efore him, and directed
love-glances, which made him look even more disagreeable, at poor
Faith, who, sighingly and reluctantly replenished it from time to time.

The servant announced a stranger who wished to speak with madam Rosen
alone.

The widow rose to go out in obedience to the summons; but the captain
sneeringly observed that as she could have no motive for a secret
interview with the stranger, she could give the required audience in
his presence.

The widow nodded to the servant, with a slight shrug of the shoulders
at this new exhibition of insolence. The latter immediately ushered in
a young man, who greeted the ladies with modest friendliness, and the
captain with cold courtesy.

'I am the book-keeper of your son-in-law,' said he. 'I have the honor
to hand you this letter as my credential, and to inform you, that, if
agreeable, yourself and daughter can accompany me to Schweidnitz
to-morrow morning.'

'How? You wish to leave Sagan now, madam Rosen?' asked the captain,
angrily stroking his red beard.

'Family affairs render this journey unavoidable,' answered the widow,
with quiet firmness.

'You must arrange the matter otherwise,' blustered the ruffian. 'Your
most imperative duty is to remain here and provide for the comfort of
those who are quartered in your house.'

'Do not be anxious on that score, captain,' answered the widow. 'Every
thing will be furnished that you need in my absence.'

'Then go, in the devil's name, where you please,' cried the captain;
'but, that my comfort may not be disturbed, your daughter remains
behind to discharge the duties of hostess.'

'Give yourself no uneasiness, madam Rosen,' said Dorn, consolingly, to
the terrified woman. 'If you are not by the duke of Friedland's command
a prisoner in your own house, the captain will let you go without
requiring a hostage.'

'How is that?' cried the irritated captain, viewing the young man from
head to foot. The latter quietly returned his measuring glance, whilst
the beauteous Faith timidly raised her eyes from her spindle, inwardly
delighted with the fearlessness of the interesting stranger.

'You are a fine fellow,' said the captain with a malicious smile;
'well-grown and strong; and your bold behavior is very becoming. You
would make a good trooper. Come, do me justice to the health of our
most gracious emperor.'

'We must become better acquainted with each other, captain, before we
drink together,' answered Dorn, p