months," said he with a proud smile, "I have been Prince
Stratimojeff. The empress gave me this title. The world calls me
prince, but you--you will call me your Feodor?"

"Oh," said she feelingly, "my heart called you so when you did not
hear me."

"Well, then, go wind the wreath of myrtle in your hair, and wait for
me. In an hour I will return."

He hastened to the door, but on the threshold he turned to send a
farewell greeting to her. Their eyes met and rested on each other,
and suddenly a deep, indescribable feeling of grief came over him. It
seemed to him as if he would never see her again; as if the threshold
once crossed, Elise was lost to him forever. Once again he returned,
and folded her passionately in his arms, and, completely overpowered
by his painful presentiments, he bowed his head on her shoulder, and
wept bitterly. He then tore himself loose. "Farewell!" he cried,
but his voice sounded hoarse and rough--"farewell! in an hour I
will return for you. Be prepared, do not keep me waiting in vain.
Farewell!"

* * * * *

CHAPTER X.

THE MAGISTRACY OF BERLIN.

Gotzkowsky had conquered his proud heart; he had left his house to
apply to those whom he had benefited and saved in the days of their
need and distress, and who had then avowed him everlasting gratitude.
He resolved now, reluctantly and with deep humiliation, rather to
remind them of those days than to ask of them any favors or assistance
beyond the payment of their debts to him.

First he went to the ober-burgomaster, President Kircheisen; to the
man whom he had saved from death, who had clung to him, and, when
he had found his speech again, had vowed with tears that he would be
forever grateful to him, and would bless the arrival of the hour in
which he could prove it to him by deeds.

This hour had now arrived, but Herr von Kircheisen did not bless it;
on the contrary, he cursed it. He was standing at the window of his
ground floor when Gotzkowsky passed by. Their eyes met. Gotzkowsky's
were clear and penetrating; Kircheisen's were cast down, as he stepped
back from the window. He only had time to tell the servants that he
was not at home for any one, whoever it might be, when the bell rang,
and Gotzkowsky inquired for Herr von Kircheisen.

"Not at home, sir."

"Not at home! but I saw him just this moment standing at the window."

"It must have been a mistake, sir. The president has just gone to