lusion get his
disturbed thoughts in order.

It was about ten o'clock in the morning, and the grounds were almost
entirely deserted.

Only a single pedestrian, a young man elegantly attired, lounged along
slowly, and to the casual observer, purposelessly.

But he was on the lookout for some one, for he glanced with unconcealed
impatience toward the winding walks which led direct from the city.

Suddenly he stepped quickly behind one of the pillars which supported
the little temple, where he could see any one approaching without being
seen himself.

About five minutes later a young lady walking briskly came along a
narrow path which led past the temple. She was of slight, graceful
figure, wore a dark, fur-trimmed mantle with cap and muff to match, and
was glancing over a roll of manuscript as she stepped quickly forward.

Suddenly she gave a surprised cry, which had anything but a joyful
sound, as the young man stepped in front of her.

"Oh, Count Westerburg."

The man bowed low as he exclaimed:

"What a happy accident! Who would have thought to find Fraeulein Marietta
Volkmar seeking the fresh air of the park at this hour."

Marietta stood still and looked the speaker well over from head to foot,
before she answered, in a tone of mingled anger and contempt:

"I do not believe it is by accident that you so often and so
persistently cross my path, Herr Count, although I have been very
explicit as to the annoyance which your attentions cause me."

"Oh, yes, you have been very cruel to me," said the count reprovingly,
but with unmistakable assurance. "You will not permit me to visit you,
despise my gifts of flowers, hardly acknowledge my greetings when you
meet me. What have I done to you? I have ventured to prove my devotion
by laying at your feet a little tribute in the form of jewels, but you
return them with--"

"With the explanation that I decline such insolent advances now and
always," Marietta interrupted angrily; "that I will have no more of your
brazen impertinences. You have waylaid me purposely to-day."

"Good heavens! I am only here to sue for pardon for my boldness," said
the count, as he stepped, with apparent submissiveness, directly in
front of her in the narrow path. "I know full well how unapproachable
you are, and that no one guards her reputation more jealously than the
beautiful Marietta."

"My name is Fraeulein Volkmar," cried Marietta angrily. "Save such
familiar speeches for those