re to learn if
my daughter were dead, and what the conclusion of this lost pension may
be, and I find--"

"You find the confirmation of all that I wrote to you," replied Marie,
coldly. "Baron Ebenstreit von Leuthen is ruined. I have secured to you,
in the sum which my jewels and laces will bring you, the annuity, so
that you have not lost the money promised you for your daughter, and the
marriage you have arranged has at least borne good fruit to you."

"You are a cruel, ungrateful child," cried the mother. "I have long
known it, and rejected you from my heart, and from all shame I will
yet protect the name you bear. I have just seen a sign in the
Friedrich-strasse, 'Flower manufactory of Marie von Leuthen.' What does
this mean? Terrified, I stared speechless at these fearful words, and at
the busy workmen preparing the house."

"I will explain it to you," cried Marie, with radiant mien. "I have
again become the flower-maker, and beg your favor, Countess von Moltke,
Frau von Morien, and all the other ladies. I am free, and no longer the
wife of a hated husband--no longer the distinguished and wealthy woman.
All delusion and mockery have vanished. The costly dress and jewels that
I now wear I will cast of from me as the last souvenir of the past."

Unclasping the diamond necklace and bracelets, she handed them to her
mother, saying: "Take them, and also this dress, the last finery I
possess." She unloosed the band, and the long white satin train fell
at her feet. Emerging from it as from a silvery cloud, she stood before
them in a simple white dress, as she was clothed in her girlhood. "Take
them all," she joyfully cried. "Take them, mother, it is all past. I
am now myself again. Farewell, witnesses of this scene! I now quit your
circle; and you, my mother, I forgive you; may the thoughts of your
unhappy child never trouble you, waking or sleeping; may you forget that
your daughter lives, and is wretched. Revenge has not softened my grief,
or removed your curse from my head!"

"I will lift it off your brow, Marie!" cried Moritz, suddenly appearing
from the window-niche, with beaming face and outstretched arms,
approaching Marie, whom surprised and alarmed, retreated. "Oh, noble,
courageous woman, forgive me that I have been an unbidden witness to
this scene, though by this means I now clearly recognize your strength
of mind, and elevation of soul, and the wrong that I have committed in
doubting and cursing you durin