has availed himself of our absence to go
there, and has not yet returned?"

"What!" shrieked Woellner, clasping his hands--"you do not mean that--"

"That Rinaldo has returned to the enchanted garden of Armida."

"Oh, let us hasten to release him at once, and revue his soul from
perdition!" cried Woellner, springing up.

"On the contrary, let us await him here without a word of reproach upon
his return. This will touch his tender heart which we must work upon,
if we would get him into our power, for to us he must belong. Fill
our glasses with the sparkling wine, and drink to the contract with
Wilhelmine Enke."

Just as merrily they quaffed the champagne in the little cosy
dining-room at Charlottenburg, where the prince and Wilhelmine were
rejoicing over a reconciliation, no one being present but the two
children. Their joyous laugh and innocent jests delighted the father,
and the beaming eyes, sweet smile, and witty conversation of his
favorite, filled his heart with pleasure.

Not a word of reproach escaped her, but exultant and joyous she hastened
with outstretched arms to meet him, kissing away all his attempts to
implore pardon, and thanking him that he had returned to her.

At first the prince gave himself up to the joy of the reunion with his
beloved Wilhelmine sad children; but now, as the first outburst had
passed, the quiet, happy dinner being finished, and they had returned
to the sitting-room, a tinge of melancholy earnestness overshadowed his
amiable face.

Wilhelmine threw her arms gently around his neck as she sat beside him
upon the divan, and looked up to him with a tender questioning glance.
"Your thoughts are veiled, dearest; will you not confide to me that
which lies concealed there?"

"Ah, Wilhelmine, it is a mourning veil, and hides the sorrow of
renunciation."

"I do not understand you, Frederick," she smilingly replied. "Who could
compel you to an abnegation which would cause you grief?"

"Listen to me, Wilhelmine, and understand that I am suffering from
circumstances--an oath taken in the pressure of the moment. Try to
comprehend me, my dear child."

Drawing her closer to him, he faithfully related to her the night of the
communion of the spirits, and his consequent oath.

"Is that all, my dear?" she replied, smiling, as he finished.

"What do you mean?" he asked, astonished.

"Nothing more than I would know if you have only sworn to renounce
Wilhelmine Enke!"

"What could I