shoven; and I was bound to pay this pension on condition
she made no marriage without my consent. A very far-seeing woman
this aunt of mine! I charged Overberg to make known this codicil,
and to hand over to Francis the packet which he had found amongst
the General's papers. He had sent it to the Castle, but too late;
Francis was already gone. I requested him to do his best to find her
out, and to deliver it into her hands.

Next morning, when I arrived at the appointed place, a little country
inn, the landlady told me that a lady and gentleman were already
awaiting me upstairs. I hastened into the large assembly-room, and at
the bottom of it I could perceive Rudolf and Francis, almost hidden
behind a platform which had been erected for the musicians. Francis
stood with her back to the door at which I entered. I wished to give
her warning of my presence, but I could not speak; and as I advanced
all of a tremble, I heard Rudolf saying to her--

"Nonsense, my dear! you have no idea of the sort of life you wish
to lead. You talk of liberty and independence; but I tell you it is
slavery and the whip into the bargain. Do you know our bed-room is in
the stable with the horses? Do you think the women are much respected
because they are so politely assisted to mount their horses during the
performance? I can tell you Madame Stonehouse herself is not spared
by her gracious husband. And you would cast in your lot with us,
susceptible and haughty as you are!"

"There's nothing else I can do," replied Francis. "I can manage a
horse, but I cannot become a governess and undertake the care of young
children any more than I could earn my bread with my needle. I will
not be guilty of the sin of suicide. I have a duty to fulfil in life,
though to me life is but a martyrdom. And this is my only resource."

"But, you foolish girl, why don't you seek a reconciliation with
your Cousin van Zonshoven? You would then have all a woman could wish
for--your castle back, a beautiful fortune, and a husband who would
love you truly. Upon that I'll wager my head."

"Yes; he's a man of rare loyalty, indeed, and has shown himself
such!" she answered with a choking voice.

"Bah! at the worst he has only acted a little insincerely; white lies,
my dear, white lies may be pardoned. Forgive him his peccadillo. He
will have much to forgive in you, as you have confessed to me
yourself. Tell him you are sorry for what you have said. He will then
embrace