Thelatter，withhiseyescastdown，andwithaperfectlyindifferentmanner，playedthecardindicated，andTrudelefttheroomquietlyandunobserved。
　　“Everythingisarranged，mychild，“saidTrude，asshere-enteredMarie'sroom。“Theyareplayingcards，whichalwayslaststwohours，thenHerrEbenstreitgoesaway，andthefamilywillgotobed。Youhaveeighteenhours，beforeyouwillbediscovered。Hark！itstrikesseven，anditisalreadyquitedark。Whenthepost-hornsounds，thenitistime。”
　　“Oh，Trude！mydearmother，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withanxiety，andIquakewithfear，“sighedMarie。“IamconsciousthatIhavecommencedafearfulundertaking！“
　　“Theyhavedrivenyoutoit——itisnotyourfault，“saidTrude，consolingly。“Everyhumanbeingisfreetoworkouthisowngoodorbadfortune，and，asourdearOldFritzsays，'tobehappyinthefutureworldinhisownway。'Theyhavesoldyouformoney，andyouonlyprovetothemthatyouarenoslave。”
　　“AndIprovealsothatIamadisobedientdaughter，“addedMarie，trembling。“Atthishour，itweighslikeaheavyburdenuponmyheart，andthewordsofHolyWritburnintomyverysoul——'Honorthyfatherandthymother，thatitmaybewellwiththee。'“
　　“Youhavehonoredthemallyourlife，“saidTrude，solemnly；“IcanwitnessitbeforeGodandman。Youhaveworkedforthemwithoutthanksorlove，receivingonlycontempt。Itisalsowritten，'Thoushaltleavefatherandmother，andcleaveuntothyhusband。'YoustillfollowthecommandsofGod，andmayitbringyouhappinessandblessing。Myprayersandthoughtsgowithyou，mychild！amothercouldnotloveheroffspringmoretenderlythanIdoyou。”
　　“Nomothercouldmoretenderlyandfaithfullycareforherthanyouhaveforme，Trude，“criedMarie，pressingherlovinglytoherbreast。“Throughyoualoneismyrescuepossible，foryougiveusthemoneytoundertakethelongjourney。”
　　“NotI，“shelaughed；“itisHerrEbenstreit，andthatmakesitthemoreamusing；thewickedalwayssetthetrapsintowhichtheyfallthemselves。”Suddenlytheloud，quiveringtonesofthepost-hornwereheard，“EsrittendreiReiterzumThorehinaus。”
　　“Hehascome！“criedMarie，andherfacebeamedwithdelight。“Hecallsme！Iamcoming！——Farewell，dear，peacefulroom，whereIhavesotoiled，wept，andsuffered！Ishallneverseetheeagain！Mybelovedcallsme，andIgotofollowhimevenuntodeath！Pardonme，OGod！ThouseestthatIcannotdootherwise！Theywouldforcemetoperjury，andIdarenotbreakmyoath！IcannotforsakehimwhomI
　　love！——Whentheycurseme，Trude，kneel，andimplorGodtoblessme，whoistheFatheroflove！Myconsciencedoesnotreproachme。I
　　haveworkedforthemwhentheyneededit；nowtheiradoptedson，towhomtheyhavesoldtheirname，allowsthemayearlyrent，andIcanworkformyself。”
　　“Hark！thereisthepost-hornagain，youmustgo，“murmuredTrude，strugglingtoforcebackhertears。
　　“Blessme，mother，“imploredMarie，kneeling。
　　“God'sblessinggowithyou，“shesaid，layingherhandsuponherhead，“andmayitrenderofnoavailthecursesofmen，butpermityoutowalkinloveandhappiness！“
　　“Amen，amen！“sighedMarie，“nowfarewell，dearmother，farewell！“
　　Marierose，andkissingTrudeagain，flitteddownthestairs，andoutofthehouse，Trudefollowing，holdingherbreathandlisteninginfearfulexcitement。
　　Againresoundedthepost-horn。
　　“Theyaregone，“murmuredTrude，bowingherheadandprayinglongandfervently。
　　Thegeneralwasparticularlyfortunatethisevening，whichcausedhimtobeunusuallycheerfulandsatisfied。Aftereveryrubberhegatheredupthethalers，untilhehadamassedamostsatisfactorypile。Astheclockstruckten，FrauvonWerrigdeclaredthattheymustfinishandgotobed。
　　Thegeneralyielded，withasigh，toherdecision，forheknew，bylongyearsofexperience，thatitwouldbeinvaintodefyherwill。
　　Heshovedhiswinningsintoaleatherbag，whichhealwayscarriedwithhim，andgaveLeberechttheordertorollawayhischair，whentheservant，withasolemnbow，steppedcloselytohim，andbeggedthegeneraltolistentohimamoment。
　　“Well，whathaveyoutosay?“heasked。
　　“Ihaveonlyonerequest——thatyouwillpermitmetoprovethatIamafaithfulservant，wholooksoutforthegoodofhisemployers。YouhavegivenTrudefivehundredthalersthatshemightwatchoveryourdaughter。Icanshowyouhowwellshedeservedit，andhowdifferentlyyourhumbleservantwouldhavedone——Havethegoodness，FrauyonWerrig，tocallTrudetobidFrauleincomedown，foryouhavesomethingimportanttocommunicatetoher。”
　　Hismistressproudlyregardedhimandseemedtotrytoreadhismeaninginhissmiling，humbleface。“Andifmydaughtercomes，whathaveyoutosay?“
　　“Ifshecomes，thenIamamiserablefoolandscoundrel，butIbegyoutocallTrude。”
　　Itwasalongtimebeforetheoldwomanappeared，confusedandsleepy，asking——“whattheywantedatsuchalatehour?“
　　“GoandtellmydaughterthatIwishtoseeheratonce。”
　　Trudetrembled，butcomposedherself，saying，“Thereistimeenoughto-morrow。Frauleinhasbeenasleepalongtime。”
　　“Shelies，“sneeredLeberecht，takingtheprecautiontoprotecthimselfbehindthegeneral'sarm-chair。“Sheknowsthatsheisnotinbed。”
　　“Oh，yousneak，yourascal，“criedTrude，shakingherfistathim，“howdareyousaythatItellalie?Howcansuchamiserablecreatureasyouimputetootherswhatyoudoyourselfeverytimethatyouopenyourmouth?“
　　“FrauyonWerrig，sheisonlyquarrelling，inordertogaintime——
　　everymomentisprecious。Ibegyoutogoup-stairs，andseeforyourself，ifyourdaughteristhere。”
　　“Frauleinhaslockedthedoorsoasnottobedisturbed。”
　　“Ah，“saidLeberecht，“Trudehaslockedit，andhasthekeyinherpocket。”
　　“Giveupthekey，“shriekedthegeneral，whoinvaintriedtorise，“orIwillcallthepolice，andsendyoutoprison。”
　　“Doit，butIwillnotgiveittoyou。”
　　“Doyounotseeshehasit?“criedLeberecht。
　　“Oh，youwretch，Iwillpayyou——Iwillscratchyoureyesout，youmiserablecreature！“
　　“Trude，bequiet，“commandedEbenstreit；“thegeneralorderstogiveupthekey——doit！“
　　“Yes，doitatonce，“shriekedFrauvonWerrig，“orIwilldismissyoufrommyservice。”
　　“Thatyouwillnothavetodo，asIshallgomyself。Iwillnotgiveupthekey。”
　　“Thedoorisold，andwithagoodpushonecouldopenit，“saidLeberecht。
　　“Come，myson，letussee，“saidthemother。
　　Theyhasteneduptotheroom，whilethegeneralscolded，furiouslythathemustsitstill。LeberechtandTrudecastfurious，menacingglancesateachother。
　　Suddenlyaloudcrashwasheard。
　　“Theyhavebrokenopenthedoor！“criedthegeneral。
　　“Isaidthatitwasoldandfrail——whatdoyousaynow，beautifulTrude?“
　　Theoldwomanwipedwithherhandthedropsofperspirationfromherforehead，causedbyheranguish。“Youareabadfellow，andGodwillpunishyouforyourtreason，thatyouhavetormentedanoble，unhappygirl。Isawthatyouwereaneavesdropper，andyouknowall。”
　　“Sheisgone！“shriekedthemother，rushingintotheroom。
　　“Theroomisempty，“criedEbenstreit。“Marieisnotthere。Tellus，Leberecht，whatyouknowaboutit。”
　　“Iwill，ifwecanagreeaboutthepay——theoldwomanbothersme，andbegtheyounggentlemantogointothenextroomwithme。”
　　“OAlmightyGod，havecompassionuponmypoorlittleMarie，“
　　murmuredTrude，kneeling，andcoveringherface。
　　Ebenstreitinthemeantimewithdrewtotheotherroom，followedbytheservant。
　　“Speak！“commandedhismaster，“andtellmewhatyouhavetosay。”
　　Leberechtshruggedhisshoulders。“Wearetwomenwhohaveurgentbusinesswitheachother。Iamnotatpresentaservantandyouthemaster。Iamamanwhohasanimportantsecrettosell，andyouarethemanwhowouldbuyit。”
　　“Whatstrange，unheard-oflanguageisthis?“saidEbenstreit，astonished。
　　“ThelanguageofamanwhocannotonlydeprivetherichbankerEbenstreitofalovelywife，butofhistitlealso。Yousaidyourself，sir，thismorning，thatitwasonlyvalidifyousucceededinmarryingthedaughterofGeneralvonLeuthen。Nononeknowswhereyoucanfindyourbridebutme。”
　　“AndTrude，“saidEbenstreit，quickly。
　　“YouknowshewillnotbetrayFraulein，andyouhavenoteventriedtomakeher。”
　　“Youaremistaken；Trudeisaseasilyboughtasanyone。”
　　“Yousaythatbecauseshehastakenfivehundredthalersfromyou。
　　Shehasnothelpedyou，anditisuselesstoaskforyourmoney，asshehasnotgotit。”
　　“Howso?Hasshegivenitaway?“
　　“Youprovidedthemoneyforyourbridetorunawayandmarryelsewhere，asTrudegaveittothem。”
　　Ebenstreitstampedhisfootwithrage，stridingbackwardandforwardinfuriousexcitement，whileLeberechtwatchedhim，sardonicallysmiling。“Letuscometoanendwiththisbusiness，“saidEbenstreit，stoppingbeforehisservant。“YouknowwhereFrauleincanbefound，andyouwishtosellthesecret——tellmeyourprice。”
　　“Threethousandthalers，andaclerkshipinyourbank，whichyouintendtocontinueunderanothername。”
　　“Youarebesideyourself。Iamnotsofoolishastograntsuchsenselessdemands。”
　　“EveryhourthatyouwaitIdemandathousandthalersmore，andifyoustoptoreflectlongyourbetrothedandyourtitlebotharelost。”
　　“Youareamiserablescamp！“criedEbenstreit，enraged；“Iwillinformthepolice。Therearemeansenoughtoforceyoutogivetheinformation。”
　　“Idonotbelieveit。Trudewillnottellyou，andIshouldliketoknowwhatcanforcemeifIwillnot。Thekinghasdoneawaywithtorture，andIhaveinformedyouhowtomakemespeak。Threethousandthalersandaclerkshipinyouroffice。Takecare！itisalmosteleveno'clock——atmidnightIshalldemandfourthousand。”
　　CHAPTERXXVI。
　　UNDERTHESTARRYHEAVENS。
　　Itwasabeautiful，clear，moonlightnight。Theworldreposedinsilence。Mankindwiththeircaresandsorrows，theirjoysandhopes，hadgonetorest。Overtownandvillage，overhighwayandforesthadflittedthesweet，consolingangel——Sleep。Thesadweresoothed，theheavy-ladenwerelightenedoftheirburdens，tothedespairingwerebroughtgoldendreams，tothewearyrest。Sighingandsorrowful，heturnedfromthosewithasadfacewhoseconsciencebanishedrepose，and，ah！theirnumberwaslegion。Tothewakefulandblissfulhesmilinglyglanced，breathingaprayerandablessing；butthesewerefewandfarbetween——forhappinessisarareguest，andtarrieswithmortalsbutfitfully。Asheglidedpastthejoyfulcouplewho，withwatchfulloveandgratefulhearts，satinthecarriagerollingoverthesilent，desertedhighway，twotearsfellfromhiseyes，andhisstarrywingswerewideroutspreadtorushmorequicklypast。
　　“Look，mydearMarie，twostarsjustfellfromheaven。Theyareagreetingtoyou，lovedone，andtheywouldsaytheyguideusonourway。”
　　“Oh，Philip，itisasignofill-luck！Fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！“
　　Sheclungclosertohisside，andlaidherheaduponhisshoulder。
　　Hepressedhermorelovinglytohisheart。“Donotfear，dearMarie；
　　separationonlycouldcauseusunhappiness——wehavelongborneit，andnowitisforeverpast。Youhavegivenyourselftomeformyown，andIamyours，heartandsoul；wespeedonthroughthenighttothemorningofthebright，sunnyfuture，nevermoretebeparted。”
　　“Never！“sheferventlymurmured。“Oh，mayGodhearourprayer。
　　Never，nevertopart！Yet，whilethewordfallsfrommylips，ashuddercreepsthroughmysoul。”
　　“Whereforethisdespair，dearest?Reflect，noonewillbeapprisedofourflighttillearlymorning，andthentheywillnotknowwhitherwehavefled。MeanwhilewerushontoHamburg，whereapacket-shipsailseveryWednesdayforEngland；arrivingthere，wewillfirstgotoSuffolk，tomyoldfriendthevicarofTunningham。
　　Iwashisguestmanyweekslastyear，andheoftenrelatedtometheprivilegewhichhadbeenconferredontheparishchurchforalongtimetoperformvalidmarriagesforthosetowhoseuniontherewereobstaclesinterposedelsewhere。Hewillblesstheunionofourlove，andwillaccordmethelawfulrighttocallyoumyownbeforeGodandman。WewillnotreturnatoncetoGermany。IhavemanyconnectionsandliteraryfriendsinLondon，whowillassistmetoworthyoccupation。Besides，IclosedanagreementsomeweekssincewiththepublisherNicolaiinBerlinforanewwork。IwillwriteitinLondon；itwillbenonethelessfavoredcomingfromadistance。”
　　“MyflowersandpaintingswillalsobeaswellreceivedinasinBerlin，“addedMarie，smilingly。
　　“No，Marie，youshallnotwork。Ishallhavethepreciouscareofprovidingforyou，whichwillbemyprideandhappiness。Oh，mybeloved，whatacrowningblisstopossessasweet，dearwife，whoisonlyrichinimperishabletreasures，andpoorinexternalriches！
　　Whatdelighttotoilforher，andfeelthattherelivesinmyintellectthepowertogranthereverywish，andtocompensateherintheslightestdegreetheboundlesswealthofheraffection！Toalovingmindthereisnoprouder，happierfeelingthantobetheonlysourceofsupporttothewifeofhislove——toknowthatshelookstohimforthefulfilmentofherslightestwishinlife。IthankmyMakerthatyouarepoor，Marie，andthatIampermittedtotoilforyou。HowelsecouldIrewardyouforallyouhavesacrificedforme?“
　　“Youcannotsuppose，dearPhilip，thattherichesofmyobtrusiveloverwouldhavebeenanyattractiontome。Moneycouldnevercompensateforthelossofyourlove。Youaremylife，andfromyoualonecanIreceivehappinessorunhappiness。AtyoursideIamrichandjoyous，thoughwemayoutwardlyneed；withoutyouIshouldbepoorwithsuperfluity。Iamproudthatweinspirithavefreedourselvesfromthosefictitiousexternalswithwhichthefoolishburdenthemselves。Oh，mybelovedPhilip，mywholesoulisexultantthatwearenevermoretopart——no，notevenineternity，forI
　　believethatloveisanundyingsentiment，andthesoulcanneverbedarkenedbydeathwhichisbeamingwithaffection。”
　　“Youareright，Marie，loveistheimmortalityofthesoul；throughitmanisregeneratedandsoarstotheregionsofeternallight。
　　WhenIrecallhowdesolateandgloomywasmylife，howjoylessthedaysdraggedonbeforeIlovedyou，IalmostmenacedHeaventhatitcreatedmetowanderalonethroughthisdesert。Thebrightestsun'sraysnowgildmyfuture，anditseemsasifwewerealoneinparadise，andthatthecreationentireglorifiedmyhappiness，andallthevoicesofNatureshoutedagreetingtoyou，dearest。Oh，Marie，ifIlivedathousandyears，myheartwouldretainitsyouthfulloveandadorationforyou，whohavesavedmefrommyself，havefreedmysoulfromtheconstrainingfettersofasad，joylessexistence。Reposeyourheaduponmyheart，andmayitresttheremanyhappyyears，andreceiveinthishourmyoathtolove，esteem，andhonoryouasmymostprecioustreasure！Youshallbewife，child，sister，andfriend。Mysoulshallbefrankandopentoyou；
　　foryouIwillstriveandtoil，andwillcherishandfosterthehappinessreceivedfromyouasmymosttreasuredgift。Givemeyourhand，Marie。”
　　Shelaiditwithinhisownstrong，manlyhand，gentlypressingit。
　　Thelargefullmoon，highabovethem，lightedupthesenoblefaces，makingtheeyes，whichwerebentuponeachother，moreradiant。
　　Swiftlythecarriagerolledon，thenight-breezefanningtheircheeksandwavingbacktheirravencurls。
　　Moritzraisedtheirclaspedhands，andgazedatthestarryheaven。
　　“WeliftthemupuntoThee，OGod。Thouhastheardmyoath，O
　　EternalSpirit，whodwellestamongthestars；receiveit，andblessthewomanIlove！“
　　“Receivealsomyoath，OmyMaker。RegardthemantowhomIhavesworneternalfidelity，blesshim，andblessme。Letusliveinloveanddieinconstancy。”
　　Moritzresponded，“Amen，mybeloved，amen！“
　　Theyembracedeachotherfervently。Onwardrolledthecarriagethroughthetranquil，blissfulnight。Ohwhycannotthesesteedsborrowwingsfromthenight-wind?Whycannotthesoaringspiritbearaloftitsearthlytenement?Withdivinejoyandheavenlyconfidenceyougazeatthestars。Yousmilinglyinterchangethoughtsoftheblissfulfuture，whilstdiremisfortuneapproaches，andwillsoonseizeyouinitspoisonousgrasp！Doyounothearit?Doesnottheechoofswift-prancingsteedsringinyourears?Doyounotheartheshriekingandcallingafteryou?
　　Theylistenonlytothevoiceoftendernessspeakingintheirhearts，andwouldthatthesolemnquietofthisdialoguemightnotbebrokenbyaloudwordfromtheirlips。
　　Thepost-hornsounded！Theyhaltedatalonelyhousenearthehighway。Itisthestation。Changehorses！Thereisnotalighttobeseen。Threetimesthepostilionblewapealingblasteretheycouldawaketheinmates。Thewindowwasatlastopened，andasleepy，complainingvoicequestionedthenumberofhorsesandthedistanceofthenextpost。
　　Slowlytheywerebroughtforward，andstillmoreslowlyweretheyattachedtothecarriage，andallarranged。Whatmattersit?Thenightislovely，andlikeadreamitseemstoremainunderthestarryheavens，spreadoutlikeacanopyabovethem。
　　Doesnotyourhearttellyouthatsorrowstridesonlikethestorm?
　　Doyounothearthevoicesstillshriekingafteryou?
　　Thepostilionmountedhishorse，andagainthetrumpetpealedforthitsmerryair，andwasansweredwithashoutoftriumphfromtheswiftpursuers。
　　MarieraisedherheadfromPhilip'sshoulder。“Whatwasit?Didyounothearit?“
　　“What，mybeloved，whatshouldIhear?Dothestarssaluteyou?Dotheangelsgreettheirsisteruponearth?“
　　“Hark！thereitisagain！Doyounothearit?Listen！doesitnotseemasifonecalled'Halt！halt！'“
　　“Yes，truly，Ihearitnowalso！Whatcanhappen，love?Whytroubleourselvesabouttheouterworldandtheexistenceofotherbeings?“
　　“Iknownot，butIamsoanxious，myheartalmostceasestobeat，withterror！“
　　“Halt！halt！“thewindcarriesforwardtheshriek，andabovetheirheadsitsoundslikethescreechingofravens。
　　“Strange！Forwhomaretheycalling?“Moritzlookedbackalongthehighway。Whiteandclearitlayinthemoonlight，but，farinthedistancewasablackmass，takingformandshapeateverymoment！
　　Horsemen！horsemen！infullspeedtheycome！
　　“Postilion！driveon！quick！Letthehorsesgallop！Thereisaforestnear——driveustothat，thatwemayhideourselvesinthethicket！Onward，postilion！wearenotthievesormurderers。A
　　hundredthalersareyours，ifyousaveus！“
　　Thepostilionbeathishorses！Infullchasetheyfollowed——moreandmoredistinctlywereheardthecursesandyells。
　　“Oh，Godinheaven，havemercyuponusinourneed！“
　　“Faster，postilion！——inmercy，faster！“
　　“Halt！halt！——inthenameoftheking，halt！“
　　Thisstartledthepostilion，andheturnedtolisten，andagainafuriousvoiceyelled，“Inthenameoftheking，halt！“
　　Thepostiliondrewup。“Forgiveme，sir，butImustrespectthenameoftheking。”
　　Forwardgallopedthehorsemen。
　　“Philip，“whisperedMarie，“whydowelive——whydowenotdie?“
　　Hefoldedherinhisarms，andpassionatelykissedher，perhapsforthelasttime。“Marie，bemindfulofouroath——constantuntodeath！“
　　“Constantuntodeath！“sherepeated。
　　“Befirmanddefyallthestormsoflife！“
　　Marierepeatedit，withheightenedcourage。
　　Thehorsemensurroundedthecarriage，theridersuponpantingsteeds！Twoofficersinuniformsprangtotheside，layingtheirhandsuponMoritz'sshoulder。“ConrectorPhilipMoritz，wearrestyouinthenameoftheking！Youareaccusedofelopingwithaminor，andwearecommandedtotransportyoutoSpandauuntilfurtherorders！“Upontheothersidetwootherhorsemenhalted。TheforemostwasHerrEbenstreit，wholaidhishanduponMarie，andsawnotorcarednotthatsheshudderinglyshrankaway。
　　“MydearMarie，Icomeastheambassadorofyourparents，andamfullyempoweredtoleadyourbacktoyourfather'shouse。”
　　Sheanswerednot，butsatimmovableandbenumbedwithterror，thetearsrollingdownhercheeks。
　　“Youarrestmeinthenameoftheking，“criedMoritz；Ibowtothelaw。Ibegonlytospeaktothatman，“pointingtoEbenstreit，withcontempt。“Sir，dismount，Ihaveimportantbusinesswithyou！“
　　“Wehavenothingtosaytoeachother，“answeredEbenstreit，calmly。
　　“ButI！“criedMoritz，springingforward，furiousasalion，“Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou，yourascal，andIwilltreatyouaccordingly！“
　　Hesavagelytorethewhipfromthepostilion'shand，andstruckEbenstreitintheface。“Now，“criedhe，triumphantly，“Ihaveforcedyoutogivemesatisfaction！“
　　Thepoliceswungthemselvesfromtheirsaddles，andLeberechtquicklydismounted。TheyclinchedMoritzbythefeetandhands。Itwasadesperatestruggle，andMariegazedatthemwithfoldedhands，prayingwithoutwords。Theyseizedhimandheldhimfastwithmanacles。Ashriek，andMariesankfainting。Moritz'sheadsankuponhisbreast，almostintheagonyofdeath。
　　“Takehimtothenextstation，myfriends，“commandedEbenstreit，“thecarriageisalreadyorderedtoremovehimtoSpandau。”Hedismounted，andnowtooktheplacebyMarie，whostilllayinadeadfaint。“Postilion，mountandturnyourcarriage，Iretainyouuntilthenextstation。Ifyoudrivequickly，thereisalouisd'orforyou。”
　　“Iwilldriveasifthedevilwereafterme，sir！“shoutedthepostilion，andturnedtogallopoff，whenEbenstreitorderedhimtohalt，andLeberechttogetuponthebox。
　　Thenturningtotheofficers，“Gentlemen，“saidhe，proudly，“youarewitnessestotheill-treatmentandinsultsofthiswoman-
　　stealer。Youwillcertifythatthebloodfloweddownmyface。”
　　“Iwillmyselfmakeitknownbeforeallmen，“criedMoritz，withacontemptuouslaugh。“Ihaveinsultedyouandbrandedyou。”
　　“Wewillgiveourevidence，“respectfullyrepliedtheofficers。“AssoonaswehavedeliveredourprisoneratSpandau，wewillannounceourselvestoyou。”
　　“Thenyouwillreceivefrommethepromisedrewardofahundredthalers。Ifyouhushuptheentireadventure，sothatitisnotnoisedabout，afterthreemonths，stillanotherhundred。”
　　“Wewillbesilent，HerrEbenstreit。”
　　“Ibelieveyou；ahundredthalersisaprettysum。Forward，Leberecht，makethepostilionpushon，thatwemayarriveinBerlinbeforedaybreak，andnooneknowofthisabominableaffair。”
　　Thepostilionlaughedwithdelight，atthethoughtofthelouisd'or。UpontheboxsatLeberecht，asmileofmalicioustriumphuponhisface。“Thishasbeenaluckynight，“saidhe；“wehavealldoneagoodbusiness，butIamthemostfortunate，withmythreethousandthalersandafineplace。Iwishhehadwaitedanhourlater，andthenIshouldhavehadanotherthousand！“
　　Ebenstreitsatwithtriumphantsmilealso，byhisbetrothed。“Moneyisthekingoftheworld——withitonecanaccomplishallthings，“
　　saidhetohimself；“ifIhadbeenapoorfellow，thegeneralwouldnothavechosenme，northekinghavegivenmeatitle，norcouldI
　　havewonbackmybeautifulbride。Moneygivesposition，andIhopewillgivemethepowertorevengemyselfforthepaininmyface。”
　　HeturnedmenacinglytowardMoritz，whosawitnot。
　　Withbowedhead，speechless，asifnumbwiththehorrorofhismisfortune，herodewithfetteredhandsbetweenthetwoofficers，incapableoffleeing，astheyhadevenboundacordaroundhisarms，eachendheldfastbyoneoftheriders。
　　Thestarsandthemoonshonedownuponhimasbrightlybeautifulasanhourprevious。Oh，Marie，youwereright，fallingstarsbetokenmisfortune！Yourstarhasfallen！
　　CHAPTERXXVII。
　　THESACRIFICE。
　　Sincethatpainfulnight，fourweekshadpassed，fourlongonestopooroldTrude。Toherbelovedchildtheyhadfledinhappyunconsciousness。Inthedeliriumoffever，herthoughtswanderedtoherlover，alwaysdwellinguponherhopesandhappiness。Intheintervalsofreasonsheaskedforhimwithfearfulexcitementandanxiety，thenagainhermindwasclouded，andthecryofanguishwaschangedintoasmile。
　　Thencamethedaysofconvalescenceandthereturntoconsciousness，andwithitthemourningovercrushedhopes。SlowlyhadTrude，thefaithfulnurse，whowatchedbyherbedsidedayandnight，answeredherexcitedquestions，andtoherlittlebylittlethecircumstancesoftheelopement——howLeberechthadplayedtheeavesdropperandsoldMarie'ssecretforgold；howhehadpreviouslyarrangedtopursuethem，informingthepolice，orderingthehorses，andsendingforwardacouriertoprovidefreshrelaysateverystation。
　　Trudedepictedtheangerofherfatherandthethreatsofhermothertosendhertoprison。Butbeforeshecouldexecuteherpurpose，Ebenstreithadbroughthometheunconsciouschild，andsheherselfhadliftedherfromthecarriageandborneher，withtheaidofhermistress，toherownlittleatticroom。
　　Marielistenedtotheserelationswithagloomycalmnessandadefiantsorrow。Illnesshadwroughtapeculiarchangeinhermind，andhardenedthegentle，tenderfeelingsoftheyounggirl。Griefhadsteeledhersoul，benumbedherheart，andshehadrisenfromhercouchasonebornanewtogriefandtorture。Herpresentsituationandlosthappinesshadchangedtheyoung，loving，tenderly-sensitivemaidentothecourageous，energetic，anddefiantwoman，whorecognizedafutureofself-renunciation，combat，andresignation。
　　Trudeobservedthesechangeswithdisquietudeandcare。ShewishedMariewouldonlyoncecomplain，orburstintotears。Afterthefirststormofdespairhadpassed，thetearsrefusedtoflow，andhereyeswerebrightandundimmed。Onlyoncehadprofoundemotionbeenawakened，asTrudeaskedherifshehadforgottenherunhappylover，andcarednomoretolearnhisfate。Ithadthedesiredeffect。
　　Adeathlypalenessoverspreadherdelicate，transparentcheek。“I
　　knowhowheis，“shesaid，turningawayherface，“Irealizehissufferingsbymyown。Wearemiserable，lost——andnohopebutindeath。Erethiscomes，thereisadeserttotraverseinheat，anddust，andstorm，andfrost，alone，withoutconsolationorsupport。
　　Hush，Trude！donotseektorevivemiserablehopes。Iknowmyfate，andIwillendureit。Tellmewhatyouknowabouthim?Whereishe?
　　Havetheyaccusedhim?Speak！donotfeartotellmeeverything！“
　　Butfearingherself，shethrewherhandkerchiefquicklyoverherface，andsatwithitcoveredwhilstTrudespoke。
　　“Iknowbutlittleofpoor，dearMoritz。Hehasneverreturnedtohislodgings。Adayortwoafterthatnight，twoofficerssealedhiseffects，andtookawayhisclothes。Hishostesshasnottheleastsuspicionofthemysteriousdisappearanceofherotherwisequiet，regularlodger。Thesecretoftheelopementhasbeencarefullyguarded，asnooneoftheneighborsknowit，andthereisnogossipaboutyouandMoritz。Thosewhothinkheistravellingarenotsurprisedathishavingleftwithouttakingleave，astheysayhewasaccustomedtodoso。But，“continuedTrude，inalowertone，“HerrGedickelookedverysadandgrave，asIaskedfortheConrectorMoritz。'Hehasdisappeared，'hesighed，'andIknownotifweshalleverseehimagain。''Oh，Jemima！'Iscreamed，'youdonotthinkthathehascommittedaself-injury！''No，'saidthedirector，'nothehimself，heistoohonorableaman。Othershaveill-treatedhimandmadehimunhappyforlife。'Itwasinvaintoaskfurther；heknewnotorhewouldnotsayanything。IbelieveyourfamilyknowwherepoorMoritzis，foryourmotherspeaksofhimasoneinthepenitentiary，andquitetriumphantlyshetoldmeyesterdaythattheking，inhisnewbookoflaws，hadexpresslycondemnedthepersonwhoelopeswithaminortobesenttothehouseofcorrectionfortenyears，andthenshelaughedsocruelly，thatI
　　trembledtohearher。”
　　AsTruderelatedthis，shesearchinglyglancedatMarietoobservetheeffectofherwords，hopingtoseeherweeporcomplainandthat，atlast，griefwouldmelttheicycrustaroundherheart。
　　ButMariesatmotionlessandwithoututteringasound——notasighoramoanescapedher。Afteralongsilence，whenhergriefwastoodeepfortears，shedrewthehandkerchieffromherface，thepallorandrigidityofwhichstartledTrude。
　　Shesprangforward，foldingherinherarms。“Marie，childofmyheart，doweep，docomplain！Iknowthathelovedyoudearly，anddeservesthatyoushouldmournforhim。Haveyounomoreconfidence，though，inyouroldTrude?Isshenolongerworthytoshareyourgrief?“
　　Marielaidherlanguidheaduponthebosomofherfaithfulnurse；along-drawn，piercingcryofanguishwasherresponse，shetrembledviolently，andthetearsrandownhercheeks。
　　Truderaisedhereyestoheaven，murmuring，“Ithankthee，OLord！
　　Herheartisnotdead！Itlives，foritsuffers！“
　　“Itsuffers，“groanedMarie，“theanguishofdeath。”
　　Thispassionateoutburstoffeelingwasofbutshortduration。Hertearsweredried，andherquiveringfaceassumeditsusuallycalmexpression。
　　“Trude，“saidshe，gently，continuingtoreposeuponherbosom，“I
　　amsowretchedthatwordscannotexpressitortearssootheit。IfI
　　shouldgivemyselfuptosorrowandmourningIshoulddie，andthatcannotbe，forImustlivetowaitforhim——torescuehim。HowI
　　knownotyet；mythoughtsandresolutionsaresoconfusedthattheyflickerliketheignesfatui。Iwillforcemymindtobecalm，andthesewanderinglightsshalluniteinoneglowingflametodestroythewallsandobstructionswhichconfinehim。Heisaprisoner；I
　　feelitinmyheart，andImustlivetofreehim。Thisismytask，andIwillaccomplishit；thereforeIwouldbecomposed，andstronginmyself。WondernotthatIweeporcomplainnomore，anddonotrefertomymisfortune。IshoulddieifIdidnotsuppressthisanguish，andIwouldbecomestrongandactive。Seeknottoenfeebleme，butaidmetohardenmyself；refrainfromcomplaint，thatImaybesilent。Ithinkonlyofhim，andIasknothingfurtherthantoyieldmylifetofreehim。Letusneverspeakofitagain，forI
　　feelthatallthefirmnesswhichIhadgainedhasbeensweptfrommeinthisgivingway，andthatImustbeginanew。”
　　Fromthishourshecommencedtobuild，androseuponhergriefasonacolumnwhichprojectstowardheaven；leaneduponit，andreceived，asBrisaeusfromtheearth，thepoweroflifeandaction。Shehadalreadysoconqueredherselfastobeabletoleaveherownquietroom，anddescendtothatofherparents。Thereshewouldsitcalmlyforhours，listeningattentivelytotheconversation，hopingtocatchsomewordthatmightgiveheraclew。
　　Theyavoidedeveryexcitingtopic，andweremilderandmorethoughtfulforher。Evenhermothermadenoreproaches，andneveralludedtothepast，becauseshefearedtodelayherrecovery，andremovethelonged-forgoalinhinderingthemarriagewithEbenstreit。Thelattercarefullyavoidedtroublingherbyhispresence；whenheheardMarie'sstepintheanteroom，whodescendedatacertainhoureveryday，hewithdrewbytheotherentrance。
　　“WhogoesouteverytimeIcomein?“askedMarie，onedayassheappearedinthesitting-room。
　　Thegeneralcoughedwithembarrassment，andglancedanxiouslyathiswife，whoseeyesresteduponherdaughterwithacold，searchingexpression。Theireyesmet，andwereriveteduponeachother。A
　　cold，cruelsmileplayedaroundthethin，bloodlesslipsofthemotherassherecognizedthedefianceandfirmnessinherchild，andfeltthatshehadrecovered。
　　“Itisyourbetrothed，“sheanswered，“ourdearEbenstreit——agood，generous，andself-sacrificingson，forwhomwethankGodeveryday，whowishestospareyoutheannoyanceofseeinghim。”
　　“Heneednotinconveniencehimselfonmyaccount。Nothingexcitesorwoundsmyfeelingsnow。Itwouldbeapityforyourheartless，thanklessdaughtertodepriveyouofthesocietyofyourdearson。
　　Lethimremain；itisnotnecessaryforustonoticeoneanother。”
　　Herparentsregardedeachotherastonished，and，assheceased，theystilllistenedtothedyingtonesofhervoice，whichsoundedsostrangelytothem。“Sheismuchchanged，“mumbledthegeneraltohimself。“Shedoesnotseemthesameperson，sheissohaughtyandmajestic。Shemightwellinspirefear。”
　　Thefollowingday，asMarieenteredtheroom，Ebenstreitwasthere。
　　Heapproachedher，extendingbothhandssmiling，andgreetingherwithtenderwords，rejoicingatherrecovery。
　　Shetooknonoticeofhisfriendlydemonstrations，butcoldlyandharshlyregardedhissmilingface，andparticularlythebroad，blood-redscarwhichranfromforeheadtochin。Thensuddenlyherfacelightedup，andanexpressionofsavagetriumphshotfromhereyes。“Howdisfiguredyoulook，“shecriedexultingly。“Wheredidyougetthatscar?“
　　“Youknowwell，Marie，“hemurmured，gloomily。
　　“Yes，“shecried，triumphantly。“Iknowit。Hebrandedyou，andyouwillwearthismarkbeforeGodandmanaslongasyoulive。”
　　“Youareverycrueltoremindmeofit，Marie，“hesoftlywhispered。
　　Shelaughedaloudsowildandsavagely，thatevenhermotherwasstartled。“Cruel——Icruel！“shecried。“Ah，sir，itbecomesyouindeedtoaccusemeofit！“
　　Trudeenteredatthisinstant，paleandexcited。
　　“Whatisthematter?“
　　“Thereissomeoneherewhowishestospeakwithyou，Marie；hehassomethingveryimportanttotellyou。”
　　“Howdareyouannounceanyonewithoutmypermission?“criedFrauvonWerrig。
　　“Silence，mother！——ifImaybeallowed，letushearwhoitis——
　　Speak，dearTrude，whoisit?“
　　“ItistheDirectorGedickefromtheGrayCloister，“saidTrude，withquiveringvoice。
　　Mariewasstartled——aglowingredoverspreadhercheeks，andshewasobligedtoleanagainstachairforsupport。
　　“Iforbidyoutoreceivehim，“saidhermother。
　　Shesuddenlyceased，andstaredatthedoor，whichopenedatthatmoment，thetall，dignifiedformofavenerableoldmanappearing。
　　“Pardonme，sir，“saidhe，withacold，reservedmanner，“ifIenterbeforeIreceivepermission。Thecommandoftheking，towhichI
　　believeweallyieldwithoutresistance，empowersmetodoso。”
　　“How，sir，youcomebytheking'sorder?“askedthegeneral，whorosewithdifficulty。“HashismajestygivenyouamessageforGeneralvonLeuthen?“
　　“No，general，IcomewithacommunicationfromhismajestytoFrauleinvonLeuthen，thebetrothedofHerrEbenstreit，andtheorderrunstodeliverthesamepersonallyandwithoutwitnesses。”
　　“Professor，“criedthemother，shrugginghershoulders，“youmistakeusforveryinnocentpeople，ifyousupposewebelievethissillyinvention，andthatyoucangainasecretconversationbyarusewithourdaughter。Youarethedirectorofthegymnasium，andnaturallythefriendofConrectorMoritz。Inhisnameyouwillspeak，andbringasecretmessage。Verysly，indeed，verysly，butitwillnotsucceed。”
　　Forresponse，thedirectordrewtwolargefoldeddocumentsfromhispocket，approachingthegeneral。“Doyourecognizethisseal?“heasked。
　　“Yes，“solemnlyansweredthegeneral；“itistheroyalsealfromtheking'sprivatecabinet。”
　　“Readtheaddressuponthis，andtheunopenedletter。”
　　“Truly，thelatterisdirectedtomydaughter，andtheothertoProfessorGedicke。”
　　HerrGedickeopenedtheletter，askingthegeneralifhecouldrecognizetheking'shandwriting。
　　“Yes，“heanswered，“Iknowitwell。”
　　“Havethegoodnesstoreadthelinesuponthemargin，“midtheprofessor，unfoldingtheletter，sothathecouldonlyreadthosereferredto。
　　Thegeneralread:“ProfessorGedickeshallgohimselftoFrauleinvonLeuthen，andbringhertoreason，readingthedocumenttoherwithoutwitnesses。Iwishthisaffairtocometoanend。TeachMamsellemores！mores！mores！“FREDERICK。”
　　“Youhaveheardtheroyalcommand，ladiesandgentlemen；willyourespectit?“saidtheprofessor，turningaroundwithanairofproudsatisfaction。
　　“Mydearson-in-law，“saidthegeneral，solemnly，“itisaroyalcommand；givemeyourarm，asyouknowIamfeeble；andyou，mywife，takemyotherarm，andwewillgointothenextroom。Hush！
　　notaword——wehaveonlytoobey，andnotreason。”
　　Heseizedhiswife'shandhastilyandfirmly，thatsheshouldnotslipaway，andwinkedtoEbenstreit，uponwhosesupporthecrossedtheroom，drawinghiswifewithhim，andpushingopenthedoorofthenextwithhisfoot。
　　Mariehadstoodduringthewholetransactionpaleandrigidinthecentreoftheroom，lookinghaughtyanddefiantaslongasherparentsandHerrEbenstreitwerepresent。Now，asthedoorclosed，lifeandactionwerevisibleinthismarbleform；sherushedtotheoldgentleman，scarcerespiring，andlookingupathisdignified，sadface，asked:“Isheliving?Tellmeonlythis，orisheill?“
　　“Yes，helives，hedoesnotsufferfrombodilyills，butthesicknessofthesoul。”
　　“AnddonotIalso?“askedshe，withquiveringvoice。“Oh！Iknowwhathesuffers，aswearewretchedfromthesamecause。Buttellme，haveyouseenhim?“
　　“Yes，Fraulein，Ihave。”
　　“Whereishe?Wheredidyouseehim?“
　　“Inprison！“
　　Mariegrewpaler，andretreated，shuddering。Thedirectorcontinued:
　　“Inadark，dampprisonatSpandau。Thepoorfellowhasbeentherefortwomonthswithoutair，light，oroccupation，andhisonlysocietyishisownrevengefulthoughtsandangrylove-complaints。”
　　Mariegaveonehollowmoan，coveringhercorpse-likefacewithherhands。
　　“Inthisabodeoftorture，inthisdwellingofthedamned，hemustremaintenlongyears，ifdeathdoesnotreleasehim?“
　　“Whatdidyousay?“shegroaned。“Tenlongyears?Havetheycondemnedhim?“
　　“Yes，hewasguiltyofagreatcrime——elopingwithaminor——who，withtheking'sconsent，andthatofherparents，wasbetrothedtoanother。Readthesentenceofthecourt，whichwasforwardedtomeastheheadofthecollegewhereMoritzwasemployed。See，hereistheking'ssignature，whichaffirmsthesentence，renderingitlegal，andhereuponthemarginarethelinesyourfatherread。”
　　Trembling，Marieperusedthecontents。“Tenyearsinthehouseofcorrection！“shemurmured。“Onmyaccountcondemnedtoalivingdeath！No，no，itisimpossible！Itcannotbe！Tenyearsofthebestpartoflife！Hecondemnedasacriminal！Iwillgototheking。I
　　willthrowmyselfathisfeet，imploringformercy。Iamtheguiltyone——Ialone！Theyshouldjudgeme，andsendmetothepenitentiary！
　　Iwillgototheking！Hemustandwillhearme！“
　　“Hewillnot，“sighedthedirector。“Listentome，poorchild！AsI
　　heardthesentence，IfeltitmydutytosummonallmypowerstorescueMoritz，forIlovehimasason，andhadsetmyhopesuponhim。”
　　“Ithankyouforthiskindword，“saidMarie，seizingthehandoftheoldman，andpressingittoherlips。
　　“IwentimmediatelytoMinistervonHerzberg，and，uponhisadvice，asheexplainedtomethekingmightlightenhispunishment，I
　　betookmyselftoFrederick'swinter-quartersatBreslau。”
　　“Younoble，generousman，IshallloveyouforitaslongasIlive。
　　Didyouspeakwiththeking?“
　　“Yes，andeverythingthatmyheartormindcouldinspire，toexcuseandjustifymyunhappyfriend，Ihavesaid——butallinvain。Thekingwasmuchembittered，becausehehadhadthegracetogranthimanaudience，andexplaintheimpossibilityofthefulfilmentofhispetition。Ididnotceasebeggingandimploring，untilIsoftenedthegenerousheartoftheking。”
　　“HashepardonedMoritz?“Marieasked，withbrighteninghopes。
　　“Undercertainconditionshewillallowthatheshouldescapesecretlyfromprison。Theyareformallywritten，andifMoritzconsentsandbindshimselfbyoath，hewillnotonlybefreed，butprovidedwithmeanstogotoEngland，andreceiveimmediatelyanappointmentastranslatortothePrussianembassyatLondon。”
　　“Whataretheconditions，sir?“
　　“Theyare，first，thatMoritzshallbyoathrenounceeverywishandthoughtofunitinghimselfwithFrauleinyonLeuthen；secondly，thatbeforeheleavestheprison，heshallwritetotheyounglady，inwhichheshallsolemnlyreleaseher，andenjoinituponherasadutytoacceptthehandofthemantowhomherparentshavebetrothedher。Theseweretheconditions，andthekingcommandedmetogotoSpandau，andwithsensiblerepresentations，toconferwithMoritz，andpersuadehimtoacceptthem，andassurehimselfoffreedom，andanhonorablefuture，freefromcare。”
　　“YousawMoritz?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Didyoucommunicatetheconditions?“
　　“Yes。”
　　“Andhe?“
　　“Herefused，withrageandindignation！“
　　“Herefused?“criedMarie，joyfully。“Oh，mydearPhilip，Ithankyou。Youlovemetrulyandfaithfully。Yourgloriousexampleshallinspiremetobeasfirmasyou。”
　　“Unhappychild，youknownotwhatyouaresaying！“criedthedirector，sadly。“Ifyoureallylovehim，youcouldnotfollowhisexample。Readwhatthekinghaswritten。”
　　Shetook，inbreathlesssilence，thedocument，andbroketheseal，unfoldingthepaper，butherhandshookitsoviolently，thatshecouldnotdistinguishthewords。
　　Shereturnedittothedirector。“Readit，Icannot，“shesaid，andsankkneeling，lookinguptotheoldmanwithunspeakableanguish，andlisteningtoeverywordthatfellfromhislips。Itranthus:
　　“HismajestyannouncestoMademoiselleMarievonLeuthenthatheisexceedinglyindignantatherimproperandundutifulconduct，whichdoesnotatallbecomeamaidenlovingofhonor，andparticularlyanobleone。Hismajestyennobledherfatherforabravedeed，andheisangrythatthedaughtershouldbringshameuponthetitle，ingivingway，notonlytoapassionwhichisbeneathher，butissolittlemindfulofmoralityastofleefromthepaternalhouse，atnight，inanimpropermanner，withamanwhosewife，accordingtothecommandofthekingandthewillofherfather，shecouldneverbe。Ifhismajestydidnotrespecttheformerserviceofherfather，andthenewtitle，hewouldsendthedaughtertothehouseofcorrection，andpunishheraccordingtothelaw。Buthewillleavehertothereproachesofconscience，andlettheweightofthelawfalluponherpartneringuilt，PhilipMoritz。Heisrightlysentencedtotenyearsinthehouseofcorrection，andhewillnotbereleasedoneyearoronedayfromthesame，asheisguiltyofagreatcrime，andhissentenceisjust。”
　　“Just！“shriekedMarie，inanguish——“tenyearsjust?“
　　Thedirectorcontinuedtoread:“Hismajestywillproposealastopportunitytotheobstinateandinconsiderateyoungladytoreinstateherownhonor，andreleaseatthesametimeConrectorMoritz。Hismajestyhaspersonalknowledgeofthelatter，andrespectshisscholarlyattainmentsandcapabilityandwouldbringanendtothisaffairforthegeneralgood。Ifmademoiselle，asbecomesanhonorableyoungwoman，andanobedientdaughter，followsthewishesofherfather，andwithoutdelaymarriesHerrEbenstreit，andleadsarespectablelifewithhim，thesamehouroftheceremonyConrectorMoritzshallbereleased，andafitpositionbecreatedforhim。Thisisthefinaldecisionoftheking。Ifthedaughterdoesnotsubmitinperfectobedience，shewillburdenherconsciencewithagreatcrime，andthankherselfforMoritz'sunfortunatefate。
　　Hismajestywillbeimmediatelyinformedofherdecision。Ifshelistenstoreason，tomorality，andaffection，shewillsubmittothepropositionwhichDirectorGedickeiscommissionedtomakeknowntoher，andannouncetoherparentsinhispresencethatshewillobedientlyfollowtheircommands，ConrectorMoritzwillbeatoncesetatliberty；otherwisehewillbesenttoBrandenburgtothehouseofcorrection。Thisistheunalterablewilloftheking。
　　Signed，inthenameoftheking，“FREDERICK。”
　　“Nowdecide，mychild，“continuedthedirector，afterasolemnpause。“Iknownothingtoaddtothisroyalwriting。Ifithasnotitselfspokentoyourheart，yourreasonandyourhonor，wordsareuseless。”
　　“OGod，itiscruel——itisterrible！“criedMarie。“ShallIbreakmyoathofconstancy，becomingfaithless，andsufferhimtocurseme，forhewillneverpardonme，butdespiseme！“
　　Shespranguplikeatigress，withhereyesflashing。“Oh，“criedshe，“hemayevenbelievethatIhavebeenenticedbyriches，byabrilliantfuture！No——no！Icannotconsent！MayGodhavemercyonmeifthekingwillnot！Iwillnotbreakmyoath！NoonebutMoritzshalleverbemyhusband！“
　　“Unhappygirl，“criedtheoldman，sadly，“Iwillgiveyouonelastinducement。IknownotwhetheryouhaveanyknowledgeofMoritz'spastlife，sotriedandpainful，whichhasmadehimeasilyexcitedandeccentric。Adangermenaceshimworsethanimprisonmentordeath。Hisunaccustomedlife，andthesolitudeofhisdark，dampprison，iscausingafearfulexcitementinhim。Heishabituatedtointellectualoccupation。Whenheisobligedtoputontheprisoner'sjacketinthehouseofcorrectionandspinwool，itwillnotkillhim——itwillmakehimmad！“
　　ApiercingcrywasMarie'sanswer。“Thatisnottrue——itisimpossible。Hecrazy！——youonlysaythattocompelmetodowhatyouwill。Hisbrightmindcouldnotbeobscuredthroughtheseverestproofs。”
　　“Youdonotbelieveme?Youthinkthatanoldman，withgrayhair，andonefootinthegrave，andwholovesMoritz，couldtellyouashamefuluntruth！Isweartoyoubytheheadsofmychildren，byallthatisholy，thatMoritzalreadysuffersfromanexcitementofthebrain；andifhedoesnotsoonhavelibertyandmentaloccupation，itisalmostcertainthathewillbecomeinsane。”
　　Almostconvulsedwithanguish，Marieseizedtheoldman'shandwithfiercepassion。“Heshallnotbecrazed，“sheshrieked。“Heshallnotsuffer——heshallnotbeimprisonedandburiedinthehouseofcorrectiononmyaccount。Iwillrescuehim——Iandmylove！Iampreparedtodowhatthekingcommands！Iwill——marrytheman——which——
　　myparentshavechosen。But——tellme，willhethenbefree?“
　　“To-dayeven——inthreehours，mypoorchild！“
　　“Free！AndIshallhavesavedhim！TellmewhatIhavetodo。Whatistheking'swill?“
　　“Firstsignthisdocument，“saidthedirector，ashedrewasecondpaper。“Itrunsthus:'I，MarievonLeuthen，thatofmyownfreewillandconsentIwillrenounceeveryotherengagement，andwillmarryHerrEbenstreitvonandbeafaithfulwifetohim。Iwitnesswithmysignaturethesame。'“
　　“Giveittomequickly，“shegasped。“Iwillsignit！Hemustbefree！Heshallnotgomad！“
　　Sherapidlysignedthepaper。“Hereismysentenceofdeath！Buthewilllive！Takeit！“
　　“Mychild，“criedtheoldman，deeplyagitated，“Godwillbemindfulofthissacrifice，andinthehourofdeathitwillbeambrightlyuponyou。Youhavebythisactrescuedanobleandexcellentbeing，andwhenhewinsfamefromscienceandarthewillowetoyoualonethegratitude。”
　　“Heshallnotthankme！“shewhispered。“Heshallliveand——ifhecanbehappy！——thisisallthatIaskfor！Whatistherefurthertobedone?“
　　“ToannouncetoyourparentsinmypresencethatyouwillmarryHerrEbenstreit，andlettheceremonytakeplaceassoonaspossible。”
　　“Youswearthatheshallthenbereleased?Youareanoldman——
　　reflectwell；yousweartomethatassoonasthemarriagetakesplace，PhilipMoritzwillbefreethisverydayandthathewillbereinstatedinanhonorable，activeoccupation?“
　　“Iswearittoyouuponmywordofhonor，bymyhopeofrewardfromabove。”
　　“Ibelieveyou。Callmyparents。Butfirst——youareafather，andloveyourchildrenwell。Ihaveneverhadafatherwholovedme，oreverlaidhishanduponmyheadtoblessme。YousaythatyouloveMoritzasason！Oh，lovemeforamomentasyourdaughter，andblessme！“
　　Theoldmanfoldedherinhisarms，tearsstreamingdownhischeeks。
　　“Godblessyou，mydaughter，asIblessyou！“
　　“Idarenottarry，“sheshuddered。“Letmyparentsenter。”
　　Slowlythevenerablemantraversedtheroom。Mariepressedherhandstoherheart，lookingtoheaven。Asthedooropened，andthegeneralentered，leaninguponEbenstreit'sarm，followedbyhiswife，Marieapproachedthemwithahaughty，determinedmanner，whoregardedherwithastonishment。
　　“Father，“shesaid，slowlyandcalmly，“Iamreadytofollowyourwishes。Sendfortheclergyman:Iconsenttomarrythismanto-day，upononecondition。”
　　“Makeitknown，mydearMarie。Nameyourcondition。Iwilljoyfullyfulfilit，“saidEbenstreit。
　　“Idemandthatweleaveto-dayfortheEast，togotoEgypt——
　　Palestine——andremainawayfromthisplaceforyears。Areyouagreedtoit?“
　　“ToallthatwhichmydearMariewishes。”
　　“Youcannowweavethebridal-wreathinmyhair，mother。Iconsenttothemarriage。”
　　Threehourslaterthepreparationswerecompleted。Everythinghadawaitedthisforthreemonths。
　　Inthesitting-room，thedecoratorshadquicklybuiltamarriage-
　　altar，andornamentedthewallswithgarlandsofflowers，withfestoonsofgauzeandsilk，withflagsandstandards。Themotherworethecostlysilkwhichherrichson-in-lawhadhonoredherwithfortheoccasion，andalsoadornedherselfwiththegoldornamentswhichwereequallyhisgift。Thefatherworehisgold-embroidereduniform，andimaginedhimselfastatelyfigure，asthegoutlefthimtheuseofhislimbsthisday。
　　Theinvitedwitnessesbegantoassemble。JustthenEbenstreitvonLeuthendroveupinthehandsometravelling-carriage，whichwasawedding-gifttohiswife，andexcitedtheadmirationofthenumerousstreetpublic。
　　OldTrude，inhersimpledarkSundaydress，hadawaitedtheappearanceofthebridegroom，andwenttoannouncehisarrivaltothebride。
　　Mariewasinherlittlegarret-room，sounlikeinitspresentappearancetoitsformersimplicityandcomfort——asunlikeastheoccupanttotherosy，smilingyounggirl，who，yonderbythelittlebrowntableinthewindow-niche，taughtherpupils，orwithbusy，skilfulhandsmadetheloveliestflowers，theincomeofwhichshegavetoherparents，joyfullyandalthoughsheneverreceivedthanksorrecognitionforthesame。Nowthesamelittletablewascoveredwithmoroccocases，whosehalf-opencoversrevealedbrilliantornaments，laces，andsweetperfumes；superbsilkdresses，cloaks，andshawls，ornamentedwithlace，layaboutuponthebedandchairs。
　　HerrEbenstreitvonLeuthenhadtrulygivenhisbrideaprincelydowry，andhermotherhadspreadthethingsaroundroom。
　　SinceMariegaveherconsenttothemarriage，shehadfollowedouttheirwisheswithoutopposition。Sheworeawhitesatindress，coveredwithgoldlace，herarms，neck，andears，adornedwithdiamonds。Thecoiffeurhadpowderedandarrangedherhair，withoutherevercastingaglanceintothePsyche-mirrorwhichherbetrothedhadhadthegallantrytosendtoherroom。Shelethimarrangethecostlybridalveil；butwhenhewouldplacethecrownofmyrtle，shewavedhimback。
　　“Yourworkisfinished，“shesaid；“mymotherwillplacethat，I
　　thankyou。”
　　AsTrudeentered，Mariewasstandinginthecentreoftheroom，regardingitwithsinister，angrylooks。
　　“Thereyouare，Trude，“shesaid，“Iamgladtoseeyouamomentalone，forIhavesomethingtotellyou。Ihavespokenwithmyfuturehusband，demandingthatyoulivewithmeaslongasIlive。
　　Immediatelyaftertheceremonyyouwillgotomyfuturehomeandremainthereashouse-keeperduringmyabsence。”
　　Sadlytheoldwomanshookherhead。“No，thatistooimportantaplaceforme。Iwillnotleadalazylife，andplaythefinewoman。
　　Iwasmadetoworkwithmyhands。”
　　“Dowhatyouwillinthehouse，“answeredMarie。“Onlypromisemethatyouwillnotleaveme，andwhenIreturnthatIshallfindyouthere。Ifyouleaveme，Iwillnevercomeback。Promiseme！“
　　“ThenIwillpromiseyou，mypoorchild，“sighedTrude。
　　Marielaughedscornfully。“Youcallmepoor——doyounotseeIamrich?Icarryafortuneaboutmyneck。Go，donotbewailme——Iamrich！“
　　“Marie，donotlaughso，itmakesmefeelbadly，“whisperedtheoldwoman。“Icametotellyouthebridegroomandtheclergymanarethere。”
　　“Thetimehasarrivedforthemarriageoftherichandhappybride。
　　Go，Trude，begmymothertocomeupandadornmewiththemyrtle-
　　wreath。”
　　“DearMarie，canInotdoit?“askedTrude，withquiveringvoice。
　　“No，notyou；touchnotthefatalwreath！Youhavenopartinthat！
　　Callmymother——itistime！“
　　Trudeturnedsadlytowardthedoor，Marieglancingafterher，andcallingherbackwithgentletone。
　　“Trude，mydear，faithfulmother，kissmeoncemore。”ShethrewherarmsaroundMarie'sneckandimprintedalovingkissuponherforehead，weeping。“Nowgo，Trude——wemustnotgiveway；youknowme；youwellunderstandmyfeelings，andseeintomyheart。”
　　Theoldwomanwentout，dryinghereyes。Marieutteredherlastfarewell。“Withyouthepastgoesforth，withyoumyyouthandhope！
　　Whenthedooragainopens，myfutureentersastrange，fearfullife。
　　Woetothosewhohaveprepareditforme——woetothosewhohavesocruellytreatedme！Theywillyetseewhattheyhavedone。Thegoodangelisextinctwithinme。Wickeddemonswillnowassumetheiroverme。Iwillhavenopity——Iwillrevengemyself；thatIsweartoMoritz！“
　　Hermotherrustledin，clothedinhersplendidwedding-garments。
　　“Didyousendforme，dearMarie?“shewhispered。
　　“Yes，mother——Ibegyoutoputonmymyrtle-wreath。”
　　“How！haveyounoendearmentforme?“sheasked，smilingly。“Whydoyousay'you'insteadof'thou?'“
　　“Itisbetterso，mother，“shecoldlyanswered。“Willyouadornmewiththebridal-wreath?“
　　“Willingly，mydearchild；itisverybeautifulandbecoming。”
　　“Doyourealize，mother，whatyouaredoing?YouplacethewreathtoconsecratemetoaninconsolablyunhappylifewiththemanthatI
　　hateanddespise！“
　　“Mydearchild，Iknowthatyouthinksoto-day；butyouwillsoonchange，andfindthatwealthisasupportablemisfortune。”
　　“Mother，onedayyouwillrecallthesewords。Crownmeforthehatedbridal。Thesacrificeisprepared！“
　　BOOKIV。
　　THEVISIBLESANDTHEINVISIBLES。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　OLDFRITZ。
　　Thewarterminated，thehostilearmiesreturnedtotheirdifferentGermancountries。FredericktheGreathadgainedhispoint，forcingAustriatorenouncethepossessionofBavaria。ThePrinceofZweibrueckenhadbeensolemnlyrecognizedbyhimastherightfulheirtotheelectorate，andthelawfulrulerandpossessorofBavaria。TheEmperorJosephhadsubmittedwithprofoundregretandbitteranimositytothewillofhismother，thereigningempress，andconsentedtothepeacenegotiationsofBaronvonThugut。Havingsignedthedocumentofthesame，inhisqualityofco-regent，heangrilythrewasidethepen，castingafuriousglanceatthehard，impenetrablefaceofThugut，saying:“TellhermajestythatIhaveaccomplishedmylastactasco-regent，andInowabdicate。FromhenceforthIwillstilllieherobedientson，butnosubmissivejointruler，toonlyfollowdevotedlyherimperialwill。ThereforeI
　　resign，andneverwilltroublemyselfinfutureabouttheactsofthegovernment。”Theemperorkepthisword。Heretired，piqued，intosolitude，woundedinthedepthsofhissoul，andafterwardtravelled，leavingthegovernmententirelytotheempressandherpiousconfessors。
　　Bavariawasrescued！Itoweditsexistencetothewatchfulness，sagacity，anddisinterestedaidofPrussia'sgreatking。TheElectorMaximilianvowedinhisdelightthathe，aswellashissuccessorsandheirs，wouldneverforgetthatBavariamustascribeitscontinuancetoPrussiaalone，andthereforethegratitudeoftheprincesofthiselectoratecouldnotandneverwouldbeextinguishedtowardtheroyalhouseofPrussia。Frederickreceivedtheseoverflowingacknowledgmentswiththecalmnessofaphilosopherandthesmileofaskeptic。Heunderstoodmankindsufficientlytoknowwhattoexpectfromtheiroaths；toknowthatinthecourseoftimethereisnothingmoreoppressiveandintolerablethangratitude，thatitsoonbecomesaburdenwhichtheywouldgladlythrowofftheirbentshouldersatanyprice，andbecometheenemyofhimtowhomtheyhadsworneternalthankfulness。FrederickregardedtheseoathsofBavarianotasasecurityforthefuture，butasapaymentonaccountofthepast。
　　“IdidnotgoforthtorendertheBavarianprincesindebtedtome，“
　　saidhe，tohisonlyconfidante，CountHerzberg，ashebroughttohim，atSans-Souci，therenewedexpressionofthanksoftheprinceelector。“IwouldonlyprotectGermanyagainstAustria'sgrasp，andpreservetheequilibriumoftheGermanempire。Believeme，thehouseofHapsburgisadangerousenemyforthelittleGermanprincipalities，andifmysuccessordoesnotbearitinmind，andguardhimselfagainsttheirflatteriesandcat's-paws，Austriawillfleecehimasthecatthemousewhoisenticedbytheodorofthebacon。PrussiashallbeneitheramouseintheGermanempire，norserveasaroastforAustria。Butsheshallbeawell-trainedshepherd'sdogforthedear，patientherd，andtakecarethatnonegoastrayandarelost。”
　　“Yourmajestyhasdrawnanunfortunatecharacterforthefutureofourcountry，“sighedHerzberg，thoughtfully，“andImustgrantthatitissketchedwithseverebutcorrectoutlinessoitfollowsthatpoorGermanyhasmanycombatsandhardshipsinstore。”
　　“Whatdoyoumean?“askedtheking。“WhatcharacteristicdidI
　　name?“