with
our daughter. You are the director of the gymnasium, and naturally the
friend of Conrector Moritz. In his name you will speak, and bring a
secret message. Very sly, indeed, very sly, but it will not succeed."

For response, the director drew two large folded documents from his
pocket, approaching the general. "Do you recognize this seal?" he asked.

"Yes," solemnly answered the general; "it is the royal seal from the
king's private cabinet."

"Read the address upon this, and the unopened letter."

"Truly, the latter is directed to my daughter, and the other to
Professor Gedicke."

Herr Gedicke opened the letter, asking the general if he could recognize
the king's handwriting.

"Yes," he answered, "I know it well."

"Have the goodness to read the lines upon the margin," mid the
professor, unfolding the letter, so that he could only read those
referred to.

The general read: "Professor Gedicke shall go himself to Fraulein von
Leuthen, and bring her to reason, reading the document to her without
witnesses. I wish this affair to come to an end. Teach Mamselle mores!
mores! mores! FREDERICK."

"You have heard the royal command, ladies and gentlemen; will you
respect it?" said the professor, turning around with an air of proud
satisfaction.

"My dear son-in-law," said the general, solemnly, "it is a royal
command; give me your arm, as you know I am feeble; and you, my wife,
take my other arm, and we will go into the next room. Hush! not a
word--we have only to obey, and not reason."

He seized his wife's hand hastily and firmly, that she should not slip
away, and winked to Ebenstreit, upon whose support he crossed the room,
drawing his wife with him, and pushing open the door of the next with
his foot.

Marie had stood during the whole transaction pale and rigid in the
centre of the room, looking haughty and defiant as long as her parents
and Herr Ebenstreit were present. Now, as the door closed, life
and action were visible in this marble form; she rushed to the old
gentleman, scarce respiring, and looking up at his dignified, sad face,
asked: "Is he living? Tell me only this, or is he ill?"

"Yes, he lives, he does not suffer from bodily ills, but the sickness of
the soul."

"And do not I also?" asked she, with quivering voice. "Oh! I know what
he suffers, as we are wretched from the same cause. But tell me, have
you seen him?"

"Yes, Fraulein, I have."

"Where is he? Where did you see him?"