desire to become Ehrenthal's son-in-law,
perhaps not; at all events, there was no hurry about that. There was one
other whom he must get on a secure footing--the little black man now
drinking that expensive wine down stairs. Henceforth he would pay him
for whatever he did for him, but he would not confide in him.

These were the resolves of Veitel Itzig; and, having concocted his
plans, he locked his door, threw himself down exhausted on his hard bed,
the imaginary possessor of Baron Rothsattel's fair property.

That evening the baroness and her daughter sat together in the
conservatory, and both were silent; the baroness intently watching a
bright moth, which was bent upon flying into the lamp, and came knocking
its thick little body over and over against the glass which saved its
life.

Lenore bent over her book, but often cast an inquiring glance at her
mother's thoughtful face.

There came a quick step along the gravel, and the old bailiff, cap in
hand, asked for the master.

"What do you want?" said Lenore; "has any thing happened?"

"It's all over with the old black horse," said the bailiff, in great
concern; "he has been biting and kicking like mad, and now he is gasping
his last."

Lenore sprang up with an exclamation for which her mother chid her.

"I will come and see to him myself," said she, and hurried off with the
old man.

The sick horse lay on his straw, with the sweat running down, and his
sides heaving violently. The stable-boys stood around, looking at him
phlegmatically. When Lenore entered, the horse turned his head toward
her as if asking help.

"He knows me yet," cried she. Then turning to the head groom, "Ride off
instantly for a veterinary surgeon."

The man did not like the thought of a long ride at night, and replied,
"The doctor is never at home, and the horse will be dead before he can
come."

"Go at once!" commanded Lenore, pointing to the door.

"What is the matter with the groom?" asked Lenore, as they left the
stable.

"He is grown good for nothing, and ought to be sent off, as I have often
told my master; but the lout is as obedient to him as possible--he knows
the length of his foot--while to every one else he is cross-grained, and
gives me daily trouble."

"I will speak to my father," replied Lenore, with a slight frown.

The old servant continued: "Ah! dear young lady, if you would but look
after things a little, it would be a good thing for the property. I am