsellmysecretatahigherprice。NowI
　　willpretendtobequiteharmless，andaftersupperletthebombburst！“
　　CHAPTERXXV。
　　THEELOPEMENT。
　　Eveninghadsetin。Thecard-tablehadbeenarranged，andLeberechthadrolledhismastertoit，takinghisplacebehindhischair。Thehourofwhistthegeneralimpatientlyawaitedtheentireday，anditwasregularlyobserved。Eveninthecontractwithhisadoptedsonithadbeenexpresslymentionedasaduty，thatheshouldnotonlysecuretothemyearlyincome，butalsodevoteanhourtocardseveryevening。
　　HerrEbenstreitregardeditasatax，whichhemustobserveuntilmarried。Thegeneralwasmuchhissuperioratcards，and，moreover，playedthedummy，andthestakebeinghigh，itwasquiteanincomeforthefuturefather-in-law，andregardedbyhimastheonebrightspotinhisdailylife。
　　Thecardshadbeendealt，andLeberechthadassortedthegeneral's，andplacedtheminhisgoutyhand，whenTrudeentered，exultingly。
　　“Whathashappened?Whatmakesyouinterruptus?“criedthegeneral。
　　“DidyounotrememberthatIhavetoldyoualwaysnottodisturbusatthishour。”
　　“Yes，general，butIthoughtgoodnewswasneveramiss。”
　　“Whathaveyoupleasanttotellus?“harshlydemandedFrauvonWerrig。
　　“Myyounglady'scompliments，“criedTrude，triumphantly；“shebeginstoseethatshemustyieldtoherfate，andthatitwilldonogoodtoresistanylonger。Shewillbereadyfortheceremonyateleveno'clockto-morrowmorning。”
　　Thegeneralutteredacryofjoy，andstruckthetablesoviolently，withhishand，thatthecardswerethrowntogether。
　　Hiswifeboweddignifiedly，andthehappybridegroomgaveoldTrudesomegold-piecesuponthefavorablenews。
　　“Hasshe，then，beenconvertedbyyourpersuasion?“heasked。
　　“Throughmypersuasionandherowngoodsense。Sheunderstandsthat，ifshecannotmarryherdearMoritz，HerrEbenstreitisthemostfithusband，becausehelovesher，andissogeneroustoheroldparents。Onethingshewouldlikeananswerto——canIaccompanyhertohernewhome?“
　　“Yes，oldwoman，itwillbeveryagreeabletohavesosensibleaperson，“saidEbenstreit。“TellMariethatitgivesmepleasuretofulfilherwish。”
　　“InthatcaseIwouldrepeatthatFrauleinbegsforindulgenceandforbearanceuntilto-morrow，andwouldliketoremainalonetocomposeherself。”
　　“Idonotwish，intheleast，toseeher，“saidhermother；“shecandowhatshelikesuntilthen。”
　　“IwilltellMarie，andshewillrejoice，“criedTrude。
　　“Tellher，fromherfather，thatitisveryagreeabletohimnottoseeherpale，wretched-lookingfaceagaintillmorning——Now，myson，payattention，andyou，Trude，donotpresumetointerruptusagain。Leberecht，playoutmyaceofhearts。”