the blessed day dawn in which I can take your hand and say to you,
'Come, Marietta, come; the world belongs to us and our love. Let us fly
and enjoy our happiness.' Oh, beloved, if you truly love me, help me to
snatch this happy day from fate! Stand by me with your love, that I may
attain my freedom."

"Tell me what I can do, and it is done," said she resolutely; "there is
nothing I will not undertake and dare for you."

Ranuzi took her small head in his hands and gazed long and smilingly
into her glowing face.

"Are you sure of yourself?" said he.

"I am sure. Tell me, Carlo, what I must do, and it is done."

"And if it is dangerous, Marietta?"

"I know but one danger."

"What is that?"

"To lose your love, Carlo!"

"Then this world has no danger for you, Marietta!"

"Speak, Carlo, speak! How can I aid you? What can I do to obtain your
liberty?"

Ranuzi threw a quick and searching glance around the room, as if to
convince himself that they were alone, then bowed down close to her ear
and whispered:

"I can never be free till the King of Prussia is completely conquered
and subjected, and only if I bring all my strength and capabilities to
this object, may I hope to be free, and rich, and honored. The King
of Prussia is my enemy, he is the enemy of the Church, the enemy of my
gracious sovereign of Austria, to whom I have sworn fealty. A man may
strive to conquer his enemies with every weapon, even with craft. Will
you stand by me in this?"

"I will."

"Then observe and listen, and search all around you. Repeat to me all
that you hear and see--seem to be an enthusiastic adherent of the King
of Prussia; you will then be confided in and know all that is taking
place. Be kind and sympathetic to your husband; he is a sincere follower
of the king, and has free intercourse with many distinguished persons;
he is also well received at court. Give yourself the appearance of
sympathizing in all his sentiments. When you attend the concerts at
the castle, observe all that passes--every laugh, every glance,
every indistinct word, and inform me of all. Do you understand,
Marietta?--will you do this?"

"I understand, Carlo, and I will do this. Is this all? Can I do nothing
more to help you?"

"Yes, there are other things, but they are more difficult, more
dangerous."

"So much the better; the more dangerous the stronger the proof of my
love. Speak, dear Carlo!"

"It is forbidden for the captive officers to sen