refrain from it, and will only say that you have told the truth! One day
you will cease to curse me, and, perhaps a tear of pity will glisten in
the eye now flashing with scorn and anger. The poor wife who lies in the
dust implores for the last blessing of your love!"

"Marie!" he cried, with heart-rending anguish, "oh, Marie!" and rushed
toward her, kneeling before her, and clinging to her, pressing a kiss
upon her hand and weeping aloud. Only for a moment did he give way, and
then sprang up wildly, rushing through the crowd, out of the room.

A fearful silence ensued. No one had the courage to break it. Every one
hoped that Marie, through a simulated fainting, would end the painful
scene, and give the guests an opportunity to withdraw. No such
thoughtfulness for her friends occurred to her.

She turned to the Marquis de Treves, who stood pale and deeply agitated
behind her, and burst into a loud laugh.

"How pale you are! Have you taken this comedy for truth? Did you think
this theatrical performance was a reality? You have forgotten what I
told you a month since in Paris, that I had a native talent for acting.
You would contest the matter with me, and I bet you that I could
introduce an impromptu scene in my house, with such artistic skill, that
you would be quite deceived."

"Indeed I do recall it; how could I have forgotten it?" replied the
marquis, with the ready tact of the diplomat.

"Have I won?" asked Marie, smiling.

"You have played your role, baroness, like an artiste of consummate
talent, and to-morrow I shall have the honor to cancel the debt in your
favor."

"Now, then, give me your arm, marquis, and conduct me to the
dancing-room, and you, worthy guests, follow us," said. Marie, leading
the way.

The merry music even was not sufficient to dissipate the awkward
oppression, and by midnight the guests had taken leave, and Marie stood
under the chandelier, pale and rigid, opposite her husband. He had
summoned courage to bewail the terrible scene, weeping and mourning over
her cruelty and his shame. Marie, with chilling indifference, regarded
him without one visible trace of pity.

"You realized what you were doing when you imposed the scorn of this
marriage upon me," she said. "I have never deceived you with vain hopes!
You have sown dragons' teeth, and warriors have sprung up to revenge me
upon you. Serve yourself of your riches to fight the combatants. See if
you can bargain for a quiet consc