chapter from Aladdin. I made
the effort, but felt the wreath of roses in my hair, and--"

"And that convinced you of your wakefulness," said the baroness, a
little haughtily. Turning to the ambassador, she added: "Do you observe,
monsieur le marquis, what a delicate attention this lady shows me in
wearing a wreath of flowers which I manufactured?"

"Comment! The baroness is truly a fairy! She causes flowers to grow at
her pleasure, and vies with Nature. It seems impossible. I can scarcely
believe it."

"And yet it is true," said Frau von Morien. "The baroness, indeed,
fabricated these roses three years since, when she had the kindness to
work for me. You will acknowledge that I have kept them well?"

"It was no kindness of mine, but a necessity," said the baroness, "and I
must confess that I would not have undertaken so troublesome a piece of
work from pure goodness or pleasure. You will remember that I was very
poor before my marriage, and as Frau von Morien was one of my customers,
it is very natural that she possesses my flowers. She gave me many
orders, and paid me a very small price, for she is very practical and
prudent, and understands bargaining and cheapening, and when one is
poor they are obliged to yield to the shameless parsimony of the rich.
I thank you, my dear benefactress, for the honor you have shown me
in wearing my flowers, for it has been a pleasant occasion to explain
ourselves and recognize each other. Have the kindness to recall other
remembrances of the past."

"I do not remember possessing any other souvenirs," replied the
countess, confused.

"Have you forgotten that I gave French lessons to your niece, the present
Frau von Hohenthal? She came to me three times weekly, because the
lessons were a few groschen cheaper at the house."

At this instant the usher announced in a loud voice, "Professor Philip
Moritz."

A gentleman of slight proportions, in an elegant fashionable dress,
appeared and remained standing in the doorway, his large black eyes
wandering searchingly through the drawing-room. Herr von Ebenstreit
approached, extending him his hand, uttering a few unintelligible words,
which his guest appeared not to notice, but, slightly inclining, asked
if he would present him to the lady of the house.

"Have the kindness to follow me," said Ebenstreit, leading Moritz
through the circle of jesting, slandering ladies and gentlemen, to
the centre of the room, where Marie was still stan