wn torments.

Amelia was alone; her maid of honor had just read aloud one of Moliere's
biting, satirical comedies, and received leave of absence for a few
hours. The princess had also dismissed her chamberlain till dinner, and
he had left the castle; only two pages waited in the anteroom, which
was separated by two chambers from the boudoir. Amelia had the happy
consciousness of being alone in her grief, and, fearing no disturbance,
she could sigh and lament aloud. She dared give words to her rage and
her despair; there were no other listeners than these dead, voiceless
walls--they had been long her only confidants. The stillness was
suddenly broken by a gentle knock at the door, and one of the pages
entered.

With a frightened look, and begging earnestly to be pardoned for having
dared to disturb the princess, he informed her that a stranger was
without, who pleaded eagerly to be admitted.

"What does he wish?" said Amelia, roughly. "I have neither office nor
dignity to bestow, and, at present, I have no money! Tell him this, and
he will go away cheerfully."

"The stranger says he is a jeweller, your highness," said the page. "It
is of great importance to him that you should look at his collection of
gems; and if you will have the goodness to purchase a few trifles, you
will make them the fashion in Berlin, and thus make his fortune."

"Tell him he is a fool!" said Amelia, with a coarse laugh; "I have no
desire to see his jewels! Dismiss him, and do not dare disturb me again.
Well, why do you hesitate? Why are you still here?"

"Ah, princess, the poor man begs so earnestly for admittance; he
says your highness knew him at Magdeburg, and that the governor, the
Landgrave of Hesse, expressly charged him to show the jewels to your
highness."

These magical words aroused Amelia from her apathy. With a quick
movement she arose from the sofa; she was endowed with new energy and
vitality; she advanced toward the door, then paused, and looked silent
and thoughtful.

"Admit the stranger!" said she, "I will see his treasures."

The page left the room, and Amelia gazed after him breathlessly, and
with a loudly-beating heart. It seemed to her an eternity before the
stranger entered.

A tall, slender man, in simple but elegant costume, approached. He stood
at the door, and bowed profoundly to the princess. Amelia looked at him
steadily, and sighed deeply; she did not know this man. Again her hopes
had deceived her.

"