earlier, happier days,
though it was tinged with sadness and grief. Impulsively she threw her
arms around her faithful nurse, kissing her, and, with quivering lip,
whispering: "A greeting and a blessing for you, dear mother! Take me to
your kind, disinterested heart, and let me there find repose from all
this torture and love the poor lost one, who--"

She drew suddenly back, her face assuming its usually cold, look as she
heard her husband enter.

"She is gone, dear Marie. I hope that you are gratified with my
decision, and perceive therein a proof of my excessive love and esteem
for you," said Ebenstreit, drawing a long breath.

"I did not desire this polite evidence of it," she coldly responded. "We
have solemnized our entrance into this house in a fitting manner, and
the important matter remaining for us is to make known our arrival to
the society of Berlin. The horses purchased in Alexandria, and the new
carriage from London, have already arrived--have they not?"

"My book-keeper so informed me a fortnight since, when we were in Paris,
and complained of the enormous sum which he had to disburse."

"You must forbid him such a liberty once for all," said she, and the
strange blending of joy and scorn was visible in her face. "It is
inadmissible for a subordinate to presume to complain to his master, or
advise him. He has only to listen and obey. This all your inferiors must
understand, and know that they will be dismissed who murmur or advise!"

"I will instruct them accordingly," he sighed, "though I must confess
my head-man well understands financial operations, and during the many
years that he has been with me has won the right to be consulted and
advised with."

"Then prove your gratitude as it becomes a true cavalier and a
nobleman," dictated Marie. "Settle his salary as an annuity upon him,
and replace him."

"But he receives very great wages, and is still very active, though
advanced."

"The more the reason to pension him, that he may repose his remaining
years and enjoy the fruit of his labors. But do as you like. I have only
told you how a noble cavalier would act; if you choose to bargain and
haggle, it is your own affair."

"Heaven keep me from acting otherwise than as a nobleman!" cried
Ebenstreit.

Marie nodded assent, desiring that the carriage might be ordered, with
the Arab horses. "We will make our visits at once, as I will, for the
first time, open our large house for a soiree to-morr