kind, Marie. Have the goodness to tell me how you, with
these severe ideas, can suffer that Trude for a moment should appear
before us in this poor-looking dress which, indeed, does not recall any
wealth!"

Frau von Ebenstreit's eyes glanced quickly over the old who, she
said, was the only object which did not bespeak the gaudiness of
newly-acquired wealth, but she appeared as the respectable servant of an
old and noble family in fitting dress. "Remain as you are, Trude, and do
not let yourself be misled by our follies! I--but what is that I see?"
she cried as the steward opened the next door at the silent nod of her
husband.

"Oh, my beloved children, there you are at last; after three years'
absence I have the happiness to embrace you, my only daughter," cried
Frau von Werrig, as she approached them with outstretched arms and an
affectionate smile, essaying to throw her arms around Marie's neck, who
waved her back.

"My child, my child," whimpered the mother, "is it possible that my
daughter can receive me thus after so long a separation?"

Turning to Trude, Marie asked her, with a reproving look and tone,
if she had received her letter, or if she had forgotten her express
commands that no one but the servants should be in the house to receive
them.

"I did not forget it, my lady, and I have read the orders to Frau von
Werrig, but she--"

"Knew that this wish had no reference to her, as she is her mother--Tell
me, my beloved son, is it not very natural and fitting that I should be
here to receive you?'

"I find it a matter of course," answered Von Ebenstreit, to whom it
appeared a relief to find an ally in the mother against his proud and
beautiful wife. "I rejoice to see our dear mother here, and I beg Marie
will join me."

Marie cast an angry glance toward her husband, which so confused
and perplexed him, that he looked down. Then advancing toward the
drawing-room, with her usual cold demeanor, without further comment upon
the ostentatious furniture, she commanded her husband to follow, who
obeyed, giving his arm to his mother-in-law.

"Oh, this is glorious!" he cried, smiling. "What splendor, what luxury!
Tell me, my dear mother, is not this beautiful reception-room very
aristocratically and appropriately fitted up?"

"I should think a princess or a queen might be satisfied with it," she
cried, with enthusiasm. "Even in royal palaces there is nothing of the
kind to compare to this gold-embroidered tap