"No one would doubt it," replied Ebenstreit, timidly. "We had a very
strange marriage, which scarce deserves the name. We resemble more two
companions who have joined in business, the one side reluctantly, and
the other joyfully. I long for a happy married life, which has been
quite impossible thus far."

"And will be to the end, which you will yet learn; and Fran von Werrig
should understand it, as she brought about the union, and should not be
in doubt as to the conclusion."

"I acknowledge that I am almost speechless and quite paralyzed with that
which I see and hear. I should doubt that this cold, proud woman before
me were my daughter, if it were not for the name she bears, and her
features."

"That which you and my husband have caused me to become. He knew that
I neither loved nor esteemed him, and that a union with him seemed so
unendurable that I would have sought refuge in death, if I had not vowed
to support life to attain the aim which I imposed upon myself. That is
all past; it is the future which we must arrange. I am glad that you are
here, Frau von Werrig, that we may understand each other once for all;
but you came against my wishes."

"You must excuse it, dear Marie. It was the longing of mother's heart
which led me hither; the love--"

A cold, contemptuous glance of the large eyes caused the mother to
cease, and quail before her daughter.

After a short pause Marie continued: "I wish to exercise alone and
unhindered the executive rights of a lady in her own house. Do you
acknowledge the justice of this, my husband?"

"Perfectly and unconditionally, dear Marie. You know that I have no
other will but yours, which is my highest happiness to submit myself
to in all things, always hoping to gain your love and win your heart;
that--"

"That this woman has changed to stone," said Marie, coldly, pointing to
her mother. "As you then recognize me as the mistress of this house, I
shall avail myself of my just right, and no one can prevent me, for I
stand alone, absolved from all family ties. By my birth and your riches,
I shall occupy the position of a woman of the world, and as such I shall
live."

"I am delighted to hear it, Marie," cried her husband. "For this reason
I have had the drawing-rooms furnished in the most costly manner, and
I shall be proud to receive the aristocratic society who will come to
render homage to my wife, as they have done everywhere in Paris, London,
Rome, Madrid, and S