la, who was pale and
terrified, and whose teeth chattered as if in an ague-fit.

"Madame," said Lord Elliot, "I have the honor to bid you adieu. I wish
you a long and happy wedded life!"

Lord Elliot left the room and passed on to the apartment which had been
his own. Every thing had been removed, all the pictures taken from
the wall but one; only Camilla's portrait, taken in her bridal dress,
remained. He stood long before this lovely picture, and gazed steadily,
as if to impress every lineament upon his soul. He felt that in taking
leave of this painting he was bidding adieu to youth, to happiness, to
all the sweet illusions of life.

"Farewell!" said he, aloud--"farewell, Camilla! my bride! the dream is
over!"

He took a little knife from his pocket and cut the picture in two
pieces, from the top to the bottom, then slowly descended the steps to
his carriage, in which his friend, Doctor Blitz awaited him.

"I am ready, doctor, and I beg you to give me a bed in your house for
the present. During the last ten days I have had a burning fever."

While Lord Elliot was driving off, Camilla and le beau cousin stood
confronting each other; neither dared to break the fearful silence, or
even to look at each other.

Suddenly the door opened, and General von Saldern, the adjutant of the
king, entered the room. Camilla had not the strength to advance to meet
him; she returned his salutation by a faint inclination of the head.
The general did not appear to see Kindar, and made no response to his
profound bow.

"Madame," said the general, solemnly, "I come at the command of the
king; by his authority as king and judge, and as head of the church, he
has annulled your marriage with Lord Elliot. This was done as a proof of
his regard to Lord Elliot. Out of regard to your own family, he insists
upon your immediate marriage with Baron Kindar, who has been dismissed
from the king's service."

"No, no," cried Camilla, "I will never marry him! Leave me, sir--I will
never become the wife of this man!"

"It is his majesty's express command that you should be married without
delay," said General Saldern; "he has also commanded me to say to you
that this scandalous intrigue, insulting to morals and good manners,
should no longer be brought before the public. You are both, therefore,
banished from his court, from Potsdam and Berlin, and commanded to take
refuge at your country seat, and lead there a solitary and quiet life.
This i