ow evening," she
added.

"Ah, that is charming!" said Ebenstreit, delighted. "I shall at last
have the opportunity of seeing the aristocratic Berlin society, and
enter upon the rank of my new title."

"Yes," she replied, with an expression of irrepressible scorn, "you will
have this enjoyment. Send me the steward, I wish to give him a list of
the invited guests. You can add to it at your pleasure."

"I have no one to invite," cried her husband.

"No matter! Make the necessary preparations. I will go to my room to
make my toilet."

"Will you not allow me to accompany you? You are not yet familiar with
the house."

"Trude will show it to me, and you can at the same time give the
orders."

Nodding proudly to Ebenstreit, she told Trude to precede her, following
the old woman through the suite of brilliant rooms.

"Here is my lady's dressing-room," said Trude, entering one ornamented
with mirrors, laces, and gauzes.

The French waiting-maid was busy within, unpacking the large trunks
filled with silk and satin dresses which had been purchased by the
dozens in Paris.

"Lay out an elegant visiting toilet; I will return directly, after Trude
has shown me the house," They entered the adjoining chamber, Marie's
sleeping-room and found the German maid arranging the lace and silk
coverings for her mistress to repose herself after the long journey.
Marie betrayed no inclination for repose, but questioned Trude as to
whither the other door led to.

"Into the little corridor, baroness."

"Did I not order that there should be but one entrance to my
sleeping-room, and that from the dressing-room?"

"Your commands have been strictly obeyed," replied Trude. "The only door
from the corridor leads to my two rooms, and there is but one entrance
to them upon the other side, which can be securely fastened."

Into the simple, quiet room, at the baroness's request, Trude opened the
door, saying, "Here we can be alone."

Marie pointed silently to the second door, and the old woman nodded:
"That is it," said she. "I have done every thing as you directed. After
you left, they sent me the furniture of your little garret-room, which I
have arranged exactly as it stood there."

As Marie opened the door and found herself in the small room, so like
the one where she had made flowers, given lessons, consoled by her only
friend, Trude, her pride and reserve vanished. Sinking upon her knees,
as if crushed, she gave way to her long-pen