righteousness."

Cagliostro turned proudly away, and disappeared in the bushes.

Wilhelmine placed the ring upon her finger, turning it to watch the
play of colors. "I do not know why," said she, "but it has not the same
brilliancy as formerly. I will take it to the jeweller Wagner, and ask
him if it is the same stone. Perhaps the Great Kophta has tried some of
his miracles upon it. I will at once send the servant to Minister von
Herzberg, and inform him that Cagliostro is here. He has promised me
protection in the name of the king, and I feel that I shall now have
need of it."

She hurried to the house, and devoted herself to the writing of the
said letter--a task she was but little accustomed to. She had learned to
speak French very prettily, and to express herself skilfully and wittily
in German, and under her royal master, the crown prince Frederick
William, gained much valuable scientific knowledge. But to write
fluently was quite another thing, and it was a long time before the
epistle was finished. However, happily accomplished, she commanded the
servant to take it to Berlin.

He bowed with silent submission; but once having quitted the house, a
cunning smile was visible upon his face, and he availed himself of a
stage-coach which was going in the same direction. "I can afford this
expense," said he, arranging himself comfortably. "When I have money in
my pocket why should I walk the long distance? I was very clever to tell
Bischofswerder that the Minister von Herzberg had secretly visited my
mistress, and it was equally clever of him to give me a louis d'or, and
promise me the same every time that I should bring him important news.
Indeed, I think to-day he may well thank me, and I believe, if I often
inform him, he will advance me a degree, and at last I shall be admitted
to the circle of the elect, while I now belong to the outside circle,
who know nothing and hope every thing."

CHAPTER XXX. THE TRIUMVIRATE.

While Wilhelmine's servant gave himself up to his hopes, slowly down
the broad avenue, an elegant four-in-hand carriage rolled past him, and
stopped at the house where lived Colonel Bischofswerder, long before he
had reached the Brandenburg Gate. A gentleman sprang out, hastening
past the footman into the house, where a servant evidently awaited
his arrival, and preceded him with devout mien, throwing open the wide
folding-doors and announcing, in a solemn voice--"His excellency, Count
Cag