returned; upon him depends my
happiness, and life even--he is my last hope!"

"I am going, but first I would get the wages of my sin, and play the
hypocrite, and tell a few untruths; then I will go to Moritz's lodgings,
and the baker also. Do not despair; I have a joyful presentiment that
God will have pity upon us and send us aid." Trude kissed and embraced
her child, and scarcely waited an hour, when she was demanded in the
parlor to receive her money.

Herr Ebenstreit was heartily delighted with her zealous impatience, and
handed her ten rolls of gold, reminding her of the conditions.

"I have already consoled her a little, and she begins to change. I hope
every thing will turn for good. Just leave her alone with me."

"But first, I must go and see my aged brother, who will take care of my
money," replied Trude. "He is a safe man and will not spend it."

"Trude," cried the general, "what an old fool! to seek at distance what
is so near you. I will take your money, and give you interest. Do you
hear? I will take care of it!"

"Thank you, general, I'd rather give it to my brother, on account of the
relationship." She slipped out of the room, hid the money in her bed,
and hurriedly left the house.

Scarcely an hour passed ere Trude returned as fleetly as she went. She
cast only a look into the kitchen, and hastened up to Marie's room. Her
success was evident in her happy, smiling face, and coming home she had
repeated to herself, "How happy Marie will be!" almost the entire way.

She had but closed the door, when the mean little Leberecht glided from
behind the chimney, and crept to listen at the door.

Within was a lively conversation, and twice a shout of joy was heard and
Marie, exultant, cried, "Oh, Trude! dear Trude! all goes well, I fear
nothing now. God has sent me the savior which I implored!"

Leberecht stood, bent over, applying his ear to the keyhole, listening
to every word.

Oh, Trude! if you could only have seen the traitor, glued to the door,
with open eyes and mouth! Could you have seen the eavesdropper rubbing
his hands together, grinning, and listening in breathless suspense!

Why cannot you surprise him, Trude, and fulfil your threat to deluge him
and chase him away from your child's door? They forgot the necessity of
prudence, and the possibility of being overheard. At last it occurred
to the old servant, and she tore open the door, but no one was there--it
was deserted and still.

"G