ossip, and it is necessary to silence it. If you
are not of my opinion, strike out the name."

"Not at all, dearest. On the contrary, you are perfectly right, and I
admire you for it."

"Then give the list to the butler, for it is quite time that the
invitations were given out."

CHAPTER XXXV. THE CURSE.

The evening of the soiree had arrived. In quick succession drove the
carriages up the broad entrance to the mansion of Herr Ebenstreit, The
curious street public pressed in compact masses near the gate to peep
in, or at least catch a fugitive glance of the ladies alighting from
their carriages, who were received by the butler at the foot of the
carpeted steps. A host of gold-bespangled footmen lined the entrance
upon each side, which was ornamented with the most exquisite hot-house
plants, filling the air with perfume.

Two tall, stately footmen, with broad gold shoulder-bands and large
gilt batons, stood at the door of the anteroom, which was brilliantly
illuminated with chandeliers and side-lights, reflected in the numerous
mirrors. The anteroom led into the reception-room by wide folding-doors,
where the names were given to the usher, who announced them in a
stentorian voice in the drawing-room. There stood the Baron von
Ebenstreit to receive the guests, all smiles, and with bustling
assiduity accompany them to the adjoining drawing-room to present them
to the baroness.

Among the select company were conspicuous the most distinguished
names of the aristocracy. Generals and staff-officers, countesses and
baronesses were crowded together, with the ladies of the financial
world, near ministers and counsellors in this gorgeous saloon, which was
the delight and admiration of the envious, and excited the tongues of
the slanderous. Those acquainted gathered in the window-niches and
cosy corners, maliciously criticising the motley crowd, and eminently
consoled with the sure prospect of the ruin of the late banker,
surrounding himself with such unbecoming splendor and luxury, the bad
taste of his arrogant, overdressed, and extravagant wife.

"Have you noticed her parure of diamonds?" whispered the Countess Moltke
to Fran von Morien. "If they are real, then she wears an estate upon her
shoulders."

"The family estate of Von Leuthen," laughingly replied Frau von Morien.
"You know, I suppose, that the father of General von Leuthen was a
brick-burner, and he may have succeeded in changing a few bricks into
dia