ne," murmured Trude, bowing her head and praying long and
fervently.

The general was particularly fortunate this evening, which caused him to
be unusually cheerful and satisfied. After every rubber he gathered up
the thalers, until he had amassed a most satisfactory pile. As the clock
struck ten, Frau von Werrig declared that they must finish and go to
bed.

The general yielded, with a sigh, to her decision, for he knew, by
long years of experience, that it would be in vain to defy her will.
He shoved his winnings into a leather bag, which he always carried
with him, and gave Leberecht the order to roll away his chair, when
the servant, with a solemn bow, stepped closely to him, and begged the
general to listen to him a moment.

"Well, what have you to say?" he asked.

"I have only one request--that you will permit me to prove that I am a
faithful servant, who looks out for the good of his employers. You
have given Trude five hundred thalers that she might watch over your
daughter. I can show you how well she deserved it, and how differently
your humble servant would have done.--Have the goodness, Frau von
Werrig, to call Trude to bid Fraulein come down, for you have something
important to communicate to her."

His mistress proudly regarded him and seemed to try to read his meaning
in his smiling, humble face. "And if my daughter comes, what have you to
say?"

"If she comes, then I am a miserable fool and scoundrel, but I beg you
to call Trude."

It was a long time before the old woman appeared, confused and sleepy,
asking--"what they wanted at such a late hour?"

"Go and tell my daughter that I wish to see her at once."

Trude trembled, but composed herself, saying, "There is time enough
to-morrow. Fraulein has been asleep a long time."

"She lies," sneered Leberecht, taking the precaution to protect himself
behind the general's arm-chair. "She knows that she is not in bed."

"Oh, you sneak, you rascal," cried Trude, shaking her fist at him, "how
dare you say that I tell a lie? How can such a miserable creature as
you impute to others what you do yourself every time that you open your
mouth?"

"Frau von Werrig, she is only quarrelling, in order to gain time--every
moment is precious. I beg you to go up-stairs, and see for yourself, if
your daughter is there."

"Fraulein has locked the door so as not to be disturbed."

"Ah," said Leberecht, "Trude has locked it, and has the key in her
pocket."

"Gi