tion of fireworks which the
town of Berlin is going to give in honor of our presence."

"You mean to say in disgrace of our presence," exclaimed Tottleben,
ardently.

Count de Lacy looked at him with a compassionate shrug of the
shoulders. "My dear count," said he, with cutting coldness, "when a
man becomes a Russian general, he must have a Russian heart, and not
allow himself to be influenced by any German softness or sympathy.
Otherwise it might happen that they might make a mistake, and not
being able to deprive you of your German heart, might take your German
head instead."

General Tottleben drew back with astonishment, and stared at him.

Count de Lacy continued, smiling, and in a quiet tone: "I warn you to
guard against your own mildness and your German heart. General Fermore
is my friend, and often consults me about the meaning of German words.
How would you like it if I should explain the word _treason_ in a
manner dangerous to yourself, and if this explanation should result in
translating your excellency into Siberia?"

"General Fermore is neither my commander nor my master," cried
Tottleben, proudly.

"But the lord and master of your lady and mistress, the high and
mighty Empress Elizabeth--remember that. Will your excellency now
condescend to inform me at what time the Berlin armory shall rise
fluttering in the air like a bird?"

"And do you know that, too?" asked Tottleben, with painful
astonishment.

"I have already told you that the Russians and Austrians are faithful
allies, and have no secrets from each other, as far as their designs
upon Germany are concerned. Oh, it will be a splendid _feu de joie_
for the house of Austria, when the Prussian armory is blown into the
air! When are we to enjoy this spectacle, general?"

General von Tottleben sank his head in silence on his breast. Count de
Lacy regarded him with a cold and piercing glance. Tottleben felt
this look, and understood its important significance. He knew that
his whole future, his freedom, perhaps even his life, hung upon this
moment.

"In three hours from now the spectacle will take place," said he, with
a forced laugh. "In three hours the wedding-torches shall be lighted,
and in order to make it the pleasanter, we will have the wails of the
people of Berlin as a musical accompaniment."

"In three hours, then," said Count de Lacy, bowing low; "I hasten to
announce it to my officers. I am burning with impatience to witness
thi