hour may be laden for you;
but I lay my hand again upon your head, imploring God in His divine
mercy to sustain you!"

"Countess von Moltke and Frau von Morien!" announced the usher. In
brilliant toilets the ladies rustled in, hastening toward the baroness,
who had now regained her wonted composure, and received them in her
usual stately manner.

"How perfectly charming you look to-night!" cried Countess Moltke. "To
me you are ever the impersonation of the goddess of wealth and beauty
strewing everywhere with lavish generosity your gifts, and turning every
thing to gold with your touch."

"But whose heart has remained tender and gentle," added Frau von
Morien.--"You are indeed a goddess, always enhancing the pleasures of
others. To-day I wear the beautiful bracelet which you sent me because I
admired it."

"And I, ma toute belle," cried the countess, "have adorned myself with
this superb gold brocade which you so kindly had sent from Paris for
me."

"You have forgotten, countess, that you begged of me to give the order
for you."

"Ah, that is true! Then I am your debtor."

"If you are not too proud to receive it as a present?"

"Oh, most certainly not; on the contrary, I thank you, my dear.--Tell
me, my dear Morien, is not this woman an angel?"

At this instant the French ambassador, Marquis Treves, appeared among
the numerous guests, whom the baroness stepped quickly forward to
welcome, withdrawing with him into the window-niche.

"Welcome, marquis," she said, quickly, in a low voice, "Have you brought
me the promised papers?"

Drawing a sealed packet from his coat-pocket, he handed it to the
baroness with a low bow, saying: "I would draw your attention to the
fact once more, dear madam, that I have abided by the price named by
yourself, in making this sale, although I am still of the opinion that
it is below its value."

"The sum is sufficient for my wants, and I rated its value according as
it is taxed."

"There are a hundred thousand dollars in bills of exchange, payable at
the French embassy at any moment," said the marquis.

"I thank you, sir, for this proof of friendly attention; and as it
may be the last time we meet, I would assure you that I shall always
remember your many and thoughtful kindnesses."

"You speak, baroness, as if you would forsake the circle of which you
are the brightest ornament."

"No, the friends will forsake me," she replied, with a peculiar smile.
"Ere an hour shall