d when he
wins fame from science and art he will owe to you alone the gratitude."

"He shall not thank me!" she whispered. "He shall live and--if he can be
happy!--this is all that I ask for! What is there further to be done?"

"To announce to your parents in my presence that you will marry Herr
Ebenstreit, and let the ceremony take place as soon as possible."

"You swear that he shall then be released? You are an old man--reflect
well; you swear to me that as soon as the marriage takes place, Philip
Moritz will be free this very day and that he will be reinstated in an
honorable, active occupation?"

"I swear it to you upon my word of honor, by my hope of reward from
above."

"I believe you. Call my parents. But first--you are a father, and love
your children well. I have never had a father who loved me, or ever laid
his hand upon my head to bless me. You say that you love Moritz as a
son! Oh, love me for a moment as your daughter, and bless me!"

The old man folded her in his arms, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"God bless you, my daughter, as I bless you!"

"I dare not tarry," she shuddered. "Let my parents enter."

Slowly the venerable man traversed the room. Marie pressed her hands
to her heart, looking to heaven. As the door opened, and the general
entered, leaning upon Ebenstreit's arm, followed by his wife, Marie
approached them with a haughty, determined manner, who regarded her with
astonishment.

"Father," she said, slowly and calmly, "I am ready to follow your
wishes. Send for the clergyman: I consent to marry this man to-day, upon
one condition."

"Make it known, my dear Marie. Name your condition. I will joyfully
fulfil it," said Ebenstreit.

"I demand that we leave to-day for the East, to go to
Egypt--Palestine--and remain away from this place for years. Are you
agreed to it?"

"To all that which my dear Marie wishes."

"You can now weave the bridal-wreath in my hair, mother. I consent to
the marriage."

Three hours later the preparations were completed. Every thing had
awaited this for three months.

In the sitting-room, the decorators had quickly built a marriage-altar,
and ornamented the walls with garlands of flowers, with festoons of
gauze and silk, with flags and standards. The mother wore the costly
silk which her rich son-in-law had honored her with for the occasion,
and also adorned herself with the gold ornaments which were equally his
gift. The father wore his gold-embroid