display
as the footman announced the former book-keeper and present banker,
Splittgerber.

"He must come at another time," cried Ebenstreit, impatiently, "I am
busy now; I--"

"Excuse me, baron," replied an earnest, gentle voice behind him, "that
I have followed the lackey and entered unbidden. I come on urgent
business, and I must indeed speak with you instantly!"

"Be brief then, at least," cried Ebenstreit, peevishly. "You see that my
wife is here, and we are very busy arranging for a grand dinner to-day."

Herr Splittgerber, instead of replying, cast a peculiarly sad, searching
glance through the beautifully-adorned room, and at the two lackeys, who
stood on each side of the wide folding-doors.

"Permit that these servants withdraw, and order them to close the
doors," said the book-keeper, almost commandingly. Ebenstreit, overruled
by the solemn earnestness, obeyed against his will.

"Would you like me to leave also, sir?" said Marie, with a calm, haughty
manner. "You have only to ask it and the baron will, undoubtedly, accord
your request."

"On the contrary, I beg you to remain," quietly replied Splittgerber,
"for what I have to say concerns you and your husband equally."

"Now, then, I beg you to say it quickly," cried Ebenstreit, impatiently;
"I repeat, that we are very busy with preparing for to-day's festival."

"You will not give any fete to-day," said Splittgerber, solemnly.

Ebenstreit, cringing and frightened, gazed at the old man who looked
sadly at him.

The baroness laughed aloud, sneeringly. "My dear sir, your tone and
manner remind me of the wicked spirit at the horrible moment in the
story when he comes to demand the bartered soul, and the enchanted
castle falls a wreck!"

"Your comparison is an apt one, baroness," sighed the old man.--"I came
to you, baron, because I loved your father. I have served your house
thirty years, and amassed the little I had to commence business with in
your service. Moreover, when you so suddenly dismissed me, you not
only gave me my salary as a pension, but you funded the annuity with
a considerable sum, which makes me, through your house, independent in
means."

"You may thank my wife for that. She demanded, when I dismissed you,
that I should compensate you with the liberality of a true nobleman."

"Oh, would that you had not done it, baroness!" cried
Splittgerber--"would that you had permitted the old faithful pioneer in
the business to remain by y