nate and considerate than yours, I should not like to have you
learn through the newspapers, that your poor duchess has resolved to
make a mesalliance and in a few days will be called countess. Why have
I made this resolution? If your philosophy can find no answer to the
question, will you expect a hopeless simpleton to furnish one? Why are
we in the world at all? Perhaps a curiosity to learn whether any reason
for existence would declare itself was the sole motive that induced me
to take this step, at which you will doubtless feel some degree of
indignation. Believe me, it is only a preparation for the last extreme
measure, the step into nothingness. Besides, I have not been untrue to
myself, I told him all, even that I do not love him. But as he is more
easily satisfied than certain people, and asks nothing I cannot give, I
think we shall get along with each other very well, as we generally end
best with those with whom, we have never begun. With you--I feel it by
this letter, which can find no close--I should never have been happy.
But it is the same now. There are some absurd destinies, is it not so,
dear friend?_

"_In spite of everything ever your own_

"TOINETTE,

"_P. S.--Little Jean sends his compliments to you. It was on his
account that I decided to marry the count. He would have been miserable
for life, if he had not been permitted to wear the count's livery,
which is green embroidered with silver, and makes him look like a
green-finch in a gala dress._

"_Despite all this I still wish I were--_"

The last line was erased, but the words were yet legible. Marquard
silently laid the letter on the table.

"What do you say to it?" asked Edwin, as he slowly replaced the sheet
in the envelope.

"Nothing. I've long since given up saying anything about the countless
varieties of the great species, 'woman.' I hate unscientific talk and
therefore only try to look at each individual case from the practical
side. At present I should like to hear what you say to it. You've taken
more than a theoretical interest in the case from the very beginning."

"I'll tell you, as soon as I have found the formula. Hitherto, it has
only been boundless surprise."

"At her decision? Why, I should think--"

"No, at its effect on myself. Will you believe that I read this letter
without any quicker pulsation of the heart than if it had contained the
news tha