my visit to the city. When we
stopped, he took leave expressing the hope of seeing me again in a few
days at the baroness' house, where he was a frequent visitor.

"This was a matter of perfect indifference to me then. His Excellency,
the Count, as his servant called him, did not interest me in the least.
But now suddenly, as I wandered through the streets racking my brains
to decide what I was to do next, I heard a well known voice--it was the
count's. He greeted me very courteously, asked how I had found the
baroness, and when he had been informed of my fate kindly consoled me.
I need feel no anxiety, I could not fail to obtain a similar and even
more desirable position; he would himself make inquiries among all his
acquaintances, and in the first place, as I told him my difficulty
about finding suitable lodgings, he could recommend me to very pleasant
rooms which he had once rented for a relative. She had afterwards
decided not to take possession of them, as she had changed her plans;
but they were still empty, and the landlady was a very worthy woman,
with whom I would be very comfortable.

"Of course this intelligence was very welcome to me. I only insisted
that I would not avail myself of the fact that the lodgings had already
been paid for one quarter in advance, but remain my own mistress and be
indebted to no one.

"He at last assented to this, and treated me in every respect in a
modest and almost deferential manner. Yet I half regretted having
allowed him to accompany me to the house. The landlady seemed
surprised, and then---he would know where I was to be found. Who could
tell whether he might not become annoying? And besides my incognita was
destroyed. But my fear was groundless. On the day after I was settled,
I received a note from him; he was unfortunately obliged to forego the
pleasure of inquiring about my welfare in person, as his father's
sudden illness compelled him to set out for his estates at once. I
acknowledge that I felt very much relieved. I was really entirely free
from control, and could regulate my life as I chose.

"What that would be, if directed by my taste, you have known me long
enough to be aware, although here and there various trifles were
lacking. When I opened my box of ornaments, the contents did not look
exactly like crown jewels. If I heard of a poor family, I could only
show my generosity by the gift of five thalers. And then--I was quite
too lonely. When people wish to