thought I was with Marie. I
understand you better than you think I do. I have found many a viper,
and I am familiar with their aspect. Go! they are waiting for you, and
let me find you again spying about, and I will throw a pail of water on
you!"

With this friendly assurance Trude dismissed Leberecht, and hastened
with youthful activity to the little garret-room, when Marie fell upon
her neck, weeping bitterly.

"Calm yourself--do not weep so--it breaks my heart, my dear child."

"And mine cannot break. I must endure all this anguish and survive this
shame. Help me, my good mother, stand by me! It is impossible for me to
marry that dreadful man. I have sworn constancy to my beloved Moritz,
and I must be firm, or die!"

"Die? then you will kill me!" murmured the old one, "for, if you go,
I must go also. But we will not give up yet, as we are both living; we
will not despair for life. I am going once more to Moritz's lodgings; it
may be he has returned, and will rescue you."

"Oh, do, good Trude; tell him that I have courage and determination to
risk and bear every thing--that I will await him; that nothing would be
too difficult or dangerous to serve to unite me to him! Tell him that I
prefer a life of poverty and want by his side, to abundance and riches
in a splendid palace with that detested creature--but no, say nothing
about it, he knows it well! If he has returned, tell him all that has
happened, and that I am resolved to brave the utmost, to save myself!"

"I will go, dear child, but I have first my work to do, and enough of
it too--but listen to what they have made me become." Hastily, in a
low voice, she related to Marie the story of her corruption, excited as
before, her limbs shaking and her fists clinched. "They say we old women
resemble cats, but from to-day forth I know that is a shameful lie! If I
had possessed their nature and claws, I should have sprung at the throat
of this rascal, and torn out his windpipe; but, instead of that, I
stood as if delighted with his degrading proposal! Oh, fie! the
good-for-nothing kidnapper would tempt a poor creature! Let us wait,
they will get their reward. He shall pay me the five hundred thalers,
and then this trader of hearts shall recognize that, however much
ill-earned money he may throw away, love and constancy are hot to be
bought. We will teach him a lesson," and with this, the old servant
ceased, gasping for breath.

"Go now, Trude, and learn if he has