t I first encountered--" Then, as though shuddering at the
idea of so terrible a disclosure, Rodolph, after a momentary hesitation,
added, "No, no; I have not courage to finish the dreadful story!"

"For the love of heaven, tell me what horror have you now to unfold?"

"You will hear it but too soon! But," added he, with sarcastic
bitterness, "you seem to take so lively an interest in past events that
I cannot refrain from relating to you a few events which preceded my
return to France. After passing some time in my travels, I returned to
Germany, filled with a spirit of obedience to my father, by whose desire
I espoused a princess of Prussia. During my absence you had been
banished from the Grand Duchy. Subsequently, learning your marriage with
Count Macgregor, I again entreated you to allow me to have my child. To
this earnest request no answer was returned; nor could my strictest
inquiries ever discover whither you had sent the unfortunate infant, for
whom my father had made a handsome provision. About ten years ago I
received a letter from you, stating that our child was dead. Would to
God your information had been correct, and that she had indeed rendered
up her innocent life at that tender age! I should then have been spared
the deep, incurable anguish which must for ever embitter my life!"

"I cease now to wonder," said Sarah, in a feeble voice, "at the disgust
and aversion with which I seem to have inspired you; and I feel, too
surely, that I shall not survive this last blow. You are right; pride
and ambition have been my ruin. Ignorant of the just causes you had to
hate and despise me, my former hopes returned with greater force than
ever. Our mutual widowhood inspired me with a still stronger belief in
the prediction which promised me a crown; and when, by singular chance,
I again found my daughter, it appeared to me as though the hand of
Providence had bestowed this unhoped-for good fortune on me to further
my so long cherished plans. Yes, I will confess that I went so far as to
persuade myself that, spite of the aversion you entertained for me, you
would bestow on me your name, and that, out of regard for your child,
you would accept me as your wife, if but to elevate her to the rank to
which she is entitled."

"Then let your execrable ambition be satisfied, and punished as it
deserves; for, spite of the abhorrence I now hold you in, I would, out
of love for my child, or, rather, from a deep pity for its e