profitably, always seemed to me improbable. And this
very morning, just as I was doing him the honor to think of him, he
drove past me in a droschky--to be sure I only saw him through the
window, and he has let his beard grow; but I hope to be condemned to go
to the same heaven into which this fellow hopes to smuggle himself, if
I was mistaken. Pardon my somewhat strong expressions. Since scoundrels
like this, our beloved in the Lord, adopt a sweet pastoral style, an
honest man must wrap himself in his natural bluntness."

"You've seen him? Lorinser? No, no!"

"I'm sure, Madame, that no other man has those mother of pearl,
Lucifer-like eyes in his head. And besides, he seemed to recognize me,
for he hastily cowered back into the corner of the droschky, but it was
too late. Unfortunately I lost sight of him again. Perhaps, I thought,
he's gone to his old customers once more; it's a Christian duty to
forgive even such an imp of Satan, seventy times seven times. And after
all, I said to myself, he's doubtless always behaved properly to the
good Frau Valentin and not let the mask fall. I confess I half expected
to find him here, when the servant said you had a visitor, that's why I
rushed in so hastily."

Frau Valentin had sunk down upon the sofa and was gazing into vacancy
with unconcealed horror. "No," said she, "we've done with each other.
I'll take care, that even if he should have the effrontery to knock, my
door will not be opened to him again. No man has ever more shamefully
misused the holiest words and trampled the purest confidence underfoot.
I'll not mention the sums of money, amounting to hundreds of thalers,
he has talked out of me for charitable and religious objects, in order
as I afterwards learned, to use them for himself and his dissolute
life. But that he could do me the injury to corrupt an excellent young
girl, to whom I gave employment in my own house--let's say no more
about it, my dear sir. It always makes me so angry when I think of it,
that I forget all the commands of charity and wish this fiend in the
lowest depths of hell."

"Hm!" muttered Mohr between his teeth; "money embezzled--an innocent
young girl--very valuable material. Pardon me, Madame," he continued
aloud, "if I'm not yet inclined to cut short this interesting
conversation. Perhaps you would have the kindness to tell me the name
and residence of this unfortunate girl?"

"What interest can you have in it?"

"A very Christian, or