All there was disquiet and sorrow. But, notwithstanding the general
discontent with Sara and her marriage, there was not one of the family
who did not busy themselves earnestly in her outfit. Louise, who blamed
her more than all the rest, gave herself most trouble about it.

Sara behaved as if she never observed how everybody was working for her,
and passed her time either over her harp, or solitary in her own room.
Any intercourse with the members of the family seemed to have become
painful to her, whilst Petrea's tenderness and tears were received with
indifference--nay, even with sternness.

FOOTNOTES:

[14] All mothers speak thus--but not all, nay, not many with the same
right as Elise.

CHAPTER XIII.

DEPARTURE.

Sara's joyless marriage was over; and the hour was come in which she was
to leave that home and family which had so affectionately received her,
and which now with solicitude and the tenderest care provided for her
wants in her new position.

In the hour of separation, the crust of ice which had hitherto
surrounded her being broke, she sank, weeping violently, at the feet of
her foster-parents.

The Judge was deeply affected. "You have had your own will, Sara," said
he, in a firm but mournful voice, "may you be happy! Some few warnings I
have given you, do not forget them; they are the last! If you should be
deceived in the hopes which now animate you--if you should be
unfortunate--unfortunate, or criminal, then remember--then remember,
Sara, that here you have father and mother, and sisters, who will
receive you with open arms; then remember that you have here family and
home!"

He ceased: drew her a little aside, took her hand, and pressed a
bank-note in it. "Take this," said he, tenderly, "as a little help in
the hour of need. No, you must not refuse it from your foster-father.
Take it for his love's sake, you will some time need it!"

It was with difficulty that the Judge had so far preserved his calmness;
he now pressed her violently to his breast; kissed her brow and lips,
whilst his tears flowed abundantly. The mother and sisters too
surrounded her weeping. At that moment the door opened, and Schwartz
entered.

"The carriage waits," said he, with a dark glance on the mournful group.
Sara tore herself from the arms which would have held her fast, and
rushed out of the room.

A few seconds more, and the travelling carriage rolled away.

"She is lost!" exclaimed the Judge t