ate is not in daily use. What I can give is
not worth talking of, but my mother's jewels are costly; many of them
were presents made to her in youth, which she shall not part with unless
you say that it is necessary."

"I fear," said Anton, gravely, "that it will prove so."

"Take them," said the baroness to Anton; "I shall be calmer when I know
that we have at least done what we could."

"But do you wish to part with all?" inquired Anton, anxiously. "Much
that is dear to you may have but little value in a jeweler's eyes."

"I shall never wear an ornament again," quietly replied the baroness.
"Take them all;" and, holding her hands before her eyes, she turned
away.

"We are torturing my mother," cried Lenore, hastily; "will you lock up
all that is on the table, and get them out of the house as soon as you
can?"

"I can not undertake the charge of these valuables," said Anton,
"without taking some measures to decrease my own responsibility. First
of all, I will in your presence make a short note of all you intrust to
me."

"What useless cruelty!" exclaimed Lenore.

"It will not take long."

Anton took out a few sheets from his pocket-book, and began to note down
the different articles.

"You shall not see it done, mother," said Lenore, drawing her mother
away, and then returning to watch Anton at his task.

"These preparations for the market are horrible," said she. "My mother's
whole life will be sold; some memory of hers is linked with every single
thing. Look, Wohlfart, the princess gave her this diamond ornament when
she married my father."

"They are magnificent brilliants," cried Anton, admiringly.

"This ring was my grandfather's, and these are presents of poor papa's.
Alas! no man can know how we love all these things. It was always a
festival to me when mamma put on her diamonds. Now we come to my
possessions. They are not worth much. Do you think this bracelet good
gold?" She held out her hand as she spoke.

"I do not know."

"It shall go with the rest," said Lenore, taking it off. "Yes, you are a
kind, good man, Wohlfart," continued she, looking trustfully into his
tearful eyes; "do not forsake us. My brother has no experience, and is
more helpless than we are. It is a frightful position for me. Before
mamma I do all I can to be composed, else I could scream and weep the
whole day through." She sank in a chair, still holding his hand. "Dear
Wohlfart, do not forsake us."

Anton bent over h