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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by 
+Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III)
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+Translator: Bertha Ness
+
+Release Date: February 23, 2011 [EBook #35373]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHERED LEAVES. VOL. III.(OF III) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://books.google.com/books?id=lOUBAAAAQAAJ
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+                           AT ALL LIBRARIES.
+
+                        BY THE SAME TRANSLATOR.
+
+                              SACRED VOWS,
+
+                             By E. WERNER,
+
+  _Author of_ "_Under a Charm_," "_Success and How He Won it_," _&c_.
+
+                            3 VOLS. 31s. 6d.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+"The loves of Bruno and Lucie are simply told with that accompaniment
+of mysterious sympathy in the inanimate surroundings of their
+struggles, which is the highest application of true literary insight
+into nature."--_Athenæum_.
+
+"The incidents are striking * * * * * The whole scene rises before the
+reader with as much clearness as if it were represented before him on
+the stage."--_Saturday Review_.
+
+"The ability of Werner's Novels is implied in the simultaneous
+publication of two translations of 'Sacred Vows.' His scenes are more
+than paintings, they are sculptures, and stand out in _alto relievo_,
+distinctly conceived and vigorously executed."--_The British
+Quarterly_.
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+            REMINGTON & Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            WITHERED LEAVES.
+
+                                A Novel,
+
+                                   BY
+
+                         Rudolf von Gottschall.
+
+
+                            FROM THE GERMAN,
+
+                            By BERTHA NESS.
+
+        Translator of Werner's "Riven Bonds" and "Sacred Vows."
+
+
+                             THREE VOLUMES.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                        AUTHORISED TRANSLATION.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                               VOL. III.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+                                London:
+                           REMINGTON AND CO.,
+                     5, Arundel Street, Stand, W.C.
+                               *   *   *
+                                 1879.
+
+                        [_All Rights Reserved_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        CONTENTS OF VOLUME III.
+
+
+     CHAP.
+
+       I.--Primavera.
+
+      II.--In the Lion's Den.
+
+     III.--The Mistress of the Boarding School.
+
+      IV.--In the Forest of Juditenkirchen.
+
+       V.--Internal Struggles.
+
+      VI.--A Sleighing Party.
+
+     VII.--In the Land of the Lotus-Flowers.
+
+    VIII.--In the Church of San Giulio.
+
+      IX.--The Bridal Jewels.
+
+       X.--The Wedding Day.
+
+      XI.--A Legacy.
+
+     XII.--Confessions.
+
+    XIII.--To the East!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            WITHERED LEAVES.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+                               PRIMAVERA.
+
+
+_Primavera_--in the midst of winter, which sketched its frozen pictures
+upon the window!
+
+_Primavera_--and yet a midsummer of love, which had long since gathered
+the blossoms of spring for its transient enjoyment!
+
+And Blanden wooed Giulia with a passion which, possessing no history of
+the past, asserting no prior right, only living in his recollections as
+if it were the fairy-like charm of a dream, will conquer her love for
+the bright day of the present; yes, for the endurance of a life time.
+He did not strive to obtain the renewal of former affection; she had
+from the very first resisted everything that could encourage such
+wooing; he was resolved to win her hand, and to defy those prejudices
+which could pronounce his union with a singer to be unsuitable.
+
+But ardent as was his passion, much as her beauty, intellect, talent
+and her great knowledge of the world and of life fascinated him, he was
+yet by no means disposed blindly to follow his heart's inclination; he
+could even not suppress a soft warning voice of suspicion, which he was
+obliged to term ungrateful, because it was connected with their own
+former meeting--could this admired actress always have withstood the
+temptations that beset her upon her path of triumph?
+
+Did not smiling Euphrosyne cast roses into her lap, as the goddess
+stood beside victory upon her car of triumph, decking her with laurels?
+How many phenomena of theatrical fame do but shine through a dim vapour
+which the repute of their evil habits of life spreads around them, and
+it was not Blanden's intention to guide one of these beauties, weary of
+adventures, into a haven of refuge.
+
+In the town even her enemies did not attack her character; she
+possessed admirers, but she favoured none; all that Blanden learned
+there, spoke in favour of the singer, but this did not suffice him.
+During his travels he had formed many connections in the various
+capitals of Europe, in Paris and London, in Rome and Florence;
+everywhere he had friends and acquaintances who were familiar with art
+and theatrical life. Immediately after the performance of "Norma," when
+the thought first was kindled within him of calling this beautiful
+woman his own, he had written to all these people to obtain information
+as to the actress' life and character. Day by day the replies now came
+in; not one single letter contained an accusation, a shred of
+suspicion; the testimony that was given to the singer's private life
+was most brilliant. No scandal had contributed to the augmentation of
+her fame; she owed it entirely to her talent, of which all spoke with
+admiration.
+
+Blanden dropped all suspicions, and the project of making Giulia his
+wife took still deeper root. He had reason to expect that she would be
+ready to resign the stage, as she had frequently lamented the
+disappointments to which she was daily more and more exposed in her
+artistic career; nor did she conceal a feeling, which caused her
+uneasiness, the conviction that the epoch of her glory was at an end,
+and that the decadence of her voice was making its announcement gently
+but perceptibly. Surely therefore was she often so melancholy; who
+would not, with a heavy heart, bear the claims of a day of reckoning as
+it crumbles from us one object of pride, one advantage after another,
+and with such cruel indifference sweeps away all the flowers of our
+life.
+
+_Primavera!_ But there is a spring-time of feeling, which time cannot
+kill. It was that which bound Giulia to the wintry provincial town,
+when she might have been celebrating her triumphs in the capitals of
+the south.
+
+This it was that made her await the arrival of her friend with a
+palpitating heart, as she had once awaited him in the moonlight by Lago
+Maggiore; and if to her other admirers she made no secret of his
+visits; if she denied herself to them as soon as he was present, or
+received him at a time when she was inaccessible to others; in so doing
+she obeyed no decree of prudence which counselled her not to alienate
+her other enthusiastic friends by distinguishing the one; it was a
+necessity, a happiness for her to have him quite alone; happiness that
+might not be desecrated by contact with the world.
+
+Blanden still exercised the same entrancing magic over her as in those
+days of unguarded devotion; she had remained true to him since that
+time, little as it was his right or her duty thus to continue faithful.
+His image alone accompanied her through life; all emotions to which she
+must give expression upon the stage were for him. She confessed it to
+him, and he uttered no doubt of such assurances. Blanden's person would
+account for such passion; it was distinguished and possessed of a
+peculiar charm. An enthusiast, a dreamer, as he had been from his youth
+upwards, he seemed to be one still, when, with half-closed languid
+eyes, he buried himself in the rich stores of his mental life; but then
+they would suddenly flash and open, and gleam with passion and manly
+power. In all else he was in perfect harmony; his figure symmetrical,
+the well-bred smile upon his lips, full of intellectual superiority;
+his conversation, in earnest and in jest, combined sweetness and charm.
+As Desdemona to Othello's tales, Giulia listened to the descriptions of
+the adventures which Blanden had met with in distant lands and oceans,
+he raised her imagination far above the painted decorations of
+theatrical life; she was susceptible to all the grandeur and beauty of
+nature, to all intellectual struggles; only the unrest and bustle of
+her artist's calling prevented her giving herself up to those mental
+enjoyments for which she longed now more fervently than formerly. To
+her it would have appeared unutterable bliss to belong entirely to the
+man in company with whom she might revel in such enjoyments; to the man
+who offered her a refuge from the tempests of stage life. With what
+just pride she would have borne the name with which that noble scion
+represented a family so esteemed in the world!
+
+And yet--from out the past one shoal reared itself in her life: a shoal
+upon which all her proud dreams of a future should be wrecked.
+
+In sleepless nights she meditated how she could guide her ship round
+that reef; her senses became confused in the rapid flight of thought
+from one possibility to another, which, clutched convulsively, never
+granted a firm hold; sometimes she rose to the daring venture of
+defying those rocks and trying if the high storm-lashed billows of her
+life would not bear her over. Her experiences upon the stage became
+daily more unpleasant, the enthusiasm of her adherents more disputed by
+steady opposition.
+
+These were the results of Spiegeler's malicious condemnation.
+
+On the other hand the poet Schöner prepared one slight pleasure for
+her; he who belonged to her warmest admirers, and two years ago had
+striven eagerly to gain her favour, but who had been rejected. For a
+long time he avoided all intercourse with her, but without bearing any
+ill-will remained one of her most zealous adorers. Now, when her
+enemies roused themselves, he sought her out again, and, like a
+troubadour, devoted his lyre to the noble lady. He read a poem to her,
+in which he sang of her as the _primavera_ of Baltic winter, and at the
+same time attacked her opponents with epigrammatic arrows, and those
+mighty blows which he had acquired in the fencing-school of political
+poetry.
+
+The poem appeared in the most important papers, and again increased the
+diminishing numbers of Giulia's followers. She was heartily grateful to
+him for it, because she perceived that his thoughts were noble and free
+from personal motives, that he but followed his own convictions.
+
+The more retiringly Schöner behaved, the more obtrusive became
+Lieutenant Buschmann; he could not accustom himself to the idea that he
+must retire from so long a siege without success. The uniform
+friendliness of the singer seemed to him like scorn; from day to day he
+hoped for a more passionate return. Constantly renewed disappointment
+embittered him. His character was somewhat violent, he tolerated no
+barriers, and once when the singer, through her maid, refused him
+admittance on a morning call, he forced himself ruthlessly into her
+boudoir, and reproached her passionately.
+
+It was the day after his visit to Frau Hecht's kitchen, when Blanden
+met the Italian again in the street. Arrested on the previous evening,
+Baluzzi was once more set free.
+
+Blanden took advantage of this chance encounter to lead the
+conversation to the amber merchant. Giulia only vouchsafed meagre
+information; he was a distant connection of hers, who often importuned
+her with petitions, as he had once performed some great service out of
+gratitude for which she had taken him under her protection. Then she
+broke off the conversation, it was evidently an unwelcome subject. But
+she remained abstracted all the evening, and even confounded two
+Italian composers with whom she had been familiar from her youth
+upwards.
+
+After a sleepless night, Giulia had a long conversation with her
+friend.
+
+"It cannot go on so, Beate! The internal conflict consumes me. His
+claims become more and more unbounded; how happy I was when he,
+fettered by illness or misfortune of long duration, the veil of which
+he will not raise, remained in the interior of Russia; I breathed
+freely; now more than ever, I am in his bondage."
+
+Beate shrugged her shoulders.
+
+"Notwithstanding all your brilliant receipts, we shall be beggars
+again."
+
+"Oh, that is not the worst! I would give up everything if I could
+purchase my freedom!"
+
+"That is not his wish! He would spend everything at once; he also
+prefers to have a safe reserve for the future."
+
+"Oh, there is a hell that binds us for evermore. _Lasciate ogni
+speranza voi che entrale!_ You are clever and cunning, Beate! Try once
+more if you cannot set me free. I have no more ideas, no more plans!
+Whenever I ponder over it, my senses become desolate and dead. I stare
+into vacuity!"
+
+"What can we do?--we must exercise patience. But if it continue thus,
+we shall have nothing left."
+
+"Go to him, Beate! Pray, implore."
+
+"To him! You ask no small matter. I should venture into a robber's
+cave, late at night--for at an earlier hour he could not be found--into
+a gambling hell, for I know he has opened one here!"
+
+"You have already done much for me, make this sacrifice also."
+
+"Oh, I am not afraid, and if I met a lion in the cage, I would pull his
+mane; he should do nothing to me. But he will reject my propositions as
+he has always done. Yes, even if I found proofs."
+
+"Proofs! They will not give me back my freedom--yes, if he would, if he
+became a subject of this country--we could appeal to justice; it would
+even decide against the verdict of the church."
+
+"Proofs never do any harm--who knows what may happen? Perhaps his
+speculations may some day oblige him to settle down here--then it would
+always be well to possess proofs that may be turned against him, but it
+will be difficult, almost impossible! However, I will venture to go and
+seek him this evening. Perhaps chance may favour me."
+
+"A craving for happiness has come over me, so intense as to strain
+every nerve in my bosom. A glance at the smiling horizon brightens our
+souls--and yet tears stand in our eyes. We weep with a prescience of
+happiness which nevertheless appears to be unattainable. I do not know
+why the pictures of my life crowd like feverish visions around me. I
+seem to hear the sound of bells in the days of my childhood; I see
+myself, dressed, go with the other children over high hills to the
+pilgrims' chapel; then another bell ringing sounds in my ear. In those
+days I did not know that it was the death-knell of all my life! Then
+again I hear the exulting applause of many thousands, whom my song
+delights, and yet I would give it all up for one whispered word of
+love, of love that had the right to lasting happiness."
+
+Giulia was to sing in the "Somnambula" on that evening; she felt in
+harmony with the part, to herself she often appeared to be walking in
+her sleep.
+
+Blanden came after the close of the theatre, and was admitted; Beate
+hid her dark curls beneath a hood and begged Giulia for a dagger.
+
+"I am going to the bandit, I must protect myself!"
+
+Giulia started; a dagger always awoke gruesome recollections in her.
+
+Blanden smiled, "Probably some masquerade?"
+
+"_Corpo di bacco_," said Beate, "the mask is not wanting, but the fun
+is desperately poor."
+
+She received the dagger from her friend, and was dismissed with a kiss.
+
+Outside, Beate gave the maid instructions to be on the alert and to
+wait for her even if she should return late. Antonie listened to the
+directions with lowered eyelids and humble obedience, but at heart she
+had decided differently. She knew that Blanden would stay at least an
+hour, and if she should not disturb them, she would follow her own
+amusements quite as undisturbedly.
+
+Exactly opposite, in the large hall, there was a people's ball, and
+Friederich, a cunning child of Berlin, servant to Lieutenant Buschmann,
+had invited her to dance there with him for a little while, and had
+promised to fetch her. All were pursuing their own pleasures, why
+should she alone pass the time in solitude?
+
+Giulia was melancholy, Blanden in a softened mood.
+
+Outside, jingled the bells of the sleighs, the winter sky, hard as
+steel, was covered with clouds, and heavy dense snow-flakes, which fell
+down soft as wool, proclaimed that the cold had diminished.
+
+The room was so homelike. The tea, which with all its accompaniments,
+had been brought in by Antonie, who was then graciously dismissed,
+infused upon the table. The fire crackled on the hearth.
+
+There was nothing to remind one of theatrical tinsel, everything bore
+the impress of domestic comfort, to which the busts of the great
+masters of art lent a radiance of idealism.
+
+"Only the north knows this homelike comfort," said Blanden, "the
+Laplander in his smoky hut, the dweller in Kamskatka who has
+unharnessed his dogs, feel it more than the happy children of the
+south, who wander beneath palms."
+
+"And more perhaps than we," added Giulia, "because as the crackling
+coals upon the hearth, so do fading dreams stir in our souls, and often
+burst once more into flames; of what use is this room's repose, if that
+in our hearts be wanting?"
+
+"That repose is best found in genial companionship; words have not yet
+lost the spell of their magic power; familiar communication from lip to
+lip can absolve us, it is the secret of the confessional."
+
+Giulia felt the truth of these words in her inmost heart; how
+everything within her urged her to such absolution, and yet--it could
+not be, 'twas vain!
+
+Convulsive sobs overcame her, and Blanden was amazed at the intensity
+of the emotions which his passing remark had roused. How light her
+heart would have been if she could have imparted to her friend all that
+engrossed and tortured her day and night!
+
+Yes, if he had only been a friend! But he should be more, be everything
+to her, and one candid word could destroy her whole future. Perhaps she
+might still succeed in breaking the evil magic to which she had
+succumbed. Thus silence must be maintained.
+
+Together they read the recollections of Silvio Pellico; a deep
+impression was made upon them by the picture of an artist in chains and
+fetters--oh, those were not the worst which hung from the iron ring of
+a prison wall.
+
+She displayed the greatest sympathy; to her it was as if the damp air
+wafted through the casemates of the Spielberg filled her life, too,
+with the same mouldy breath.
+
+She spoke of the castle of Chillon; that little spot had filled her
+with intense sadness. There were plenty of dungeon towers for
+salamanders and frogs, but this tomb of freedom made such a deeply
+melancholy impression, surrounded as it is by the waves of a beautiful
+lake, and granting a view of the peaks, high as heaven, of the Savoy
+alps, which rise in the air like a fortress of liberty. It is this
+contrast that makes such a painful impression, and as if called forth
+by deepest emotions, she uttered the beautiful verse out of the "Ruins"
+by Anastatius Grün--
+
+
+           "Oh, shade of my freedom fly not so fast,
+              For thee my heart yearns and craves ever more,
+            Like a fugitive bird that has clang to a mast,
+              When lost to its sight is the far away shore."
+
+
+Such ardent longing for liberty, for release, was shown in her recital
+of these lines, in the tone of her voice, it was like the cry of
+distress of a whole life, and at the same time the expression of utter
+devotion.
+
+Blanden could not help it, he folded the beautiful woman to his heart,
+and pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips.
+
+At that moment some one knocked, and simultaneously the door was thrown
+open.
+
+Lieutenant Buschmann entered; disappointment and rage held him
+spell-bound, so that he stood as if rooted to the ground; his bold
+attack, upon which he had staked his last hope, had been shamefully
+frustrated, but at least he possessed the proof that Giulia favoured
+another, that her reserve was a lie.
+
+His cheeks, always red, burned like fire, and he stamped his jingling
+spurs upon the floor.
+
+Everything had commenced so hopefully. Antonie had gone to the ball
+with Friederich, and had entrusted the house and door key to the
+latter's care. Under some pretence the officer's cunning servant had
+left the ball for a short time, proceeded to his master's dwelling
+close by, and delivered up the key of the fortress to that master.
+
+The game so far had succeeded, Friederich was once more dancing merrily
+with his unsuspicious partner.
+
+Blanden sprang from the sofa, and stepped defiantly towards the
+intruder.
+
+"Has this gentleman the right to intrude here?" he asked Giulia.
+
+"No--by heaven, no! Only by force or cunning can he have obtained
+admission. Protect me from him!"
+
+Giulia covered her face with her hands.
+
+"Your conduct is shameless, sir!" cried Blanden to the officer.
+
+"Not another word with you! But one word still with this lady, who has
+deceived us all; I owe it to the favour of chance that I have torn from
+her the mask with which she has passed before the world as an
+inexorable woman."
+
+"You shall leave the room this moment," said Blanden with firm
+determination, "I have the right to bid you do so, because Signora
+Giulia Bollini--is engaged to me!"
+
+With a loud cry, Giulia sank into the sofa cushions.
+
+"Well, then, I congratulate you upon the Polter-abend,"[1] said
+Buschmann scornfully, as he turned upon his heels and left the room
+amid the clatter of his spurs.
+
+"What have you done?" said Giulia, as she gazed at Blanden with large
+tearful eyes, her hand raised as if in protest, and sobbing with
+internal agitation.
+
+"I will protect you against all the world," cried Blanden with,
+overwhelming emotion, "my Giulia, my betrothed!"
+
+And she lay in his arms, half unconscious, acquiescent, infinitely
+blissful, and desperately defiant of fate.
+
+"Come what may," whispered she, "I am yours."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+                           IN THE LION'S DEN.
+
+
+Beate looked enterprising enough in the Spanish mantilla, which she had
+thrown as a hood over her head; her little eyes sparkled; she resembled
+a tiger cat, going out in search of prey.
+
+She rang at the door of a large house, and before the sleepy porter
+opened it, she tried whether the dagger would spring easily and quickly
+out of its sheath.
+
+She knew the way; it led through a spacious hall, and through a second
+door standing open, past a back building of stables and sheds, which
+looked as if some manor house had gone astray in the town.
+
+Then she arrived at a small gate, and through the railing perceived a
+two-storied garden house, of which the shutters were closed; only
+through the door, draped with curtains on the ground floor, gleamed a
+red light, whose lost reflection fell upon the silver of the frosty
+snow, with which the nearest yew trees were covered.
+
+The gate was locked. Beate had to ring again.
+
+Then the snow crackled, and a gnome-like creature crept up to the gate;
+almost buried beneath the weight of snow which the clouds and trees had
+shed upon her, she stared at the stranger with glaring eyes; she looked
+like an Esquimaux woman, at whose hut some stranger's hand knocks.
+
+It was Kätchen! After that meeting with Blanden she had stayed up in
+her chamber; had tossed about upon her straw couch as if in feverish
+delirium, until the grey morn rose above the roofs, then she had fallen
+fast asleep. But mother Hecht knew no consideration for lazy
+maid-servants, who neglected their duties--and when Kätchen, on the
+following morning, appeared in the kitchen with hollow eyes and pallid
+face, she was immediately driven out of the house.
+
+The Italian, who had known her at the sea-side, and had long had an eye
+upon her, had also often spoken to her in the witch's kitchen, heard of
+it; according to his views she combined two qualities which were of
+equal value for his purposes; want of understanding, sullen
+indifference to all that lay beyond her horizon, and a marvellously
+developed instinct for everything in which she was interested. That
+which was repulsive, even idiotic in her nature, was peculiarly
+acceptable to him; she passed unnoticed, no one cared about her. Thus
+she could do excellent service as a spy, and at night she was always to
+be found at her post as porteress and sentinel where forbidden
+pleasures were pursued.
+
+"Open the gate," said Beate. Kätchen examined her from head to foot,
+and shrugged her shoulders.
+
+"_Aprite dunque_," repeated Beate angrily, although the porteress, who
+seemed to belong to the polar regions, did not bear the least
+resemblance to an Italian.
+
+Kätchen asked her name. Beate gave her a card, upon which were written
+the words Beate Romani.
+
+The little porteress sprang along the garden walk, in doing which it
+pleased her to sweep the bushes in the nearest beds, so that their
+boughs rattled, and threw out clouds of snow.
+
+Beate became impatient, she had to wait a long time; she shook the bars
+of the railing like a wild beast in a cage.
+
+At last Käthe returned and opened the garden gate. Beate followed her
+into the villa, they passed through a garden lighted with red lamps, up
+a flight of steps, covered with a lovely carpet. Beate had to wait in
+an ante-room; deathlike silence reigned in both the adjoining chambers
+disturbed by no cry, by no chink of money, as she had expected.
+
+She looked at a picture on the wall; it represented a little church
+upon an island in a lake; on all sides, high, bare hills, which glowed
+in the radiant colouring of an Italian evening sky. She knew that
+church, and gazed at the picture with a shrug of her shoulders; it
+awoke a reminiscence, which at that moment was very unwelcome. And what
+mockery--the house of God in the antechamber of a gambling hell!
+
+"I have not time now, Beate," said Baluzzi curtly, as he entered
+through a side door, "but I will make you a proposal! I have visitors
+with me, whom I am amusing with various games, now we are at roulette!
+Be my guest--_che ne dite?_"
+
+"What shall I do there? Lose my good name?"
+
+"_Puo darsi!_ That is not an article which I keep in stock, but neither
+do those seek it who come to me. However, we are silent. If the means
+are wanting, I am at your service."
+
+"I do not play!"
+
+"Remember Monaco, you were a fisher of gold, the money clung to your
+rod."
+
+"I am not prepared for it to-day."
+
+"Here you have money, you shall play for me! But come, come, I have not
+time to talk."
+
+Beate was not at all disinclined to take a peep into the secrets of the
+gaming hell; perhaps she might succeed in discovering something that
+could be useful to her friend; she allowed herself to be persuaded,
+laid cloak and hood aside, while Baluzzi said to her--
+
+"You are doing me a slight favour, Beate! I need the fair sex in my
+parties, my graces gain wrinkles! But you are quite a pretty child,
+such a little snake with red, fiery eyes, you are a _diavolessa_. I
+know you; _tanto meglio_!"
+
+Meanwhile they had traversed two empty rooms, and entered a brilliantly
+lighted saloon, the windows of which were made doubly safe by shutters
+and curtains.
+
+A loud buzz of conversation met the new comers, the game having been
+interrupted. Baluzzi seemed happy to have captured an Italian woman,
+and, with some pride, introduced Beate to those present as his
+countrywoman.
+
+"Beate Romani--whence did this golden orange drop?" said an elderly
+lady, with a complexion yellow as a citron, to her young neighbour, in
+a low dress. The latter put her eyeglass more firmly upon her pug nose,
+and replied--
+
+"Little and impudent--a soubrette! The captain is talking to her
+already; she seems to be pert."
+
+The Polish Captain of Lancers, a Herr von Mierowski, did, indeed, find
+pleasure in the wily Italian, whose smile was so charmingly reserved.
+At the same time she let her eyes pass over the assembly, and
+especially examined the ladies; of these there were four: the mother,
+with the yellow tint in her face, and daughter, with the pug nose, also
+bore Polish names, consisting of a whole _plica polonica_ of letters.
+Then there was another beauty in pink silk. That rose was a Berlin
+lady, of remarkable loquacity. Her face did not correspond with her
+toilet's language of flowers; she was pale as wax, and the pink ribbons
+flowed down from flaxen hair. The fourth lady was an unusually slender
+sylph, and Beate guessed correctly and quickly that she must be a late
+performer in some ballet, who, after having gradually retreated from
+the front row into the very last, had retired with honours from the
+field of renown. She was a French-woman, who pretended to have taken
+part in the Grand Opera, but who certainly had earned her questionable
+laurels in booths, or on similar stages.
+
+The female company answered to that which is termed refuse at an annual
+fair--gay glazed ware, full of bubbles and cracks. Beate soon
+recognised this, but without being particularly contented with that
+result of her observations. She knew only too well that none of these
+Circes could have won Baluzzi's affections.
+
+Several patrician sons were to be found amongst the gentlemen, who
+rather prided themselves upon trying their luck at the gaming table,
+and having discovered a miniature Homburg and Baden-Baden in the city
+of pure reason, at which were not wanting the Graces, who rustled their
+silks through the state rooms and along the terraces. A Russian prince,
+possessor of many serfs, was very impatient at the pause in the game,
+and walked angrily up and down, caring as little about the seductive
+beauties as if they had been painted in faded colours upon the walls.
+
+The play began afresh; the roulette ball commenced its fatal course;
+people betted upon _rouge_ and _noir_ upon _pair_ and _impair_, here
+and there also considerable sums were placed upon single numbers, which
+Baluzzi swept off with great satisfaction. The little gaming table was
+arranged exactly after the pattern of the larger Rhenish banks, and
+here, despite the small dimensions, sums could be lost which were not
+at all proportionate to those dimensions. The young merchant sons
+rejoiced over the losses, as much as over their gains, because they
+could thus show that it mattered not at all to them how they sacrificed
+vast sums, the loss of which would have reduced others to a state of
+nervous agitation.
+
+Most eager was the Pole; he belonged to those persons who have
+converted hazard into a system, and who lose themselves in deep
+calculations as to the chances of the game; he sat with a little
+writing tablet in his hand, and carefully noted the occurrences at the
+green board, laughed at by the free thinkers of the gaming table, who
+believe in chance only, just as others perceive but a game of hazard in
+the great comedy of the world, and ridicule the thinkers who strive to
+reduce it into a system. The mother and her flaxen-haired daughter also
+played devotedly, although they merely pledged small sums; at each gain
+or loss, a red streak suffused the yellow-bronzed complexion of the
+mother, and the waxen features of the daughter received a sudden
+crimson glow, which vanished again just as quickly.
+
+Despite all absorption in the hieroglyphics of chance, Mierowski had
+leisure sufficient to observe Beate's mode of playing, which in its
+thoughtless recklessness pierced his heart. Owing to the lively
+interest which he felt in the dainty Italian, he could no longer look
+calmly on; he rose from the table, and whispered the necessary hints to
+her, not omitting to squeeze her hand in token of his friendship.
+
+Beate followed these hints, and lost bravely, an event which seemed to
+confuse all rules of the gambling method. He was all the more eagerly
+bent upon proving the truth of his calculations by means of his own
+success.
+
+The heaps of gold on his right hand increased; the Polish mamma entered
+into partnership with him already, and the flaxen-haired daughter was
+much inclined to follow her example, but her neighbour and protector,
+the son of the Kommerzienrath, in the _Kneiphöf Lang-gasse_, beneath
+whose pennon her _louis d'ors_ ventured out to sea, would never have
+given his consent; he looked askant at the augmenting treasures of the
+Pole. Baluzzi also became uneasy, because Mierowski steadily increased
+his stakes.
+
+At last that state of feverish excitement set in which always precedes
+any great crisis. The battle only raged between the banker and
+Mierowski; all others as it were merely paid the entrance money with
+their small stakes, in order to be present at this performance. The
+victory suddenly seemed to incline to Baluzzi's side; twice following
+he swept in heavy amounts. But the Pole doubled and trebled the stake
+in order to break the bank, "_Le jeu est fait_," rang forth; with
+beating hearts the little circle awaited the result which the weird,
+rolling ball should bring. Beate had become pale as death, she knew
+that this ball would once more pierce another's heart.
+
+"_Va banque_," rang the Pole's cry of victory; all sprang up in
+tumultuous excitement, so that the heaps of gold were scattered in all
+directions, and some _louis d'ors_ rolled upon the ground.
+
+With apparent composure Baluzzi said--
+
+"For to-day I acknowledge myself conquered, but the fortune of war
+changes."
+
+At the same time he cast a venomous glance at the victorious Pole.
+
+Beate took advantage of the tumult to retire unnoticed, and to await
+the Italian in a side room, so that her lengthy stay might not arouse
+observation.
+
+Mierowski's glances sought her in vain, as he rushed away with his
+treasures; he was possessed with a violent passion for little Beate,
+and was in a very liberal humour; he longed for another champagne
+orgie, and the Hebe for it had been found, and was lost.
+
+Outside, he enquired of the half-witted porteress, for the little black
+lady from Italy.
+
+Kätchen stared at him with astonished eyes, and several times repeated
+the word, "Gone!" with pantomimic gesture. In so doing she was obeying
+no injunction of Beate, but only her own instinct.
+
+The whole party broke up noisily; the Polish women lighted their
+cigarettes, the pink Berlin lady disappeared in a grey sack-like winter
+cloak, which suited her flaxen hair better. The gentlemen eagerly
+discussed the last decisive battle, and were so excited and absorbed
+that Kätchen picked up several _louis d'ors_ at the garden gate, as
+perquisites.
+
+In the house itself all had suddenly become silent; a tired lacquey
+snored upon the bench in the hall; no one remembered to extinguish the
+lamps and candles; a current of air blew in through the open doors;
+several lights flickered and went out; others burned down and filled
+the air with their odour.
+
+Baluzzi hastened, in wild excitement, through the saloons, and at last
+found Beate upon a divan in the farthest room in the suite of
+apartments. Only one hanging lamp shed a dim light.
+
+Beate sprang up from the sofa and assumed an attitude prepared for
+defiance, for the Italian was greatly excited, and she knew that he
+would then recklessly indulge his wild nature.
+
+"There you are--you would speak to me--_benissimo_. I too would speak
+to you; you are probably afraid of me, little cat? You have an evil
+conscience, yes, _per dio_, I might shake you to death, because you are
+to blame for the last hesitation."
+
+At these words, he caught Beate with his powerful hand. But she drew
+out her dagger.
+
+"Stand back! I expected ill-usage; but I am prepared to protect myself
+from it."
+
+The Italian started back at the unexpected sight of the shining steel.
+
+"_Corpo del diavolo_," cried he, "the little witch has provided herself
+well, but if I were to struggle with you--"
+
+"Just try it!"
+
+"You are a little brigandess; it pleases me, it is Italian blood! But
+you are also an intriguer, a shameless intriguer; she follows your
+advice. I know it! Why was I obliged to go to the debtors' prison?
+Could you not release me one day sooner? If it were not for the
+disturbance, your dagger should not deter me, and even if the little
+cat were to spring into my face, I should be able to settle her."
+
+"Let us talk rationally, Baluzzi."
+
+"With the dagger in your hand?"
+
+"There is something like a wild beast about you! Fasten it in a
+cage--and the dagger shall return to its sheath."
+
+"Well, I will control myself, although it is difficult for me at this
+moment. The misfortunes which persecute me, transport me into ever new
+rage. Could the cursed ball not roll differently? _Sono alla
+disperazione_."
+
+He had seized a chair, and threw it to the ground with such force that
+the back broke.
+
+"Has your rage nearly exhausted itself?" asked Beate.
+
+"It was a relapse--I will be calm. Sit down. What have you to tell me?"
+
+They sat down upon the sofa; Beate watched his every movement with a
+keen glance.
+
+"Let us talk quietly! This cannot go on much longer!"
+
+"My business with Russia shall set me up again! '_E una fatalita!_'
+This _maledetto polacco_! If only they had massacred him at Ostrolenka,
+or beaten him to death with the knout in Siberia. He is a gambler by
+profession, and believes to be in possession of the only luck-bringing
+theory; but his theory is folly, while the misfortune is that he is
+fortunate. It is the second time already that he has broken my
+bank--without him I should be the luckiest player! He exercises an evil
+eye upon me--I curse him!"
+
+"Leave that alone! The misfortune is the gambling--give it up, Baluzzi!
+You will ruin yourself, and us with you."
+
+"She still sings splendidly; while the gold of her voice resounds, gold
+will resound in her money box."
+
+"But her voice is deteriorating."
+
+"Bad fellows say so, and I punished one of them lately. Her voice is
+still first-rate capital, will bring interest for long yet; there is no
+want of it."
+
+"We shall come to want! You are a leech, an outrageous leech! She can
+hardly pay for her own dress! And, to-day, bad luck again! No sooner
+are your debts paid than a new demand menaces us. You are a bankrupt
+every eight days."
+
+"I will give up gambling now; I have no luck. But business is hazard,
+too; the Russian frontier Guards are no joke."
+
+"Can you pursue no respectable business?"
+
+"Fill a paper bag with _quattrini_, every day another farthing, and lie
+down to sleep happily when one paper bag is full, and a fresh one can
+be twisted up--that is not my style! I do business on a large scale, I
+would live grandly, I must, therefore, risk much! All or nothing--_va
+banque_! What else can I do with your little honorariums? You have no
+right to interfere with me; you deceive me, and you especially, little
+Satan; you rouse her against me, and spin tissues of lies, and persuade
+her to plead poverty. But I will sweep away the spider's web you have
+woven, malicious spider that you are, and trample you under foot."
+
+The Italian assumed a menacing aspect; Beate kept her hand upon the
+dagger.
+
+"Afraid again? Those little watchful eyes, how well they become you,
+but I tell you I want money, much money, and she must give it me once
+more! Could she not save during that couple of years when I lost all
+traces of her, because I was stationed far away in the interior of
+Russia, and could not escape from vile ill-luck? Why did she not save?
+Why does she live like a princess? Probably she is collecting a dowry
+for you; you are, doubtlessly, a pretty little betrothed; some unhappy
+being has gone into your net, beguiled by that pretty visage! There is
+still time to warn him!"
+
+"Calumny, vile calumny!"
+
+"But I shall hold her fast! Do she not fulfil her duties, I shall
+appear again, and lay my hand upon her before all the world."
+
+"It is on this point that I would speak to you, Baluzzi. There is only
+one means by which she can still provide for you, even if her talent
+has failed her."
+
+"And that means?"
+
+"You must set her free."
+
+"How your eyes sparkle, little viper," cried Baluzzi, springing up.
+"That is a fine plan, probably conceived in this charming little head.
+Do not give yourselves any trouble, things will remain as they were."
+
+"Your own interest--"
+
+"Is thus best ensured. Will always be. I have certainty."
+
+"There are sufficient grounds for you, according to the laws of this
+country, if you only will--"
+
+"Grounds abundant as flowers in May, as mushrooms after rain; but I
+stand by the decree of the Church. I am not a subject of this country,
+and will not become one."
+
+"But if we had reasons, proofs--"
+
+"Aha, I repeat it, it is in vain--we stand under the laws of Italy and
+of the Church, and what will you prove? That which was done was done
+with her consent, according to her own desire, yet at first in
+opposition to mine; and who tells you that I do not love her, love her
+fervently, that I will always remain far from her? If she cease to be
+the queen of the stage, then she will belong to me once again. No more
+beautiful angel of damnation ever dwelled with Lucifer in the depths of
+hell! Ha! how my bonds will rise; she shall preside at the green board,
+it will be like a gaming hell in heaven! For me, at least, because she
+shall be my slave, whom I love and chastise at the same time."
+
+"The dreams of a madman."
+
+"If they are only beautiful, those dreams, enchantingly beautiful, then
+it is a foretaste, and the day will come on which this madness will
+seek and find its victim."
+
+"Baluzzi, be reasonable," said Beate, insinuatingly, as she drew the
+Italian down beside her, "you are not so foolish as you pretend to be;
+you consented formerly, because you saw that it was for your mutual
+good. Be reasonable now, too!"
+
+"How the little cat can caress with its velvet paws."
+
+"There is something in the air that can do you good also!"
+
+"I curse that something and him, for I hate him also."
+
+"Jealousy still, senseless jealousy--_sareble vero!_ She does not love
+you; you cannot force her to do so! Is she the only woman in the world?
+You give yourself freedom again. Take a large profit with you, and then
+trouble yourself no more about her! We others may not be so beautiful,
+to be sure, yet we are not made of marble either, but of flesh and
+blood, and, if our eyes have not such depth, they flash all the more
+merrily."
+
+Beate looked at the gambler with seductive glances. He put his arms
+round her supple form, which only resisted feebly, pressed a kiss upon
+her lips, but then wrenched himself away, pushed her from him, and
+cried, as he sprang up--
+
+"_Corpo di bacco_, I know you, _diavola_! That is a worn-out game, and
+I know, too, how the cards are shuffled! You are not indisposed to be
+the victim of friendship. Aha, that is the cause of this sudden,
+pretended, fervent love. But where are the witnesses--the dumb walls,
+the lamps burning down? And, if there were witnesses, they would only
+be of use so far as separate maintenance is concerned, with which the
+Signora is not supplied. You have miscalculated, my child! To-day is
+buried from the world, and to-morrow I shall not know you again."
+
+Beate stood drawn up erectly, the open dagger in her hand.
+
+"You misunderstand me, Signor Baluzzi! Our business is at an end!"
+
+At that moment Kätchen's head appeared in the half-open doorway.
+
+"You called me, Signor?"
+
+"Listener," cried Baluzzi, enraged, "this eavesdropping in my own
+house! Do not let me catch you a second time. Open the garden gate for
+the Signora; wait below with the key!"
+
+Kätchen disappeared.
+
+"I require money; I do not yet know how much. I will first learn the
+result of my business. You are a cunning mediatrix, little Beate, but
+neither your paws nor your claws have power over me; but if anything be
+in the air warn her not to venture upon too much, else she may have a
+narrow escape."
+
+Below Kätchen was whistling upon the key of the gate. She soon
+conducted Beate, who had drawn the hood over her head, through the
+garden walks.
+
+The wild cat left the lion's den.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+                  THE MISTRESS OF THE BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+
+Da. Reising's credit had done its duty, as was shown by the shining
+brass plate, upon which the skilful town engraver had etched the words,
+"Lori Baute's Boarding School," in large, legible characters.
+
+There she sat, a small sovereign of a small state. The first object of
+her ambition was attained. Indignant as she was at the noise which the
+classes sometimes made, to her there was even a melodious echo in the
+tumult. All these noisy beings are your pupils, entrusted to you, given
+up to your authority, and this turbulence only proves how your school
+flourishes.
+
+She had adopted a short, decided, dictatorial manner, and practised it
+before the mirror; she had also pondered over a necessary alteration in
+her dress, and arrived at the conclusion that her present position
+required a certain sacrifice, the sacrifice of youth. Fräulein Sohle,
+her predecessor, had none to make in that respect, she was totally
+different from her pupils, with the advantage of her maturer years, and
+with unartificial dignity, such as is united without effort to creases,
+wrinkles, and a figure which only appears as the physical residuum of
+an intellectually extinguished spirit.
+
+But Lori was still young; her looking glass told her that she might
+compete in charms with the youngest teachers, yes, she even looked
+younger than she was.
+
+School, and that life to which she might still lay claim, were opposed
+to one another, but she must make some concession. She made up her mind
+to it, and decided upon the loss of those curls, which the profane
+world designated "love-locks."
+
+It was not easy for her to relinquish the glossy, youthful head-gear,
+but the gloomy framework of snake-like curls imparted an otherwise
+unattainable dignity to her features. To be sure her eyes flashed out
+all the more boldly, and her tiny person could not possibly transform
+itself into a Juno. Nevertheless she knew how to inspire respect;
+wherever she appeared, all noise was stilled, her omniscience was
+feared, because she knew how to find out by inquisition and torture
+everything that happened in any portion of her dominions. The
+governesses were afraid of her and her spies; they felt that every step
+was watched, without knowing in what tangible form those dark powers
+dogged their heels.
+
+The older tutors also obeyed the young ruler's will with a certain
+gallantry; only the young master with the moustache opposed an
+unbending mind, and appeared to be determined to go his own way.
+
+She was thought to be omniscient, poor Lori! How gladly would she have
+been so! because unnatural obscurity hovered over one of the most
+important questions which occupied her. Far away beyond the attained
+goal her ambition was again striving after new objects--how very
+different to be a proud _châtelaine_, and the wife of a nobleman of
+position--and was this impossible for her?
+
+She sat silently, and counted up all the tokens of attention which
+Blanden had vouchsafed to her. The sum was a considerable one, if only
+all the separate posts had been secure--!
+
+Blanden had availed himself of her last invitation in the
+confectioner's shop to visit Reising, just before his departure to the
+province, and, indeed, on the same day. Was it merely his eagerness to
+fulfil a social duty while he had time, or was it liking for, and
+interest in her poor self?
+
+Dr. Reising had received him very pleasantly. Euphrasia had been
+agreeable, yes, coquettish--Lori had no other name for it; even Emma
+had shed the light of her kitchen lantern upon the high politics of the
+reception-room; and actually Albertine made up her mind to speak.
+
+But he had distinguished her above all the others, talked with her in
+preference, and she herself had been intellectual, particularly
+intellectual; she must say that for herself, there are days upon which
+the silver melts unaided from the mental ore, and becomes liquid, days
+of an intellectual silvery appearance. Could Blanden be unsusceptible
+to such silvery looks? For he had been in the province a long time. Dr.
+Reising had departed with her sisters; she had undertaken the school,
+it was a time of anxiety. He was far away, she could only preserve his
+image in her heart, and at rare moments take it out for devout
+contemplation.
+
+But now he had returned again, she had seen him. Twice he had ridden
+past her house. Was it chance, or intentional? He had looked up at her
+windows; did he seek her, or did he only notice the wild noise issuing
+from one of the classes, the windows of which, in spite of the cold,
+had to be opened on account of a worn-out stove!
+
+Much more weighty was the fact that for several days she had each
+morning found a bouquet of hot-house flowers in her vase.
+
+A man-servant had delivered them to the housemaid without giving the
+name of the donor. In each bouquet was concealed an envelope, in which
+was a card containing a verse. Such forbidden goods in a girls' school,
+and to be sent to her, the mistress! But she resigned herself to the
+inevitable, did not burn the cards, nor did she forbid the reception of
+the bouquets.
+
+Did they come from Blanden? A blissful suspicion told her so, she
+believed to find reminiscences of their conversations in some of the
+verses. Had he not spoken of the solitude of his woods, and did not the
+first verse begin with an allusion to it?--
+
+
+                 "Without thee darling I am lonely,
+                    All the light of life doth die,
+                  All my heaven is in thee only,
+                    No star is in th' eternal sky
+                  Save thou smile and bid me see,
+                   Save thou come and bide with me."
+
+
+She imagined she heard Blanden's soft mellifluous voice in the melody
+of these lines; but why did he not come? She would gladly have let her
+eyes shine upon him.
+
+Bolder was the last poem! It spoke of the lotus-flower. Blanden had
+been in India, the exotic colouring of the lines possessed a warmth
+such as only personal experience can impart:
+
+
+                 "A god of Hindoo dreams,
+                    Cradled in the lotus-flower,
+                  Then enchanted it would seem
+                    By a goddess' magic power;
+                  And wert thou my goddess true
+                  I should be enchanted too."
+
+
+In spite of the oriental figurative language, the meaning of these
+lines was not incomprehensible; they were from Blanden. They must have
+originated from him, and mentally Lori composed the anti-strophe--
+
+
+                 "Let the lotus shed its perfume,
+                    Tarry not in lover's pain,
+                  In the castle of Kulmitten
+                    I will as your goddess reign."
+
+
+And if Blanden were the author, the sender of these exotic nosegays,
+nothing but delicate consideration could restrain him from seeking her!
+He indeed knew where the lotus-flower bloomed, but could he know how he
+should be received? He must show some regard for the mistress'
+character, upon which her existence depends. He had no pretext for such
+a visit; he had no little daughter to introduce. Oh, she understood him
+thoroughly, and she respected him the more, the more she understood
+him.
+
+She considered long what pretext she could find for a meeting; she made
+plans, and rejected them again. At last she decided upon her favourite
+weapon, a pink note--an anonymous pink note! He was discreet, she might
+trust him, there was nothing remarkable about a chance meeting in the
+confectioner's shop; but the reason? This was of less importance; once
+she was seated before him, all doubts must vanish.
+
+These lines, these flowers, and the look in his eyes, a single pregnant
+word--and the enigma would be solved with magic speed.
+
+The pink note merely contained the words, "a lady begs for your advice
+and help," also the place and the hour of the assignation.
+
+Blanden was on friendly terms with Reising; she, without male support
+since her brother-in-law's departure, had she not every right to turn
+to him, and her doing so would enlighten him.
+
+There was the tutor with the moustache, handsome Dr. Sperner, he became
+bolder and more defiant each day, yes even at times he seemed to treat
+her like a little girl, and not as the principal of the school. Blanden
+should advise her how she was to behave to the doctor, a little
+interference in her favour would lower the young man's presumptuous
+tone; he must learn that she was sure of manly protection.
+
+When in the act of taking her straw hat out of the drawer so as to make
+her toilette in keeping with her correspondence, Dr. Sperner was
+announced again. He entered so boldly, that one might have expected to
+see spurs on his boots.
+
+"You wish to speak to me, dear Fräulein?"
+
+"Later, a few hours later, I begged you to come to me."
+
+"I know, but I shall not have time! This white slavery only extends
+over lectures and consultations, not the entire day, even if it be the
+most amiable lady planter's slavery."
+
+"What do these insinuations mean, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"I gladly look upon myself as your slave, my Fräulein! If capital be
+allowed to plunder our mental labour, it may be endured from an owner
+of capital, such as you, dear Fräulein, with whom a man could live. But
+what do you wish?"
+
+"I can now only explain my views very briefly upon two points which I
+wish to see altered; yes, I expect, I command that they be altered!"
+
+The Doctor bowed with a mocking smile.
+
+"Even on my first visit to the establishment, I made these
+observations," continued Lori, while she assumed a stern tone, and
+shook back one spiral curl that fell over her face, "the themes which
+you give to the pupils are totally unsuitable, just so the theme for
+the last composition, 'Why did Egmont not marry Klärchen?' That does
+not appear to be the proper manner of introducing our classics."
+
+"There our views differ, dear Fräulein! Upon reflection, you will find
+how improving such tasks are. They accustom the girls to grasp the most
+important questions in life in an independent manner, and, above all,
+to treat them with tact. Besides, I avoid themes which lead to
+commonplaces, and which have already been written upon hundreds of
+times. New questions which cause independent thought--that is my
+object. I should like to wager that hitherto even you have not thought
+over my questions."
+
+"I must decline, Herr Doctor, to be placed on a par with my pupils."
+
+"I am far from doing so, excepting on one point, namely, youth and
+loveliness."
+
+"You forget to whom you are speaking. Such susceptibility, however, is
+a superfluous quality in the masters at my school."
+
+"What would a teacher of youth be, who possessed no susceptibility for
+the beautiful?"
+
+"Many pupils and their parents complain of your partiality. I find that
+they are right. I have examined the corrected copy-books very closely.
+You show such partiality to that fat Iduna; orthographical mistakes,
+which, for the others, you mark with thick red lines, in her case you
+treat as clerical errors, which you do not count, which you do not put
+down in the margin or add up. Thus Iduna always receives a good notice.
+And yet that girl brought forward the unutterable nonsense that Egmont
+did not marry Klärchen because it would have been inconvenient, and
+marriage, especially owing to ladies' dress, costs too much money;
+although lace was made in Brussels and Flanders, and was cheaper than
+with us. And this sentence you did not even cross out, while you
+accompany the poetical ideas of other girls with red notes of
+interrogation."
+
+"Iduna possesses sound common sense, although she is of a prosaic
+nature. We must encourage it. On the other hand, it is a master's duty
+to eradicate betimes all that is too fantastic; life does not fulfil
+such foolish dreams."
+
+"As well as Iduna, you favour Clara, who is not her inferior as to
+voluptuous form; it seems that you like full-blown roses."
+
+"You are mistaken, Fräulein; besides, my private taste has nothing to
+do with my profession and your establishment. It is thoroughly feminine
+to recognise no principles, and to impute everything to the
+affections."
+
+"Because," interposed Lori, "in a boarding school they are ill-weeds,
+which must be eradicated first of all."
+
+"As you like to decide upon matters which do not belong to your duties
+as principal, although, as a girl, they may be interesting to you--"
+
+"The distinctions which you make are unsuitable--"
+
+"Then I must defend my taste against your accusations. I do not
+love such phlegmatic contented natures. I love what is fine and
+piquant--vivacious, intellectual eyes, dainty figures--"
+
+"I thank you for your confessions, but I am not in a position to listen
+to them any longer; I must leave you. But yet, I must request better
+themes for German tasks, and greater impartiality--and you will obey my
+orders."
+
+"Certainly; 'Thoughts on the awaking of Spring' shall be the next theme
+for our first-class, and Iduna shall receive the worst report. You had
+better take your fur instead of your cloak, Fräulein! It is bittterly
+cold, as the sentries say in 'Hamlet,' before they see the ghost. Can I
+assist you? That pink bonnet becomes you charmingly, dear Fräulein! You
+can wear the most youthful colours, but smooth bands of hair would suit
+you better than these corkscrews. Good-by!"
+
+With a mocking smile, but a fiery glance at the young mistress, the
+audacious Doctor took leave. Lori was indignant at his daring, and at
+the superior tone which he assumed, but she was still more angry with
+herself that she had not been able to keep him within bounds; that she
+felt subdued before him, as was Mark Antony before Cæsar's genius. She
+must procure advice, it was high time.
+
+Soon Lori was seated in the confectioner's shop, and waited eagerly for
+the result of her pink note.
+
+Blanden entered: he went excitedly and hastily through the apartments;
+he had received the note, and connected its contents with Giulia, who
+occupied all his thoughts. For this reason he had acceded to its
+invitation, although the preparation for his meeting with the
+Lieutenant claimed all his time. He recognised Lori, and went towards
+her; she thought it advisable at once to acknowledge her authorship of
+the note. Blanden seated himself beside her, and listened absently to
+her communications. The less Lori really had to say, the longer she
+spun it out: she began with their meeting at the sea-side, with the
+friendship which Professor Reising had always entertained for Blanden;
+she painted pictures of the short time they had been together, in the
+most vivid colours. Blanden sat there so dreamily; was he revelling in
+the same recollections; did he smile in silent delight, or only out of
+politeness?
+
+Now Lori began to talk about herself; she drew a touching sketch of her
+childhood and youth. Blanden's eyes became more and more concealed
+beneath their lids, imparting a dreamy appearance to him; was it
+fervour or abstraction?
+
+In the midst of her recital Lori watched the play of her listener's
+countenance with nervous attention, and was miserable that she could
+not fathom the impression which her words made upon him, because this
+was the principal object of the meeting. She hardly dared confess to
+herself that she had perceived how forced was his attention, and that
+his pulses did not seem to beat any higher.
+
+She sought to awaken a deep interest by representing how difficult it
+was for a girl to fight her way through the world; she had bought the
+school, but now stood there quite isolated, helpless in many respects.
+She complained of several governesses, especially of the rebellious
+master.
+
+"Then I should dismiss him," said Blanden, with great composure.
+
+"It is not so easy as you think. He has his faults, but it is difficult
+to find a substitute. Besides, he is thought something of in society.
+In such an establishment one has not only to think of the daughters,
+but also of the mothers. And, as far as the mothers are concerned, he
+is a veritable Faust; he possesses the keys to their hearts."
+
+"But he would listen to serious remonstrance."
+
+"He treats me, I hardly like to say it, as a loveable little person,
+who, by mere chance, has been wafted to the head of the school; as a
+cypher, to which some small capital has put a figure before it. If he
+knew that I am not quite unprotected, that my brother-in-law, that my
+brother-in-law's friends support me--"
+
+"It is a knight's duty to protect ladies who implore protection," said
+Blanden. "I shall always fulfil that duty. If the young Doctor should
+be guilty of anything in the least degree unbecoming towards you,
+reckon upon me; I shall call him to account."
+
+This sounded so delightful, so hopeful! Lori's heart exulted, her eyes
+rested with such confiding trust upon the knight, who vowed his
+services to her; words of gratitude flowed warmly and fervently from
+her lips.
+
+Now she had gained courage to prosecute her research as to whether the
+knight had already borne any lady's colours.
+
+"You surely lead a very solitary life in Kulmitten?" asked she,
+assuming a most significant air, and emphasising the word "solitary"
+very markedly.
+
+"I shall spend the winter mostly in the town," replied Blanden.
+
+The man with the iron mask, thought she, he denies his flowers, but has
+he, like many, only warm feelings in his verses?
+
+The suspicion that those lines did not originate from him still
+appeared incredible to her.
+
+"One who has lived so long in Hindustan, amongst the lotus-flowers,
+may, indeed, find it very desolate here with us."
+
+She cast a sympathetic glance at Blanden, who was so impolite as to
+look at his watch at that very moment.
+
+"Lotus-flowers, the cradle of the gods," continued Lori, raising her
+eyes like her sister Ophelia, for which, however, she had not the long
+silken lashes; she had no talent for moonlight of the soul.
+
+"Nothing looks so poetical when seen quite closely," said Blanden, "as
+in the poet's verses, neither lotus flowers, nor gods, nor bayaderes.
+The lotus flowers are of as beautiful a pink as your bonnet, Fräulein,
+Nevertheless, the holy plant possesses a very prosaic side, too; bread
+can be made from its fruit."
+
+Was this meant for a significant or, perhaps, even a malicious
+allusion? Lori had plenty of time for reflection, because immediately
+after Blanden politely took leave, while he repeated that he should
+always be ready to protect her.
+
+A feeling of great uncertainty took possession of her. All that Blanden
+said was so cool, so distant. Had she been mistaken? Did the castles of
+Kulmitten and Rositten belong to those in the air? or was he only
+teasing her? Did the merry cupids take refuge in his flowers and lines
+of poetry, while he acted the part of grave invincibility?
+
+As Lori left the confectioner's shop, she had to pass readers, who were
+deeply absorbed in their newspapers. One gigantic sheet was suddenly
+lowered, and behind it appeared the moustache of Dr. Sperner, who
+greeted the principal of the boarding school with a slight bow, and
+smiled familiarly, as she strolled past him.
+
+After a sleepless night, in which the ardent desires of her heart were
+driven to flight by the implacable calculation of her understanding,
+and after mature consideration, she was obliged to acknowledge a
+defeat, which, happily, she had suffered in total secrecy. In the
+morning she again found a bouquet of flowers and a note:
+
+
+                 "Ah, these runes, dear, pray decypher,
+                    Put an end to my love's pain;
+                  For 'tis not Iduna I love,
+                    No, I love but you alone!"
+
+
+This was the height of impudence. The moustachioed teacher cast his
+mask aside. In her own establishment had sprung up the ill-weeds of
+poetry and bouquets.
+
+Should she give him notice?
+
+Under existing circumstances she resolved not at once to speak about
+these love poems, so opposed to all rule, but to hold farther mental
+debates with herself.
+
+Iduna's next exercise teemed with red corrections. Lori rewarded Dr.
+Sperner for them with a grateful smile.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IV.
+
+                    IN THE FOREST OF JUDITENKIRCHEN.
+
+
+Early in the morning the carriage stopped before the village inn.
+Blanden, Kuhl, and two other gentlemen sprang oat; the pistol cases
+were left in the carriage.
+
+"We have come too early; there is still half an hour's time," said
+Kuhl, "a morsel to eat cannot hurt us."
+
+"The morning is as hard as iron; the roads sparkle as if they were
+armour clad," said the Doctor.
+
+Blanden drummed his fingers upon the table. Kuhl sat down beside him.
+
+"I cannot, indeed, understand why you plunged yourself into this
+danger?"
+
+"It is to revenge Giulia's honour upon a miscreant."
+
+"Well, you know my opinion about duels; it is a special act of
+friendship that I second you. I have, it is true, several times, used a
+human body as a target, and marked it there when I intended to do,
+because I set to work conscientiously, and did not swerve an iota from
+my intentions. I wish you had my eye and hand to-day!"
+
+"I prefer to leave it to chance," said Blanden, "then I shall have a
+clearer conscience."
+
+"But now," continued Kuhl, "no one would easily inveigle me into such a
+duel. I do not hold Falstaff's views about honour, but I think that all
+which does but exist in the opinion of mankind, enjoys a very shadowy
+existence, and that it is not worth while, for the sake of such
+dissolving views, for such opinions which fade into mist, and from day
+to day assume a different form, to let a bullet be driven into one's
+body."
+
+"But we are dependent upon the opinions of mankind, especially of those
+human beings with whom we must live."
+
+"Those are the so-called class prejudices; for a citizen of the world
+like you they should not exist. You know best that in Honolulu upon
+such matters people think quite differently from what they do in the
+Fiji Islands, or even in Japan, where they simply rip up their own
+persons. It would be too cheap a mode of regaining one's lost honour if
+it were only necessary to burn powder in the pan."
+
+"We often long to punish an enemy," said Blanden, "and there is no
+other suitable method than that of standing before him with sword or
+pistol in one's hand. Hatred and enmity cannot be eradicated, and such
+silently nourished ill-will, such Platonic hatred, as people might term
+it, gnaws at one's vitals, just as does Platonic love. Every passion
+must obtain satisfaction, therefore the world has produced swords and
+pistols."
+
+"You are right," said Kuhl, "the world, once for all, belongs to
+cannibals, and the religion of love and peace, despite more than a
+thousand years' reign, has not been able to eradicate manslaughter. And
+so long as it is prosecuted on a large scale for the sake of a morsel
+of land, or questions of lofty etiquette and political politeness, one
+can really not object, when, on a small scale, people go to war with
+one another for considerations of honour; at least, it is a cheaper
+pleasure, and does not cost the blood of nations."
+
+"In my duel, dear Kuhl," said Blanden, "in the first place a woman's
+honour is concerned, and it is much more easily injured. As some birds
+in Hindoostan, according to the opinions of the people, only live upon
+the drops of rain which fall from the clouds, so do women only live
+upon that heavenly refreshment which lies in the delicate sense of
+their honour."
+
+"Nonsense," said Kuhl, "people scorn the world's opinion."
+
+"Then one must live upon a desert island, like Robinson Crusoe."
+
+"Every truly free man is a Robinson who does not require mankind. A
+robinsonade in society, it is that which is right, therein lies the
+guarantee of happiness."
+
+"Women must not have that wish; through it they would fool away the
+happiness of their life."
+
+"Who can deprive them of the happiness that they conquer boldly?"
+
+"True! Listen to me; at such moments a man thinks more seriously upon
+many things. I am about to fight for a woman's honour, you make game of
+it."
+
+"Blanden," cried Kuhl, jumping up. "My voice has more weight now, for
+that which I say to you may be my last testament. You deprive two girls
+of their good name, the sole guarantee which they possess for the peace
+of a later life. Now they may play and joke, some day earnestness and
+loneliness will come."
+
+"Well, the one has already retired from me; Olga threatens to become
+untrue to me."
+
+"Possibly, then, all the more grave is your duty to the other, who now
+defies the world's opinion; be it from folly, be it from passion,
+later, however, she will lament that she did so, when, after a short
+intoxication, she must lead a long, joyless, poverty-stricken life. You
+have no duties; one day you will forsake her entirely, and she will be
+left to gaze into long, lasting misery. She has rejected one honest
+wooer."
+
+"You speak of your friend Wegen!"
+
+"I speak of what my heart feels. I am, perhaps, about to sacrifice my
+life to one woman, therefore you can surely sacrifice your theories to
+another. A man may become a martyr to his faith, but he may not make
+others so."
+
+Kuhl was silent, it was a disagreeable conversation on a disagreeable
+morning; he must allow that Blanden was right, it was the way of the
+world. He shivered; the narrowness of a subject's life seemed to
+oppress him.
+
+"One thing more," said Blanden, "take care of Giulia if I fall. The
+world will condemn her as being the cause of my death. Perhaps her
+artistic career may be endangered. She has no support, no friend!
+Everything seems to be double-faced that moves around her. Be you her
+friend; will you promise it me?"
+
+"With all my heart," said Kuhl.
+
+"I have made my will; the legacy I leave to her is considerable enough
+to ensure her a life free from care, even if she retire from the stage.
+Help her with good advice, but do not forget that she is almost my
+widow, too sacred for frivolous games, and veiled for you by this my
+last solemn word."
+
+Kuhl thought to himself, "Jealous beyond the grave," but he did not
+venture to smile, he only squeezed his friend's hand in silence.
+
+Blanden looked at the clock--it was time. All entered the carriage
+again, which rolled along upon creaking wheels through the snow-laden
+forest.
+
+On the edge of the pine wood another carriage was standing; the
+opponents had just arrived.
+
+The scene of conflict was a little snow-covered glade; distances were
+measured, and the weapons examined. Blanden knew no fear, not even fear
+of death, but the full consciousness of the nonentity of existence
+overcame him. There was nothing appalling for him in death, but
+something almost humiliating. It was miserable, full of thoughts which
+grasp a world to be hurled to the ground by a piece of rattling metal,
+which pierces one in rapid flight, which even an old decayed tree stem
+can defy; it was too wretched to lie here bedded in the snow like any
+crow shot down from the grey wintry sky by the sportsman's gun, so that
+the wings of the mind hang down paralysed and dead for evermore, like
+the wings of the hideous bird which just now croaked so loudly for prey
+and food.
+
+Lifeless lead--and instead of the agitated spirit's notes of
+exclamation and interrogation, that one great line which ends this
+chapter of life, and perhaps the whole book.
+
+And, yet, it is easy to die on a frosty, winter's day, when all life
+cowers, when the trees stretch their bare summits into the misty grey
+atmosphere, and the shroud of snow lies upon all the forests and
+meadows. All nature shudders, as if renouncing every happiness.
+
+But, no! One heart there is that beats anxiously for you; two eyes
+which already dedicate scalding tears to the dark possibility that
+menaces you; there, indeed, is life and happiness, and from these it is
+that you must part.
+
+As is the case in all moments of most supreme tension, Blanden's mind
+saw such pictures and thoughts pass before him with a certain rigidity,
+and only awoke again as Kuhl pressed the pistols into his hand.
+
+Attempts at reconciliation had not been made, the bitterness of the
+opponents was too great, those polite ceremonies, which had been made
+for form's sake, were dropped again immediately, as being perfectly
+futile.
+
+As in a dream, Blanden saw the colossal officer step before him. He
+hated the man until that moment, then he was seized as with pity for
+such a sensual life, and then, again, with a change of thought, quick
+as lightning, his mind flew to recollections of his school days, and he
+thought of Homer and the Bible, which tell so accurately how many feet
+of earth such a mighty man covered in his fall.
+
+Then in the midst of these dreamy thoughts, rang the call of the
+seconds, the fatal counting began, the shots fell, and behind the
+clouds of powder, each glance sought the falling opponent, but only
+Buschmann had the satisfaction of rejoicing in that spectacle.
+
+Blanden sank to the ground, the officer's bullet had struck his breast.
+
+Kuhl and the surgeon knelt beside him. Buschmann did not trouble
+himself about his victim, did not even vouchsafe a casual enquiry; with
+a hasty greeting, he left the scene of the conflict.
+
+The surgeon gave hopes; the ball had penetrated the chest, but it
+appeared to him to be one of those rare cases in which no serious
+injury of a vital organ had taken place. Kuhl also shared that opinion.
+
+After adjusting the bandages, Blanden was lifted into the carriage, and
+driven home. The drive was very exhausting, and as the carriage rattled
+over the stone pavement, Blanden lost consciousness.
+
+When he awoke out of the dull web of a confused world of dreams, with
+its shadows melting into one another, he saw a pale form seated by his
+bed.
+
+It was Giulia.
+
+Her gaze rested anxiously upon him; she kissed his unclosing eyes, she
+kissed his hands amidst scalding tears.
+
+He had fought for his betrothed, from henceforth she would be his.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+                          INTERNAL STRUGGLES.
+
+
+Giulia nursed Blanden unweariedly; she let the performance of "Il
+Barbière di Sevilla" be postponed again and again, to the great
+annoyance of the _impressario_, and only when Blanden began to recover
+did she attend the rehearsals.
+
+Calm as she appeared by the bedside, a mighty struggle was disturbing
+her soul.
+
+She often gazed with silent emotion upon his noble gentle features, as
+he lay there with closed eyes, when his wounded chest heaved with
+convulsive breathing. For her he had gone to meet death. Was he the
+victim of a lie? Her passionate love was indeed truth, although all
+else might be deception.
+
+She had but one alternative, the fearful alternative of losing him for
+ever, or of conquering him by impious defiance of law and custom.
+
+She was an Italian; she possessed fiery blood, and the language which
+passion spoke, even if it drove her out into the boundless, was to her
+almost irresistible.
+
+Grown up in a stage world, in which adventures are represented before
+the footlights and experienced behind the scenes, she had no true
+comprehension of the limits of respectable life; she was inclined in it
+to perceive a restraint over which the laws of the heart had the right
+to triumph. Brigandage lives in the blood of Italians; there is also a
+_brigantaggio_ of the heart, which breaks into the sanctuaries of the
+law with daring boldness, and deems the power of life higher than that
+which only seems to be a lifeless form, a written paragraph. What is
+unworthy, let it be authorised by earth or heaven, appears to be a
+fetter, to break which, is esteemed an act of heroism, even although it
+may be deemed a crime in the eyes of the world.
+
+But she knew that Blanden thought differently; here in the North the
+law was a great power; he possessed a knightly mind, which never thinks
+of deception. She could only be really his if she took all the daring
+upon herself alone, converting a degrading secret into a new heavy load
+of guilt.
+
+And had not the worst happened already, and from no fault of hers? Had
+he not suffered heavy pain for the sake of the impossible, which could
+only become possible by impudent deception, and unbroken silence?
+Should she not now, if she confessed all, prepare him a certain painful
+disappointment, which hereafter only hostile chance could bring upon
+him?
+
+Who guarantees any long endurance to happiness? She would enjoy it,
+even if the chasm which yawns behind every bliss were nearer to her and
+deeper than it usually is. But she could only obtain and enjoy this
+felicity with heart-throbbings and anguish of conscience, condemned to
+everlasting anxiety, dependent upon the good-will, the whims of a
+despicable man; this roused her heart against fate, robbed her of
+sleep, and dreams full of wild pictures of horror drove her terrified
+mind hither and thither in alarm.
+
+Ever again her conscience rebelled, and urged her to a confession that
+would free her; ever again she repressed it firmly, as the huntsman
+restrains the dog that will frighten away the game of which he is
+secure.
+
+Beate was calmer, she had given an account of her visit to Baluzzi, she
+would decidedly not give up all hope, and thought he would still allow
+himself to be persuaded to become a subject of that country; but Giulia
+cried in supreme excitement--
+
+"No, no, the disgrace of my life must remain in everlasting obscurity,
+how foolish to wish to drag it into court; it was a thought that could
+only come to me in utter helplessness. Then, too, Blanden would be lost
+to me; would there be anything more degrading for me, than to have to
+acknowledge that man before all the world? Only in deepest secrecy can
+my welfare lie."
+
+When Blanden became better, he spoke to his nurse of their marriage.
+Giulia covered him with kisses, but she shuddered inwardly, both with
+joy and fear. Ever nearer drew the fatal moment which she awaited with
+equally ardent longing and nameless terror.
+
+More agitated than ever, she returned home. Beate was all the more
+cheerful, and hummed an Italian popular air.
+
+"I envy you your good humour, but it appears to me to be almost like
+mockery of me and my urgent need."
+
+"When there is a wedding in prospect, one cannot be sad."
+
+"A wedding, oh my God! Happiness which all the world would envy me,
+envy me with reason, which I would not reject, even if my soul's
+salvation were at stake--and side by side with the most supreme
+delight, stand the feelings of a criminal who is led to execution!"
+
+"_Vedremo_--there may still be a means of escape."
+
+"A means of escape--does not danger ever hover over my head, mortal
+danger?"
+
+"Perhaps there are means of disarming it."
+
+"Oh, speak! You are clever and cunning, Beate. I hunger for a word of
+hope, of comfort, for relief in my unbounded fear."
+
+"It would be a risk--"
+
+"What would I not risk in order to be free from this racking torture of
+my heart."
+
+"You could not undertake this risk, only I, and the consequences if it
+fail, would fall heavily upon my head."
+
+"I would implore you even to undertake the most daring act, if it can
+bring me rescue. And yet how could I plunge you too into destruction,
+require a sacrifice of you for which I can grant you no compensation?"
+
+"That be my affair, inseparable friendship in life and death is
+compensation for all."
+
+"_Carissima_, good Beate," said Giulia, as she cordially embraced her
+friend.
+
+"And then--I like setting out upon adventures, even if I must traverse
+break-neck paths. Danger attracts me, and all secrecy, even if it be
+not exactly sweet, has a great charm for me. It makes my blood surge,
+then I feel that I live! And if such a bold plan have succeeded, ah,
+what a triumph! Then people will say, 'what does not lie in such a
+pretty little head,' then one imagines oneself like the mouse that, in
+the fable, gnawed the lion's bonds. But to play a trick upon such
+an overbearing villain and robber, secretly, in the dead of night,
+without him perceiving or knowing it; to remove the weapon out of his
+hand--that alone is worth risking this neck for; I hope the saints will
+not leave so pretty a little creature as Beate Romani quite in the
+lurch."
+
+"And what do you think of doing?"
+
+"Give me money, I will travel to Italy."
+
+"To Italy?"
+
+"To the lake of Orta, to the island of San Giulio!"
+
+"You will--"
+
+"I know what I will, but not yet how I will carry it out. That must be
+left to the impulse of the moment. The past is a fairy tale, a legend,
+if the proofs be wanting. I will destroy the proofs."
+
+"Beate!"
+
+"Where are they, but upon the little rocky island of Berengar? There
+they still display the skin of that snake, which Saint Giulo killed;
+well, I hope that the little viper into which Beate Romani is to be
+transformed, will succeed with the new saints who keep guard there."
+
+"You are contemplating a crime?"
+
+"I am contemplating the destruction of a great lie, which clings to
+your life as if with the arms of a polypus. A lie for your heart, but a
+truth for the world; a vile, shameful truth if I do not--but what
+matter is that to you? Do not question me too much! What I do, I shall
+do alone, and because it pleases me. I ask you for the money for my
+journey--let the rest be my care."
+
+Giulia sat there with folded hands; should she give her consent to a
+deed which, as she suspected, was directed against law and church!
+
+Yet could she hesitate? Her passion drove her still farther upon the
+fatal course, and shuddering inwardly, she was obliged to confess to
+herself that every act of Beate's was less of a sacrilege than that
+which she now so often firmly and steadily contemplated, and the worst
+consequences of which her friend sought to avert.
+
+To that first meeting, to that short-lived felicity by which she first
+emancipated herself from her stern duty, this lawless deed was now, as
+if forcibly, and ever anew united to unholy consequences.
+
+Giulia wrung her hands in despair.
+
+"Let me consider it, weigh it--not too hastily accede to the transient
+idea! Too much is at stake for me--for you!"
+
+"A leaf in the wind--and all is done!"
+
+"A leaf in the wind?" said Giulia thoughtfully "is my life not one
+already? And if your plan miscarry, if they catch you--?"
+
+"From my childhood I have been used to walk on narrow paths, often have
+wandered with my father across the steep boundary roads of the Italian
+Tyrol; with him have crouched under rocky boulders, or in concealment
+behind the lofty Arves, have slided down glaciers without being afraid
+of the yawning _crevasses_ in which death lurked! They shall not catch
+me, and if such an incredible thing were to happen, well it would only
+befall me! You may be calm and need have no fear."
+
+Giulia still hesitated, and begged for a few more days for reflection.
+
+Meanwhile the _impressario_ could be appeased no longer, and Giulia was
+obliged to appear as Rosina!
+
+While she had been nursing Blanden, excluded from the world, her
+enemies had been indefatigably active in destroying her character.
+Buschmann had kept his word, and in revenge had spoken everywhere with
+most ruthless exaggerations of her affair with Blanden. The duel, it is
+true, had not come to the official knowledge of the authorities, but it
+was spoken of in every circle. People pitied Blanden, but with the pity
+soon was mingled the condemning verdict, "he loves adventures!" The
+Signora herself, however, appeared as one of those intriguing _prime
+donne_, who know how to attract a number of lovers and admirers, and
+then set them one against another, so that some fatal scandal may show
+the power of their beauty in high relief.
+
+In this troubled domain of public opinion, Spiegeler now cast his evil
+seed--notice after notice full of piquant stings, innuendoes,
+unmistakable hints. In his paper he had an article, "Behind the
+Scenes;" there Giulia was the heroine. In the most absurd paragraphs,
+she was not named, but none could fail to guess it was she. Side by
+side with them appeared criticising treatises upon the art of song,
+containing most violent attacks upon Signora Bollini, who was
+invariably held up as an appalling example of bad mannerisms and taste.
+Müller von Stallupöhnen, who with his ivory _bâton_ as yet had
+conducted none of his own operas, supported the journalist, so void of
+musical knowledge, in this labour. Had not the directors of the East
+Sea town already rejected four of his operas, and favoured Italian
+music in a marked manner by the Signora's long engagement?
+
+And what were these Italian composers compared with him? His music was
+full of deep meaning, truly dramatic, besides which every character had
+its musical brief, and as Shakespeare's kings were ushered in by a
+flourish of trumpets, so were his heroes by a few bars of instrumental
+performance. He scorned all that was pleasantly unmeaning, all that was
+attractively melodious; when his heroes sang, it was but a musical mode
+of speaking, to which the orchestra imparted all sharper accents, and a
+few significant inter-punctuations. But when the tempest of his genius
+stirred up the depths of the orchestra, so that in almost every bar
+some old musical rule suffered shipwreck, and the most outrageous
+impossibilities, the most startling dissonances dashed into the air
+like spectral water spouts out of the foaming, splashing waves; then
+indeed must enthusiasm, ecstasy know no bounds, and even the public be
+transformed into a stormy, raging mass, out of which the thunder of
+applause should break loose as if with elementary power. This Müller
+had, it is true, never experienced, but he saw and heard it in
+imagination. If he could only once touch the conductors desk with that
+ebon magic wand, this unbounded exultation of delight must be set free.
+But it never came about; the directors were to blame. Instead of it the
+coquettish tone-muse of Italy, which is so undramatic that she
+represents Luciâ di Lammermoor's madness in the most lively dance
+music, flaunted upon the stage with all her tinsel of trills and
+_fioriture_. In such a frame of mind, Müller von Stallupöhnen helped
+the venomous reporters to lay traps for the directors and for the
+wicked representative of Italian monkey-like art.
+
+On the evening of the performance of the "Barbière" the house was
+filled, but a peculiar disquiet prevailed, as if some unusual event
+were in the air. Kuhl sat in the stalls beside his Cäcilie, who now
+appeared to be inseparable from him, and near poet Schöner.
+
+"Something is going on," said the Doctor to his younger friend, "people
+are not in a pleasant mood. Nothing can be so little counted upon as
+the public. And what is it really? It is only a shadow, a spectre, as
+little tangible as the old ocean god Proteus, and, if one would hold it
+fast, it assumes all colours and shapes. The public of to-day is no
+longer that of yesterday; the crowd which is afterwards dispersed
+through the streets, is no longer the same which is assembled here.
+Schiller's epigram, 'When it is _in corpore_, a blockhead springs up,'
+refers more to the bench, it is true, but such a theatrical audience is
+a many-headed monster, and as stupid as an old grass grown dragon of
+the early ages. What has not this public already applauded? Göethe as
+much as Aubery's dog, Schiller not less than a fiddler, who plays upon
+one string; the greatest poet and the most miserable clown! Often the
+rheumatism of idiotcy possesses its joints, which are paralysed, and do
+not move before what is sublime; then again it is electrified by the
+most foolish joke, and the unwieldy mass moves hands and feet like a
+marionette! As the wind rushes through an empty furnace, so does
+so-called public opinion rush through these empty heads. Thus it
+sometimes causes a mighty disturbance! The crowd has a certain instinct
+when it is gathered together, and a species of common feeling; it is
+like a huge body revolving upon the same pivot; it tastes with one
+tongue and spits flames out of one jaw; it lets itself be moved by one
+turn-screw, like a colossal engine. And by what crooked screws has it
+not already been moved! Upon the whole it is rude, and if its hat be
+not knocked from its head, it does not doff it to genius! Oh, ye poor
+geniuses! In what difficulties ye find yourselves! Ye struggle for
+fame, and yet fame, in the first instance, can only come from this
+crowd which possesses no sense of immortality; and again it is the
+pillar of immortality--what sad means by which to gain it! Really, only
+the idiotic flatterers of the crowd ought to be famous, and often have
+been so in their lifetime. The fame of the best is a marvel, and I am
+tired of pondering upon it."
+
+"Well, everything beautiful, and art itself is a marvel," replied
+Schöner, "and even if many a genius has been shipwrecked, we rejoice
+for those who have gained the victory after a long conflict with the
+crowd's want of judgment and changeability."
+
+Behind them the two speakers heard a lively somewhat sharp girl's
+voice.
+
+"It is time that an end be put to this Italian opera, it spoils our
+taste; this _prima donna_ sits here as firmly as a fly in amber, and
+has also made it her especial task to spoil our morals; all varieties
+of reports are circulated which even penetrate into our establishment.
+There is no quarantine against it, however many proper means of
+fumigation may be employed, the infection is in the air. There is only
+one means, she must away, and I am delighted at the lynch-law by which
+she will be banished."
+
+"You are right, quite right, uncommonly right," said the old governess,
+to whom Lori had addressed these words, as she, nodding approval,
+vibrated with intense excitement.
+
+It was no secret that Blanden loved this singer; he had fought for her,
+he had been wounded for her sake.
+
+She it was then of whom he had thought when he had listened barely,
+even absently, to Lori's eloquent words; this theatrical lady of
+doubtful origin had borne away undoubted victory from a daughter of the
+educated classes; she was the lotus-flower, the goddess who floated
+before his eyes, when Lori alluded so futilely to those verses, in
+which the handsome tutor had poured out his heart to her?
+
+This demanded revenge!
+
+Soon should her innermost indignation receive the desired satisfaction
+for being so shamefully set aside; with delight she imbibed Spiegeler's
+ill-nature with her breakfast, yes, she forgot her dignity as mistress
+of the school, so far as to initiate her pupils into this delicious
+piece of scandal. Her heart was too full, she must speak to Dr. Sperner
+also, who listened devoutly to the outpourings of her heart, while a
+significant smile played around the corners of his mouth, and he
+complacently stroked his splendid moustache.
+
+"But why do you smile, Herr Doctor?" asked she at last, with annoyance.
+
+"You speak of Herr von Blanden in a tone--"
+
+"In a tone such as his conduct merits."
+
+"Then I beg your pardon," said the tutor, as he bowed, "I was mistaken,
+I thought you were a friend of that gentleman, for I had the honour of
+witnessing a confidential meeting which you vouchsafed to him."
+
+Lori thought of the large newspaper in the confectioner's shop, behind
+which the fatal moustache had appeared, and blushed before the
+importunate spy, who rejoiced maliciously at his little triumph. But
+then he placed himself completely at his principal's disposal, who was
+soon in a position to make use of his offer, for public opinion was
+supremely excited--the "effects of the reports behind the scenes," of
+which Spiegeler had spoken, had not failed in their result; the
+singer's next appearance must cause a great sensation and had already
+been foretold by Spiegeler, naturally not in the sense of an ovation,
+but with evil-minded, crooked, double meaning. Sperner was not the man
+to be a laggard on such an occasion; he offered his services to Lori.
+
+"Do not deny it," said he, with wonted impudence, "you bear a grudge in
+your heart to this Blanden and the singer. Our French governess, whose
+accent may God improve, would term it _dépit amoureux_, but I am far
+from wishing to employ such outrageous French expressions in honest
+German."
+
+Lori blushed again; her lips quivered, but the Doctor's fiery eyes
+rested so triumphantly and with such superiority upon her that the word
+died upon her lips.
+
+"Good, neither Herr von Blanden nor the singer trouble me, but I will
+not allow our establishment, for which I have the warmest affection, to
+suffer from its principal's melancholy mood. You are so sad now,
+Fräulein Baute, that the entire first class has lost its smile, as
+people say--you make mountains out of mole-hills. The concern suffers
+from it, we might lose pupils, the consequences would be serious. There
+are sensitive girlish natures which close their calix-like delicate
+flowers when the sun ceases to shine. For these your smile, Fräulein
+Baute, is the sunshine of the establishment. We, we who are not so
+sensitive, are, at least, angry at the winter of your displeasure! All
+the same--if an execution of the Bollini shall take place, I am ready
+for any executioner's service; I have friends to whom the Italian
+sing-song is objectionable, and who prefer a German drinking song to
+any _aria_. We will work for you, Fräulein Baute; a cavalier who makes
+so little of a rendezvous as this Herr von Blanden is rightly served
+when his night-light is blown out."
+
+"What you say, dear Herr Doctor," said Lori, "is most objectionable in
+tone and manner, and really not calculated for a girl's ears. I will
+forget it. As to the rest, you have the right to think a singer as bad
+as you choose! You belong to the public, and the public is sovereign."
+
+The result of this conversation was that on the fatal evening Dr.
+Sperner, with several young friends, sat in a very determined attitude
+in several rows in front of the mistress of the school. Lori's eyes
+rested upon him with satisfaction, when he turned round and nodded a
+confidential smiling greeting to her.
+
+"There will be a disturbance to-day," Lori whispered to Cäcilie,
+sitting exactly before her.
+
+"But why in the world?" asked the other.
+
+"The affair with Blanden--"
+
+"But Signora Bollini will not sing falsely on that account."
+
+"Who knows?" said Lori, "those who are out of tune in life, are also
+out of tune in art; we must set ourselves against the importation of
+the equivocal doings of large towns; I should only approve if our
+public raise a decided demonstration."
+
+"She is a splendid florid singer," replied Cäcilie. "After all, the
+audience in a theatre has only to judge of the singing and not to
+distribute the Monthyon prize of virtue; the most celebrated actresses
+would not have received it."
+
+Lori shook her curls angrily at such an evasive opinion, and leaned
+back in her chair abruptly terminating the conversation.
+
+There was indeed something menacing in the attitude of the audience;
+here and there small groups might be observed, sitting together,
+prepared for a common task.
+
+The parties measured one another with hostile glances, with defiant
+countenances. Lieutenant Buschmann sat in a stage-box and examined his
+faithful adherents under the chandelier, gathered there like a dense
+dark cloud. Here and there appeared a noncommissioned officer, who
+should evidently preserve intact the communications between the
+separate troops, although he might not take part personally in the
+intended salvo.
+
+The Lieutenant was annoyed to perceive the long, thin figure of
+Merchant Böller in the opposite stage-box, where he had placed a few
+large bouquets of flowers upon the balustrade, and with yet greater
+displeasure he saw that his former friend and companion appeared in the
+pit, and greeted a number of young merchants with a friendly shake of
+the hand. Those, then, were the opponents!
+
+It appeared to be a fine corps, well organised; the powerful shake of
+the hand promised vigorous work; bright confidence of success was
+depicted upon every feature.
+
+"This miserable Brackenburg," muttered Buschmann to himself, "Clärchen
+has long since sacrificed him to her Egmont, and he still runs about
+the market and mobilises the citizens. Well, the iron tread of my
+Spaniards will pass implacably over them."
+
+His confidence in the success of the good cause which he represented
+suddenly increased, when a noisy human stream suddenly poured into the
+pit, Spiegeler, in front, stamping with his crutches, eager for the
+fight.
+
+Ah, that was Blücher at Waterloo! Now the victory was decided, those
+were veteran troops which he led, accustomed to the battle-fire of a
+theatre, accustomed to obey the leader's signal, to work together in
+irresistible onslaught, obstinate and tough enough to overcome all
+resistance. That was the select battalion of the _claque_ which
+understood how to raise the flag of fame on high, but also how to tear
+it down and trample it in the dust.
+
+Buschmann's features became radiant. What could Böller's volunteers,
+with their undisciplined enthusiasm do against these well trained
+troops, which could stand immovably under fire?
+
+In the densely crowded pit, however, Spiegeler at once recognised an
+enemy in his immediate vicinity--the singer's friend, the repulsive
+Italian, who had given him a palpable proof of this friendship. Despite
+all menaces, the critic had not brought the affair into court, because
+he did not wish that the episode at the "fleck" boiler's, by means of a
+trial and newspapers, should become too generally known; he believed
+rightly that his position as a critic might suffer if people learned
+what species of anti-criticism had been his portion. But secretly he
+brooded upon revenge.
+
+He was delighted to perceive that Baluzzi stood amidst the faithful,
+who surrounded him like a lightning-laden cloud, and hoped that at the
+coming discharge some unexpected blow would fall upon the intruder's
+head.
+
+The curtain rose when the overture ceased, the audience listened in
+breathless expectation; Figaro's song was tempestuously applauded.
+Giulia's friends aired their enthusiasm; their opponents, on the other
+hand, wished to make the contrast all the more conspicuous by
+previously helping a mediocre baritone to a brilliant success.
+
+The singer was quite amazed at the unusual storm of approval with which
+he was greeted; he bowed his acknowledgments amid the most beautiful
+dreams of a future that fluttered through his mind; at last his great
+talent had met with merited recognition; in spirit he saw himself
+already as the first baritone at the Berlin Court opera house.
+
+Then the street was changed into Bartolo's room. Rosina appeared.
+
+Böller, always ready for service, hurled his wreaths behind the
+footlights, and gave the signal for applause; the young merchant guards
+in the pit joined in, also Kuhl and Schöner, and several unconcerned
+listeners in the stalls.
+
+But simultaneously Buschmann and Spiegeler discharged their infernal
+machines--a hissing arose, as when fire and water are mingled. Others
+again commanded silence. Rosina began in a frightened voice; her heart,
+indeed, was heavy, but the power of the music soon carried her away
+above that dull oppression.
+
+She sang with all her feelings--
+
+
+                 "And every power fails,
+                  Love remains victor."
+
+
+She sang with grace, she knew how to impart such fervour even to these
+light winged passages, that, even before a partial judge, she would
+surely have gained her cause. But here there was not even a question of
+partizanship, her doom was already decided upon and sealed.
+
+Hardly had she ended the triumphant song of the power of love, when an
+unrestrained storm broke loose. Her friends' applause was entirely
+overpowered by the noise and hissing which issued from pit and gallery;
+for a moment she seemed to stand in the pillory. In vain Basilio sought
+to waft to the audience a whispered, almost inaudible, _aria_ upon
+calumny. For a few bars he gained an attentive silence, the song was as
+appropriate as if improvised, but when he continued to sing--
+
+
+                 "How it passes from tongue to tongue
+                  Nothing but words to inflate the lung,
+                  First a smile and then a scowl
+                  First a murmur then a howl,"
+
+
+the storm broke loose afresh; then the people felt staggered, they
+discovered an audacious accusation in Rossini's semiquavers and
+demi-semiquavers. The hissing and drumming raged through the "aerial
+regions." In the pit the hostile parties seemed to have come to actual
+battle, they were mixed up in dark wild confusion. Spiegeler stamped
+with his crutches like a madman, and, passing it from hand to hand,
+something was thrust out of the door; it was a figure striking right
+and left with hands and feet. Baluzzi had given too lively expression
+to his anger against the singer's enemies, and as he was situated in
+the hostile camp, his abusive remarks upon the _maladetti_ were
+not without result. Before the police could prevent this act of
+self-defence, the Italian, at a signal from Spiegeler, and by united
+effort, had been rendered harmless.
+
+But, with a feeling of perfect helplessness and internal indignation,
+Giulia stood defenceless before the raging mob. With the rapidity of
+lightning the pictures of a whole life-time passed before her mind: she
+saw the joyful movement of a crowd of people coming exultantly towards
+her, as she had seen it in Florence, Barcelona, London and even here!
+What evil demon had metamorphosed the public into a rage-foaming
+monster! Yet over her career as an actress writhed one widespread
+shadow, as if beneath a scorching blast her laurel wreaths withered,
+her future was destroyed. She had but one preserver--him, him alone,
+and that preservation she could only purchase if she sacrificed her
+soul's salvation.
+
+Calumny had aroused this storm of public opinion, it was a blind,
+unjust outbreak; she could defy it with a good conscience. And, yet
+shuddering internally, she felt as if a Divine judgment were falling
+upon her; "guilty" cried a voice from within, and her knees tottered.
+
+Then resounded a many-voiced shrill whistle; it originated in the
+stalls, in which Doctor Sperner and his friends were seated; they had
+provided themselves with toy whistles,
+
+
+                 "Drums and fifes
+                  Martial sounds--"
+
+
+thus he courted Lori's favour, remembering Göethe's lines--
+
+
+                 "Maidens and castles
+                  Then must they yield,
+                  Bold is the struggle
+                  For glorious reward."
+
+
+The shrill whistle was answered by a ringing mocking laugh from every
+portion of the house. The humiliation, the disgrace were too great.
+
+Giulia fainted, the curtain fell, the performance could proceed no
+farther.
+
+The crowd dispersed noisily, some persons crowded round the ticket box
+to demand their entrance money. Lori looked on very triumphantly, her
+eyes flashed, and Dr. Sperner was permitted to accompany her home.
+Kuhl had hastened on to the stage; Giulia had been taken into the
+drawing-room, where she soon recovered consciousness.
+
+Blanden was her first thought; she implored Kuhl not to communicate the
+theatrical riot to him, he should beseech all their friends to be
+silent about it; she should take care that the newspapers containing
+the report should not fall into his hands, it might excite him, and be
+injurious to his health, if the news reached him.
+
+Kuhl promised to preserve the secret.
+
+"Really, it is not so bad," added he consolingly, "a little more or
+less noise does not matter. The dear public itself is a great scandal,
+a thousand-headed crime against good taste, a million-fold want of
+sense. What is most wretched pleases it, and yet it is really sincere
+when its honest displeasure has been roused, if indeed it is possible
+to transform this sleepy mass into fire and flame. To be sure it only
+burns like plum-pudding when spirits have been poured over it and
+ignited, when the spirits are exhausted then the phlegm remains
+behind."
+
+Giulia thanked the Doctor for his friendly intentions, and for the
+slight comfort which she could extract from such daring views. Arrived
+at home, she sat a long time talking to Beate; she gave her companion
+money for the journey, and on the following day Beate prepared for her
+departure to the Orta lake.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+                           A SLEIGHING PARTY.
+
+
+A cold East Prussian winter's day--crisp snow upon the roads--the broad
+fields sleep beneath their white cover. Ashen grey clouds in the sky,
+but the snow flakes seem to be frozen, and cannot loosen themselves;
+only now and again one little atom flutters down, or has the icy north
+wind, which here and there sweeps up a looser snow field, wafted it
+down from the roofs? It is that spiteful cold which seems to be more
+fitted for Laplanders than for civilised mortals. The air cuts as if
+with knives, and the breath of life freezes on men's lips. But this
+very scorn of Nature who has retired to her ice palace and surrounded
+herself unapproachably, as if with a threefold shield, calls forth
+man's defiance.
+
+Nature must be enjoyed at any price!
+
+The inhabitants of the town, clad in thickly furs, amuse themselves
+upon the Pregel. Upon the smooth even course that leads inland the
+chair sleighs fly forward in long rows, the skaters rush in the
+direction of the north wind which brings them the icy cold greeting
+from the Baltic Sea, lying beneath the spell of winter, others make
+circles upon the surface, and display their art which even a great poet
+has immortalised.
+
+One of the most successful is the gallant skater who makes use of his
+skates as buskins for the higher flight of love. With what gladsomeness
+he pushes the sleigh before him; within it sits, buried beneath furs,
+shawls, rugs, veils, what appears to be a formless mass, and yet!--he
+is proud to drive a beautiful woman.
+
+This same emotion of pride fills Wegen's breast so far as anything is
+to be seen of his face, which is concealed under the fur cap and warm
+ear-covers; it beams with pleasure. His eyes, it is true, weep, but
+only because of the north wind, but if they were a couple of tears of
+joy which he shed he should not be surprised! Olga had never been more
+affable towards him than to-day, and when he dared to speak of the
+sleighing privileges, she smiled. No, it is no smile which refuses--he
+understands it well! The first kiss in prospect,--this point he had
+never attained with Cäcilie! Hah! how his sleigh flew on in advance of
+all towards the beautiful goal, and if the ice did not shed sparks from
+beneath steel shoes, it was not his fault, for he was fire and flame, a
+Hecla in the midst of rigid frost.
+
+Wegen had been in the Province for some time, and Olga, despite the
+monotony of a winter season in the country, had visited the same
+relatives as those with whom Cäcilie had formerly stayed. Olga had made
+a much more favourable impression in Masuren than Cäcilie; she was not
+so superior, so clever: she talked with zest of everything that can
+interest a country young lady and a country "Junker"--and above all,
+she was beautiful, with that stately vigorous beauty that country
+squires love, because it gains such prizes as can be obtained by
+understanding the art of feeding the lower creatures of the animal
+kingdom.
+
+The rumour of her intimacy with Dr. Kuhl only arose in a very pale
+form, and was hardly noticed. Wegen visited Olga as frequently as his
+time permitted him, which it did every day. Olga was always friendly
+and accessible, not so distant, so enigmatic, so evasive as Cäcilie.
+Besides, even before others, she showed how much she favoured Wegen,
+and he was very happy that he should be envied. Such a thing had never
+befallen him before, it was quite a novel sensation for him. Milbe
+declared that every _ombre_ player might wish for such a spadille, and
+Oberamtmann Werner held a conversation with her about his different
+varieties of wool causing him to entertain deep respect for her
+intellectual faculties. Even the women and girls were taken with her.
+She held the most sensible views upon preserving fruit, she knew the
+family tree of all the families of Masuren, and even the collateral
+branches did not disturb her self-possession. Happy Wegen! Never had a
+winter painted more beautiful flowers upon his window panes!
+
+Blanden's wound had re-called Wegen to the capital; he took his turn
+with Giulia and Kuhl in nursing his friend. Olga, meanwhile, had also
+returned to the town, Wegen appeared frequently in Frau von Dornau's
+modest dwelling, and was always received, even by Cäcilie, who had now
+transformed herself into a well-meaning friend, with special
+distinction.
+
+Still, however, he had not yet made up his mind to propose! It seemed
+so humiliating to appear with the same big bouquet of flowers, in the
+same little room, and once more before the same faded sofa to pour
+forth his homage and courtship, while the whole furniture merely
+displayed the one, but very important, difference that Olga was seated
+upon the sofa instead of Cäcilie. The recollection of the figure in the
+cotillon, _changez les dames_, could not be got rid of in those
+apartments in which he had first _avancé_ to Cäcilie's hand. No, even
+if he were firmly resolved to propose for Olga it could not be done in
+that place which was full of mocking, giggling recollections! He
+cherished bold plans, which at other times were foreign to his mind--he
+thought of a sudden surprise.
+
+All at once, as if fatigued, he began to push the chair-sleigh more
+slowly. Dr. Kuhl rushed past him pushing Cäcilie, as did Frau von
+Dornau, who had to content herself with a hired attendant.
+
+Then Wegen guided her somewhat aside. A whole caravan of sleighs now
+passed them tumultuously, Lori in front with an embroidered rug, a
+present from the first-class! On Dr. Sperner's moustache, her cavalier,
+hung melancholy icicles, behind her came the slender girls of the
+first-class, mostly driven by cousins; only fat Iduna, deprived of her
+Theodor Körner, had to be contented with the man servant from the
+school, who was accustomed to heavy loads.
+
+Now Wegen broke completely out of the course like a shying sleigh
+horse, guided her sideways over lumpy hillocks of snow, which had been
+heaped up on the river, and then stopped suddenly in a defile between
+two large snowdrifts, which yielded him a welcome cover.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, where are we?" said Olga's voice, suffocated by
+shawls and furs.
+
+"The snow has dazzled me, I have lost my way," cried Wegen, having
+recourse to a daring falsehood.
+
+Olga uttered a cry of alarm, but only raised herself up in the sleigh
+to see in what territory she had arrived.
+
+There she stood like a czarina; winter seemed to have built his palace
+in her honour alone, only to do homage to her; the north wind kissed
+her fur sleeves, and even if the fur cap surrounded her face enviously,
+so that but little was to be seen of her red, glowing cheeks, yet her
+large eyes gazed majestically out of all her winter wraps.
+
+Wegen shivered with the cold; standing still after the violent exercise
+made him uncomfortable, and the wind blew icily into his face. And yet
+his state of mind was that of Romeo, when he looked up in the Capulet's
+garden at the balcony where his Juliet, in a light ball dress, carried
+on a conversation with the moon and stars.
+
+"What in the world, Herr von Wegen, are we doing?" cried Olga, to whom
+the adventure began to appear serious, because in his sound senses a
+sleigh conductor could hardly wander from the proper course. For a
+moment she actually looked searchingly at Wegen, whether the colour in
+his cheeks could be called forth honestly by the north wind, or if it
+owed its origin to a bottle of champagne.
+
+"As chance has so ordained it, that we are alone, hear then, dear Olga,
+hear what it is that I have had so long at heart."
+
+A turbulent gust of wind swept through the top loose piles of snow and
+whirled them about so that Romeo and Juliet must simultaneously wipe
+the snow out of their eyes.
+
+"I love you, Olga!"
+
+Olga started back in alarm, making the little bells on her fur rug
+tinkle; it is true it was sweet alarm, but she was not prepared for a
+declaration of love with the thermometer so low. Wegen waited for the
+result, while alternately stamping his feet and beating himself with
+his arms, so as to impart some warmth to his body.
+
+"Yes, I have always loved you, that is to say," added he in his love of
+truth, "after Cäcilie--but you know it? Why waste so many words? My
+breath freezes upon my lips, but my heart is all the warmer. Will you
+belong to me for ever?"
+
+Olga drew one hand out of her muff and extended it as if in
+protestation:
+
+"So suddenly, dear friend? And here in the snow?"
+
+"Here we are undisturbed."
+
+"Then it was base treachery?"
+
+"Yes, I will confess it, my compass would not have failed me, but to be
+able to say to you at last what fills my whole--"
+
+Wegen stopped, his teeth chattered, it was internal emotion mingled
+with a shiver, called forth by the low temperature of Boreas, who was
+blowing with inflated cheeks.
+
+"It is indeed weather in which only the Lapland youth can stammer about
+love to a Lapland maiden," added Wegen dejectedly, "but the
+circumstances, the conditions--Olga, tell yourself that it is a
+favourable moment. I do not mean the weather, but that we are alone,
+quite alone. I will make you happy--we have little time, I do not mean
+for your happiness, for that we have our whole lives; but now to
+arrange matters. It is indeed barbarously cold. A glass of negus or
+mulled ale will do us good. But speak then, will you be mine?"
+
+"I must consider it, weigh--"
+
+"And the result you have seen in Cäcilie's case. Those are words as
+cold as ice; it is enough to freeze one's soul. My Olga, dear sweet
+girl, you know my circumstances, they are affluent, my people approve
+of my choice. Your mamma had already given her consent when I proposed
+to Cäcilie, and, of course, it is immaterial which of the two
+daughters--I mean--that is to say, immaterial to your mamma. And now
+once more may I claim my sleighing rights?"
+
+Olga nodded pleasantly, and withdrew her other hand from her muff.
+Wegen pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips, the ice upon his fair beard
+melted in the fervour of his love.
+
+"That was the sleighing privilege, and now--shall we glide together
+over the mirror-like surface of life, as we do over the ice? I promise
+to avoid every uneven course. The sleighing right for life?"
+
+"Yes," whispered Olga, out of her fur hood, into which she had again
+relapsed.
+
+Then Wegen pressed the betrothal kiss upon her lips, her arms encircled
+and folded him to herself, and heart would have beaten glowingly
+against heart if the thick fur trimmings had not been an insurmountable
+obstacle.
+
+Soon the sleigh stumbled over the snow hillocks once more into the
+smooth course, and now they went impetuously towards the inn near the
+Haff, where a numerous circle of people was assembled.
+
+Wegen led Olga to Frau von Dornau, and as he could not shout the glad
+tidings out aloud, sought by means of speaking pantomime to make her
+understand that he was engaged to Olga. A mother always understands
+such things, even although the where and how may remain a riddle to
+her, and while the waiter brought the negus ordered by Wegen and all
+fell to gallantly, Frau von Dornau spoke words of consent, and after
+having refreshed herself with a glass of the fiery drink, imparted her
+blessing in a voice full of emotion.
+
+Cäcilie triumphed when she heard the news from Olga. "She is the right
+one, now at last you have found her," said she, as she shook Wegen's
+hand heartily. The intelligence spread rapidly, like quicksilver,
+amongst those present. A betrothed! Fräulein Baute's entire school
+becomes excited. A lover--for the first-class in a girl's school, that
+is the loftiest position upon earth to which a man can attain. Every
+eve of St. Sylvester they cast him in lead, and yet nothing can be done
+with such a leaden lover, a lover of the future.
+
+Iduna, with her companions, one after another, glided past the chair in
+order to get a closer view of the marvel.
+
+"It is, indeed, remarkable," said Lori to Dr. Sperner, who sat beside
+her and drank to her in a glass of mulled ale; "in Neukuhren people
+believed that he was as good as engaged to Cäcilie, he accompanied her
+upon the piano--and that is always the beginning. But he appears to
+have made a mistake then; this Olga is the right major chord. Upon the
+whole, I consider such feeling about rather tactless. Herr von Wegen is
+no Don Juan by profession like the other. I believe he allows himself
+to be married, and Cäcilie, who holds the first mortgage upon him, has
+given him notice, because he--did not offer sufficiently good
+security."
+
+At the same time Lori made a gesture of explanation. Dr. Sperner knew
+how, by ringing laughter, to do honour to the schoolmistress' hint.
+What an amount of genius she concealed in her little head!
+
+"But the other?" asked the Doctor, as he stroked his moustache
+complacently, "where is her first mortgage now?"
+
+"On a spot, which alas! is even more insecure! If a suit be opened upon
+Dr. Kuhl's heart, then every unhappy creditor, or much rather female
+creditor, will have to content herself with very little payment."
+
+"But I do not understand how a young lady can be so thoughtless."
+
+"They should be cut, propriety requires it, nothing else is left for
+us."
+
+At that moment Cäcilie passed by; she greeted them pleasantly, but her
+bow was scarcely returned by Lori, while Doctor Sperner looked
+defiantly at her, a bold smile upon his lips, and only nodded his head
+slightly.
+
+Her sister's engagement cast her far into the shade, people gave her to
+understand that her free behaviour would no longer be tolerated in
+society. Major Bern's wife did not press her to sit down, although
+Banquo's ghost might have been obliged to sit either on the right or
+left hand, and the Frau Kanzleiräthin wrapped herself disapprovingly in
+her red shawl when Cäcilie addressed her, and was so chary of her
+words, that her friends looked anxiously at her as if she had been
+suddenly taken ill, because only shortly before she had gathered
+together the sluices of her eloquence, to pour out an overwhelming
+flood of language. Even Minna, who was still unmarried, and in spite of
+that fact had forfeited none of her good nature--fat Minna, who had
+already in all dancing parties long since belonged to the female
+_land-sturm_, and was only called out when no one else could be
+mobilised--did not talk to Cäcilie without a certain timidity, as if
+contact with so adventuresome a beauty might injure her good character,
+and frighten away some wooer, although for years already none had
+appeared on her horizon.
+
+Cäcilie seemed to challenge danger with a certain amount of defiance,
+the tokens of contempt increased at table after table, where she
+greeted old acquaintances. Not more cheering was the familiar and
+impudent greeting of gifted Salomon, who, seated with a few friends
+over a large bowl of negus, pledged a glass to the lady passing by, and
+invited her to sit down at their table while he recited in a half
+intoxicated voice--
+
+
+                 "With brunettes I now have finished,
+                    And this year am once more fond
+                  Of the eyes whose hue is azure
+                    Of the hair whose colour's blonde."
+
+
+Cäcilie found it difficult to defend herself from these importunate
+invitations.
+
+Dr. Kuhl stood beside the stove, and warmed himself with his hands
+behind him, but nothing of that which befell Cäcilie escaped him. It
+filled him with extreme dissatisfaction, it was as if his beloved were
+running the gauntlet, and with such irritating composure. He had caught
+himself in the act of pulling up his coat sleeves in rage, ready to
+knock down all who insulted her.
+
+"Dear Paul," said Cäcilie, "I have something to tell you."
+
+"I do not understand," replied Paul, angrily, "how you can court all
+these people; they are the most worn out coinage which can have no
+circulation amongst us. Let us sit down here at this table behind the
+stove, there we shall at least not see these bald heads, which only by
+an oversight, or by the magic wand of some mischievous Demiurgos, were
+thrown amongst human beings. Well your communication--"
+
+"It could be foreseen, Olga has engaged herself to Herr von Wegen."
+
+Kuhl struck the table with his hand.
+
+"Then may the weather--that Wegen! I always had an antipathy for the
+man; he belongs to those who would play with dice, and cannot count,
+and with the most innocent face he gets up one affair after another.
+First he proposes to you, then to Olga--I feel as if I saw my face in a
+distorting mirror, like a ridiculous caricature."
+
+"No one will blame his conduct!"
+
+"That is it! People may dare much for love! Only a little time must
+elapse between--time! That is the meaning of all wisdom, and yet that
+old maid who paints our wrinkles upon us makes everything worse!
+Whether to-day I love two girls at once, or to-day the one, and
+to-morrow the other, is really no very great difference! And yet the
+first is accounted a sin, and the other is most correct. Always the
+goose-step in life and love, and so one walks most comfortably through
+the world."
+
+"You see, though, how kindly they greet Olga and thrust me aside."
+
+"Olga--she has put a crown upon her faithlessness to our alliance, now
+it is broken! I did not think her so calculating."
+
+"Calculating? She loves Wegen!"
+
+"It is not possible!"
+
+"Why? He is honest, and a gentleman!"
+
+"Did you perhaps love him too?"
+
+"And if I had done so? bountiful natures must find an outlet!"
+
+"You are making fun of me! Verily any one who will uphold a sensible
+principle in a ridiculous world, must at least appear like a Don
+Quixote, even to himself; at least, they all look upon his helmet as a
+barber's goblet. I am weary of carrying on this impossible struggle
+with want of sense."
+
+Cäcilie did not interrupt the monologue, but beat upon the table with
+her fingers, and looked inquiringly at his face with her cunning
+sparkling eyes.
+
+"I took Olga's to be a nature," continued Kuhl, "which, following an
+unknown impulse, grasps the right one. We need such natures which do
+not trouble themselves at all about the rules of society, which pass no
+sleepless nights in consequence. For me she was refreshing, because for
+the mentally intoxicated, and those who are tired of roving, who wander
+through heaven and earth, there is no better refreshment than a richly
+endowed material nature; for me she was a triumph because she showed me
+that not natural feeling, but only the falsity of society demanded
+exclusive possession."
+
+Cäcilie cast down her eyes and said timidly, "I did not know that Olga
+was so much to you!
+
+"Not she alone, you both together, you complete one another in a
+harmonious picture of perfect womanhood."
+
+"And what are we, then, separately, each by herself? Melancholy,
+imperfect work! And yet, dear Paul, if I ask my heart--is it rich
+enough in ardent passion to satisfy one whole life, I hear the reply
+and repeat it with pride. I alone will have you, for I feel the power
+within me quite alone to make you happy; for every effort, every action
+of your mind, an echo lives in my breast; for the glow and impetuosity
+of your love a corresponding fire; for immeasurable will, immeasurable
+devotion."
+
+"Cäcilie," cried Kuhl warmly, stirred by the beautiful enthusiasm of an
+usually cold nature.
+
+"My heart would tell me this, my proud heart! But love which can do all
+things, can also be resolute. I do not suffice you--well then! I did
+not only do violence to my own feelings, but in full consciousness I
+took martyrdom upon me, I bore the contempt of the world, not from
+the conviction that your audacious opinion was right, but with
+self-sacrificing courage of love I rejected Wegen's offer, as the world
+rejects me. You must be all to me, and I am not even to possess the
+comfort of being all to you."
+
+Sinister clouds gathered on Kuhl's brow, he struggled with a
+resolution.
+
+"Oh! do not think that it is so easy to stand alone and bear contempt.
+It wounds one's heart--and many scalding tears have I shed, and even
+now they come again into my eyes, although I may bear the humiliation
+with a smiling countenance."
+
+Cäcilie began to sob, and with clenched hands Kuhl sprang up from the
+table, as though he would call an opponent out to battle.
+
+"You cannot protect me as Blanden protected his beloved, with a pistol
+in his hand: outlaw and excommunication hover over me, but such things
+cannot be touched; they only keep watch in the air, they are only
+written on countenances, in gestures--and not men accustomed to battle
+are they who carry out this excommunication; they are women and girls,
+the guardians of propriety who only pierce a heart with pins."
+
+"It shall be different," cried Kuhl now, with firm resolution. "Olga
+has left us, you have remained true to me, you shall not suffer for it.
+Verily, I am not Blanden's inferior in courage, and yet that duel has
+given me much to think about. He offered up his life for his beloved
+one's good name. I cannot, I must not, look on and see them insult you.
+Blanden has often already said so. I would not believe it; to-day I see
+it with my own eyes. No, no, no! He was right, ten times right! I may
+sacrifice _myself_ to my convictions, but not a girl who loves me!"
+
+Cäcilie had also risen, and with clasped hands looked beseechingly at
+him.
+
+"I can ascend the funereal pile, but must not permit them even to
+scorch the finger tips of my beloved. Hitherto, you have sacrificed
+much to me, your good name before the world; thus I will sacrifice much
+to you, everything, a portion of my better self, faith towards truth.
+Yes, at this moment I appear like a traitor in my own eyes, whose hand
+shall be cut off, but I am weak, I will be weak out of love for you.
+They shall not think lightly of you, they shall not, although I despise
+their opinion and can only compare them with the vapour that hovers
+over large towns, the pestilential air of a densely-packed crowd, but
+for your sake Cäcilie--be it! I will take part in the same absurdity,
+and thus declare you to be my betrothed."
+
+With a suppressed cry of gladness, Cäcilie sank into his arms, the
+stove concealed the group from the eyes of the many.
+
+"And even marriage I shall not mind, it is the fruit of this evil doing
+and so on. At this moment I appear contemptible to myself, small--no
+reformer's vein flows through me, it must say _pereat mundus_ 'and live
+the new faith,' but a man can no longer stand upon the buskin when he
+stands beneath the slipper. But now they shall have it in black and
+white, lithographed, engraved!--what do I care? And in all newspapers
+it shall be stated, so that you shall be purified, my child, with
+printer's ink! Go, hasten, whisper it to your sister, cry it through
+the room, they shall respect you, it does not cost much, a small amount
+of lungs and a few letters, such as are before a menagerie; lion and
+lioness in one cage! Then they will be contented at once. I shall still
+remain here in my corner, I must first consider what kind of grimace I
+must make as a _fiancé_. I shall look odd."
+
+Cäcilie kissed his hands; drawing back, he said, "None of those slavish
+caresses, but go, go! There, I am, after all, caught in the purple
+silk, and the cursed song of the bridesmaids' wreath buzzes in my ears!
+By Jupiter! And Wegen, my brother-in-law! That is what reasoning
+animals call it! That is the most bitter pill!"
+
+Cäcilie hastened at once to her sister and mother to bring them the
+glad tidings. Frau von Dornau was too happy! Two daughters engaged on
+one day!
+
+Olga congratulated her sister heartily. "Only think," added she, "we
+became engaged out in the snow and ice, with the thermometer twenty
+degrees below zero!"
+
+"And we," said Cäcilie smiling, "at about twenty degrees above zero,
+behind the blazing stove. It is a tale of extremes! It is to be hoped
+that the right temperature will be restored to us both in marriage."
+
+Kuhl was brought out of his corner by both sisters to the family table;
+he wore the air of a culprit, who is led to execution. Wegen was
+brimming over with cordiality, Kuhl buttoned up his coat.
+
+"It is better thus," said the Baron, "_suum cuique!_ One must learn to
+control oneself."
+
+"Well, I should think," replied Kuhl, "we have nothing to reproach
+ourselves with."
+
+The news spread rapidly through the room and created the greatest
+sensation. Major Bern's wife appeared behind Cäcilie's chair with the
+friendly words, "May we congratulate you, my dear Fräulein?" The
+Kanzleiräthin came in her red shawl with her fat daughter Minna; both
+were affected, as was natural, under the circumstances. Minna had
+already wished happiness to so many others with her tears--rain falling
+upon the bridal wreath brings happiness. Last of all Lori appeared
+also, and congratulated with all her heart. Kuhl was a good match.
+
+"There you have the world," said the latter to Cäcilie, "with what a
+fine thread these marionettes can be guided! It is worth while to act a
+comedy before such an audience."
+
+But Lori said to Dr. Sperner, as he sat down beside her, "God have
+mercy on them! Courage is needed to marry Dr. Kuhl. Without barred
+windows and heavy iron, he will yet escape some day."
+
+The moon shone brightly! The return journey was commenced in the most
+cheerful mood, which, however, soon ceased in the astonishing cold
+which meanwhile had set in.
+
+"A bridal drive, such as the Esquimaux enjoy," said Kuhl, "but it is
+done more comfortably there with the dog-sleighs; here we must push our
+own goods home."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+                   IN THE LAND OF THE LOTUS-FLOWERS.
+
+
+Blanden recovered slowly; several relapses occurred, weeks elapsed
+before he might take his drive with Giulia.
+
+The softened mood of the convalescent was in harmony with the wild
+spring breeze which was wafted towards them from wood and meadow. The
+thawing wind had melted the ice on the Pregel, it floated to the sea,
+and the breezes of spring swept through the air.
+
+They descended from the carriage in the wood, they gathered the last
+snow drops, the first anemones.
+
+"I love these flowers," said Blanden, "the pretty anemones cannot grow
+in gloom, they only flourish in places where a fresh breath of air
+greets them, where the wind plays with their delicate coronets of
+blossom. Free air, fresh air, breath of life, how I have ever longed
+for you! I feel myself related to these lovely flowers--and if a soul
+dwells in these tiny anemones, it is one thirsting after freedom."
+
+Giulia had learned to enter entirely into Blanden's thoughts and
+feelings, the quiet, familiar intercourse in his sick room had given
+her leisure to become quite absorbed in his richly stored mind.
+
+Daily she felt more that she could not live without him, and equally so
+that she owed him her whole life; again and again she told herself that
+it could be no sin if she made him happy, so long as it was permitted
+by the fate which she defied. He did not see the sword above her head,
+she saw it with internal trembling, and yet--she defied it, even if it
+might fall upon her.
+
+How devoutly she listened to his tales of the land of the
+lotus-flowers! Ah, how vast was the world, how rich the knowledge of
+it, how varying the habits! Giulia was almost alarmed when Blanden told
+her of the woman at Luckwardie, on the hills of the Himalaya, high
+above the Pomona--every woman there belongs to four brothers.
+
+She lost herself completely in the breath of the fairy tale and flowery
+land, that is so lovely in its dreams and so vast in its thoughts. One
+after another Blanden unrolled these magically illuminated worlds of
+thought conceived by silent thinkers in penitents' garb and hermits'
+huts. Is the world but the veil, the dream, the existence?--why then is
+life full of nervous dread? Giulia felt herself strengthened by that
+dream-world of the Bast, everything painful and impious faded away in
+that mild, softening twilight.
+
+Blanden, too, seemed to be transfigured by the soothing influence of
+sickness, in the loneliness of the sick room, far removed from the
+world: like one of those thoughtful hermits, who, upon mossy banks in
+sacred groves, amongst flowers and gazelles, ponder upon the mystery of
+the world. She thus forgot that he, far from belonging to inactive
+dreamers, had only lately given a proof of western knightliness which
+is very different from the blood-fearing Hindoo; but yet he was filled
+with the warmest sympathy for Hindoo thinkers and poets.
+
+"How profound," said he often, "is the blending of the soul with all
+that their wise men teach. If the form break, the spirit becomes united
+with the Divine soul of the world, as a bottle in the deep mingles its
+contents with the sea, if it break against the rocks."
+
+Four lines of poetry, however, were, above all others, ineffaceably
+impressed in her memory, reflecting her situation, her mood, so truly
+that she trembled in her very soul when Blanden first recited them to
+her, verses culled from one of the two great hero books of India,
+containing such depth of thought as is not to be found either in the
+heroic poetry of Greece or Germany--
+
+
+           "Oh earthly happiness ever trembling on the brink,
+            As dew drops kiss the flowers a moment but to sink;
+            As logs on the ocean may meet and then sever
+            So men here on earth, and to meet again--never."
+
+
+Blanden was obliged to kiss the tears from Giulia's eyes, which the
+grand verses of the Ramayana and the song of "trembling earthly
+happiness" had called forth.
+
+"You often appear to me," said Blanden, "like a charming Savitri, and
+although you also are my goddess of fire, I do not mean her, but the
+child which bore her name. A dark prophecy dedicated the beloved one to
+death after the lapse of a year, but before the fatal respite drew
+near, she performed daily penances, praying and fasting; and like a
+marble goddess standing before the altar, and when the blood-red god of
+death appeared, with the thin rope in his hand, and had already
+extracted her beloved one's soul, she knew how to move him by her
+prayers, entreaties, and her touching faithfulness, until he granted
+her her husband's life. You, too, with faithful care and touching
+prayer have won my life from the blood-red Yamna."
+
+"It was my own life," replied Giulia; "without you I could not have
+lived, you yourself told me that the funereal pile is lighted with
+sacred fire into which the Hindoo widow casts herself. That pure flame
+was the fire of your love for me; they die for him who had lived for
+them, how much more must I have sought death for him who would have
+died for me?"
+
+Trembling in the bliss of such devoted affection, she thought of Beate
+and her errand with eagerness as terrified as that with which the
+Hindoo maidens follow the flower-clad little boats, carrying burning
+lamps, and which they have confided to the waves of the Ganges; if the
+lamp extinguish, then extinguishes the light of hope, and a silent
+desire entrusted to the stream, finds its watery grave. When Blanden
+told her this, how she had thought of her light-ship that was now
+tossing upon the waves of the Orta lake; perhaps already the north wind
+which blew through the passes of the Simplon had extinguished the
+little lamp of her hopes.
+
+It was a weird shadow which followed her through life. Oh, how she
+envied the gods and peris who dwelled in enchanted gardens far above
+the everlasting snow upon the summits of the Himalayas, envied them not
+the flowers of Paradise, not the ethereal light, not the glorious song
+of the Gandharvos, not because they drink the Indian ambrosial amreeta
+in fox-gloves out of the moon, which, for fourteen days, the sun has
+filled with that drink, but only the one privilege, that of walking in
+light and casting no shadow behind them. An unshadowed bliss, this for
+her was unattainable for evermore!
+
+Even the measures of precaution by which she had intended to conceal
+from Blanden her defeat upon the stage, were only successful for a
+time. One day a deputation of students, in caps of every hue, came to
+Blanden. Salomon was the speaker.
+
+"We know, Herr von Blanden, that Fräulein Bollini is your betrothed, we
+wish you happiness, although the muse of song--her name I cannot
+recollect this moment, as we sons of the muses care less for them than
+might be expected--will veil her face. A report is spread abroad that
+you forbid your betrothed to tread the world-renowned stage."
+
+"It is her own free will," replied Blanden.
+
+"We respect you," continued Salomon, "because you have shown in a
+knightly manner how a man should defend his lady's honour, and even,
+although we have no lady-loves, at least no perennial plants, who bear
+the title of wife or betrothed, we know well how to appreciate such
+conduct."
+
+A murmur of approval from the students denoted their concurrence in
+those words.
+
+"Therefore it is that we address you with the entreaty that you
+persuade your betrothed to appear again upon the stage. We are all now
+ready to protect her, after having learned with whom that disgraceful
+outrage originated."
+
+"What outrage?" asked Blanden astonished.
+
+Salomon was surprised at the question.
+
+"But surely you know, Herr von Blanden?--"
+
+"Indeed, I know of nothing!"
+
+The deputation became uncomfortable, the students looked at one another
+in amazement. Salomon, however, was soon calmed, and at the same time
+delighted at his own shrewdness, as he imagined he was able to see
+through the matter; he snapped his fingers and said--
+
+"Then our respected _prima donna_ has concealed this from you out of
+tender feeling, so as not to cause you any excitement which might be
+deleterious to your health. But now that the mention of the unpleasant
+fact has escaped the custody of our lips, you will be able to bear the
+sad news with manly dignity. Yes, on that evening on which Giulia was
+to sing Rosina's part, she was hissed, drummed out, and whistled at,
+until the curtain had to be lowered."
+
+Blanden sprang up wrathfully.
+
+"The worthless creatures; oh, I know--"
+
+"It was a conspiracy," added Salomon.
+
+"Savitri, faithful nurse, this then was your penance," said Blanden
+dreamily to himself.
+
+"It was desecration of the temple to the muses."
+
+"That is why the criticisms on the 'Barbière di Sevilla' could not be
+found when I wanted to read them," said Blanden.
+
+"A most unholy alliance between the companions of Spiegeler the
+reporter, and a clique got together by an officer, carried off a
+disgraceful victory on that eventful evening. Very few members of the
+Albertina, alas, were present, but we have now resolved to make Signora
+Bollini brilliant amends upon her next appearance. The noble clubs of
+Masuren and Lithuania, the Albertina itself with all its societies; the
+Hochheimers, Goths, Teutons and Borusses are unanimous, which does not
+often happen, and even the independent Camels will join the students'
+union. We shall not permit a small party to be the leaders of taste in
+the theatre, we will represent the _vox populi_ with overwhelming
+force, and the pillars of the old shop of the muses shall tremble with
+the thunder of our acclamations. Long live Signora Bollini!"
+
+"Hurrah!" cried the students, waving their caps.
+
+"I thank you from my heart, gentlemen," said Blanden, "but the decision
+upon this point rests with the actress."
+
+"But you have much influence over her! We will offer her consolation
+and compensation. May she console herself with Schiller--
+
+
+           'The mean world loves to darken what is bright;'
+
+
+then Heine's verses will become true--
+
+
+           'And a new-born song spring softly
+            From the heal'd heart shoots to-morrow.'
+
+
+"I am fond of quoting, Herr von Blanden, it is an act of disinterested
+love of truth; our cultivation consists entirely in half unconscious or
+unguaranteed quotations. Why not declare openly that Bartel knows on
+which side his bread is buttered?"
+
+As Salomon began to diverge--a known peculiarity of the versatile
+talented youth--one of the seniors, whose face, rendered purple by many
+a cut and thrust, bore artistic marks of kind friends legibly sketched
+upon it, assumed the reins of the transaction with a firm hand.
+
+"Let the Signora appear, we will protect her! If that clique venture
+forth once more, we will reply to their second brutal blow with fitting
+tierce and quart, so that their ears shall tingle."
+
+"I repeat," said Blanden, "that I am very grateful to you, but I cannot
+even support your wish."
+
+"Why not?" asked Salomon, dissatisfied with the meagre results of his
+eloquence.
+
+"I do not wish that my betrothed shall be again exposed to the storms
+of public opinion; I will guide her into a safe haven. The laurels of
+the European capitals will console her for this small defeat; even for
+Signora Bollini's laurels, may Frau von Blanden long no more, she will
+belong to quite another world, and I wish that too violent equinoctial
+gales should not accompany her to this change in her life, so that she
+may be able calmly to prepare herself for it. But this, of course, is
+only my opinion, I shall not interfere at all with my betrothed's
+resolutions, and she will in any case rejoice at your warm sympathy,
+and the honor which you intend for her."
+
+Blanden shook hands pleasantly with the students' delegates, while he
+added, every one of the gentlemen should be welcome who would be
+present at his wedding.
+
+Soon after, he went to Giulia; he reproached her for having concealed
+from him the scene in the theatre; she was alarmed that he should have
+heard of it.
+
+"Silence," said she, "is not always as the German poet says, the god of
+the happy, but just as often the god of the unfortunate."
+
+"Do you think that I should have rejected you as Rama rejected his
+Sita, when the opinion of the people turned against her? Do you believe
+that you are less dear to me, fill my whole heart less, when the
+senseless mob calumniates you?"
+
+"Oh, that is not the cause of my silence towards you; I feared that you
+might excite yourself for my sake. I would not let any shadow from
+without cast its gloom into your sick chamber."
+
+"Oh, you are so gentle and good! Goodness of heart is little prized in
+the world, and yet all wisdom depends upon it, it alone is the
+guarantee of happiness. Giulia, shall you appear upon the stage again?"
+
+"Never," replied the singer.
+
+"They would prepare you a brilliant triumph, you would retire from the
+stage richer by one beautiful recollection! Weigh it well!"
+
+"Is it your wish?"
+
+"Only if you wish it!"
+
+"No, no! I want no more laurel wreaths, and if I retire with a painful
+memory, my parting from the stage will be all the easier; I want
+nothing more in the world but your love. Buried be my past, oh, could I
+but bury it deeply!"
+
+"But not all!" said Blanden, "shall even the beautiful recollection of
+the magic lake be buried? Every day of happiness was a picture of
+future enchanting years. Do you remember the charming Indian poem,
+'Calidas,' of which I told you? Oh, that Indian poetry is like the
+madhavya plant, which from its very root is full of flowers. I always
+think of that lovely Sacontala, and the marriage of Gandarvos, by which
+upon the flowery seat of the hermit's cave she united herself to the
+king. Then in the Indian legend ensues a time of long, dreary
+forgetfulness, but upon our life rests another curse. At last Sacontala
+saw her beloved one again; misunderstandings were cleared up, and the
+short enchanting meeting became a lasting alliance. Therefore will I,
+my lotus-flower, kiss the tears from your cheeks, as King Duschmanta
+kissed his regained beloved one."
+
+"Then, I will belong only and wholly to you," cried Giulia, amid kisses
+and embraces, "and even the fame which I conquered shall fade away like
+visions in the air."
+
+"I feel better every day," said Blanden, "I shall soon go to Kulmitten,
+and make all preparations for our marriage."
+
+Giulia, as usual, trembled when the eventful day was named.
+
+"If only Beate would return," said she to herself, "perhaps I should be
+calmer."
+
+Once more before setting out for his estate Blanden made a speech in
+the Citizen Assembly; he did not wish to break the thread which he had
+attached here, an active political life should be closely united to the
+domestic happiness he had ensured. Unfortunately, however, he must
+learn that his popularity in those circles had suffered seriously.
+Theatrical adventures and duels were something that the citizen mind
+could not deem compatible with a pioneer of political liberty. While
+they suddenly discovered a Don Quixote in him, he found himself at
+variance with the sentiments of the free citizens. Mutual estrangement
+ensued: his speech met with a lukewarm reception, the matadors of the
+assembly, the political doctor, the picturesque humourist, gave no
+token of approval, and therefore the crowd also remained silent.
+
+Not without a feeling of bitterness did Blanden leave the
+_Gemeinde-garten_; a slight veil was spread over his political dreams
+of the future; should he always remain bound to a life of vagrancy,
+never be able to raise himself to citizen-like activity, to
+statesman-like distinction?
+
+Spring was in the air, as he drove home with his foaming team, but an
+autumnal sensation at his heart he could not suppress.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+                      IN THE CHURCH ON SAN GIULIO.
+
+
+About eight days might have elapsed since Blanden's departure. Giulia
+meanwhile had dissolved her agreement with the managers, and at home
+denied herself to all visitors. She was in a state of excitement which
+she could conceal with difficulty. Whenever a carriage drove up in her
+vicinity she rushed to the window. She watched for Beate with dread
+expectancy. At last the carriage stopped before the house, and her
+friend's first words were, "Be calm! All is well."
+
+After having shaken off the dust of her journey, Beate soon appeared in
+Giulia's drawing-room with the unfailing cunning smile upon her lips,
+and with a calm gladsomeness, such as follows the execution of a good
+deed; she stirred the crackling fire in the stove, seated herself
+comfortably upon the sofa, poured as much arack as possible into her
+tea, to warm herself, and then began to relate the events of her
+journey:
+
+"Oh, our beautiful south! How melancholy to drive over these plains of
+ice, through the snow-laden pine forests, through these districts where
+sleepy Nature never seems to open her eyes, how terribly wearisome all
+the world here appears to one! And those passengers in mail coaches,
+those Polish Jews, those people from the small towns with their boxes,
+their baggage, their stupid faces! Thus it went on night and day, day
+and night. People have given themselves the trouble to find names for
+all these heaths, these towns through which one drives, and yet one
+looks like another, it is most immaterial what they are called! Even a
+little rocky nest in our Italy at least looks picturesque, here they
+are always the same barns, the same bad pavement, over which the mail
+coach rattles.
+
+"A long row of extra carriages followed the principal one, in which a
+most unpleasant company seemed to be congregated. In the dark corners
+of the passengers' room I saw figures which resembled brigands, one
+passenger especially, with a black bandage over one eye, and a dark
+beard, clings to my recollections. I saw him creep past me several
+times, wrapped up in his cloak. I had an eerie feeling as if he had
+cast an evil eye upon me, it seemed sometimes as if he were staring
+piercingly at me out of the dark with his only sound one. I had to rest
+in the capital, for three days and three nights I had not left the
+rattling coach, and, at last, from over fatigue, had fallen into an
+unrefreshing sleep. I had hardly looked after my baggage and put my
+large box into the charge of a postal official in order to seek my long
+missed rest at an hotel, before I saw a special post-chaise drive up
+and the man in the cloak, with the bandage over his eye, get in.
+
+"He must be in great haste to proceed, for the post-chaise had four
+horses.
+
+"I travelled slowly, I rested several times in large towns. I am
+nervous too, although I am no actress, but daily intercourse with a
+_prima donna_ upsets one's nerves. Do not be offended, dear child, but
+even the finest particles of dust, which one swallows in your theatre,
+are like _aqua toffana_. I remained one day in Berlin, in Nuremberg, in
+Augsburg!
+
+"How I rejoiced when I saw the Alps again, dangerous as was the drive
+through the snow passes.
+
+"Then I felt the mild soft spring breath of Italy when the steamboat
+carried me across the glorious lake. From Stresa I went over the
+mountains to Orta--how my heart beat, when the waves of the lake surged
+at my feet, and the little island with the rocky castle lay before me.
+
+"I had had leisure enough on my way to think of a plan as to how I
+could best execute my task, a task that was full of danger for body and
+soul; but for the soul there is always absolution. Many plans that rose
+in my mind I rejected as too daring, as impracticable, much I must
+leave to chance and circumstances. I then made enquiries for the two
+witnesses to the marriage, whose names you wrote down for me. Signor
+Bonardo has long been dead, and the beautiful Orsola eloped with a
+Greek, and was quite lost sight of. No danger is threatened from that
+quarter.
+
+"I visited the chaplain of the little church of San Giulio, he was a
+young man not unsusceptible to my charms. His predecessor, the old
+priest, had just died. For a long time he had been in confinement in
+the cloister, and under examination. In the nearest diocese a trial was
+to be instituted against him for forgery, of which he had been guilty.
+The chaplain himself conducted me up the high steps by the lake into
+the sacristy of the church, where he searched through the registry to
+reply to my question as to your marriage day. If ever I exerted my eyes
+I did so then. Eagerly I followed his movements, noted the book, the
+number of the page, the entrance to the sacristy. I thanked the
+chaplain, the good man even became tender towards me, and when he
+bestowed his blessing upon me he kissed me upon my brow.
+
+"It was still early morning, and a long day of twelve hours lay before
+me. People might, perhaps, have taken me for a love-sick dreamer if
+they had seen me wander upon the woodland paths behind the little town.
+I could not remain long in the _Leone d'oro_, feverish restlessness had
+taken possession of me.
+
+"I scrambled up the path with its numerous chapels leading to the
+pilgrims' church of San Franciscus. I prayed here and there. I did
+penance for that which I was about to begin. I felt as if I belonged
+not to the bright day, not to this glorious nature! How exquisite was
+the view over the lake from the Sacro Monte, upon the chestnut and
+walnut woods of Pella, upon the high Alps of Monte Rosa, what a breath
+of Spring quivered yonder in the fruit hedge and made the lake ripple!
+With my sinister purpose I seemed to be out of place in this bright
+world!
+
+"How sleepily the hours crept on. How long it was before the sun
+declined into the west and cast its more slanting rays into the waves
+of the lake and upon the house roofs of the little town. And much as I
+had longed for this hour with feverish impatience, I became
+proportionately alarmed again at the approach of fatal night.
+
+"Like an incendiary I had provided myself with a tinder-box that was
+sufficiently well supplied to contain ample provision, even for many
+vain attempts.
+
+"The windows of the little church of San Giulio were brightly
+illuminated, it was the hour of evening service. My boat glided over
+the lake in the moonlight, and landed at the tall granite stairs.
+
+"I ascended the steps. The moon was just hiding its light in a cloud;
+and looking back upon the lake, in a boat that seemed to be circling
+round the little rocky island, like an eagle round his eyrie, I
+perceived a closely enveloped figure, which reminded me of that man
+with the bandage.
+
+"My sight is keen, but it was too dark to recognise the figure more
+accurately, and I soon came to the conclusion that I had become the
+victim of a morbid delusion. The skiff disappeared behind a rocky
+promontory which rose up steeply to the summit, upon which stood the
+old tower of Berengarius.
+
+"I entered the church, but neither could I join in the devotions of the
+congregation nor examine the pillars of porphyry, the image of the
+Madonna of Ferrari, nor the mosaics of the floor. I only looked about
+for some place of concealment in which I could hide myself, and
+believed I had discovered one behind a small tomb.
+
+"I took advantage of a moment in which the sacristan, like the rest of
+the congregation, was occupied with the service, to creep behind the
+door of the sacristy, and quickly as lightning drew out the key, then I
+descended the stairs, and unperceived cast it into the lake.
+
+"The service was over, the sacristan made his round of the church once
+more, and convinced himself that the devout throng had entirely left
+it. Having passed my youth amongst bands of smugglers, I am used to
+creeping, crawling, and slipping into crevices like lizards, and thus I
+succeeded in deceiving the custodian of the church by first gliding
+after him and then suddenly disappearing behind the tomb. He sought
+long in vain for the key of the sacristy, and at last relinquished the
+effort, shaking his head, while he left the door standing open. He shut
+the church behind him: I was alone.
+
+"The first sensation which overcame me was one of undefined dread. A
+few lingering moonlight rays still fell through the tall church
+windows, and shed a light upon the pictures on the wall, so that they
+seemed to move like ghosts. But then the darkness became intense,
+either the moon had set or was concealed behind heavy clouds. My
+solitary footsteps made a hollow echo upon the floor. I shuddered when
+I remembered that about the midnight hour spirits might rise out of the
+tombs and keep me company. It was still too early for my undertaking.
+Below all was still awake in the island town and upon the lake, a gleam
+of light too early would have betrayed me.
+
+"But from dread of the echo of my footsteps, which rumbled away through
+the empty space as if something besides myself were stirring here, I
+sat down motionlessly upon a bench, folded my hands, tried to pray, and
+then to fall asleep.
+
+"And a short sleep did overcome me, but I started up from it with a
+loud cry. Had I dreamed it? It seemed as if at the other end of the
+church something that passed gently over the steps, stumbled over the
+benches.
+
+"But all was still again, the dread of a living being besides myself in
+this place had fled to my dreams, and on awaking the delusion still
+clung to me.
+
+"It must have been midnight already; deep silence reigned without, not
+a sound from the houses by the lake penetrated to my ears, not even the
+dim radiance of the lightly veiled moonlight forced its way through the
+windows. Impenetrable heavy clouds must have enveloped the heavenly
+orb, because the blackest obscurity filled the church.
+
+"My sense of locality came to my assistance. I had impressed the plan
+of the interior of the church sharply into my memory, estimated all
+distances correctly; I knew exactly where the chairs stood, and in how
+many rows, where the steps began to ascend to the altar, where was the
+entrance to the sacristy.
+
+"Thus I felt my way from one row to another, measured with careful feet
+the distance to the altar steps, and was already placing my foot upon
+the lowest one when an invisible hand behind my dress drew me back.
+
+"I was seized with unutterable horror; my heart beat audibly; it could
+be no delusion; I was not alone here; was I in the power of an
+invisible enemy; or did a spectre persecute me?
+
+"I put my hand out behind; I grasped the empty air; the hand had
+released my dress; I cried in a strong voice, so as to inspire myself
+with courage, 'Who is here?' But nothing replied, excepting one loud
+echo from the walls of the empty church.
+
+"Nevertheless my heart is full of courage, and I said to myself, why
+this fear and alarm? What concerns you is that you have pledged your
+honour to save your friend; now see that you succeed whether you live
+or die, even if hell send its ghosts against you!
+
+"Indeed, it seemed more probable that some spectre hand had seized me,
+than that any human being besides myself lingered in the gloomy place,
+but if it were a mortal, then I must try to deceive and out-man[oe]uvre
+him.
+
+"Like lightning this flashed through my mind. I did not ascend any more
+steps; softly as possible I glided into a corner, there I drew off my
+shoes, and crept once more to the altar steps, which this time I could
+pass up undisturbed. I felt about the altar until I had hold of one of
+the candelabra, and had convinced myself that a candle was in it. With
+nervous anxiety I avoided the least sound.
+
+"The candlestick in one hand, I went down again from the high altar,
+held my dress closely together with the other, so that it might not
+sweep the steps. I did not dare to breathe.
+
+"Then something in the corner stumbled over my shoes, which I had left
+there. This time I was not alarmed. I was thankful that the ghost was
+on the other side of the church; in all haste I sped into the sacristy
+through the door, which was only slightly ajar.
+
+"I knew that the light would attract the bats, which hopped after me,
+and yet I could not shut the door without betraying myself. I groped
+for the desk where I had seen the registry lie, there it was still in
+the same place. I turned over the leaves and counted the pages, of
+which, in the morning, I had taken note. I must gain as much time as
+possible before I should burn the tell-tale light.
+
+"At last the moment had arrived, it must be done. My tinder-box did its
+duty; the altar candle burned; the holy light illuminated my unholy
+task.
+
+"For the duration of a second the sensation of sacrilege overcame me,
+but time passed.
+
+"I had only turned over two pages too many, there it stood: Giulia
+Bollini, Signor Baluzzi. That was the fatal leaf! With bold resolution
+I tore it out and held it in the flame. Then a loud peal of mocking
+laughter rang from the door of the sacristy. I looked round and saw the
+man with the bandage.
+
+"The page was burned to atoms, I still saw it as if in a dream; rigid
+with fear I saw the man rush upon me; I blew out the light, but I could
+not escape him.
+
+"I felt as one does in those dreams in which we see a monster, a
+serpent, a tiger prepared for the spring which shall kill us: my nerves
+were over-excited so that I could not distinguish between my dream and
+reality.
+
+"Still nearer came the steps of the gruesome ghost. My senses gave way.
+I fell down in a swoon!
+
+"When I awoke again all was still intensely dark, but morning must soon
+dawn.
+
+"I was alone, as it appeared; nothing stirred. The altar candlestick
+still stood upon the desk. I took it up, crept out of the sacristy up
+to the altar and put it back upon its old place. Nothing molested me!
+My shoes I found in my corner. I put them on, hid myself behind a
+pillar, not far from the church door, ready for rapid flight.
+
+"Indeed, it was not long before the sacristan opened the church doors
+for early mass. He went towards the altar, while I glided out behind
+him and hastened down the steps as if the church behind me were in
+flames.
+
+"In Orta, also, I only remained a few minutes, then drove over to
+Stresa; the coachman could not make his horses go fast enough. In
+Bellinzona I became ill from the excitement, and when I had recovered,
+I performed very severe penance; my mind was terribly upset, but the
+farther north I came, the fresher did the breeze blow towards me. I
+began then to triumph that I had outman[oe]uvred that secret emissary
+of Baluzzi--because it could be no one else--that I had succeeded,
+despite his watchful ambuscade. I triumphed that I had restored you
+your liberty, and with this proud emotion I now clasp you in my arms.
+
+"Burned to ashes is the spell that fettered you, and freely may you
+follow your heart!"
+
+Giulia was intensely excited at her friend's intelligence, amid tears
+she squeezed Beate's hands. And yet she could not conquer an internal
+fear. Thus breaking into the sanctuary of the church seemed like an
+inexpiable act of sacrilege which rested upon her soul; and even if she
+believed in the newly-gained liberty she could not feel glad. Anxious
+forebodings of unknown possibilities that lay waiting in the air
+disturbed her confidence in unclouded happiness. What secrets oppressed
+her soul! How could she meet her beloved one's eye? The heavy weight
+that lies in the consciousness of forbidden deeds, did not permit her
+to draw that free breath without which success loses its triumphant
+charms. And yet--she was resolved to seize the supremest bliss in life
+in spite of fate, to set the right of her passion above all the rights
+in the world. Was her happiness only transitory? She must do penance
+and succumb; at any rate, that which she now struggled for with such
+ardent longing would once have been her own.
+
+Beate had not been back many days before Blanden's invitation to
+Kulmitten was received. The day of the marriage was decided upon.
+Giulia prepared for her departure with Beate after having made a few
+purchases for a brilliant toilet.
+
+Numerous guests from the provincial capital set out on horseback and in
+carriages for Kulmitten. The students had not neglected the invitation;
+they were glad to be present at a gay wedding. Salomon had arranged a
+performance for the Polter-abend, adapted from his collection of
+poetical blossoms, and the doctors, Kuhl and Schöner, drove a spirited
+team to the lakes of Masuren. Cäcilie was expected to come with Olga
+and Wegen from the neighbouring estate, where she had gone upon a visit
+to her sister, and every one in the district, who had not shown a
+hostile spirit towards the proprietor of Kulmitten, was welcome on this
+glad occasion.
+
+Certainly, only a singer! It was, indeed, an unsuitable choice! Several
+ladies pretended to be ill, and only allowed their husbands to look on
+at the phenomenon so as to be able to bring back an account of the
+doings.
+
+"I do not like such extremes," said Frau Baronin Fuchs to her husband,
+"is it necessary to jump from the sanctimonious to the most impudent
+children of this world? Certainly, in reality, the other was the same
+kind, only a different colour. No power in the world would take me to
+this wedding; you, of course, will drive over because everything
+connected with rouge pots and stage tinsel has a certain charm for you
+now. Well, look from a close point of view at the Circe who has
+enchanted this knight of the rueful countenance."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+                           THE BRIDAL JEWELS.
+
+
+Two sitting-rooms and bedrooms were prepared for Giulia and Beate in
+the old wing of the Castle. Blanden had ridden over to the nearest town
+to meet her, and sent on his carriage and four in advance.
+
+He drove back with her. When they arrived at the boundary of his
+possessions, they were greeted by the peasants and tenants with loud
+acclamations. A handsomely decorated triumphal arch was erected; canon
+resounded far and near, and genuine, indeed, were the rejoicings of the
+people, who idolised Blanden. None of the proprietors on the lakes of
+Masuren were so gentle and kind as he, certainly none others had
+studied Buddha's teachings, or recognised pity for every being of
+creation as the original spring of all wisdom and morality.
+
+The school girl who presented a huge nosegay to Giulia at the gate of
+honour, had learned a very long and very profound address, which was
+listened to with intense weariness by all but the bride-elect, for whom
+an accusation lay in every one of those moral sentiments. Cold water
+seemed to be running down her, when the little girl, with devout
+dove-like eyes, looked lovingly into her face.
+
+And when old Olkewicz acted as spokesman for the officials and those
+belonging to the estate, and spoke of the old family possession, of the
+worthy heir, of his forefathers, then she suddenly felt what, until
+now, had been quite unknown to her: that here she was entering into the
+sacred circle of a family, into a well-regulated world governed by
+moral laws, into touching familiarity amongst equals, into a beautiful
+blending together of past and future; and to herself she appeared in
+the light of an intruder, who deserved to be cursed, who tore down the
+old saintly household gods from the domestic hearth, and with a guilty
+hand polluted a stainless roll of ancestors. She shuddered as if seized
+with cold; while Olkewicz also stammered in his honest speech and lost
+himself--he had suddenly recognised Giulia; it was actually the same
+white fairy who had stood on high in the moonlight on the gallery of
+the belfry tower.
+
+The carriage drove on through the park. The Castle was decked with
+flags and banners, fluttering merrily in the breeze; all the doors were
+wreathed; here a dense crowd--part of which had hastened by a short cut
+from the triumphal arch, and were thus in advance--received them with
+renewed cheers.
+
+Blanden was deeply moved, and pressed his betrothed's hand; he knew
+that it was true hearty love which bade them welcome. He thought of his
+father, of the old lords of the Castle--they blessed his entry. His
+feelings were solemn as he lifted his future bride out of the carriage
+and led her into the Castle, where he delivered her into the hands of
+the guardian spirits of his home.
+
+When Giulia was seated alone in her room, for a few moments she gave
+herself up to a sensation of luxurious comfort; how strange was it for
+a wandering disciple of art to have a home, to reign as mistress over a
+vast estate! No more need she trouble about the gains of the moment, no
+more need she struggle from day to day for a living, competing for fame
+and gold, and the favour of the variable crowd which alone could grant
+both to her. The labour of art in the muses' temple appeared like a
+miserable daily task, which is forced from the reluctant senses, while
+only the holiness of enthusiasm sanctifies the artistic duty! From
+country to country had she wandered with her nomad tent, tarrying long
+wherever she had found plentiful pastures; but how many dangers did the
+pirates of criticism prepare for her, by how many _fata morgana_ had
+she been deceived--how homeless was her life, her soul!
+
+What a sensation of security behind the stout walls of this Castle; for
+decades, for a whole life-time, every struggle with its necessities was
+banished, a life belonging to itself, one not given up to the mob! And
+how one must learn to love every little spot of earth which, by the
+habit of long association and possession, has become a portion of
+ourselves! Without, the trees rustled, the eastern sky glanced in the
+reflection of the declining sun, and the evening star, the star of
+love, peeped forth in the vapour-like clouds that were tinged with a
+delicate red.
+
+Yonder the tall oaks, the silver poplars, and Scotch firs; the pavilion
+with its gay windows peeping out of the Chinese shrubs that surrounded
+it; the bridge over the lake; upon the island stood the swans' houses:
+at first all seemed but a pretty picture for her contemplation, but
+from day to day it must all become blended into her life--every spot,
+sanctified by love, become endeared to her heart.
+
+And how home-like the old furniture in the drawing and other rooms:
+_roccoco_ cupboards, and drawers with their sweeping lines, those
+arm-chairs, little works of art carved in wood, those heavy curtains,
+which formed an easily moved partition between the secret concealed
+cabinets and drawing-rooms! How pleasant the faces of the old male and
+female servants, who at once took the new mistress to their hearts, and
+were ready to watch over their new precious possession as well as they
+had ever guarded the most valuable treasure confided to them.
+
+A proud sensation of happiness overcame her; the dream of a peaceable
+existence, of ensured happiness, hovered before her mind, then her hand
+was pressed convulsively to her heart; painfully she felt the rift that
+extended through her whole life--that she always experienced, even
+although concealed from her lover and the world, but which, when it
+suddenly yawned, became an abyss which must swallow up all her
+felicity.
+
+She could only listen absently to Beate's chatter, "I must say it is a
+true Palazzo Pitti, in which we, however, are the most beautiful
+pictures! And as to its being countryfied, the Castle itself certainly
+is not so, although the entire population consists of rough unhewn
+blocks. One might be in a fortress; down below, Signora, at the foot of
+the hill, still stands a massive square tower. I enquired about it,
+they call it the 'Dantziger;' it was used for watching the besiegers
+and taking them in their rear, it also ensured escape, as a secret
+outlet leads to the lake. The stone passage, with its handsome arches,
+unites it with the Castle. Well, if I can find a sweetheart here, the
+old Dantziger will do me good service for secret adventures and secret
+flight. Besides which, in the Castle, there are divers stairs in the
+walls, hidden doors--what else I know not! The Knights of the Order had
+their secrets, too. We shall find it all out in good time."
+
+"You are incorrigible with your love of adventures, Beate."
+
+"Think of the sacristy in the church of San Giulio. What should you be
+without me? A very doubtful betrothed, your past rests in the Orta Lake
+with the sacristy key! But enough of it. They are very lively over in
+the new wing, where all are preparing for the Polter-abend
+entertainment; they say it is just like being behind the scenes, gay
+masks of every kind, but terribly inexpert wardrobe women; everything
+in the world requires experience. If only we were with them, we
+understand the art."
+
+Beate was still chattering when Blanden entered; she possessed tact
+enough to disappear as speedily as possible.
+
+"Only get dressed quickly, dear Giulia!" cried Blanden, "all are
+preparing to greet us. I am an outlawed man it is true, but yet one
+always possesses some real friends. The Castle is full from attic to
+cellar; for twenty years or more there has not been such a garrison.
+You bring life into my solitude, let me welcome you cordially once
+more."
+
+He clasped her in his arms and pressed a fervent kiss upon her lips.
+
+"What is that little box," said Giulia, "which you carry in your hand?"
+
+"My bridal gift, beloved! I come with a full heart, and may not do so
+empty handed."
+
+He opened the ebony casket: the most beautiful ornaments, a diadem with
+brilliants, necklets and bracelets of the most magnificent pearls, and
+beside them unset precious stones, sapphires, and rubies shone in such
+radiance that Giulia could not suppress a sudden cry of admiration.
+
+"It is all yours, it is the inheritance which has been bequeathed to
+the last Blanden by his mother and by the ancestral mistresses of this
+house, there being no living heiress who has the right to these
+ornaments. From henceforth you shall wear them, they have found an
+owner again who is worthy of them, and well they will suit your dark
+hair and fine features!"
+
+Giulia was dazzled with the brilliant gift, and yet-- Like
+will-'o-the-wisps, like snakes of fire, they flashed and quivered
+before her eyes! Was it not a robber's hand which grasped this family
+possession?
+
+But she overcame the slight shudder with which she saw the ghostly
+ancestresses of the house of Blanden, as they stretched out their bony
+hands in protest, or touched her brow and imprinted the sign of the
+curse upon her. She was only conscious of Blanden's love and goodness
+in confiding such a priceless heritage to her, and, thanking him
+cordially, laid her hand upon her heart.
+
+On that evening she would be queen of the feast, banish all gloomy
+thoughts; he should have a right to be proud of her. A mistress of the
+toilet, an art belonging to the stage, she would enhance her beauty by
+simple attire. Merrily adorned with a wreath of flowers, her hair,
+black as ebony, as it fell upon her neck, enframed a face whose fine
+moulding did not suffer from the pallor of its features, for that
+Venetian colouring appertained to the beauty of marble, to that
+idealism of form which was peculiar to her. Her tall slight figure was
+seductively enveloped in clouds of pink tulle, and as if of gleaming
+foam, bosom and neck, the glorious outlines of a Venus Anadyomene rose
+from out that mass of clouds. As she entered the dining-hall with
+Blanden, a buzz of admiration passed through the apartment. They were
+mostly elderly gentlemen who were present, the younger ones were still
+behind the scenes preparing the masquerade.
+
+Hermann von Gutsköhnen and Sengen von Lärchen had never seen anything
+of the kind; the former greeted her with a whispered monologue which
+reached its climax in a low oath; the latter held his finger
+thoughtfully to his nose, and after his address, "dear friends," had
+allowed a considerable pause to follow, "she is a most beautiful woman,
+tall, she has breeding, something Arab-like in her nostrils, and
+devilish black hair, but no healthy colour--she needs some Masuren
+breezes to blow about her cheeks."
+
+"Thunder and lightning," replied Hermann, "a splendid toilet! But a
+betrothed should really be a rose-bud, she is perfectly full blown!"
+
+"Herr von Blanden has good taste," said Baron von Fuchs to his
+neighbour, the Landrath, "it is well that our wives have not come with
+us. It was well feigned hoarseness, and a most justifiable headache
+which befell them, because I must say--naturally I exclude our
+wives--we have no beauties in the district who can be compared with
+her. And they who stayed at home have all happily escaped this
+sensation. In words they would not have acknowledged this beauty, but
+at heart they would have bowed before it as the brethren bowed before
+Joseph, in the dream; they would have tingled with unbounded jealousy
+to the very tips of their fingers and toes, because whosoever bathes in
+the pool of Bethsaida knows how to respect the beauty of the
+Olympians."
+
+Blanden and Giulia welcomed their guests heartily, and then seated
+themselves in two garlanded arm-chairs to receive the homage of the
+Polter-abend. A merry blast of music announced the commencement of the
+performance.
+
+First appeared lovely water-fairies from the lake. Olga von Dornau led
+the dance; the daughter of the Sanitätsrath from the district town, the
+daughters of a retired major, who lived there, and a rich young widow
+represented the Naiads decked with reeds.
+
+The concessions made to the local colouring and faithful costume of the
+legend, were of varying degrees, the young widow's being the greatest.
+Olga was the speaker of the Kingdom of the Nymphs--
+
+
+           "With the welcome of sisters we greet thee
+              In thy beauty, our sovereign anew;
+            Long we mourned, never hoping to meet thee,
+              Now thine image again we review.
+                The waters shall mirror thy image afar
+                As in glory and triumph we carry thy car."
+
+
+Thereupon, Cäcilie appeared as the goddess of Song, a wreath of laurels
+in her hand; behind her, Thalia and Melpomene, which characters were
+assumed by two of her friends.
+
+Cäcilie had composed these lines for herself--
+
+
+           "Silently, sadly, we see you depart,
+              Leaving our kingdom made greater by you,
+            But the laurel of fame must give place to the heart,
+              Happiness there is more lasting and true.
+            Go you to bliss that cannot be measured,
+              And leave those behind who will never forget,
+            Your art as yourself will ever be treasured,
+              O'er your gain we rejoice, our loss we regret."
+
+
+Then Schöner entered as a herald; in sonorous flowing verses he
+announced the arrival of the new mistress of the Castle, and poured
+forth praises of the perfection of her beauty and art; he recited these
+verses with wonted enthusiasm, and received plenteous applause.
+
+Herr von Wegen came as the Master, at the head of a number of Knights
+of the Order; their white mantles with the black cross, harmonised well
+with the old dining-hall, which thus gained historical animation.
+
+The German Order also greeted the new mistress; the poem, of whose
+authorship the fair-haired District Deputy was guiltless, while his
+brother-in-law, Dr. Kuhl, was universally thought to be its composer,
+contained some humourous flashes; it spoke of a fair lady who had not,
+as in former times, surreptitiously entered the house of the Order, and
+by the back way, but like a mistress, who is entitled to go up the
+principal wide staircase. Thus the Order was completely secularised,
+and by this brilliant example the Order of wilful old bachelors equally
+so, as was demonstrated by the master himself, and his friend, the
+Prussian heathen.
+
+And now, armed with a mighty club, Dr. Kuhl stepped forth as an ancient
+Prussian at the head of a band dressed in skins; he greeted Giulia in
+the name of the original inhabitants of the land, who alone possessed a
+right to these forests and lakes; he declared war to the knights who
+had been imported into this free land, to those monks of the sword,
+that black-crossed hypocrisy; with his people he would destroy this
+Castle to its very foundations if the presence of so beautiful a
+guardian goddess did not compel him to lay his club in homage at her
+feet; he concluded with the words--
+
+
+           "I swear it by every sacred god
+              To-day all wars for ever cease,
+            No more our blood shall soil the sod
+              For hence shall reign eternal peace.
+                When the gods clamour for foemen dead
+               Our goddess shall offer the olive instead."
+
+
+Then followed another series of more stately pictures, and merry jests.
+Salomon had conceived the unhappy idea of appearing as Ariosto,
+introducing himself as the Italian Heinrich Heine, and in a mixture of
+verses, which were collected, partly from the _Ottave rime_ of the poet
+of Reggio, partly from free thinking verses by the Parisian
+Aristophanes, and speaking of Herr von Blanden as Orlando, who had
+delivered Angelica, bound to the rock of the stage.
+
+A tall girl, whose form was as redundant as those of the Genoese women,
+appeared as "Italia," a basket of fruit in her hands, a wreath of
+perfumed orange blossoms in her hair. It was Iduna; she had left
+Fräulein Baute's school, after having met with frequent insults from
+the mistress, and openly displayed contempt on the part of her Theodore
+Körner, Dr. Sperner. Her father owned a small estate in the
+neighbourhood, and thus she was invited to the entertainment.
+
+Soon all revolved in merry dance. Blanden opened the ball with Giulia,
+and then stood thoughtfully for some time, leaning against a pillar of
+the radiated arch; he thought of the other dance beneath the pear tree,
+and the pale shadow of his lovely Eva mingled in the rows of the
+dancers. She had pledged him in the unalloyed bliss of youth; this
+woman brought the rapture of passion. But he felt that with her came a
+rent in his life. The gay company assembled, from which the most
+distinguished ladies of the neighbourhood were absent, the coldness of
+the members of his party in the capital, all proved to him that he had
+once more rendered it impossible to take a firm foothold in his home,
+and to attain a higher position in political life by any recognised
+influence; but it was only a transient heretical thought! There she
+stood before him in all her beauty, a fascinating woman! Her eyes
+gleamed with promise; dancing had brought a warmer colour to the marble
+of her features; her bosom heaved with sweet excitement, she appeared
+like a breathing statue of a goddess! A lamp shone in the pavilion!
+myrtles and oranges shed their perfume; the stars of Italy gazed
+sparklingly down from the deep blue sky! He encircled her firmly with
+his arms, and sped to a wild measure through the old hall. Giulia was
+in her brightest mood, she would and did forget everything that was
+painful and hostile in her life; she chatted more pleasantly than ever
+before, and had a friendly winning word for every one; a roguish smile
+played around her lips, as she said to Blanden--
+
+"I cannot realise that I shall never more stand behind the piano; never
+more look down upon my worthy conductor's bald head when he wields his
+_bâton_, or into the manager's complacent countenance after a
+well-paying house; that Dr. Schöner will never more arrange a poetical
+nosegay for my vase; no Spiegeler cause me sleepless nights by the
+stings of his wasps and bees. But away with all laurel wreaths!
+Without, in the theatrical world, the echo of my name will not yet have
+quite died away, and when it is dead, it will no longer trouble the
+memory of the world to come, which will be inundated with many more."
+
+Kuhl, the heathen, who had just performed a wild round dance with the
+orange-perfumed Italian, in which he had squeezed Iduna's hands with
+more fervour than the requirements of the dance demanded, now turned to
+Giulia and began a battle of words with her upon which she readily
+entered. Kuhl had only seen her as Blanden's nurse, when wounded, and
+spoken to her in a serious manner; her happy mood stirred him
+strangely, but was doubly attractive, and he could not leave her side
+while Blanden was enjoying a dance with Olga.
+
+"Excuse me, Signora," suddenly said Cäcilie's somewhat sharp voice.
+"Look here, my friend! I only wish to tell you that there must now be
+an end of polytheism, and that you shall neither worship the slight
+Italian marble goddess nor plump Iduna with her apples of eternal
+youth, neither one of Raffael's nor Ruben's beauties. Look this way my
+friend! I am now your Alpha and Omega, as the Bible says. I have now a
+right to you, and shall know how to assert it."
+
+Kuhl listened to the conjugal lecture; sadly he then took up his club,
+which had been propped against a pillar, and leaning upon it, pondered
+over the fate which even the most irrefutable theories find in life's
+irksome custom. He resigned himself to the melancholy conviction that
+he, the Hercules of free love, had, after all, allowed his Dejanira to
+charm him into a Nessus shirt.
+
+Dancing and enjoyment lasted until late into the night, then the guests
+retired to their chambers. Blanden accompanied his betrothed to the
+carved oak door of her apartment, and left her with an ardent kiss and
+the whispered words, "Until to-morrow!"
+
+Beate, who had danced bravely and made a slight conquest of a young
+lawyer, was so fatigued that she had thrown herself, half undressed,
+upon the bed in her room, which was situated behind Giulia's, and had
+fallen into a sound sleep.
+
+Giulia was still in her sitting-room--she gazed into the moonlit park;
+high into the air the fountain cast its stream of silver, gently around
+the trees quivered that dreamy light which rocks the soul with vague
+forebodings.
+
+Dance, wine, love had intoxicated her. Was not the world so beautiful,
+life so happy!
+
+She longed to rejoice, like the ray of water springing up towards the
+skies!
+
+She threw aside her ball dress, and in her light dressing-gown
+contemplated her reflection in the large mirror. She felt so
+lighthearted, so free--and was she not beautiful, youthfully beautiful?
+A heavy destiny had passed over her, but in its flight it only slightly
+touches the favourites of the gods. No creases, no wrinkles, she needed
+no paint-pot to conceal them, no weight of cares had been able to bow
+her tall form, and the consciousness of her own beauty thrilled her
+with delight.
+
+Then she hastened to the cupboard, which was placed in a panel of the
+wall, opened it with a carefully secured key, and took out the jewel
+box which Blanden had given to her. First she let the splendid stones
+glisten in the lamp light, then flash in the moon's radiance, while she
+revelled in the sparkling lights and the prismatic rays which played to
+and fro.
+
+Then she stepped before the large mirror, put the diadem of brilliants
+upon her curls, decked herself with the pearl necklace, with the
+bracelets, glistening with rubies and emeralds. She thought herself
+magnificent as a queen; thus, in her dazzling splendour, ornamented
+with the prince's crown, might not everything be permitted to her? Need
+a ruler fear his conscience, that sentinel of the garrison? Did she, in
+her power and beauty, not stand far above it?
+
+They were proud dreams in which she indulged--blissful
+self-forgetfulness, the ruinous intoxication of dark spirits of the
+earth, which guard the treasures of the deep, and scatter that shining
+dust into the eyes of mankind that it may perceive nothing but the
+sparkling brilliance of mammon and soulless splendour. She walked up
+and down before the mirror, bent her head to see how the coronet of
+brilliants became her dark locks, turned to the right and to the left;
+but then the spirit of the stage came upon her, a vain spirit at first,
+and she repeated scenes from operas, raising her arms, now wringing her
+hands, then extending them as if cursing, all the time admiring the
+shining lights of her bracelets as they played about those beautifully
+rounded forms.
+
+Then she stood again as still as sculptured marble and gazed at herself
+as though she were looking at a statue, standing in a niche of a
+Pantheon. Then, suddenly--it was no dream--the mirror began to move; it
+was pushed on one side by invisible hands: she commenced to tremble, to
+rub her eyes--her own reflection disappeared with the mirror like a
+ghost into the surface of the wall--and, instead, a space black as an
+abyss yawned before her--and a draped figure sprang into the room and
+threw off its cloak.
+
+It was Baluzzi!
+
+She started back with a loud cry.
+
+"Traitoress!" cried he, "now you are worthy of me!"
+
+Giulia staggered back a few paces, half unconscious, with one hand
+resting upon the back of the roccoco chair, she held the other
+tremblingly towards the intrusive ghost.
+
+"Back, back!" she cried with a failing voice, that was almost stifled
+into a convulsive whisper.
+
+"I believe, indeed, that you would refuse to see me, and that I am more
+hateful to you to-day than any other being whom the world contains. I
+come most inopportunely, I know, and that is why I come. And how
+beautifully you are adorned--for the galley!"
+
+Giulia seized the diamond crown, the necklace and bracelet, all almost
+unconsciously, as if in a heavy dream, in which one seeks in blind
+haste to protect life, possessions and estate from unavoidable ruin;
+but her hand was paralysed, and the ornaments adhered to her.
+
+"Beautifully adorned, and still beautiful!" cried Baluzzi, stepping
+nearer, "still as beautiful as once when you stood before the altar in
+the little church of San Giulio! Do not shrink from me--before others
+you are a bride elect, before others you may feign modesty, and wrap
+yourself in the bridal veil, not before me! I have an old and sacred
+right over you--your body, your soul belong to me, and to me alone; you
+cannot be separated from me so long as the indissoluble word of the
+Church exists upon earth, and I place my hand upon you as upon a
+runaway slave--Giulia Baluzzi, my wife!"
+
+And he went up to her, held the struggling woman with a strong arm, and
+laid the other hand upon her marble shoulder that quivered as if in the
+grip of a tiger cat.
+
+"Stand back, madman," whispered Giulia in a suppressed tone of alarm,
+"stand back, or I shall call for help."
+
+"You will not do so, my child! You will not call for help, not even if
+I murder you with my dagger! You would prefer to drop mutely into my
+arms, and with expiring eyes to implore me--for silence, for
+forgetfulness! Is it not so? A cry for help!--what is a cry for help
+but a cry for shame, for disgrace, for law and executioner? I know you
+better, my little dove; so imprudent you are not; the friend of Beate,
+the cunning robber of a church, possesses too much sense and
+understanding."
+
+"I shall call for help," said Giulia, with pride and defiance, now
+releasing herself from Baluzzi's arms. "And if I declare you before all
+the world to be a robber and a liar, all will deem your utterances to
+be madness, because the proofs are wanting."
+
+"The proofs are ready."
+
+"They were, perhaps; but they are no longer."
+
+"Haha," said Baluzzi, with a mocking laugh, "you rely upon your astute
+messenger, upon Beate, who lays her devil's paw upon the altar candles
+and registers, at the ghostly hour of midnight lights a firebrand in a
+sacristy. A harmless amusement! Had it not been so harmless I should
+have prevented it, but it was great amusement for me to watch the
+lizard as it glided into the crevices in the church walls, and to carry
+on a game with it; unfortunately she swooned too soon. I should have
+liked to torture her still longer, have made her bones rattle, the
+good-for-nothing! You all possess courage only up to a certain point;
+the little witch, too, showed courage, but then, in a moment, it goes
+out like a candle that has burned down, that has consumed itself all
+too speedily."
+
+"But the proofs are destroyed," said Giulia, although doubtfully and
+alarmed at Baluzzi's scorn, because she could not help fearing that by
+some means Beate's undertaking had failed.
+
+"You are mistaken, my child. I do not allow the thread by which I hold
+you to be so easily withdrawn from my hands. I have my spies, and when
+I heard from Antoinette, my little scout, whither Beate intended to go,
+I knew enough. At first I accompanied her in the greatest possible
+_incognito_, then I gained a considerable start in order to obtain the
+necessary information. I was at the See at Milan. I knew that an
+enquiry into some forgery was pending against the former priest of San
+Giulio. I have staunch friends, even at the holy courts of law. A
+priest, with whom I worked formerly in Monaco, at my desire, enquired
+if amongst the deeds of the suit a copy of the registry of San Giulio
+did not exist; a legal official copy certified by the chaplain. I had
+reason to expect this because the suit concerned a falsification of the
+register. My supposition was well-founded--now I was safe, now I could
+play with that dangerous culprit who is your greatest friend, as a cat
+does with a mouse. All respect to you, we are quits. I awaited her
+arrival in Orta, dogged all her steps, and my knowledge of the church
+permitted me to hide myself in the little crypt. The fire of joy at
+midnight I vouchsafed to her with malicious pleasure, but our marriage,
+my child, is signed and sealed in the legal copy in the register number
+two, that lies at Milan, valid before God and man. It is a pity that
+the travelling expenses, and heroic courage were spent in vain, that
+the triumph was useless--I have the proofs!"
+
+Giulia's courage fell with each of Baluzzi's words. She felt herself to
+be completely in his power, thus everything that she had done to free
+herself from him, even Beate's criminal proceeding, was all in vain.
+She looked at him with the glance of a mortally wounded deer.
+
+"You do not believe my story? Here in my pocket-book is the most exact
+information as to where the document can be found which proves my
+perfect right to you. Now will you still cry for help?"
+
+Silently Giulia covered her face with her hands.
+
+"You are going to be sensible, my child; I thought so! That is why I
+come to you at night, it is very considerate of me, and on a toilsome
+road too. A wonderful child led me here--my rare little sea-devil, whom
+I have taken into my service. It is the road upon which you must now
+follow me!"
+
+"What are you thinking of? Impossible!" said Giulia, springing up.
+
+"The road is not very pleasant! Close beside the shore of the lake
+there is a cave--my blood-hound found it; it is overgrown with thistles
+and bushes, the little one worked with an axe and sickle all last night
+to clear the passage. One must stoop to pass through. It leads to the
+old tower, which, with its ivy-clad walls, casts its shadow below upon
+the moonlit shrubs in the park. It was the watch tower, the battle and
+sally-tower of the knights, and the hidden road ensures them flight in
+case of defeat. From the tower a secret walled passage leads into the
+Castle. It is covered with rubbish and ruins, and there are awkward
+steps to go up and down. But then a little masked winding-staircase in
+the wall leads up to this mirror door. My wonderfully clever seal
+discovered all this. It took us some time last night before we could
+find out the mechanism of this door. We knew that these rooms were
+destined for you. We tried a long time, but I am clever at such
+secrets, and beneath its external disguise found the spot where one
+must press so as to make the wooden panel move and slide back. The
+little one waits below with a dark lantern--the boat is tied up close
+to the egress of the hollow way. It will cost a few bruises and torn
+clothes, then we shall sail over the lake and away over the Russian
+frontier."
+
+"You are out of your senses, Baluzzi!"
+
+"Shall I remind you of our past, of our agreement? We were married
+secretly. You were a singer whose fame was waxing. I, an inferior
+chorus singer, who could do no better. I saw myself, that your
+prospects would be damaged if the world knew of our marriage. Soon I
+resigned the miserable position of an incapable helper's helper in the
+troupe of singers at the theatre, and I must confess it, gave myself up
+to a somewhat dissipated life. I drank and gambled. I became a croupier
+in Monaco, your fame was augmenting. Our paths led farther and farther
+asunder. All the same, I loved you fervently, but I perceived that your
+love diminished daily. You were ashamed of me. You began to avoid me,
+to fly from me. I required money, much money for my habits of life.
+They are as respectable and distinguished as those of a well-born
+prince who squanders his heritage. How often was I not in
+embarrassments enough to make one's hair stand on end, badly in debt.
+It was at that time we made an agreement that I should avoid you as
+long as you were at the theatre, but, that in return, the greater
+portion of your abundant gains should always be paid over to me. So
+long as you were at the theatre--that was the condition. Recollect it!
+No evasions! I am a man of my word, and I shall see that faith is kept
+with me also. _Cospetto!_ In my hand I hold the power to compel you."
+
+"I, too, kept my word," said Giulia, "and more than this, I have often
+starved that you might live luxuriously."
+
+"For two years," said Baluzzi, "when you were here in Prussia during
+the summer I was left without news of you."
+
+"Owing to your irregular life the letter to you must have been lost--an
+unfortunate chance which I do not lament over much."
+
+"Then for two years I was in Russia, lost to you. I had business that
+made me acquainted with sables and ermines. I exonerate you from blame
+for that time, nevertheless you thus became my debtor. However, if you
+leave the stage, you cannot redeem yourself now, you no longer have
+your own independent earnings and possessions. Therefore, from
+henceforth, you belong to me! Thank the Madonna that I have come to
+hold you back from a crime--follow me!"
+
+"Never!" said Giulia, folding her hands.
+
+"Do you then think that my passion for you is extinguished? Even when
+far away it burned in my bosom with silent fervour, and this glow
+expands into bright flames since I have seen you once more, because you
+are the most beautiful woman whom I have met with upon my manifold
+journies in life, and I have seen women of every nation and of every
+class. It is a proud sensation that of possessing you, not secretly,
+no, before all the world to display you, and it is a delight to fold
+you in my arms."
+
+Giulia hid her face as she drew back.
+
+"Yet do not believe that it is the same old love, as beneath Italy's
+orange and myrtle trees when you were my Madonna, when my heart beat
+for you, when I looked up to you as to a queen of heaven floating amid
+a bright halo. And even then, when you parted from me as from one
+unworthy who might not follow in the ascending paths of your life, even
+in the desolate existence that I led, still I always looked up as one
+looks up at a heavenly orb through a crevice in a grotto. Then came
+those days of Lago Maggiore, I watched and saw how you were faithless
+to me, you bought yourself free from my anger, because then I was in a
+desperate position, but since that time my feelings have been
+completely metamorphosed. My Madonna was one no longer, and though she
+may not repent, I have vowed to myself to make her do so."
+
+"Oh, to be fettered to crime, and in addition by sacred bonds--is there
+a more unhappy fate? Is despair not justified, even when it clutches
+convulsively at transient felicity? Well, I may belong to you, but you
+do not belong to me, never so long as my spirit can move its wings in
+liberty, can appreciate the beautiful, believe in what is noble."
+
+Giulia had risen proudly, she had recovered herself, overcame her fear
+and terror, courage of death shone on her brow.
+
+"Any one who saw you now--truly a vestal, whose fire, alas, had often
+gone out. It looks like gold and is brass, it gleams like silver and is
+tin. And this, on the day on which a crime shall be consecrated. The
+cocks have already crowed, midnight is past, your second wedding day
+will soon dawn, do not forget your first myrtles; its stars still
+shine, the second can only consist of nightshade and fox-glove, it
+breathes the poison of a lie. _Corpo di bacco_--such a saint--it makes
+one laugh!"
+
+"I know, I feel that I am committing an impious act, I am defying law,
+I am deceiving the best of men, but I only deceive him out of endless
+love, and so utterly unworthy is that which is protected by law, that I
+dare all because I believe in the pardon of Heaven."
+
+"You need not have this sin pardoned, it will not be committed."
+
+"Hear me Baluzzi!"
+
+"Hear me first! I have not yet told you all. Since those days by the
+lake, love died in my heart, passion remained, but it was a wild
+passion that wavered between love and hatred; expiation I had hoped for
+from you, but you cast flaming anger into my heart. You shall be mine,
+your kisses shall give me rapture, my pulses shall throb louder, when I
+hold you in my arms, but only like the pirate's pulses, who rejoices
+over the captured beauty. Never shall I forget that you injured and
+betrayed me beyond expression, that you are my slave, over whom I
+exercise my proud right of master, whether I torture and chastise, or
+whether I love her. What are your laurel wreaths to me? Dried up straw
+which I burn, because no more gold glitters on its leaves, but as in
+mockery of your renown, the queen of the stage shall preside at my
+gaming-tables beside other painted harridans, and shall decoy victims
+into my net--the trade will flourish! The remains of a great name will
+suffice for it, that little candle end can still shed some light. You
+shall obey me, tremble before me! That is the expiation, the penance
+for an overbearing and faithless wife!"
+
+"And to such degradation shall I follow you, give myself up to such
+disappointment? Death rather!"
+
+"There is a still better means, Signora! Seize your dagger, kill me,
+let me be killed as a robber and housebreaker, then you will be free,
+and with a light heart can greet the first ray of the morning sun; but
+I am on my guard, my glances do not leave you, do not leave that door
+behind which Beate sleeps. I know that she has a pocket pistol under
+her pillow, and a crime more or less does not matter to her, but I am
+prepared to meet her also."
+
+And Baluzzi pulled out a pistol.
+
+"Beate sleeps in the second room," said Giulia, "she does not hear us!
+We will not excite ourselves--one calm word! An unhappy fate has
+brought us together, it should never have happened. Our paths led far
+asunder, but the indissoluble bond remains; it is cruel to tie up my
+soul with it, it is indissoluble there, indissoluble also for me here,
+because I dare not venture forth with this life-long lie, without
+forfeiting my future happiness. But you would not be separated,
+although to do so lay in your power. I beg, I implore you, do not let
+your old right interfere in my life. I was always your friend, I will
+remain so, but upon my knees I implore you, grant me the bliss of this
+true love. I ask nothing but silence, do not make him miserable who
+hazarded his life for me. Is it then so great a sacrifice not to utter
+words which would plunge two people into calamity? Is it impossible to
+resign a dreamed-of possession, a right that is dead?"
+
+"A dreamed-of possession?" shouted the Italian, "the real right will
+still find its protection in the world, and when I see you thus before
+me, in all the magic of your charms, I long to press you to my heart
+and to rejoice in my beautiful possession; my blood surges up within
+me, like the fire-spring of Salfatora. I am no Don Juan who breaks at
+night into the sanctuary of the house, I am no adulterer, no seducer; I
+am the husband, and that word is like a king's crown and sceptre,
+before which all the nation bows. The law would drive you into my arms
+with rods, if you refuse, because to me is given power over you."
+
+"Away, do not touch me!"
+
+"And if I do? I am safe from your cries for help!"
+
+"That you are not," cried Giulia in supreme excitement, "not even if I
+must let my shame resound through the house with the alarm bell! Rather
+than rest in your arms, rather than follow you and obey that vile
+control which your right and will exercise, rather would I fall crushed
+upon my knees before every one, confess the incredible, pray for mercy,
+and then seek and find death. You know me! I dare do much, I dare do
+what is unheard of! With bold hand I will rob myself of my own
+happiness. He who dares that is prepared for all! Beside the summit
+there is an abyss and no other path--least of all no other path in
+common with you!"
+
+Giulia's wild determination made an impression upon Baluzzi; he knew
+those convulsively closed lips, those knitted eyebrows, those rigid
+glances; he knew that at such moments she was capable of extremities.
+
+What, then, was left to him? The sensation of gratified revenge, a mere
+shadow of recollection--but not the bliss of the rack, and what his
+passion, his avarice, might perhaps still expect of the future, would
+then be buried for evermore.
+
+He stopped, and hesitated.
+
+Then, as Giulia rose from her knees in haughty anger, the light of the
+lamp swept across her head-dress, so that the diamonds flashed and
+quivered, and a dream-like firework of precious stones seemed to
+scintillate upon her head.
+
+The Italian was suddenly dazzled and enraptured with the ornament which
+he had, indeed, perceived immediately upon his entrance, but which he
+had not estimated at its full value.
+
+His eyes wandered from the coronet to the strings of pearls, down to
+the bracelets; they passed on to the open jewel casket on the table
+whence a brilliancy betokening great promise shone in the dim light.
+
+Giulia followed his gaze, his expression had entirely changed: the glow
+of passion, the madness of revenge had given place to mute greed, to
+avarice, that sought gratification, not from the animate, but the
+inanimate objects. As if spell-bound his glance hung upon the
+brilliants. A considerable pause ensued, Giulia imbibed new courage.
+
+"You are not poor," said Baluzzi, suddenly, "is that your own?"
+
+"My wedding present," replied Giulia.
+
+"All this--and those precious stones, too? Show me the coronet!"
+
+Giulia removed it. Baluzzi seized a candle which stood upon the table
+beside him and illuminated the glittering stones. He drank in their
+radiance as he slowly examined them. Then, as if making some
+calculation, moved his lips; every one of these stones became changed
+into a sparkling number, and dazzling as if in a Bengal light, a noble
+sum flashed before him.
+
+"You see," said Giulia, who had grasped the sudden change equally
+quickly, "Blanden is liberal, and although I may earn nothing more
+myself, his gifts will render it possible for me, even, if not to the
+same extent as formerly, still to remember you."
+
+"Do you think so?" said Baluzzi, as he looked at her with widely opened
+eyes.
+
+"And although I have retired from the stage, I will save for you just
+the same, only do not demand impossibilities, take the circumstances
+into consideration; less than formerly can I only call my own, dispose
+of less, but, otherwise, things shall be as they were."
+
+"Less? You are very modest! When did you ever have such beautiful
+ornaments before?"
+
+"They are the Blandens' family jewels, they do not belong to me! They
+are only lent to me."
+
+"Lent? You told me yourself that he had given them to you."
+
+"For my life-time, perhaps! Such heirlooms revert to the family. I look
+upon them as a property entrusted to my keeping."
+
+"Give me the ornaments," cried Baluzzi, taking hold quickly.
+
+"Impossible," replied Giulia, paling. "They are my wedding jewels for
+tomorrow."
+
+"Haha," laughed Baluzzi. "And you do not fear that these sparkling
+stones should scorch your hair, or change themselves into little
+snakes, such as play around the heads of the Furies? I have a great
+undertaking in prospect, besides, I have much money to pay in Russia. I
+offer you the choice: give me the diadem or I remain. I shall expose
+you before all the world, and assert my rights."
+
+Giulia looked once more imploringly at him. Her eye dropped. She was
+weary of the endless torture.
+
+"Cease! I beseech you, Baluzzi! What shall I say? How excuse myself?"
+
+"Invent a robber. You are inventive enough. A lie, more or less, cannot
+matter to you, and this is not the worst," added he, scornfully.
+
+"Oh, this torture, this humiliation! Am I not a cowardly woman? Where
+is my pride, where is my strength? Have you not appeared as one come to
+warn me, to call to me, 'So far, and no farther! Cease, cease from your
+reckless game!' And I have not courage to resign, standing before
+supreme happiness, not the courage of truth, not the courage to speak
+one single word, to avoid an act of infamous sacrilege! Unworthy
+struggling, and cheating! That is the greatest humiliation. In open
+confession, in the lowest abnegation, before universal repudiation,
+there would still be sublimity! A voice would cry to me, 'You have done
+rightly,' and above my head I should hear the fluttering of the wings
+of my life's good genii who have long since forsaken me."
+
+She seemed to be speaking to herself! Eagerly Baluzzi awaited the
+decisive result of this monologue, at the same time with his eyes
+devouring the diamonds in Giulia's hand.
+
+"I cannot," cried she suddenly, striking her brow with her clenched
+hand. "I am too weak, too powerless! Duty's command appears like a
+horrible spectre that gives me up to boundless misery, while under the
+spell of criminal silence an ardently longed-for happiness beckons to
+me. Pity, pity!"
+
+She cried to Heaven for it with clasped hands; Baluzzi answered, as
+though she had spoken to him.
+
+"None of that! The diamonds! It is my last word!"
+
+"And the price--your everlasting silence!"
+
+"Everlasting? Oh, no! That would be a bad bargain! But, by my honour,
+for a year, if I live so long, I will not remind you. I will be
+silent."
+
+"A very sword above my head! And yet a year's felicity! How much
+happiness does not even a moment contain! Who can destroy what once was
+ours? And what once it has bought from hell can never be reclaimed! And
+yet--how my heart will beat at every step, at every rustle or rattle of
+the leaves. No, no, everlasting silence--and the jewels are yours."
+
+"A year--give them, give them, senseless woman!"
+
+He grasped the diamond circle and wrenched it from Giulia's hands after
+a short indifferent resistance.
+
+"Then farewell, complete your crime! A year--but pray for my life! For
+I have sworn before I die to be revenged upon you! I leave no other
+will, save my curse, which shall be upon you."
+
+With these words, and still holding the sparkling ornament high in the
+air, he disappeared behind the mirror-door, which he pushed back again
+into the framework of the wall.
+
+Giulia sank upon a seat. She extinguished the lamp and candles.
+Sleepless, dreamless, she gazed fixedly through the windows into the
+night. The moon had set. The grey dawn did her good. Everything faded
+into uncertainty. A cradle song passed through her mind! How terrible
+the rising day which gave distinct form again to everything which
+erected the implacable barriers of life!
+
+And on it came with its increasing light, and tinged the tops of the
+trees. When Beate entered Giulia was still sitting motionlessly in her
+evening robe in the easy chair.
+
+On descending the winding staircase Baluzzi found Kätchen sitting upon
+the first steps of the subterranean passage beside the dark lantern.
+
+Impatient she had certainly become, and had even crept up the stairs.
+She had listened, but understood nothing, for Baluzzi and Giulia spoke
+in Italian.
+
+In her hand she held something that fluttered and flapped strangely. It
+was a bat which had whirled around her lantern, and threatened to
+entangle itself in her hair. When she perceived Baluzzi she started up.
+
+"Well, and she?"
+
+"She will remain this time," said the Italian. "She has bought herself
+off."
+
+He showed the magnificent diamonds, but they made no impression upon
+the girl.
+
+"Bought herself off?" said she, as she raised the lantern, let the bat
+fly away, and stared at Baluzzi in idiotic amazement.
+
+She scrambled down a few steps through the rubbish in the subterranean
+passage.
+
+Then Kätchen stopped suddenly.
+
+"And the marriage will still take place to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, yes!"
+
+"Most wonderful!"
+
+"Is she not your wife?"
+
+"So the legend says, my child!"
+
+On they clambered over the rubbish. Bats whirred round the lantern.
+
+"To-morrow I must go to the district town," said Baluzzi.
+
+"Leave me here, to-morrow. I will dance in the barn with the peasants
+at the wedding."
+
+The Italian gave his consent.
+
+They rested themselves in the old watch tower, before commencing the
+still more toilsome path through the narrow passage to the shore of the
+lake.
+
+"And you could not, would not prevent it. I thought we should drag her
+with us, perhaps, still in her beautiful clothes, in her satin shoes
+over the sharp stones, so that the blood would flow over her delicate
+little feet! Why, you said you would torture her, bind her firmly if
+she resisted, oh, I had bandages ready that she could not have torn. We
+should have stowed her away in the boat like a little mass of misery
+and had she become unruly, I might have struck her with a dripping oar.
+You said this, and what have you done? Nothing--she will be happy, the
+proud creature--and he, he!"
+
+"Come before dawn breaks," said Baluzzi, urging her to start.
+
+"I must think it over," Kätchen muttered to herself.
+
+A gust of wind sweeping through the loopholes of the Dantziger,
+extinguished the lantern.
+
+"Follow me," said Kätchen, "I have cat's eyes, and can see in the dark.
+Here is the passage to the shore. Stoop, you know it is low, but we can
+feel and grope our way through."
+
+"Horrible darkness, _corpo di bacco_," muttered Baluzzi, while he
+measured the height of the grotto passage with one hand.
+
+"To-morrow it will be brighter here," Kätchen hummed, "but come on,
+thorns and thistles will not sting you now. I have beheaded and cut
+them down, I understand how to clear things away, away with the weeds!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+                            THE WEDDING DAY.
+
+
+Brightly dawned the day, but the morning sun disappeared early beneath
+the glowing clouds, with which the whole sky was soon overcast.
+
+A cold, feeble rain pattered down; a few wedding guests ventured into
+the park, but the chilly disagreeable weather soon drove them back.
+Blanden was busied with arrangements in the Castle; this time his
+master of the kitchen and cellar had not been granted leave of absence;
+he had to show the wonders of the Castle to Olga, his stately mistress.
+Dr. Kuhl was only allowed to devote himself to the nymphs of the lake.
+Cäcilie looked strictly after him, lest he wished to lay his homage at
+the feet of the Castle fairies. There were the most charming little
+town girls present, whom such a Don Juan by profession could wind up
+like a watch, so that their hearts ticked in a race with the throbs of
+his. Iduna, the late head scholar, was there, a fresh child of Nature
+with developed appreciation of manly beauty. Her first love had been an
+unhappy one, but with that elixir within her, she saw a Doctor Sperner
+in every man. She had cast an eye upon Kuhl, and was little gratified
+that Salomon became her cicerone, exhibiting all the apartments of the
+Castle full of historical associations.
+
+"In this dining-hall, my Fräulein, certainly no one ever danced before,
+but you must not think that everything was conducted in a very holy
+manner. Yes, at the time of Winrich of Kniprode, these gentlemen had to
+be called to order. There were Grand Masters at the Marienburg, whose
+glance extended to the remotest corners of the land. But later ensued a
+period of decay. They certainly still sometimes fought bravely, it
+was their trade, and it was immaterial to them whether they held a
+prayer-book or a sword in their hands--they understood their letters
+very well, and scratched whole alphabets into their enemies' faces. I
+assume that this Castle has also often been besieged by the Poles--from
+the Dantziger there the knights no doubt have triumphantly repelled the
+attack of the others; courage upon the whole, my Fräulein, is a very
+ordinary virtue practised partly at the word of command, partly under
+compulsion. I do not think much of it. All the world is brave, even the
+oxen in the meadows, which stand before their enemies and rush at one
+another with their horns."
+
+"But I should think," said Iduna, before whose mind stood Theodor
+Körner's picture in all its glory, "it is one of the noblest virtues,
+the fruit of glorious enthusiasm," and she added a few passages, which
+she had retained in her memory from her most successful theme upon the
+Lieutenant of Hussars.
+
+"Enthusiasm is all very fine," said Salomon, "but who has time for it
+before a battle! Men must clean their weapons, count their cartridges,
+eat a morsel of commissariat bread. I speak of to-day, because the
+Knights of the Order did not know that nutritious food, and when once
+the troops start, they must listen exactly to the commander's order,
+march, halt, load, fire! Enthusiasm--it is only to be found amongst
+warlike poets. In battle people are as excited as in a boxing match;
+they hit out on all sides, they know it is a matter of life or death,
+they may lose their collars, they see nothing, think nothing, only try
+to save their own skins. There is nothing more stupid than a soldier in
+a battle."
+
+"You describe it so vividly," said Iduna, "that one might believe you
+had been present yourself."
+
+"Not at a battle, but often at a fight. Besides, where is there any
+battle now? We live in everlasting peace. No, no my Fräulein! I have
+merely cast a few glances into the human mind, and if one will discover
+the truth, one must always assume the contrary of that which poetry
+asserts. Poetry is merely a beautiful falsehood. But, as I said, the
+brethren of the Order might be brave even at the time of their decay,
+but they led a merry life; I wager that they drank as bravely in this
+dining-hall, as at any drinking party of Lithuanians or Masurens, and
+that the gaily painted Madonna, with her radiant colours in the window
+panes, was not the only representative of womanhood, but that also many
+a high born knight's young lady--"
+
+"No, never, Herr Salomon," said Iduna, promptly.
+
+The youth was about to spare the maiden's blushes by passing suddenly
+to the event of the day, when the other ladies and girls declared that
+it was time to dress, and Iduna was not sorry to leave the highly
+educated student, who shed the radiance of enlightened human
+understanding into every corner, in which any illusion still lingered
+fondly. He knew that few, like himself, stood upon the height of
+nineteenth century reason.
+
+Beate would not be debarred from dressing her friend for the ceremony.
+She looked beautiful in her veil and white satin robe, but was ghastly
+pale. Beate advised her to have recourse to artificial aid, but Giulia
+very decidedly rejected every reminiscence of her past.
+
+There she appeared, really like a marble bride; on beholding her, Kuhl
+remembered how he had once called her so, when Blanden told him of his
+adventures on the Lago Maggiore. At first sight her beauty gave an
+impression of pride and coldness, but any one looking more closely
+recognised the softening influence of internal suffering which
+overshadowed her features.
+
+They were a handsome pair; there was no dissentient voice in the
+unenvious assembly. Blanden had quite recovered from his duel, he
+looked noble and grand, the dreaminess in his features possessed a
+charm of its own, such gentleness, such benignity lay in it, and when
+he opened his eyes widely they told of superior intellectual spirit.
+
+All the ladies appeared in brilliant toilets; both the brides elect,
+Cäcilie and Olga, with Beate, were the bridesmaids. The unheard of
+event that Dr. Kuhl had donned a frockcoat, betokened that Cäcilie had
+already made progress in taming the rebel. As for him, he contemplated
+himself in the pier-glasses, shrugging his shoulders and saying to
+Wegen he felt like a bear at a fair, whom the bear-leader had dressed
+up in a red jacket; however, he must perform his antics and dance to
+the drum. And so saying, he stretched about and strained his Herculean
+arms in the unwontedly fine material.
+
+The procession was arranged and moved through the dining-hall into the
+festively decorated and flower bedecked chapel. There, behind the
+altar, upon which Giulia had once placed an enchanted souvenir, stood
+the minister. She thought of the two Italian island churches, of the
+one in which she had stood before the altar as to-day; in the other
+where she had confessed to a forbidden love, and before the sacred word
+and sacred act she was overcome with a full consciousness of her sinful
+temerity.
+
+As in a vision, her whole life passed before her, she did not listen to
+the words of the Bible. The "Yes" in the church of San Giulio rang in
+her ears--the echo of the chapel seemed to strengthen it--at first it
+sounded like the crash of scorn, and still louder, more grave, more
+solemn, the thunder of the judgment day--her knees tottered. Everything
+was bathed in dreamy light--she was herself, and yet was not--she was
+there and here.
+
+Did not the lake of Orta roar outside?
+
+No, it was the storm which had risen, sweeping through the tops of the
+pines, and stirring up the waves of the northern water mirror.
+
+Fancy often erects a bridge of dreams from one summit of life to
+another, and deep below in oblivion lie all its other paths.
+
+Giulia was absorbed in a vision, in a self-delusion; the pictures of
+the past and present became mixed up, but the confusion was agonising;
+her hand trembled in Blanden's.
+
+Then the rings were exchanged, Giulia looked into his luminous eyes, he
+bent over her with an expression of most ardent love. The shadows
+disappeared, she felt the full consciousness of the bliss of the
+present, and in a voice not trembling with anguish of conscience, but
+with all the warmth of intense devotion, she spoke the word of consent.
+
+When Blanden led her to dinner he asked about the diadem; he had hoped
+that she would adorn herself with it on that day--when again should so
+good an opportunity be offered of letting the proud family heritage of
+the Blandens' shine in all its glory? And when it shone above the
+flowing bridal veil, the sanction of the family, the blessing of the
+long row of female ancestors, of that house would at the same time rest
+upon the brow of her who entered that line: she was received into the
+sanctuary of the noble women who for centuries had held their sway over
+this home. Giulia blushed deeply, and with deceitful words pleaded
+modesty and humility as her excuse, but Blanden felt that he was
+rebuffed, painfully disappointed that she had scorned to adorn herself
+with his costly gift; it was like a note of discord in the harmony of
+the entertainment, and he could not suppress a sensation of anxious
+misgiving.
+
+The grand wedding dinner passed off very cheerfully. Giulia possessed
+the lightheadedness of an actress; in glad emotions she forgot
+everything which at other times might depress her, she imbibed
+forgetfulness and courage with the sparkling froth of the champagne.
+Then, when her countenance brightened, a slight colour suffused it as
+she smiled and joked, and gave herself up to a genial actress' mood,
+which owes its birth to a rich treasury of recollections; then only her
+beauty, which until now had but inspired cold admiration, warmed all
+hearts, and Blanden was deemed fortunate to have won so beautiful a
+wife.
+
+There was no lack of toasts and verses. Schöner made use of a few ideas
+which he had once mustered in Neukuhren at Eva's betrothal. A true poet
+always goes economically to work, because when once he has stamped an
+idea with the immortal impress of his genius, it must not be lost
+again, and it would be most blameworthy even to make a feeble copy.
+Salomon retired to the domain of satire, he compared the new Knights of
+St. John with those of the old Order, and ridiculed the celibacy of the
+latter in verses imitative of Heine.
+
+Dr. Kuhl, it is true, proposed no toasts, but he was in a wild mood,
+which inspired his betrothed with some slight alarm, he spoke of his
+gallows-wit, and said he had courage to mention the rope, even in the
+house of a man who had been hanged; he was enjoying himself immensely
+at the wedding, but this fact did not upset his theories that marriage
+festivities were a public nuisance; however, as he had at last lost all
+his characteristics and fallen a victim to his own good nature, and
+another person's amiability, well, he could not help it; he, too, must
+let himself be married, but he should only permit two witnesses,
+selected from the midst of the sovereign people, to be present, who
+afterwards would disappear in the night of that plebeian universality
+where all cows are black; his marriage dinner he and Cäcilie should eat
+alone, or at the utmost invite his Caro who, on that day, should
+receive a specially good dish of meat and bones. Well, he had somehow
+got into the good-for-nothing frock-coat, and he only wished that all
+the seams would burst. The whole life of perishing humanity consisted
+in most abject concessions; he, too, now moved on that degrading
+course, and had already fallen far from that height upon which he had
+formerly stood in proud self-glorification, and he looked upon himself
+as an apostate, and with his better self, which still occasionally rose
+from out the slough, he looked upon his present self, planted up to its
+neck in a bog of social prejudices, with an indescribable feeling of
+pity and contempt.
+
+"Thank God," said Wegen to Olga, "that you have not fallen into the
+hands of this wicked hector, who seems to look upon his engagement as
+an act of suicide. How differently I appreciate you."
+
+Smiling meaningly, Olga pressed her lover's hand, but Kuhl had
+overheard the last words.
+
+"Dear friend and brother-in-law," said he, "I herewith pronounce
+you to be the greatest hypocrite at this round table. The theory of
+common love, for which the century is not yet ripe, permits many
+variations--and one of these variations you have performed, and all the
+world performs them with us. Enter upon an engagement to-day, give it
+up soon, and a week or so later fall in love and engage yourself again,
+and you are one of the most moral citizens in the world, and no one
+will assail your good name. But, if only you feel that affection a week
+sooner, before the old one is given up, then you are a Don Juan.
+Everything then depends upon time, just as in hiring anything, a week
+constitutes the whole difference between virtue and vice. Well, if we
+have not sinned, dear brother-in-law _in spe_, at least we have nothing
+with which to reproach ourselves! I have loved two sisters, but so have
+you also--your good health, my friend!"
+
+Wegen coloured at this address, which, to him, appeared intensely
+heartless. Olga laughed, but Cäcilie had long since compressed her lips
+and prepared herself for an armed reprimand.
+
+The clergyman opposite, an enlightened man, had listened to Kuhl's
+defiant speech with a smiling countenance. He quietly took part in the
+conversation.
+
+"The affections of the human heart are very peculiar, and who, indeed,
+excepting the Lord, who searches heart and mind, can say that he has
+fathomed that organ? Such affection may be transient or deep, yet it
+seems to me that it, too, is subject to mutability and change. But this
+free-booter's love must cease at that point where human society rises
+unanimously, striving to attain its grandest ends. We will grant dual
+love to Herr Dr. Kuhl. Let every one manage it as best he can. I know,
+indeed, that the heart, like the ocean, can have but one ebb and flow,
+and that this tide is only produced by the mysterious attraction of
+one orb, not merely in regular course--as is the case with the ocean
+tide--but also in wild passionate upheavings, as in that of the glowing
+liquid emotion of the earth, the earthquake, which clever men also
+ascribe to the influence of the moon's powers of attraction; but
+although dual love may be a whim of the heart, bigamy is very
+different."
+
+Although Blanden was talking to her at the moment, Giulia became
+attentive, and listened eagerly to the words of her other neighbour.
+
+"Bigamy," said the clergyman, "is a mockery of the ordinances which
+Church and State have laid down for the support of society, and the
+purity and security of families; hence the severe punishment which has
+always been decreed to that crime. It may appear too severe to those
+who are free spirits to such an extent, as also in this case only to
+perceive the maintenance of immaterial forms, but whosoever tries to
+shake them tries to shake the bases of society."
+
+Giulia's heart beat more quickly. The cheering influence of the
+champagne had lost its power, gloomy clouds overspread her brow.
+
+"We have," said the clergyman, "only lately had such a case in our
+village. A depraved woman, who came from the other side of the Polish
+frontier, had a legal husband there; here, however, she commenced a
+fresh love affair, and was married again. The matter came to light, and
+the woman who had taken the payment of the double marriage expenses
+very lightly, was sentenced to several years' imprisonment."
+
+Giulia became pale, the champagne glass fell from her hand, and was
+dashed to pieces on the table.
+
+Blanden was startled. He had not listened to the clergyman's discourse,
+having been talking very animatedly himself to Giulia, but what he said
+to her was pleasant, bright and cheerful--what had come to her?
+
+"I was abstracted, and awkward; forgive me!" said she, in an unsteady
+voice.
+
+"It is possible," Dr. Kuhl's powerful voice sounded across the table,
+"that by bigamy people may wish to live in clover, but that does not
+prevent a man wasting his substance in dual love."
+
+Blanden now noticed the subject under discussion. He became depressed
+and thoughtful, and did not know why. What could have agitated Giulia
+so much? Was her heart not quite free?
+
+They rose from the table in good spirits. Evening was already closing
+in.
+
+On that day, too, Blanden showed his usual care for the amusement of
+his dependents by going into the great barn at the farm, where the
+floor had been swept and garnished for a dance.
+
+The village band had already commenced its noisy tum-tum, beer flowed
+from the mighty barrels which Olkewicz had sent there.
+
+Red lamps illumined the place with a festive light. The couples whirled
+round in merry dance. A joyous hurrah greeted the master, who
+immediately led his young wife amongst the groups of glad people. She
+was obliged to open a dance with Olkewicz, and never in his life did
+the worthy steward experience greater pride than when footing it with
+the princess out of the fairy lake, the vision of a former occasion, in
+a place where he usually commanded the united threshing flails of the
+village.
+
+But Giulia had to dance with the young people also. There were Poles
+from beyond the frontiers; one a fine lad, in a laced jacket, knelt
+down before Giulia, after the dance, and begged her to allow him to
+take off her shoe, according to Polish custom, so as to drink her
+health. Resistance was in vain, and the princess of Lago Maggiore had
+as little cause as Cinderella to conceal her shoe and feet from the
+world. The lad filled the slipper with brandy, and gave one lusty cheer
+for the lady of the manor, while vowing himself to her service for
+evermore. The fiddlers struck up a furious tune, with them the two
+horns in the village band, and the night-watchman's horn, too-tooed
+joyously. Great was the gladness of the people, and Giulia moved like a
+strange fairy indeed amongst the women and girls of the village, mostly
+lacking any beauty. The master himself went about from one to another,
+talked to the tenants, shook hands pleasantly with those peasants, who,
+according to old privileges, farmed their own acres, here and there
+caught a better-looking maiden under her chin, and said a kindly word
+to her.
+
+Then, suddenly, from behind a pear tree, as if out of a hiding place,
+two glaring eyes stared at him; they were Kätchen's.
+
+In his pleasantly excited mood he hardly remembered their last weird
+meeting.
+
+"What in the world brings you here?" asked he.
+
+She did not answer for some time.
+
+"Have you become dumb again?"
+
+Now Kätchen wriggled out from behind the wooden monster, and stood on
+the bench beside it. She pointed to Giulia with outstretched arms, and
+said, "Must I take part in your wedding after all? Marriage on land and
+sea! Hurrah!"
+
+And, like a mad woman, she jumped down, mingled alone in the confusion
+of the dancers with wild gnome-like bounds, until a little crooked
+fellow, who could find no partner, took pity on her and twirled her
+round in the ring.
+
+Then Kätchen disappeared into the night outside; meanwhile the other
+ladies and gentlemen had also descended to watch the people's
+enjoyment. One after another Kuhl selected a conspicuously good-looking
+or ugly partner and bore her in breathless fury over the threshing
+floor, so that the fleetest youths were obliged to acknowledge his
+superiority in the wild dance. The heated fair did not know what
+happened to them, and marvelled how a townsman, who had never threshed,
+could have such powerful arms. After this furious round dance Kuhl
+ascended a tub, imposed silence, and made an impromptu speech to these
+worthy Masurens, which was frequently interrupted by loud cheers.
+
+The park was illuminated in a dazzlingly brilliant effulgence. Blanden
+led Giulia on his arm, and the other guests followed along the paths.
+The flames displayed letters upon the velvet sward; here was read, in
+quivering, glowing characters, "Lago Maggiore," there the name
+"Giulia." The Chinese pavilion on the island in the lake, and the
+bridge leading to it shone in the gayest reflection of lights. In the
+hot-houses a splendid group of southern plants, laurels, and myrtles,
+under the feathery shelter of a pine, gleamed in the radiance of
+coloured lamps, but most beautiful of all was a red fir outside, decked
+with ribbons and flags, and when the guests came up to it they were
+magically illuminated with a flaming red light. Giulia squeezed
+Blanden's hand.
+
+The sky had become clear, and when gorgeous fireworks were let off upon
+the lake the rockets ascended to the stars, and the bude lights and
+Catherine wheels crackled above the moonlit waves.
+
+Then the party assembled again in the dining-hall, but the bridal
+couple retired from the scene. Dancing and cards were still kept up for
+long. Wegen arranged everything admirably. Kuhl was in an excellent
+humour, and only by degrees one member after another left the happy
+circle and sought repose. Silence reigned in the old Castle, only the
+flag upon the tower fluttered in the night wind that had risen from the
+lake, and lashed the waves higher and higher; still could be heard glad
+sounds of the drinkers and dancers from the threshing barn of the farm.
+
+A quiet ray of light fell from Giulia's windows, intercepted by the
+large fir as it bent its heavy hanging boughs watchfully over them.
+
+All the lights were extinguished in the park. Only between the gaps in
+the walled-passage between the Dantziger and the Castle a stray one
+seemed to quiver.
+
+Not out of the deep-blue atmosphere of Italy did the stars look down
+upon this night; from a paler sky shone a paler light! Not the glorious
+Lago, with its enchanted isles and boundary Alps, rocked all into sweet
+dreams--it was a sober tide which here surged upon the strand; a tide,
+whose waves have nothing to tell, whose monotonous play only reflect
+the infinite wearisomeness of a lifeless landscape.
+
+And yet--it was she herself, in all her beauty, the princess of those
+days, and it matters not out of what sea Venus rises, she brings Heaven
+with her all the same.
+
+But the happiness that once the red fir looked down upon, over which
+the pine spread its loving fans, was ephemeral, grasped from the
+moment, forfeited to the moment. How different Blanden felt; was
+happiness secured in his own home, under the protection of his old
+household gods? thither he had transplanted the roguish smiling
+wanderer, where, although deprived of its fluttering wings, it found an
+abiding place by the family hearth without losing its enchanting smile.
+
+Thus he thought and felt; he did not inhale momentary intoxication from
+Giulia's lips, but the inauguration of a whole life. She, on the
+contrary, rejected every thought of the past, of the future. With
+intentional obliviousness she gave herself up to the present.
+
+What sacrifice had she made, what sacrilege committed to be once more
+with him, whom alone she loved. She contemplated his noble gentle
+features with speechless happiness, in his great, widely-opened eyes
+she read the same passion which animated her, only with fleeting
+thoughts that swept through her mind as flashes of lightning illumine a
+weird gloomy spot, dared she think of anything beyond.
+
+She closed her eyes, she did not venture to look at the mirror. If it
+were to move again; if Baluzzi were to step forth, her bridal coronet
+in his hand; if Blanden learned the truth, thrust her from him as a
+deceiver; if a curse were hurled upon her from the bosom that still
+often breathed uneasily in consequence of the wound which he had
+received for her sake--it was impossible to complete the thought. She
+covered her face with her hands. Outside the needles of the fir
+crackled in the wind, and swept the window. She sank into a light
+state of semi-somnolence, and she heard the branches crack still more
+loudly--what a violent storm! It was as though it drove dust and wind
+into her eyes, and deprived her of breath. With that volition, which
+does not quite disappear in sleep, she raised herself slowly, and
+simultaneously Blanden started up.
+
+What had happened? Were they dreaming? But those were no mists and
+clouds of dreamland, it was smoke and fire that surrounded them. They
+sprang up and rushed to the window! At the same moment the giant fir
+outside caught fire. The flames blazed and hissed as they rose, and
+upon its wide arms the tree bore the fire across to the other side of
+the Castle roof, away over the apartments in which were the wedded
+pair.
+
+Giulia's terrified cry for help pierced the night. Blanden remembered
+the stairs and the secret passage. He pushed the mirror-door aside, but
+an ocean of flame met his gaze; hence came the fire. He rushed to the
+other side, drawing Giulia after him by her arm with all his might. The
+first room, also the second, in which Beate had slept on the previous
+night, were still free, the flames had passed over them, but farther on
+again the branches of the fir had shaken down the sparks. The staircase
+could not be reached, door and wainscot stood in a blaze. "Lost!" cried
+Giulia, sinking down with a loud cry.
+
+Blanden shouted once more from the window. In mortal fear he listened
+for any token of life outside.
+
+Where were the watchmen? Doubtlessly at the dance in the barn.
+
+At last--a sound of voices--they came nearer--it was high time! but how
+escape?
+
+"Ladders, ladders here!" rang a mighty cry without, it filled Blanden's
+bosom with renewed confidence; it was Kuhl's voice.
+
+The crowd seemed to rush helplessly in noisy confusion through the
+park. Olkewicz called for the fire engines.
+
+"Where are the ladders?" roared Kuhl.
+
+Blanden's position became more imminent every moment, the flames
+already darted through the clattering mirror door, caught the curtains,
+and the canopy of the bed rattled down over the broken posts.
+
+A moment more--and the flames, which sent a stifling vapour in advance,
+had overtaken the other chambers, wherein Blanden supported the
+unconscious Giulia in his arms. With a fearful effort, he dragged her
+to the window to breathe fresh air, for her strength was beginning to
+fail.
+
+Outside powerless lamentations and cries for help, futile swearing and
+cursing by the steward.
+
+But no! The ladder of salvation was brought and placed against the
+window.
+
+In the midst of the sparks which the burning roof showered upon them,
+beneath a down-pour of bricks and stones that rattled to the ground
+with the rapidity of fire itself, Dr. Kuhl sprang up the ladder,
+received Giulia into his strong arms, and bore her down again as
+easily, firmly, and unfalteringly as if he were walking down a marble
+staircase.
+
+Blanden, whose hair was already singed, followed their preserver.
+
+A thundering cry of joy greeted him.
+
+All had become animated in the other wing of the Castle, which the
+guests occupied, and who had hastened down, the ladies in cloaks which
+they had thrown hastily over their night robes.
+
+The first fire engine arrived, conducted by Wegen on horseback. The
+fiery red of the sky must have aroused the neighbouring villages,
+whither eager messengers had been despatched.
+
+With deep emotion, Blanden gazed upon the increasing blaze, which
+threatened to reduce the old inheritance of his family to ashes;
+already the forked tongues of the flames lashed the tower, they boded
+ill for the dining-hall and chapel. All exertions were now directed to
+save the centre of the Castle, the actual Ordensburg.
+
+Certainly the fire could effect nothing upon those mighty walls, but as
+the flames swept in wild haste over the roofs, the falling, burning
+rafters from above might ignite the doors and panels of the beautiful,
+well-preserved Castle apartments of the oldest portion.
+
+Meanwhile engine after engine arrived, the whole district was alarmed,
+the Castle tower of Kulmitten shone like a flaming beacon, but still
+more did love for the noble master speed the help that was hurrying to
+his home. Some of the engines were stationed on the other side of the
+Castle, some in the park meadows, executing their work of preservation
+with unflagging labour.
+
+Blanden was first here then there; Giulia had recovered, she stared
+senselessly into the flames. Had the flash of a tempest set the Castle
+on fire she would have been convinced that heaven's judgment had fallen
+upon her sin; that it would proclaim with burning tongues that which
+she concealed so anxiously, yet although she did not know the cause of
+the evil, she held the fire to be in some dark connection with her own
+fate, and sometimes, with a shudder, the thought passed through her
+mind that Baluzzi might be its author.
+
+Despite all efforts of the numerous engines, and the helpful
+interference of the throng, the splendid dining-hall could not be
+saved. The flames had penetrated beyond the door, and consumed all
+inflammable-material which the room contained. Still more was Giulia
+terrified when the image of the Madonna and child fell half shattered
+from the niche in the main wall; she was the old patron saint of this
+Castle, did she flee from the sacrilege which had entered? Cautiously
+and courageously Blanden, Kuhl and Wegen led the party of firemen, but
+only towards morning did they become masters of the fire. The chapel
+was saved, and the burning tower, after it had done its duty as beacon,
+was extinguished.
+
+The new building, the other wing, remained entirely uninjured.
+
+Now, when only timid flames and clouds of smoke arose from the burning
+place, when the streams of water hissed more faintly over the smoking
+ruins, and the first rays of dawn gleamed in the east, Blanden and his
+friends gained time for calm reflection, which the ceaseless zeal of
+vigorous action had hitherto not permitted.
+
+First the lord of the Castle mustered all its inhabitants, no one was
+missing; weeping Beate must be comforted, she had lost all her
+beautiful clothes, which had been left in the bedroom the day before.
+Blanden promised compensation. But then the eager question arose as to
+how the fire had originated? It had evidently broken out in that
+extreme wing, which was connected with the front tower by the
+subterranean passage, whence the secret stairs led upwards, but that
+was the very spot whither usually no human being penetrated. Who could
+have come there on that day? The subterranean passage had fallen in,
+the secret approach from the lake to the front tower was overgrown.
+Blanden knew that for many years, yes, all his life time, the medieval
+romantic nature of that spot had remained undisturbed.
+
+With a throbbing heart, Giulia listened to these discussions. One knew
+that dark path, and had already traversed it. Verily he had deceived
+her, concealed his shameful intentions, too soon already completed the
+work of his promised revenge. It was Baluzzi, but where had he
+remained? Was he still tarrying in the vicinity? What disclosures
+menaced her? Not enough that he had laid the Castle, her new home, in
+dust and ruins, he would now direct the deadly arrow against herself.
+
+She had relied upon his word, upon the word of a malicious _bravo_.
+
+In order entirely to extinguish the glowing cinders, the water streams
+were now all directed upon the spot where the fire had broken out; a
+few bold men, Kuhl at their head, ventured wherever a sudden flame
+could still dart out.
+
+Giulia felt a vague dread of the researches, and yet nothing could be
+found there save dust and ashes.
+
+Suddenly Kuhl's cry was heard by the expectant crowd.
+
+"A corpse!"
+
+The cry, repeated more loudly, passed on to the very last person, all
+rushed nearer, in eager expectation.
+
+"Baluzzi!" cried Giulia to herself, becoming pale, at that moment only
+a sensation of horror seized her. A half-charred, half-shattered corpse
+was carried towards them; the fact of its lying beneath the fallen
+rubbish of stones had preserved it from being completely burned. The
+half-consumed rags of garments showed that it was the corpse of a
+woman--of a girl.
+
+Blanden went closer; suddenly an idea flashed through him, all that
+could still be recognised as the remains of a human being confirmed his
+supposition. The incendiary was discovered, it could be none other than
+half-witted Kätchen.
+
+"It is the idiot girl who danced with deformed Pietrowicz yesterday!"
+
+Pietrowicz came nearer and stared at the remains of his partner.
+
+"A death-dance Pietrowicz! You never anticipated that! But from
+henceforth do not dream of ghosts!"
+
+Pietrowicz stepped back as if struck, and crossed himself.
+
+"To set fire to places," added Blanden by way of explanation, "is a
+mania of such half-witted beings."
+
+But he told himself that this girl was not more mentally deranged than
+all who are animated with a blind, senseless passion; that she since
+that visit to her attic chamber, since he had rejected her insane
+offers of love, had brooded upon revenge against him, and had executed
+it on his wedding day. The mixture of love and hatred, he knew was not
+only peculiar to those whose minds are disordered, but in all moody,
+narrow ones it works like an accumulated combustible, which at the
+first shock explodes, scattering all into ruins.
+
+"I might be superstitious," thought he to himself, "she always brings
+evil and ruin to that which I love."
+
+"Giulia," then he cried suddenly, "where are you, my sweet wife? You
+live, then is all well!"
+
+And he clasped her in his arms, while the morning sun rose glowingly
+red on the horizon above the smoking Castle ruins, the closely
+thronging crowd, and the corpse of halfwitted Kätchen, the water nymph,
+who had died in the fire.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+                               A LEGACY.
+
+
+The sight of the ruins, constantly before the eyes of the newly-married
+couple, must have given a bitter flavour to their honeymoon.
+
+And yet, Blanden was happier than he had ever been, in the possession,
+which he believed to be ensured, of a beloved wife. He gazed upon the
+Castle ruins, upon the ruins of his past, but in his Giulia's smile he
+saw the promise of an abiding, beautiful future.
+
+The Ordensburg, the dining-hall, the Madonna's image, all should rise
+anew in the old form out of the rubbish. To attain this Blanden had
+sent for architects, who were well-known artists, to Kulmitten, so as
+to restore the building in accordance with the old foundations. Giulia
+took warm interest in all these plans, and often looked over Blanden's
+shoulder at the sketches of elevations over which he pored. Of course
+no art could compensate for the value of its historical age and
+associations, with the dining-hall the poetry of the olden days was
+destroyed, the new creation could but become a clever imitation.
+Several friends, especially Wegen and Olga, too, sometimes came to
+visit them, but the intercourse was not very lively, and Blanden wished
+to live alone with his love, and the object of that love. Often they
+sailed upon the lake or walked alone in the woods, upon the oak tree
+dykes, past the ponds filled with tall reeds; in that solitude which
+reminded her of primeval forests, Giulia forgot the world, the spell of
+her doom, the secret menaces of fate; and when Blanden's fowling piece
+brought down the water-fowl, and the broad belt of the fir forest sent
+back the echoes of the shot, Giulia felt as glad and as free as if she
+were living with a settler in the back woods, and as though prairie
+fires blazed between her and human society.
+
+Owing to the fire and its mysterious cause, Kulmitten had fallen into
+still worse repute amongst the proprietors and their wives in the
+neighbourhood.
+
+"There, we have it," said Frau Baronin Fuchs, to her husband, "gorgeous
+fireworks for their wedding! It is lucky that the dead cannot speak;
+that poor burned child who was drawn out of the flames, and probably
+set the place on fire, doubtlessly omitted to protest, in time, against
+the banns, and thus, in her fashion, made up for it on the wedding day.
+Of course she was a forsaken lover! The one loses her life in water the
+other in fire! Who knows which elements, those who remain may select,
+for naturally they have not come to an end yet. There was so much
+love-making in that community that it would be a school for a whole
+life-time!"
+
+But not only to her husband, everywhere on the neighbouring estates,
+wherever her dapple-greys carried the clear-sighted Frau Baronin of
+firm morals, she uttered, with triumphant eloquence, her unpleasing
+belief in the just punishment that had befallen this knight of the
+rueful countenance. Outlaw and excommunication rested once again upon
+the master of those estates, and many crossed themselves when they
+spoke of the fire at Kulmitten Castle, of the ruins of the old nest of
+the Order, as the happy possessors of brand-new knightly castles
+contemptuously termed it, and of the Signora, who, out of the depths of
+the theatre, had risen to such a height, and whose family in the
+Apennines probably drove mules, or were even related to Fra Diavolo and
+other bandits of noble descent.
+
+One day a young married couple were announced, Dr. Sperner and his
+wife. The principals of the school from the provincial capital, were
+making a tour of visits to the parents of their pupils, and hoping thus
+to obtain new ones. Dr. Sperner's moustache was a sign-board that did
+its duty. He still possessed the key to the mothers' hearts although it
+was now discreetly hidden by him in the key-basket of conjugal bliss.
+Lori had married soon after Blanden, whose conquest she had certainly
+only contemplated in daring dreams, was irretrievably lost. On that
+evening, in the theatre, on which the Doctor had distinguished himself
+by the active part he had taken in punishing the immoral _prima donna_,
+he had quite won Lori's heart; the schoolmistress' pride melted like
+snow in March, nothing remained but the little girl, who gladly gave
+herself into the strong man's keeping. There was an end of the
+commanding and dictating Fräulein. Lori stepped down from the lofty
+pedestal, upon which she had placed herself with such dignity, and
+acknowledged her master in him, who, shortly before, had declared
+himself to be her white slave. Now the plantation belonged to them
+both, and the world maintained that it was Lori who had become the
+white slave. Sperner possessed all the qualifications for a despot, and
+it was in vain that she prepared to defend herself against his vigorous
+energy with the pin-pricks of her wit. Yet she could still occasionally
+celebrate tiny triumphs with it when the Doctor, in one or the other of
+the classes, distinguished a few favourites according to his old bad
+custom. She was implacable towards these successors of Iduna. She took
+possession of their copy-books after her husband had already corrected
+them, and let her red pen run riot through their pages until they
+resembled a corn field overgrown with poppies. Then their domestic
+peace was seriously imperilled, and the first-class listening at the
+door, had the satisfaction of witnessing noisy scenes between the
+conductors of the establishment. How differently Fräulein Sohle had
+maintained discipline! Yes, even some lovely eyes peeping through the
+keyhole pretended to have seen how Dr. Sperner's moustache, the terror
+and glory of the school, played a suffering part in these disputes. At
+last, however, the Doctor gained his point, Lori was merely, by
+courtesy, the principal of the school.
+
+Although this couple's last kindly relation to Giulia had consisted in
+the homage which they paid to her talent in the theatre by hissing and
+whistling, it did not, in the least, prevent them paying a friendly
+visit to Herr and Frau von Blanden. Times change, and besides, in those
+days, they were a portion of the public, the most irresponsible
+creature that the world contains, because the individual disappears
+within it like a wave in the ocean, which none can make permanently
+stationary?
+
+Lori was most agreeable; she could not sufficiently regret that Frau
+von Blanden had said farewell to the stage. Since her retirement there
+had been a total lack of all real interest, and nothing was heard but
+commonplace ballad-singing for salaries and wages, without any of the
+divine spark.
+
+Sperner, too, kissed the lady's hand with the very lips which had
+given the signal whistle in the pit, and looked up at her with such
+true-hearted eyes that she could not but believe in his genuineness. He
+was one of those honest men whose frank manner, whose warm impulsive
+speeches inspire confidence at once, one of those men, with open hearts
+and open shirt collars, whose genuineness, as Kuhl said, is nothing but
+studied hypocrisy, while behind the mask of their honesty lurks the
+vilest deception.
+
+Blanden led his guests round the Castle and into the apartments of the
+old stronghold, which Lori surveyed with peculiar ill-nature. They
+ascended the tower, which had been temporarily restored. Yet the view
+over the wide woods to the limits of the estate, fading into the sky on
+the horizon, awoke a disagreeable emotion in Frau Sperner. She thought
+of her home, of the gravel walk, of the narrow cells in which she
+housed those entrusted to her care--how small, how miserable compared
+with such a magnificent possession; she thought of Dr. Sperner, who
+brought nothing to the union but his moustache, a box of clothes,
+another of books, and an undeniable talent as a dictatorial teacher in
+the school and conjugal lord, and a heavy shadow overclouded her life.
+Blanden stood transfigured before her like a being of a higher order.
+Giulia had remained behind in the chapel with the Doctor. Lori looked
+at Blanden with an expression, in which lay the pain of deceived
+affection, combined with one of sad resignation. But Blanden said,
+smilingly--
+
+"You will surely call me to your assistance against the bold tutor, who
+took so much upon himself! Verily he has set a crown upon his boldness
+now, robbed you of heart and name, trodden Fräulein Baute's door plate
+in the dust, and upon the long suffering metal written the name of the
+wild man who was so dreadful. Can I help you, my Fräulein? Shall I call
+him out? I am ready as ever for knightly duty!"
+
+"Laugh away, a knight may be needed at all times, and a man who is a
+savage does not at once become tame in marriage. Herr von Blanden, we
+may call ourselves teachers, but nevertheless we always remain pupils
+in life."
+
+It was well that Giulia and Sperner appeared, or Lori would have fallen
+into Blanden's arms upon the Castle leads, if he had shown the least
+inclination to bear so precious a burden.
+
+At any rate Frau Sperner had the satisfaction of driving back to the
+town in Herr von Blanden's elegant carriage. Reclining in the soft
+cushions, drawn by the four high stepping horses, she could indulge in
+dreams of being the mistress and owner of this team! How contemptible
+the Doctor appeared at that moment; he possessed no carriages and
+horses, castles and villages, forests and meadows, and yet assumed a
+mien as if his frown were dreaded in a circumference of thirty square
+miles. And he was really living upon borrowed capital. That was all the
+grandeur!
+
+With a sigh she leaned back in the cushions and closed her eyes, and in
+a half dream of delight she saw herself as Frau von Blanden with
+Sperner seated in his proper place, upon the box in a splendid livery,
+thrashing the horses and stroking his moustache.
+
+A few days after this visit, Blanden had to cross the frontier to see a
+landowner in Russian Poland about agricultural matters and the new
+buildings, for which he hoped to find desirable materials. Giulia bade
+him a fond farewell, as though she had a presentiment that it would be
+farewell for a long, long time. The road from Kulmitten first led along
+a beautifully situated road on the estate, then between little lakes on
+either side; farther on, at several places, the traveller might easily
+imagine himself to be in Arabia Petræa, for the highway went past hills
+which had been strewn with a shower of stones. Here not a tree grew,
+not a shrub, it was a limitless waste. The horses, too, had difficulty
+in making their way through the stony _débris_, for Blanden had already
+to diverge from the main road, because his friend's estate was only
+accessible along by-ways. It was a toilsome drive, twilight overtook
+them before the frontier was reached. Meanwhile the landscape had again
+assumed a different character; the hills were covered with woods, and
+in the hollows between them small lakes which terminated in swamps. The
+carriage wheels often ran so closely to their edge that only the light
+of the carriage lamps and the driver's caution preserved them from some
+mishap. Some of these morasses were so deep that it would be fatal to
+sink into them. Suddenly the carriage dropped below into a copse
+dividing two lakes or swamps; a string of carts which had been driven
+up one behind another, and would not move on, blocked the road. The
+coachman became impatient, but he was bidden to wait; Blanden sprang
+out of the carriage and climbed up a little eminence close to the road,
+however, it was too dusk to be able to overlook the whole train. He saw
+a few dark figures moving about amongst the carts, and some of them
+were armed with guns.
+
+At last the cry "Forward!" resounded. The line of carts was set in
+motion, it was possible to proceed. Blanden had to act as rear-guard.
+
+Thus they went on for some time alternating from wooded hills to swampy
+vallies, then they stopped again, a post with the Russian colours
+showed that the frontier was reached. That "halt!" was not given in the
+loud voice of the "forward," but in a whispered tone. Blanden became
+impatient, he knew already that he had fallen amidst a caravan of
+smugglers, which could only seek to cross the frontier on by-roads, in
+the dead of the night. Then suddenly the soundless silence was
+disturbed by noisy cries; shots and din of conflict followed, the
+horses in Blanden's carriage reared, the coachman could hardly keep
+them in hand. More shots. Cossacks on fleet horses dashed upon the
+foot-wide margin that separated the carts from a swamp on the right
+hand from a steep wooded hill on the left. They overpowered the drivers
+of the carts, bound them safely, and mounted the waggons themselves. A
+Cossack also seated himself beside Blanden's coachman, obliging him to
+deviate from his course and follow to the frontier station.
+
+As they drove past the scene of conflict he saw that it had cost the
+lives of several victims; a wounded Cossack was lifted up and placed in
+one of the carts, two officials from the frontier searched a wildly
+overgrown bank running out into the swamp, evidently they expected to
+find a wounded smuggler there. As the road became wider, and passed
+through a plain of meadows, one cart was left behind to bring on a few
+more prisoners, and several Cossacks galloped back to catch some
+runaway smugglers. Clearly the attack on the column of carts had been
+unexpected and sudden, and doubtlessly its leader had formerly often
+succeeded in crossing the frontier unperceived by these remote roads.
+
+Blanden was supremely annoyed at this compulsory divergence; almost an
+hour elapsed before they reached the station, near which was an inn. He
+knew the inspector of the frontier personally, and also had papers with
+him fully proving his identity, and setting the matter beyond doubt
+that he was in nowise connected with the band of smugglers.
+
+The Cossack upon the box, who had escorted him safely, took leave, and
+for his unwelcome trouble received a _trink-geld_ that he accepted with
+eloquent gestures. It was too late at night to drive to his friend's
+estate, they had turned off in an exactly opposite direction. Blanden
+had the horses taken out, and resigned himself to the fate of spending
+the rest of the night in that miserable inn.
+
+Gradually the carts arrived with the Cossacks. Blanden had preceded
+them. The waggons contained jewellery, silks, and linen; he learned
+that a bold speculator, who accompanied the train himself, hoped to do
+a great stroke of business with it. He had not yet been caught. Blanden
+overheard all this in the inn parlour, when he walked impatiently up
+and down, waiting for the wretched meal which he had ordered.
+
+Outside there was incessant running to and fro; shouting, ordering,
+rolling of cartwheels, and stamping of horses, echoed through the
+night. A company of infantry had been summoned from the neighbouring
+town, because they had to deal with the most dangerous traders of the
+East Prussian forests, who thoroughly understood the little frontier
+struggles, and amongst whom were several reckless axe-bearers and
+dreaded shots.
+
+It was late when one more conveyance arrived, from out of which a
+groaning man was lifted; he had been found upon the bank in the swamps,
+where he had sought to conceal himself in the wild profusion of
+overgrowth.
+
+"He will not live much longer," said the host, returning, after having
+gleaned the information outside, "but, besides the room which I have
+given up to you, there is not an empty spot in the house."
+
+"I will gladly resign it," replied Blanden. "I shall not be able to
+sleep any more; put the unhappy man in my room."
+
+Accompanied by two Cossacks, the wounded man was carried into the
+parlour where the landlord told him he could be accommodated in the
+upper room, which this gentleman had relinquished to him. Out of a
+cloak which concealed the rest of his face two great glowing eyes fixed
+themselves upon Blanden. A sudden quiver passed through the wounded
+man. He was carried out and up the stairs.
+
+"Who is the man?" asked Blanden.
+
+"So far as I can hear," said the host, "he is a dealer, who, in
+transporting his goods--whether from greediness and anxiety, whether
+from delight in such adventures--does not leave the matter to competent
+professional smugglers, but assumes the management himself. Certainly,
+this time it is a great expedition, which might have entirely provided
+a princely ball at Warsaw with jewels and silk. He has fared ill
+to-day! He defended himself and fired a revolver, but was mortally
+wounded."
+
+The servant of the house then entered and begged Blanden to go to the
+wounded man, who urgently requested it.
+
+"The poor man will not part from life without thanking me," said
+Blanden.
+
+He went up the stairs and entered a room meagrely lighted with a feeble
+oil lamp. Against the wall stood a wretched bedstead, upon which lay a
+straw mattress. At the head of the bed sat a Cossack, his lance in his
+hand.
+
+"Make room, good fellow," said the wounded man's voice, "let the
+gentleman come to me! You can stand on guard as well as sit. I am no
+longer dangerous."
+
+He had spoken Russian. The Cossack drew back while Blanden went up to
+the bed, but his sensation of pity suddenly gave place to one of
+astonishment, when, in the man doomed to die, he recognised the amber
+merchant.
+
+"Signor Baluzzi!" cried he shocked, for he suddenly recollected that
+this man stood in some mysterious relation to Giulia.
+
+"I shall soon be dead," said Baluzzi, while spasmodic gasps interrupted
+the words brought out with such difficulty. "_Corpo di bacco!_ I should
+not have believed that it would come so soon, but I feel it is to be,
+and the frontier official, who was a surgeon formerly, says so too.
+People follow many trades here."
+
+"I am sorry for you, Baluzzi! How could you enter upon so insane an
+undertaking?"
+
+"Insane? _L'assicuro di no!_ I have often had the most splendid
+success, but misfortune must befall all in time; you, too, Herr von
+Blanden, and I am glad, because I have the right to hate you."
+
+The Italian's dim eyes gleamed, he clenched his hand convulsively, and
+then let it fall again upon the pillow.
+
+"What do these insinuations mean?--speak! If you have a secret to
+confide to me do not hesitate, for it might easily become too late."
+
+"A secret of a strange kind," said Baluzzi, as he tossed about and
+groaned. "Haha, now it will come upon her, too. This bullet speeds
+beyond the frontier--and into her heart! I foretold it to her when she
+gave me up in her unworthy pride. I was too weak. I let myself be
+dazzled by the gold that she promised and gave me! But now it is all
+over, death is approaching, it needs no bribe. Now I will speak! That
+was the agreement. I shall hold firmly to it!"
+
+"You speak in riddles," said Blanden.
+
+"As she will no longer rest in my arms, neither shall she in yours,"
+said the Italian. "I shall assert my rights. I shall preserve them with
+my last breath, long as I may have denied them. That is worthy of a
+brave man. She is mine, and belongs to this death-bed."
+
+"Of whom do you speak?" cried Blanden, more astonished.
+
+"Of Giulia, your--mistress!"
+
+"Hah, you scoundrel," cried Blanden, "I shall be forgetting that a
+dying man is before me, that these words are the unnecessary attacks of
+an expiring intellect."
+
+"You are mistaken," said Baluzzi, but pain compelled him to stop for a
+time and to speak more softly. "I speak the truth."
+
+"Fool--united to me at the altar!"
+
+"Null and invalid, null and invalid!"
+
+"Is there anything you wish, Baluzzi? I will gladly carry it out, but
+to listen longer to your wandering speech is impossible."
+
+"Wandering speech! Haha--am I a madman? Do I tear off the bandage which
+the wretched surgeon, the old frontier official, put on? Do I grope in
+the air half unconsciously? No, my mind is clear, clear as yours,
+clearer, perhaps, at this moment. I can understand that the world
+begins to go round with you when I repeat that 'Giulia can only be
+your mistress, because she is--my wife!'"
+
+"Your wife, madman!"
+
+Blanden shouted in a torrent of anger, then he shuddered. Various dark
+impressions, for which hitherto he could not account, swept suddenly
+over him, the possibility of what was incredible lay before him like a
+deep fearful abyss.
+
+"She has deceived you, _carissimo_!"
+
+"Oh, then--then I should envy you the merciful bullet which struck you,
+envy you your approaching death," cried Blanden, beside himself, "but
+it cannot be, Giulia could not thus deceive me."
+
+"She wanted to belong to you for ever, and she did not mind a crime."
+
+"She must have dreaded the disclosure every moment."
+
+"There you have an ardent daughter of our country! She would be happy
+at any price."
+
+"You should have come forward long since, have opposed it."
+
+"I did not do it. I was accustomed to turn away from her, to be silent.
+It was more advantageous for me! She paid well for my silence, but that
+she should treat me with contempt ate silently into my vitals, and I
+vowed to be avenged upon the overbearing woman as soon as the hour
+should have struck."
+
+Bach one of these replies, which Baluzzi gave in a low expiring voice,
+was a deathblow for Blanden. Not only could he not refute them, but
+they bore the impress of truth.
+
+The dark recollection of the Lago Maggiore, of Giulia's agonised bursts
+of anguish, of the force of circumstances which she lamented, of
+Baluzzi's appearance on the shore of the lake, and at the gate of the
+villa, all returned overwhelmingly upon him. He had many times asked
+casual questions which she had always answered crossly and evasively,
+and only in order to avoid marring the peace of their honeymoon had he
+refrained from an enquiry which might easily be misinterpreted. With
+the keen sharpness of a knife this thought quivered through his brain,
+and a dread feeling of pain rent his heart, and yet with every excuse
+which his anxious reason could discover, he tried to stem the coming
+evil.
+
+"Your wife, you say, your wife, but where were you married?"
+
+"In the church of San Giulio, on the island, in the lake of Orta."
+
+"I will assume that you are speaking the truth, assume it without
+believing it. But then she was your wife years ago. She is divorced."
+
+"Our Church knows no divorce," murmured Baluzzi softly to himself.
+
+"Your laws--"
+
+"Do not recognise it either!"
+
+"Well, then, she has been divorced in some other country where it is
+permitted."
+
+"I have always remained a subject of Italy, and even here--I had
+grounds enough for a divorce--remember the villa at Stresa--but I would
+not."
+
+Baluzzi made a sign of denial. He groaned, and pressed his hand upon
+his heart. He could not speak any more.
+
+"Horrible," cried Blanden; then he began to perceive what Giulia's
+heart must have gone through in its passionate love for him--the
+unbounded deception became comprehensible. He could not but acknowledge
+to himself that he should never have made his, this vagrant's wife,
+even if she had been divorced. Giulia had told herself the same, and
+therefore concealed the past from him.
+
+But that he should realise the possibility, could realise it, seemed to
+him like inexpiable injustice to Giulia.
+
+The man, sick unto death, was a prey to wild delirium, but even through
+madness there runs one connecting thread, on which it hangs its
+pictures, and is often more sharp-sighted, more rational than sound
+sense.
+
+A pause ensued. The Cossack, who was weary, began to whistle a song
+which is sung on the shores of the Don by the girls of his race.
+Baluzzi had somewhat recovered.
+
+"You still doubt? Pray call in the officer of the frontier."
+
+Under the impression that the Italian felt weak, and needed some
+surgical assistance, Blanden hastened down the stairs and returned with
+the chief guardian of the frontier. The latter felt Baluzzi's pulse,
+and shook his head.
+
+"One favour! Show this gentleman what you found sewn up in my coat."
+
+Annoyed, but unwilling to refuse a dying man's entreaty, the officer,
+with an enquiring glance at Blanden, went into his office, and
+returned, bringing another Cossack with him as watchman.
+
+Out of a rough wooden box close at hand at the time, he took a
+sparkling diamond coronet. Even the Cossacks drew nearer with covetous
+glances.
+
+Only one stone was wanting in the ornament. Blanden started back as if
+stung by an adder.
+
+"My, her diamonds! Our family jewels! Robber!
+
+"I a robber? Did she wear these diamonds on her wedding day? Did she
+complain that she had lost them? It is a gift that she gave to me--one
+of the many with which she bought my silence. I came to her on the
+evening before her wedding. Kätchen showed me the road through the
+tower and the subterranean passage, and cleared the way--poor child, it
+was there, too, that she died the following day in the fireworks, which
+she let off in honour of the bridal couple. These diamonds are my
+honestly gained property."
+
+Now Blanden said no more. Groping about blindly he sought an
+explanation, but all excuses were denied to him. Desperate, he buried
+his face in his hands, and stamped as if in an impotent rage with his
+fate.
+
+"He is dying," said the official, pointing at Baluzzi, whose features
+suddenly became overshadowed.
+
+But he raised himself once more with a powerful effort, and cried in a
+shrieking half-failing voice--
+
+"Thrust her from you, the adulteress. Where am I? The brand upon her
+brow, the chains of the galley rattle about me--"
+
+"And if it were so," cried Blanden, "the proofs are wanting. The secret
+goes with you to the grave. I alone have the right to punish her."
+
+"You are wrong," said Baluzzi, gathering up his strength once more.
+"Revenge I have vowed to her, I keep my oath, the proofs are not here,
+not at hand, but they are in safe keeping. The accusation I carried for
+long, carefully sealed up in my breast pocket. Beate burned the page in
+the registry in San Giulio, but a legal copy at the See in Milan proves
+the marriage. And this accusation is my legacy, the lightning that
+strikes the worthless woman, even before I die."
+
+"This accusation--" cried Blanden, almost breathlessly.
+
+"Bears the address of the nearest court in the district, shows all
+proofs, and is in the hands of Wild Robert, who fled with me on to the
+bank in the swamps. The ball hit me--it missed him. He promised me,
+even if it cost his life, to take the papers there. He knows the way
+through the morass, and if he had to hew down bush and tree with an axe
+to make a bridge for himself, the bailiffs have not caught him.
+Triumph! Chains and fetters for her--she has despised me, I, too, may
+despise her--thus I die--gladly!" And with these words, which were
+already interrupted by the rattle of approaching death, he bowed his
+head and passed away.
+
+As if out of his mind Blanden rushed into the night, ran along lonely
+roads, sprang over ditches and fences, hurried up and down--he felt as
+though he must fly from himself.
+
+His Giulia had deceived him, she was a criminal, his marriage
+invalid--the myrmidons of the law were already knocking at the door of
+his Castle! He repeated all this to himself mechanically, hopelessly,
+as though he were conning a lesson. It was impossible that all this
+could concern himself.
+
+After two hours of rapid flight through the night, which just began to
+yield to the dawn in the east, he returned to the inn, asked for ink
+and paper, and wrote to Giulia--
+
+"Baluzzi is dead, he fell in a smuggler's fight, and dying confessed to
+me that you are his wife, and never were divorced from him! Shortly
+before his death he sent in an accusation against you. It cannot all be
+true, confirm the untruth with a few lines; they will find me with the
+proprietor of Opaczno."
+
+He obtained a messenger and despatched him to Kulmitten with his
+letter.
+
+It would have been impossible for him to return now, look into Giulia's
+eyes, hear from her own lips that she was the wife of that wretch.
+
+He gave some orders and money for Baluzzi's burial, and then drove to
+Opaczno.
+
+Fixedly he gazed at the morning, he saw none of the objects past which
+he drove, for him a heavy shadow lay upon all earthly things.
+
+She whom he had so proudly loved, seemed like a spectre to him, a bride
+of Corinth, a vampire, which had sucked his blood, his life.
+
+And yet--in the midst of his wrath at the deception, he was seized with
+fear, with pity for her, an inexpressible feeling of pain, that gnawed
+at his heart.
+
+He felt as if the mild god of Hindoostan, the old King's son, laid a
+hand upon his brow like a healing doctor, and whispered to him, "Have
+pity upon all creation!"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+                              CONFESSIONS.
+
+
+"When you receive these lines," wrote Giulia, "I shall have left
+Kulmitten with Beate, and all traces of me, it is to be hoped, will be
+lost to you and to the world. I take nothing with me, save the
+remembrance of your goodness and love, and they shall support me in my
+forsakenness, and render it possible for me to endure life.
+
+"What else can it be to me, but an atonement of the past, but a prayer,
+a prayer for forgiveness? I shall never learn if it be fulfilled, but
+in my best hours I shall comfort myself with it, I shall hope and
+believe in it, as we believe in one only happiness!
+
+"And I dare believe and hope, because the crime that I committed was
+committed only through boundless love for you, through passion that
+gives up and sacrifices everything for the possession of the beloved
+one, even its duty, its honour--at least that which before law and the
+world passes for such. I had hoped to be able to preserve my secret,
+and at the same time untroubled happiness for you, even although mine
+was ever disturbed by pangs of conscience; it has been ordained
+differently, the veil has suddenly fallen. I stand as a criminal before
+your eyes. If you, too, measure me with the measure of others, then
+there is no absolution for me, but you, whom I loved most deeply, will
+also be more capable than all others of forgiveness.
+
+"The whole history of my sorrow is connected with a man who has now met
+with so terrible an end, he was fatal to my life. I may regret that a
+low mind made him an unsettled, unhappy wanderer upon earth, but I
+cannot weep for him, because tears are too precious to be wasted upon
+what is ignoble. Others may, perhaps, think the same of me, but every
+great passion has an atoning power. The story of my life is short, but
+eventful.
+
+"My parents possessed a small estate near Bergamo; they exchanged it
+for another in the Italian Tyrol, but they were unfortunate, their
+affairs went wrong. Young as I was, I had to think of earning something
+for myself, and as I was esteemed tolerably good looking, and my voice
+melodious and strong, it was determined that I should devote myself to
+the stage. Influential friends provided for my education, so that I
+might enter the chorus at the _Pergola_, in Florence.
+
+"I was eighteen years old, I did not know life. In my dreams I might
+sketch a brilliant future for myself: the present was poor enough, it
+did not satisfy the ambition of artistic struggles, it barely yielded
+daily bread. Gradually, however, I began to receive subordinate parts,
+in which, if not by my singing, yet by my voice, my whole manner, I
+could rouse people's attention.
+
+"At that time I became acquainted with Baluzzi; he was twenty years
+older than I, and also a chorus singer, but for him the chorus was only
+a place of refuge, as it seemed, the sad close to a mysterious life. He
+was considered to be a handsome man, all my friends were proud when he
+paid them any little attention. Soon he began to distinguish me
+especially, which roused my companions' jealousy, made me, however, the
+more susceptible of the tokens of his favour. He understood how to win
+a young heart; he surrounded himself with the charm of recklessness;
+here and there he allowed a reminiscence of his past, a picture to
+gleam shedding around him the halo of a bold, daring man. Being a
+member of the chorus appeared to us as a disguise which he had assumed
+in his momentary need.
+
+"Unacquainted with life, captivated by Baluzzi's fiery glances, and the
+power of his language, I was soon beneath his spell. I loved him with
+inexperienced, ardent love. An event also occurred that showed me his
+uncontrolled feelings, it is true, but also the strength of his
+passion. I had inspired a Florentine noble with one of those transient
+affections which the stage so easily ignited. I had treated him
+politely, and he looked upon me as an easy prey. Late one evening he
+came to me. I bade him leave, he became more importunate. Baluzzi had
+watched for him, came to me, drew out his dagger, and wounded the
+nobleman. The wound was not dangerous and my well-born friend deemed it
+best to observe silence. I, however, could gauge Baluzzi's love for me
+by the measure of his savage jealousy.
+
+"Nor did he only crave for fleeting love, he strove to possess me from
+the first. He told the wounded intruder that I was his betrothed, and
+asserted his right of active defence. I had not given him the right
+until now, but I did not show over-much resistance when he claimed it.
+Once when I refused to listen to him, we were standing upon the
+platform of the _companile_, he threatened to throw himself down, and I
+appeased him with hasty consent, because I believed that he would
+fulfil his threat.
+
+"One thing I must say for him--and that was my misfortune--he believed
+in my talent, my future. While others thought my performances pretty
+and taking, he was convinced that, with my voice, my appearance, after
+a little progress in singing, I should become great on the Italian
+stage. In imagination he foresaw my pecuniary, my brilliant successes,
+therefore he strove to possess me. I was an object of his calculations,
+and they had not deceived him. That he also found me personally
+desirable I will readily believe, for the world, the public, the
+newspapers, and above all, my mirror told me that I was beautiful.
+
+"Baluzzi's passionate courtship, which inspired me with fear and
+dread--as he intimidated me with menaces if I should not do his will--I
+could no longer resist. I had sung my first more important part at the
+_Pergola_ and been very successful; his calculations now gained a
+firmer basis, more resolutely he went at his object. At that time, it
+is true, I only perceived the expression of unlimited passion in all
+that he said or did, which at last intoxicated me, for nothing is more
+infectious than the soul's warmth. I gave my consent to the marriage;
+that it should be a secret one at first, we both agreed. Nothing is
+more fatal to young actresses than the title of _Signora_, it sets a
+barrier to those undecided wishes which spontaneously, like a
+superfluous element of nature, mingle with the admiration of beauty and
+artistic revelations; in such unexpressed emotions often lies the
+secret of success. A grand career lay before me, it must remain free
+and open to me. Baluzzi also desired this. We were married in the
+remote little church in the middle of the Orta lake. For the stage I
+continued to be Signora Bollini; but the heavy, fatal error of my life
+had been committed, it was no youthful folly whose consequences could
+be brushed away with a light hand. Marriage is indissoluble according
+to the laws of the Church, indissoluble according to those of the
+country. The priest's words had converted me into a slave for evermore.
+I did not feel it then, I was happy. This confession does not disgrace
+me, because felicity lies in our feelings, and delusion can call it
+forth as well as truth. Youth has its own rapture, its own bliss, and
+love is not so powerless as not to procure full enjoyment for all who
+are filled with it. Those were glorious days which I spent by the banks
+of the Orta lake. Baluzzi then seemed like a demi-god to me, but that
+bliss was of short duration.
+
+"Returned to Florence, I soon remarked that he displayed several
+rougher sides of his nature, at first surprising, then alarming me. I
+perceived that he gave himself up to a wild life, which, merely to win
+and deceive me, he had interrupted for some time. He laid an embargo
+upon my cash-box, I was almost reduced to poverty; he was a gambler, a
+drunkard, and spent his nights with wild companions.
+
+"The rapture of love, however, had given unthought-of wings to my
+talent; from part to part I attained greater success, and after the
+lapse of a year was engaged at the _Pergola_ with a considerable
+salary, but, with the salary, increased Baluzzi's claims; often he
+demanded money for his journeys to Monaco, where he indulged his mania
+for play, whence he always returned a bankrupt. All my expostulations
+were vain, he met them with bitter scorn and the defiant manner of a
+lord and master.
+
+"He gambled at Monaco, he engaged in equivocal business, and did I not
+send him sufficient money at any time, he pursued me like a spy, like a
+shadow. He read of my successes in the papers, he kept a book of them,
+he calculated my receipts. In Milan, not long after, began the era of
+my triumphs, the most distinguished circles were opened to me. I became
+intimate with Princess Dolgia, and she invited we to her villa at
+Stresa.
+
+"It was then that I saw you for the first time, when my heart burned
+for you with glowing passion, when I experienced all the charms of love
+and life, and felt the shame of my chains doubly heavy; then, too, he
+spied upon me by the lake shore, he had been dissatisfied with the last
+remittance; he demanded more. At the same time his heart was inflamed
+with savage jealousy, or was it rather an emotion of hatred--he saw
+that we loved one another. I feared for your life, only a great price
+could assuage his wrath. But, carried away with delight that knew no
+bounds, as if to raise me in blissful dreams above the unworthiness
+with which my life was filled, I would not curb my glowing love, and
+greater than the sin of loving was the wicked doubt, whether the
+welfare of my soul was more imperilled by your love than by the mad
+passion of a brutal criminal.
+
+"Since then my only thought has been for you and your love; he followed
+me upon my career of triumph which I commenced through Europe. I would
+fly from you, only entwine your love like a transient dream in my
+life--and ever again it urged me to seek you; therefore I came here
+and stayed so long on the shores of the northern lakes. It drew me to
+your native land, to your own home. I visited your Castle while you
+were absent; then I tore myself away from the glowing dreams of my
+longing--for almost two years I lingered in Russia. Owing to no fault
+of mine, Baluzzi had lost all traces of me for a considerable time; he
+had been guilty of some breach of the laws in Russia, and was, I know
+not why, banished to Siberia, but he discovered me again, and, like a
+leech, he clung to my heels.
+
+"My increasing fame gave me the _entrée_ to good society, I gained the
+friendship of princes and princesses. Intercourse with Baluzzi could
+only injure my name. Little as he fulfilled his duties as a chorus
+singer in Florence, he was known as one of those musical assistants who
+stood upon a subordinate step of the ladder of art, in those circles I
+had risen far above his horizon. I often let him feel it, and he
+rebelled with double defiance against my 'impudent overbearing.' Yet he
+saw that, for his own sake, he must not disturb my career; he agreed
+only to see and speak to me secretly, and before the world to assume
+the semblance of friendship; he often came after dissipated
+entertainments and asserted his rights, rousing my anger.
+
+"Another fearful surprise awaited me. A falling scene had struck his
+shoulder; he persistently rejected all assistance from the surgeon, and
+from me. I went to see him, he lay in feverish sleep. I wanted to see
+the wound, that appeared to me as serious as his resistance was
+suspicious. I drew back the bandage and saw--even now the recollection
+fills me with horror--upon his shoulder the branded mark of a
+galley-slave! It was to a desperate criminal that I had given hand and
+heart!
+
+"There are countries in which the law would grant the right of divorce
+in cases where such discoveries were made after marriage, because they
+assume that only by mistake could such an union have been formed. But
+in Italy there is no such law, and had there been I had neglected the
+time which is allowed for such an appeal. I knew nothing about it.
+
+"Nevertheless, my resolution, to set myself free from the horrible
+control of this man, so far as lay in my power, remained immovable.
+When Baluzzi had recovered, I imparted my discovery to him with great
+composure; he started. I told him that I knew now that I had married a
+heavily punished criminal.
+
+"'Quarrels at the gaming table,' said he shortly, 'a hasty dagger that
+caught its victim.'
+
+"'Perhaps combined with cheating and robbery,' added I.
+
+"'What does it matter to you? Who dares to reproach me with a
+punishment that I have undergone?' I explained succinctly to him that I
+could have nothing in common with a dismissed galley-slave, and forbade
+him to visit me any more. Naturally this prohibition angered him, but I
+declared that I should betray his secret to the world, publish the
+brand which justice had imprinted upon him, and thus had cast him out
+for ever from association with his fellow-men.
+
+"'Then I shall proclaim our marriage,' cried he triumphantly, 'and upon
+you will rest the same curse.'
+
+"'And our fame, my talent, our gains?'
+
+"He became thoughtful, and entered into negociations; he should not
+disturb my path any more, but he claimed the greater portion of my
+receipts for himself; under these conditions, so long as I remained on
+the stage, where he prophesied me a brilliant career, he should not
+assert his rights over me, but so soon as from any cause I left the
+theatre, I should again fall into his power, not only my possessions,
+but also my life and person; thus should he be indemnified for the long
+privation. I might then proclaim that he had been in the _bagno_, it
+was immaterial to him. The wife of a galley-slave shared his disgrace;
+yes, then he should be my master again and possess the right to the
+whims of a sultan.
+
+"He parted from me; I bound myself always to give him my address, as I
+was about to set out on a starring tour in Italy and abroad. I felt
+like a serf who is granted liberty which is liable to be recalled at
+any moment, but my earnings were paralysed, and my heart could not beat
+freely without committing sin. That was control worse than the galley!
+
+"I saw you again. From that time my life has been no secret to you. I
+would belong to you for ever, it was the one object of my life, and yet
+unattainable if I did not possess the audacity to defy the constraint
+of a law binding me for life to the galley. Is there no higher decree
+than the mutable chequered one of these countries in our hemisphere? Is
+there not a holier love which may scorn an unholy bond? I hoped to
+annihilate the proofs of my slavery: I hoped to keep the spectre of my
+life far aloof from myself, and still farther from you; to enjoy a
+happiness over which, indeed, hung a sword on a silver thread, yet
+invisible to you and your repose, not hostile to your peace--in vain!
+He came because I had resigned the stage; he came not to demand my
+money, but myself, and in wild desperation I bought a new reprieve with
+the gift of your love, the diamond diadem, the family jewels of the
+Blandens. But dying, the wretched man fulfilled his oaths of revenge,
+and, as bleeding, he descends amongst the shadows, he leaves me behind
+amidst the falling ruins of my bliss.
+
+"Well;--I am a guilty woman! Now condemn me! I have deceived you, I
+bring disgrace upon your house--and yet, so long as my heart beats, it
+will beat for you; I go forth into misery, behind me the myrmidons of
+the law, nothing is left for me save the last greeting, the last word
+of blessing! God protect the most noble man whom the earth contains,
+and if he cannot forgive me then may his pity follow me--the outcast,
+the scorned--into the wide world!"
+
+Again, and again, Blanden read the letter with throbbing heart and a
+tear in his eyes, he ordered his horses to be harnessed and drove
+furiously to Kulmitten. The Castle was desolate and empty. Giulia and
+Beate had left it in a peasant's cart which chanced to be passing
+through, both in the plainest garments, none could tell whither.
+
+He was alone. He waited for the officers of justice who would soon
+knock at those doors and attach the seal of nameless shame to the
+sacred heritage of his family. He sat there a silent, moody man, and
+buried all his hopes.
+
+
+
+
+                             LAST CHAPTER.
+
+                              TO THE EAST!
+
+
+Since the occurrences which we have just related, two years had passed
+away.
+
+The political storm had burst which the weather tokens on the horizon
+had long since foretold, the regeneration of the German people was
+proclaimed amid mighty convulsions.
+
+It was a premature spring whose blossoms shed their leaves before they
+attained maturity.
+
+The uproar raged through the large towns. Blood flowed over the
+streets. War between brothers was unfettered. Often those fought
+together, who desired the same object; with cannon balls, the people
+greeted the desired concessions of Government; wild tumult had taken
+possession of hearts and minds. The equinoctial gale of the spring of
+liberty swept through Europe, and general shipwreck ensued.
+
+Only upon one tiny spot of earth, where it was necessary to defend
+German soil against foreign encroachments, and to prepare the place for
+the German Empire of the future, a struggle had been commenced, which
+did not bear the fearful impress of a war between brothers, which was
+ennobled by glorious enthusiasm for the fatherland. The dependence upon
+the will of foreign rulers who trod old rights under foot, had become
+insupportable to a brave race of people which flew to arms to preserve
+the right, to repel the interference of a newly-crowned king, and to
+maintain its connection with Germany at the point of the sword.
+
+It was on a day in April, 1848, that the thunder of cannon echoed
+across the narrow bay of Flensburg; the red columns of the Danish army
+had extended themselves around the village of Bau and threatened to cut
+off the advance guard of the Schleswig-Holstein army that was stationed
+at Bau and Krusau. Soon the battle began! The flower of the country's
+youth, the students of Kiel, with the riflemen of that town, had to
+withstand the first onslaught of the enemy.
+
+Over the hedges, out of the ditches, the advanced out-posts fired upon
+the red sharpshooters, upon the rushing enemy.
+
+"Forward!" resounded the cry of the officers; "forward!" rang Blanden's
+voice. He led the disciples of _alma mater_ to the battle; he had
+hastened to them, and entered their ranks amongst the first German
+volunteers, who placed their swords at the disposal of the good cause
+of Schleswig-Holstein.
+
+"Forward!" replied the students' cry, with tempestuous enthusiasm, many
+of whom had a musket in their hands for the first time, who had poured
+in from the lecture-rooms to prove by active deeds their devotion to
+their fatherland. And forward moved the volunteer band; with levelled
+bayonets they charged the Danish vanguard, drove it back, and held
+their position beneath a heavy fire; courage and energy compensated for
+lack of numbers.
+
+The Danes gave the courageously attacking force credit for strong
+supports; for a fresh effort they summoned fresh powers to their
+assistance.
+
+Regardless of the balls which whistled round him from every side,
+Blanden, too, stood under fire; it almost seemed as if death would be
+welcome to him, and yet he was filled with burning love of battle as he
+looked into the radiant faces of those youths who went so full of the
+courage of sacrifice to meet their death.
+
+Yes, and it was no common food for powder that filled the ditches, they
+were the best sons of the land. It was the vanguard of the German
+spirit, and wherever it had conquered it was always the united word of
+the sword, and the sword of the word which had gained the victory.
+These bayonets were not merely a flashing protest of the northern
+nations; the hands in which they rested were equally powerful to wield
+the pen--and knew how to prove this right.
+
+Meanwhile the shots thundered from Bau, the crashing salvoes, however,
+drew towards the south-east of Flensburg. Soon scattered troops
+announced that the sixteenth battalion at Bau had been beaten by the
+Danes. Now the brave men stood helplessly, no order from head-quarters
+came to them; one orderly after another was despatched, none returned.
+The retreat to Flensburg was endangered.
+
+Thus they left the corpse-strewn battle field in order to force a
+retreat for themselves. Bau and Krusau were the Schleswig-Holstein
+Thermopylæ!
+
+Singing battle songs, the troops of lads approached the town, but they
+were hymns to the dead, for now only did death reap its abundant
+harvest.
+
+The road ran along the shore, the bay suddenly became alive, the white
+and red flags approached, and the sky-blue lion prepared to spring. Was
+not the sea, the kingdom of the old Vikings, subject to the island
+people; how long did the Sound stand beneath the dominion of Danish
+cannon?
+
+And it was a submissive bay of the conquered East Sea, which here made
+its entry into the Schleswig-Holstein country of beeches and hedges.
+
+Suddenly the waves became alive, from the narrow tongue of land, from
+Holsens, where the Leviathans, the armed men of war, lay, it came ever
+nearer like a dark cloud upon the billows, a dense evil-boding throng.
+
+They were the Danish gun-boats; then flashed the shots, then blazed the
+touch-holes. Astonished, the waves caught the strange smoke of powder
+which spread itself over them like a veil, and the cartridges rattled
+on the strand.
+
+Like an ocean monster of the old legend rolling devouringly upon the
+land, death leaped from the waves and laid its victims low. The road
+became filled with corpses, of what use were the single bullets, which
+struck the boats; of what avail the temporary shelter behind the trunks
+of trees along the path!
+
+"Forward to the foundry!" rang the cry of death. It was a kind of
+trench granting protection. There they could fall fighting; here the
+band resembled game driven by the keepers, upon which the sportsmen can
+shoot from a safe position.
+
+And with winged steps all thronged to the fort of death, determined, at
+least, to sell their lives dearly.
+
+Cartridge upon cartridge blazed across; wounded and dying leaned
+against the tall stems of the beeches, and the down crashing branches
+decked these pale brows as if with a homely wreath of honour, upon
+which trickled the cold drops of death.
+
+Already Blanden saw the smoking furnaces of the foundry before him;
+there a flash quivers through the cloud of vapour; in conical flight
+the birds of death swept through, on right and left, fell into the
+trees, here and there penetrated the earth, struck the companions by
+his side, and stretched Blanden himself on the ground. He gazed into
+the night, as it descended upon his eyes--the night of death--but
+uttered not a word of lament. His last thought before his senses
+forsook him was the futility of his life, which was honourably
+terminated by death upon the battle-field.
+
+When he opened his eyes again amidst violent pain, he fancied he was
+still under the spell of a dream: had he awoke in India amongst the
+peris? His bewildered fancy led the favourite images of his waking
+dreams before his mind.
+
+A tear-bedimmed eye rested upon him, a slight form, wrapped in a cloak,
+bent over him.
+
+They were the eyes, it was the figure of Giulia; with a loud cry of joy
+she welcomed his awaking.
+
+But it was yet the day, the same day of the battle. Vollies rattled
+round the iron fort; where at other times the wheels of machinery
+revolved, now revolved the wheel of death.
+
+A gun-boat still lay upon the strand, the otters had moved nearer to
+Flensburg, but that one did not cease from its work of devastation. A
+cartridge rattled and fell into the beech and struck down a branch,
+which fell upon Giulia and cut her brow. She had bent over Blanden to
+shelter him.
+
+"Where am I? You here?" said he, half unconsciously.
+
+"Do not ask how."
+
+"Who brings you here?"
+
+"Charity and longing for death, but now there is not a moment to lose."
+
+She beckoned to two peasants, who stood close by with a little cart,
+and lifted Blanden into it, beside a wounded man who already lay there.
+Giulia seated herself upon the hard straw sack. They went along back
+streets to the inn of a neighbouring village, where several surgeons
+were in full employment.
+
+It was a long time before Blanden recovered from his wounds, which left
+him slightly lame for life. Giulia was once more his faithful nurse,
+she also followed him to the Danish captivity, into which he, with the
+other wounded men, had fallen.
+
+The feeling of belonging wholly to one another became quickened in
+both. From every side Blanden heard with what heroic valour Giulia had
+hastened into the battle field, how amidst shot and shells she had
+brought consolation, succour and relief to the wounded, an angel of
+mercy, whose memory would live for all ages in the hearts of the
+Schleswig-Holstein youth. For long both avoided speaking of their
+separation, its causes, of their later experiences. There would have
+been the risk of great agitation for Blanden, for both the danger of
+parting again, and yet both felt how painful an effect this would have
+upon their lives.
+
+At last Blanden had sufficiently recovered to be allowed to go out into
+the fresh air, and he, with others, had been already exchanged for
+Danish prisoners.
+
+They sat under a lofty avenue of beeches by the sea, lying so quietly
+and blue before them. Islands rose out of the waves and ships passed on
+the horizon.
+
+"Where have you been, Giulia, since you left me?"
+
+"Upon a little island near that of Sylt, in a lonely fisherman's
+cottage, there I deemed myself most effectually concealed. So quickly
+could the law not raise its accusation, not follow my track and find me
+yonder in my solitude, where, with Beate, I helped to mend fishing
+nets, and obtained a little money by teaching children. For hours I sat
+upon the 'dunes,' I saw the tide rush in which for centuries has been
+washing away these islands, ready to swallow them up, and which already
+has buried so much work of men's hands within its depths. Like a sea
+mew's flight over the foaming, dashing billows, my thoughts swept over
+the heights and abysses of my life, and my bruised heart did bitter
+penance, and as the roaring hurricane came and stirred the waves and
+tore them upwards until towering on high they dashed upon the shore, so
+was I now overwhelmed with the fire and wild passion which had animated
+me, and with the recollection of all the tempests of my life.
+
+"I could have retired to a convent in my own country, but my soul
+longed for the free breath of heaven, and an irrevocable bond would
+have crushed it to the ground.
+
+"Beate left me, she had often been at Sylt during the season, and there
+had made the acquaintance of a well-to-do Hamburg merchant, whom her
+sparkling eyes and lively manner had fascinated. We parted amid tears,
+she was my most faithful friend, who for me had jeopardised her honour.
+Then the feeling of being utterly forsaken came upon me, the never
+ceasing return of ebb and flow, the only event of which the 'dunes'
+could tell, made my spirit weary and listless, all the fettered springs
+of life stirred within me. I could not have lived amid the ocean
+solitude another year, my talent for a Robinsonade was exhausted. Then
+the news of war, which was at that time only imminent, but of whose
+outbreak messengers brought premature intelligence, penetrated to our
+fishermen's cottages; I resolved to make atonement for my past as a
+nurse in the midst of the conflict, and hoped, perhaps, to meet death
+from a merciful bullet. When I came here I found nothing prepared, I
+wished to go upon the battle-field as a volunteer Samaritan, and
+beneath its terrible and yet elevating influences, I felt the pulses of
+my life beat higher once more--I forgot myself. I relieved pain, I
+earned thanks--the sin of my life seemed to be melting away as if tears
+and words of gratitude washed it out. Thus I found you. Fate led those
+together again, whom it had parted, but still the gulf of guilt lies
+between them. You have recovered, my task is completed, let me go hence
+once more."
+
+"No Giulia," cried Blanden with a burst of emotion, "now we part no
+more."
+
+Giulia looked enquiringly at him; she could not believe his words.
+
+"I part from my preserver no more. I am superstitious, or believing
+enough to follow the signal of fate which re-united us upon the field
+of honour. You have nothing more to fear from justice. Baluzzi's
+messenger, wild Robert, did not reach his goal, he fell, lost in the
+swamp, the edges of which were thoroughly searched by the guards;
+doubtlessly he ventured too far in order to escape them. Baluzzi's
+accusation lies deep down in the morass where it ought to lie; he
+himself is dead, never did any messenger of justice trouble me. Thus
+there is but one human being in the world who can bring an accusation
+against you, and that one dare not, because you only sinned out of love
+for me, out of blind, but yet true ardent love, and with this kiss I
+absolve you."
+
+He kissed Giulia's brow; sobbing, she sank into his arms.
+
+"Fate has foiled my most glorious plans of life, we cannot return to
+the desolate Castle. Your sudden flight injured my name again, the
+people there will not associate with us, but the world is large!
+Although my life has been a failure, although I must stay far from my
+home, there yet remains to me the thinker's dream and the ecstasy of
+love."
+
+"Not for my sake shall you fly from all," said Giulia imploringly.
+
+"I, too, am dead to this portion of the world. I can do nothing more
+for my fatherland. This bullet has rendered me unfit for war, a chain
+of unfortunate circumstances for peace. I cannot stand before any
+electors, a political career is closed to me. Thus I fly for my sake
+also, and you, my fondly loved wife, I take with me as comforter. The
+registry at San Giulio still tells of your guilt, we must away, far
+away from here. I know a land, the cradle of the gods, perhaps the
+cradle of mankind, a wonder land. There beneath the giant mountain lies
+the Walar Lake, and the Behat winds through a paradise of rustling
+fruit trees and prolific plains upon which gaze down glaciers high as
+heaven. Beautiful beings wander there in the most blessed valley of the
+world, and there free from the constraint of law and the trammels of
+society, which here rule the world, we will build ourselves huts
+and I will introduce you to the profound wisdom of the land of the
+lotus-flowers. Follow me to Cashmere."
+
+Giulia pressed him to her heart, "I have no will but yours."
+
+Blanden wrote to Wegen and begged him to sell Kulmitten, Rositten, and
+Nehren. His friend, Olga's happy husband, doubly happy by her
+unexpected mastery of the art of cooking, executed Blanden's
+commission, and by means of a large inheritance, was enabled to buy
+Kulmitten, the principal estate, for himself.
+
+To Kuhl, however, who really had invited no living creature excepting
+Caro, to his wedding dinner, Blanden wrote--
+
+"I go far away, to the primeval home of mankind; I am a shipwrecked
+mariner, and, united to Giulia, shall build myself a hut in the desert.
+Withered leaves--they fell upon the flowers of my heart, and twice have
+covered and crushed out their life. My friend! no man can overcome his
+past. Unforeseen it rises again like a spectre and stretches the
+destroyer's hand into our lives. Poor Eva was the victim of one of
+those fearful chains of events which, long invisible, suddenly seize us
+with a ghostly grasp. That I had loved the mother, was the daughter's
+death! Withered leaves--vainly my Giulia amid bitterest pain sought to
+wrench herself loose from her past, but it held her firmly as in an
+iron vice. Away into the kingdom of Buddha, into the dream-world of the
+East! I could not live as I would, therefore now I will live as I can."
+
+Not long after a Hamburg steamboat bore the loving pair into the land
+of the lotus-flowers.
+
+
+
+                               FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: The evening preceding the wedding day,--_Translator's
+note_.]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+      Printed by Remington & Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by 
+Rudolf von Gottschall
+
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Withered Leaves. A Novel. Vol. III.</title>
+<meta name="Author" content="Rudolf von Gottschall.">
+<meta name="Publisher" content="Remington and Co.">
+<meta name="Date" content="1879">
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+<style type="text/css">
+body  {margin-left:10%;
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by 
+Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III)
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+Translator: Bertha Ness
+
+Release Date: February 23, 2011 [EBook #35373]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHERED LEAVES. VOL. III.(OF III) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes:<br>
+1. Page scan source:<br>
+http://books.google.com/books?id=lOUBAAAAQAAJ<br>
+<br>
+2. The diphthong oe is represented by &#339;.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<table cellpadding="20" style="width:50%; margin-left:25%; border:solid black 2px;">
+<tr>
+<td>
+<br>
+<h3>AT ALL LIBRARIES.</h3>
+
+<h4>BY THE SAME TRANSLATOR.</h4>
+
+<h2>SACRED VOWS,</h2>
+
+<h3>By E. WERNER,</h3>
+<br>
+<h5><i>Author of</i> &quot;<i>Under a Charm</i>,&quot; &quot;<i>Success and How He Won it</i>,&quot; <i>&amp;c</i>.</h5>
+<br>
+<h3>3 VOLS. 31s. 6d.</h3>
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The loves of Bruno and Lucie are simply told with that accompaniment
+of mysterious sympathy in the inanimate surroundings of their
+struggles, which is the highest application of true literary insight
+into nature.&quot;--<i>Athenæum</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The incidents are striking *&nbsp;*&nbsp;*&nbsp;*&nbsp;* The whole scene rises before the
+reader with as much clearness as if it were represented before him on
+the stage.&quot;--<i>Saturday Review</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The ability of Werner's Novels is implied in the simultaneous
+publication of two translations of 'Sacred Vows.' His scenes are more
+than paintings, they are sculptures, and stand out in <i>alto relievo</i>,
+distinctly conceived and vigorously executed.&quot;--<i>The British
+Quarterly</i>.</p>
+
+
+<hr class="W20">
+
+<h4>REMINGTON &amp; Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.</h4>
+<br>
+</td></tr></table>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>WITHERED LEAVES.</h1>
+
+<h2>A Novel,</h2>
+<br>
+<h5>BY</h5>
+
+<h2>Rudolf von Gottschall.</h2>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>FROM THE GERMAN,</h3>
+
+<h3>By BERTHA NESS.</h3>
+
+<h4>Translator of <span class="sc">Werner's</span> &quot;Riven Bonds&quot; and &quot;Sacred Vows.&quot;</h4>
+<br>
+
+<h4>THREE VOLUMES.</h4>
+<br>
+
+<hr class="W10">
+
+<h4>AUTHORISED TRANSLATION.</h4>
+
+<hr class="W10">
+
+<h3>VOL. III.</h3>
+
+<hr class="W20">
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>London:<br>
+REMINGTON AND CO.,<br>
+<span class="sc2">5, Arundel Street, Stand, W.C</span>.</h3>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h4>1879.</h4>
+
+<h4>[<i>All Rights Reserved</i>.]</h4>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CONTENTS OF VOLUME III.</h2>
+<table style="width:60%; margin-left:20%; border:solid black 2px">
+<colgroup><col style="width:15%; text-align:right">
+<col style="width:85%"></colgroup>
+<tr>
+<td>CHAP.</td>
+<td></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>I.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_01" href="#div1Ref_01">Primavera.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>II.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_02" href="#div1Ref_02">In the Lion's Den.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>III.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_03" href="#div1Ref_03">The Mistress of the Boarding School.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>IV.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_04" href="#div1Ref_04">In the Forest of Juditenkirchen.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>V.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_05" href="#div1Ref_05">Internal Struggles.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_06" href="#div1Ref_06">A Sleighing Party.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_07" href="#div1Ref_07">In the Land of the Lotus-Flowers.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>VIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_08" href="#div1Ref_08">In the Church of San Giulio.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>IX.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_09" href="#div1Ref_09">The Bridal Jewels.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>X.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_10" href="#div1Ref_10">The Wedding Day.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XI.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_11" href="#div1Ref_11">A Legacy.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XII--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_12" href="#div1Ref_12">Confessions.</a></td>
+</tr><tr>
+<td>XIII.--</td>
+<td><a name="div1_13" href="#div1Ref_13">To the East!</a></td>
+</tr></table>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>WITHERED LEAVES.</h1>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_01" href="#div1_01">PRIMAVERA.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Primavera</i>--in the midst of winter, which sketched its frozen pictures
+upon the window!</p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Primavera</i>--and yet a midsummer of love, which had long since gathered
+the blossoms of spring for its transient enjoyment!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And Blanden wooed Giulia with a passion which, possessing no history of
+the past, asserting no prior right, only living in his recollections as
+if it were the fairy-like charm of a dream, will conquer her love for
+the bright day of the present; yes, for the endurance of a life time.
+He did not strive to obtain the renewal of former affection; she had
+from the very first resisted everything that could encourage such
+wooing; he was resolved to win her hand, and to defy those prejudices
+which could pronounce his union with a singer to be unsuitable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But ardent as was his passion, much as her beauty, intellect, talent
+and her great knowledge of the world and of life fascinated him, he was
+yet by no means disposed blindly to follow his heart's inclination; he
+could even not suppress a soft warning voice of suspicion, which he was
+obliged to term ungrateful, because it was connected with their own
+former meeting--could this admired actress always have withstood the
+temptations that beset her upon her path of triumph?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did not smiling Euphrosyne cast roses into her lap, as the goddess
+stood beside victory upon her car of triumph, decking her with laurels?
+How many phenomena of theatrical fame do but shine through a dim vapour
+which the repute of their evil habits of life spreads around them, and
+it was not Blanden's intention to guide one of these beauties, weary of
+adventures, into a haven of refuge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the town even her enemies did not attack her character; she
+possessed admirers, but she favoured none; all that Blanden learned
+there, spoke in favour of the singer, but this did not suffice him.
+During his travels he had formed many connections in the various
+capitals of Europe, in Paris and London, in Rome and Florence;
+everywhere he had friends and acquaintances who were familiar with art
+and theatrical life. Immediately after the performance of &quot;Norma,&quot; when
+the thought first was kindled within him of calling this beautiful
+woman his own, he had written to all these people to obtain information
+as to the actress' life and character. Day by day the replies now came
+in; not one single letter contained an accusation, a shred of
+suspicion; the testimony that was given to the singer's private life
+was most brilliant. No scandal had contributed to the augmentation of
+her fame; she owed it entirely to her talent, of which all spoke with
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden dropped all suspicions, and the project of making Giulia his
+wife took still deeper root. He had reason to expect that she would be
+ready to resign the stage, as she had frequently lamented the
+disappointments to which she was daily more and more exposed in her
+artistic career; nor did she conceal a feeling, which caused her
+uneasiness, the conviction that the epoch of her glory was at an end,
+and that the decadence of her voice was making its announcement gently
+but perceptibly. Surely therefore was she often so melancholy; who
+would not, with a heavy heart, bear the claims of a day of reckoning as
+it crumbles from us one object of pride, one advantage after another,
+and with such cruel indifference sweeps away all the flowers of our
+life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal"><i>Primavera!</i> But there is a spring-time of feeling, which time cannot
+kill. It was that which bound Giulia to the wintry provincial town,
+when she might have been celebrating her triumphs in the capitals of
+the south.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This it was that made her await the arrival of her friend with a
+palpitating heart, as she had once awaited him in the moonlight by Lago
+Maggiore; and if to her other admirers she made no secret of his
+visits; if she denied herself to them as soon as he was present, or
+received him at a time when she was inaccessible to others; in so doing
+she obeyed no decree of prudence which counselled her not to alienate
+her other enthusiastic friends by distinguishing the one; it was a
+necessity, a happiness for her to have him quite alone; happiness that
+might not be desecrated by contact with the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden still exercised the same entrancing magic over her as in those
+days of unguarded devotion; she had remained true to him since that
+time, little as it was his right or her duty thus to continue faithful.
+His image alone accompanied her through life; all emotions to which she
+must give expression upon the stage were for him. She confessed it to
+him, and he uttered no doubt of such assurances. Blanden's person would
+account for such passion; it was distinguished and possessed of a
+peculiar charm. An enthusiast, a dreamer, as he had been from his youth
+upwards, he seemed to be one still, when, with half-closed languid
+eyes, he buried himself in the rich stores of his mental life; but then
+they would suddenly flash and open, and gleam with passion and manly
+power. In all else he was in perfect harmony; his figure symmetrical,
+the well-bred smile upon his lips, full of intellectual superiority;
+his conversation, in earnest and in jest, combined sweetness and charm.
+As Desdemona to Othello's tales, Giulia listened to the descriptions of
+the adventures which Blanden had met with in distant lands and oceans,
+he raised her imagination far above the painted decorations of
+theatrical life; she was susceptible to all the grandeur and beauty of
+nature, to all intellectual struggles; only the unrest and bustle of
+her artist's calling prevented her giving herself up to those mental
+enjoyments for which she longed now more fervently than formerly. To
+her it would have appeared unutterable bliss to belong entirely to the
+man in company with whom she might revel in such enjoyments; to the man
+who offered her a refuge from the tempests of stage life. With what
+just pride she would have borne the name with which that noble scion
+represented a family so esteemed in the world!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet--from out the past one shoal reared itself in her life: a shoal
+upon which all her proud dreams of a future should be wrecked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In sleepless nights she meditated how she could guide her ship round
+that reef; her senses became confused in the rapid flight of thought
+from one possibility to another, which, clutched convulsively, never
+granted a firm hold; sometimes she rose to the daring venture of
+defying those rocks and trying if the high storm-lashed billows of her
+life would not bear her over. Her experiences upon the stage became
+daily more unpleasant, the enthusiasm of her adherents more disputed by
+steady opposition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These were the results of Spiegeler's malicious condemnation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other hand the poet Schöner prepared one slight pleasure for
+her; he who belonged to her warmest admirers, and two years ago had
+striven eagerly to gain her favour, but who had been rejected. For a
+long time he avoided all intercourse with her, but without bearing any
+ill-will remained one of her most zealous adorers. Now, when her
+enemies roused themselves, he sought her out again, and, like a
+troubadour, devoted his lyre to the noble lady. He read a poem to her,
+in which he sang of her as the <i>primavera</i> of Baltic winter, and at the
+same time attacked her opponents with epigrammatic arrows, and those
+mighty blows which he had acquired in the fencing-school of political
+poetry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The poem appeared in the most important papers, and again increased the
+diminishing numbers of Giulia's followers. She was heartily grateful to
+him for it, because she perceived that his thoughts were noble and free
+from personal motives, that he but followed his own convictions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The more retiringly Schöner behaved, the more obtrusive became
+Lieutenant Buschmann; he could not accustom himself to the idea that he
+must retire from so long a siege without success. The uniform
+friendliness of the singer seemed to him like scorn; from day to day he
+hoped for a more passionate return. Constantly renewed disappointment
+embittered him. His character was somewhat violent, he tolerated no
+barriers, and once when the singer, through her maid, refused him
+admittance on a morning call, he forced himself ruthlessly into her
+boudoir, and reproached her passionately.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was the day after his visit to Frau Hecht's kitchen, when Blanden
+met the Italian again in the street. Arrested on the previous evening,
+Baluzzi was once more set free.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden took advantage of this chance encounter to lead the
+conversation to the amber merchant. Giulia only vouchsafed meagre
+information; he was a distant connection of hers, who often importuned
+her with petitions, as he had once performed some great service out of
+gratitude for which she had taken him under her protection. Then she
+broke off the conversation, it was evidently an unwelcome subject. But
+she remained abstracted all the evening, and even confounded two
+Italian composers with whom she had been familiar from her youth
+upwards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a sleepless night, Giulia had a long conversation with her
+friend.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It cannot go on so, Beate! The internal conflict consumes me. His
+claims become more and more unbounded; how happy I was when he,
+fettered by illness or misfortune of long duration, the veil of which
+he will not raise, remained in the interior of Russia; I breathed
+freely; now more than ever, I am in his bondage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate shrugged her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Notwithstanding all your brilliant receipts, we shall be beggars
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, that is not the worst! I would give up everything if I could
+purchase my freedom!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is not his wish! He would spend everything at once; he also
+prefers to have a safe reserve for the future.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, there is a hell that binds us for evermore. <i>Lasciate ogni
+speranza voi che entrale!</i> You are clever and cunning, Beate! Try once
+more if you cannot set me free. I have no more ideas, no more plans!
+Whenever I ponder over it, my senses become desolate and dead. I stare
+into vacuity!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What can we do?--we must exercise patience. But if it continue thus,
+we shall have nothing left.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Go to him, Beate! Pray, implore.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To him! You ask no small matter. I should venture into a robber's
+cave, late at night--for at an earlier hour he could not be found--into
+a gambling hell, for I know he has opened one here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have already done much for me, make this sacrifice also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, I am not afraid, and if I met a lion in the cage, I would pull his
+mane; he should do nothing to me. But he will reject my propositions as
+he has always done. Yes, even if I found proofs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Proofs! They will not give me back my freedom--yes, if he would, if he
+became a subject of this country--we could appeal to justice; it would
+even decide against the verdict of the church.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Proofs never do any harm--who knows what may happen? Perhaps his
+speculations may some day oblige him to settle down here--then it would
+always be well to possess proofs that may be turned against him, but it
+will be difficult, almost impossible! However, I will venture to go and
+seek him this evening. Perhaps chance may favour me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A craving for happiness has come over me, so intense as to strain
+every nerve in my bosom. A glance at the smiling horizon brightens our
+souls--and yet tears stand in our eyes. We weep with a prescience of
+happiness which nevertheless appears to be unattainable. I do not know
+why the pictures of my life crowd like feverish visions around me. I
+seem to hear the sound of bells in the days of my childhood; I see
+myself, dressed, go with the other children over high hills to the
+pilgrims' chapel; then another bell ringing sounds in my ear. In those
+days I did not know that it was the death-knell of all my life! Then
+again I hear the exulting applause of many thousands, whom my song
+delights, and yet I would give it all up for one whispered word of
+love, of love that had the right to lasting happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was to sing in the &quot;Somnambula&quot; on that evening; she felt in
+harmony with the part, to herself she often appeared to be walking in
+her sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden came after the close of the theatre, and was admitted; Beate
+hid her dark curls beneath a hood and begged Giulia for a dagger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am going to the bandit, I must protect myself!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia started; a dagger always awoke gruesome recollections in her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden smiled, &quot;Probably some masquerade?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Corpo di bacco</i>,&quot; said Beate, &quot;the mask is not wanting, but the fun
+is desperately poor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She received the dagger from her friend, and was dismissed with a kiss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside, Beate gave the maid instructions to be on the alert and to
+wait for her even if she should return late. Antonie listened to the
+directions with lowered eyelids and humble obedience, but at heart she
+had decided differently. She knew that Blanden would stay at least an
+hour, and if she should not disturb them, she would follow her own
+amusements quite as undisturbedly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Exactly opposite, in the large hall, there was a people's ball, and
+Friederich, a cunning child of Berlin, servant to Lieutenant Buschmann,
+had invited her to dance there with him for a little while, and had
+promised to fetch her. All were pursuing their own pleasures, why
+should she alone pass the time in solitude?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was melancholy, Blanden in a softened mood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside, jingled the bells of the sleighs, the winter sky, hard as
+steel, was covered with clouds, and heavy dense snow-flakes, which fell
+down soft as wool, proclaimed that the cold had diminished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The room was so homelike. The tea, which with all its accompaniments,
+had been brought in by Antonie, who was then graciously dismissed,
+infused upon the table. The fire crackled on the hearth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was nothing to remind one of theatrical tinsel, everything bore
+the impress of domestic comfort, to which the busts of the great
+masters of art lent a radiance of idealism.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only the north knows this homelike comfort,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;the
+Laplander in his smoky hut, the dweller in Kamskatka who has
+unharnessed his dogs, feel it more than the happy children of the
+south, who wander beneath palms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And more perhaps than we,&quot; added Giulia, &quot;because as the crackling
+coals upon the hearth, so do fading dreams stir in our souls, and often
+burst once more into flames; of what use is this room's repose, if that
+in our hearts be wanting?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That repose is best found in genial companionship; words have not yet
+lost the spell of their magic power; familiar communication from lip to
+lip can absolve us, it is the secret of the confessional.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia felt the truth of these words in her inmost heart; how
+everything within her urged her to such absolution, and yet--it could
+not be, 'twas vain!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Convulsive sobs overcame her, and Blanden was amazed at the intensity
+of the emotions which his passing remark had roused. How light her
+heart would have been if she could have imparted to her friend all that
+engrossed and tortured her day and night!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, if he had only been a friend! But he should be more, be everything
+to her, and one candid word could destroy her whole future. Perhaps she
+might still succeed in breaking the evil magic to which she had
+succumbed. Thus silence must be maintained.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Together they read the recollections of Silvio Pellico; a deep
+impression was made upon them by the picture of an artist in chains and
+fetters--oh, those were not the worst which hung from the iron ring of
+a prison wall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She displayed the greatest sympathy; to her it was as if the damp air
+wafted through the casemates of the Spielberg filled her life, too,
+with the same mouldy breath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She spoke of the castle of Chillon; that little spot had filled her
+with intense sadness. There were plenty of dungeon towers for
+salamanders and frogs, but this tomb of freedom made such a deeply
+melancholy impression, surrounded as it is by the waves of a beautiful
+lake, and granting a view of the peaks, high as heaven, of the Savoy
+alps, which rise in the air like a fortress of liberty. It is this
+contrast that makes such a painful impression, and as if called forth
+by deepest emotions, she uttered the beautiful verse out of the &quot;Ruins&quot;
+by Anastatius Grün--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Oh, shade of my freedom fly not so fast,</p>
+<p class="t2">For thee my heart yearns and craves ever more,</p>
+<p class="t0">Like a fugitive bird that has clang to a mast,</p>
+<p class="t2">When lost to its sight is the far away shore.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Such ardent longing for liberty, for release, was shown in her recital
+of these lines, in the tone of her voice, it was like the cry of
+distress of a whole life, and at the same time the expression of utter
+devotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden could not help it, he folded the beautiful woman to his heart,
+and pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At that moment some one knocked, and simultaneously the door was thrown
+open.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lieutenant Buschmann entered; disappointment and rage held him
+spell-bound, so that he stood as if rooted to the ground; his bold
+attack, upon which he had staked his last hope, had been shamefully
+frustrated, but at least he possessed the proof that Giulia favoured
+another, that her reserve was a lie.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His cheeks, always red, burned like fire, and he stamped his jingling
+spurs upon the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Everything had commenced so hopefully. Antonie had gone to the ball
+with Friederich, and had entrusted the house and door key to the
+latter's care. Under some pretence the officer's cunning servant had
+left the ball for a short time, proceeded to his master's dwelling
+close by, and delivered up the key of the fortress to that master.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The game so far had succeeded, Friederich was once more dancing merrily
+with his unsuspicious partner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden sprang from the sofa, and stepped defiantly towards the
+intruder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Has this gentleman the right to intrude here?&quot; he asked Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No--by heaven, no! Only by force or cunning can he have obtained
+admission. Protect me from him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia covered her face with her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your conduct is shameless, sir!&quot; cried Blanden to the officer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not another word with you! But one word still with this lady, who has
+deceived us all; I owe it to the favour of chance that I have torn from
+her the mask with which she has passed before the world as an
+inexorable woman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You shall leave the room this moment,&quot; said Blanden with firm
+determination, &quot;I have the right to bid you do so, because Signora
+Giulia Bollini--is engaged to me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a loud cry, Giulia sank into the sofa cushions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, then, I congratulate you upon the Polter-abend,&quot;<a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a> said
+Buschmann scornfully, as he turned upon his heels and left the room
+amid the clatter of his spurs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What have you done?&quot; said Giulia, as she gazed at Blanden with large
+tearful eyes, her hand raised as if in protest, and sobbing with
+internal agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will protect you against all the world,&quot; cried Blanden with,
+overwhelming emotion, &quot;my Giulia, my betrothed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And she lay in his arms, half unconscious, acquiescent, infinitely
+blissful, and desperately defiant of fate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come what may,&quot; whispered she, &quot;I am yours.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_02" href="#div1_02">IN THE LION'S DEN.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate looked enterprising enough in the Spanish mantilla, which she had
+thrown as a hood over her head; her little eyes sparkled; she resembled
+a tiger cat, going out in search of prey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She rang at the door of a large house, and before the sleepy porter
+opened it, she tried whether the dagger would spring easily and quickly
+out of its sheath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She knew the way; it led through a spacious hall, and through a second
+door standing open, past a back building of stables and sheds, which
+looked as if some manor house had gone astray in the town.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she arrived at a small gate, and through the railing perceived a
+two-storied garden house, of which the shutters were closed; only
+through the door, draped with curtains on the ground floor, gleamed a
+red light, whose lost reflection fell upon the silver of the frosty
+snow, with which the nearest yew trees were covered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The gate was locked. Beate had to ring again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the snow crackled, and a gnome-like creature crept up to the gate;
+almost buried beneath the weight of snow which the clouds and trees had
+shed upon her, she stared at the stranger with glaring eyes; she looked
+like an Esquimaux woman, at whose hut some stranger's hand knocks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Kätchen! After that meeting with Blanden she had stayed up in
+her chamber; had tossed about upon her straw couch as if in feverish
+delirium, until the grey morn rose above the roofs, then she had fallen
+fast asleep. But mother Hecht knew no consideration for lazy
+maid-servants, who neglected their duties--and when Kätchen, on the
+following morning, appeared in the kitchen with hollow eyes and pallid
+face, she was immediately driven out of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian, who had known her at the sea-side, and had long had an eye
+upon her, had also often spoken to her in the witch's kitchen, heard of
+it; according to his views she combined two qualities which were of
+equal value for his purposes; want of understanding, sullen
+indifference to all that lay beyond her horizon, and a marvellously
+developed instinct for everything in which she was interested. That
+which was repulsive, even idiotic in her nature, was peculiarly
+acceptable to him; she passed unnoticed, no one cared about her. Thus
+she could do excellent service as a spy, and at night she was always to
+be found at her post as porteress and sentinel where forbidden
+pleasures were pursued.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Open the gate,&quot; said Beate. Kätchen examined her from head to foot,
+and shrugged her shoulders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Aprite dunque</i>,&quot; repeated Beate angrily, although the porteress, who
+seemed to belong to the polar regions, did not bear the least
+resemblance to an Italian.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kätchen asked her name. Beate gave her a card, upon which were written
+the words Beate Romani.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The little porteress sprang along the garden walk, in doing which it
+pleased her to sweep the bushes in the nearest beds, so that their
+boughs rattled, and threw out clouds of snow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate became impatient, she had to wait a long time; she shook the bars
+of the railing like a wild beast in a cage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last Käthe returned and opened the garden gate. Beate followed her
+into the villa, they passed through a garden lighted with red lamps, up
+a flight of steps, covered with a lovely carpet. Beate had to wait in
+an ante-room; deathlike silence reigned in both the adjoining chambers
+disturbed by no cry, by no chink of money, as she had expected.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She looked at a picture on the wall; it represented a little church
+upon an island in a lake; on all sides, high, bare hills, which glowed
+in the radiant colouring of an Italian evening sky. She knew that
+church, and gazed at the picture with a shrug of her shoulders; it
+awoke a reminiscence, which at that moment was very unwelcome. And what
+mockery--the house of God in the antechamber of a gambling hell!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have not time now, Beate,&quot; said Baluzzi curtly, as he entered
+through a side door, &quot;but I will make you a proposal! I have visitors
+with me, whom I am amusing with various games, now we are at roulette!
+Be my guest--<i>che ne dite?</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What shall I do there? Lose my good name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Puo darsi!</i> That is not an article which I keep in stock, but neither
+do those seek it who come to me. However, we are silent. If the means
+are wanting, I am at your service.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not play!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Remember Monaco, you were a fisher of gold, the money clung to your
+rod.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not prepared for it to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here you have money, you shall play for me! But come, come, I have not
+time to talk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate was not at all disinclined to take a peep into the secrets of the
+gaming hell; perhaps she might succeed in discovering something that
+could be useful to her friend; she allowed herself to be persuaded,
+laid cloak and hood aside, while Baluzzi said to her--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are doing me a slight favour, Beate! I need the fair sex in my
+parties, my graces gain wrinkles! But you are quite a pretty child,
+such a little snake with red, fiery eyes, you are a <i>diavolessa</i>. I
+know you; <i>tanto meglio</i>!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile they had traversed two empty rooms, and entered a brilliantly
+lighted saloon, the windows of which were made doubly safe by shutters
+and curtains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A loud buzz of conversation met the new comers, the game having been
+interrupted. Baluzzi seemed happy to have captured an Italian woman,
+and, with some pride, introduced Beate to those present as his
+countrywoman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beate Romani--whence did this golden orange drop?&quot; said an elderly
+lady, with a complexion yellow as a citron, to her young neighbour, in
+a low dress. The latter put her eyeglass more firmly upon her pug nose,
+and replied--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Little and impudent--a soubrette! The captain is talking to her
+already; she seems to be pert.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Polish Captain of Lancers, a Herr von Mierowski, did, indeed, find
+pleasure in the wily Italian, whose smile was so charmingly reserved.
+At the same time she let her eyes pass over the assembly, and
+especially examined the ladies; of these there were four: the mother,
+with the yellow tint in her face, and daughter, with the pug nose, also
+bore Polish names, consisting of a whole <i>plica polonica</i> of letters.
+Then there was another beauty in pink silk. That rose was a Berlin
+lady, of remarkable loquacity. Her face did not correspond with her
+toilet's language of flowers; she was pale as wax, and the pink ribbons
+flowed down from flaxen hair. The fourth lady was an unusually slender
+sylph, and Beate guessed correctly and quickly that she must be a late
+performer in some ballet, who, after having gradually retreated from
+the front row into the very last, had retired with honours from the
+field of renown. She was a French-woman, who pretended to have taken
+part in the Grand Opera, but who certainly had earned her questionable
+laurels in booths, or on similar stages.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The female company answered to that which is termed refuse at an annual
+fair--gay glazed ware, full of bubbles and cracks. Beate soon
+recognised this, but without being particularly contented with that
+result of her observations. She knew only too well that none of these
+Circes could have won Baluzzi's affections.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Several patrician sons were to be found amongst the gentlemen, who
+rather prided themselves upon trying their luck at the gaming table,
+and having discovered a miniature Homburg and Baden-Baden in the city
+of pure reason, at which were not wanting the Graces, who rustled their
+silks through the state rooms and along the terraces. A Russian prince,
+possessor of many serfs, was very impatient at the pause in the game,
+and walked angrily up and down, caring as little about the seductive
+beauties as if they had been painted in faded colours upon the walls.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The play began afresh; the roulette ball commenced its fatal course;
+people betted upon <i>rouge</i> and <i>noir</i> upon <i>pair</i> and <i>impair</i>, here
+and there also considerable sums were placed upon single numbers, which
+Baluzzi swept off with great satisfaction. The little gaming table was
+arranged exactly after the pattern of the larger Rhenish banks, and
+here, despite the small dimensions, sums could be lost which were not
+at all proportionate to those dimensions. The young merchant sons
+rejoiced over the losses, as much as over their gains, because they
+could thus show that it mattered not at all to them how they sacrificed
+vast sums, the loss of which would have reduced others to a state of
+nervous agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Most eager was the Pole; he belonged to those persons who have
+converted hazard into a system, and who lose themselves in deep
+calculations as to the chances of the game; he sat with a little
+writing tablet in his hand, and carefully noted the occurrences at the
+green board, laughed at by the free thinkers of the gaming table, who
+believe in chance only, just as others perceive but a game of hazard in
+the great comedy of the world, and ridicule the thinkers who strive to
+reduce it into a system. The mother and her flaxen-haired daughter also
+played devotedly, although they merely pledged small sums; at each gain
+or loss, a red streak suffused the yellow-bronzed complexion of the
+mother, and the waxen features of the daughter received a sudden
+crimson glow, which vanished again just as quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Despite all absorption in the hieroglyphics of chance, Mierowski had
+leisure sufficient to observe Beate's mode of playing, which in its
+thoughtless recklessness pierced his heart. Owing to the lively
+interest which he felt in the dainty Italian, he could no longer look
+calmly on; he rose from the table, and whispered the necessary hints to
+her, not omitting to squeeze her hand in token of his friendship.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate followed these hints, and lost bravely, an event which seemed to
+confuse all rules of the gambling method. He was all the more eagerly
+bent upon proving the truth of his calculations by means of his own
+success.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The heaps of gold on his right hand increased; the Polish mamma entered
+into partnership with him already, and the flaxen-haired daughter was
+much inclined to follow her example, but her neighbour and protector,
+the son of the Kommerzienrath, in the <i>Kneiphöf Lang-gasse</i>, beneath
+whose pennon her <i>louis d'ors</i> ventured out to sea, would never have
+given his consent; he looked askant at the augmenting treasures of the
+Pole. Baluzzi also became uneasy, because Mierowski steadily increased
+his stakes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last that state of feverish excitement set in which always precedes
+any great crisis. The battle only raged between the banker and
+Mierowski; all others as it were merely paid the entrance money with
+their small stakes, in order to be present at this performance. The
+victory suddenly seemed to incline to Baluzzi's side; twice following
+he swept in heavy amounts. But the Pole doubled and trebled the stake
+in order to break the bank, &quot;<i>Le jeu est fait</i>,&quot; rang forth; with
+beating hearts the little circle awaited the result which the weird,
+rolling ball should bring. Beate had become pale as death, she knew
+that this ball would once more pierce another's heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Va banque</i>,&quot; rang the Pole's cry of victory; all sprang up in
+tumultuous excitement, so that the heaps of gold were scattered in all
+directions, and some <i>louis d'ors</i> rolled upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With apparent composure Baluzzi said--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For to-day I acknowledge myself conquered, but the fortune of war
+changes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the same time he cast a venomous glance at the victorious Pole.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate took advantage of the tumult to retire unnoticed, and to await
+the Italian in a side room, so that her lengthy stay might not arouse
+observation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mierowski's glances sought her in vain, as he rushed away with his
+treasures; he was possessed with a violent passion for little Beate,
+and was in a very liberal humour; he longed for another champagne
+orgie, and the Hebe for it had been found, and was lost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside, he enquired of the half-witted porteress, for the little black
+lady from Italy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kätchen stared at him with astonished eyes, and several times repeated
+the word, &quot;Gone!&quot; with pantomimic gesture. In so doing she was obeying
+no injunction of Beate, but only her own instinct.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The whole party broke up noisily; the Polish women lighted their
+cigarettes, the pink Berlin lady disappeared in a grey sack-like winter
+cloak, which suited her flaxen hair better. The gentlemen eagerly
+discussed the last decisive battle, and were so excited and absorbed
+that Kätchen picked up several <i>louis d'ors</i> at the garden gate, as
+perquisites.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the house itself all had suddenly become silent; a tired lacquey
+snored upon the bench in the hall; no one remembered to extinguish the
+lamps and candles; a current of air blew in through the open doors;
+several lights flickered and went out; others burned down and filled
+the air with their odour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baluzzi hastened, in wild excitement, through the saloons, and at last
+found Beate upon a divan in the farthest room in the suite of
+apartments. Only one hanging lamp shed a dim light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate sprang up from the sofa and assumed an attitude prepared for
+defiance, for the Italian was greatly excited, and she knew that he
+would then recklessly indulge his wild nature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There you are--you would speak to me--<i>benissimo</i>. I too would speak
+to you; you are probably afraid of me, little cat? You have an evil
+conscience, yes, <i>per dio</i>, I might shake you to death, because you are
+to blame for the last hesitation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At these words, he caught Beate with his powerful hand. But she drew
+out her dagger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Stand back! I expected ill-usage; but I am prepared to protect myself
+from it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian started back at the unexpected sight of the shining steel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Corpo del diavolo</i>,&quot; cried he, &quot;the little witch has provided herself
+well, but if I were to struggle with you--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Just try it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are a little brigandess; it pleases me, it is Italian blood! But
+you are also an intriguer, a shameless intriguer; she follows your
+advice. I know it! Why was I obliged to go to the debtors' prison?
+Could you not release me one day sooner? If it were not for the
+disturbance, your dagger should not deter me, and even if the little
+cat were to spring into my face, I should be able to settle her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us talk rationally, Baluzzi.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With the dagger in your hand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is something like a wild beast about you! Fasten it in a
+cage--and the dagger shall return to its sheath.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, I will control myself, although it is difficult for me at this
+moment. The misfortunes which persecute me, transport me into ever new
+rage. Could the cursed ball not roll differently? <i>Sono alla
+disperazione</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had seized a chair, and threw it to the ground with such force that
+the back broke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Has your rage nearly exhausted itself?&quot; asked Beate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was a relapse--I will be calm. Sit down. What have you to tell me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They sat down upon the sofa; Beate watched his every movement with a
+keen glance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us talk quietly! This cannot go on much longer!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My business with Russia shall set me up again! '<i>E una fatalita!</i>'
+This <i>maledetto polacco</i>! If only they had massacred him at Ostrolenka,
+or beaten him to death with the knout in Siberia. He is a gambler by
+profession, and believes to be in possession of the only luck-bringing
+theory; but his theory is folly, while the misfortune is that he is
+fortunate. It is the second time already that he has broken my
+bank--without him I should be the luckiest player! He exercises an evil
+eye upon me--I curse him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Leave that alone! The misfortune is the gambling--give it up, Baluzzi!
+You will ruin yourself, and us with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She still sings splendidly; while the gold of her voice resounds, gold
+will resound in her money box.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But her voice is deteriorating.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bad fellows say so, and I punished one of them lately. Her voice is
+still first-rate capital, will bring interest for long yet; there is no
+want of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We shall come to want! You are a leech, an outrageous leech! She can
+hardly pay for her own dress! And, to-day, bad luck again! No sooner
+are your debts paid than a new demand menaces us. You are a bankrupt
+every eight days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will give up gambling now; I have no luck. But business is hazard,
+too; the Russian frontier Guards are no joke.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can you pursue no respectable business?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fill a paper bag with <i>quattrini</i>, every day another farthing, and lie
+down to sleep happily when one paper bag is full, and a fresh one can
+be twisted up--that is not my style! I do business on a large scale, I
+would live grandly, I must, therefore, risk much! All or nothing--<i>va
+banque</i>! What else can I do with your little honorariums? You have no
+right to interfere with me; you deceive me, and you especially, little
+Satan; you rouse her against me, and spin tissues of lies, and persuade
+her to plead poverty. But I will sweep away the spider's web you have
+woven, malicious spider that you are, and trample you under foot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian assumed a menacing aspect; Beate kept her hand upon the
+dagger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Afraid again? Those little watchful eyes, how well they become you,
+but I tell you I want money, much money, and she must give it me once
+more! Could she not save during that couple of years when I lost all
+traces of her, because I was stationed far away in the interior of
+Russia, and could not escape from vile ill-luck? Why did she not save?
+Why does she live like a princess? Probably she is collecting a dowry
+for you; you are, doubtlessly, a pretty little betrothed; some unhappy
+being has gone into your net, beguiled by that pretty visage! There is
+still time to warn him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Calumny, vile calumny!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I shall hold her fast! Do she not fulfil her duties, I shall
+appear again, and lay my hand upon her before all the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is on this point that I would speak to you, Baluzzi. There is only
+one means by which she can still provide for you, even if her talent
+has failed her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And that means?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You must set her free.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How your eyes sparkle, little viper,&quot; cried Baluzzi, springing up.
+&quot;That is a fine plan, probably conceived in this charming little head.
+Do not give yourselves any trouble, things will remain as they were.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your own interest--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is thus best ensured. Will always be. I have certainty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are sufficient grounds for you, according to the laws of this
+country, if you only will--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grounds abundant as flowers in May, as mushrooms after rain; but I
+stand by the decree of the Church. I am not a subject of this country,
+and will not become one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But if we had reasons, proofs--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Aha, I repeat it, it is in vain--we stand under the laws of Italy and
+of the Church, and what will you prove? That which was done was done
+with her consent, according to her own desire, yet at first in
+opposition to mine; and who tells you that I do not love her, love her
+fervently, that I will always remain far from her? If she cease to be
+the queen of the stage, then she will belong to me once again. No more
+beautiful angel of damnation ever dwelled with Lucifer in the depths of
+hell! Ha! how my bonds will rise; she shall preside at the green board,
+it will be like a gaming hell in heaven! For me, at least, because she
+shall be my slave, whom I love and chastise at the same time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The dreams of a madman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If they are only beautiful, those dreams, enchantingly beautiful, then
+it is a foretaste, and the day will come on which this madness will
+seek and find its victim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baluzzi, be reasonable,&quot; said Beate, insinuatingly, as she drew the
+Italian down beside her, &quot;you are not so foolish as you pretend to be;
+you consented formerly, because you saw that it was for your mutual
+good. Be reasonable now, too!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How the little cat can caress with its velvet paws.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is something in the air that can do you good also!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I curse that something and him, for I hate him also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Jealousy still, senseless jealousy--<i>sareble vero!</i> She does not love
+you; you cannot force her to do so! Is she the only woman in the world?
+You give yourself freedom again. Take a large profit with you, and then
+trouble yourself no more about her! We others may not be so beautiful,
+to be sure, yet we are not made of marble either, but of flesh and
+blood, and, if our eyes have not such depth, they flash all the more
+merrily.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate looked at the gambler with seductive glances. He put his arms
+round her supple form, which only resisted feebly, pressed a kiss upon
+her lips, but then wrenched himself away, pushed her from him, and
+cried, as he sprang up--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Corpo di bacco</i>, I know you, <i>diavola</i>! That is a worn-out game, and
+I know, too, how the cards are shuffled! You are not indisposed to be
+the victim of friendship. Aha, that is the cause of this sudden,
+pretended, fervent love. But where are the witnesses--the dumb walls,
+the lamps burning down? And, if there were witnesses, they would only
+be of use so far as separate maintenance is concerned, with which the
+Signora is not supplied. You have miscalculated, my child! To-day is
+buried from the world, and to-morrow I shall not know you again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate stood drawn up erectly, the open dagger in her hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You misunderstand me, Signor Baluzzi! Our business is at an end!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At that moment Kätchen's head appeared in the half-open doorway.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You called me, Signor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Listener,&quot; cried Baluzzi, enraged, &quot;this eavesdropping in my own
+house! Do not let me catch you a second time. Open the garden gate for
+the Signora; wait below with the key!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kätchen disappeared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I require money; I do not yet know how much. I will first learn the
+result of my business. You are a cunning mediatrix, little Beate, but
+neither your paws nor your claws have power over me; but if anything be
+in the air warn her not to venture upon too much, else she may have a
+narrow escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Below Kätchen was whistling upon the key of the gate. She soon
+conducted Beate, who had drawn the hood over her head, through the
+garden walks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wild cat left the lion's den.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_03" href="#div1_03">THE MISTRESS OF THE BOARDING SCHOOL.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Da. Reising's credit had done its duty, as was shown by the shining
+brass plate, upon which the skilful town engraver had etched the words,
+&quot;Lori Baute's Boarding School,&quot; in large, legible characters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There she sat, a small sovereign of a small state. The first object of
+her ambition was attained. Indignant as she was at the noise which the
+classes sometimes made, to her there was even a melodious echo in the
+tumult. All these noisy beings are your pupils, entrusted to you, given
+up to your authority, and this turbulence only proves how your school
+flourishes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had adopted a short, decided, dictatorial manner, and practised it
+before the mirror; she had also pondered over a necessary alteration in
+her dress, and arrived at the conclusion that her present position
+required a certain sacrifice, the sacrifice of youth. Fräulein Sohle,
+her predecessor, had none to make in that respect, she was totally
+different from her pupils, with the advantage of her maturer years, and
+with unartificial dignity, such as is united without effort to creases,
+wrinkles, and a figure which only appears as the physical residuum of
+an intellectually extinguished spirit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Lori was still young; her looking glass told her that she might
+compete in charms with the youngest teachers, yes, she even looked
+younger than she was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">School, and that life to which she might still lay claim, were opposed
+to one another, but she must make some concession. She made up her mind
+to it, and decided upon the loss of those curls, which the profane
+world designated &quot;love-locks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not easy for her to relinquish the glossy, youthful head-gear,
+but the gloomy framework of snake-like curls imparted an otherwise
+unattainable dignity to her features. To be sure her eyes flashed out
+all the more boldly, and her tiny person could not possibly transform
+itself into a Juno. Nevertheless she knew how to inspire respect;
+wherever she appeared, all noise was stilled, her omniscience was
+feared, because she knew how to find out by inquisition and torture
+everything that happened in any portion of her dominions. The
+governesses were afraid of her and her spies; they felt that every step
+was watched, without knowing in what tangible form those dark powers
+dogged their heels.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The older tutors also obeyed the young ruler's will with a certain
+gallantry; only the young master with the moustache opposed an
+unbending mind, and appeared to be determined to go his own way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was thought to be omniscient, poor Lori! How gladly would she have
+been so! because unnatural obscurity hovered over one of the most
+important questions which occupied her. Far away beyond the attained
+goal her ambition was again striving after new objects--how very
+different to be a proud <i>châtelaine</i>, and the wife of a nobleman of
+position--and was this impossible for her?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sat silently, and counted up all the tokens of attention which
+Blanden had vouchsafed to her. The sum was a considerable one, if only
+all the separate posts had been secure--!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden had availed himself of her last invitation in the
+confectioner's shop to visit Reising, just before his departure to the
+province, and, indeed, on the same day. Was it merely his eagerness to
+fulfil a social duty while he had time, or was it liking for, and
+interest in her poor self?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Reising had received him very pleasantly. Euphrasia had been
+agreeable, yes, coquettish--Lori had no other name for it; even Emma
+had shed the light of her kitchen lantern upon the high politics of the
+reception-room; and actually Albertine made up her mind to speak.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he had distinguished her above all the others, talked with her in
+preference, and she herself had been intellectual, particularly
+intellectual; she must say that for herself, there are days upon which
+the silver melts unaided from the mental ore, and becomes liquid, days
+of an intellectual silvery appearance. Could Blanden be unsusceptible
+to such silvery looks? For he had been in the province a long time. Dr.
+Reising had departed with her sisters; she had undertaken the school,
+it was a time of anxiety. He was far away, she could only preserve his
+image in her heart, and at rare moments take it out for devout
+contemplation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But now he had returned again, she had seen him. Twice he had ridden
+past her house. Was it chance, or intentional? He had looked up at her
+windows; did he seek her, or did he only notice the wild noise issuing
+from one of the classes, the windows of which, in spite of the cold,
+had to be opened on account of a worn-out stove!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Much more weighty was the fact that for several days she had each
+morning found a bouquet of hot-house flowers in her vase.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A man-servant had delivered them to the housemaid without giving the
+name of the donor. In each bouquet was concealed an envelope, in which
+was a card containing a verse. Such forbidden goods in a girls' school,
+and to be sent to her, the mistress! But she resigned herself to the
+inevitable, did not burn the cards, nor did she forbid the reception of
+the bouquets.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did they come from Blanden? A blissful suspicion told her so, she
+believed to find reminiscences of their conversations in some of the
+verses. Had he not spoken of the solitude of his woods, and did not the
+first verse begin with an allusion to it?--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Without thee darling I am lonely,</p>
+<p class="t2">All the light of life doth die,</p>
+<p class="t0">All my heaven is in thee only,</p>
+<p class="t2">No star is in th' eternal sky</p>
+<p class="t0">Save thou smile and bid me see,<br>
+Save thou come and bide with me.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">She imagined she heard Blanden's soft mellifluous voice in the melody
+of these lines; but why did he not come? She would gladly have let her
+eyes shine upon him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bolder was the last poem! It spoke of the lotus-flower. Blanden had
+been in India, the exotic colouring of the lines possessed a warmth
+such as only personal experience can impart:</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">
+&quot;A god of Hindoo dreams,</p>
+<p class="t2">Cradled in the lotus-flower,</p>
+<p class="t0">Then enchanted it would seem</p>
+<p class="t2">By a goddess' magic power;</p>
+<p class="t0">And wert thou my goddess true<br>
+I should be enchanted too.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">In spite of the oriental figurative language, the meaning of these
+lines was not incomprehensible; they were from Blanden. They must have
+originated from him, and mentally Lori composed the anti-strophe--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Let the lotus shed its perfume,</p>
+<p class="t2">Tarry not in lover's pain,</p>
+<p class="t0">In the castle of Kulmitten</p>
+<p class="t2">I will as your goddess reign.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">And if Blanden were the author, the sender of these exotic nosegays,
+nothing but delicate consideration could restrain him from seeking her!
+He indeed knew where the lotus-flower bloomed, but could he know how he
+should be received? He must show some regard for the mistress'
+character, upon which her existence depends. He had no pretext for such
+a visit; he had no little daughter to introduce. Oh, she understood him
+thoroughly, and she respected him the more, the more she understood
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She considered long what pretext she could find for a meeting; she made
+plans, and rejected them again. At last she decided upon her favourite
+weapon, a pink note--an anonymous pink note! He was discreet, she might
+trust him, there was nothing remarkable about a chance meeting in the
+confectioner's shop; but the reason? This was of less importance; once
+she was seated before him, all doubts must vanish.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These lines, these flowers, and the look in his eyes, a single pregnant
+word--and the enigma would be solved with magic speed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The pink note merely contained the words, &quot;a lady begs for your advice
+and help,&quot; also the place and the hour of the assignation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was on friendly terms with Reising; she, without male support
+since her brother-in-law's departure, had she not every right to turn
+to him, and her doing so would enlighten him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was the tutor with the moustache, handsome Dr. Sperner, he became
+bolder and more defiant each day, yes even at times he seemed to treat
+her like a little girl, and not as the principal of the school. Blanden
+should advise her how she was to behave to the doctor, a little
+interference in her favour would lower the young man's presumptuous
+tone; he must learn that she was sure of manly protection.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When in the act of taking her straw hat out of the drawer so as to make
+her toilette in keeping with her correspondence, Dr. Sperner was
+announced again. He entered so boldly, that one might have expected to
+see spurs on his boots.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You wish to speak to me, dear Fräulein?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Later, a few hours later, I begged you to come to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know, but I shall not have time! This white slavery only extends
+over lectures and consultations, not the entire day, even if it be the
+most amiable lady planter's slavery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do these insinuations mean, Herr Doctor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I gladly look upon myself as your slave, my Fräulein! If capital be
+allowed to plunder our mental labour, it may be endured from an owner
+of capital, such as you, dear Fräulein, with whom a man could live. But
+what do you wish?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can now only explain my views very briefly upon two points which I
+wish to see altered; yes, I expect, I command that they be altered!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Doctor bowed with a mocking smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Even on my first visit to the establishment, I made these
+observations,&quot; continued Lori, while she assumed a stern tone, and
+shook back one spiral curl that fell over her face, &quot;the themes which
+you give to the pupils are totally unsuitable, just so the theme for
+the last composition, 'Why did Egmont not marry Klärchen?' That does
+not appear to be the proper manner of introducing our classics.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There our views differ, dear Fräulein! Upon reflection, you will find
+how improving such tasks are. They accustom the girls to grasp the most
+important questions in life in an independent manner, and, above all,
+to treat them with tact. Besides, I avoid themes which lead to
+commonplaces, and which have already been written upon hundreds of
+times. New questions which cause independent thought--that is my
+object. I should like to wager that hitherto even you have not thought
+over my questions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must decline, Herr Doctor, to be placed on a par with my pupils.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am far from doing so, excepting on one point, namely, youth and
+loveliness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You forget to whom you are speaking. Such susceptibility, however, is
+a superfluous quality in the masters at my school.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What would a teacher of youth be, who possessed no susceptibility for
+the beautiful?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Many pupils and their parents complain of your partiality. I find that
+they are right. I have examined the corrected copy-books very closely.
+You show such partiality to that fat Iduna; orthographical mistakes,
+which, for the others, you mark with thick red lines, in her case you
+treat as clerical errors, which you do not count, which you do not put
+down in the margin or add up. Thus Iduna always receives a good notice.
+And yet that girl brought forward the unutterable nonsense that Egmont
+did not marry Klärchen because it would have been inconvenient, and
+marriage, especially owing to ladies' dress, costs too much money;
+although lace was made in Brussels and Flanders, and was cheaper than
+with us. And this sentence you did not even cross out, while you
+accompany the poetical ideas of other girls with red notes of
+interrogation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Iduna possesses sound common sense, although she is of a prosaic
+nature. We must encourage it. On the other hand, it is a master's duty
+to eradicate betimes all that is too fantastic; life does not fulfil
+such foolish dreams.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As well as Iduna, you favour Clara, who is not her inferior as to
+voluptuous form; it seems that you like full-blown roses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken, Fräulein; besides, my private taste has nothing to
+do with my profession and your establishment. It is thoroughly feminine
+to recognise no principles, and to impute everything to the
+affections.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because,&quot; interposed Lori, &quot;in a boarding school they are ill-weeds,
+which must be eradicated first of all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As you like to decide upon matters which do not belong to your duties
+as principal, although, as a girl, they may be interesting to you--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The distinctions which you make are unsuitable--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I must defend my taste against your accusations. I do not
+love such phlegmatic contented natures. I love what is fine and
+piquant--vivacious, intellectual eyes, dainty figures--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thank you for your confessions, but I am not in a position to listen
+to them any longer; I must leave you. But yet, I must request better
+themes for German tasks, and greater impartiality--and you will obey my
+orders.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; 'Thoughts on the awaking of Spring' shall be the next theme
+for our first-class, and Iduna shall receive the worst report. You had
+better take your fur instead of your cloak, Fräulein! It is bittterly
+cold, as the sentries say in 'Hamlet,' before they see the ghost. Can I
+assist you? That pink bonnet becomes you charmingly, dear Fräulein! You
+can wear the most youthful colours, but smooth bands of hair would suit
+you better than these corkscrews. Good-by!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a mocking smile, but a fiery glance at the young mistress, the
+audacious Doctor took leave. Lori was indignant at his daring, and at
+the superior tone which he assumed, but she was still more angry with
+herself that she had not been able to keep him within bounds; that she
+felt subdued before him, as was Mark Antony before Cæsar's genius. She
+must procure advice, it was high time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon Lori was seated in the confectioner's shop, and waited eagerly for
+the result of her pink note.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden entered: he went excitedly and hastily through the apartments;
+he had received the note, and connected its contents with Giulia, who
+occupied all his thoughts. For this reason he had acceded to its
+invitation, although the preparation for his meeting with the
+Lieutenant claimed all his time. He recognised Lori, and went towards
+her; she thought it advisable at once to acknowledge her authorship of
+the note. Blanden seated himself beside her, and listened absently to
+her communications. The less Lori really had to say, the longer she
+spun it out: she began with their meeting at the sea-side, with the
+friendship which Professor Reising had always entertained for Blanden;
+she painted pictures of the short time they had been together, in the
+most vivid colours. Blanden sat there so dreamily; was he revelling in
+the same recollections; did he smile in silent delight, or only out of
+politeness?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now Lori began to talk about herself; she drew a touching sketch of her
+childhood and youth. Blanden's eyes became more and more concealed
+beneath their lids, imparting a dreamy appearance to him; was it
+fervour or abstraction?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the midst of her recital Lori watched the play of her listener's
+countenance with nervous attention, and was miserable that she could
+not fathom the impression which her words made upon him, because this
+was the principal object of the meeting. She hardly dared confess to
+herself that she had perceived how forced was his attention, and that
+his pulses did not seem to beat any higher.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sought to awaken a deep interest by representing how difficult it
+was for a girl to fight her way through the world; she had bought the
+school, but now stood there quite isolated, helpless in many respects.
+She complained of several governesses, especially of the rebellious
+master.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I should dismiss him,&quot; said Blanden, with great composure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is not so easy as you think. He has his faults, but it is difficult
+to find a substitute. Besides, he is thought something of in society.
+In such an establishment one has not only to think of the daughters,
+but also of the mothers. And, as far as the mothers are concerned, he
+is a veritable Faust; he possesses the keys to their hearts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But he would listen to serious remonstrance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He treats me, I hardly like to say it, as a loveable little person,
+who, by mere chance, has been wafted to the head of the school; as a
+cypher, to which some small capital has put a figure before it. If he
+knew that I am not quite unprotected, that my brother-in-law, that my
+brother-in-law's friends support me--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is a knight's duty to protect ladies who implore protection,&quot; said
+Blanden. &quot;I shall always fulfil that duty. If the young Doctor should
+be guilty of anything in the least degree unbecoming towards you,
+reckon upon me; I shall call him to account.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This sounded so delightful, so hopeful! Lori's heart exulted, her eyes
+rested with such confiding trust upon the knight, who vowed his
+services to her; words of gratitude flowed warmly and fervently from
+her lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now she had gained courage to prosecute her research as to whether the
+knight had already borne any lady's colours.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You surely lead a very solitary life in Kulmitten?&quot; asked she,
+assuming a most significant air, and emphasising the word &quot;solitary&quot;
+very markedly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall spend the winter mostly in the town,&quot; replied Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man with the iron mask, thought she, he denies his flowers, but has
+he, like many, only warm feelings in his verses?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The suspicion that those lines did not originate from him still
+appeared incredible to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One who has lived so long in Hindustan, amongst the lotus-flowers,
+may, indeed, find it very desolate here with us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She cast a sympathetic glance at Blanden, who was so impolite as to
+look at his watch at that very moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Lotus-flowers, the cradle of the gods,&quot; continued Lori, raising her
+eyes like her sister Ophelia, for which, however, she had not the long
+silken lashes; she had no talent for moonlight of the soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing looks so poetical when seen quite closely,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;as
+in the poet's verses, neither lotus flowers, nor gods, nor bayaderes.
+The lotus flowers are of as beautiful a pink as your bonnet, Fräulein,
+Nevertheless, the holy plant possesses a very prosaic side, too; bread
+can be made from its fruit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Was this meant for a significant or, perhaps, even a malicious
+allusion? Lori had plenty of time for reflection, because immediately
+after Blanden politely took leave, while he repeated that he should
+always be ready to protect her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A feeling of great uncertainty took possession of her. All that Blanden
+said was so cool, so distant. Had she been mistaken? Did the castles of
+Kulmitten and Rositten belong to those in the air? or was he only
+teasing her? Did the merry cupids take refuge in his flowers and lines
+of poetry, while he acted the part of grave invincibility?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Lori left the confectioner's shop, she had to pass readers, who were
+deeply absorbed in their newspapers. One gigantic sheet was suddenly
+lowered, and behind it appeared the moustache of Dr. Sperner, who
+greeted the principal of the boarding school with a slight bow, and
+smiled familiarly, as she strolled past him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a sleepless night, in which the ardent desires of her heart were
+driven to flight by the implacable calculation of her understanding,
+and after mature consideration, she was obliged to acknowledge a
+defeat, which, happily, she had suffered in total secrecy. In the
+morning she again found a bouquet of flowers and a note:</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Ah, these runes, dear, pray decypher,<br>
+Put an end to my love's pain;<br>
+For 'tis not Iduna I love,<br>
+No, I love but you alone!&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">This was the height of impudence. The moustachioed teacher cast his
+mask aside. In her own establishment had sprung up the ill-weeds of
+poetry and bouquets.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Should she give him notice?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Under existing circumstances she resolved not at once to speak about
+these love poems, so opposed to all rule, but to hold farther mental
+debates with herself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Iduna's next exercise teemed with red corrections. Lori rewarded Dr.
+Sperner for them with a grateful smile.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_04" href="#div1_04">IN THE FOREST OF JUDITENKIRCHEN.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Early in the morning the carriage stopped before the village inn.
+Blanden, Kuhl, and two other gentlemen sprang oat; the pistol cases
+were left in the carriage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have come too early; there is still half an hour's time,&quot; said
+Kuhl, &quot;a morsel to eat cannot hurt us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The morning is as hard as iron; the roads sparkle as if they were
+armour clad,&quot; said the Doctor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden drummed his fingers upon the table. Kuhl sat down beside him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot, indeed, understand why you plunged yourself into this
+danger?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is to revenge Giulia's honour upon a miscreant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, you know my opinion about duels; it is a special act of
+friendship that I second you. I have, it is true, several times, used a
+human body as a target, and marked it there when I intended to do,
+because I set to work conscientiously, and did not swerve an iota from
+my intentions. I wish you had my eye and hand to-day!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I prefer to leave it to chance,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;then I shall have a
+clearer conscience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But now,&quot; continued Kuhl, &quot;no one would easily inveigle me into such a
+duel. I do not hold Falstaff's views about honour, but I think that all
+which does but exist in the opinion of mankind, enjoys a very shadowy
+existence, and that it is not worth while, for the sake of such
+dissolving views, for such opinions which fade into mist, and from day
+to day assume a different form, to let a bullet be driven into one's
+body.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But we are dependent upon the opinions of mankind, especially of those
+human beings with whom we must live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Those are the so-called class prejudices; for a citizen of the world
+like you they should not exist. You know best that in Honolulu upon
+such matters people think quite differently from what they do in the
+Fiji Islands, or even in Japan, where they simply rip up their own
+persons. It would be too cheap a mode of regaining one's lost honour if
+it were only necessary to burn powder in the pan.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We often long to punish an enemy,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;and there is no
+other suitable method than that of standing before him with sword or
+pistol in one's hand. Hatred and enmity cannot be eradicated, and such
+silently nourished ill-will, such Platonic hatred, as people might term
+it, gnaws at one's vitals, just as does Platonic love. Every passion
+must obtain satisfaction, therefore the world has produced swords and
+pistols.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right,&quot; said Kuhl, &quot;the world, once for all, belongs to
+cannibals, and the religion of love and peace, despite more than a
+thousand years' reign, has not been able to eradicate manslaughter. And
+so long as it is prosecuted on a large scale for the sake of a morsel
+of land, or questions of lofty etiquette and political politeness, one
+can really not object, when, on a small scale, people go to war with
+one another for considerations of honour; at least, it is a cheaper
+pleasure, and does not cost the blood of nations.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In my duel, dear Kuhl,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;in the first place a woman's
+honour is concerned, and it is much more easily injured. As some birds
+in Hindoostan, according to the opinions of the people, only live upon
+the drops of rain which fall from the clouds, so do women only live
+upon that heavenly refreshment which lies in the delicate sense of
+their honour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nonsense,&quot; said Kuhl, &quot;people scorn the world's opinion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then one must live upon a desert island, like Robinson Crusoe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Every truly free man is a Robinson who does not require mankind. A
+robinsonade in society, it is that which is right, therein lies the
+guarantee of happiness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Women must not have that wish; through it they would fool away the
+happiness of their life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who can deprive them of the happiness that they conquer boldly?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;True! Listen to me; at such moments a man thinks more seriously upon
+many things. I am about to fight for a woman's honour, you make game of
+it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Blanden,&quot; cried Kuhl, jumping up. &quot;My voice has more weight now, for
+that which I say to you may be my last testament. You deprive two girls
+of their good name, the sole guarantee which they possess for the peace
+of a later life. Now they may play and joke, some day earnestness and
+loneliness will come.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, the one has already retired from me; Olga threatens to become
+untrue to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Possibly, then, all the more grave is your duty to the other, who now
+defies the world's opinion; be it from folly, be it from passion,
+later, however, she will lament that she did so, when, after a short
+intoxication, she must lead a long, joyless, poverty-stricken life. You
+have no duties; one day you will forsake her entirely, and she will be
+left to gaze into long, lasting misery. She has rejected one honest
+wooer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You speak of your friend Wegen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I speak of what my heart feels. I am, perhaps, about to sacrifice my
+life to one woman, therefore you can surely sacrifice your theories to
+another. A man may become a martyr to his faith, but he may not make
+others so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl was silent, it was a disagreeable conversation on a disagreeable
+morning; he must allow that Blanden was right, it was the way of the
+world. He shivered; the narrowness of a subject's life seemed to
+oppress him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One thing more,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;take care of Giulia if I fall. The
+world will condemn her as being the cause of my death. Perhaps her
+artistic career may be endangered. She has no support, no friend!
+Everything seems to be double-faced that moves around her. Be you her
+friend; will you promise it me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With all my heart,&quot; said Kuhl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have made my will; the legacy I leave to her is considerable enough
+to ensure her a life free from care, even if she retire from the stage.
+Help her with good advice, but do not forget that she is almost my
+widow, too sacred for frivolous games, and veiled for you by this my
+last solemn word.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl thought to himself, &quot;Jealous beyond the grave,&quot; but he did not
+venture to smile, he only squeezed his friend's hand in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden looked at the clock--it was time. All entered the carriage
+again, which rolled along upon creaking wheels through the snow-laden
+forest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the edge of the pine wood another carriage was standing; the
+opponents had just arrived.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The scene of conflict was a little snow-covered glade; distances were
+measured, and the weapons examined. Blanden knew no fear, not even fear
+of death, but the full consciousness of the nonentity of existence
+overcame him. There was nothing appalling for him in death, but
+something almost humiliating. It was miserable, full of thoughts which
+grasp a world to be hurled to the ground by a piece of rattling metal,
+which pierces one in rapid flight, which even an old decayed tree stem
+can defy; it was too wretched to lie here bedded in the snow like any
+crow shot down from the grey wintry sky by the sportsman's gun, so that
+the wings of the mind hang down paralysed and dead for evermore, like
+the wings of the hideous bird which just now croaked so loudly for prey
+and food.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lifeless lead--and instead of the agitated spirit's notes of
+exclamation and interrogation, that one great line which ends this
+chapter of life, and perhaps the whole book.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And, yet, it is easy to die on a frosty, winter's day, when all life
+cowers, when the trees stretch their bare summits into the misty grey
+atmosphere, and the shroud of snow lies upon all the forests and
+meadows. All nature shudders, as if renouncing every happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, no! One heart there is that beats anxiously for you; two eyes
+which already dedicate scalding tears to the dark possibility that
+menaces you; there, indeed, is life and happiness, and from these it is
+that you must part.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As is the case in all moments of most supreme tension, Blanden's mind
+saw such pictures and thoughts pass before him with a certain rigidity,
+and only awoke again as Kuhl pressed the pistols into his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Attempts at reconciliation had not been made, the bitterness of the
+opponents was too great, those polite ceremonies, which had been made
+for form's sake, were dropped again immediately, as being perfectly
+futile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As in a dream, Blanden saw the colossal officer step before him. He
+hated the man until that moment, then he was seized as with pity for
+such a sensual life, and then, again, with a change of thought, quick
+as lightning, his mind flew to recollections of his school days, and he
+thought of Homer and the Bible, which tell so accurately how many feet
+of earth such a mighty man covered in his fall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then in the midst of these dreamy thoughts, rang the call of the
+seconds, the fatal counting began, the shots fell, and behind the
+clouds of powder, each glance sought the falling opponent, but only
+Buschmann had the satisfaction of rejoicing in that spectacle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden sank to the ground, the officer's bullet had struck his breast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl and the surgeon knelt beside him. Buschmann did not trouble
+himself about his victim, did not even vouchsafe a casual enquiry; with
+a hasty greeting, he left the scene of the conflict.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The surgeon gave hopes; the ball had penetrated the chest, but it
+appeared to him to be one of those rare cases in which no serious
+injury of a vital organ had taken place. Kuhl also shared that opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After adjusting the bandages, Blanden was lifted into the carriage, and
+driven home. The drive was very exhausting, and as the carriage rattled
+over the stone pavement, Blanden lost consciousness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he awoke out of the dull web of a confused world of dreams, with
+its shadows melting into one another, he saw a pale form seated by his
+bed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her gaze rested anxiously upon him; she kissed his unclosing eyes, she
+kissed his hands amidst scalding tears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had fought for his betrothed, from henceforth she would be his.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_05" href="#div1_05">INTERNAL STRUGGLES.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia nursed Blanden unweariedly; she let the performance of &quot;Il
+Barbière di Sevilla&quot; be postponed again and again, to the great
+annoyance of the <i>impressario</i>, and only when Blanden began to recover
+did she attend the rehearsals.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Calm as she appeared by the bedside, a mighty struggle was disturbing
+her soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She often gazed with silent emotion upon his noble gentle features, as
+he lay there with closed eyes, when his wounded chest heaved with
+convulsive breathing. For her he had gone to meet death. Was he the
+victim of a lie? Her passionate love was indeed truth, although all
+else might be deception.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had but one alternative, the fearful alternative of losing him for
+ever, or of conquering him by impious defiance of law and custom.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was an Italian; she possessed fiery blood, and the language which
+passion spoke, even if it drove her out into the boundless, was to her
+almost irresistible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Grown up in a stage world, in which adventures are represented before
+the footlights and experienced behind the scenes, she had no true
+comprehension of the limits of respectable life; she was inclined in it
+to perceive a restraint over which the laws of the heart had the right
+to triumph. Brigandage lives in the blood of Italians; there is also a
+<i>brigantaggio</i> of the heart, which breaks into the sanctuaries of the
+law with daring boldness, and deems the power of life higher than that
+which only seems to be a lifeless form, a written paragraph. What is
+unworthy, let it be authorised by earth or heaven, appears to be a
+fetter, to break which, is esteemed an act of heroism, even although it
+may be deemed a crime in the eyes of the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But she knew that Blanden thought differently; here in the North the
+law was a great power; he possessed a knightly mind, which never thinks
+of deception. She could only be really his if she took all the daring
+upon herself alone, converting a degrading secret into a new heavy load
+of guilt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And had not the worst happened already, and from no fault of hers? Had
+he not suffered heavy pain for the sake of the impossible, which could
+only become possible by impudent deception, and unbroken silence?
+Should she not now, if she confessed all, prepare him a certain painful
+disappointment, which hereafter only hostile chance could bring upon
+him?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who guarantees any long endurance to happiness? She would enjoy it,
+even if the chasm which yawns behind every bliss were nearer to her and
+deeper than it usually is. But she could only obtain and enjoy this
+felicity with heart-throbbings and anguish of conscience, condemned to
+everlasting anxiety, dependent upon the good-will, the whims of a
+despicable man; this roused her heart against fate, robbed her of
+sleep, and dreams full of wild pictures of horror drove her terrified
+mind hither and thither in alarm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ever again her conscience rebelled, and urged her to a confession that
+would free her; ever again she repressed it firmly, as the huntsman
+restrains the dog that will frighten away the game of which he is
+secure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate was calmer, she had given an account of her visit to Baluzzi, she
+would decidedly not give up all hope, and thought he would still allow
+himself to be persuaded to become a subject of that country; but Giulia
+cried in supreme excitement--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no, the disgrace of my life must remain in everlasting obscurity,
+how foolish to wish to drag it into court; it was a thought that could
+only come to me in utter helplessness. Then, too, Blanden would be lost
+to me; would there be anything more degrading for me, than to have to
+acknowledge that man before all the world? Only in deepest secrecy can
+my welfare lie.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Blanden became better, he spoke to his nurse of their marriage.
+Giulia covered him with kisses, but she shuddered inwardly, both with
+joy and fear. Ever nearer drew the fatal moment which she awaited with
+equally ardent longing and nameless terror.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">More agitated than ever, she returned home. Beate was all the more
+cheerful, and hummed an Italian popular air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I envy you your good humour, but it appears to me to be almost like
+mockery of me and my urgent need.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When there is a wedding in prospect, one cannot be sad.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A wedding, oh my God! Happiness which all the world would envy me,
+envy me with reason, which I would not reject, even if my soul's
+salvation were at stake--and side by side with the most supreme
+delight, stand the feelings of a criminal who is led to execution!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Vedremo</i>--there may still be a means of escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A means of escape--does not danger ever hover over my head, mortal
+danger?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps there are means of disarming it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, speak! You are clever and cunning, Beate. I hunger for a word of
+hope, of comfort, for relief in my unbounded fear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It would be a risk--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What would I not risk in order to be free from this racking torture of
+my heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You could not undertake this risk, only I, and the consequences if it
+fail, would fall heavily upon my head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I would implore you even to undertake the most daring act, if it can
+bring me rescue. And yet how could I plunge you too into destruction,
+require a sacrifice of you for which I can grant you no compensation?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That be my affair, inseparable friendship in life and death is
+compensation for all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Carissima</i>, good Beate,&quot; said Giulia, as she cordially embraced her
+friend.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And then--I like setting out upon adventures, even if I must traverse
+break-neck paths. Danger attracts me, and all secrecy, even if it be
+not exactly sweet, has a great charm for me. It makes my blood surge,
+then I feel that I live! And if such a bold plan have succeeded, ah,
+what a triumph! Then people will say, 'what does not lie in such a
+pretty little head,' then one imagines oneself like the mouse that, in
+the fable, gnawed the lion's bonds. But to play a trick upon such
+an overbearing villain and robber, secretly, in the dead of night,
+without him perceiving or knowing it; to remove the weapon out of his
+hand--that alone is worth risking this neck for; I hope the saints will
+not leave so pretty a little creature as Beate Romani quite in the
+lurch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what do you think of doing?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Give me money, I will travel to Italy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To Italy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To the lake of Orta, to the island of San Giulio!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know what I will, but not yet how I will carry it out. That must be
+left to the impulse of the moment. The past is a fairy tale, a legend,
+if the proofs be wanting. I will destroy the proofs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beate!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where are they, but upon the little rocky island of Berengar? There
+they still display the skin of that snake, which Saint Giulo killed;
+well, I hope that the little viper into which Beate Romani is to be
+transformed, will succeed with the new saints who keep guard there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are contemplating a crime?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am contemplating the destruction of a great lie, which clings to
+your life as if with the arms of a polypus. A lie for your heart, but a
+truth for the world; a vile, shameful truth if I do not--but what
+matter is that to you? Do not question me too much! What I do, I shall
+do alone, and because it pleases me. I ask you for the money for my
+journey--let the rest be my care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia sat there with folded hands; should she give her consent to a
+deed which, as she suspected, was directed against law and church!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yet could she hesitate? Her passion drove her still farther upon the
+fatal course, and shuddering inwardly, she was obliged to confess to
+herself that every act of Beate's was less of a sacrilege than that
+which she now so often firmly and steadily contemplated, and the worst
+consequences of which her friend sought to avert.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To that first meeting, to that short-lived felicity by which she first
+emancipated herself from her stern duty, this lawless deed was now, as
+if forcibly, and ever anew united to unholy consequences.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia wrung her hands in despair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let me consider it, weigh it--not too hastily accede to the transient
+idea! Too much is at stake for me--for you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A leaf in the wind--and all is done!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A leaf in the wind?&quot; said Giulia thoughtfully &quot;is my life not one
+already? And if your plan miscarry, if they catch you--?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;From my childhood I have been used to walk on narrow paths, often have
+wandered with my father across the steep boundary roads of the Italian
+Tyrol; with him have crouched under rocky boulders, or in concealment
+behind the lofty Arves, have slided down glaciers without being afraid
+of the yawning <i>crevasses</i> in which death lurked! They shall not catch
+me, and if such an incredible thing were to happen, well it would only
+befall me! You may be calm and need have no fear.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia still hesitated, and begged for a few more days for reflection.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile the <i>impressario</i> could be appeased no longer, and Giulia was
+obliged to appear as Rosina!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While she had been nursing Blanden, excluded from the world, her
+enemies had been indefatigably active in destroying her character.
+Buschmann had kept his word, and in revenge had spoken everywhere with
+most ruthless exaggerations of her affair with Blanden. The duel, it is
+true, had not come to the official knowledge of the authorities, but it
+was spoken of in every circle. People pitied Blanden, but with the pity
+soon was mingled the condemning verdict, &quot;he loves adventures!&quot; The
+Signora herself, however, appeared as one of those intriguing <i>prime
+donne</i>, who know how to attract a number of lovers and admirers, and
+then set them one against another, so that some fatal scandal may show
+the power of their beauty in high relief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In this troubled domain of public opinion, Spiegeler now cast his evil
+seed--notice after notice full of piquant stings, innuendoes,
+unmistakable hints. In his paper he had an article, &quot;Behind the
+Scenes;&quot; there Giulia was the heroine. In the most absurd paragraphs,
+she was not named, but none could fail to guess it was she. Side by
+side with them appeared criticising treatises upon the art of song,
+containing most violent attacks upon Signora Bollini, who was
+invariably held up as an appalling example of bad mannerisms and taste.
+Müller von Stallupöhnen, who with his ivory <i>bâton</i> as yet had
+conducted none of his own operas, supported the journalist, so void of
+musical knowledge, in this labour. Had not the directors of the East
+Sea town already rejected four of his operas, and favoured Italian
+music in a marked manner by the Signora's long engagement?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what were these Italian composers compared with him? His music was
+full of deep meaning, truly dramatic, besides which every character had
+its musical brief, and as Shakespeare's kings were ushered in by a
+flourish of trumpets, so were his heroes by a few bars of instrumental
+performance. He scorned all that was pleasantly unmeaning, all that was
+attractively melodious; when his heroes sang, it was but a musical mode
+of speaking, to which the orchestra imparted all sharper accents, and a
+few significant inter-punctuations. But when the tempest of his genius
+stirred up the depths of the orchestra, so that in almost every bar
+some old musical rule suffered shipwreck, and the most outrageous
+impossibilities, the most startling dissonances dashed into the air
+like spectral water spouts out of the foaming, splashing waves; then
+indeed must enthusiasm, ecstasy know no bounds, and even the public be
+transformed into a stormy, raging mass, out of which the thunder of
+applause should break loose as if with elementary power. This Müller
+had, it is true, never experienced, but he saw and heard it in
+imagination. If he could only once touch the conductors desk with that
+ebon magic wand, this unbounded exultation of delight must be set free.
+But it never came about; the directors were to blame. Instead of it the
+coquettish tone-muse of Italy, which is so undramatic that she
+represents Luciâ di Lammermoor's madness in the most lively dance
+music, flaunted upon the stage with all her tinsel of trills and
+<i>fioriture</i>. In such a frame of mind, Müller von Stallupöhnen helped
+the venomous reporters to lay traps for the directors and for the
+wicked representative of Italian monkey-like art.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the evening of the performance of the &quot;Barbière&quot; the house was
+filled, but a peculiar disquiet prevailed, as if some unusual event
+were in the air. Kuhl sat in the stalls beside his Cäcilie, who now
+appeared to be inseparable from him, and near poet Schöner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Something is going on,&quot; said the Doctor to his younger friend, &quot;people
+are not in a pleasant mood. Nothing can be so little counted upon as
+the public. And what is it really? It is only a shadow, a spectre, as
+little tangible as the old ocean god Proteus, and, if one would hold it
+fast, it assumes all colours and shapes. The public of to-day is no
+longer that of yesterday; the crowd which is afterwards dispersed
+through the streets, is no longer the same which is assembled here.
+Schiller's epigram, 'When it is <i>in corpore</i>, a blockhead springs up,'
+refers more to the bench, it is true, but such a theatrical audience is
+a many-headed monster, and as stupid as an old grass grown dragon of
+the early ages. What has not this public already applauded? Göethe as
+much as Aubery's dog, Schiller not less than a fiddler, who plays upon
+one string; the greatest poet and the most miserable clown! Often the
+rheumatism of idiotcy possesses its joints, which are paralysed, and do
+not move before what is sublime; then again it is electrified by the
+most foolish joke, and the unwieldy mass moves hands and feet like a
+marionette! As the wind rushes through an empty furnace, so does
+so-called public opinion rush through these empty heads. Thus it
+sometimes causes a mighty disturbance! The crowd has a certain instinct
+when it is gathered together, and a species of common feeling; it is
+like a huge body revolving upon the same pivot; it tastes with one
+tongue and spits flames out of one jaw; it lets itself be moved by one
+turn-screw, like a colossal engine. And by what crooked screws has it
+not already been moved! Upon the whole it is rude, and if its hat be
+not knocked from its head, it does not doff it to genius! Oh, ye poor
+geniuses! In what difficulties ye find yourselves! Ye struggle for
+fame, and yet fame, in the first instance, can only come from this
+crowd which possesses no sense of immortality; and again it is the
+pillar of immortality--what sad means by which to gain it! Really, only
+the idiotic flatterers of the crowd ought to be famous, and often have
+been so in their lifetime. The fame of the best is a marvel, and I am
+tired of pondering upon it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, everything beautiful, and art itself is a marvel,&quot; replied
+Schöner, &quot;and even if many a genius has been shipwrecked, we rejoice
+for those who have gained the victory after a long conflict with the
+crowd's want of judgment and changeability.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Behind them the two speakers heard a lively somewhat sharp girl's
+voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is time that an end be put to this Italian opera, it spoils our
+taste; this <i>prima donna</i> sits here as firmly as a fly in amber, and
+has also made it her especial task to spoil our morals; all varieties
+of reports are circulated which even penetrate into our establishment.
+There is no quarantine against it, however many proper means of
+fumigation may be employed, the infection is in the air. There is only
+one means, she must away, and I am delighted at the lynch-law by which
+she will be banished.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right, quite right, uncommonly right,&quot; said the old governess,
+to whom Lori had addressed these words, as she, nodding approval,
+vibrated with intense excitement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was no secret that Blanden loved this singer; he had fought for her,
+he had been wounded for her sake.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She it was then of whom he had thought when he had listened barely,
+even absently, to Lori's eloquent words; this theatrical lady of
+doubtful origin had borne away undoubted victory from a daughter of the
+educated classes; she was the lotus-flower, the goddess who floated
+before his eyes, when Lori alluded so futilely to those verses, in
+which the handsome tutor had poured out his heart to her?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This demanded revenge!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon should her innermost indignation receive the desired satisfaction
+for being so shamefully set aside; with delight she imbibed Spiegeler's
+ill-nature with her breakfast, yes, she forgot her dignity as mistress
+of the school, so far as to initiate her pupils into this delicious
+piece of scandal. Her heart was too full, she must speak to Dr. Sperner
+also, who listened devoutly to the outpourings of her heart, while a
+significant smile played around the corners of his mouth, and he
+complacently stroked his splendid moustache.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But why do you smile, Herr Doctor?&quot; asked she at last, with annoyance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You speak of Herr von Blanden in a tone--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In a tone such as his conduct merits.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I beg your pardon,&quot; said the tutor, as he bowed, &quot;I was mistaken,
+I thought you were a friend of that gentleman, for I had the honour of
+witnessing a confidential meeting which you vouchsafed to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lori thought of the large newspaper in the confectioner's shop, behind
+which the fatal moustache had appeared, and blushed before the
+importunate spy, who rejoiced maliciously at his little triumph. But
+then he placed himself completely at his principal's disposal, who was
+soon in a position to make use of his offer, for public opinion was
+supremely excited--the &quot;effects of the reports behind the scenes,&quot; of
+which Spiegeler had spoken, had not failed in their result; the
+singer's next appearance must cause a great sensation and had already
+been foretold by Spiegeler, naturally not in the sense of an ovation,
+but with evil-minded, crooked, double meaning. Sperner was not the man
+to be a laggard on such an occasion; he offered his services to Lori.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not deny it,&quot; said he, with wonted impudence, &quot;you bear a grudge in
+your heart to this Blanden and the singer. Our French governess, whose
+accent may God improve, would term it <i>dépit amoureux</i>, but I am far
+from wishing to employ such outrageous French expressions in honest
+German.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lori blushed again; her lips quivered, but the Doctor's fiery eyes
+rested so triumphantly and with such superiority upon her that the word
+died upon her lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good, neither Herr von Blanden nor the singer trouble me, but I will
+not allow our establishment, for which I have the warmest affection, to
+suffer from its principal's melancholy mood. You are so sad now,
+Fräulein Baute, that the entire first class has lost its smile, as
+people say--you make mountains out of mole-hills. The concern suffers
+from it, we might lose pupils, the consequences would be serious. There
+are sensitive girlish natures which close their calix-like delicate
+flowers when the sun ceases to shine. For these your smile, Fräulein
+Baute, is the sunshine of the establishment. We, we who are not so
+sensitive, are, at least, angry at the winter of your displeasure! All
+the same--if an execution of the Bollini shall take place, I am ready
+for any executioner's service; I have friends to whom the Italian
+sing-song is objectionable, and who prefer a German drinking song to
+any <i>aria</i>. We will work for you, Fräulein Baute; a cavalier who makes
+so little of a rendezvous as this Herr von Blanden is rightly served
+when his night-light is blown out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What you say, dear Herr Doctor,&quot; said Lori, &quot;is most objectionable in
+tone and manner, and really not calculated for a girl's ears. I will
+forget it. As to the rest, you have the right to think a singer as bad
+as you choose! You belong to the public, and the public is sovereign.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The result of this conversation was that on the fatal evening Dr.
+Sperner, with several young friends, sat in a very determined attitude
+in several rows in front of the mistress of the school. Lori's eyes
+rested upon him with satisfaction, when he turned round and nodded a
+confidential smiling greeting to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There will be a disturbance to-day,&quot; Lori whispered to Cäcilie,
+sitting exactly before her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But why in the world?&quot; asked the other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The affair with Blanden--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But Signora Bollini will not sing falsely on that account.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who knows?&quot; said Lori, &quot;those who are out of tune in life, are also
+out of tune in art; we must set ourselves against the importation of
+the equivocal doings of large towns; I should only approve if our
+public raise a decided demonstration.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is a splendid florid singer,&quot; replied Cäcilie. &quot;After all, the
+audience in a theatre has only to judge of the singing and not to
+distribute the Monthyon prize of virtue; the most celebrated actresses
+would not have received it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lori shook her curls angrily at such an evasive opinion, and leaned
+back in her chair abruptly terminating the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was indeed something menacing in the attitude of the audience;
+here and there small groups might be observed, sitting together,
+prepared for a common task.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The parties measured one another with hostile glances, with defiant
+countenances. Lieutenant Buschmann sat in a stage-box and examined his
+faithful adherents under the chandelier, gathered there like a dense
+dark cloud. Here and there appeared a noncommissioned officer, who
+should evidently preserve intact the communications between the
+separate troops, although he might not take part personally in the
+intended salvo.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Lieutenant was annoyed to perceive the long, thin figure of
+Merchant Böller in the opposite stage-box, where he had placed a few
+large bouquets of flowers upon the balustrade, and with yet greater
+displeasure he saw that his former friend and companion appeared in the
+pit, and greeted a number of young merchants with a friendly shake of
+the hand. Those, then, were the opponents!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It appeared to be a fine corps, well organised; the powerful shake of
+the hand promised vigorous work; bright confidence of success was
+depicted upon every feature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This miserable Brackenburg,&quot; muttered Buschmann to himself, &quot;Clärchen
+has long since sacrificed him to her Egmont, and he still runs about
+the market and mobilises the citizens. Well, the iron tread of my
+Spaniards will pass implacably over them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His confidence in the success of the good cause which he represented
+suddenly increased, when a noisy human stream suddenly poured into the
+pit, Spiegeler, in front, stamping with his crutches, eager for the
+fight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, that was Blücher at Waterloo! Now the victory was decided, those
+were veteran troops which he led, accustomed to the battle-fire of a
+theatre, accustomed to obey the leader's signal, to work together in
+irresistible onslaught, obstinate and tough enough to overcome all
+resistance. That was the select battalion of the <i>claque</i> which
+understood how to raise the flag of fame on high, but also how to tear
+it down and trample it in the dust.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Buschmann's features became radiant. What could Böller's volunteers,
+with their undisciplined enthusiasm do against these well trained
+troops, which could stand immovably under fire?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the densely crowded pit, however, Spiegeler at once recognised an
+enemy in his immediate vicinity--the singer's friend, the repulsive
+Italian, who had given him a palpable proof of this friendship. Despite
+all menaces, the critic had not brought the affair into court, because
+he did not wish that the episode at the &quot;fleck&quot; boiler's, by means of a
+trial and newspapers, should become too generally known; he believed
+rightly that his position as a critic might suffer if people learned
+what species of anti-criticism had been his portion. But secretly he
+brooded upon revenge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was delighted to perceive that Baluzzi stood amidst the faithful,
+who surrounded him like a lightning-laden cloud, and hoped that at the
+coming discharge some unexpected blow would fall upon the intruder's
+head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The curtain rose when the overture ceased, the audience listened in
+breathless expectation; Figaro's song was tempestuously applauded.
+Giulia's friends aired their enthusiasm; their opponents, on the other
+hand, wished to make the contrast all the more conspicuous by
+previously helping a mediocre baritone to a brilliant success.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The singer was quite amazed at the unusual storm of approval with which
+he was greeted; he bowed his acknowledgments amid the most beautiful
+dreams of a future that fluttered through his mind; at last his great
+talent had met with merited recognition; in spirit he saw himself
+already as the first baritone at the Berlin Court opera house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the street was changed into Bartolo's room. Rosina appeared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Böller, always ready for service, hurled his wreaths behind the
+footlights, and gave the signal for applause; the young merchant guards
+in the pit joined in, also Kuhl and Schöner, and several unconcerned
+listeners in the stalls.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But simultaneously Buschmann and Spiegeler discharged their infernal
+machines--a hissing arose, as when fire and water are mingled. Others
+again commanded silence. Rosina began in a frightened voice; her heart,
+indeed, was heavy, but the power of the music soon carried her away
+above that dull oppression.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sang with all her feelings--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;And every power fails,<br>
+Love remains victor.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">She sang with grace, she knew how to impart such fervour even to these
+light winged passages, that, even before a partial judge, she would
+surely have gained her cause. But here there was not even a question of
+partizanship, her doom was already decided upon and sealed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hardly had she ended the triumphant song of the power of love, when an
+unrestrained storm broke loose. Her friends' applause was entirely
+overpowered by the noise and hissing which issued from pit and gallery;
+for a moment she seemed to stand in the pillory. In vain Basilio sought
+to waft to the audience a whispered, almost inaudible, <i>aria</i> upon
+calumny. For a few bars he gained an attentive silence, the song was as
+appropriate as if improvised, but when he continued to sing--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;How it passes from tongue to tongue<br>
+Nothing but words to inflate the lung,<br>
+First a smile and then a scowl<br>
+First a murmur then a howl,&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="continue">the storm broke loose afresh; then the people felt staggered, they
+discovered an audacious accusation in Rossini's semiquavers and
+demi-semiquavers. The hissing and drumming raged through the &quot;aerial
+regions.&quot; In the pit the hostile parties seemed to have come to actual
+battle, they were mixed up in dark wild confusion. Spiegeler stamped
+with his crutches like a madman, and, passing it from hand to hand,
+something was thrust out of the door; it was a figure striking right
+and left with hands and feet. Baluzzi had given too lively expression
+to his anger against the singer's enemies, and as he was situated in
+the hostile camp, his abusive remarks upon the <i>maladetti</i> were
+not without result. Before the police could prevent this act of
+self-defence, the Italian, at a signal from Spiegeler, and by united
+effort, had been rendered harmless.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, with a feeling of perfect helplessness and internal indignation,
+Giulia stood defenceless before the raging mob. With the rapidity of
+lightning the pictures of a whole life-time passed before her mind: she
+saw the joyful movement of a crowd of people coming exultantly towards
+her, as she had seen it in Florence, Barcelona, London and even here!
+What evil demon had metamorphosed the public into a rage-foaming
+monster! Yet over her career as an actress writhed one widespread
+shadow, as if beneath a scorching blast her laurel wreaths withered,
+her future was destroyed. She had but one preserver--him, him alone,
+and that preservation she could only purchase if she sacrificed her
+soul's salvation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Calumny had aroused this storm of public opinion, it was a blind,
+unjust outbreak; she could defy it with a good conscience. And, yet
+shuddering internally, she felt as if a Divine judgment were falling
+upon her; &quot;guilty&quot; cried a voice from within, and her knees tottered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then resounded a many-voiced shrill whistle; it originated in the
+stalls, in which Doctor Sperner and his friends were seated; they had
+provided themselves with toy whistles,</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">
+&quot;Drums and fifes<br>
+Martial sounds--&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="continue">thus he courted Lori's favour, remembering Göethe's lines--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Maidens and castles<br>
+Then must they yield,<br>
+Bold is the struggle<br>
+For glorious reward.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">The shrill whistle was answered by a ringing mocking laugh from every
+portion of the house. The humiliation, the disgrace were too great.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia fainted, the curtain fell, the performance could proceed no
+farther.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd dispersed noisily, some persons crowded round the ticket box
+to demand their entrance money. Lori looked on very triumphantly, her
+eyes flashed, and Dr. Sperner was permitted to accompany her home.
+Kuhl had hastened on to the stage; Giulia had been taken into the
+drawing-room, where she soon recovered consciousness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was her first thought; she implored Kuhl not to communicate the
+theatrical riot to him, he should beseech all their friends to be
+silent about it; she should take care that the newspapers containing
+the report should not fall into his hands, it might excite him, and be
+injurious to his health, if the news reached him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl promised to preserve the secret.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Really, it is not so bad,&quot; added he consolingly, &quot;a little more or
+less noise does not matter. The dear public itself is a great scandal,
+a thousand-headed crime against good taste, a million-fold want of
+sense. What is most wretched pleases it, and yet it is really sincere
+when its honest displeasure has been roused, if indeed it is possible
+to transform this sleepy mass into fire and flame. To be sure it only
+burns like plum-pudding when spirits have been poured over it and
+ignited, when the spirits are exhausted then the phlegm remains
+behind.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia thanked the Doctor for his friendly intentions, and for the
+slight comfort which she could extract from such daring views. Arrived
+at home, she sat a long time talking to Beate; she gave her companion
+money for the journey, and on the following day Beate prepared for her
+departure to the Orta lake.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_06" href="#div1_06">A SLEIGHING PARTY.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">A cold East Prussian winter's day--crisp snow upon the roads--the broad
+fields sleep beneath their white cover. Ashen grey clouds in the sky,
+but the snow flakes seem to be frozen, and cannot loosen themselves;
+only now and again one little atom flutters down, or has the icy north
+wind, which here and there sweeps up a looser snow field, wafted it
+down from the roofs? It is that spiteful cold which seems to be more
+fitted for Laplanders than for civilised mortals. The air cuts as if
+with knives, and the breath of life freezes on men's lips. But this
+very scorn of Nature who has retired to her ice palace and surrounded
+herself unapproachably, as if with a threefold shield, calls forth
+man's defiance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nature must be enjoyed at any price!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The inhabitants of the town, clad in thickly furs, amuse themselves
+upon the Pregel. Upon the smooth even course that leads inland the
+chair sleighs fly forward in long rows, the skaters rush in the
+direction of the north wind which brings them the icy cold greeting
+from the Baltic Sea, lying beneath the spell of winter, others make
+circles upon the surface, and display their art which even a great poet
+has immortalised.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One of the most successful is the gallant skater who makes use of his
+skates as buskins for the higher flight of love. With what gladsomeness
+he pushes the sleigh before him; within it sits, buried beneath furs,
+shawls, rugs, veils, what appears to be a formless mass, and yet!--he
+is proud to drive a beautiful woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This same emotion of pride fills Wegen's breast so far as anything is
+to be seen of his face, which is concealed under the fur cap and warm
+ear-covers; it beams with pleasure. His eyes, it is true, weep, but
+only because of the north wind, but if they were a couple of tears of
+joy which he shed he should not be surprised! Olga had never been more
+affable towards him than to-day, and when he dared to speak of the
+sleighing privileges, she smiled. No, it is no smile which refuses--he
+understands it well! The first kiss in prospect,--this point he had
+never attained with Cäcilie! Hah! how his sleigh flew on in advance of
+all towards the beautiful goal, and if the ice did not shed sparks from
+beneath steel shoes, it was not his fault, for he was fire and flame, a
+Hecla in the midst of rigid frost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wegen had been in the Province for some time, and Olga, despite the
+monotony of a winter season in the country, had visited the same
+relatives as those with whom Cäcilie had formerly stayed. Olga had made
+a much more favourable impression in Masuren than Cäcilie; she was not
+so superior, so clever: she talked with zest of everything that can
+interest a country young lady and a country &quot;Junker&quot;--and above all,
+she was beautiful, with that stately vigorous beauty that country
+squires love, because it gains such prizes as can be obtained by
+understanding the art of feeding the lower creatures of the animal
+kingdom.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The rumour of her intimacy with Dr. Kuhl only arose in a very pale
+form, and was hardly noticed. Wegen visited Olga as frequently as his
+time permitted him, which it did every day. Olga was always friendly
+and accessible, not so distant, so enigmatic, so evasive as Cäcilie.
+Besides, even before others, she showed how much she favoured Wegen,
+and he was very happy that he should be envied. Such a thing had never
+befallen him before, it was quite a novel sensation for him. Milbe
+declared that every <i>ombre</i> player might wish for such a spadille, and
+Oberamtmann Werner held a conversation with her about his different
+varieties of wool causing him to entertain deep respect for her
+intellectual faculties. Even the women and girls were taken with her.
+She held the most sensible views upon preserving fruit, she knew the
+family tree of all the families of Masuren, and even the collateral
+branches did not disturb her self-possession. Happy Wegen! Never had a
+winter painted more beautiful flowers upon his window panes!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden's wound had re-called Wegen to the capital; he took his turn
+with Giulia and Kuhl in nursing his friend. Olga, meanwhile, had also
+returned to the town, Wegen appeared frequently in Frau von Dornau's
+modest dwelling, and was always received, even by Cäcilie, who had now
+transformed herself into a well-meaning friend, with special
+distinction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Still, however, he had not yet made up his mind to propose! It seemed
+so humiliating to appear with the same big bouquet of flowers, in the
+same little room, and once more before the same faded sofa to pour
+forth his homage and courtship, while the whole furniture merely
+displayed the one, but very important, difference that Olga was seated
+upon the sofa instead of Cäcilie. The recollection of the figure in the
+cotillon, <i>changez les dames</i>, could not be got rid of in those
+apartments in which he had first <i>avancé</i> to Cäcilie's hand. No, even
+if he were firmly resolved to propose for Olga it could not be done in
+that place which was full of mocking, giggling recollections! He
+cherished bold plans, which at other times were foreign to his mind--he
+thought of a sudden surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All at once, as if fatigued, he began to push the chair-sleigh more
+slowly. Dr. Kuhl rushed past him pushing Cäcilie, as did Frau von
+Dornau, who had to content herself with a hired attendant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Wegen guided her somewhat aside. A whole caravan of sleighs now
+passed them tumultuously, Lori in front with an embroidered rug, a
+present from the first-class! On Dr. Sperner's moustache, her cavalier,
+hung melancholy icicles, behind her came the slender girls of the
+first-class, mostly driven by cousins; only fat Iduna, deprived of her
+Theodor Körner, had to be contented with the man servant from the
+school, who was accustomed to heavy loads.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now Wegen broke completely out of the course like a shying sleigh
+horse, guided her sideways over lumpy hillocks of snow, which had been
+heaped up on the river, and then stopped suddenly in a defile between
+two large snowdrifts, which yielded him a welcome cover.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For Heaven's sake, where are we?&quot; said Olga's voice, suffocated by
+shawls and furs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The snow has dazzled me, I have lost my way,&quot; cried Wegen, having
+recourse to a daring falsehood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Olga uttered a cry of alarm, but only raised herself up in the sleigh
+to see in what territory she had arrived.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There she stood like a czarina; winter seemed to have built his palace
+in her honour alone, only to do homage to her; the north wind kissed
+her fur sleeves, and even if the fur cap surrounded her face enviously,
+so that but little was to be seen of her red, glowing cheeks, yet her
+large eyes gazed majestically out of all her winter wraps.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wegen shivered with the cold; standing still after the violent exercise
+made him uncomfortable, and the wind blew icily into his face. And yet
+his state of mind was that of Romeo, when he looked up in the Capulet's
+garden at the balcony where his Juliet, in a light ball dress, carried
+on a conversation with the moon and stars.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What in the world, Herr von Wegen, are we doing?&quot; cried Olga, to whom
+the adventure began to appear serious, because in his sound senses a
+sleigh conductor could hardly wander from the proper course. For a
+moment she actually looked searchingly at Wegen, whether the colour in
+his cheeks could be called forth honestly by the north wind, or if it
+owed its origin to a bottle of champagne.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As chance has so ordained it, that we are alone, hear then, dear Olga,
+hear what it is that I have had so long at heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A turbulent gust of wind swept through the top loose piles of snow and
+whirled them about so that Romeo and Juliet must simultaneously wipe
+the snow out of their eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I love you, Olga!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Olga started back in alarm, making the little bells on her fur rug
+tinkle; it is true it was sweet alarm, but she was not prepared for a
+declaration of love with the thermometer so low. Wegen waited for the
+result, while alternately stamping his feet and beating himself with
+his arms, so as to impart some warmth to his body.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I have always loved you, that is to say,&quot; added he in his love of
+truth, &quot;after Cäcilie--but you know it? Why waste so many words? My
+breath freezes upon my lips, but my heart is all the warmer. Will you
+belong to me for ever?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Olga drew one hand out of her muff and extended it as if in
+protestation:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So suddenly, dear friend? And here in the snow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here we are undisturbed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then it was base treachery?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I will confess it, my compass would not have failed me, but to be
+able to say to you at last what fills my whole--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wegen stopped, his teeth chattered, it was internal emotion mingled
+with a shiver, called forth by the low temperature of Boreas, who was
+blowing with inflated cheeks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is indeed weather in which only the Lapland youth can stammer about
+love to a Lapland maiden,&quot; added Wegen dejectedly, &quot;but the
+circumstances, the conditions--Olga, tell yourself that it is a
+favourable moment. I do not mean the weather, but that we are alone,
+quite alone. I will make you happy--we have little time, I do not mean
+for your happiness, for that we have our whole lives; but now to
+arrange matters. It is indeed barbarously cold. A glass of negus or
+mulled ale will do us good. But speak then, will you be mine?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must consider it, weigh--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And the result you have seen in Cäcilie's case. Those are words as
+cold as ice; it is enough to freeze one's soul. My Olga, dear sweet
+girl, you know my circumstances, they are affluent, my people approve
+of my choice. Your mamma had already given her consent when I proposed
+to Cäcilie, and, of course, it is immaterial which of the two
+daughters--I mean--that is to say, immaterial to your mamma. And now
+once more may I claim my sleighing rights?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Olga nodded pleasantly, and withdrew her other hand from her muff.
+Wegen pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips, the ice upon his fair beard
+melted in the fervour of his love.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That was the sleighing privilege, and now--shall we glide together
+over the mirror-like surface of life, as we do over the ice? I promise
+to avoid every uneven course. The sleighing right for life?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; whispered Olga, out of her fur hood, into which she had again
+relapsed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Wegen pressed the betrothal kiss upon her lips, her arms encircled
+and folded him to herself, and heart would have beaten glowingly
+against heart if the thick fur trimmings had not been an insurmountable
+obstacle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon the sleigh stumbled over the snow hillocks once more into the
+smooth course, and now they went impetuously towards the inn near the
+Haff, where a numerous circle of people was assembled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wegen led Olga to Frau von Dornau, and as he could not shout the glad
+tidings out aloud, sought by means of speaking pantomime to make her
+understand that he was engaged to Olga. A mother always understands
+such things, even although the where and how may remain a riddle to
+her, and while the waiter brought the negus ordered by Wegen and all
+fell to gallantly, Frau von Dornau spoke words of consent, and after
+having refreshed herself with a glass of the fiery drink, imparted her
+blessing in a voice full of emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie triumphed when she heard the news from Olga. &quot;She is the right
+one, now at last you have found her,&quot; said she, as she shook Wegen's
+hand heartily. The intelligence spread rapidly, like quicksilver,
+amongst those present. A betrothed! Fräulein Baute's entire school
+becomes excited. A lover--for the first-class in a girl's school, that
+is the loftiest position upon earth to which a man can attain. Every
+eve of St. Sylvester they cast him in lead, and yet nothing can be done
+with such a leaden lover, a lover of the future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Iduna, with her companions, one after another, glided past the chair in
+order to get a closer view of the marvel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is, indeed, remarkable,&quot; said Lori to Dr. Sperner, who sat beside
+her and drank to her in a glass of mulled ale; &quot;in Neukuhren people
+believed that he was as good as engaged to Cäcilie, he accompanied her
+upon the piano--and that is always the beginning. But he appears to
+have made a mistake then; this Olga is the right major chord. Upon the
+whole, I consider such feeling about rather tactless. Herr von Wegen is
+no Don Juan by profession like the other. I believe he allows himself
+to be married, and Cäcilie, who holds the first mortgage upon him, has
+given him notice, because he--did not offer sufficiently good
+security.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the same time Lori made a gesture of explanation. Dr. Sperner knew
+how, by ringing laughter, to do honour to the schoolmistress' hint.
+What an amount of genius she concealed in her little head!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the other?&quot; asked the Doctor, as he stroked his moustache
+complacently, &quot;where is her first mortgage now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On a spot, which alas! is even more insecure! If a suit be opened upon
+Dr. Kuhl's heart, then every unhappy creditor, or much rather female
+creditor, will have to content herself with very little payment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I do not understand how a young lady can be so thoughtless.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They should be cut, propriety requires it, nothing else is left for
+us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At that moment Cäcilie passed by; she greeted them pleasantly, but her
+bow was scarcely returned by Lori, while Doctor Sperner looked
+defiantly at her, a bold smile upon his lips, and only nodded his head
+slightly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her sister's engagement cast her far into the shade, people gave her to
+understand that her free behaviour would no longer be tolerated in
+society. Major Bern's wife did not press her to sit down, although
+Banquo's ghost might have been obliged to sit either on the right or
+left hand, and the Frau Kanzleiräthin wrapped herself disapprovingly in
+her red shawl when Cäcilie addressed her, and was so chary of her
+words, that her friends looked anxiously at her as if she had been
+suddenly taken ill, because only shortly before she had gathered
+together the sluices of her eloquence, to pour out an overwhelming
+flood of language. Even Minna, who was still unmarried, and in spite of
+that fact had forfeited none of her good nature--fat Minna, who had
+already in all dancing parties long since belonged to the female
+<i>land-sturm</i>, and was only called out when no one else could be
+mobilised--did not talk to Cäcilie without a certain timidity, as if
+contact with so adventuresome a beauty might injure her good character,
+and frighten away some wooer, although for years already none had
+appeared on her horizon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie seemed to challenge danger with a certain amount of defiance,
+the tokens of contempt increased at table after table, where she
+greeted old acquaintances. Not more cheering was the familiar and
+impudent greeting of gifted Salomon, who, seated with a few friends
+over a large bowl of negus, pledged a glass to the lady passing by, and
+invited her to sit down at their table while he recited in a half
+intoxicated voice--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;With brunettes I now have finished,</p>
+<p class="t2">And this year am once more fond</p>
+<p class="t0">Of the eyes whose hue is azure</p>
+<p class="t2">Of the hair whose colour's blonde.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie found it difficult to defend herself from these importunate
+invitations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Kuhl stood beside the stove, and warmed himself with his hands
+behind him, but nothing of that which befell Cäcilie escaped him. It
+filled him with extreme dissatisfaction, it was as if his beloved were
+running the gauntlet, and with such irritating composure. He had caught
+himself in the act of pulling up his coat sleeves in rage, ready to
+knock down all who insulted her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dear Paul,&quot; said Cäcilie, &quot;I have something to tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not understand,&quot; replied Paul, angrily, &quot;how you can court all
+these people; they are the most worn out coinage which can have no
+circulation amongst us. Let us sit down here at this table behind the
+stove, there we shall at least not see these bald heads, which only by
+an oversight, or by the magic wand of some mischievous Demiurgos, were
+thrown amongst human beings. Well your communication--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It could be foreseen, Olga has engaged herself to Herr von Wegen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl struck the table with his hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then may the weather--that Wegen! I always had an antipathy for the
+man; he belongs to those who would play with dice, and cannot count,
+and with the most innocent face he gets up one affair after another.
+First he proposes to you, then to Olga--I feel as if I saw my face in a
+distorting mirror, like a ridiculous caricature.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No one will blame his conduct!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is it! People may dare much for love! Only a little time must
+elapse between--time! That is the meaning of all wisdom, and yet that
+old maid who paints our wrinkles upon us makes everything worse!
+Whether to-day I love two girls at once, or to-day the one, and
+to-morrow the other, is really no very great difference! And yet the
+first is accounted a sin, and the other is most correct. Always the
+goose-step in life and love, and so one walks most comfortably through
+the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You see, though, how kindly they greet Olga and thrust me aside.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Olga--she has put a crown upon her faithlessness to our alliance, now
+it is broken! I did not think her so calculating.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Calculating? She loves Wegen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is not possible!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why? He is honest, and a gentleman!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Did you perhaps love him too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if I had done so? bountiful natures must find an outlet!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are making fun of me! Verily any one who will uphold a sensible
+principle in a ridiculous world, must at least appear like a Don
+Quixote, even to himself; at least, they all look upon his helmet as a
+barber's goblet. I am weary of carrying on this impossible struggle
+with want of sense.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie did not interrupt the monologue, but beat upon the table with
+her fingers, and looked inquiringly at his face with her cunning
+sparkling eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I took Olga's to be a nature,&quot; continued Kuhl, &quot;which, following an
+unknown impulse, grasps the right one. We need such natures which do
+not trouble themselves at all about the rules of society, which pass no
+sleepless nights in consequence. For me she was refreshing, because for
+the mentally intoxicated, and those who are tired of roving, who wander
+through heaven and earth, there is no better refreshment than a richly
+endowed material nature; for me she was a triumph because she showed me
+that not natural feeling, but only the falsity of society demanded
+exclusive possession.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie cast down her eyes and said timidly, &quot;I did not know that Olga
+was so much to you!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not she alone, you both together, you complete one another in a
+harmonious picture of perfect womanhood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what are we, then, separately, each by herself? Melancholy,
+imperfect work! And yet, dear Paul, if I ask my heart--is it rich
+enough in ardent passion to satisfy one whole life, I hear the reply
+and repeat it with pride. I alone will have you, for I feel the power
+within me quite alone to make you happy; for every effort, every action
+of your mind, an echo lives in my breast; for the glow and impetuosity
+of your love a corresponding fire; for immeasurable will, immeasurable
+devotion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Cäcilie,&quot; cried Kuhl warmly, stirred by the beautiful enthusiasm of an
+usually cold nature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My heart would tell me this, my proud heart! But love which can do all
+things, can also be resolute. I do not suffice you--well then! I did
+not only do violence to my own feelings, but in full consciousness I
+took martyrdom upon me, I bore the contempt of the world, not from
+the conviction that your audacious opinion was right, but with
+self-sacrificing courage of love I rejected Wegen's offer, as the world
+rejects me. You must be all to me, and I am not even to possess the
+comfort of being all to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sinister clouds gathered on Kuhl's brow, he struggled with a
+resolution.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh! do not think that it is so easy to stand alone and bear contempt.
+It wounds one's heart--and many scalding tears have I shed, and even
+now they come again into my eyes, although I may bear the humiliation
+with a smiling countenance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie began to sob, and with clenched hands Kuhl sprang up from the
+table, as though he would call an opponent out to battle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot protect me as Blanden protected his beloved, with a pistol
+in his hand: outlaw and excommunication hover over me, but such things
+cannot be touched; they only keep watch in the air, they are only
+written on countenances, in gestures--and not men accustomed to battle
+are they who carry out this excommunication; they are women and girls,
+the guardians of propriety who only pierce a heart with pins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It shall be different,&quot; cried Kuhl now, with firm resolution. &quot;Olga
+has left us, you have remained true to me, you shall not suffer for it.
+Verily, I am not Blanden's inferior in courage, and yet that duel has
+given me much to think about. He offered up his life for his beloved
+one's good name. I cannot, I must not, look on and see them insult you.
+Blanden has often already said so. I would not believe it; to-day I see
+it with my own eyes. No, no, no! He was right, ten times right! I may
+sacrifice <i>myself</i> to my convictions, but not a girl who loves me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie had also risen, and with clasped hands looked beseechingly at
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can ascend the funereal pile, but must not permit them even to
+scorch the finger tips of my beloved. Hitherto, you have sacrificed
+much to me, your good name before the world; thus I will sacrifice much
+to you, everything, a portion of my better self, faith towards truth.
+Yes, at this moment I appear like a traitor in my own eyes, whose hand
+shall be cut off, but I am weak, I will be weak out of love for you.
+They shall not think lightly of you, they shall not, although I despise
+their opinion and can only compare them with the vapour that hovers
+over large towns, the pestilential air of a densely-packed crowd, but
+for your sake Cäcilie--be it! I will take part in the same absurdity,
+and thus declare you to be my betrothed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a suppressed cry of gladness, Cäcilie sank into his arms, the
+stove concealed the group from the eyes of the many.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And even marriage I shall not mind, it is the fruit of this evil doing
+and so on. At this moment I appear contemptible to myself, small--no
+reformer's vein flows through me, it must say <i>pereat mundus</i> 'and live
+the new faith,' but a man can no longer stand upon the buskin when he
+stands beneath the slipper. But now they shall have it in black and
+white, lithographed, engraved!--what do I care? And in all newspapers
+it shall be stated, so that you shall be purified, my child, with
+printer's ink! Go, hasten, whisper it to your sister, cry it through
+the room, they shall respect you, it does not cost much, a small amount
+of lungs and a few letters, such as are before a menagerie; lion and
+lioness in one cage! Then they will be contented at once. I shall still
+remain here in my corner, I must first consider what kind of grimace I
+must make as a <i>fiancé</i>. I shall look odd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie kissed his hands; drawing back, he said, &quot;None of those slavish
+caresses, but go, go! There, I am, after all, caught in the purple
+silk, and the cursed song of the bridesmaids' wreath buzzes in my ears!
+By Jupiter! And Wegen, my brother-in-law! That is what reasoning
+animals call it! That is the most bitter pill!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie hastened at once to her sister and mother to bring them the
+glad tidings. Frau von Dornau was too happy! Two daughters engaged on
+one day!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Olga congratulated her sister heartily. &quot;Only think,&quot; added she, &quot;we
+became engaged out in the snow and ice, with the thermometer twenty
+degrees below zero!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And we,&quot; said Cäcilie smiling, &quot;at about twenty degrees above zero,
+behind the blazing stove. It is a tale of extremes! It is to be hoped
+that the right temperature will be restored to us both in marriage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl was brought out of his corner by both sisters to the family table;
+he wore the air of a culprit, who is led to execution. Wegen was
+brimming over with cordiality, Kuhl buttoned up his coat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is better thus,&quot; said the Baron, &quot;<i>suum cuique!</i> One must learn to
+control oneself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, I should think,&quot; replied Kuhl, &quot;we have nothing to reproach
+ourselves with.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The news spread rapidly through the room and created the greatest
+sensation. Major Bern's wife appeared behind Cäcilie's chair with the
+friendly words, &quot;May we congratulate you, my dear Fräulein?&quot; The
+Kanzleiräthin came in her red shawl with her fat daughter Minna; both
+were affected, as was natural, under the circumstances. Minna had
+already wished happiness to so many others with her tears--rain falling
+upon the bridal wreath brings happiness. Last of all Lori appeared
+also, and congratulated with all her heart. Kuhl was a good match.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There you have the world,&quot; said the latter to Cäcilie, &quot;with what a
+fine thread these marionettes can be guided! It is worth while to act a
+comedy before such an audience.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Lori said to Dr. Sperner, as he sat down beside her, &quot;God have
+mercy on them! Courage is needed to marry Dr. Kuhl. Without barred
+windows and heavy iron, he will yet escape some day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The moon shone brightly! The return journey was commenced in the most
+cheerful mood, which, however, soon ceased in the astonishing cold
+which meanwhile had set in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A bridal drive, such as the Esquimaux enjoy,&quot; said Kuhl, &quot;but it is
+done more comfortably there with the dog-sleighs; here we must push our
+own goods home.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_07" href="#div1_07">IN THE LAND OF THE LOTUS-FLOWERS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden recovered slowly; several relapses occurred, weeks elapsed
+before he might take his drive with Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The softened mood of the convalescent was in harmony with the wild
+spring breeze which was wafted towards them from wood and meadow. The
+thawing wind had melted the ice on the Pregel, it floated to the sea,
+and the breezes of spring swept through the air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They descended from the carriage in the wood, they gathered the last
+snow drops, the first anemones.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I love these flowers,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;the pretty anemones cannot grow
+in gloom, they only flourish in places where a fresh breath of air
+greets them, where the wind plays with their delicate coronets of
+blossom. Free air, fresh air, breath of life, how I have ever longed
+for you! I feel myself related to these lovely flowers--and if a soul
+dwells in these tiny anemones, it is one thirsting after freedom.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia had learned to enter entirely into Blanden's thoughts and
+feelings, the quiet, familiar intercourse in his sick room had given
+her leisure to become quite absorbed in his richly stored mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Daily she felt more that she could not live without him, and equally so
+that she owed him her whole life; again and again she told herself that
+it could be no sin if she made him happy, so long as it was permitted
+by the fate which she defied. He did not see the sword above her head,
+she saw it with internal trembling, and yet--she defied it, even if it
+might fall upon her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How devoutly she listened to his tales of the land of the
+lotus-flowers! Ah, how vast was the world, how rich the knowledge of
+it, how varying the habits! Giulia was almost alarmed when Blanden told
+her of the woman at Luckwardie, on the hills of the Himalaya, high
+above the Pomona--every woman there belongs to four brothers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She lost herself completely in the breath of the fairy tale and flowery
+land, that is so lovely in its dreams and so vast in its thoughts. One
+after another Blanden unrolled these magically illuminated worlds of
+thought conceived by silent thinkers in penitents' garb and hermits'
+huts. Is the world but the veil, the dream, the existence?--why then is
+life full of nervous dread? Giulia felt herself strengthened by that
+dream-world of the Bast, everything painful and impious faded away in
+that mild, softening twilight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden, too, seemed to be transfigured by the soothing influence of
+sickness, in the loneliness of the sick room, far removed from the
+world: like one of those thoughtful hermits, who, upon mossy banks in
+sacred groves, amongst flowers and gazelles, ponder upon the mystery of
+the world. She thus forgot that he, far from belonging to inactive
+dreamers, had only lately given a proof of western knightliness which
+is very different from the blood-fearing Hindoo; but yet he was filled
+with the warmest sympathy for Hindoo thinkers and poets.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How profound,&quot; said he often, &quot;is the blending of the soul with all
+that their wise men teach. If the form break, the spirit becomes united
+with the Divine soul of the world, as a bottle in the deep mingles its
+contents with the sea, if it break against the rocks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Four lines of poetry, however, were, above all others, ineffaceably
+impressed in her memory, reflecting her situation, her mood, so truly
+that she trembled in her very soul when Blanden first recited them to
+her, verses culled from one of the two great hero books of India,
+containing such depth of thought as is not to be found either in the
+heroic poetry of Greece or Germany--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;Oh earthly happiness ever trembling on the brink,<br>
+As dew drops kiss the flowers a moment but to sink;<br>
+As logs on the ocean may meet and then sever<br>
+So men here on earth, and to meet again--never.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was obliged to kiss the tears from Giulia's eyes, which the
+grand verses of the Ramayana and the song of &quot;trembling earthly
+happiness&quot; had called forth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You often appear to me,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;like a charming Savitri, and
+although you also are my goddess of fire, I do not mean her, but the
+child which bore her name. A dark prophecy dedicated the beloved one to
+death after the lapse of a year, but before the fatal respite drew
+near, she performed daily penances, praying and fasting; and like a
+marble goddess standing before the altar, and when the blood-red god of
+death appeared, with the thin rope in his hand, and had already
+extracted her beloved one's soul, she knew how to move him by her
+prayers, entreaties, and her touching faithfulness, until he granted
+her her husband's life. You, too, with faithful care and touching
+prayer have won my life from the blood-red Yamna.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was my own life,&quot; replied Giulia; &quot;without you I could not have
+lived, you yourself told me that the funereal pile is lighted with
+sacred fire into which the Hindoo widow casts herself. That pure flame
+was the fire of your love for me; they die for him who had lived for
+them, how much more must I have sought death for him who would have
+died for me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Trembling in the bliss of such devoted affection, she thought of Beate
+and her errand with eagerness as terrified as that with which the
+Hindoo maidens follow the flower-clad little boats, carrying burning
+lamps, and which they have confided to the waves of the Ganges; if the
+lamp extinguish, then extinguishes the light of hope, and a silent
+desire entrusted to the stream, finds its watery grave. When Blanden
+told her this, how she had thought of her light-ship that was now
+tossing upon the waves of the Orta lake; perhaps already the north wind
+which blew through the passes of the Simplon had extinguished the
+little lamp of her hopes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a weird shadow which followed her through life. Oh, how she
+envied the gods and peris who dwelled in enchanted gardens far above
+the everlasting snow upon the summits of the Himalayas, envied them not
+the flowers of Paradise, not the ethereal light, not the glorious song
+of the Gandharvos, not because they drink the Indian ambrosial amreeta
+in fox-gloves out of the moon, which, for fourteen days, the sun has
+filled with that drink, but only the one privilege, that of walking in
+light and casting no shadow behind them. An unshadowed bliss, this for
+her was unattainable for evermore!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Even the measures of precaution by which she had intended to conceal
+from Blanden her defeat upon the stage, were only successful for a
+time. One day a deputation of students, in caps of every hue, came to
+Blanden. Salomon was the speaker.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We know, Herr von Blanden, that Fräulein Bollini is your betrothed, we
+wish you happiness, although the muse of song--her name I cannot
+recollect this moment, as we sons of the muses care less for them than
+might be expected--will veil her face. A report is spread abroad that
+you forbid your betrothed to tread the world-renowned stage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is her own free will,&quot; replied Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We respect you,&quot; continued Salomon, &quot;because you have shown in a
+knightly manner how a man should defend his lady's honour, and even,
+although we have no lady-loves, at least no perennial plants, who bear
+the title of wife or betrothed, we know well how to appreciate such
+conduct.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A murmur of approval from the students denoted their concurrence in
+those words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Therefore it is that we address you with the entreaty that you
+persuade your betrothed to appear again upon the stage. We are all now
+ready to protect her, after having learned with whom that disgraceful
+outrage originated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What outrage?&quot; asked Blanden astonished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Salomon was surprised at the question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But surely you know, Herr von Blanden?--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed, I know of nothing!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The deputation became uncomfortable, the students looked at one another
+in amazement. Salomon, however, was soon calmed, and at the same time
+delighted at his own shrewdness, as he imagined he was able to see
+through the matter; he snapped his fingers and said--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then our respected <i>prima donna</i> has concealed this from you out of
+tender feeling, so as not to cause you any excitement which might be
+deleterious to your health. But now that the mention of the unpleasant
+fact has escaped the custody of our lips, you will be able to bear the
+sad news with manly dignity. Yes, on that evening on which Giulia was
+to sing Rosina's part, she was hissed, drummed out, and whistled at,
+until the curtain had to be lowered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden sprang up wrathfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The worthless creatures; oh, I know--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was a conspiracy,&quot; added Salomon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Savitri, faithful nurse, this then was your penance,&quot; said Blanden
+dreamily to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was desecration of the temple to the muses.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is why the criticisms on the 'Barbière di Sevilla' could not be
+found when I wanted to read them,&quot; said Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A most unholy alliance between the companions of Spiegeler the
+reporter, and a clique got together by an officer, carried off a
+disgraceful victory on that eventful evening. Very few members of the
+Albertina, alas, were present, but we have now resolved to make Signora
+Bollini brilliant amends upon her next appearance. The noble clubs of
+Masuren and Lithuania, the Albertina itself with all its societies; the
+Hochheimers, Goths, Teutons and Borusses are unanimous, which does not
+often happen, and even the independent Camels will join the students'
+union. We shall not permit a small party to be the leaders of taste in
+the theatre, we will represent the <i>vox populi</i> with overwhelming
+force, and the pillars of the old shop of the muses shall tremble with
+the thunder of our acclamations. Long live Signora Bollini!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hurrah!&quot; cried the students, waving their caps.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thank you from my heart, gentlemen,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;but the decision
+upon this point rests with the actress.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But you have much influence over her! We will offer her consolation
+and compensation. May she console herself with Schiller--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-8px">'The mean world loves to darken what is bright;'
+</div>
+
+<p class="continue">then Heine's verses will become true--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-8px">'And a new-born song spring softly<br>
+From the heal'd heart shoots to-morrow.'</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am fond of quoting, Herr von Blanden, it is an act of disinterested
+love of truth; our cultivation consists entirely in half unconscious or
+unguaranteed quotations. Why not declare openly that Bartel knows on
+which side his bread is buttered?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Salomon began to diverge--a known peculiarity of the versatile
+talented youth--one of the seniors, whose face, rendered purple by many
+a cut and thrust, bore artistic marks of kind friends legibly sketched
+upon it, assumed the reins of the transaction with a firm hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let the Signora appear, we will protect her! If that clique venture
+forth once more, we will reply to their second brutal blow with fitting
+tierce and quart, so that their ears shall tingle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I repeat,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;that I am very grateful to you, but I cannot
+even support your wish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why not?&quot; asked Salomon, dissatisfied with the meagre results of his
+eloquence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not wish that my betrothed shall be again exposed to the storms
+of public opinion; I will guide her into a safe haven. The laurels of
+the European capitals will console her for this small defeat; even for
+Signora Bollini's laurels, may Frau von Blanden long no more, she will
+belong to quite another world, and I wish that too violent equinoctial
+gales should not accompany her to this change in her life, so that she
+may be able calmly to prepare herself for it. But this, of course, is
+only my opinion, I shall not interfere at all with my betrothed's
+resolutions, and she will in any case rejoice at your warm sympathy,
+and the honor which you intend for her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden shook hands pleasantly with the students' delegates, while he
+added, every one of the gentlemen should be welcome who would be
+present at his wedding.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon after, he went to Giulia; he reproached her for having concealed
+from him the scene in the theatre; she was alarmed that he should have
+heard of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Silence,&quot; said she, &quot;is not always as the German poet says, the god of
+the happy, but just as often the god of the unfortunate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you think that I should have rejected you as Rama rejected his
+Sita, when the opinion of the people turned against her? Do you believe
+that you are less dear to me, fill my whole heart less, when the
+senseless mob calumniates you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, that is not the cause of my silence towards you; I feared that you
+might excite yourself for my sake. I would not let any shadow from
+without cast its gloom into your sick chamber.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, you are so gentle and good! Goodness of heart is little prized in
+the world, and yet all wisdom depends upon it, it alone is the
+guarantee of happiness. Giulia, shall you appear upon the stage again?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Never,&quot; replied the singer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They would prepare you a brilliant triumph, you would retire from the
+stage richer by one beautiful recollection! Weigh it well!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is it your wish?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only if you wish it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no! I want no more laurel wreaths, and if I retire with a painful
+memory, my parting from the stage will be all the easier; I want
+nothing more in the world but your love. Buried be my past, oh, could I
+but bury it deeply!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But not all!&quot; said Blanden, &quot;shall even the beautiful recollection of
+the magic lake be buried? Every day of happiness was a picture of
+future enchanting years. Do you remember the charming Indian poem,
+'Calidas,' of which I told you? Oh, that Indian poetry is like the
+madhavya plant, which from its very root is full of flowers. I always
+think of that lovely Sacontala, and the marriage of Gandarvos, by which
+upon the flowery seat of the hermit's cave she united herself to the
+king. Then in the Indian legend ensues a time of long, dreary
+forgetfulness, but upon our life rests another curse. At last Sacontala
+saw her beloved one again; misunderstandings were cleared up, and the
+short enchanting meeting became a lasting alliance. Therefore will I,
+my lotus-flower, kiss the tears from your cheeks, as King Duschmanta
+kissed his regained beloved one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then, I will belong only and wholly to you,&quot; cried Giulia, amid kisses
+and embraces, &quot;and even the fame which I conquered shall fade away like
+visions in the air.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I feel better every day,&quot; said Blanden, &quot;I shall soon go to Kulmitten,
+and make all preparations for our marriage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia, as usual, trembled when the eventful day was named.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If only Beate would return,&quot; said she to herself, &quot;perhaps I should be
+calmer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once more before setting out for his estate Blanden made a speech in
+the Citizen Assembly; he did not wish to break the thread which he had
+attached here, an active political life should be closely united to the
+domestic happiness he had ensured. Unfortunately, however, he must
+learn that his popularity in those circles had suffered seriously.
+Theatrical adventures and duels were something that the citizen mind
+could not deem compatible with a pioneer of political liberty. While
+they suddenly discovered a Don Quixote in him, he found himself at
+variance with the sentiments of the free citizens. Mutual estrangement
+ensued: his speech met with a lukewarm reception, the matadors of the
+assembly, the political doctor, the picturesque humourist, gave no
+token of approval, and therefore the crowd also remained silent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not without a feeling of bitterness did Blanden leave the
+<i>Gemeinde-garten</i>; a slight veil was spread over his political dreams
+of the future; should he always remain bound to a life of vagrancy,
+never be able to raise himself to citizen-like activity, to
+statesman-like distinction?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Spring was in the air, as he drove home with his foaming team, but an
+autumnal sensation at his heart he could not suppress.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_08" href="#div1_08">IN THE CHURCH ON SAN GIULIO.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">About eight days might have elapsed since Blanden's departure. Giulia
+meanwhile had dissolved her agreement with the managers, and at home
+denied herself to all visitors. She was in a state of excitement which
+she could conceal with difficulty. Whenever a carriage drove up in her
+vicinity she rushed to the window. She watched for Beate with dread
+expectancy. At last the carriage stopped before the house, and her
+friend's first words were, &quot;Be calm! All is well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After having shaken off the dust of her journey, Beate soon appeared in
+Giulia's drawing-room with the unfailing cunning smile upon her lips,
+and with a calm gladsomeness, such as follows the execution of a good
+deed; she stirred the crackling fire in the stove, seated herself
+comfortably upon the sofa, poured as much arack as possible into her
+tea, to warm herself, and then began to relate the events of her
+journey:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, our beautiful south! How melancholy to drive over these plains of
+ice, through the snow-laden pine forests, through these districts where
+sleepy Nature never seems to open her eyes, how terribly wearisome all
+the world here appears to one! And those passengers in mail coaches,
+those Polish Jews, those people from the small towns with their boxes,
+their baggage, their stupid faces! Thus it went on night and day, day
+and night. People have given themselves the trouble to find names for
+all these heaths, these towns through which one drives, and yet one
+looks like another, it is most immaterial what they are called! Even a
+little rocky nest in our Italy at least looks picturesque, here they
+are always the same barns, the same bad pavement, over which the mail
+coach rattles.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A long row of extra carriages followed the principal one, in which a
+most unpleasant company seemed to be congregated. In the dark corners
+of the passengers' room I saw figures which resembled brigands, one
+passenger especially, with a black bandage over one eye, and a dark
+beard, clings to my recollections. I saw him creep past me several
+times, wrapped up in his cloak. I had an eerie feeling as if he had
+cast an evil eye upon me, it seemed sometimes as if he were staring
+piercingly at me out of the dark with his only sound one. I had to rest
+in the capital, for three days and three nights I had not left the
+rattling coach, and, at last, from over fatigue, had fallen into an
+unrefreshing sleep. I had hardly looked after my baggage and put my
+large box into the charge of a postal official in order to seek my long
+missed rest at an hotel, before I saw a special post-chaise drive up
+and the man in the cloak, with the bandage over his eye, get in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He must be in great haste to proceed, for the post-chaise had four
+horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I travelled slowly, I rested several times in large towns. I am
+nervous too, although I am no actress, but daily intercourse with a
+<i>prima donna</i> upsets one's nerves. Do not be offended, dear child, but
+even the finest particles of dust, which one swallows in your theatre,
+are like <i>aqua toffana</i>. I remained one day in Berlin, in Nuremberg, in
+Augsburg!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How I rejoiced when I saw the Alps again, dangerous as was the drive
+through the snow passes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then I felt the mild soft spring breath of Italy when the steamboat
+carried me across the glorious lake. From Stresa I went over the
+mountains to Orta--how my heart beat, when the waves of the lake surged
+at my feet, and the little island with the rocky castle lay before me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had had leisure enough on my way to think of a plan as to how I
+could best execute my task, a task that was full of danger for body and
+soul; but for the soul there is always absolution. Many plans that rose
+in my mind I rejected as too daring, as impracticable, much I must
+leave to chance and circumstances. I then made enquiries for the two
+witnesses to the marriage, whose names you wrote down for me. Signor
+Bonardo has long been dead, and the beautiful Orsola eloped with a
+Greek, and was quite lost sight of. No danger is threatened from that
+quarter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I visited the chaplain of the little church of San Giulio, he was a
+young man not unsusceptible to my charms. His predecessor, the old
+priest, had just died. For a long time he had been in confinement in
+the cloister, and under examination. In the nearest diocese a trial was
+to be instituted against him for forgery, of which he had been guilty.
+The chaplain himself conducted me up the high steps by the lake into
+the sacristy of the church, where he searched through the registry to
+reply to my question as to your marriage day. If ever I exerted my eyes
+I did so then. Eagerly I followed his movements, noted the book, the
+number of the page, the entrance to the sacristy. I thanked the
+chaplain, the good man even became tender towards me, and when he
+bestowed his blessing upon me he kissed me upon my brow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was still early morning, and a long day of twelve hours lay before
+me. People might, perhaps, have taken me for a love-sick dreamer if
+they had seen me wander upon the woodland paths behind the little town.
+I could not remain long in the <i>Leone d'oro</i>, feverish restlessness had
+taken possession of me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I scrambled up the path with its numerous chapels leading to the
+pilgrims' church of San Franciscus. I prayed here and there. I did
+penance for that which I was about to begin. I felt as if I belonged
+not to the bright day, not to this glorious nature! How exquisite was
+the view over the lake from the Sacro Monte, upon the chestnut and
+walnut woods of Pella, upon the high Alps of Monte Rosa, what a breath
+of Spring quivered yonder in the fruit hedge and made the lake ripple!
+With my sinister purpose I seemed to be out of place in this bright
+world!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How sleepily the hours crept on. How long it was before the sun
+declined into the west and cast its more slanting rays into the waves
+of the lake and upon the house roofs of the little town. And much as I
+had longed for this hour with feverish impatience, I became
+proportionately alarmed again at the approach of fatal night.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Like an incendiary I had provided myself with a tinder-box that was
+sufficiently well supplied to contain ample provision, even for many
+vain attempts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The windows of the little church of San Giulio were brightly
+illuminated, it was the hour of evening service. My boat glided over
+the lake in the moonlight, and landed at the tall granite stairs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I ascended the steps. The moon was just hiding its light in a cloud;
+and looking back upon the lake, in a boat that seemed to be circling
+round the little rocky island, like an eagle round his eyrie, I
+perceived a closely enveloped figure, which reminded me of that man
+with the bandage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My sight is keen, but it was too dark to recognise the figure more
+accurately, and I soon came to the conclusion that I had become the
+victim of a morbid delusion. The skiff disappeared behind a rocky
+promontory which rose up steeply to the summit, upon which stood the
+old tower of Berengarius.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I entered the church, but neither could I join in the devotions of the
+congregation nor examine the pillars of porphyry, the image of the
+Madonna of Ferrari, nor the mosaics of the floor. I only looked about
+for some place of concealment in which I could hide myself, and
+believed I had discovered one behind a small tomb.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I took advantage of a moment in which the sacristan, like the rest of
+the congregation, was occupied with the service, to creep behind the
+door of the sacristy, and quickly as lightning drew out the key, then I
+descended the stairs, and unperceived cast it into the lake.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The service was over, the sacristan made his round of the church once
+more, and convinced himself that the devout throng had entirely left
+it. Having passed my youth amongst bands of smugglers, I am used to
+creeping, crawling, and slipping into crevices like lizards, and thus I
+succeeded in deceiving the custodian of the church by first gliding
+after him and then suddenly disappearing behind the tomb. He sought
+long in vain for the key of the sacristy, and at last relinquished the
+effort, shaking his head, while he left the door standing open. He shut
+the church behind him: I was alone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The first sensation which overcame me was one of undefined dread. A
+few lingering moonlight rays still fell through the tall church
+windows, and shed a light upon the pictures on the wall, so that they
+seemed to move like ghosts. But then the darkness became intense,
+either the moon had set or was concealed behind heavy clouds. My
+solitary footsteps made a hollow echo upon the floor. I shuddered when
+I remembered that about the midnight hour spirits might rise out of the
+tombs and keep me company. It was still too early for my undertaking.
+Below all was still awake in the island town and upon the lake, a gleam
+of light too early would have betrayed me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But from dread of the echo of my footsteps, which rumbled away through
+the empty space as if something besides myself were stirring here, I
+sat down motionlessly upon a bench, folded my hands, tried to pray, and
+then to fall asleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And a short sleep did overcome me, but I started up from it with a
+loud cry. Had I dreamed it? It seemed as if at the other end of the
+church something that passed gently over the steps, stumbled over the
+benches.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But all was still again, the dread of a living being besides myself in
+this place had fled to my dreams, and on awaking the delusion still
+clung to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It must have been midnight already; deep silence reigned without, not
+a sound from the houses by the lake penetrated to my ears, not even the
+dim radiance of the lightly veiled moonlight forced its way through the
+windows. Impenetrable heavy clouds must have enveloped the heavenly
+orb, because the blackest obscurity filled the church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My sense of locality came to my assistance. I had impressed the plan
+of the interior of the church sharply into my memory, estimated all
+distances correctly; I knew exactly where the chairs stood, and in how
+many rows, where the steps began to ascend to the altar, where was the
+entrance to the sacristy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thus I felt my way from one row to another, measured with careful feet
+the distance to the altar steps, and was already placing my foot upon
+the lowest one when an invisible hand behind my dress drew me back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was seized with unutterable horror; my heart beat audibly; it could
+be no delusion; I was not alone here; was I in the power of an
+invisible enemy; or did a spectre persecute me?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I put my hand out behind; I grasped the empty air; the hand had
+released my dress; I cried in a strong voice, so as to inspire myself
+with courage, 'Who is here?' But nothing replied, excepting one loud
+echo from the walls of the empty church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nevertheless my heart is full of courage, and I said to myself, why
+this fear and alarm? What concerns you is that you have pledged your
+honour to save your friend; now see that you succeed whether you live
+or die, even if hell send its ghosts against you!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed, it seemed more probable that some spectre hand had seized me,
+than that any human being besides myself lingered in the gloomy place,
+but if it were a mortal, then I must try to deceive and out-man&#339;uvre
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Like lightning this flashed through my mind. I did not ascend any more
+steps; softly as possible I glided into a corner, there I drew off my
+shoes, and crept once more to the altar steps, which this time I could
+pass up undisturbed. I felt about the altar until I had hold of one of
+the candelabra, and had convinced myself that a candle was in it. With
+nervous anxiety I avoided the least sound.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The candlestick in one hand, I went down again from the high altar,
+held my dress closely together with the other, so that it might not
+sweep the steps. I did not dare to breathe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then something in the corner stumbled over my shoes, which I had left
+there. This time I was not alarmed. I was thankful that the ghost was
+on the other side of the church; in all haste I sped into the sacristy
+through the door, which was only slightly ajar.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew that the light would attract the bats, which hopped after me,
+and yet I could not shut the door without betraying myself. I groped
+for the desk where I had seen the registry lie, there it was still in
+the same place. I turned over the leaves and counted the pages, of
+which, in the morning, I had taken note. I must gain as much time as
+possible before I should burn the tell-tale light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At last the moment had arrived, it must be done. My tinder-box did its
+duty; the altar candle burned; the holy light illuminated my unholy
+task.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For the duration of a second the sensation of sacrilege overcame me,
+but time passed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had only turned over two pages too many, there it stood: Giulia
+Bollini, Signor Baluzzi. That was the fatal leaf! With bold resolution
+I tore it out and held it in the flame. Then a loud peal of mocking
+laughter rang from the door of the sacristy. I looked round and saw the
+man with the bandage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The page was burned to atoms, I still saw it as if in a dream; rigid
+with fear I saw the man rush upon me; I blew out the light, but I could
+not escape him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I felt as one does in those dreams in which we see a monster, a
+serpent, a tiger prepared for the spring which shall kill us: my nerves
+were over-excited so that I could not distinguish between my dream and
+reality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Still nearer came the steps of the gruesome ghost. My senses gave way.
+I fell down in a swoon!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I awoke again all was still intensely dark, but morning must soon
+dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was alone, as it appeared; nothing stirred. The altar candlestick
+still stood upon the desk. I took it up, crept out of the sacristy up
+to the altar and put it back upon its old place. Nothing molested me!
+My shoes I found in my corner. I put them on, hid myself behind a
+pillar, not far from the church door, ready for rapid flight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed, it was not long before the sacristan opened the church doors
+for early mass. He went towards the altar, while I glided out behind
+him and hastened down the steps as if the church behind me were in
+flames.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In Orta, also, I only remained a few minutes, then drove over to
+Stresa; the coachman could not make his horses go fast enough. In
+Bellinzona I became ill from the excitement, and when I had recovered,
+I performed very severe penance; my mind was terribly upset, but the
+farther north I came, the fresher did the breeze blow towards me. I
+began then to triumph that I had outman&#339;uvred that secret emissary
+of Baluzzi--because it could be no one else--that I had succeeded,
+despite his watchful ambuscade. I triumphed that I had restored you
+your liberty, and with this proud emotion I now clasp you in my arms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Burned to ashes is the spell that fettered you, and freely may you
+follow your heart!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was intensely excited at her friend's intelligence, amid tears
+she squeezed Beate's hands. And yet she could not conquer an internal
+fear. Thus breaking into the sanctuary of the church seemed like an
+inexpiable act of sacrilege which rested upon her soul; and even if she
+believed in the newly-gained liberty she could not feel glad. Anxious
+forebodings of unknown possibilities that lay waiting in the air
+disturbed her confidence in unclouded happiness. What secrets oppressed
+her soul! How could she meet her beloved one's eye? The heavy weight
+that lies in the consciousness of forbidden deeds, did not permit her
+to draw that free breath without which success loses its triumphant
+charms. And yet--she was resolved to seize the supremest bliss in life
+in spite of fate, to set the right of her passion above all the rights
+in the world. Was her happiness only transitory? She must do penance
+and succumb; at any rate, that which she now struggled for with such
+ardent longing would once have been her own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate had not been back many days before Blanden's invitation to
+Kulmitten was received. The day of the marriage was decided upon.
+Giulia prepared for her departure with Beate after having made a few
+purchases for a brilliant toilet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Numerous guests from the provincial capital set out on horseback and in
+carriages for Kulmitten. The students had not neglected the invitation;
+they were glad to be present at a gay wedding. Salomon had arranged a
+performance for the Polter-abend, adapted from his collection of
+poetical blossoms, and the doctors, Kuhl and Schöner, drove a spirited
+team to the lakes of Masuren. Cäcilie was expected to come with Olga
+and Wegen from the neighbouring estate, where she had gone upon a visit
+to her sister, and every one in the district, who had not shown a
+hostile spirit towards the proprietor of Kulmitten, was welcome on this
+glad occasion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly, only a singer! It was, indeed, an unsuitable choice! Several
+ladies pretended to be ill, and only allowed their husbands to look on
+at the phenomenon so as to be able to bring back an account of the
+doings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not like such extremes,&quot; said Frau Baronin Fuchs to her husband,
+&quot;is it necessary to jump from the sanctimonious to the most impudent
+children of this world? Certainly, in reality, the other was the same
+kind, only a different colour. No power in the world would take me to
+this wedding; you, of course, will drive over because everything
+connected with rouge pots and stage tinsel has a certain charm for you
+now. Well, look from a close point of view at the Circe who has
+enchanted this knight of the rueful countenance.&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_09" href="#div1_09">THE BRIDAL JEWELS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Two sitting-rooms and bedrooms were prepared for Giulia and Beate in
+the old wing of the Castle. Blanden had ridden over to the nearest town
+to meet her, and sent on his carriage and four in advance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He drove back with her. When they arrived at the boundary of his
+possessions, they were greeted by the peasants and tenants with loud
+acclamations. A handsomely decorated triumphal arch was erected; canon
+resounded far and near, and genuine, indeed, were the rejoicings of the
+people, who idolised Blanden. None of the proprietors on the lakes of
+Masuren were so gentle and kind as he, certainly none others had
+studied Buddha's teachings, or recognised pity for every being of
+creation as the original spring of all wisdom and morality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The school girl who presented a huge nosegay to Giulia at the gate of
+honour, had learned a very long and very profound address, which was
+listened to with intense weariness by all but the bride-elect, for whom
+an accusation lay in every one of those moral sentiments. Cold water
+seemed to be running down her, when the little girl, with devout
+dove-like eyes, looked lovingly into her face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And when old Olkewicz acted as spokesman for the officials and those
+belonging to the estate, and spoke of the old family possession, of the
+worthy heir, of his forefathers, then she suddenly felt what, until
+now, had been quite unknown to her: that here she was entering into the
+sacred circle of a family, into a well-regulated world governed by
+moral laws, into touching familiarity amongst equals, into a beautiful
+blending together of past and future; and to herself she appeared in
+the light of an intruder, who deserved to be cursed, who tore down the
+old saintly household gods from the domestic hearth, and with a guilty
+hand polluted a stainless roll of ancestors. She shuddered as if seized
+with cold; while Olkewicz also stammered in his honest speech and lost
+himself--he had suddenly recognised Giulia; it was actually the same
+white fairy who had stood on high in the moonlight on the gallery of
+the belfry tower.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The carriage drove on through the park. The Castle was decked with
+flags and banners, fluttering merrily in the breeze; all the doors were
+wreathed; here a dense crowd--part of which had hastened by a short cut
+from the triumphal arch, and were thus in advance--received them with
+renewed cheers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was deeply moved, and pressed his betrothed's hand; he knew
+that it was true hearty love which bade them welcome. He thought of his
+father, of the old lords of the Castle--they blessed his entry. His
+feelings were solemn as he lifted his future bride out of the carriage
+and led her into the Castle, where he delivered her into the hands of
+the guardian spirits of his home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Giulia was seated alone in her room, for a few moments she gave
+herself up to a sensation of luxurious comfort; how strange was it for
+a wandering disciple of art to have a home, to reign as mistress over a
+vast estate! No more need she trouble about the gains of the moment, no
+more need she struggle from day to day for a living, competing for fame
+and gold, and the favour of the variable crowd which alone could grant
+both to her. The labour of art in the muses' temple appeared like a
+miserable daily task, which is forced from the reluctant senses, while
+only the holiness of enthusiasm sanctifies the artistic duty! From
+country to country had she wandered with her nomad tent, tarrying long
+wherever she had found plentiful pastures; but how many dangers did the
+pirates of criticism prepare for her, by how many <i>fata morgana</i> had
+she been deceived--how homeless was her life, her soul!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What a sensation of security behind the stout walls of this Castle; for
+decades, for a whole life-time, every struggle with its necessities was
+banished, a life belonging to itself, one not given up to the mob! And
+how one must learn to love every little spot of earth which, by the
+habit of long association and possession, has become a portion of
+ourselves! Without, the trees rustled, the eastern sky glanced in the
+reflection of the declining sun, and the evening star, the star of
+love, peeped forth in the vapour-like clouds that were tinged with a
+delicate red.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yonder the tall oaks, the silver poplars, and Scotch firs; the pavilion
+with its gay windows peeping out of the Chinese shrubs that surrounded
+it; the bridge over the lake; upon the island stood the swans' houses:
+at first all seemed but a pretty picture for her contemplation, but
+from day to day it must all become blended into her life--every spot,
+sanctified by love, become endeared to her heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And how home-like the old furniture in the drawing and other rooms:
+<i>roccoco</i> cupboards, and drawers with their sweeping lines, those
+arm-chairs, little works of art carved in wood, those heavy curtains,
+which formed an easily moved partition between the secret concealed
+cabinets and drawing-rooms! How pleasant the faces of the old male and
+female servants, who at once took the new mistress to their hearts, and
+were ready to watch over their new precious possession as well as they
+had ever guarded the most valuable treasure confided to them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A proud sensation of happiness overcame her; the dream of a peaceable
+existence, of ensured happiness, hovered before her mind, then her hand
+was pressed convulsively to her heart; painfully she felt the rift that
+extended through her whole life--that she always experienced, even
+although concealed from her lover and the world, but which, when it
+suddenly yawned, became an abyss which must swallow up all her
+felicity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She could only listen absently to Beate's chatter, &quot;I must say it is a
+true Palazzo Pitti, in which we, however, are the most beautiful
+pictures! And as to its being countryfied, the Castle itself certainly
+is not so, although the entire population consists of rough unhewn
+blocks. One might be in a fortress; down below, Signora, at the foot of
+the hill, still stands a massive square tower. I enquired about it,
+they call it the 'Dantziger;' it was used for watching the besiegers
+and taking them in their rear, it also ensured escape, as a secret
+outlet leads to the lake. The stone passage, with its handsome arches,
+unites it with the Castle. Well, if I can find a sweetheart here, the
+old Dantziger will do me good service for secret adventures and secret
+flight. Besides which, in the Castle, there are divers stairs in the
+walls, hidden doors--what else I know not! The Knights of the Order had
+their secrets, too. We shall find it all out in good time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are incorrigible with your love of adventures, Beate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Think of the sacristy in the church of San Giulio. What should you be
+without me? A very doubtful betrothed, your past rests in the Orta Lake
+with the sacristy key! But enough of it. They are very lively over in
+the new wing, where all are preparing for the Polter-abend
+entertainment; they say it is just like being behind the scenes, gay
+masks of every kind, but terribly inexpert wardrobe women; everything
+in the world requires experience. If only we were with them, we
+understand the art.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate was still chattering when Blanden entered; she possessed tact
+enough to disappear as speedily as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only get dressed quickly, dear Giulia!&quot; cried Blanden, &quot;all are
+preparing to greet us. I am an outlawed man it is true, but yet one
+always possesses some real friends. The Castle is full from attic to
+cellar; for twenty years or more there has not been such a garrison.
+You bring life into my solitude, let me welcome you cordially once
+more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He clasped her in his arms and pressed a fervent kiss upon her lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is that little box,&quot; said Giulia, &quot;which you carry in your hand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My bridal gift, beloved! I come with a full heart, and may not do so
+empty handed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He opened the ebony casket: the most beautiful ornaments, a diadem with
+brilliants, necklets and bracelets of the most magnificent pearls, and
+beside them unset precious stones, sapphires, and rubies shone in such
+radiance that Giulia could not suppress a sudden cry of admiration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is all yours, it is the inheritance which has been bequeathed to
+the last Blanden by his mother and by the ancestral mistresses of this
+house, there being no living heiress who has the right to these
+ornaments. From henceforth you shall wear them, they have found an
+owner again who is worthy of them, and well they will suit your dark
+hair and fine features!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was dazzled with the brilliant gift, and yet-- Like
+will-'o-the-wisps, like snakes of fire, they flashed and quivered
+before her eyes! Was it not a robber's hand which grasped this family
+possession?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But she overcame the slight shudder with which she saw the ghostly
+ancestresses of the house of Blanden, as they stretched out their bony
+hands in protest, or touched her brow and imprinted the sign of the
+curse upon her. She was only conscious of Blanden's love and goodness
+in confiding such a priceless heritage to her, and, thanking him
+cordially, laid her hand upon her heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On that evening she would be queen of the feast, banish all gloomy
+thoughts; he should have a right to be proud of her. A mistress of the
+toilet, an art belonging to the stage, she would enhance her beauty by
+simple attire. Merrily adorned with a wreath of flowers, her hair,
+black as ebony, as it fell upon her neck, enframed a face whose fine
+moulding did not suffer from the pallor of its features, for that
+Venetian colouring appertained to the beauty of marble, to that
+idealism of form which was peculiar to her. Her tall slight figure was
+seductively enveloped in clouds of pink tulle, and as if of gleaming
+foam, bosom and neck, the glorious outlines of a Venus Anadyomene rose
+from out that mass of clouds. As she entered the dining-hall with
+Blanden, a buzz of admiration passed through the apartment. They were
+mostly elderly gentlemen who were present, the younger ones were still
+behind the scenes preparing the masquerade.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Hermann von Gutsköhnen and Sengen von Lärchen had never seen anything
+of the kind; the former greeted her with a whispered monologue which
+reached its climax in a low oath; the latter held his finger
+thoughtfully to his nose, and after his address, &quot;dear friends,&quot; had
+allowed a considerable pause to follow, &quot;she is a most beautiful woman,
+tall, she has breeding, something Arab-like in her nostrils, and
+devilish black hair, but no healthy colour--she needs some Masuren
+breezes to blow about her cheeks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thunder and lightning,&quot; replied Hermann, &quot;a splendid toilet! But a
+betrothed should really be a rose-bud, she is perfectly full blown!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Herr von Blanden has good taste,&quot; said Baron von Fuchs to his
+neighbour, the Landrath, &quot;it is well that our wives have not come with
+us. It was well feigned hoarseness, and a most justifiable headache
+which befell them, because I must say--naturally I exclude our
+wives--we have no beauties in the district who can be compared with
+her. And they who stayed at home have all happily escaped this
+sensation. In words they would not have acknowledged this beauty, but
+at heart they would have bowed before it as the brethren bowed before
+Joseph, in the dream; they would have tingled with unbounded jealousy
+to the very tips of their fingers and toes, because whosoever bathes in
+the pool of Bethsaida knows how to respect the beauty of the
+Olympians.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden and Giulia welcomed their guests heartily, and then seated
+themselves in two garlanded arm-chairs to receive the homage of the
+Polter-abend. A merry blast of music announced the commencement of the
+performance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">First appeared lovely water-fairies from the lake. Olga von Dornau led
+the dance; the daughter of the Sanitätsrath from the district town, the
+daughters of a retired major, who lived there, and a rich young widow
+represented the Naiads decked with reeds.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The concessions made to the local colouring and faithful costume of the
+legend, were of varying degrees, the young widow's being the greatest.
+Olga was the speaker of the Kingdom of the Nymphs--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-8px">&quot;With the welcome of sisters we greet thee</p>
+<p class="t2">In thy beauty, our sovereign anew;</p>
+<p class="t0">Long we mourned, never hoping to meet thee,</p>
+<p class="t2">Now thine image again we review.</p>
+<p class="t4">The waters shall mirror thy image afar<br>
+As in glory and triumph we carry thy car.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Thereupon, Cäcilie appeared as the goddess of Song, a wreath of laurels
+in her hand; behind her, Thalia and Melpomene, which characters were
+assumed by two of her friends.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cäcilie had composed these lines for herself--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-8px">&quot;Silently, sadly, we see you depart,</p>
+<p class="t2">Leaving our kingdom made greater by you,</p>
+<p class="t0">But the laurel of fame must give place to the heart,</p>
+<p class="t2">Happiness there is more lasting and true.</p>
+<p class="t0">Go you to bliss that cannot be measured,</p>
+<p class="t2">And leave those behind who will never forget,</p>
+<p class="t0">Your art as yourself will ever be treasured,</p>
+<p class="t2">O'er your gain we rejoice, our loss we regret.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Schöner entered as a herald; in sonorous flowing verses he
+announced the arrival of the new mistress of the Castle, and poured
+forth praises of the perfection of her beauty and art; he recited these
+verses with wonted enthusiasm, and received plenteous applause.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Herr von Wegen came as the Master, at the head of a number of Knights
+of the Order; their white mantles with the black cross, harmonised well
+with the old dining-hall, which thus gained historical animation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The German Order also greeted the new mistress; the poem, of whose
+authorship the fair-haired District Deputy was guiltless, while his
+brother-in-law, Dr. Kuhl, was universally thought to be its composer,
+contained some humourous flashes; it spoke of a fair lady who had not,
+as in former times, surreptitiously entered the house of the Order, and
+by the back way, but like a mistress, who is entitled to go up the
+principal wide staircase. Thus the Order was completely secularised,
+and by this brilliant example the Order of wilful old bachelors equally
+so, as was demonstrated by the master himself, and his friend, the
+Prussian heathen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now, armed with a mighty club, Dr. Kuhl stepped forth as an ancient
+Prussian at the head of a band dressed in skins; he greeted Giulia in
+the name of the original inhabitants of the land, who alone possessed a
+right to these forests and lakes; he declared war to the knights who
+had been imported into this free land, to those monks of the sword,
+that black-crossed hypocrisy; with his people he would destroy this
+Castle to its very foundations if the presence of so beautiful a
+guardian goddess did not compel him to lay his club in homage at her
+feet; he concluded with the words--</p>
+<div class="poem">
+<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-10px">&quot;I swear it by every sacred god</p>
+<p class="t2">To-day all wars for ever cease,</p>
+<p class="t0">No more our blood shall soil the sod</p>
+<p class="t2">For hence shall reign eternal peace.</p>
+<p class="t4">When the gods clamour for foemen dead<br>
+Our goddess shall offer the olive instead.&quot;</p>
+</div>
+
+<p class="normal">Then followed another series of more stately pictures, and merry jests.
+Salomon had conceived the unhappy idea of appearing as Ariosto,
+introducing himself as the Italian Heinrich Heine, and in a mixture of
+verses, which were collected, partly from the <i>Ottave rime</i> of the poet
+of Reggio, partly from free thinking verses by the Parisian
+Aristophanes, and speaking of Herr von Blanden as Orlando, who had
+delivered Angelica, bound to the rock of the stage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A tall girl, whose form was as redundant as those of the Genoese women,
+appeared as &quot;Italia,&quot; a basket of fruit in her hands, a wreath of
+perfumed orange blossoms in her hair. It was Iduna; she had left
+Fräulein Baute's school, after having met with frequent insults from
+the mistress, and openly displayed contempt on the part of her Theodore
+Körner, Dr. Sperner. Her father owned a small estate in the
+neighbourhood, and thus she was invited to the entertainment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon all revolved in merry dance. Blanden opened the ball with Giulia,
+and then stood thoughtfully for some time, leaning against a pillar of
+the radiated arch; he thought of the other dance beneath the pear tree,
+and the pale shadow of his lovely Eva mingled in the rows of the
+dancers. She had pledged him in the unalloyed bliss of youth; this
+woman brought the rapture of passion. But he felt that with her came a
+rent in his life. The gay company assembled, from which the most
+distinguished ladies of the neighbourhood were absent, the coldness of
+the members of his party in the capital, all proved to him that he had
+once more rendered it impossible to take a firm foothold in his home,
+and to attain a higher position in political life by any recognised
+influence; but it was only a transient heretical thought! There she
+stood before him in all her beauty, a fascinating woman! Her eyes
+gleamed with promise; dancing had brought a warmer colour to the marble
+of her features; her bosom heaved with sweet excitement, she appeared
+like a breathing statue of a goddess! A lamp shone in the pavilion!
+myrtles and oranges shed their perfume; the stars of Italy gazed
+sparklingly down from the deep blue sky! He encircled her firmly with
+his arms, and sped to a wild measure through the old hall. Giulia was
+in her brightest mood, she would and did forget everything that was
+painful and hostile in her life; she chatted more pleasantly than ever
+before, and had a friendly winning word for every one; a roguish smile
+played around her lips, as she said to Blanden--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot realise that I shall never more stand behind the piano; never
+more look down upon my worthy conductor's bald head when he wields his
+<i>bâton</i>, or into the manager's complacent countenance after a
+well-paying house; that Dr. Schöner will never more arrange a poetical
+nosegay for my vase; no Spiegeler cause me sleepless nights by the
+stings of his wasps and bees. But away with all laurel wreaths!
+Without, in the theatrical world, the echo of my name will not yet have
+quite died away, and when it is dead, it will no longer trouble the
+memory of the world to come, which will be inundated with many more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl, the heathen, who had just performed a wild round dance with the
+orange-perfumed Italian, in which he had squeezed Iduna's hands with
+more fervour than the requirements of the dance demanded, now turned to
+Giulia and began a battle of words with her upon which she readily
+entered. Kuhl had only seen her as Blanden's nurse, when wounded, and
+spoken to her in a serious manner; her happy mood stirred him
+strangely, but was doubly attractive, and he could not leave her side
+while Blanden was enjoying a dance with Olga.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Excuse me, Signora,&quot; suddenly said Cäcilie's somewhat sharp voice.
+&quot;Look here, my friend! I only wish to tell you that there must now be
+an end of polytheism, and that you shall neither worship the slight
+Italian marble goddess nor plump Iduna with her apples of eternal
+youth, neither one of Raffael's nor Ruben's beauties. Look this way my
+friend! I am now your Alpha and Omega, as the Bible says. I have now a
+right to you, and shall know how to assert it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Kuhl listened to the conjugal lecture; sadly he then took up his club,
+which had been propped against a pillar, and leaning upon it, pondered
+over the fate which even the most irrefutable theories find in life's
+irksome custom. He resigned himself to the melancholy conviction that
+he, the Hercules of free love, had, after all, allowed his Dejanira to
+charm him into a Nessus shirt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dancing and enjoyment lasted until late into the night, then the guests
+retired to their chambers. Blanden accompanied his betrothed to the
+carved oak door of her apartment, and left her with an ardent kiss and
+the whispered words, &quot;Until to-morrow!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate, who had danced bravely and made a slight conquest of a young
+lawyer, was so fatigued that she had thrown herself, half undressed,
+upon the bed in her room, which was situated behind Giulia's, and had
+fallen into a sound sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was still in her sitting-room--she gazed into the moonlit park;
+high into the air the fountain cast its stream of silver, gently around
+the trees quivered that dreamy light which rocks the soul with vague
+forebodings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dance, wine, love had intoxicated her. Was not the world so beautiful,
+life so happy!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She longed to rejoice, like the ray of water springing up towards the
+skies!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She threw aside her ball dress, and in her light dressing-gown
+contemplated her reflection in the large mirror. She felt so
+lighthearted, so free--and was she not beautiful, youthfully beautiful?
+A heavy destiny had passed over her, but in its flight it only slightly
+touches the favourites of the gods. No creases, no wrinkles, she needed
+no paint-pot to conceal them, no weight of cares had been able to bow
+her tall form, and the consciousness of her own beauty thrilled her
+with delight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she hastened to the cupboard, which was placed in a panel of the
+wall, opened it with a carefully secured key, and took out the jewel
+box which Blanden had given to her. First she let the splendid stones
+glisten in the lamp light, then flash in the moon's radiance, while she
+revelled in the sparkling lights and the prismatic rays which played to
+and fro.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she stepped before the large mirror, put the diadem of brilliants
+upon her curls, decked herself with the pearl necklace, with the
+bracelets, glistening with rubies and emeralds. She thought herself
+magnificent as a queen; thus, in her dazzling splendour, ornamented
+with the prince's crown, might not everything be permitted to her? Need
+a ruler fear his conscience, that sentinel of the garrison? Did she, in
+her power and beauty, not stand far above it?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were proud dreams in which she indulged--blissful
+self-forgetfulness, the ruinous intoxication of dark spirits of the
+earth, which guard the treasures of the deep, and scatter that shining
+dust into the eyes of mankind that it may perceive nothing but the
+sparkling brilliance of mammon and soulless splendour. She walked up
+and down before the mirror, bent her head to see how the coronet of
+brilliants became her dark locks, turned to the right and to the left;
+but then the spirit of the stage came upon her, a vain spirit at first,
+and she repeated scenes from operas, raising her arms, now wringing her
+hands, then extending them as if cursing, all the time admiring the
+shining lights of her bracelets as they played about those beautifully
+rounded forms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she stood again as still as sculptured marble and gazed at herself
+as though she were looking at a statue, standing in a niche of a
+Pantheon. Then, suddenly--it was no dream--the mirror began to move; it
+was pushed on one side by invisible hands: she commenced to tremble, to
+rub her eyes--her own reflection disappeared with the mirror like a
+ghost into the surface of the wall--and, instead, a space black as an
+abyss yawned before her--and a draped figure sprang into the room and
+threw off its cloak.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was Baluzzi!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She started back with a loud cry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Traitoress!&quot; cried he, &quot;now you are worthy of me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia staggered back a few paces, half unconscious, with one hand
+resting upon the back of the roccoco chair, she held the other
+tremblingly towards the intrusive ghost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Back, back!&quot; she cried with a failing voice, that was almost stifled
+into a convulsive whisper.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I believe, indeed, that you would refuse to see me, and that I am more
+hateful to you to-day than any other being whom the world contains. I
+come most inopportunely, I know, and that is why I come. And how
+beautifully you are adorned--for the galley!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia seized the diamond crown, the necklace and bracelet, all almost
+unconsciously, as if in a heavy dream, in which one seeks in blind
+haste to protect life, possessions and estate from unavoidable ruin;
+but her hand was paralysed, and the ornaments adhered to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beautifully adorned, and still beautiful!&quot; cried Baluzzi, stepping
+nearer, &quot;still as beautiful as once when you stood before the altar in
+the little church of San Giulio! Do not shrink from me--before others
+you are a bride elect, before others you may feign modesty, and wrap
+yourself in the bridal veil, not before me! I have an old and sacred
+right over you--your body, your soul belong to me, and to me alone; you
+cannot be separated from me so long as the indissoluble word of the
+Church exists upon earth, and I place my hand upon you as upon a
+runaway slave--Giulia Baluzzi, my wife!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And he went up to her, held the struggling woman with a strong arm, and
+laid the other hand upon her marble shoulder that quivered as if in the
+grip of a tiger cat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Stand back, madman,&quot; whispered Giulia in a suppressed tone of alarm,
+&quot;stand back, or I shall call for help.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will not do so, my child! You will not call for help, not even if
+I murder you with my dagger! You would prefer to drop mutely into my
+arms, and with expiring eyes to implore me--for silence, for
+forgetfulness! Is it not so? A cry for help!--what is a cry for help
+but a cry for shame, for disgrace, for law and executioner? I know you
+better, my little dove; so imprudent you are not; the friend of Beate,
+the cunning robber of a church, possesses too much sense and
+understanding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall call for help,&quot; said Giulia, with pride and defiance, now
+releasing herself from Baluzzi's arms. &quot;And if I declare you before all
+the world to be a robber and a liar, all will deem your utterances to
+be madness, because the proofs are wanting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The proofs are ready.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They were, perhaps; but they are no longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Haha,&quot; said Baluzzi, with a mocking laugh, &quot;you rely upon your astute
+messenger, upon Beate, who lays her devil's paw upon the altar candles
+and registers, at the ghostly hour of midnight lights a firebrand in a
+sacristy. A harmless amusement! Had it not been so harmless I should
+have prevented it, but it was great amusement for me to watch the
+lizard as it glided into the crevices in the church walls, and to carry
+on a game with it; unfortunately she swooned too soon. I should have
+liked to torture her still longer, have made her bones rattle, the
+good-for-nothing! You all possess courage only up to a certain point;
+the little witch, too, showed courage, but then, in a moment, it goes
+out like a candle that has burned down, that has consumed itself all
+too speedily.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the proofs are destroyed,&quot; said Giulia, although doubtfully and
+alarmed at Baluzzi's scorn, because she could not help fearing that by
+some means Beate's undertaking had failed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken, my child. I do not allow the thread by which I hold
+you to be so easily withdrawn from my hands. I have my spies, and when
+I heard from Antoinette, my little scout, whither Beate intended to go,
+I knew enough. At first I accompanied her in the greatest possible
+<i>incognito</i>, then I gained a considerable start in order to obtain the
+necessary information. I was at the See at Milan. I knew that an
+enquiry into some forgery was pending against the former priest of San
+Giulio. I have staunch friends, even at the holy courts of law. A
+priest, with whom I worked formerly in Monaco, at my desire, enquired
+if amongst the deeds of the suit a copy of the registry of San Giulio
+did not exist; a legal official copy certified by the chaplain. I had
+reason to expect this because the suit concerned a falsification of the
+register. My supposition was well-founded--now I was safe, now I could
+play with that dangerous culprit who is your greatest friend, as a cat
+does with a mouse. All respect to you, we are quits. I awaited her
+arrival in Orta, dogged all her steps, and my knowledge of the church
+permitted me to hide myself in the little crypt. The fire of joy at
+midnight I vouchsafed to her with malicious pleasure, but our marriage,
+my child, is signed and sealed in the legal copy in the register number
+two, that lies at Milan, valid before God and man. It is a pity that
+the travelling expenses, and heroic courage were spent in vain, that
+the triumph was useless--I have the proofs!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia's courage fell with each of Baluzzi's words. She felt herself to
+be completely in his power, thus everything that she had done to free
+herself from him, even Beate's criminal proceeding, was all in vain.
+She looked at him with the glance of a mortally wounded deer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You do not believe my story? Here in my pocket-book is the most exact
+information as to where the document can be found which proves my
+perfect right to you. Now will you still cry for help?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Silently Giulia covered her face with her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are going to be sensible, my child; I thought so! That is why I
+come to you at night, it is very considerate of me, and on a toilsome
+road too. A wonderful child led me here--my rare little sea-devil, whom
+I have taken into my service. It is the road upon which you must now
+follow me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What are you thinking of? Impossible!&quot; said Giulia, springing up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The road is not very pleasant! Close beside the shore of the lake
+there is a cave--my blood-hound found it; it is overgrown with thistles
+and bushes, the little one worked with an axe and sickle all last night
+to clear the passage. One must stoop to pass through. It leads to the
+old tower, which, with its ivy-clad walls, casts its shadow below upon
+the moonlit shrubs in the park. It was the watch tower, the battle and
+sally-tower of the knights, and the hidden road ensures them flight in
+case of defeat. From the tower a secret walled passage leads into the
+Castle. It is covered with rubbish and ruins, and there are awkward
+steps to go up and down. But then a little masked winding-staircase in
+the wall leads up to this mirror door. My wonderfully clever seal
+discovered all this. It took us some time last night before we could
+find out the mechanism of this door. We knew that these rooms were
+destined for you. We tried a long time, but I am clever at such
+secrets, and beneath its external disguise found the spot where one
+must press so as to make the wooden panel move and slide back. The
+little one waits below with a dark lantern--the boat is tied up close
+to the egress of the hollow way. It will cost a few bruises and torn
+clothes, then we shall sail over the lake and away over the Russian
+frontier.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are out of your senses, Baluzzi!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Shall I remind you of our past, of our agreement? We were married
+secretly. You were a singer whose fame was waxing. I, an inferior
+chorus singer, who could do no better. I saw myself, that your
+prospects would be damaged if the world knew of our marriage. Soon I
+resigned the miserable position of an incapable helper's helper in the
+troupe of singers at the theatre, and I must confess it, gave myself up
+to a somewhat dissipated life. I drank and gambled. I became a croupier
+in Monaco, your fame was augmenting. Our paths led farther and farther
+asunder. All the same, I loved you fervently, but I perceived that your
+love diminished daily. You were ashamed of me. You began to avoid me,
+to fly from me. I required money, much money for my habits of life.
+They are as respectable and distinguished as those of a well-born
+prince who squanders his heritage. How often was I not in
+embarrassments enough to make one's hair stand on end, badly in debt.
+It was at that time we made an agreement that I should avoid you as
+long as you were at the theatre, but, that in return, the greater
+portion of your abundant gains should always be paid over to me. So
+long as you were at the theatre--that was the condition. Recollect it!
+No evasions! I am a man of my word, and I shall see that faith is kept
+with me also. <i>Cospetto!</i> In my hand I hold the power to compel you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I, too, kept my word,&quot; said Giulia, &quot;and more than this, I have often
+starved that you might live luxuriously.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For two years,&quot; said Baluzzi, &quot;when you were here in Prussia during
+the summer I was left without news of you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Owing to your irregular life the letter to you must have been lost--an
+unfortunate chance which I do not lament over much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then for two years I was in Russia, lost to you. I had business that
+made me acquainted with sables and ermines. I exonerate you from blame
+for that time, nevertheless you thus became my debtor. However, if you
+leave the stage, you cannot redeem yourself now, you no longer have
+your own independent earnings and possessions. Therefore, from
+henceforth, you belong to me! Thank the Madonna that I have come to
+hold you back from a crime--follow me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Never!&quot; said Giulia, folding her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you then think that my passion for you is extinguished? Even when
+far away it burned in my bosom with silent fervour, and this glow
+expands into bright flames since I have seen you once more, because you
+are the most beautiful woman whom I have met with upon my manifold
+journies in life, and I have seen women of every nation and of every
+class. It is a proud sensation that of possessing you, not secretly,
+no, before all the world to display you, and it is a delight to fold
+you in my arms.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia hid her face as she drew back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yet do not believe that it is the same old love, as beneath Italy's
+orange and myrtle trees when you were my Madonna, when my heart beat
+for you, when I looked up to you as to a queen of heaven floating amid
+a bright halo. And even then, when you parted from me as from one
+unworthy who might not follow in the ascending paths of your life, even
+in the desolate existence that I led, still I always looked up as one
+looks up at a heavenly orb through a crevice in a grotto. Then came
+those days of Lago Maggiore, I watched and saw how you were faithless
+to me, you bought yourself free from my anger, because then I was in a
+desperate position, but since that time my feelings have been
+completely metamorphosed. My Madonna was one no longer, and though she
+may not repent, I have vowed to myself to make her do so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, to be fettered to crime, and in addition by sacred bonds--is there
+a more unhappy fate? Is despair not justified, even when it clutches
+convulsively at transient felicity? Well, I may belong to you, but you
+do not belong to me, never so long as my spirit can move its wings in
+liberty, can appreciate the beautiful, believe in what is noble.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia had risen proudly, she had recovered herself, overcame her fear
+and terror, courage of death shone on her brow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Any one who saw you now--truly a vestal, whose fire, alas, had often
+gone out. It looks like gold and is brass, it gleams like silver and is
+tin. And this, on the day on which a crime shall be consecrated. The
+cocks have already crowed, midnight is past, your second wedding day
+will soon dawn, do not forget your first myrtles; its stars still
+shine, the second can only consist of nightshade and fox-glove, it
+breathes the poison of a lie. <i>Corpo di bacco</i>--such a saint--it makes
+one laugh!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know, I feel that I am committing an impious act, I am defying law,
+I am deceiving the best of men, but I only deceive him out of endless
+love, and so utterly unworthy is that which is protected by law, that I
+dare all because I believe in the pardon of Heaven.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You need not have this sin pardoned, it will not be committed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hear me Baluzzi!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hear me first! I have not yet told you all. Since those days by the
+lake, love died in my heart, passion remained, but it was a wild
+passion that wavered between love and hatred; expiation I had hoped for
+from you, but you cast flaming anger into my heart. You shall be mine,
+your kisses shall give me rapture, my pulses shall throb louder, when I
+hold you in my arms, but only like the pirate's pulses, who rejoices
+over the captured beauty. Never shall I forget that you injured and
+betrayed me beyond expression, that you are my slave, over whom I
+exercise my proud right of master, whether I torture and chastise, or
+whether I love her. What are your laurel wreaths to me? Dried up straw
+which I burn, because no more gold glitters on its leaves, but as in
+mockery of your renown, the queen of the stage shall preside at my
+gaming-tables beside other painted harridans, and shall decoy victims
+into my net--the trade will flourish! The remains of a great name will
+suffice for it, that little candle end can still shed some light. You
+shall obey me, tremble before me! That is the expiation, the penance
+for an overbearing and faithless wife!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And to such degradation shall I follow you, give myself up to such
+disappointment? Death rather!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is a still better means, Signora! Seize your dagger, kill me,
+let me be killed as a robber and housebreaker, then you will be free,
+and with a light heart can greet the first ray of the morning sun; but
+I am on my guard, my glances do not leave you, do not leave that door
+behind which Beate sleeps. I know that she has a pocket pistol under
+her pillow, and a crime more or less does not matter to her, but I am
+prepared to meet her also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And Baluzzi pulled out a pistol.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beate sleeps in the second room,&quot; said Giulia, &quot;she does not hear us!
+We will not excite ourselves--one calm word! An unhappy fate has
+brought us together, it should never have happened. Our paths led far
+asunder, but the indissoluble bond remains; it is cruel to tie up my
+soul with it, it is indissoluble there, indissoluble also for me here,
+because I dare not venture forth with this life-long lie, without
+forfeiting my future happiness. But you would not be separated,
+although to do so lay in your power. I beg, I implore you, do not let
+your old right interfere in my life. I was always your friend, I will
+remain so, but upon my knees I implore you, grant me the bliss of this
+true love. I ask nothing but silence, do not make him miserable who
+hazarded his life for me. Is it then so great a sacrifice not to utter
+words which would plunge two people into calamity? Is it impossible to
+resign a dreamed-of possession, a right that is dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A dreamed-of possession?&quot; shouted the Italian, &quot;the real right will
+still find its protection in the world, and when I see you thus before
+me, in all the magic of your charms, I long to press you to my heart
+and to rejoice in my beautiful possession; my blood surges up within
+me, like the fire-spring of Salfatora. I am no Don Juan who breaks at
+night into the sanctuary of the house, I am no adulterer, no seducer; I
+am the husband, and that word is like a king's crown and sceptre,
+before which all the nation bows. The law would drive you into my arms
+with rods, if you refuse, because to me is given power over you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Away, do not touch me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if I do? I am safe from your cries for help!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That you are not,&quot; cried Giulia in supreme excitement, &quot;not even if I
+must let my shame resound through the house with the alarm bell! Rather
+than rest in your arms, rather than follow you and obey that vile
+control which your right and will exercise, rather would I fall crushed
+upon my knees before every one, confess the incredible, pray for mercy,
+and then seek and find death. You know me! I dare do much, I dare do
+what is unheard of! With bold hand I will rob myself of my own
+happiness. He who dares that is prepared for all! Beside the summit
+there is an abyss and no other path--least of all no other path in
+common with you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia's wild determination made an impression upon Baluzzi; he knew
+those convulsively closed lips, those knitted eyebrows, those rigid
+glances; he knew that at such moments she was capable of extremities.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What, then, was left to him? The sensation of gratified revenge, a mere
+shadow of recollection--but not the bliss of the rack, and what his
+passion, his avarice, might perhaps still expect of the future, would
+then be buried for evermore.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He stopped, and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then, as Giulia rose from her knees in haughty anger, the light of the
+lamp swept across her head-dress, so that the diamonds flashed and
+quivered, and a dream-like firework of precious stones seemed to
+scintillate upon her head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian was suddenly dazzled and enraptured with the ornament which
+he had, indeed, perceived immediately upon his entrance, but which he
+had not estimated at its full value.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His eyes wandered from the coronet to the strings of pearls, down to
+the bracelets; they passed on to the open jewel casket on the table
+whence a brilliancy betokening great promise shone in the dim light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia followed his gaze, his expression had entirely changed: the glow
+of passion, the madness of revenge had given place to mute greed, to
+avarice, that sought gratification, not from the animate, but the
+inanimate objects. As if spell-bound his glance hung upon the
+brilliants. A considerable pause ensued, Giulia imbibed new courage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are not poor,&quot; said Baluzzi, suddenly, &quot;is that your own?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My wedding present,&quot; replied Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;All this--and those precious stones, too? Show me the coronet!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia removed it. Baluzzi seized a candle which stood upon the table
+beside him and illuminated the glittering stones. He drank in their
+radiance as he slowly examined them. Then, as if making some
+calculation, moved his lips; every one of these stones became changed
+into a sparkling number, and dazzling as if in a Bengal light, a noble
+sum flashed before him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You see,&quot; said Giulia, who had grasped the sudden change equally
+quickly, &quot;Blanden is liberal, and although I may earn nothing more
+myself, his gifts will render it possible for me, even, if not to the
+same extent as formerly, still to remember you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you think so?&quot; said Baluzzi, as he looked at her with widely opened
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And although I have retired from the stage, I will save for you just
+the same, only do not demand impossibilities, take the circumstances
+into consideration; less than formerly can I only call my own, dispose
+of less, but, otherwise, things shall be as they were.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Less? You are very modest! When did you ever have such beautiful
+ornaments before?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They are the Blandens' family jewels, they do not belong to me! They
+are only lent to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Lent? You told me yourself that he had given them to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For my life-time, perhaps! Such heirlooms revert to the family. I look
+upon them as a property entrusted to my keeping.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Give me the ornaments,&quot; cried Baluzzi, taking hold quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Impossible,&quot; replied Giulia, paling. &quot;They are my wedding jewels for
+tomorrow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Haha,&quot; laughed Baluzzi. &quot;And you do not fear that these sparkling
+stones should scorch your hair, or change themselves into little
+snakes, such as play around the heads of the Furies? I have a great
+undertaking in prospect, besides, I have much money to pay in Russia. I
+offer you the choice: give me the diadem or I remain. I shall expose
+you before all the world, and assert my rights.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia looked once more imploringly at him. Her eye dropped. She was
+weary of the endless torture.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Cease! I beseech you, Baluzzi! What shall I say? How excuse myself?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Invent a robber. You are inventive enough. A lie, more or less, cannot
+matter to you, and this is not the worst,&quot; added he, scornfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, this torture, this humiliation! Am I not a cowardly woman? Where
+is my pride, where is my strength? Have you not appeared as one come to
+warn me, to call to me, 'So far, and no farther! Cease, cease from your
+reckless game!' And I have not courage to resign, standing before
+supreme happiness, not the courage of truth, not the courage to speak
+one single word, to avoid an act of infamous sacrilege! Unworthy
+struggling, and cheating! That is the greatest humiliation. In open
+confession, in the lowest abnegation, before universal repudiation,
+there would still be sublimity! A voice would cry to me, 'You have done
+rightly,' and above my head I should hear the fluttering of the wings
+of my life's good genii who have long since forsaken me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seemed to be speaking to herself! Eagerly Baluzzi awaited the
+decisive result of this monologue, at the same time with his eyes
+devouring the diamonds in Giulia's hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot,&quot; cried she suddenly, striking her brow with her clenched
+hand. &quot;I am too weak, too powerless! Duty's command appears like a
+horrible spectre that gives me up to boundless misery, while under the
+spell of criminal silence an ardently longed-for happiness beckons to
+me. Pity, pity!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She cried to Heaven for it with clasped hands; Baluzzi answered, as
+though she had spoken to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;None of that! The diamonds! It is my last word!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And the price--your everlasting silence!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Everlasting? Oh, no! That would be a bad bargain! But, by my honour,
+for a year, if I live so long, I will not remind you. I will be
+silent.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A very sword above my head! And yet a year's felicity! How much
+happiness does not even a moment contain! Who can destroy what once was
+ours? And what once it has bought from hell can never be reclaimed! And
+yet--how my heart will beat at every step, at every rustle or rattle of
+the leaves. No, no, everlasting silence--and the jewels are yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A year--give them, give them, senseless woman!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He grasped the diamond circle and wrenched it from Giulia's hands after
+a short indifferent resistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then farewell, complete your crime! A year--but pray for my life! For
+I have sworn before I die to be revenged upon you! I leave no other
+will, save my curse, which shall be upon you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With these words, and still holding the sparkling ornament high in the
+air, he disappeared behind the mirror-door, which he pushed back again
+into the framework of the wall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia sank upon a seat. She extinguished the lamp and candles.
+Sleepless, dreamless, she gazed fixedly through the windows into the
+night. The moon had set. The grey dawn did her good. Everything faded
+into uncertainty. A cradle song passed through her mind! How terrible
+the rising day which gave distinct form again to everything which
+erected the implacable barriers of life!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And on it came with its increasing light, and tinged the tops of the
+trees. When Beate entered Giulia was still sitting motionlessly in her
+evening robe in the easy chair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On descending the winding staircase Baluzzi found Kätchen sitting upon
+the first steps of the subterranean passage beside the dark lantern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Impatient she had certainly become, and had even crept up the stairs.
+She had listened, but understood nothing, for Baluzzi and Giulia spoke
+in Italian.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In her hand she held something that fluttered and flapped strangely. It
+was a bat which had whirled around her lantern, and threatened to
+entangle itself in her hair. When she perceived Baluzzi she started up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, and she?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She will remain this time,&quot; said the Italian. &quot;She has bought herself
+off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He showed the magnificent diamonds, but they made no impression upon
+the girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bought herself off?&quot; said she, as she raised the lantern, let the bat
+fly away, and stared at Baluzzi in idiotic amazement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She scrambled down a few steps through the rubbish in the subterranean
+passage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Kätchen stopped suddenly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And the marriage will still take place to-morrow?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Most wonderful!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is she not your wife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So the legend says, my child!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On they clambered over the rubbish. Bats whirred round the lantern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To-morrow I must go to the district town,&quot; said Baluzzi.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Leave me here, to-morrow. I will dance in the barn with the peasants
+at the wedding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian gave his consent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They rested themselves in the old watch tower, before commencing the
+still more toilsome path through the narrow passage to the shore of the
+lake.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you could not, would not prevent it. I thought we should drag her
+with us, perhaps, still in her beautiful clothes, in her satin shoes
+over the sharp stones, so that the blood would flow over her delicate
+little feet! Why, you said you would torture her, bind her firmly if
+she resisted, oh, I had bandages ready that she could not have torn. We
+should have stowed her away in the boat like a little mass of misery
+and had she become unruly, I might have struck her with a dripping oar.
+You said this, and what have you done? Nothing--she will be happy, the
+proud creature--and he, he!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come before dawn breaks,&quot; said Baluzzi, urging her to start.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must think it over,&quot; Kätchen muttered to herself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A gust of wind sweeping through the loopholes of the Dantziger,
+extinguished the lantern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Follow me,&quot; said Kätchen, &quot;I have cat's eyes, and can see in the dark.
+Here is the passage to the shore. Stoop, you know it is low, but we can
+feel and grope our way through.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Horrible darkness, <i>corpo di bacco</i>,&quot; muttered Baluzzi, while he
+measured the height of the grotto passage with one hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To-morrow it will be brighter here,&quot; Kätchen hummed, &quot;but come on,
+thorns and thistles will not sting you now. I have beheaded and cut
+them down, I understand how to clear things away, away with the weeds!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_10" href="#div1_10">THE WEDDING DAY.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Brightly dawned the day, but the morning sun disappeared early beneath
+the glowing clouds, with which the whole sky was soon overcast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A cold, feeble rain pattered down; a few wedding guests ventured into
+the park, but the chilly disagreeable weather soon drove them back.
+Blanden was busied with arrangements in the Castle; this time his
+master of the kitchen and cellar had not been granted leave of absence;
+he had to show the wonders of the Castle to Olga, his stately mistress.
+Dr. Kuhl was only allowed to devote himself to the nymphs of the lake.
+Cäcilie looked strictly after him, lest he wished to lay his homage at
+the feet of the Castle fairies. There were the most charming little
+town girls present, whom such a Don Juan by profession could wind up
+like a watch, so that their hearts ticked in a race with the throbs of
+his. Iduna, the late head scholar, was there, a fresh child of Nature
+with developed appreciation of manly beauty. Her first love had been an
+unhappy one, but with that elixir within her, she saw a Doctor Sperner
+in every man. She had cast an eye upon Kuhl, and was little gratified
+that Salomon became her cicerone, exhibiting all the apartments of the
+Castle full of historical associations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In this dining-hall, my Fräulein, certainly no one ever danced before,
+but you must not think that everything was conducted in a very holy
+manner. Yes, at the time of Winrich of Kniprode, these gentlemen had to
+be called to order. There were Grand Masters at the Marienburg, whose
+glance extended to the remotest corners of the land. But later ensued a
+period of decay. They certainly still sometimes fought bravely, it
+was their trade, and it was immaterial to them whether they held a
+prayer-book or a sword in their hands--they understood their letters
+very well, and scratched whole alphabets into their enemies' faces. I
+assume that this Castle has also often been besieged by the Poles--from
+the Dantziger there the knights no doubt have triumphantly repelled the
+attack of the others; courage upon the whole, my Fräulein, is a very
+ordinary virtue practised partly at the word of command, partly under
+compulsion. I do not think much of it. All the world is brave, even the
+oxen in the meadows, which stand before their enemies and rush at one
+another with their horns.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I should think,&quot; said Iduna, before whose mind stood Theodor
+Körner's picture in all its glory, &quot;it is one of the noblest virtues,
+the fruit of glorious enthusiasm,&quot; and she added a few passages, which
+she had retained in her memory from her most successful theme upon the
+Lieutenant of Hussars.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Enthusiasm is all very fine,&quot; said Salomon, &quot;but who has time for it
+before a battle! Men must clean their weapons, count their cartridges,
+eat a morsel of commissariat bread. I speak of to-day, because the
+Knights of the Order did not know that nutritious food, and when once
+the troops start, they must listen exactly to the commander's order,
+march, halt, load, fire! Enthusiasm--it is only to be found amongst
+warlike poets. In battle people are as excited as in a boxing match;
+they hit out on all sides, they know it is a matter of life or death,
+they may lose their collars, they see nothing, think nothing, only try
+to save their own skins. There is nothing more stupid than a soldier in
+a battle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You describe it so vividly,&quot; said Iduna, &quot;that one might believe you
+had been present yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not at a battle, but often at a fight. Besides, where is there any
+battle now? We live in everlasting peace. No, no my Fräulein! I have
+merely cast a few glances into the human mind, and if one will discover
+the truth, one must always assume the contrary of that which poetry
+asserts. Poetry is merely a beautiful falsehood. But, as I said, the
+brethren of the Order might be brave even at the time of their decay,
+but they led a merry life; I wager that they drank as bravely in this
+dining-hall, as at any drinking party of Lithuanians or Masurens, and
+that the gaily painted Madonna, with her radiant colours in the window
+panes, was not the only representative of womanhood, but that also many
+a high born knight's young lady--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, never, Herr Salomon,&quot; said Iduna, promptly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The youth was about to spare the maiden's blushes by passing suddenly
+to the event of the day, when the other ladies and girls declared that
+it was time to dress, and Iduna was not sorry to leave the highly
+educated student, who shed the radiance of enlightened human
+understanding into every corner, in which any illusion still lingered
+fondly. He knew that few, like himself, stood upon the height of
+nineteenth century reason.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Beate would not be debarred from dressing her friend for the ceremony.
+She looked beautiful in her veil and white satin robe, but was ghastly
+pale. Beate advised her to have recourse to artificial aid, but Giulia
+very decidedly rejected every reminiscence of her past.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There she appeared, really like a marble bride; on beholding her, Kuhl
+remembered how he had once called her so, when Blanden told him of his
+adventures on the Lago Maggiore. At first sight her beauty gave an
+impression of pride and coldness, but any one looking more closely
+recognised the softening influence of internal suffering which
+overshadowed her features.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were a handsome pair; there was no dissentient voice in the
+unenvious assembly. Blanden had quite recovered from his duel, he
+looked noble and grand, the dreaminess in his features possessed a
+charm of its own, such gentleness, such benignity lay in it, and when
+he opened his eyes widely they told of superior intellectual spirit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All the ladies appeared in brilliant toilets; both the brides elect,
+Cäcilie and Olga, with Beate, were the bridesmaids. The unheard of
+event that Dr. Kuhl had donned a frockcoat, betokened that Cäcilie had
+already made progress in taming the rebel. As for him, he contemplated
+himself in the pier-glasses, shrugging his shoulders and saying to
+Wegen he felt like a bear at a fair, whom the bear-leader had dressed
+up in a red jacket; however, he must perform his antics and dance to
+the drum. And so saying, he stretched about and strained his Herculean
+arms in the unwontedly fine material.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The procession was arranged and moved through the dining-hall into the
+festively decorated and flower bedecked chapel. There, behind the
+altar, upon which Giulia had once placed an enchanted souvenir, stood
+the minister. She thought of the two Italian island churches, of the
+one in which she had stood before the altar as to-day; in the other
+where she had confessed to a forbidden love, and before the sacred word
+and sacred act she was overcome with a full consciousness of her sinful
+temerity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As in a vision, her whole life passed before her, she did not listen to
+the words of the Bible. The &quot;Yes&quot; in the church of San Giulio rang in
+her ears--the echo of the chapel seemed to strengthen it--at first it
+sounded like the crash of scorn, and still louder, more grave, more
+solemn, the thunder of the judgment day--her knees tottered. Everything
+was bathed in dreamy light--she was herself, and yet was not--she was
+there and here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Did not the lake of Orta roar outside?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No, it was the storm which had risen, sweeping through the tops of the
+pines, and stirring up the waves of the northern water mirror.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Fancy often erects a bridge of dreams from one summit of life to
+another, and deep below in oblivion lie all its other paths.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia was absorbed in a vision, in a self-delusion; the pictures of
+the past and present became mixed up, but the confusion was agonising;
+her hand trembled in Blanden's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the rings were exchanged, Giulia looked into his luminous eyes, he
+bent over her with an expression of most ardent love. The shadows
+disappeared, she felt the full consciousness of the bliss of the
+present, and in a voice not trembling with anguish of conscience, but
+with all the warmth of intense devotion, she spoke the word of consent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Blanden led her to dinner he asked about the diadem; he had hoped
+that she would adorn herself with it on that day--when again should so
+good an opportunity be offered of letting the proud family heritage of
+the Blandens' shine in all its glory? And when it shone above the
+flowing bridal veil, the sanction of the family, the blessing of the
+long row of female ancestors, of that house would at the same time rest
+upon the brow of her who entered that line: she was received into the
+sanctuary of the noble women who for centuries had held their sway over
+this home. Giulia blushed deeply, and with deceitful words pleaded
+modesty and humility as her excuse, but Blanden felt that he was
+rebuffed, painfully disappointed that she had scorned to adorn herself
+with his costly gift; it was like a note of discord in the harmony of
+the entertainment, and he could not suppress a sensation of anxious
+misgiving.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The grand wedding dinner passed off very cheerfully. Giulia possessed
+the lightheadedness of an actress; in glad emotions she forgot
+everything which at other times might depress her, she imbibed
+forgetfulness and courage with the sparkling froth of the champagne.
+Then, when her countenance brightened, a slight colour suffused it as
+she smiled and joked, and gave herself up to a genial actress' mood,
+which owes its birth to a rich treasury of recollections; then only her
+beauty, which until now had but inspired cold admiration, warmed all
+hearts, and Blanden was deemed fortunate to have won so beautiful a
+wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no lack of toasts and verses. Schöner made use of a few ideas
+which he had once mustered in Neukuhren at Eva's betrothal. A true poet
+always goes economically to work, because when once he has stamped an
+idea with the immortal impress of his genius, it must not be lost
+again, and it would be most blameworthy even to make a feeble copy.
+Salomon retired to the domain of satire, he compared the new Knights of
+St. John with those of the old Order, and ridiculed the celibacy of the
+latter in verses imitative of Heine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Dr. Kuhl, it is true, proposed no toasts, but he was in a wild mood,
+which inspired his betrothed with some slight alarm, he spoke of his
+gallows-wit, and said he had courage to mention the rope, even in the
+house of a man who had been hanged; he was enjoying himself immensely
+at the wedding, but this fact did not upset his theories that marriage
+festivities were a public nuisance; however, as he had at last lost all
+his characteristics and fallen a victim to his own good nature, and
+another person's amiability, well, he could not help it; he, too, must
+let himself be married, but he should only permit two witnesses,
+selected from the midst of the sovereign people, to be present, who
+afterwards would disappear in the night of that plebeian universality
+where all cows are black; his marriage dinner he and Cäcilie should eat
+alone, or at the utmost invite his Caro who, on that day, should
+receive a specially good dish of meat and bones. Well, he had somehow
+got into the good-for-nothing frock-coat, and he only wished that all
+the seams would burst. The whole life of perishing humanity consisted
+in most abject concessions; he, too, now moved on that degrading
+course, and had already fallen far from that height upon which he had
+formerly stood in proud self-glorification, and he looked upon himself
+as an apostate, and with his better self, which still occasionally rose
+from out the slough, he looked upon his present self, planted up to its
+neck in a bog of social prejudices, with an indescribable feeling of
+pity and contempt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thank God,&quot; said Wegen to Olga, &quot;that you have not fallen into the
+hands of this wicked hector, who seems to look upon his engagement as
+an act of suicide. How differently I appreciate you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Smiling meaningly, Olga pressed her lover's hand, but Kuhl had
+overheard the last words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dear friend and brother-in-law,&quot; said he, &quot;I herewith pronounce
+you to be the greatest hypocrite at this round table. The theory of
+common love, for which the century is not yet ripe, permits many
+variations--and one of these variations you have performed, and all the
+world performs them with us. Enter upon an engagement to-day, give it
+up soon, and a week or so later fall in love and engage yourself again,
+and you are one of the most moral citizens in the world, and no one
+will assail your good name. But, if only you feel that affection a week
+sooner, before the old one is given up, then you are a Don Juan.
+Everything then depends upon time, just as in hiring anything, a week
+constitutes the whole difference between virtue and vice. Well, if we
+have not sinned, dear brother-in-law <i>in spe</i>, at least we have nothing
+with which to reproach ourselves! I have loved two sisters, but so have
+you also--your good health, my friend!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wegen coloured at this address, which, to him, appeared intensely
+heartless. Olga laughed, but Cäcilie had long since compressed her lips
+and prepared herself for an armed reprimand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The clergyman opposite, an enlightened man, had listened to Kuhl's
+defiant speech with a smiling countenance. He quietly took part in the
+conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The affections of the human heart are very peculiar, and who, indeed,
+excepting the Lord, who searches heart and mind, can say that he has
+fathomed that organ? Such affection may be transient or deep, yet it
+seems to me that it, too, is subject to mutability and change. But this
+free-booter's love must cease at that point where human society rises
+unanimously, striving to attain its grandest ends. We will grant dual
+love to Herr Dr. Kuhl. Let every one manage it as best he can. I know,
+indeed, that the heart, like the ocean, can have but one ebb and flow,
+and that this tide is only produced by the mysterious attraction of
+one orb, not merely in regular course--as is the case with the ocean
+tide--but also in wild passionate upheavings, as in that of the glowing
+liquid emotion of the earth, the earthquake, which clever men also
+ascribe to the influence of the moon's powers of attraction; but
+although dual love may be a whim of the heart, bigamy is very
+different.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Blanden was talking to her at the moment, Giulia became
+attentive, and listened eagerly to the words of her other neighbour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bigamy,&quot; said the clergyman, &quot;is a mockery of the ordinances which
+Church and State have laid down for the support of society, and the
+purity and security of families; hence the severe punishment which has
+always been decreed to that crime. It may appear too severe to those
+who are free spirits to such an extent, as also in this case only to
+perceive the maintenance of immaterial forms, but whosoever tries to
+shake them tries to shake the bases of society.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia's heart beat more quickly. The cheering influence of the
+champagne had lost its power, gloomy clouds overspread her brow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have,&quot; said the clergyman, &quot;only lately had such a case in our
+village. A depraved woman, who came from the other side of the Polish
+frontier, had a legal husband there; here, however, she commenced a
+fresh love affair, and was married again. The matter came to light, and
+the woman who had taken the payment of the double marriage expenses
+very lightly, was sentenced to several years' imprisonment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia became pale, the champagne glass fell from her hand, and was
+dashed to pieces on the table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was startled. He had not listened to the clergyman's discourse,
+having been talking very animatedly himself to Giulia, but what he said
+to her was pleasant, bright and cheerful--what had come to her?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was abstracted, and awkward; forgive me!&quot; said she, in an unsteady
+voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is possible,&quot; Dr. Kuhl's powerful voice sounded across the table,
+&quot;that by bigamy people may wish to live in clover, but that does not
+prevent a man wasting his substance in dual love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden now noticed the subject under discussion. He became depressed
+and thoughtful, and did not know why. What could have agitated Giulia
+so much? Was her heart not quite free?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They rose from the table in good spirits. Evening was already closing
+in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On that day, too, Blanden showed his usual care for the amusement of
+his dependents by going into the great barn at the farm, where the
+floor had been swept and garnished for a dance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The village band had already commenced its noisy tum-tum, beer flowed
+from the mighty barrels which Olkewicz had sent there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Red lamps illumined the place with a festive light. The couples whirled
+round in merry dance. A joyous hurrah greeted the master, who
+immediately led his young wife amongst the groups of glad people. She
+was obliged to open a dance with Olkewicz, and never in his life did
+the worthy steward experience greater pride than when footing it with
+the princess out of the fairy lake, the vision of a former occasion, in
+a place where he usually commanded the united threshing flails of the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Giulia had to dance with the young people also. There were Poles
+from beyond the frontiers; one a fine lad, in a laced jacket, knelt
+down before Giulia, after the dance, and begged her to allow him to
+take off her shoe, according to Polish custom, so as to drink her
+health. Resistance was in vain, and the princess of Lago Maggiore had
+as little cause as Cinderella to conceal her shoe and feet from the
+world. The lad filled the slipper with brandy, and gave one lusty cheer
+for the lady of the manor, while vowing himself to her service for
+evermore. The fiddlers struck up a furious tune, with them the two
+horns in the village band, and the night-watchman's horn, too-tooed
+joyously. Great was the gladness of the people, and Giulia moved like a
+strange fairy indeed amongst the women and girls of the village, mostly
+lacking any beauty. The master himself went about from one to another,
+talked to the tenants, shook hands pleasantly with those peasants, who,
+according to old privileges, farmed their own acres, here and there
+caught a better-looking maiden under her chin, and said a kindly word
+to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then, suddenly, from behind a pear tree, as if out of a hiding place,
+two glaring eyes stared at him; they were Kätchen's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In his pleasantly excited mood he hardly remembered their last weird
+meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What in the world brings you here?&quot; asked he.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She did not answer for some time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you become dumb again?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now Kätchen wriggled out from behind the wooden monster, and stood on
+the bench beside it. She pointed to Giulia with outstretched arms, and
+said, &quot;Must I take part in your wedding after all? Marriage on land and
+sea! Hurrah!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And, like a mad woman, she jumped down, mingled alone in the confusion
+of the dancers with wild gnome-like bounds, until a little crooked
+fellow, who could find no partner, took pity on her and twirled her
+round in the ring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Kätchen disappeared into the night outside; meanwhile the other
+ladies and gentlemen had also descended to watch the people's
+enjoyment. One after another Kuhl selected a conspicuously good-looking
+or ugly partner and bore her in breathless fury over the threshing
+floor, so that the fleetest youths were obliged to acknowledge his
+superiority in the wild dance. The heated fair did not know what
+happened to them, and marvelled how a townsman, who had never threshed,
+could have such powerful arms. After this furious round dance Kuhl
+ascended a tub, imposed silence, and made an impromptu speech to these
+worthy Masurens, which was frequently interrupted by loud cheers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The park was illuminated in a dazzlingly brilliant effulgence. Blanden
+led Giulia on his arm, and the other guests followed along the paths.
+The flames displayed letters upon the velvet sward; here was read, in
+quivering, glowing characters, &quot;Lago Maggiore,&quot; there the name
+&quot;Giulia.&quot; The Chinese pavilion on the island in the lake, and the
+bridge leading to it shone in the gayest reflection of lights. In the
+hot-houses a splendid group of southern plants, laurels, and myrtles,
+under the feathery shelter of a pine, gleamed in the radiance of
+coloured lamps, but most beautiful of all was a red fir outside, decked
+with ribbons and flags, and when the guests came up to it they were
+magically illuminated with a flaming red light. Giulia squeezed
+Blanden's hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sky had become clear, and when gorgeous fireworks were let off upon
+the lake the rockets ascended to the stars, and the bude lights and
+Catherine wheels crackled above the moonlit waves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the party assembled again in the dining-hall, but the bridal
+couple retired from the scene. Dancing and cards were still kept up for
+long. Wegen arranged everything admirably. Kuhl was in an excellent
+humour, and only by degrees one member after another left the happy
+circle and sought repose. Silence reigned in the old Castle, only the
+flag upon the tower fluttered in the night wind that had risen from the
+lake, and lashed the waves higher and higher; still could be heard glad
+sounds of the drinkers and dancers from the threshing barn of the farm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A quiet ray of light fell from Giulia's windows, intercepted by the
+large fir as it bent its heavy hanging boughs watchfully over them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All the lights were extinguished in the park. Only between the gaps in
+the walled-passage between the Dantziger and the Castle a stray one
+seemed to quiver.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not out of the deep-blue atmosphere of Italy did the stars look down
+upon this night; from a paler sky shone a paler light! Not the glorious
+Lago, with its enchanted isles and boundary Alps, rocked all into sweet
+dreams--it was a sober tide which here surged upon the strand; a tide,
+whose waves have nothing to tell, whose monotonous play only reflect
+the infinite wearisomeness of a lifeless landscape.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet--it was she herself, in all her beauty, the princess of those
+days, and it matters not out of what sea Venus rises, she brings Heaven
+with her all the same.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the happiness that once the red fir looked down upon, over which
+the pine spread its loving fans, was ephemeral, grasped from the
+moment, forfeited to the moment. How different Blanden felt; was
+happiness secured in his own home, under the protection of his old
+household gods? thither he had transplanted the roguish smiling
+wanderer, where, although deprived of its fluttering wings, it found an
+abiding place by the family hearth without losing its enchanting smile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus he thought and felt; he did not inhale momentary intoxication from
+Giulia's lips, but the inauguration of a whole life. She, on the
+contrary, rejected every thought of the past, of the future. With
+intentional obliviousness she gave herself up to the present.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What sacrifice had she made, what sacrilege committed to be once more
+with him, whom alone she loved. She contemplated his noble gentle
+features with speechless happiness, in his great, widely-opened eyes
+she read the same passion which animated her, only with fleeting
+thoughts that swept through her mind as flashes of lightning illumine a
+weird gloomy spot, dared she think of anything beyond.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She closed her eyes, she did not venture to look at the mirror. If it
+were to move again; if Baluzzi were to step forth, her bridal coronet
+in his hand; if Blanden learned the truth, thrust her from him as a
+deceiver; if a curse were hurled upon her from the bosom that still
+often breathed uneasily in consequence of the wound which he had
+received for her sake--it was impossible to complete the thought. She
+covered her face with her hands. Outside the needles of the fir
+crackled in the wind, and swept the window. She sank into a light
+state of semi-somnolence, and she heard the branches crack still more
+loudly--what a violent storm! It was as though it drove dust and wind
+into her eyes, and deprived her of breath. With that volition, which
+does not quite disappear in sleep, she raised herself slowly, and
+simultaneously Blanden started up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What had happened? Were they dreaming? But those were no mists and
+clouds of dreamland, it was smoke and fire that surrounded them. They
+sprang up and rushed to the window! At the same moment the giant fir
+outside caught fire. The flames blazed and hissed as they rose, and
+upon its wide arms the tree bore the fire across to the other side of
+the Castle roof, away over the apartments in which were the wedded
+pair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia's terrified cry for help pierced the night. Blanden remembered
+the stairs and the secret passage. He pushed the mirror-door aside, but
+an ocean of flame met his gaze; hence came the fire. He rushed to the
+other side, drawing Giulia after him by her arm with all his might. The
+first room, also the second, in which Beate had slept on the previous
+night, were still free, the flames had passed over them, but farther on
+again the branches of the fir had shaken down the sparks. The staircase
+could not be reached, door and wainscot stood in a blaze. &quot;Lost!&quot; cried
+Giulia, sinking down with a loud cry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden shouted once more from the window. In mortal fear he listened
+for any token of life outside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Where were the watchmen? Doubtlessly at the dance in the barn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last--a sound of voices--they came nearer--it was high time! but how
+escape?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ladders, ladders here!&quot; rang a mighty cry without, it filled Blanden's
+bosom with renewed confidence; it was Kuhl's voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd seemed to rush helplessly in noisy confusion through the
+park. Olkewicz called for the fire engines.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where are the ladders?&quot; roared Kuhl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden's position became more imminent every moment, the flames
+already darted through the clattering mirror door, caught the curtains,
+and the canopy of the bed rattled down over the broken posts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A moment more--and the flames, which sent a stifling vapour in advance,
+had overtaken the other chambers, wherein Blanden supported the
+unconscious Giulia in his arms. With a fearful effort, he dragged her
+to the window to breathe fresh air, for her strength was beginning to
+fail.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside powerless lamentations and cries for help, futile swearing and
+cursing by the steward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But no! The ladder of salvation was brought and placed against the
+window.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the midst of the sparks which the burning roof showered upon them,
+beneath a down-pour of bricks and stones that rattled to the ground
+with the rapidity of fire itself, Dr. Kuhl sprang up the ladder,
+received Giulia into his strong arms, and bore her down again as
+easily, firmly, and unfalteringly as if he were walking down a marble
+staircase.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden, whose hair was already singed, followed their preserver.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A thundering cry of joy greeted him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All had become animated in the other wing of the Castle, which the
+guests occupied, and who had hastened down, the ladies in cloaks which
+they had thrown hastily over their night robes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The first fire engine arrived, conducted by Wegen on horseback. The
+fiery red of the sky must have aroused the neighbouring villages,
+whither eager messengers had been despatched.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With deep emotion, Blanden gazed upon the increasing blaze, which
+threatened to reduce the old inheritance of his family to ashes;
+already the forked tongues of the flames lashed the tower, they boded
+ill for the dining-hall and chapel. All exertions were now directed to
+save the centre of the Castle, the actual Ordensburg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Certainly the fire could effect nothing upon those mighty walls, but as
+the flames swept in wild haste over the roofs, the falling, burning
+rafters from above might ignite the doors and panels of the beautiful,
+well-preserved Castle apartments of the oldest portion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile engine after engine arrived, the whole district was alarmed,
+the Castle tower of Kulmitten shone like a flaming beacon, but still
+more did love for the noble master speed the help that was hurrying to
+his home. Some of the engines were stationed on the other side of the
+Castle, some in the park meadows, executing their work of preservation
+with unflagging labour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was first here then there; Giulia had recovered, she stared
+senselessly into the flames. Had the flash of a tempest set the Castle
+on fire she would have been convinced that heaven's judgment had fallen
+upon her sin; that it would proclaim with burning tongues that which
+she concealed so anxiously, yet although she did not know the cause of
+the evil, she held the fire to be in some dark connection with her own
+fate, and sometimes, with a shudder, the thought passed through her
+mind that Baluzzi might be its author.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Despite all efforts of the numerous engines, and the helpful
+interference of the throng, the splendid dining-hall could not be
+saved. The flames had penetrated beyond the door, and consumed all
+inflammable-material which the room contained. Still more was Giulia
+terrified when the image of the Madonna and child fell half shattered
+from the niche in the main wall; she was the old patron saint of this
+Castle, did she flee from the sacrilege which had entered? Cautiously
+and courageously Blanden, Kuhl and Wegen led the party of firemen, but
+only towards morning did they become masters of the fire. The chapel
+was saved, and the burning tower, after it had done its duty as beacon,
+was extinguished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The new building, the other wing, remained entirely uninjured.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now, when only timid flames and clouds of smoke arose from the burning
+place, when the streams of water hissed more faintly over the smoking
+ruins, and the first rays of dawn gleamed in the east, Blanden and his
+friends gained time for calm reflection, which the ceaseless zeal of
+vigorous action had hitherto not permitted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">First the lord of the Castle mustered all its inhabitants, no one was
+missing; weeping Beate must be comforted, she had lost all her
+beautiful clothes, which had been left in the bedroom the day before.
+Blanden promised compensation. But then the eager question arose as to
+how the fire had originated? It had evidently broken out in that
+extreme wing, which was connected with the front tower by the
+subterranean passage, whence the secret stairs led upwards, but that
+was the very spot whither usually no human being penetrated. Who could
+have come there on that day? The subterranean passage had fallen in,
+the secret approach from the lake to the front tower was overgrown.
+Blanden knew that for many years, yes, all his life time, the medieval
+romantic nature of that spot had remained undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a throbbing heart, Giulia listened to these discussions. One knew
+that dark path, and had already traversed it. Verily he had deceived
+her, concealed his shameful intentions, too soon already completed the
+work of his promised revenge. It was Baluzzi, but where had he
+remained? Was he still tarrying in the vicinity? What disclosures
+menaced her? Not enough that he had laid the Castle, her new home, in
+dust and ruins, he would now direct the deadly arrow against herself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had relied upon his word, upon the word of a malicious <i>bravo</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In order entirely to extinguish the glowing cinders, the water streams
+were now all directed upon the spot where the fire had broken out; a
+few bold men, Kuhl at their head, ventured wherever a sudden flame
+could still dart out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia felt a vague dread of the researches, and yet nothing could be
+found there save dust and ashes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly Kuhl's cry was heard by the expectant crowd.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A corpse!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The cry, repeated more loudly, passed on to the very last person, all
+rushed nearer, in eager expectation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baluzzi!&quot; cried Giulia to herself, becoming pale, at that moment only
+a sensation of horror seized her. A half-charred, half-shattered corpse
+was carried towards them; the fact of its lying beneath the fallen
+rubbish of stones had preserved it from being completely burned. The
+half-consumed rags of garments showed that it was the corpse of a
+woman--of a girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden went closer; suddenly an idea flashed through him, all that
+could still be recognised as the remains of a human being confirmed his
+supposition. The incendiary was discovered, it could be none other than
+half-witted Kätchen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is the idiot girl who danced with deformed Pietrowicz yesterday!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pietrowicz came nearer and stared at the remains of his partner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A death-dance Pietrowicz! You never anticipated that! But from
+henceforth do not dream of ghosts!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pietrowicz stepped back as if struck, and crossed himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To set fire to places,&quot; added Blanden by way of explanation, &quot;is a
+mania of such half-witted beings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he told himself that this girl was not more mentally deranged than
+all who are animated with a blind, senseless passion; that she since
+that visit to her attic chamber, since he had rejected her insane
+offers of love, had brooded upon revenge against him, and had executed
+it on his wedding day. The mixture of love and hatred, he knew was not
+only peculiar to those whose minds are disordered, but in all moody,
+narrow ones it works like an accumulated combustible, which at the
+first shock explodes, scattering all into ruins.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I might be superstitious,&quot; thought he to himself, &quot;she always brings
+evil and ruin to that which I love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Giulia,&quot; then he cried suddenly, &quot;where are you, my sweet wife? You
+live, then is all well!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And he clasped her in his arms, while the morning sun rose glowingly
+red on the horizon above the smoking Castle ruins, the closely
+thronging crowd, and the corpse of halfwitted Kätchen, the water nymph,
+who had died in the fire.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_11" href="#div1_11">A LEGACY.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">The sight of the ruins, constantly before the eyes of the newly-married
+couple, must have given a bitter flavour to their honeymoon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet, Blanden was happier than he had ever been, in the possession,
+which he believed to be ensured, of a beloved wife. He gazed upon the
+Castle ruins, upon the ruins of his past, but in his Giulia's smile he
+saw the promise of an abiding, beautiful future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Ordensburg, the dining-hall, the Madonna's image, all should rise
+anew in the old form out of the rubbish. To attain this Blanden had
+sent for architects, who were well-known artists, to Kulmitten, so as
+to restore the building in accordance with the old foundations. Giulia
+took warm interest in all these plans, and often looked over Blanden's
+shoulder at the sketches of elevations over which he pored. Of course
+no art could compensate for the value of its historical age and
+associations, with the dining-hall the poetry of the olden days was
+destroyed, the new creation could but become a clever imitation.
+Several friends, especially Wegen and Olga, too, sometimes came to
+visit them, but the intercourse was not very lively, and Blanden wished
+to live alone with his love, and the object of that love. Often they
+sailed upon the lake or walked alone in the woods, upon the oak tree
+dykes, past the ponds filled with tall reeds; in that solitude which
+reminded her of primeval forests, Giulia forgot the world, the spell of
+her doom, the secret menaces of fate; and when Blanden's fowling piece
+brought down the water-fowl, and the broad belt of the fir forest sent
+back the echoes of the shot, Giulia felt as glad and as free as if she
+were living with a settler in the back woods, and as though prairie
+fires blazed between her and human society.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Owing to the fire and its mysterious cause, Kulmitten had fallen into
+still worse repute amongst the proprietors and their wives in the
+neighbourhood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There, we have it,&quot; said Frau Baronin Fuchs, to her husband, &quot;gorgeous
+fireworks for their wedding! It is lucky that the dead cannot speak;
+that poor burned child who was drawn out of the flames, and probably
+set the place on fire, doubtlessly omitted to protest, in time, against
+the banns, and thus, in her fashion, made up for it on the wedding day.
+Of course she was a forsaken lover! The one loses her life in water the
+other in fire! Who knows which elements, those who remain may select,
+for naturally they have not come to an end yet. There was so much
+love-making in that community that it would be a school for a whole
+life-time!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But not only to her husband, everywhere on the neighbouring estates,
+wherever her dapple-greys carried the clear-sighted Frau Baronin of
+firm morals, she uttered, with triumphant eloquence, her unpleasing
+belief in the just punishment that had befallen this knight of the
+rueful countenance. Outlaw and excommunication rested once again upon
+the master of those estates, and many crossed themselves when they
+spoke of the fire at Kulmitten Castle, of the ruins of the old nest of
+the Order, as the happy possessors of brand-new knightly castles
+contemptuously termed it, and of the Signora, who, out of the depths of
+the theatre, had risen to such a height, and whose family in the
+Apennines probably drove mules, or were even related to Fra Diavolo and
+other bandits of noble descent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day a young married couple were announced, Dr. Sperner and his
+wife. The principals of the school from the provincial capital, were
+making a tour of visits to the parents of their pupils, and hoping thus
+to obtain new ones. Dr. Sperner's moustache was a sign-board that did
+its duty. He still possessed the key to the mothers' hearts although it
+was now discreetly hidden by him in the key-basket of conjugal bliss.
+Lori had married soon after Blanden, whose conquest she had certainly
+only contemplated in daring dreams, was irretrievably lost. On that
+evening, in the theatre, on which the Doctor had distinguished himself
+by the active part he had taken in punishing the immoral <i>prima donna</i>,
+he had quite won Lori's heart; the schoolmistress' pride melted like
+snow in March, nothing remained but the little girl, who gladly gave
+herself into the strong man's keeping. There was an end of the
+commanding and dictating Fräulein. Lori stepped down from the lofty
+pedestal, upon which she had placed herself with such dignity, and
+acknowledged her master in him, who, shortly before, had declared
+himself to be her white slave. Now the plantation belonged to them
+both, and the world maintained that it was Lori who had become the
+white slave. Sperner possessed all the qualifications for a despot, and
+it was in vain that she prepared to defend herself against his vigorous
+energy with the pin-pricks of her wit. Yet she could still occasionally
+celebrate tiny triumphs with it when the Doctor, in one or the other of
+the classes, distinguished a few favourites according to his old bad
+custom. She was implacable towards these successors of Iduna. She took
+possession of their copy-books after her husband had already corrected
+them, and let her red pen run riot through their pages until they
+resembled a corn field overgrown with poppies. Then their domestic
+peace was seriously imperilled, and the first-class listening at the
+door, had the satisfaction of witnessing noisy scenes between the
+conductors of the establishment. How differently Fräulein Sohle had
+maintained discipline! Yes, even some lovely eyes peeping through the
+keyhole pretended to have seen how Dr. Sperner's moustache, the terror
+and glory of the school, played a suffering part in these disputes. At
+last, however, the Doctor gained his point, Lori was merely, by
+courtesy, the principal of the school.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although this couple's last kindly relation to Giulia had consisted in
+the homage which they paid to her talent in the theatre by hissing and
+whistling, it did not, in the least, prevent them paying a friendly
+visit to Herr and Frau von Blanden. Times change, and besides, in those
+days, they were a portion of the public, the most irresponsible
+creature that the world contains, because the individual disappears
+within it like a wave in the ocean, which none can make permanently
+stationary?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lori was most agreeable; she could not sufficiently regret that Frau
+von Blanden had said farewell to the stage. Since her retirement there
+had been a total lack of all real interest, and nothing was heard but
+commonplace ballad-singing for salaries and wages, without any of the
+divine spark.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sperner, too, kissed the lady's hand with the very lips which had
+given the signal whistle in the pit, and looked up at her with such
+true-hearted eyes that she could not but believe in his genuineness. He
+was one of those honest men whose frank manner, whose warm impulsive
+speeches inspire confidence at once, one of those men, with open hearts
+and open shirt collars, whose genuineness, as Kuhl said, is nothing but
+studied hypocrisy, while behind the mask of their honesty lurks the
+vilest deception.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden led his guests round the Castle and into the apartments of the
+old stronghold, which Lori surveyed with peculiar ill-nature. They
+ascended the tower, which had been temporarily restored. Yet the view
+over the wide woods to the limits of the estate, fading into the sky on
+the horizon, awoke a disagreeable emotion in Frau Sperner. She thought
+of her home, of the gravel walk, of the narrow cells in which she
+housed those entrusted to her care--how small, how miserable compared
+with such a magnificent possession; she thought of Dr. Sperner, who
+brought nothing to the union but his moustache, a box of clothes,
+another of books, and an undeniable talent as a dictatorial teacher in
+the school and conjugal lord, and a heavy shadow overclouded her life.
+Blanden stood transfigured before her like a being of a higher order.
+Giulia had remained behind in the chapel with the Doctor. Lori looked
+at Blanden with an expression, in which lay the pain of deceived
+affection, combined with one of sad resignation. But Blanden said,
+smilingly--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will surely call me to your assistance against the bold tutor, who
+took so much upon himself! Verily he has set a crown upon his boldness
+now, robbed you of heart and name, trodden Fräulein Baute's door plate
+in the dust, and upon the long suffering metal written the name of the
+wild man who was so dreadful. Can I help you, my Fräulein? Shall I call
+him out? I am ready as ever for knightly duty!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Laugh away, a knight may be needed at all times, and a man who is a
+savage does not at once become tame in marriage. Herr von Blanden, we
+may call ourselves teachers, but nevertheless we always remain pupils
+in life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was well that Giulia and Sperner appeared, or Lori would have fallen
+into Blanden's arms upon the Castle leads, if he had shown the least
+inclination to bear so precious a burden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At any rate Frau Sperner had the satisfaction of driving back to the
+town in Herr von Blanden's elegant carriage. Reclining in the soft
+cushions, drawn by the four high stepping horses, she could indulge in
+dreams of being the mistress and owner of this team! How contemptible
+the Doctor appeared at that moment; he possessed no carriages and
+horses, castles and villages, forests and meadows, and yet assumed a
+mien as if his frown were dreaded in a circumference of thirty square
+miles. And he was really living upon borrowed capital. That was all the
+grandeur!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With a sigh she leaned back in the cushions and closed her eyes, and in
+a half dream of delight she saw herself as Frau von Blanden with
+Sperner seated in his proper place, upon the box in a splendid livery,
+thrashing the horses and stroking his moustache.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A few days after this visit, Blanden had to cross the frontier to see a
+landowner in Russian Poland about agricultural matters and the new
+buildings, for which he hoped to find desirable materials. Giulia bade
+him a fond farewell, as though she had a presentiment that it would be
+farewell for a long, long time. The road from Kulmitten first led along
+a beautifully situated road on the estate, then between little lakes on
+either side; farther on, at several places, the traveller might easily
+imagine himself to be in Arabia Petræa, for the highway went past hills
+which had been strewn with a shower of stones. Here not a tree grew,
+not a shrub, it was a limitless waste. The horses, too, had difficulty
+in making their way through the stony <i>débris</i>, for Blanden had already
+to diverge from the main road, because his friend's estate was only
+accessible along by-ways. It was a toilsome drive, twilight overtook
+them before the frontier was reached. Meanwhile the landscape had again
+assumed a different character; the hills were covered with woods, and
+in the hollows between them small lakes which terminated in swamps. The
+carriage wheels often ran so closely to their edge that only the light
+of the carriage lamps and the driver's caution preserved them from some
+mishap. Some of these morasses were so deep that it would be fatal to
+sink into them. Suddenly the carriage dropped below into a copse
+dividing two lakes or swamps; a string of carts which had been driven
+up one behind another, and would not move on, blocked the road. The
+coachman became impatient, but he was bidden to wait; Blanden sprang
+out of the carriage and climbed up a little eminence close to the road,
+however, it was too dusk to be able to overlook the whole train. He saw
+a few dark figures moving about amongst the carts, and some of them
+were armed with guns.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last the cry &quot;Forward!&quot; resounded. The line of carts was set in
+motion, it was possible to proceed. Blanden had to act as rear-guard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus they went on for some time alternating from wooded hills to swampy
+vallies, then they stopped again, a post with the Russian colours
+showed that the frontier was reached. That &quot;halt!&quot; was not given in the
+loud voice of the &quot;forward,&quot; but in a whispered tone. Blanden became
+impatient, he knew already that he had fallen amidst a caravan of
+smugglers, which could only seek to cross the frontier on by-roads, in
+the dead of the night. Then suddenly the soundless silence was
+disturbed by noisy cries; shots and din of conflict followed, the
+horses in Blanden's carriage reared, the coachman could hardly keep
+them in hand. More shots. Cossacks on fleet horses dashed upon the
+foot-wide margin that separated the carts from a swamp on the right
+hand from a steep wooded hill on the left. They overpowered the drivers
+of the carts, bound them safely, and mounted the waggons themselves. A
+Cossack also seated himself beside Blanden's coachman, obliging him to
+deviate from his course and follow to the frontier station.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As they drove past the scene of conflict he saw that it had cost the
+lives of several victims; a wounded Cossack was lifted up and placed in
+one of the carts, two officials from the frontier searched a wildly
+overgrown bank running out into the swamp, evidently they expected to
+find a wounded smuggler there. As the road became wider, and passed
+through a plain of meadows, one cart was left behind to bring on a few
+more prisoners, and several Cossacks galloped back to catch some
+runaway smugglers. Clearly the attack on the column of carts had been
+unexpected and sudden, and doubtlessly its leader had formerly often
+succeeded in crossing the frontier unperceived by these remote roads.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden was supremely annoyed at this compulsory divergence; almost an
+hour elapsed before they reached the station, near which was an inn. He
+knew the inspector of the frontier personally, and also had papers with
+him fully proving his identity, and setting the matter beyond doubt
+that he was in nowise connected with the band of smugglers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Cossack upon the box, who had escorted him safely, took leave, and
+for his unwelcome trouble received a <i>trink-geld</i> that he accepted with
+eloquent gestures. It was too late at night to drive to his friend's
+estate, they had turned off in an exactly opposite direction. Blanden
+had the horses taken out, and resigned himself to the fate of spending
+the rest of the night in that miserable inn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Gradually the carts arrived with the Cossacks. Blanden had preceded
+them. The waggons contained jewellery, silks, and linen; he learned
+that a bold speculator, who accompanied the train himself, hoped to do
+a great stroke of business with it. He had not yet been caught. Blanden
+overheard all this in the inn parlour, when he walked impatiently up
+and down, waiting for the wretched meal which he had ordered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Outside there was incessant running to and fro; shouting, ordering,
+rolling of cartwheels, and stamping of horses, echoed through the
+night. A company of infantry had been summoned from the neighbouring
+town, because they had to deal with the most dangerous traders of the
+East Prussian forests, who thoroughly understood the little frontier
+struggles, and amongst whom were several reckless axe-bearers and
+dreaded shots.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was late when one more conveyance arrived, from out of which a
+groaning man was lifted; he had been found upon the bank in the swamps,
+where he had sought to conceal himself in the wild profusion of
+overgrowth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He will not live much longer,&quot; said the host, returning, after having
+gleaned the information outside, &quot;but, besides the room which I have
+given up to you, there is not an empty spot in the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will gladly resign it,&quot; replied Blanden. &quot;I shall not be able to
+sleep any more; put the unhappy man in my room.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Accompanied by two Cossacks, the wounded man was carried into the
+parlour where the landlord told him he could be accommodated in the
+upper room, which this gentleman had relinquished to him. Out of a
+cloak which concealed the rest of his face two great glowing eyes fixed
+themselves upon Blanden. A sudden quiver passed through the wounded
+man. He was carried out and up the stairs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who is the man?&quot; asked Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So far as I can hear,&quot; said the host, &quot;he is a dealer, who, in
+transporting his goods--whether from greediness and anxiety, whether
+from delight in such adventures--does not leave the matter to competent
+professional smugglers, but assumes the management himself. Certainly,
+this time it is a great expedition, which might have entirely provided
+a princely ball at Warsaw with jewels and silk. He has fared ill
+to-day! He defended himself and fired a revolver, but was mortally
+wounded.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The servant of the house then entered and begged Blanden to go to the
+wounded man, who urgently requested it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The poor man will not part from life without thanking me,&quot; said
+Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He went up the stairs and entered a room meagrely lighted with a feeble
+oil lamp. Against the wall stood a wretched bedstead, upon which lay a
+straw mattress. At the head of the bed sat a Cossack, his lance in his
+hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Make room, good fellow,&quot; said the wounded man's voice, &quot;let the
+gentleman come to me! You can stand on guard as well as sit. I am no
+longer dangerous.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had spoken Russian. The Cossack drew back while Blanden went up to
+the bed, but his sensation of pity suddenly gave place to one of
+astonishment, when, in the man doomed to die, he recognised the amber
+merchant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Signor Baluzzi!&quot; cried he shocked, for he suddenly recollected that
+this man stood in some mysterious relation to Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall soon be dead,&quot; said Baluzzi, while spasmodic gasps interrupted
+the words brought out with such difficulty. &quot;<i>Corpo di bacco!</i> I should
+not have believed that it would come so soon, but I feel it is to be,
+and the frontier official, who was a surgeon formerly, says so too.
+People follow many trades here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am sorry for you, Baluzzi! How could you enter upon so insane an
+undertaking?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Insane? <i>L'assicuro di no!</i> I have often had the most splendid
+success, but misfortune must befall all in time; you, too, Herr von
+Blanden, and I am glad, because I have the right to hate you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Italian's dim eyes gleamed, he clenched his hand convulsively, and
+then let it fall again upon the pillow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do these insinuations mean?--speak! If you have a secret to
+confide to me do not hesitate, for it might easily become too late.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A secret of a strange kind,&quot; said Baluzzi, as he tossed about and
+groaned. &quot;Haha, now it will come upon her, too. This bullet speeds
+beyond the frontier--and into her heart! I foretold it to her when she
+gave me up in her unworthy pride. I was too weak. I let myself be
+dazzled by the gold that she promised and gave me! But now it is all
+over, death is approaching, it needs no bribe. Now I will speak! That
+was the agreement. I shall hold firmly to it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You speak in riddles,&quot; said Blanden.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As she will no longer rest in my arms, neither shall she in yours,&quot;
+said the Italian. &quot;I shall assert my rights. I shall preserve them with
+my last breath, long as I may have denied them. That is worthy of a
+brave man. She is mine, and belongs to this death-bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of whom do you speak?&quot; cried Blanden, more astonished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of Giulia, your--mistress!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hah, you scoundrel,&quot; cried Blanden, &quot;I shall be forgetting that a
+dying man is before me, that these words are the unnecessary attacks of
+an expiring intellect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are mistaken,&quot; said Baluzzi, but pain compelled him to stop for a
+time and to speak more softly. &quot;I speak the truth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fool--united to me at the altar!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Null and invalid, null and invalid!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is there anything you wish, Baluzzi? I will gladly carry it out, but
+to listen longer to your wandering speech is impossible.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wandering speech! Haha--am I a madman? Do I tear off the bandage which
+the wretched surgeon, the old frontier official, put on? Do I grope in
+the air half unconsciously? No, my mind is clear, clear as yours,
+clearer, perhaps, at this moment. I can understand that the world
+begins to go round with you when I repeat that 'Giulia can only be
+your mistress, because she is--my wife!'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your wife, madman!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden shouted in a torrent of anger, then he shuddered. Various dark
+impressions, for which hitherto he could not account, swept suddenly
+over him, the possibility of what was incredible lay before him like a
+deep fearful abyss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She has deceived you, <i>carissimo</i>!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, then--then I should envy you the merciful bullet which struck you,
+envy you your approaching death,&quot; cried Blanden, beside himself, &quot;but
+it cannot be, Giulia could not thus deceive me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She wanted to belong to you for ever, and she did not mind a crime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She must have dreaded the disclosure every moment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There you have an ardent daughter of our country! She would be happy
+at any price.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You should have come forward long since, have opposed it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not do it. I was accustomed to turn away from her, to be silent.
+It was more advantageous for me! She paid well for my silence, but that
+she should treat me with contempt ate silently into my vitals, and I
+vowed to be avenged upon the overbearing woman as soon as the hour
+should have struck.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bach one of these replies, which Baluzzi gave in a low expiring voice,
+was a deathblow for Blanden. Not only could he not refute them, but
+they bore the impress of truth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dark recollection of the Lago Maggiore, of Giulia's agonised bursts
+of anguish, of the force of circumstances which she lamented, of
+Baluzzi's appearance on the shore of the lake, and at the gate of the
+villa, all returned overwhelmingly upon him. He had many times asked
+casual questions which she had always answered crossly and evasively,
+and only in order to avoid marring the peace of their honeymoon had he
+refrained from an enquiry which might easily be misinterpreted. With
+the keen sharpness of a knife this thought quivered through his brain,
+and a dread feeling of pain rent his heart, and yet with every excuse
+which his anxious reason could discover, he tried to stem the coming
+evil.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your wife, you say, your wife, but where were you married?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In the church of San Giulio, on the island, in the lake of Orta.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will assume that you are speaking the truth, assume it without
+believing it. But then she was your wife years ago. She is divorced.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our Church knows no divorce,&quot; murmured Baluzzi softly to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your laws--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not recognise it either!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, then, she has been divorced in some other country where it is
+permitted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have always remained a subject of Italy, and even here--I had
+grounds enough for a divorce--remember the villa at Stresa--but I would
+not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baluzzi made a sign of denial. He groaned, and pressed his hand upon
+his heart. He could not speak any more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Horrible,&quot; cried Blanden; then he began to perceive what Giulia's
+heart must have gone through in its passionate love for him--the
+unbounded deception became comprehensible. He could not but acknowledge
+to himself that he should never have made his, this vagrant's wife,
+even if she had been divorced. Giulia had told herself the same, and
+therefore concealed the past from him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But that he should realise the possibility, could realise it, seemed to
+him like inexpiable injustice to Giulia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The man, sick unto death, was a prey to wild delirium, but even through
+madness there runs one connecting thread, on which it hangs its
+pictures, and is often more sharp-sighted, more rational than sound
+sense.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A pause ensued. The Cossack, who was weary, began to whistle a song
+which is sung on the shores of the Don by the girls of his race.
+Baluzzi had somewhat recovered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You still doubt? Pray call in the officer of the frontier.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Under the impression that the Italian felt weak, and needed some
+surgical assistance, Blanden hastened down the stairs and returned with
+the chief guardian of the frontier. The latter felt Baluzzi's pulse,
+and shook his head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One favour! Show this gentleman what you found sewn up in my coat.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annoyed, but unwilling to refuse a dying man's entreaty, the officer,
+with an enquiring glance at Blanden, went into his office, and
+returned, bringing another Cossack with him as watchman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Out of a rough wooden box close at hand at the time, he took a
+sparkling diamond coronet. Even the Cossacks drew nearer with covetous
+glances.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Only one stone was wanting in the ornament. Blanden started back as if
+stung by an adder.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My, her diamonds! Our family jewels! Robber!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I a robber? Did she wear these diamonds on her wedding day? Did she
+complain that she had lost them? It is a gift that she gave to me--one
+of the many with which she bought my silence. I came to her on the
+evening before her wedding. Kätchen showed me the road through the
+tower and the subterranean passage, and cleared the way--poor child, it
+was there, too, that she died the following day in the fireworks, which
+she let off in honour of the bridal couple. These diamonds are my
+honestly gained property.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now Blanden said no more. Groping about blindly he sought an
+explanation, but all excuses were denied to him. Desperate, he buried
+his face in his hands, and stamped as if in an impotent rage with his
+fate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is dying,&quot; said the official, pointing at Baluzzi, whose features
+suddenly became overshadowed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But he raised himself once more with a powerful effort, and cried in a
+shrieking half-failing voice--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thrust her from you, the adulteress. Where am I? The brand upon her
+brow, the chains of the galley rattle about me--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if it were so,&quot; cried Blanden, &quot;the proofs are wanting. The secret
+goes with you to the grave. I alone have the right to punish her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are wrong,&quot; said Baluzzi, gathering up his strength once more.
+&quot;Revenge I have vowed to her, I keep my oath, the proofs are not here,
+not at hand, but they are in safe keeping. The accusation I carried for
+long, carefully sealed up in my breast pocket. Beate burned the page in
+the registry in San Giulio, but a legal copy at the See in Milan proves
+the marriage. And this accusation is my legacy, the lightning that
+strikes the worthless woman, even before I die.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This accusation--&quot; cried Blanden, almost breathlessly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bears the address of the nearest court in the district, shows all
+proofs, and is in the hands of Wild Robert, who fled with me on to the
+bank in the swamps. The ball hit me--it missed him. He promised me,
+even if it cost his life, to take the papers there. He knows the way
+through the morass, and if he had to hew down bush and tree with an axe
+to make a bridge for himself, the bailiffs have not caught him.
+Triumph! Chains and fetters for her--she has despised me, I, too, may
+despise her--thus I die--gladly!&quot; And with these words, which were
+already interrupted by the rattle of approaching death, he bowed his
+head and passed away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As if out of his mind Blanden rushed into the night, ran along lonely
+roads, sprang over ditches and fences, hurried up and down--he felt as
+though he must fly from himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His Giulia had deceived him, she was a criminal, his marriage
+invalid--the myrmidons of the law were already knocking at the door of
+his Castle! He repeated all this to himself mechanically, hopelessly,
+as though he were conning a lesson. It was impossible that all this
+could concern himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After two hours of rapid flight through the night, which just began to
+yield to the dawn in the east, he returned to the inn, asked for ink
+and paper, and wrote to Giulia--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baluzzi is dead, he fell in a smuggler's fight, and dying confessed to
+me that you are his wife, and never were divorced from him! Shortly
+before his death he sent in an accusation against you. It cannot all be
+true, confirm the untruth with a few lines; they will find me with the
+proprietor of Opaczno.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He obtained a messenger and despatched him to Kulmitten with his
+letter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It would have been impossible for him to return now, look into Giulia's
+eyes, hear from her own lips that she was the wife of that wretch.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He gave some orders and money for Baluzzi's burial, and then drove to
+Opaczno.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Fixedly he gazed at the morning, he saw none of the objects past which
+he drove, for him a heavy shadow lay upon all earthly things.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She whom he had so proudly loved, seemed like a spectre to him, a bride
+of Corinth, a vampire, which had sucked his blood, his life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet--in the midst of his wrath at the deception, he was seized with
+fear, with pity for her, an inexpressible feeling of pain, that gnawed
+at his heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He felt as if the mild god of Hindoostan, the old King's son, laid a
+hand upon his brow like a healing doctor, and whispered to him, &quot;Have
+pity upon all creation!&quot;</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_12" href="#div1_12">CONFESSIONS.</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When you receive these lines,&quot; wrote Giulia, &quot;I shall have left
+Kulmitten with Beate, and all traces of me, it is to be hoped, will be
+lost to you and to the world. I take nothing with me, save the
+remembrance of your goodness and love, and they shall support me in my
+forsakenness, and render it possible for me to endure life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What else can it be to me, but an atonement of the past, but a prayer,
+a prayer for forgiveness? I shall never learn if it be fulfilled, but
+in my best hours I shall comfort myself with it, I shall hope and
+believe in it, as we believe in one only happiness!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And I dare believe and hope, because the crime that I committed was
+committed only through boundless love for you, through passion that
+gives up and sacrifices everything for the possession of the beloved
+one, even its duty, its honour--at least that which before law and the
+world passes for such. I had hoped to be able to preserve my secret,
+and at the same time untroubled happiness for you, even although mine
+was ever disturbed by pangs of conscience; it has been ordained
+differently, the veil has suddenly fallen. I stand as a criminal before
+your eyes. If you, too, measure me with the measure of others, then
+there is no absolution for me, but you, whom I loved most deeply, will
+also be more capable than all others of forgiveness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The whole history of my sorrow is connected with a man who has now met
+with so terrible an end, he was fatal to my life. I may regret that a
+low mind made him an unsettled, unhappy wanderer upon earth, but I
+cannot weep for him, because tears are too precious to be wasted upon
+what is ignoble. Others may, perhaps, think the same of me, but every
+great passion has an atoning power. The story of my life is short, but
+eventful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My parents possessed a small estate near Bergamo; they exchanged it
+for another in the Italian Tyrol, but they were unfortunate, their
+affairs went wrong. Young as I was, I had to think of earning something
+for myself, and as I was esteemed tolerably good looking, and my voice
+melodious and strong, it was determined that I should devote myself to
+the stage. Influential friends provided for my education, so that I
+might enter the chorus at the <i>Pergola</i>, in Florence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was eighteen years old, I did not know life. In my dreams I might
+sketch a brilliant future for myself: the present was poor enough, it
+did not satisfy the ambition of artistic struggles, it barely yielded
+daily bread. Gradually, however, I began to receive subordinate parts,
+in which, if not by my singing, yet by my voice, my whole manner, I
+could rouse people's attention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At that time I became acquainted with Baluzzi; he was twenty years
+older than I, and also a chorus singer, but for him the chorus was only
+a place of refuge, as it seemed, the sad close to a mysterious life. He
+was considered to be a handsome man, all my friends were proud when he
+paid them any little attention. Soon he began to distinguish me
+especially, which roused my companions' jealousy, made me, however, the
+more susceptible of the tokens of his favour. He understood how to win
+a young heart; he surrounded himself with the charm of recklessness;
+here and there he allowed a reminiscence of his past, a picture to
+gleam shedding around him the halo of a bold, daring man. Being a
+member of the chorus appeared to us as a disguise which he had assumed
+in his momentary need.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Unacquainted with life, captivated by Baluzzi's fiery glances, and the
+power of his language, I was soon beneath his spell. I loved him with
+inexperienced, ardent love. An event also occurred that showed me his
+uncontrolled feelings, it is true, but also the strength of his
+passion. I had inspired a Florentine noble with one of those transient
+affections which the stage so easily ignited. I had treated him
+politely, and he looked upon me as an easy prey. Late one evening he
+came to me. I bade him leave, he became more importunate. Baluzzi had
+watched for him, came to me, drew out his dagger, and wounded the
+nobleman. The wound was not dangerous and my well-born friend deemed it
+best to observe silence. I, however, could gauge Baluzzi's love for me
+by the measure of his savage jealousy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nor did he only crave for fleeting love, he strove to possess me from
+the first. He told the wounded intruder that I was his betrothed, and
+asserted his right of active defence. I had not given him the right
+until now, but I did not show over-much resistance when he claimed it.
+Once when I refused to listen to him, we were standing upon the
+platform of the <i>companile</i>, he threatened to throw himself down, and I
+appeased him with hasty consent, because I believed that he would
+fulfil his threat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One thing I must say for him--and that was my misfortune--he believed
+in my talent, my future. While others thought my performances pretty
+and taking, he was convinced that, with my voice, my appearance, after
+a little progress in singing, I should become great on the Italian
+stage. In imagination he foresaw my pecuniary, my brilliant successes,
+therefore he strove to possess me. I was an object of his calculations,
+and they had not deceived him. That he also found me personally
+desirable I will readily believe, for the world, the public, the
+newspapers, and above all, my mirror told me that I was beautiful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Baluzzi's passionate courtship, which inspired me with fear and
+dread--as he intimidated me with menaces if I should not do his will--I
+could no longer resist. I had sung my first more important part at the
+<i>Pergola</i> and been very successful; his calculations now gained a
+firmer basis, more resolutely he went at his object. At that time, it
+is true, I only perceived the expression of unlimited passion in all
+that he said or did, which at last intoxicated me, for nothing is more
+infectious than the soul's warmth. I gave my consent to the marriage;
+that it should be a secret one at first, we both agreed. Nothing is
+more fatal to young actresses than the title of <i>Signora</i>, it sets a
+barrier to those undecided wishes which spontaneously, like a
+superfluous element of nature, mingle with the admiration of beauty and
+artistic revelations; in such unexpressed emotions often lies the
+secret of success. A grand career lay before me, it must remain free
+and open to me. Baluzzi also desired this. We were married in the
+remote little church in the middle of the Orta lake. For the stage I
+continued to be Signora Bollini; but the heavy, fatal error of my life
+had been committed, it was no youthful folly whose consequences could
+be brushed away with a light hand. Marriage is indissoluble according
+to the laws of the Church, indissoluble according to those of the
+country. The priest's words had converted me into a slave for evermore.
+I did not feel it then, I was happy. This confession does not disgrace
+me, because felicity lies in our feelings, and delusion can call it
+forth as well as truth. Youth has its own rapture, its own bliss, and
+love is not so powerless as not to procure full enjoyment for all who
+are filled with it. Those were glorious days which I spent by the banks
+of the Orta lake. Baluzzi then seemed like a demi-god to me, but that
+bliss was of short duration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Returned to Florence, I soon remarked that he displayed several
+rougher sides of his nature, at first surprising, then alarming me. I
+perceived that he gave himself up to a wild life, which, merely to win
+and deceive me, he had interrupted for some time. He laid an embargo
+upon my cash-box, I was almost reduced to poverty; he was a gambler, a
+drunkard, and spent his nights with wild companions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The rapture of love, however, had given unthought-of wings to my
+talent; from part to part I attained greater success, and after the
+lapse of a year was engaged at the <i>Pergola</i> with a considerable
+salary, but, with the salary, increased Baluzzi's claims; often he
+demanded money for his journeys to Monaco, where he indulged his mania
+for play, whence he always returned a bankrupt. All my expostulations
+were vain, he met them with bitter scorn and the defiant manner of a
+lord and master.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He gambled at Monaco, he engaged in equivocal business, and did I not
+send him sufficient money at any time, he pursued me like a spy, like a
+shadow. He read of my successes in the papers, he kept a book of them,
+he calculated my receipts. In Milan, not long after, began the era of
+my triumphs, the most distinguished circles were opened to me. I became
+intimate with Princess Dolgia, and she invited we to her villa at
+Stresa.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It was then that I saw you for the first time, when my heart burned
+for you with glowing passion, when I experienced all the charms of love
+and life, and felt the shame of my chains doubly heavy; then, too, he
+spied upon me by the lake shore, he had been dissatisfied with the last
+remittance; he demanded more. At the same time his heart was inflamed
+with savage jealousy, or was it rather an emotion of hatred--he saw
+that we loved one another. I feared for your life, only a great price
+could assuage his wrath. But, carried away with delight that knew no
+bounds, as if to raise me in blissful dreams above the unworthiness
+with which my life was filled, I would not curb my glowing love, and
+greater than the sin of loving was the wicked doubt, whether the
+welfare of my soul was more imperilled by your love than by the mad
+passion of a brutal criminal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Since then my only thought has been for you and your love; he followed
+me upon my career of triumph which I commenced through Europe. I would
+fly from you, only entwine your love like a transient dream in my
+life--and ever again it urged me to seek you; therefore I came here
+and stayed so long on the shores of the northern lakes. It drew me to
+your native land, to your own home. I visited your Castle while you
+were absent; then I tore myself away from the glowing dreams of my
+longing--for almost two years I lingered in Russia. Owing to no fault
+of mine, Baluzzi had lost all traces of me for a considerable time; he
+had been guilty of some breach of the laws in Russia, and was, I know
+not why, banished to Siberia, but he discovered me again, and, like a
+leech, he clung to my heels.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My increasing fame gave me the <i>entrée</i> to good society, I gained the
+friendship of princes and princesses. Intercourse with Baluzzi could
+only injure my name. Little as he fulfilled his duties as a chorus
+singer in Florence, he was known as one of those musical assistants who
+stood upon a subordinate step of the ladder of art, in those circles I
+had risen far above his horizon. I often let him feel it, and he
+rebelled with double defiance against my 'impudent overbearing.' Yet he
+saw that, for his own sake, he must not disturb my career; he agreed
+only to see and speak to me secretly, and before the world to assume
+the semblance of friendship; he often came after dissipated
+entertainments and asserted his rights, rousing my anger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Another fearful surprise awaited me. A falling scene had struck his
+shoulder; he persistently rejected all assistance from the surgeon, and
+from me. I went to see him, he lay in feverish sleep. I wanted to see
+the wound, that appeared to me as serious as his resistance was
+suspicious. I drew back the bandage and saw--even now the recollection
+fills me with horror--upon his shoulder the branded mark of a
+galley-slave! It was to a desperate criminal that I had given hand and
+heart!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are countries in which the law would grant the right of divorce
+in cases where such discoveries were made after marriage, because they
+assume that only by mistake could such an union have been formed. But
+in Italy there is no such law, and had there been I had neglected the
+time which is allowed for such an appeal. I knew nothing about it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nevertheless, my resolution, to set myself free from the horrible
+control of this man, so far as lay in my power, remained immovable.
+When Baluzzi had recovered, I imparted my discovery to him with great
+composure; he started. I told him that I knew now that I had married a
+heavily punished criminal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Quarrels at the gaming table,' said he shortly, 'a hasty dagger that
+caught its victim.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Perhaps combined with cheating and robbery,' added I.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'What does it matter to you? Who dares to reproach me with a
+punishment that I have undergone?' I explained succinctly to him that I
+could have nothing in common with a dismissed galley-slave, and forbade
+him to visit me any more. Naturally this prohibition angered him, but I
+declared that I should betray his secret to the world, publish the
+brand which justice had imprinted upon him, and thus had cast him out
+for ever from association with his fellow-men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Then I shall proclaim our marriage,' cried he triumphantly, 'and upon
+you will rest the same curse.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And our fame, my talent, our gains?'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He became thoughtful, and entered into negociations; he should not
+disturb my path any more, but he claimed the greater portion of my
+receipts for himself; under these conditions, so long as I remained on
+the stage, where he prophesied me a brilliant career, he should not
+assert his rights over me, but so soon as from any cause I left the
+theatre, I should again fall into his power, not only my possessions,
+but also my life and person; thus should he be indemnified for the long
+privation. I might then proclaim that he had been in the <i>bagno</i>, it
+was immaterial to him. The wife of a galley-slave shared his disgrace;
+yes, then he should be my master again and possess the right to the
+whims of a sultan.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He parted from me; I bound myself always to give him my address, as I
+was about to set out on a starring tour in Italy and abroad. I felt
+like a serf who is granted liberty which is liable to be recalled at
+any moment, but my earnings were paralysed, and my heart could not beat
+freely without committing sin. That was control worse than the galley!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I saw you again. From that time my life has been no secret to you. I
+would belong to you for ever, it was the one object of my life, and yet
+unattainable if I did not possess the audacity to defy the constraint
+of a law binding me for life to the galley. Is there no higher decree
+than the mutable chequered one of these countries in our hemisphere? Is
+there not a holier love which may scorn an unholy bond? I hoped to
+annihilate the proofs of my slavery: I hoped to keep the spectre of my
+life far aloof from myself, and still farther from you; to enjoy a
+happiness over which, indeed, hung a sword on a silver thread, yet
+invisible to you and your repose, not hostile to your peace--in vain!
+He came because I had resigned the stage; he came not to demand my
+money, but myself, and in wild desperation I bought a new reprieve with
+the gift of your love, the diamond diadem, the family jewels of the
+Blandens. But dying, the wretched man fulfilled his oaths of revenge,
+and, as bleeding, he descends amongst the shadows, he leaves me behind
+amidst the falling ruins of my bliss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well;--I am a guilty woman! Now condemn me! I have deceived you, I
+bring disgrace upon your house--and yet, so long as my heart beats, it
+will beat for you; I go forth into misery, behind me the myrmidons of
+the law, nothing is left for me save the last greeting, the last word
+of blessing! God protect the most noble man whom the earth contains,
+and if he cannot forgive me then may his pity follow me--the outcast,
+the scorned--into the wide world!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Again, and again, Blanden read the letter with throbbing heart and a
+tear in his eyes, he ordered his horses to be harnessed and drove
+furiously to Kulmitten. The Castle was desolate and empty. Giulia and
+Beate had left it in a peasant's cart which chanced to be passing
+through, both in the plainest garments, none could tell whither.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was alone. He waited for the officers of justice who would soon
+knock at those doors and attach the seal of nameless shame to the
+sacred heritage of his family. He sat there a silent, moody man, and
+buried all his hopes.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>LAST CHAPTER.</h2>
+
+<h3><a name="div1Ref_13" href="#div1_13">TO THE EAST!</a></h3>
+<br>
+
+<p class="normal">Since the occurrences which we have just related, two years had passed
+away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The political storm had burst which the weather tokens on the horizon
+had long since foretold, the regeneration of the German people was
+proclaimed amid mighty convulsions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a premature spring whose blossoms shed their leaves before they
+attained maturity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The uproar raged through the large towns. Blood flowed over the
+streets. War between brothers was unfettered. Often those fought
+together, who desired the same object; with cannon balls, the people
+greeted the desired concessions of Government; wild tumult had taken
+possession of hearts and minds. The equinoctial gale of the spring of
+liberty swept through Europe, and general shipwreck ensued.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Only upon one tiny spot of earth, where it was necessary to defend
+German soil against foreign encroachments, and to prepare the place for
+the German Empire of the future, a struggle had been commenced, which
+did not bear the fearful impress of a war between brothers, which was
+ennobled by glorious enthusiasm for the fatherland. The dependence upon
+the will of foreign rulers who trod old rights under foot, had become
+insupportable to a brave race of people which flew to arms to preserve
+the right, to repel the interference of a newly-crowned king, and to
+maintain its connection with Germany at the point of the sword.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was on a day in April, 1848, that the thunder of cannon echoed
+across the narrow bay of Flensburg; the red columns of the Danish army
+had extended themselves around the village of Bau and threatened to cut
+off the advance guard of the Schleswig-Holstein army that was stationed
+at Bau and Krusau. Soon the battle began! The flower of the country's
+youth, the students of Kiel, with the riflemen of that town, had to
+withstand the first onslaught of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Over the hedges, out of the ditches, the advanced out-posts fired upon
+the red sharpshooters, upon the rushing enemy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Forward!&quot; resounded the cry of the officers; &quot;forward!&quot; rang Blanden's
+voice. He led the disciples of <i>alma mater</i> to the battle; he had
+hastened to them, and entered their ranks amongst the first German
+volunteers, who placed their swords at the disposal of the good cause
+of Schleswig-Holstein.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Forward!&quot; replied the students' cry, with tempestuous enthusiasm, many
+of whom had a musket in their hands for the first time, who had poured
+in from the lecture-rooms to prove by active deeds their devotion to
+their fatherland. And forward moved the volunteer band; with levelled
+bayonets they charged the Danish vanguard, drove it back, and held
+their position beneath a heavy fire; courage and energy compensated for
+lack of numbers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Danes gave the courageously attacking force credit for strong
+supports; for a fresh effort they summoned fresh powers to their
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Regardless of the balls which whistled round him from every side,
+Blanden, too, stood under fire; it almost seemed as if death would be
+welcome to him, and yet he was filled with burning love of battle as he
+looked into the radiant faces of those youths who went so full of the
+courage of sacrifice to meet their death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, and it was no common food for powder that filled the ditches, they
+were the best sons of the land. It was the vanguard of the German
+spirit, and wherever it had conquered it was always the united word of
+the sword, and the sword of the word which had gained the victory.
+These bayonets were not merely a flashing protest of the northern
+nations; the hands in which they rested were equally powerful to wield
+the pen--and knew how to prove this right.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanwhile the shots thundered from Bau, the crashing salvoes, however,
+drew towards the south-east of Flensburg. Soon scattered troops
+announced that the sixteenth battalion at Bau had been beaten by the
+Danes. Now the brave men stood helplessly, no order from head-quarters
+came to them; one orderly after another was despatched, none returned.
+The retreat to Flensburg was endangered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus they left the corpse-strewn battle field in order to force a
+retreat for themselves. Bau and Krusau were the Schleswig-Holstein
+Thermopylæ!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Singing battle songs, the troops of lads approached the town, but they
+were hymns to the dead, for now only did death reap its abundant
+harvest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The road ran along the shore, the bay suddenly became alive, the white
+and red flags approached, and the sky-blue lion prepared to spring. Was
+not the sea, the kingdom of the old Vikings, subject to the island
+people; how long did the Sound stand beneath the dominion of Danish
+cannon?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And it was a submissive bay of the conquered East Sea, which here made
+its entry into the Schleswig-Holstein country of beeches and hedges.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly the waves became alive, from the narrow tongue of land, from
+Holsens, where the Leviathans, the armed men of war, lay, it came ever
+nearer like a dark cloud upon the billows, a dense evil-boding throng.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were the Danish gun-boats; then flashed the shots, then blazed the
+touch-holes. Astonished, the waves caught the strange smoke of powder
+which spread itself over them like a veil, and the cartridges rattled
+on the strand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Like an ocean monster of the old legend rolling devouringly upon the
+land, death leaped from the waves and laid its victims low. The road
+became filled with corpses, of what use were the single bullets, which
+struck the boats; of what avail the temporary shelter behind the trunks
+of trees along the path!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Forward to the foundry!&quot; rang the cry of death. It was a kind of
+trench granting protection. There they could fall fighting; here the
+band resembled game driven by the keepers, upon which the sportsmen can
+shoot from a safe position.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And with winged steps all thronged to the fort of death, determined, at
+least, to sell their lives dearly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cartridge upon cartridge blazed across; wounded and dying leaned
+against the tall stems of the beeches, and the down crashing branches
+decked these pale brows as if with a homely wreath of honour, upon
+which trickled the cold drops of death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Already Blanden saw the smoking furnaces of the foundry before him;
+there a flash quivers through the cloud of vapour; in conical flight
+the birds of death swept through, on right and left, fell into the
+trees, here and there penetrated the earth, struck the companions by
+his side, and stretched Blanden himself on the ground. He gazed into
+the night, as it descended upon his eyes--the night of death--but
+uttered not a word of lament. His last thought before his senses
+forsook him was the futility of his life, which was honourably
+terminated by death upon the battle-field.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he opened his eyes again amidst violent pain, he fancied he was
+still under the spell of a dream: had he awoke in India amongst the
+peris? His bewildered fancy led the favourite images of his waking
+dreams before his mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A tear-bedimmed eye rested upon him, a slight form, wrapped in a cloak,
+bent over him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were the eyes, it was the figure of Giulia; with a loud cry of joy
+she welcomed his awaking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But it was yet the day, the same day of the battle. Vollies rattled
+round the iron fort; where at other times the wheels of machinery
+revolved, now revolved the wheel of death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A gun-boat still lay upon the strand, the otters had moved nearer to
+Flensburg, but that one did not cease from its work of devastation. A
+cartridge rattled and fell into the beech and struck down a branch,
+which fell upon Giulia and cut her brow. She had bent over Blanden to
+shelter him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where am I? You here?&quot; said he, half unconsciously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not ask how.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who brings you here?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Charity and longing for death, but now there is not a moment to lose.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She beckoned to two peasants, who stood close by with a little cart,
+and lifted Blanden into it, beside a wounded man who already lay there.
+Giulia seated herself upon the hard straw sack. They went along back
+streets to the inn of a neighbouring village, where several surgeons
+were in full employment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a long time before Blanden recovered from his wounds, which left
+him slightly lame for life. Giulia was once more his faithful nurse,
+she also followed him to the Danish captivity, into which he, with the
+other wounded men, had fallen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The feeling of belonging wholly to one another became quickened in
+both. From every side Blanden heard with what heroic valour Giulia had
+hastened into the battle field, how amidst shot and shells she had
+brought consolation, succour and relief to the wounded, an angel of
+mercy, whose memory would live for all ages in the hearts of the
+Schleswig-Holstein youth. For long both avoided speaking of their
+separation, its causes, of their later experiences. There would have
+been the risk of great agitation for Blanden, for both the danger of
+parting again, and yet both felt how painful an effect this would have
+upon their lives.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last Blanden had sufficiently recovered to be allowed to go out into
+the fresh air, and he, with others, had been already exchanged for
+Danish prisoners.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They sat under a lofty avenue of beeches by the sea, lying so quietly
+and blue before them. Islands rose out of the waves and ships passed on
+the horizon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where have you been, Giulia, since you left me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Upon a little island near that of Sylt, in a lonely fisherman's
+cottage, there I deemed myself most effectually concealed. So quickly
+could the law not raise its accusation, not follow my track and find me
+yonder in my solitude, where, with Beate, I helped to mend fishing
+nets, and obtained a little money by teaching children. For hours I sat
+upon the 'dunes,' I saw the tide rush in which for centuries has been
+washing away these islands, ready to swallow them up, and which already
+has buried so much work of men's hands within its depths. Like a sea
+mew's flight over the foaming, dashing billows, my thoughts swept over
+the heights and abysses of my life, and my bruised heart did bitter
+penance, and as the roaring hurricane came and stirred the waves and
+tore them upwards until towering on high they dashed upon the shore, so
+was I now overwhelmed with the fire and wild passion which had animated
+me, and with the recollection of all the tempests of my life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I could have retired to a convent in my own country, but my soul
+longed for the free breath of heaven, and an irrevocable bond would
+have crushed it to the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Beate left me, she had often been at Sylt during the season, and there
+had made the acquaintance of a well-to-do Hamburg merchant, whom her
+sparkling eyes and lively manner had fascinated. We parted amid tears,
+she was my most faithful friend, who for me had jeopardised her honour.
+Then the feeling of being utterly forsaken came upon me, the never
+ceasing return of ebb and flow, the only event of which the 'dunes'
+could tell, made my spirit weary and listless, all the fettered springs
+of life stirred within me. I could not have lived amid the ocean
+solitude another year, my talent for a Robinsonade was exhausted. Then
+the news of war, which was at that time only imminent, but of whose
+outbreak messengers brought premature intelligence, penetrated to our
+fishermen's cottages; I resolved to make atonement for my past as a
+nurse in the midst of the conflict, and hoped, perhaps, to meet death
+from a merciful bullet. When I came here I found nothing prepared, I
+wished to go upon the battle-field as a volunteer Samaritan, and
+beneath its terrible and yet elevating influences, I felt the pulses of
+my life beat higher once more--I forgot myself. I relieved pain, I
+earned thanks--the sin of my life seemed to be melting away as if tears
+and words of gratitude washed it out. Thus I found you. Fate led those
+together again, whom it had parted, but still the gulf of guilt lies
+between them. You have recovered, my task is completed, let me go hence
+once more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No Giulia,&quot; cried Blanden with a burst of emotion, &quot;now we part no
+more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia looked enquiringly at him; she could not believe his words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I part from my preserver no more. I am superstitious, or believing
+enough to follow the signal of fate which re-united us upon the field
+of honour. You have nothing more to fear from justice. Baluzzi's
+messenger, wild Robert, did not reach his goal, he fell, lost in the
+swamp, the edges of which were thoroughly searched by the guards;
+doubtlessly he ventured too far in order to escape them. Baluzzi's
+accusation lies deep down in the morass where it ought to lie; he
+himself is dead, never did any messenger of justice trouble me. Thus
+there is but one human being in the world who can bring an accusation
+against you, and that one dare not, because you only sinned out of love
+for me, out of blind, but yet true ardent love, and with this kiss I
+absolve you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He kissed Giulia's brow; sobbing, she sank into his arms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Fate has foiled my most glorious plans of life, we cannot return to
+the desolate Castle. Your sudden flight injured my name again, the
+people there will not associate with us, but the world is large!
+Although my life has been a failure, although I must stay far from my
+home, there yet remains to me the thinker's dream and the ecstasy of
+love.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not for my sake shall you fly from all,&quot; said Giulia imploringly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I, too, am dead to this portion of the world. I can do nothing more
+for my fatherland. This bullet has rendered me unfit for war, a chain
+of unfortunate circumstances for peace. I cannot stand before any
+electors, a political career is closed to me. Thus I fly for my sake
+also, and you, my fondly loved wife, I take with me as comforter. The
+registry at San Giulio still tells of your guilt, we must away, far
+away from here. I know a land, the cradle of the gods, perhaps the
+cradle of mankind, a wonder land. There beneath the giant mountain lies
+the Walar Lake, and the Behat winds through a paradise of rustling
+fruit trees and prolific plains upon which gaze down glaciers high as
+heaven. Beautiful beings wander there in the most blessed valley of the
+world, and there free from the constraint of law and the trammels of
+society, which here rule the world, we will build ourselves huts
+and I will introduce you to the profound wisdom of the land of the
+lotus-flowers. Follow me to Cashmere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Giulia pressed him to her heart, &quot;I have no will but yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Blanden wrote to Wegen and begged him to sell Kulmitten, Rositten, and
+Nehren. His friend, Olga's happy husband, doubly happy by her
+unexpected mastery of the art of cooking, executed Blanden's
+commission, and by means of a large inheritance, was enabled to buy
+Kulmitten, the principal estate, for himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To Kuhl, however, who really had invited no living creature excepting
+Caro, to his wedding dinner, Blanden wrote--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I go far away, to the primeval home of mankind; I am a shipwrecked
+mariner, and, united to Giulia, shall build myself a hut in the desert.
+Withered leaves--they fell upon the flowers of my heart, and twice have
+covered and crushed out their life. My friend! no man can overcome his
+past. Unforeseen it rises again like a spectre and stretches the
+destroyer's hand into our lives. Poor Eva was the victim of one of
+those fearful chains of events which, long invisible, suddenly seize us
+with a ghostly grasp. That I had loved the mother, was the daughter's
+death! Withered leaves--vainly my Giulia amid bitterest pain sought to
+wrench herself loose from her past, but it held her firmly as in an
+iron vice. Away into the kingdom of Buddha, into the dream-world of the
+East! I could not live as I would, therefore now I will live as I can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Not long after a Hamburg steamboat bore the loving pair into the land
+of the lotus-flowers.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3>
+<br>
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: The evening
+preceding the wedding day,--<i>Translator's note</i>.</p>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<hr class="W90">
+<h5>Printed by Remington &amp; Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.</h5>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by 
+Rudolf von Gottschall
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+
diff --git a/35373.txt b/35373.txt
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+++ b/35373.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by
+Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III)
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Rudolf von Gottschall
+
+Translator: Bertha Ness
+
+Release Date: February 23, 2011 [EBook #35373]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WITHERED LEAVES. VOL. III.(OF III) ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+   1. Page scan source:
+      http://books.google.com/books?id=lOUBAAAAQAAJ
+
+   2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+                           AT ALL LIBRARIES.
+
+                        BY THE SAME TRANSLATOR.
+
+                              SACRED VOWS,
+
+                             By E. WERNER,
+
+  _Author of_ "_Under a Charm_," "_Success and How He Won it_," _&c_.
+
+                            3 VOLS. 31s. 6d.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+"The loves of Bruno and Lucie are simply told with that accompaniment
+of mysterious sympathy in the inanimate surroundings of their
+struggles, which is the highest application of true literary insight
+into nature."--_Athenaeum_.
+
+"The incidents are striking * * * * * The whole scene rises before the
+reader with as much clearness as if it were represented before him on
+the stage."--_Saturday Review_.
+
+"The ability of Werner's Novels is implied in the simultaneous
+publication of two translations of 'Sacred Vows.' His scenes are more
+than paintings, they are sculptures, and stand out in _alto relievo_,
+distinctly conceived and vigorously executed."--_The British
+Quarterly_.
+
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+            REMINGTON & Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            WITHERED LEAVES.
+
+                                A Novel,
+
+                                   BY
+
+                         Rudolf von Gottschall.
+
+
+                            FROM THE GERMAN,
+
+                            By BERTHA NESS.
+
+        Translator of Werner's "Riven Bonds" and "Sacred Vows."
+
+
+                             THREE VOLUMES.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                        AUTHORISED TRANSLATION.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+                               VOL. III.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+
+                                London:
+                           REMINGTON AND CO.,
+                     5, Arundel Street, Stand, W.C.
+                               *   *   *
+                                 1879.
+
+                        [_All Rights Reserved_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        CONTENTS OF VOLUME III.
+
+
+     CHAP.
+
+       I.--Primavera.
+
+      II.--In the Lion's Den.
+
+     III.--The Mistress of the Boarding School.
+
+      IV.--In the Forest of Juditenkirchen.
+
+       V.--Internal Struggles.
+
+      VI.--A Sleighing Party.
+
+     VII.--In the Land of the Lotus-Flowers.
+
+    VIII.--In the Church of San Giulio.
+
+      IX.--The Bridal Jewels.
+
+       X.--The Wedding Day.
+
+      XI.--A Legacy.
+
+     XII.--Confessions.
+
+    XIII.--To the East!
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                            WITHERED LEAVES.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+                               PRIMAVERA.
+
+
+_Primavera_--in the midst of winter, which sketched its frozen pictures
+upon the window!
+
+_Primavera_--and yet a midsummer of love, which had long since gathered
+the blossoms of spring for its transient enjoyment!
+
+And Blanden wooed Giulia with a passion which, possessing no history of
+the past, asserting no prior right, only living in his recollections as
+if it were the fairy-like charm of a dream, will conquer her love for
+the bright day of the present; yes, for the endurance of a life time.
+He did not strive to obtain the renewal of former affection; she had
+from the very first resisted everything that could encourage such
+wooing; he was resolved to win her hand, and to defy those prejudices
+which could pronounce his union with a singer to be unsuitable.
+
+But ardent as was his passion, much as her beauty, intellect, talent
+and her great knowledge of the world and of life fascinated him, he was
+yet by no means disposed blindly to follow his heart's inclination; he
+could even not suppress a soft warning voice of suspicion, which he was
+obliged to term ungrateful, because it was connected with their own
+former meeting--could this admired actress always have withstood the
+temptations that beset her upon her path of triumph?
+
+Did not smiling Euphrosyne cast roses into her lap, as the goddess
+stood beside victory upon her car of triumph, decking her with laurels?
+How many phenomena of theatrical fame do but shine through a dim vapour
+which the repute of their evil habits of life spreads around them, and
+it was not Blanden's intention to guide one of these beauties, weary of
+adventures, into a haven of refuge.
+
+In the town even her enemies did not attack her character; she
+possessed admirers, but she favoured none; all that Blanden learned
+there, spoke in favour of the singer, but this did not suffice him.
+During his travels he had formed many connections in the various
+capitals of Europe, in Paris and London, in Rome and Florence;
+everywhere he had friends and acquaintances who were familiar with art
+and theatrical life. Immediately after the performance of "Norma," when
+the thought first was kindled within him of calling this beautiful
+woman his own, he had written to all these people to obtain information
+as to the actress' life and character. Day by day the replies now came
+in; not one single letter contained an accusation, a shred of
+suspicion; the testimony that was given to the singer's private life
+was most brilliant. No scandal had contributed to the augmentation of
+her fame; she owed it entirely to her talent, of which all spoke with
+admiration.
+
+Blanden dropped all suspicions, and the project of making Giulia his
+wife took still deeper root. He had reason to expect that she would be
+ready to resign the stage, as she had frequently lamented the
+disappointments to which she was daily more and more exposed in her
+artistic career; nor did she conceal a feeling, which caused her
+uneasiness, the conviction that the epoch of her glory was at an end,
+and that the decadence of her voice was making its announcement gently
+but perceptibly. Surely therefore was she often so melancholy; who
+would not, with a heavy heart, bear the claims of a day of reckoning as
+it crumbles from us one object of pride, one advantage after another,
+and with such cruel indifference sweeps away all the flowers of our
+life.
+
+_Primavera!_ But there is a spring-time of feeling, which time cannot
+kill. It was that which bound Giulia to the wintry provincial town,
+when she might have been celebrating her triumphs in the capitals of
+the south.
+
+This it was that made her await the arrival of her friend with a
+palpitating heart, as she had once awaited him in the moonlight by Lago
+Maggiore; and if to her other admirers she made no secret of his
+visits; if she denied herself to them as soon as he was present, or
+received him at a time when she was inaccessible to others; in so doing
+she obeyed no decree of prudence which counselled her not to alienate
+her other enthusiastic friends by distinguishing the one; it was a
+necessity, a happiness for her to have him quite alone; happiness that
+might not be desecrated by contact with the world.
+
+Blanden still exercised the same entrancing magic over her as in those
+days of unguarded devotion; she had remained true to him since that
+time, little as it was his right or her duty thus to continue faithful.
+His image alone accompanied her through life; all emotions to which she
+must give expression upon the stage were for him. She confessed it to
+him, and he uttered no doubt of such assurances. Blanden's person would
+account for such passion; it was distinguished and possessed of a
+peculiar charm. An enthusiast, a dreamer, as he had been from his youth
+upwards, he seemed to be one still, when, with half-closed languid
+eyes, he buried himself in the rich stores of his mental life; but then
+they would suddenly flash and open, and gleam with passion and manly
+power. In all else he was in perfect harmony; his figure symmetrical,
+the well-bred smile upon his lips, full of intellectual superiority;
+his conversation, in earnest and in jest, combined sweetness and charm.
+As Desdemona to Othello's tales, Giulia listened to the descriptions of
+the adventures which Blanden had met with in distant lands and oceans,
+he raised her imagination far above the painted decorations of
+theatrical life; she was susceptible to all the grandeur and beauty of
+nature, to all intellectual struggles; only the unrest and bustle of
+her artist's calling prevented her giving herself up to those mental
+enjoyments for which she longed now more fervently than formerly. To
+her it would have appeared unutterable bliss to belong entirely to the
+man in company with whom she might revel in such enjoyments; to the man
+who offered her a refuge from the tempests of stage life. With what
+just pride she would have borne the name with which that noble scion
+represented a family so esteemed in the world!
+
+And yet--from out the past one shoal reared itself in her life: a shoal
+upon which all her proud dreams of a future should be wrecked.
+
+In sleepless nights she meditated how she could guide her ship round
+that reef; her senses became confused in the rapid flight of thought
+from one possibility to another, which, clutched convulsively, never
+granted a firm hold; sometimes she rose to the daring venture of
+defying those rocks and trying if the high storm-lashed billows of her
+life would not bear her over. Her experiences upon the stage became
+daily more unpleasant, the enthusiasm of her adherents more disputed by
+steady opposition.
+
+These were the results of Spiegeler's malicious condemnation.
+
+On the other hand the poet Schoener prepared one slight pleasure for
+her; he who belonged to her warmest admirers, and two years ago had
+striven eagerly to gain her favour, but who had been rejected. For a
+long time he avoided all intercourse with her, but without bearing any
+ill-will remained one of her most zealous adorers. Now, when her
+enemies roused themselves, he sought her out again, and, like a
+troubadour, devoted his lyre to the noble lady. He read a poem to her,
+in which he sang of her as the _primavera_ of Baltic winter, and at the
+same time attacked her opponents with epigrammatic arrows, and those
+mighty blows which he had acquired in the fencing-school of political
+poetry.
+
+The poem appeared in the most important papers, and again increased the
+diminishing numbers of Giulia's followers. She was heartily grateful to
+him for it, because she perceived that his thoughts were noble and free
+from personal motives, that he but followed his own convictions.
+
+The more retiringly Schoener behaved, the more obtrusive became
+Lieutenant Buschmann; he could not accustom himself to the idea that he
+must retire from so long a siege without success. The uniform
+friendliness of the singer seemed to him like scorn; from day to day he
+hoped for a more passionate return. Constantly renewed disappointment
+embittered him. His character was somewhat violent, he tolerated no
+barriers, and once when the singer, through her maid, refused him
+admittance on a morning call, he forced himself ruthlessly into her
+boudoir, and reproached her passionately.
+
+It was the day after his visit to Frau Hecht's kitchen, when Blanden
+met the Italian again in the street. Arrested on the previous evening,
+Baluzzi was once more set free.
+
+Blanden took advantage of this chance encounter to lead the
+conversation to the amber merchant. Giulia only vouchsafed meagre
+information; he was a distant connection of hers, who often importuned
+her with petitions, as he had once performed some great service out of
+gratitude for which she had taken him under her protection. Then she
+broke off the conversation, it was evidently an unwelcome subject. But
+she remained abstracted all the evening, and even confounded two
+Italian composers with whom she had been familiar from her youth
+upwards.
+
+After a sleepless night, Giulia had a long conversation with her
+friend.
+
+"It cannot go on so, Beate! The internal conflict consumes me. His
+claims become more and more unbounded; how happy I was when he,
+fettered by illness or misfortune of long duration, the veil of which
+he will not raise, remained in the interior of Russia; I breathed
+freely; now more than ever, I am in his bondage."
+
+Beate shrugged her shoulders.
+
+"Notwithstanding all your brilliant receipts, we shall be beggars
+again."
+
+"Oh, that is not the worst! I would give up everything if I could
+purchase my freedom!"
+
+"That is not his wish! He would spend everything at once; he also
+prefers to have a safe reserve for the future."
+
+"Oh, there is a hell that binds us for evermore. _Lasciate ogni
+speranza voi che entrale!_ You are clever and cunning, Beate! Try once
+more if you cannot set me free. I have no more ideas, no more plans!
+Whenever I ponder over it, my senses become desolate and dead. I stare
+into vacuity!"
+
+"What can we do?--we must exercise patience. But if it continue thus,
+we shall have nothing left."
+
+"Go to him, Beate! Pray, implore."
+
+"To him! You ask no small matter. I should venture into a robber's
+cave, late at night--for at an earlier hour he could not be found--into
+a gambling hell, for I know he has opened one here!"
+
+"You have already done much for me, make this sacrifice also."
+
+"Oh, I am not afraid, and if I met a lion in the cage, I would pull his
+mane; he should do nothing to me. But he will reject my propositions as
+he has always done. Yes, even if I found proofs."
+
+"Proofs! They will not give me back my freedom--yes, if he would, if he
+became a subject of this country--we could appeal to justice; it would
+even decide against the verdict of the church."
+
+"Proofs never do any harm--who knows what may happen? Perhaps his
+speculations may some day oblige him to settle down here--then it would
+always be well to possess proofs that may be turned against him, but it
+will be difficult, almost impossible! However, I will venture to go and
+seek him this evening. Perhaps chance may favour me."
+
+"A craving for happiness has come over me, so intense as to strain
+every nerve in my bosom. A glance at the smiling horizon brightens our
+souls--and yet tears stand in our eyes. We weep with a prescience of
+happiness which nevertheless appears to be unattainable. I do not know
+why the pictures of my life crowd like feverish visions around me. I
+seem to hear the sound of bells in the days of my childhood; I see
+myself, dressed, go with the other children over high hills to the
+pilgrims' chapel; then another bell ringing sounds in my ear. In those
+days I did not know that it was the death-knell of all my life! Then
+again I hear the exulting applause of many thousands, whom my song
+delights, and yet I would give it all up for one whispered word of
+love, of love that had the right to lasting happiness."
+
+Giulia was to sing in the "Somnambula" on that evening; she felt in
+harmony with the part, to herself she often appeared to be walking in
+her sleep.
+
+Blanden came after the close of the theatre, and was admitted; Beate
+hid her dark curls beneath a hood and begged Giulia for a dagger.
+
+"I am going to the bandit, I must protect myself!"
+
+Giulia started; a dagger always awoke gruesome recollections in her.
+
+Blanden smiled, "Probably some masquerade?"
+
+"_Corpo di bacco_," said Beate, "the mask is not wanting, but the fun
+is desperately poor."
+
+She received the dagger from her friend, and was dismissed with a kiss.
+
+Outside, Beate gave the maid instructions to be on the alert and to
+wait for her even if she should return late. Antonie listened to the
+directions with lowered eyelids and humble obedience, but at heart she
+had decided differently. She knew that Blanden would stay at least an
+hour, and if she should not disturb them, she would follow her own
+amusements quite as undisturbedly.
+
+Exactly opposite, in the large hall, there was a people's ball, and
+Friederich, a cunning child of Berlin, servant to Lieutenant Buschmann,
+had invited her to dance there with him for a little while, and had
+promised to fetch her. All were pursuing their own pleasures, why
+should she alone pass the time in solitude?
+
+Giulia was melancholy, Blanden in a softened mood.
+
+Outside, jingled the bells of the sleighs, the winter sky, hard as
+steel, was covered with clouds, and heavy dense snow-flakes, which fell
+down soft as wool, proclaimed that the cold had diminished.
+
+The room was so homelike. The tea, which with all its accompaniments,
+had been brought in by Antonie, who was then graciously dismissed,
+infused upon the table. The fire crackled on the hearth.
+
+There was nothing to remind one of theatrical tinsel, everything bore
+the impress of domestic comfort, to which the busts of the great
+masters of art lent a radiance of idealism.
+
+"Only the north knows this homelike comfort," said Blanden, "the
+Laplander in his smoky hut, the dweller in Kamskatka who has
+unharnessed his dogs, feel it more than the happy children of the
+south, who wander beneath palms."
+
+"And more perhaps than we," added Giulia, "because as the crackling
+coals upon the hearth, so do fading dreams stir in our souls, and often
+burst once more into flames; of what use is this room's repose, if that
+in our hearts be wanting?"
+
+"That repose is best found in genial companionship; words have not yet
+lost the spell of their magic power; familiar communication from lip to
+lip can absolve us, it is the secret of the confessional."
+
+Giulia felt the truth of these words in her inmost heart; how
+everything within her urged her to such absolution, and yet--it could
+not be, 'twas vain!
+
+Convulsive sobs overcame her, and Blanden was amazed at the intensity
+of the emotions which his passing remark had roused. How light her
+heart would have been if she could have imparted to her friend all that
+engrossed and tortured her day and night!
+
+Yes, if he had only been a friend! But he should be more, be everything
+to her, and one candid word could destroy her whole future. Perhaps she
+might still succeed in breaking the evil magic to which she had
+succumbed. Thus silence must be maintained.
+
+Together they read the recollections of Silvio Pellico; a deep
+impression was made upon them by the picture of an artist in chains and
+fetters--oh, those were not the worst which hung from the iron ring of
+a prison wall.
+
+She displayed the greatest sympathy; to her it was as if the damp air
+wafted through the casemates of the Spielberg filled her life, too,
+with the same mouldy breath.
+
+She spoke of the castle of Chillon; that little spot had filled her
+with intense sadness. There were plenty of dungeon towers for
+salamanders and frogs, but this tomb of freedom made such a deeply
+melancholy impression, surrounded as it is by the waves of a beautiful
+lake, and granting a view of the peaks, high as heaven, of the Savoy
+alps, which rise in the air like a fortress of liberty. It is this
+contrast that makes such a painful impression, and as if called forth
+by deepest emotions, she uttered the beautiful verse out of the "Ruins"
+by Anastatius Gruen--
+
+
+           "Oh, shade of my freedom fly not so fast,
+              For thee my heart yearns and craves ever more,
+            Like a fugitive bird that has clang to a mast,
+              When lost to its sight is the far away shore."
+
+
+Such ardent longing for liberty, for release, was shown in her recital
+of these lines, in the tone of her voice, it was like the cry of
+distress of a whole life, and at the same time the expression of utter
+devotion.
+
+Blanden could not help it, he folded the beautiful woman to his heart,
+and pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips.
+
+At that moment some one knocked, and simultaneously the door was thrown
+open.
+
+Lieutenant Buschmann entered; disappointment and rage held him
+spell-bound, so that he stood as if rooted to the ground; his bold
+attack, upon which he had staked his last hope, had been shamefully
+frustrated, but at least he possessed the proof that Giulia favoured
+another, that her reserve was a lie.
+
+His cheeks, always red, burned like fire, and he stamped his jingling
+spurs upon the floor.
+
+Everything had commenced so hopefully. Antonie had gone to the ball
+with Friederich, and had entrusted the house and door key to the
+latter's care. Under some pretence the officer's cunning servant had
+left the ball for a short time, proceeded to his master's dwelling
+close by, and delivered up the key of the fortress to that master.
+
+The game so far had succeeded, Friederich was once more dancing merrily
+with his unsuspicious partner.
+
+Blanden sprang from the sofa, and stepped defiantly towards the
+intruder.
+
+"Has this gentleman the right to intrude here?" he asked Giulia.
+
+"No--by heaven, no! Only by force or cunning can he have obtained
+admission. Protect me from him!"
+
+Giulia covered her face with her hands.
+
+"Your conduct is shameless, sir!" cried Blanden to the officer.
+
+"Not another word with you! But one word still with this lady, who has
+deceived us all; I owe it to the favour of chance that I have torn from
+her the mask with which she has passed before the world as an
+inexorable woman."
+
+"You shall leave the room this moment," said Blanden with firm
+determination, "I have the right to bid you do so, because Signora
+Giulia Bollini--is engaged to me!"
+
+With a loud cry, Giulia sank into the sofa cushions.
+
+"Well, then, I congratulate you upon the Polter-abend,"[1] said
+Buschmann scornfully, as he turned upon his heels and left the room
+amid the clatter of his spurs.
+
+"What have you done?" said Giulia, as she gazed at Blanden with large
+tearful eyes, her hand raised as if in protest, and sobbing with
+internal agitation.
+
+"I will protect you against all the world," cried Blanden with,
+overwhelming emotion, "my Giulia, my betrothed!"
+
+And she lay in his arms, half unconscious, acquiescent, infinitely
+blissful, and desperately defiant of fate.
+
+"Come what may," whispered she, "I am yours."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+                           IN THE LION'S DEN.
+
+
+Beate looked enterprising enough in the Spanish mantilla, which she had
+thrown as a hood over her head; her little eyes sparkled; she resembled
+a tiger cat, going out in search of prey.
+
+She rang at the door of a large house, and before the sleepy porter
+opened it, she tried whether the dagger would spring easily and quickly
+out of its sheath.
+
+She knew the way; it led through a spacious hall, and through a second
+door standing open, past a back building of stables and sheds, which
+looked as if some manor house had gone astray in the town.
+
+Then she arrived at a small gate, and through the railing perceived a
+two-storied garden house, of which the shutters were closed; only
+through the door, draped with curtains on the ground floor, gleamed a
+red light, whose lost reflection fell upon the silver of the frosty
+snow, with which the nearest yew trees were covered.
+
+The gate was locked. Beate had to ring again.
+
+Then the snow crackled, and a gnome-like creature crept up to the gate;
+almost buried beneath the weight of snow which the clouds and trees had
+shed upon her, she stared at the stranger with glaring eyes; she looked
+like an Esquimaux woman, at whose hut some stranger's hand knocks.
+
+It was Kaetchen! After that meeting with Blanden she had stayed up in
+her chamber; had tossed about upon her straw couch as if in feverish
+delirium, until the grey morn rose above the roofs, then she had fallen
+fast asleep. But mother Hecht knew no consideration for lazy
+maid-servants, who neglected their duties--and when Kaetchen, on the
+following morning, appeared in the kitchen with hollow eyes and pallid
+face, she was immediately driven out of the house.
+
+The Italian, who had known her at the sea-side, and had long had an eye
+upon her, had also often spoken to her in the witch's kitchen, heard of
+it; according to his views she combined two qualities which were of
+equal value for his purposes; want of understanding, sullen
+indifference to all that lay beyond her horizon, and a marvellously
+developed instinct for everything in which she was interested. That
+which was repulsive, even idiotic in her nature, was peculiarly
+acceptable to him; she passed unnoticed, no one cared about her. Thus
+she could do excellent service as a spy, and at night she was always to
+be found at her post as porteress and sentinel where forbidden
+pleasures were pursued.
+
+"Open the gate," said Beate. Kaetchen examined her from head to foot,
+and shrugged her shoulders.
+
+"_Aprite dunque_," repeated Beate angrily, although the porteress, who
+seemed to belong to the polar regions, did not bear the least
+resemblance to an Italian.
+
+Kaetchen asked her name. Beate gave her a card, upon which were written
+the words Beate Romani.
+
+The little porteress sprang along the garden walk, in doing which it
+pleased her to sweep the bushes in the nearest beds, so that their
+boughs rattled, and threw out clouds of snow.
+
+Beate became impatient, she had to wait a long time; she shook the bars
+of the railing like a wild beast in a cage.
+
+At last Kaethe returned and opened the garden gate. Beate followed her
+into the villa, they passed through a garden lighted with red lamps, up
+a flight of steps, covered with a lovely carpet. Beate had to wait in
+an ante-room; deathlike silence reigned in both the adjoining chambers
+disturbed by no cry, by no chink of money, as she had expected.
+
+She looked at a picture on the wall; it represented a little church
+upon an island in a lake; on all sides, high, bare hills, which glowed
+in the radiant colouring of an Italian evening sky. She knew that
+church, and gazed at the picture with a shrug of her shoulders; it
+awoke a reminiscence, which at that moment was very unwelcome. And what
+mockery--the house of God in the antechamber of a gambling hell!
+
+"I have not time now, Beate," said Baluzzi curtly, as he entered
+through a side door, "but I will make you a proposal! I have visitors
+with me, whom I am amusing with various games, now we are at roulette!
+Be my guest--_che ne dite?_"
+
+"What shall I do there? Lose my good name?"
+
+"_Puo darsi!_ That is not an article which I keep in stock, but neither
+do those seek it who come to me. However, we are silent. If the means
+are wanting, I am at your service."
+
+"I do not play!"
+
+"Remember Monaco, you were a fisher of gold, the money clung to your
+rod."
+
+"I am not prepared for it to-day."
+
+"Here you have money, you shall play for me! But come, come, I have not
+time to talk."
+
+Beate was not at all disinclined to take a peep into the secrets of the
+gaming hell; perhaps she might succeed in discovering something that
+could be useful to her friend; she allowed herself to be persuaded,
+laid cloak and hood aside, while Baluzzi said to her--
+
+"You are doing me a slight favour, Beate! I need the fair sex in my
+parties, my graces gain wrinkles! But you are quite a pretty child,
+such a little snake with red, fiery eyes, you are a _diavolessa_. I
+know you; _tanto meglio_!"
+
+Meanwhile they had traversed two empty rooms, and entered a brilliantly
+lighted saloon, the windows of which were made doubly safe by shutters
+and curtains.
+
+A loud buzz of conversation met the new comers, the game having been
+interrupted. Baluzzi seemed happy to have captured an Italian woman,
+and, with some pride, introduced Beate to those present as his
+countrywoman.
+
+"Beate Romani--whence did this golden orange drop?" said an elderly
+lady, with a complexion yellow as a citron, to her young neighbour, in
+a low dress. The latter put her eyeglass more firmly upon her pug nose,
+and replied--
+
+"Little and impudent--a soubrette! The captain is talking to her
+already; she seems to be pert."
+
+The Polish Captain of Lancers, a Herr von Mierowski, did, indeed, find
+pleasure in the wily Italian, whose smile was so charmingly reserved.
+At the same time she let her eyes pass over the assembly, and
+especially examined the ladies; of these there were four: the mother,
+with the yellow tint in her face, and daughter, with the pug nose, also
+bore Polish names, consisting of a whole _plica polonica_ of letters.
+Then there was another beauty in pink silk. That rose was a Berlin
+lady, of remarkable loquacity. Her face did not correspond with her
+toilet's language of flowers; she was pale as wax, and the pink ribbons
+flowed down from flaxen hair. The fourth lady was an unusually slender
+sylph, and Beate guessed correctly and quickly that she must be a late
+performer in some ballet, who, after having gradually retreated from
+the front row into the very last, had retired with honours from the
+field of renown. She was a French-woman, who pretended to have taken
+part in the Grand Opera, but who certainly had earned her questionable
+laurels in booths, or on similar stages.
+
+The female company answered to that which is termed refuse at an annual
+fair--gay glazed ware, full of bubbles and cracks. Beate soon
+recognised this, but without being particularly contented with that
+result of her observations. She knew only too well that none of these
+Circes could have won Baluzzi's affections.
+
+Several patrician sons were to be found amongst the gentlemen, who
+rather prided themselves upon trying their luck at the gaming table,
+and having discovered a miniature Homburg and Baden-Baden in the city
+of pure reason, at which were not wanting the Graces, who rustled their
+silks through the state rooms and along the terraces. A Russian prince,
+possessor of many serfs, was very impatient at the pause in the game,
+and walked angrily up and down, caring as little about the seductive
+beauties as if they had been painted in faded colours upon the walls.
+
+The play began afresh; the roulette ball commenced its fatal course;
+people betted upon _rouge_ and _noir_ upon _pair_ and _impair_, here
+and there also considerable sums were placed upon single numbers, which
+Baluzzi swept off with great satisfaction. The little gaming table was
+arranged exactly after the pattern of the larger Rhenish banks, and
+here, despite the small dimensions, sums could be lost which were not
+at all proportionate to those dimensions. The young merchant sons
+rejoiced over the losses, as much as over their gains, because they
+could thus show that it mattered not at all to them how they sacrificed
+vast sums, the loss of which would have reduced others to a state of
+nervous agitation.
+
+Most eager was the Pole; he belonged to those persons who have
+converted hazard into a system, and who lose themselves in deep
+calculations as to the chances of the game; he sat with a little
+writing tablet in his hand, and carefully noted the occurrences at the
+green board, laughed at by the free thinkers of the gaming table, who
+believe in chance only, just as others perceive but a game of hazard in
+the great comedy of the world, and ridicule the thinkers who strive to
+reduce it into a system. The mother and her flaxen-haired daughter also
+played devotedly, although they merely pledged small sums; at each gain
+or loss, a red streak suffused the yellow-bronzed complexion of the
+mother, and the waxen features of the daughter received a sudden
+crimson glow, which vanished again just as quickly.
+
+Despite all absorption in the hieroglyphics of chance, Mierowski had
+leisure sufficient to observe Beate's mode of playing, which in its
+thoughtless recklessness pierced his heart. Owing to the lively
+interest which he felt in the dainty Italian, he could no longer look
+calmly on; he rose from the table, and whispered the necessary hints to
+her, not omitting to squeeze her hand in token of his friendship.
+
+Beate followed these hints, and lost bravely, an event which seemed to
+confuse all rules of the gambling method. He was all the more eagerly
+bent upon proving the truth of his calculations by means of his own
+success.
+
+The heaps of gold on his right hand increased; the Polish mamma entered
+into partnership with him already, and the flaxen-haired daughter was
+much inclined to follow her example, but her neighbour and protector,
+the son of the Kommerzienrath, in the _Kneiphoef Lang-gasse_, beneath
+whose pennon her _louis d'ors_ ventured out to sea, would never have
+given his consent; he looked askant at the augmenting treasures of the
+Pole. Baluzzi also became uneasy, because Mierowski steadily increased
+his stakes.
+
+At last that state of feverish excitement set in which always precedes
+any great crisis. The battle only raged between the banker and
+Mierowski; all others as it were merely paid the entrance money with
+their small stakes, in order to be present at this performance. The
+victory suddenly seemed to incline to Baluzzi's side; twice following
+he swept in heavy amounts. But the Pole doubled and trebled the stake
+in order to break the bank, "_Le jeu est fait_," rang forth; with
+beating hearts the little circle awaited the result which the weird,
+rolling ball should bring. Beate had become pale as death, she knew
+that this ball would once more pierce another's heart.
+
+"_Va banque_," rang the Pole's cry of victory; all sprang up in
+tumultuous excitement, so that the heaps of gold were scattered in all
+directions, and some _louis d'ors_ rolled upon the ground.
+
+With apparent composure Baluzzi said--
+
+"For to-day I acknowledge myself conquered, but the fortune of war
+changes."
+
+At the same time he cast a venomous glance at the victorious Pole.
+
+Beate took advantage of the tumult to retire unnoticed, and to await
+the Italian in a side room, so that her lengthy stay might not arouse
+observation.
+
+Mierowski's glances sought her in vain, as he rushed away with his
+treasures; he was possessed with a violent passion for little Beate,
+and was in a very liberal humour; he longed for another champagne
+orgie, and the Hebe for it had been found, and was lost.
+
+Outside, he enquired of the half-witted porteress, for the little black
+lady from Italy.
+
+Kaetchen stared at him with astonished eyes, and several times repeated
+the word, "Gone!" with pantomimic gesture. In so doing she was obeying
+no injunction of Beate, but only her own instinct.
+
+The whole party broke up noisily; the Polish women lighted their
+cigarettes, the pink Berlin lady disappeared in a grey sack-like winter
+cloak, which suited her flaxen hair better. The gentlemen eagerly
+discussed the last decisive battle, and were so excited and absorbed
+that Kaetchen picked up several _louis d'ors_ at the garden gate, as
+perquisites.
+
+In the house itself all had suddenly become silent; a tired lacquey
+snored upon the bench in the hall; no one remembered to extinguish the
+lamps and candles; a current of air blew in through the open doors;
+several lights flickered and went out; others burned down and filled
+the air with their odour.
+
+Baluzzi hastened, in wild excitement, through the saloons, and at last
+found Beate upon a divan in the farthest room in the suite of
+apartments. Only one hanging lamp shed a dim light.
+
+Beate sprang up from the sofa and assumed an attitude prepared for
+defiance, for the Italian was greatly excited, and she knew that he
+would then recklessly indulge his wild nature.
+
+"There you are--you would speak to me--_benissimo_. I too would speak
+to you; you are probably afraid of me, little cat? You have an evil
+conscience, yes, _per dio_, I might shake you to death, because you are
+to blame for the last hesitation."
+
+At these words, he caught Beate with his powerful hand. But she drew
+out her dagger.
+
+"Stand back! I expected ill-usage; but I am prepared to protect myself
+from it."
+
+The Italian started back at the unexpected sight of the shining steel.
+
+"_Corpo del diavolo_," cried he, "the little witch has provided herself
+well, but if I were to struggle with you--"
+
+"Just try it!"
+
+"You are a little brigandess; it pleases me, it is Italian blood! But
+you are also an intriguer, a shameless intriguer; she follows your
+advice. I know it! Why was I obliged to go to the debtors' prison?
+Could you not release me one day sooner? If it were not for the
+disturbance, your dagger should not deter me, and even if the little
+cat were to spring into my face, I should be able to settle her."
+
+"Let us talk rationally, Baluzzi."
+
+"With the dagger in your hand?"
+
+"There is something like a wild beast about you! Fasten it in a
+cage--and the dagger shall return to its sheath."
+
+"Well, I will control myself, although it is difficult for me at this
+moment. The misfortunes which persecute me, transport me into ever new
+rage. Could the cursed ball not roll differently? _Sono alla
+disperazione_."
+
+He had seized a chair, and threw it to the ground with such force that
+the back broke.
+
+"Has your rage nearly exhausted itself?" asked Beate.
+
+"It was a relapse--I will be calm. Sit down. What have you to tell me?"
+
+They sat down upon the sofa; Beate watched his every movement with a
+keen glance.
+
+"Let us talk quietly! This cannot go on much longer!"
+
+"My business with Russia shall set me up again! '_E una fatalita!_'
+This _maledetto polacco_! If only they had massacred him at Ostrolenka,
+or beaten him to death with the knout in Siberia. He is a gambler by
+profession, and believes to be in possession of the only luck-bringing
+theory; but his theory is folly, while the misfortune is that he is
+fortunate. It is the second time already that he has broken my
+bank--without him I should be the luckiest player! He exercises an evil
+eye upon me--I curse him!"
+
+"Leave that alone! The misfortune is the gambling--give it up, Baluzzi!
+You will ruin yourself, and us with you."
+
+"She still sings splendidly; while the gold of her voice resounds, gold
+will resound in her money box."
+
+"But her voice is deteriorating."
+
+"Bad fellows say so, and I punished one of them lately. Her voice is
+still first-rate capital, will bring interest for long yet; there is no
+want of it."
+
+"We shall come to want! You are a leech, an outrageous leech! She can
+hardly pay for her own dress! And, to-day, bad luck again! No sooner
+are your debts paid than a new demand menaces us. You are a bankrupt
+every eight days."
+
+"I will give up gambling now; I have no luck. But business is hazard,
+too; the Russian frontier Guards are no joke."
+
+"Can you pursue no respectable business?"
+
+"Fill a paper bag with _quattrini_, every day another farthing, and lie
+down to sleep happily when one paper bag is full, and a fresh one can
+be twisted up--that is not my style! I do business on a large scale, I
+would live grandly, I must, therefore, risk much! All or nothing--_va
+banque_! What else can I do with your little honorariums? You have no
+right to interfere with me; you deceive me, and you especially, little
+Satan; you rouse her against me, and spin tissues of lies, and persuade
+her to plead poverty. But I will sweep away the spider's web you have
+woven, malicious spider that you are, and trample you under foot."
+
+The Italian assumed a menacing aspect; Beate kept her hand upon the
+dagger.
+
+"Afraid again? Those little watchful eyes, how well they become you,
+but I tell you I want money, much money, and she must give it me once
+more! Could she not save during that couple of years when I lost all
+traces of her, because I was stationed far away in the interior of
+Russia, and could not escape from vile ill-luck? Why did she not save?
+Why does she live like a princess? Probably she is collecting a dowry
+for you; you are, doubtlessly, a pretty little betrothed; some unhappy
+being has gone into your net, beguiled by that pretty visage! There is
+still time to warn him!"
+
+"Calumny, vile calumny!"
+
+"But I shall hold her fast! Do she not fulfil her duties, I shall
+appear again, and lay my hand upon her before all the world."
+
+"It is on this point that I would speak to you, Baluzzi. There is only
+one means by which she can still provide for you, even if her talent
+has failed her."
+
+"And that means?"
+
+"You must set her free."
+
+"How your eyes sparkle, little viper," cried Baluzzi, springing up.
+"That is a fine plan, probably conceived in this charming little head.
+Do not give yourselves any trouble, things will remain as they were."
+
+"Your own interest--"
+
+"Is thus best ensured. Will always be. I have certainty."
+
+"There are sufficient grounds for you, according to the laws of this
+country, if you only will--"
+
+"Grounds abundant as flowers in May, as mushrooms after rain; but I
+stand by the decree of the Church. I am not a subject of this country,
+and will not become one."
+
+"But if we had reasons, proofs--"
+
+"Aha, I repeat it, it is in vain--we stand under the laws of Italy and
+of the Church, and what will you prove? That which was done was done
+with her consent, according to her own desire, yet at first in
+opposition to mine; and who tells you that I do not love her, love her
+fervently, that I will always remain far from her? If she cease to be
+the queen of the stage, then she will belong to me once again. No more
+beautiful angel of damnation ever dwelled with Lucifer in the depths of
+hell! Ha! how my bonds will rise; she shall preside at the green board,
+it will be like a gaming hell in heaven! For me, at least, because she
+shall be my slave, whom I love and chastise at the same time."
+
+"The dreams of a madman."
+
+"If they are only beautiful, those dreams, enchantingly beautiful, then
+it is a foretaste, and the day will come on which this madness will
+seek and find its victim."
+
+"Baluzzi, be reasonable," said Beate, insinuatingly, as she drew the
+Italian down beside her, "you are not so foolish as you pretend to be;
+you consented formerly, because you saw that it was for your mutual
+good. Be reasonable now, too!"
+
+"How the little cat can caress with its velvet paws."
+
+"There is something in the air that can do you good also!"
+
+"I curse that something and him, for I hate him also."
+
+"Jealousy still, senseless jealousy--_sareble vero!_ She does not love
+you; you cannot force her to do so! Is she the only woman in the world?
+You give yourself freedom again. Take a large profit with you, and then
+trouble yourself no more about her! We others may not be so beautiful,
+to be sure, yet we are not made of marble either, but of flesh and
+blood, and, if our eyes have not such depth, they flash all the more
+merrily."
+
+Beate looked at the gambler with seductive glances. He put his arms
+round her supple form, which only resisted feebly, pressed a kiss upon
+her lips, but then wrenched himself away, pushed her from him, and
+cried, as he sprang up--
+
+"_Corpo di bacco_, I know you, _diavola_! That is a worn-out game, and
+I know, too, how the cards are shuffled! You are not indisposed to be
+the victim of friendship. Aha, that is the cause of this sudden,
+pretended, fervent love. But where are the witnesses--the dumb walls,
+the lamps burning down? And, if there were witnesses, they would only
+be of use so far as separate maintenance is concerned, with which the
+Signora is not supplied. You have miscalculated, my child! To-day is
+buried from the world, and to-morrow I shall not know you again."
+
+Beate stood drawn up erectly, the open dagger in her hand.
+
+"You misunderstand me, Signor Baluzzi! Our business is at an end!"
+
+At that moment Kaetchen's head appeared in the half-open doorway.
+
+"You called me, Signor?"
+
+"Listener," cried Baluzzi, enraged, "this eavesdropping in my own
+house! Do not let me catch you a second time. Open the garden gate for
+the Signora; wait below with the key!"
+
+Kaetchen disappeared.
+
+"I require money; I do not yet know how much. I will first learn the
+result of my business. You are a cunning mediatrix, little Beate, but
+neither your paws nor your claws have power over me; but if anything be
+in the air warn her not to venture upon too much, else she may have a
+narrow escape."
+
+Below Kaetchen was whistling upon the key of the gate. She soon
+conducted Beate, who had drawn the hood over her head, through the
+garden walks.
+
+The wild cat left the lion's den.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+                  THE MISTRESS OF THE BOARDING SCHOOL.
+
+
+Da. Reising's credit had done its duty, as was shown by the shining
+brass plate, upon which the skilful town engraver had etched the words,
+"Lori Baute's Boarding School," in large, legible characters.
+
+There she sat, a small sovereign of a small state. The first object of
+her ambition was attained. Indignant as she was at the noise which the
+classes sometimes made, to her there was even a melodious echo in the
+tumult. All these noisy beings are your pupils, entrusted to you, given
+up to your authority, and this turbulence only proves how your school
+flourishes.
+
+She had adopted a short, decided, dictatorial manner, and practised it
+before the mirror; she had also pondered over a necessary alteration in
+her dress, and arrived at the conclusion that her present position
+required a certain sacrifice, the sacrifice of youth. Fraeulein Sohle,
+her predecessor, had none to make in that respect, she was totally
+different from her pupils, with the advantage of her maturer years, and
+with unartificial dignity, such as is united without effort to creases,
+wrinkles, and a figure which only appears as the physical residuum of
+an intellectually extinguished spirit.
+
+But Lori was still young; her looking glass told her that she might
+compete in charms with the youngest teachers, yes, she even looked
+younger than she was.
+
+School, and that life to which she might still lay claim, were opposed
+to one another, but she must make some concession. She made up her mind
+to it, and decided upon the loss of those curls, which the profane
+world designated "love-locks."
+
+It was not easy for her to relinquish the glossy, youthful head-gear,
+but the gloomy framework of snake-like curls imparted an otherwise
+unattainable dignity to her features. To be sure her eyes flashed out
+all the more boldly, and her tiny person could not possibly transform
+itself into a Juno. Nevertheless she knew how to inspire respect;
+wherever she appeared, all noise was stilled, her omniscience was
+feared, because she knew how to find out by inquisition and torture
+everything that happened in any portion of her dominions. The
+governesses were afraid of her and her spies; they felt that every step
+was watched, without knowing in what tangible form those dark powers
+dogged their heels.
+
+The older tutors also obeyed the young ruler's will with a certain
+gallantry; only the young master with the moustache opposed an
+unbending mind, and appeared to be determined to go his own way.
+
+She was thought to be omniscient, poor Lori! How gladly would she have
+been so! because unnatural obscurity hovered over one of the most
+important questions which occupied her. Far away beyond the attained
+goal her ambition was again striving after new objects--how very
+different to be a proud _chatelaine_, and the wife of a nobleman of
+position--and was this impossible for her?
+
+She sat silently, and counted up all the tokens of attention which
+Blanden had vouchsafed to her. The sum was a considerable one, if only
+all the separate posts had been secure--!
+
+Blanden had availed himself of her last invitation in the
+confectioner's shop to visit Reising, just before his departure to the
+province, and, indeed, on the same day. Was it merely his eagerness to
+fulfil a social duty while he had time, or was it liking for, and
+interest in her poor self?
+
+Dr. Reising had received him very pleasantly. Euphrasia had been
+agreeable, yes, coquettish--Lori had no other name for it; even Emma
+had shed the light of her kitchen lantern upon the high politics of the
+reception-room; and actually Albertine made up her mind to speak.
+
+But he had distinguished her above all the others, talked with her in
+preference, and she herself had been intellectual, particularly
+intellectual; she must say that for herself, there are days upon which
+the silver melts unaided from the mental ore, and becomes liquid, days
+of an intellectual silvery appearance. Could Blanden be unsusceptible
+to such silvery looks? For he had been in the province a long time. Dr.
+Reising had departed with her sisters; she had undertaken the school,
+it was a time of anxiety. He was far away, she could only preserve his
+image in her heart, and at rare moments take it out for devout
+contemplation.
+
+But now he had returned again, she had seen him. Twice he had ridden
+past her house. Was it chance, or intentional? He had looked up at her
+windows; did he seek her, or did he only notice the wild noise issuing
+from one of the classes, the windows of which, in spite of the cold,
+had to be opened on account of a worn-out stove!
+
+Much more weighty was the fact that for several days she had each
+morning found a bouquet of hot-house flowers in her vase.
+
+A man-servant had delivered them to the housemaid without giving the
+name of the donor. In each bouquet was concealed an envelope, in which
+was a card containing a verse. Such forbidden goods in a girls' school,
+and to be sent to her, the mistress! But she resigned herself to the
+inevitable, did not burn the cards, nor did she forbid the reception of
+the bouquets.
+
+Did they come from Blanden? A blissful suspicion told her so, she
+believed to find reminiscences of their conversations in some of the
+verses. Had he not spoken of the solitude of his woods, and did not the
+first verse begin with an allusion to it?--
+
+
+                 "Without thee darling I am lonely,
+                    All the light of life doth die,
+                  All my heaven is in thee only,
+                    No star is in th' eternal sky
+                  Save thou smile and bid me see,
+                   Save thou come and bide with me."
+
+
+She imagined she heard Blanden's soft mellifluous voice in the melody
+of these lines; but why did he not come? She would gladly have let her
+eyes shine upon him.
+
+Bolder was the last poem! It spoke of the lotus-flower. Blanden had
+been in India, the exotic colouring of the lines possessed a warmth
+such as only personal experience can impart:
+
+
+                 "A god of Hindoo dreams,
+                    Cradled in the lotus-flower,
+                  Then enchanted it would seem
+                    By a goddess' magic power;
+                  And wert thou my goddess true
+                  I should be enchanted too."
+
+
+In spite of the oriental figurative language, the meaning of these
+lines was not incomprehensible; they were from Blanden. They must have
+originated from him, and mentally Lori composed the anti-strophe--
+
+
+                 "Let the lotus shed its perfume,
+                    Tarry not in lover's pain,
+                  In the castle of Kulmitten
+                    I will as your goddess reign."
+
+
+And if Blanden were the author, the sender of these exotic nosegays,
+nothing but delicate consideration could restrain him from seeking her!
+He indeed knew where the lotus-flower bloomed, but could he know how he
+should be received? He must show some regard for the mistress'
+character, upon which her existence depends. He had no pretext for such
+a visit; he had no little daughter to introduce. Oh, she understood him
+thoroughly, and she respected him the more, the more she understood
+him.
+
+She considered long what pretext she could find for a meeting; she made
+plans, and rejected them again. At last she decided upon her favourite
+weapon, a pink note--an anonymous pink note! He was discreet, she might
+trust him, there was nothing remarkable about a chance meeting in the
+confectioner's shop; but the reason? This was of less importance; once
+she was seated before him, all doubts must vanish.
+
+These lines, these flowers, and the look in his eyes, a single pregnant
+word--and the enigma would be solved with magic speed.
+
+The pink note merely contained the words, "a lady begs for your advice
+and help," also the place and the hour of the assignation.
+
+Blanden was on friendly terms with Reising; she, without male support
+since her brother-in-law's departure, had she not every right to turn
+to him, and her doing so would enlighten him.
+
+There was the tutor with the moustache, handsome Dr. Sperner, he became
+bolder and more defiant each day, yes even at times he seemed to treat
+her like a little girl, and not as the principal of the school. Blanden
+should advise her how she was to behave to the doctor, a little
+interference in her favour would lower the young man's presumptuous
+tone; he must learn that she was sure of manly protection.
+
+When in the act of taking her straw hat out of the drawer so as to make
+her toilette in keeping with her correspondence, Dr. Sperner was
+announced again. He entered so boldly, that one might have expected to
+see spurs on his boots.
+
+"You wish to speak to me, dear Fraeulein?"
+
+"Later, a few hours later, I begged you to come to me."
+
+"I know, but I shall not have time! This white slavery only extends
+over lectures and consultations, not the entire day, even if it be the
+most amiable lady planter's slavery."
+
+"What do these insinuations mean, Herr Doctor?"
+
+"I gladly look upon myself as your slave, my Fraeulein! If capital be
+allowed to plunder our mental labour, it may be endured from an owner
+of capital, such as you, dear Fraeulein, with whom a man could live. But
+what do you wish?"
+
+"I can now only explain my views very briefly upon two points which I
+wish to see altered; yes, I expect, I command that they be altered!"
+
+The Doctor bowed with a mocking smile.
+
+"Even on my first visit to the establishment, I made these
+observations," continued Lori, while she assumed a stern tone, and
+shook back one spiral curl that fell over her face, "the themes which
+you give to the pupils are totally unsuitable, just so the theme for
+the last composition, 'Why did Egmont not marry Klaerchen?' That does
+not appear to be the proper manner of introducing our classics."
+
+"There our views differ, dear Fraeulein! Upon reflection, you will find
+how improving such tasks are. They accustom the girls to grasp the most
+important questions in life in an independent manner, and, above all,
+to treat them with tact. Besides, I avoid themes which lead to
+commonplaces, and which have already been written upon hundreds of
+times. New questions which cause independent thought--that is my
+object. I should like to wager that hitherto even you have not thought
+over my questions."
+
+"I must decline, Herr Doctor, to be placed on a par with my pupils."
+
+"I am far from doing so, excepting on one point, namely, youth and
+loveliness."
+
+"You forget to whom you are speaking. Such susceptibility, however, is
+a superfluous quality in the masters at my school."
+
+"What would a teacher of youth be, who possessed no susceptibility for
+the beautiful?"
+
+"Many pupils and their parents complain of your partiality. I find that
+they are right. I have examined the corrected copy-books very closely.
+You show such partiality to that fat Iduna; orthographical mistakes,
+which, for the others, you mark with thick red lines, in her case you
+treat as clerical errors, which you do not count, which you do not put
+down in the margin or add up. Thus Iduna always receives a good notice.
+And yet that girl brought forward the unutterable nonsense that Egmont
+did not marry Klaerchen because it would have been inconvenient, and
+marriage, especially owing to ladies' dress, costs too much money;
+although lace was made in Brussels and Flanders, and was cheaper than
+with us. And this sentence you did not even cross out, while you
+accompany the poetical ideas of other girls with red notes of
+interrogation."
+
+"Iduna possesses sound common sense, although she is of a prosaic
+nature. We must encourage it. On the other hand, it is a master's duty
+to eradicate betimes all that is too fantastic; life does not fulfil
+such foolish dreams."
+
+"As well as Iduna, you favour Clara, who is not her inferior as to
+voluptuous form; it seems that you like full-blown roses."
+
+"You are mistaken, Fraeulein; besides, my private taste has nothing to
+do with my profession and your establishment. It is thoroughly feminine
+to recognise no principles, and to impute everything to the
+affections."
+
+"Because," interposed Lori, "in a boarding school they are ill-weeds,
+which must be eradicated first of all."
+
+"As you like to decide upon matters which do not belong to your duties
+as principal, although, as a girl, they may be interesting to you--"
+
+"The distinctions which you make are unsuitable--"
+
+"Then I must defend my taste against your accusations. I do not
+love such phlegmatic contented natures. I love what is fine and
+piquant--vivacious, intellectual eyes, dainty figures--"
+
+"I thank you for your confessions, but I am not in a position to listen
+to them any longer; I must leave you. But yet, I must request better
+themes for German tasks, and greater impartiality--and you will obey my
+orders."
+
+"Certainly; 'Thoughts on the awaking of Spring' shall be the next theme
+for our first-class, and Iduna shall receive the worst report. You had
+better take your fur instead of your cloak, Fraeulein! It is bittterly
+cold, as the sentries say in 'Hamlet,' before they see the ghost. Can I
+assist you? That pink bonnet becomes you charmingly, dear Fraeulein! You
+can wear the most youthful colours, but smooth bands of hair would suit
+you better than these corkscrews. Good-by!"
+
+With a mocking smile, but a fiery glance at the young mistress, the
+audacious Doctor took leave. Lori was indignant at his daring, and at
+the superior tone which he assumed, but she was still more angry with
+herself that she had not been able to keep him within bounds; that she
+felt subdued before him, as was Mark Antony before Caesar's genius. She
+must procure advice, it was high time.
+
+Soon Lori was seated in the confectioner's shop, and waited eagerly for
+the result of her pink note.
+
+Blanden entered: he went excitedly and hastily through the apartments;
+he had received the note, and connected its contents with Giulia, who
+occupied all his thoughts. For this reason he had acceded to its
+invitation, although the preparation for his meeting with the
+Lieutenant claimed all his time. He recognised Lori, and went towards
+her; she thought it advisable at once to acknowledge her authorship of
+the note. Blanden seated himself beside her, and listened absently to
+her communications. The less Lori really had to say, the longer she
+spun it out: she began with their meeting at the sea-side, with the
+friendship which Professor Reising had always entertained for Blanden;
+she painted pictures of the short time they had been together, in the
+most vivid colours. Blanden sat there so dreamily; was he revelling in
+the same recollections; did he smile in silent delight, or only out of
+politeness?
+
+Now Lori began to talk about herself; she drew a touching sketch of her
+childhood and youth. Blanden's eyes became more and more concealed
+beneath their lids, imparting a dreamy appearance to him; was it
+fervour or abstraction?
+
+In the midst of her recital Lori watched the play of her listener's
+countenance with nervous attention, and was miserable that she could
+not fathom the impression which her words made upon him, because this
+was the principal object of the meeting. She hardly dared confess to
+herself that she had perceived how forced was his attention, and that
+his pulses did not seem to beat any higher.
+
+She sought to awaken a deep interest by representing how difficult it
+was for a girl to fight her way through the world; she had bought the
+school, but now stood there quite isolated, helpless in many respects.
+She complained of several governesses, especially of the rebellious
+master.
+
+"Then I should dismiss him," said Blanden, with great composure.
+
+"It is not so easy as you think. He has his faults, but it is difficult
+to find a substitute. Besides, he is thought something of in society.
+In such an establishment one has not only to think of the daughters,
+but also of the mothers. And, as far as the mothers are concerned, he
+is a veritable Faust; he possesses the keys to their hearts."
+
+"But he would listen to serious remonstrance."
+
+"He treats me, I hardly like to say it, as a loveable little person,
+who, by mere chance, has been wafted to the head of the school; as a
+cypher, to which some small capital has put a figure before it. If he
+knew that I am not quite unprotected, that my brother-in-law, that my
+brother-in-law's friends support me--"
+
+"It is a knight's duty to protect ladies who implore protection," said
+Blanden. "I shall always fulfil that duty. If the young Doctor should
+be guilty of anything in the least degree unbecoming towards you,
+reckon upon me; I shall call him to account."
+
+This sounded so delightful, so hopeful! Lori's heart exulted, her eyes
+rested with such confiding trust upon the knight, who vowed his
+services to her; words of gratitude flowed warmly and fervently from
+her lips.
+
+Now she had gained courage to prosecute her research as to whether the
+knight had already borne any lady's colours.
+
+"You surely lead a very solitary life in Kulmitten?" asked she,
+assuming a most significant air, and emphasising the word "solitary"
+very markedly.
+
+"I shall spend the winter mostly in the town," replied Blanden.
+
+The man with the iron mask, thought she, he denies his flowers, but has
+he, like many, only warm feelings in his verses?
+
+The suspicion that those lines did not originate from him still
+appeared incredible to her.
+
+"One who has lived so long in Hindustan, amongst the lotus-flowers,
+may, indeed, find it very desolate here with us."
+
+She cast a sympathetic glance at Blanden, who was so impolite as to
+look at his watch at that very moment.
+
+"Lotus-flowers, the cradle of the gods," continued Lori, raising her
+eyes like her sister Ophelia, for which, however, she had not the long
+silken lashes; she had no talent for moonlight of the soul.
+
+"Nothing looks so poetical when seen quite closely," said Blanden, "as
+in the poet's verses, neither lotus flowers, nor gods, nor bayaderes.
+The lotus flowers are of as beautiful a pink as your bonnet, Fraeulein,
+Nevertheless, the holy plant possesses a very prosaic side, too; bread
+can be made from its fruit."
+
+Was this meant for a significant or, perhaps, even a malicious
+allusion? Lori had plenty of time for reflection, because immediately
+after Blanden politely took leave, while he repeated that he should
+always be ready to protect her.
+
+A feeling of great uncertainty took possession of her. All that Blanden
+said was so cool, so distant. Had she been mistaken? Did the castles of
+Kulmitten and Rositten belong to those in the air? or was he only
+teasing her? Did the merry cupids take refuge in his flowers and lines
+of poetry, while he acted the part of grave invincibility?
+
+As Lori left the confectioner's shop, she had to pass readers, who were
+deeply absorbed in their newspapers. One gigantic sheet was suddenly
+lowered, and behind it appeared the moustache of Dr. Sperner, who
+greeted the principal of the boarding school with a slight bow, and
+smiled familiarly, as she strolled past him.
+
+After a sleepless night, in which the ardent desires of her heart were
+driven to flight by the implacable calculation of her understanding,
+and after mature consideration, she was obliged to acknowledge a
+defeat, which, happily, she had suffered in total secrecy. In the
+morning she again found a bouquet of flowers and a note:
+
+
+                 "Ah, these runes, dear, pray decypher,
+                    Put an end to my love's pain;
+                  For 'tis not Iduna I love,
+                    No, I love but you alone!"
+
+
+This was the height of impudence. The moustachioed teacher cast his
+mask aside. In her own establishment had sprung up the ill-weeds of
+poetry and bouquets.
+
+Should she give him notice?
+
+Under existing circumstances she resolved not at once to speak about
+these love poems, so opposed to all rule, but to hold farther mental
+debates with herself.
+
+Iduna's next exercise teemed with red corrections. Lori rewarded Dr.
+Sperner for them with a grateful smile.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER IV.
+
+                    IN THE FOREST OF JUDITENKIRCHEN.
+
+
+Early in the morning the carriage stopped before the village inn.
+Blanden, Kuhl, and two other gentlemen sprang oat; the pistol cases
+were left in the carriage.
+
+"We have come too early; there is still half an hour's time," said
+Kuhl, "a morsel to eat cannot hurt us."
+
+"The morning is as hard as iron; the roads sparkle as if they were
+armour clad," said the Doctor.
+
+Blanden drummed his fingers upon the table. Kuhl sat down beside him.
+
+"I cannot, indeed, understand why you plunged yourself into this
+danger?"
+
+"It is to revenge Giulia's honour upon a miscreant."
+
+"Well, you know my opinion about duels; it is a special act of
+friendship that I second you. I have, it is true, several times, used a
+human body as a target, and marked it there when I intended to do,
+because I set to work conscientiously, and did not swerve an iota from
+my intentions. I wish you had my eye and hand to-day!"
+
+"I prefer to leave it to chance," said Blanden, "then I shall have a
+clearer conscience."
+
+"But now," continued Kuhl, "no one would easily inveigle me into such a
+duel. I do not hold Falstaff's views about honour, but I think that all
+which does but exist in the opinion of mankind, enjoys a very shadowy
+existence, and that it is not worth while, for the sake of such
+dissolving views, for such opinions which fade into mist, and from day
+to day assume a different form, to let a bullet be driven into one's
+body."
+
+"But we are dependent upon the opinions of mankind, especially of those
+human beings with whom we must live."
+
+"Those are the so-called class prejudices; for a citizen of the world
+like you they should not exist. You know best that in Honolulu upon
+such matters people think quite differently from what they do in the
+Fiji Islands, or even in Japan, where they simply rip up their own
+persons. It would be too cheap a mode of regaining one's lost honour if
+it were only necessary to burn powder in the pan."
+
+"We often long to punish an enemy," said Blanden, "and there is no
+other suitable method than that of standing before him with sword or
+pistol in one's hand. Hatred and enmity cannot be eradicated, and such
+silently nourished ill-will, such Platonic hatred, as people might term
+it, gnaws at one's vitals, just as does Platonic love. Every passion
+must obtain satisfaction, therefore the world has produced swords and
+pistols."
+
+"You are right," said Kuhl, "the world, once for all, belongs to
+cannibals, and the religion of love and peace, despite more than a
+thousand years' reign, has not been able to eradicate manslaughter. And
+so long as it is prosecuted on a large scale for the sake of a morsel
+of land, or questions of lofty etiquette and political politeness, one
+can really not object, when, on a small scale, people go to war with
+one another for considerations of honour; at least, it is a cheaper
+pleasure, and does not cost the blood of nations."
+
+"In my duel, dear Kuhl," said Blanden, "in the first place a woman's
+honour is concerned, and it is much more easily injured. As some birds
+in Hindoostan, according to the opinions of the people, only live upon
+the drops of rain which fall from the clouds, so do women only live
+upon that heavenly refreshment which lies in the delicate sense of
+their honour."
+
+"Nonsense," said Kuhl, "people scorn the world's opinion."
+
+"Then one must live upon a desert island, like Robinson Crusoe."
+
+"Every truly free man is a Robinson who does not require mankind. A
+robinsonade in society, it is that which is right, therein lies the
+guarantee of happiness."
+
+"Women must not have that wish; through it they would fool away the
+happiness of their life."
+
+"Who can deprive them of the happiness that they conquer boldly?"
+
+"True! Listen to me; at such moments a man thinks more seriously upon
+many things. I am about to fight for a woman's honour, you make game of
+it."
+
+"Blanden," cried Kuhl, jumping up. "My voice has more weight now, for
+that which I say to you may be my last testament. You deprive two girls
+of their good name, the sole guarantee which they possess for the peace
+of a later life. Now they may play and joke, some day earnestness and
+loneliness will come."
+
+"Well, the one has already retired from me; Olga threatens to become
+untrue to me."
+
+"Possibly, then, all the more grave is your duty to the other, who now
+defies the world's opinion; be it from folly, be it from passion,
+later, however, she will lament that she did so, when, after a short
+intoxication, she must lead a long, joyless, poverty-stricken life. You
+have no duties; one day you will forsake her entirely, and she will be
+left to gaze into long, lasting misery. She has rejected one honest
+wooer."
+
+"You speak of your friend Wegen!"
+
+"I speak of what my heart feels. I am, perhaps, about to sacrifice my
+life to one woman, therefore you can surely sacrifice your theories to
+another. A man may become a martyr to his faith, but he may not make
+others so."
+
+Kuhl was silent, it was a disagreeable conversation on a disagreeable
+morning; he must allow that Blanden was right, it was the way of the
+world. He shivered; the narrowness of a subject's life seemed to
+oppress him.
+
+"One thing more," said Blanden, "take care of Giulia if I fall. The
+world will condemn her as being the cause of my death. Perhaps her
+artistic career may be endangered. She has no support, no friend!
+Everything seems to be double-faced that moves around her. Be you her
+friend; will you promise it me?"
+
+"With all my heart," said Kuhl.
+
+"I have made my will; the legacy I leave to her is considerable enough
+to ensure her a life free from care, even if she retire from the stage.
+Help her with good advice, but do not forget that she is almost my
+widow, too sacred for frivolous games, and veiled for you by this my
+last solemn word."
+
+Kuhl thought to himself, "Jealous beyond the grave," but he did not
+venture to smile, he only squeezed his friend's hand in silence.
+
+Blanden looked at the clock--it was time. All entered the carriage
+again, which rolled along upon creaking wheels through the snow-laden
+forest.
+
+On the edge of the pine wood another carriage was standing; the
+opponents had just arrived.
+
+The scene of conflict was a little snow-covered glade; distances were
+measured, and the weapons examined. Blanden knew no fear, not even fear
+of death, but the full consciousness of the nonentity of existence
+overcame him. There was nothing appalling for him in death, but
+something almost humiliating. It was miserable, full of thoughts which
+grasp a world to be hurled to the ground by a piece of rattling metal,
+which pierces one in rapid flight, which even an old decayed tree stem
+can defy; it was too wretched to lie here bedded in the snow like any
+crow shot down from the grey wintry sky by the sportsman's gun, so that
+the wings of the mind hang down paralysed and dead for evermore, like
+the wings of the hideous bird which just now croaked so loudly for prey
+and food.
+
+Lifeless lead--and instead of the agitated spirit's notes of
+exclamation and interrogation, that one great line which ends this
+chapter of life, and perhaps the whole book.
+
+And, yet, it is easy to die on a frosty, winter's day, when all life
+cowers, when the trees stretch their bare summits into the misty grey
+atmosphere, and the shroud of snow lies upon all the forests and
+meadows. All nature shudders, as if renouncing every happiness.
+
+But, no! One heart there is that beats anxiously for you; two eyes
+which already dedicate scalding tears to the dark possibility that
+menaces you; there, indeed, is life and happiness, and from these it is
+that you must part.
+
+As is the case in all moments of most supreme tension, Blanden's mind
+saw such pictures and thoughts pass before him with a certain rigidity,
+and only awoke again as Kuhl pressed the pistols into his hand.
+
+Attempts at reconciliation had not been made, the bitterness of the
+opponents was too great, those polite ceremonies, which had been made
+for form's sake, were dropped again immediately, as being perfectly
+futile.
+
+As in a dream, Blanden saw the colossal officer step before him. He
+hated the man until that moment, then he was seized as with pity for
+such a sensual life, and then, again, with a change of thought, quick
+as lightning, his mind flew to recollections of his school days, and he
+thought of Homer and the Bible, which tell so accurately how many feet
+of earth such a mighty man covered in his fall.
+
+Then in the midst of these dreamy thoughts, rang the call of the
+seconds, the fatal counting began, the shots fell, and behind the
+clouds of powder, each glance sought the falling opponent, but only
+Buschmann had the satisfaction of rejoicing in that spectacle.
+
+Blanden sank to the ground, the officer's bullet had struck his breast.
+
+Kuhl and the surgeon knelt beside him. Buschmann did not trouble
+himself about his victim, did not even vouchsafe a casual enquiry; with
+a hasty greeting, he left the scene of the conflict.
+
+The surgeon gave hopes; the ball had penetrated the chest, but it
+appeared to him to be one of those rare cases in which no serious
+injury of a vital organ had taken place. Kuhl also shared that opinion.
+
+After adjusting the bandages, Blanden was lifted into the carriage, and
+driven home. The drive was very exhausting, and as the carriage rattled
+over the stone pavement, Blanden lost consciousness.
+
+When he awoke out of the dull web of a confused world of dreams, with
+its shadows melting into one another, he saw a pale form seated by his
+bed.
+
+It was Giulia.
+
+Her gaze rested anxiously upon him; she kissed his unclosing eyes, she
+kissed his hands amidst scalding tears.
+
+He had fought for his betrothed, from henceforth she would be his.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+                          INTERNAL STRUGGLES.
+
+
+Giulia nursed Blanden unweariedly; she let the performance of "Il
+Barbiere di Sevilla" be postponed again and again, to the great
+annoyance of the _impressario_, and only when Blanden began to recover
+did she attend the rehearsals.
+
+Calm as she appeared by the bedside, a mighty struggle was disturbing
+her soul.
+
+She often gazed with silent emotion upon his noble gentle features, as
+he lay there with closed eyes, when his wounded chest heaved with
+convulsive breathing. For her he had gone to meet death. Was he the
+victim of a lie? Her passionate love was indeed truth, although all
+else might be deception.
+
+She had but one alternative, the fearful alternative of losing him for
+ever, or of conquering him by impious defiance of law and custom.
+
+She was an Italian; she possessed fiery blood, and the language which
+passion spoke, even if it drove her out into the boundless, was to her
+almost irresistible.
+
+Grown up in a stage world, in which adventures are represented before
+the footlights and experienced behind the scenes, she had no true
+comprehension of the limits of respectable life; she was inclined in it
+to perceive a restraint over which the laws of the heart had the right
+to triumph. Brigandage lives in the blood of Italians; there is also a
+_brigantaggio_ of the heart, which breaks into the sanctuaries of the
+law with daring boldness, and deems the power of life higher than that
+which only seems to be a lifeless form, a written paragraph. What is
+unworthy, let it be authorised by earth or heaven, appears to be a
+fetter, to break which, is esteemed an act of heroism, even although it
+may be deemed a crime in the eyes of the world.
+
+But she knew that Blanden thought differently; here in the North the
+law was a great power; he possessed a knightly mind, which never thinks
+of deception. She could only be really his if she took all the daring
+upon herself alone, converting a degrading secret into a new heavy load
+of guilt.
+
+And had not the worst happened already, and from no fault of hers? Had
+he not suffered heavy pain for the sake of the impossible, which could
+only become possible by impudent deception, and unbroken silence?
+Should she not now, if she confessed all, prepare him a certain painful
+disappointment, which hereafter only hostile chance could bring upon
+him?
+
+Who guarantees any long endurance to happiness? She would enjoy it,
+even if the chasm which yawns behind every bliss were nearer to her and
+deeper than it usually is. But she could only obtain and enjoy this
+felicity with heart-throbbings and anguish of conscience, condemned to
+everlasting anxiety, dependent upon the good-will, the whims of a
+despicable man; this roused her heart against fate, robbed her of
+sleep, and dreams full of wild pictures of horror drove her terrified
+mind hither and thither in alarm.
+
+Ever again her conscience rebelled, and urged her to a confession that
+would free her; ever again she repressed it firmly, as the huntsman
+restrains the dog that will frighten away the game of which he is
+secure.
+
+Beate was calmer, she had given an account of her visit to Baluzzi, she
+would decidedly not give up all hope, and thought he would still allow
+himself to be persuaded to become a subject of that country; but Giulia
+cried in supreme excitement--
+
+"No, no, the disgrace of my life must remain in everlasting obscurity,
+how foolish to wish to drag it into court; it was a thought that could
+only come to me in utter helplessness. Then, too, Blanden would be lost
+to me; would there be anything more degrading for me, than to have to
+acknowledge that man before all the world? Only in deepest secrecy can
+my welfare lie."
+
+When Blanden became better, he spoke to his nurse of their marriage.
+Giulia covered him with kisses, but she shuddered inwardly, both with
+joy and fear. Ever nearer drew the fatal moment which she awaited with
+equally ardent longing and nameless terror.
+
+More agitated than ever, she returned home. Beate was all the more
+cheerful, and hummed an Italian popular air.
+
+"I envy you your good humour, but it appears to me to be almost like
+mockery of me and my urgent need."
+
+"When there is a wedding in prospect, one cannot be sad."
+
+"A wedding, oh my God! Happiness which all the world would envy me,
+envy me with reason, which I would not reject, even if my soul's
+salvation were at stake--and side by side with the most supreme
+delight, stand the feelings of a criminal who is led to execution!"
+
+"_Vedremo_--there may still be a means of escape."
+
+"A means of escape--does not danger ever hover over my head, mortal
+danger?"
+
+"Perhaps there are means of disarming it."
+
+"Oh, speak! You are clever and cunning, Beate. I hunger for a word of
+hope, of comfort, for relief in my unbounded fear."
+
+"It would be a risk--"
+
+"What would I not risk in order to be free from this racking torture of
+my heart."
+
+"You could not undertake this risk, only I, and the consequences if it
+fail, would fall heavily upon my head."
+
+"I would implore you even to undertake the most daring act, if it can
+bring me rescue. And yet how could I plunge you too into destruction,
+require a sacrifice of you for which I can grant you no compensation?"
+
+"That be my affair, inseparable friendship in life and death is
+compensation for all."
+
+"_Carissima_, good Beate," said Giulia, as she cordially embraced her
+friend.
+
+"And then--I like setting out upon adventures, even if I must traverse
+break-neck paths. Danger attracts me, and all secrecy, even if it be
+not exactly sweet, has a great charm for me. It makes my blood surge,
+then I feel that I live! And if such a bold plan have succeeded, ah,
+what a triumph! Then people will say, 'what does not lie in such a
+pretty little head,' then one imagines oneself like the mouse that, in
+the fable, gnawed the lion's bonds. But to play a trick upon such
+an overbearing villain and robber, secretly, in the dead of night,
+without him perceiving or knowing it; to remove the weapon out of his
+hand--that alone is worth risking this neck for; I hope the saints will
+not leave so pretty a little creature as Beate Romani quite in the
+lurch."
+
+"And what do you think of doing?"
+
+"Give me money, I will travel to Italy."
+
+"To Italy?"
+
+"To the lake of Orta, to the island of San Giulio!"
+
+"You will--"
+
+"I know what I will, but not yet how I will carry it out. That must be
+left to the impulse of the moment. The past is a fairy tale, a legend,
+if the proofs be wanting. I will destroy the proofs."
+
+"Beate!"
+
+"Where are they, but upon the little rocky island of Berengar? There
+they still display the skin of that snake, which Saint Giulo killed;
+well, I hope that the little viper into which Beate Romani is to be
+transformed, will succeed with the new saints who keep guard there."
+
+"You are contemplating a crime?"
+
+"I am contemplating the destruction of a great lie, which clings to
+your life as if with the arms of a polypus. A lie for your heart, but a
+truth for the world; a vile, shameful truth if I do not--but what
+matter is that to you? Do not question me too much! What I do, I shall
+do alone, and because it pleases me. I ask you for the money for my
+journey--let the rest be my care."
+
+Giulia sat there with folded hands; should she give her consent to a
+deed which, as she suspected, was directed against law and church!
+
+Yet could she hesitate? Her passion drove her still farther upon the
+fatal course, and shuddering inwardly, she was obliged to confess to
+herself that every act of Beate's was less of a sacrilege than that
+which she now so often firmly and steadily contemplated, and the worst
+consequences of which her friend sought to avert.
+
+To that first meeting, to that short-lived felicity by which she first
+emancipated herself from her stern duty, this lawless deed was now, as
+if forcibly, and ever anew united to unholy consequences.
+
+Giulia wrung her hands in despair.
+
+"Let me consider it, weigh it--not too hastily accede to the transient
+idea! Too much is at stake for me--for you!"
+
+"A leaf in the wind--and all is done!"
+
+"A leaf in the wind?" said Giulia thoughtfully "is my life not one
+already? And if your plan miscarry, if they catch you--?"
+
+"From my childhood I have been used to walk on narrow paths, often have
+wandered with my father across the steep boundary roads of the Italian
+Tyrol; with him have crouched under rocky boulders, or in concealment
+behind the lofty Arves, have slided down glaciers without being afraid
+of the yawning _crevasses_ in which death lurked! They shall not catch
+me, and if such an incredible thing were to happen, well it would only
+befall me! You may be calm and need have no fear."
+
+Giulia still hesitated, and begged for a few more days for reflection.
+
+Meanwhile the _impressario_ could be appeased no longer, and Giulia was
+obliged to appear as Rosina!
+
+While she had been nursing Blanden, excluded from the world, her
+enemies had been indefatigably active in destroying her character.
+Buschmann had kept his word, and in revenge had spoken everywhere with
+most ruthless exaggerations of her affair with Blanden. The duel, it is
+true, had not come to the official knowledge of the authorities, but it
+was spoken of in every circle. People pitied Blanden, but with the pity
+soon was mingled the condemning verdict, "he loves adventures!" The
+Signora herself, however, appeared as one of those intriguing _prime
+donne_, who know how to attract a number of lovers and admirers, and
+then set them one against another, so that some fatal scandal may show
+the power of their beauty in high relief.
+
+In this troubled domain of public opinion, Spiegeler now cast his evil
+seed--notice after notice full of piquant stings, innuendoes,
+unmistakable hints. In his paper he had an article, "Behind the
+Scenes;" there Giulia was the heroine. In the most absurd paragraphs,
+she was not named, but none could fail to guess it was she. Side by
+side with them appeared criticising treatises upon the art of song,
+containing most violent attacks upon Signora Bollini, who was
+invariably held up as an appalling example of bad mannerisms and taste.
+Mueller von Stallupoehnen, who with his ivory _baton_ as yet had
+conducted none of his own operas, supported the journalist, so void of
+musical knowledge, in this labour. Had not the directors of the East
+Sea town already rejected four of his operas, and favoured Italian
+music in a marked manner by the Signora's long engagement?
+
+And what were these Italian composers compared with him? His music was
+full of deep meaning, truly dramatic, besides which every character had
+its musical brief, and as Shakespeare's kings were ushered in by a
+flourish of trumpets, so were his heroes by a few bars of instrumental
+performance. He scorned all that was pleasantly unmeaning, all that was
+attractively melodious; when his heroes sang, it was but a musical mode
+of speaking, to which the orchestra imparted all sharper accents, and a
+few significant inter-punctuations. But when the tempest of his genius
+stirred up the depths of the orchestra, so that in almost every bar
+some old musical rule suffered shipwreck, and the most outrageous
+impossibilities, the most startling dissonances dashed into the air
+like spectral water spouts out of the foaming, splashing waves; then
+indeed must enthusiasm, ecstasy know no bounds, and even the public be
+transformed into a stormy, raging mass, out of which the thunder of
+applause should break loose as if with elementary power. This Mueller
+had, it is true, never experienced, but he saw and heard it in
+imagination. If he could only once touch the conductors desk with that
+ebon magic wand, this unbounded exultation of delight must be set free.
+But it never came about; the directors were to blame. Instead of it the
+coquettish tone-muse of Italy, which is so undramatic that she
+represents Lucia di Lammermoor's madness in the most lively dance
+music, flaunted upon the stage with all her tinsel of trills and
+_fioriture_. In such a frame of mind, Mueller von Stallupoehnen helped
+the venomous reporters to lay traps for the directors and for the
+wicked representative of Italian monkey-like art.
+
+On the evening of the performance of the "Barbiere" the house was
+filled, but a peculiar disquiet prevailed, as if some unusual event
+were in the air. Kuhl sat in the stalls beside his Caecilie, who now
+appeared to be inseparable from him, and near poet Schoener.
+
+"Something is going on," said the Doctor to his younger friend, "people
+are not in a pleasant mood. Nothing can be so little counted upon as
+the public. And what is it really? It is only a shadow, a spectre, as
+little tangible as the old ocean god Proteus, and, if one would hold it
+fast, it assumes all colours and shapes. The public of to-day is no
+longer that of yesterday; the crowd which is afterwards dispersed
+through the streets, is no longer the same which is assembled here.
+Schiller's epigram, 'When it is _in corpore_, a blockhead springs up,'
+refers more to the bench, it is true, but such a theatrical audience is
+a many-headed monster, and as stupid as an old grass grown dragon of
+the early ages. What has not this public already applauded? Goeethe as
+much as Aubery's dog, Schiller not less than a fiddler, who plays upon
+one string; the greatest poet and the most miserable clown! Often the
+rheumatism of idiotcy possesses its joints, which are paralysed, and do
+not move before what is sublime; then again it is electrified by the
+most foolish joke, and the unwieldy mass moves hands and feet like a
+marionette! As the wind rushes through an empty furnace, so does
+so-called public opinion rush through these empty heads. Thus it
+sometimes causes a mighty disturbance! The crowd has a certain instinct
+when it is gathered together, and a species of common feeling; it is
+like a huge body revolving upon the same pivot; it tastes with one
+tongue and spits flames out of one jaw; it lets itself be moved by one
+turn-screw, like a colossal engine. And by what crooked screws has it
+not already been moved! Upon the whole it is rude, and if its hat be
+not knocked from its head, it does not doff it to genius! Oh, ye poor
+geniuses! In what difficulties ye find yourselves! Ye struggle for
+fame, and yet fame, in the first instance, can only come from this
+crowd which possesses no sense of immortality; and again it is the
+pillar of immortality--what sad means by which to gain it! Really, only
+the idiotic flatterers of the crowd ought to be famous, and often have
+been so in their lifetime. The fame of the best is a marvel, and I am
+tired of pondering upon it."
+
+"Well, everything beautiful, and art itself is a marvel," replied
+Schoener, "and even if many a genius has been shipwrecked, we rejoice
+for those who have gained the victory after a long conflict with the
+crowd's want of judgment and changeability."
+
+Behind them the two speakers heard a lively somewhat sharp girl's
+voice.
+
+"It is time that an end be put to this Italian opera, it spoils our
+taste; this _prima donna_ sits here as firmly as a fly in amber, and
+has also made it her especial task to spoil our morals; all varieties
+of reports are circulated which even penetrate into our establishment.
+There is no quarantine against it, however many proper means of
+fumigation may be employed, the infection is in the air. There is only
+one means, she must away, and I am delighted at the lynch-law by which
+she will be banished."
+
+"You are right, quite right, uncommonly right," said the old governess,
+to whom Lori had addressed these words, as she, nodding approval,
+vibrated with intense excitement.
+
+It was no secret that Blanden loved this singer; he had fought for her,
+he had been wounded for her sake.
+
+She it was then of whom he had thought when he had listened barely,
+even absently, to Lori's eloquent words; this theatrical lady of
+doubtful origin had borne away undoubted victory from a daughter of the
+educated classes; she was the lotus-flower, the goddess who floated
+before his eyes, when Lori alluded so futilely to those verses, in
+which the handsome tutor had poured out his heart to her?
+
+This demanded revenge!
+
+Soon should her innermost indignation receive the desired satisfaction
+for being so shamefully set aside; with delight she imbibed Spiegeler's
+ill-nature with her breakfast, yes, she forgot her dignity as mistress
+of the school, so far as to initiate her pupils into this delicious
+piece of scandal. Her heart was too full, she must speak to Dr. Sperner
+also, who listened devoutly to the outpourings of her heart, while a
+significant smile played around the corners of his mouth, and he
+complacently stroked his splendid moustache.
+
+"But why do you smile, Herr Doctor?" asked she at last, with annoyance.
+
+"You speak of Herr von Blanden in a tone--"
+
+"In a tone such as his conduct merits."
+
+"Then I beg your pardon," said the tutor, as he bowed, "I was mistaken,
+I thought you were a friend of that gentleman, for I had the honour of
+witnessing a confidential meeting which you vouchsafed to him."
+
+Lori thought of the large newspaper in the confectioner's shop, behind
+which the fatal moustache had appeared, and blushed before the
+importunate spy, who rejoiced maliciously at his little triumph. But
+then he placed himself completely at his principal's disposal, who was
+soon in a position to make use of his offer, for public opinion was
+supremely excited--the "effects of the reports behind the scenes," of
+which Spiegeler had spoken, had not failed in their result; the
+singer's next appearance must cause a great sensation and had already
+been foretold by Spiegeler, naturally not in the sense of an ovation,
+but with evil-minded, crooked, double meaning. Sperner was not the man
+to be a laggard on such an occasion; he offered his services to Lori.
+
+"Do not deny it," said he, with wonted impudence, "you bear a grudge in
+your heart to this Blanden and the singer. Our French governess, whose
+accent may God improve, would term it _depit amoureux_, but I am far
+from wishing to employ such outrageous French expressions in honest
+German."
+
+Lori blushed again; her lips quivered, but the Doctor's fiery eyes
+rested so triumphantly and with such superiority upon her that the word
+died upon her lips.
+
+"Good, neither Herr von Blanden nor the singer trouble me, but I will
+not allow our establishment, for which I have the warmest affection, to
+suffer from its principal's melancholy mood. You are so sad now,
+Fraeulein Baute, that the entire first class has lost its smile, as
+people say--you make mountains out of mole-hills. The concern suffers
+from it, we might lose pupils, the consequences would be serious. There
+are sensitive girlish natures which close their calix-like delicate
+flowers when the sun ceases to shine. For these your smile, Fraeulein
+Baute, is the sunshine of the establishment. We, we who are not so
+sensitive, are, at least, angry at the winter of your displeasure! All
+the same--if an execution of the Bollini shall take place, I am ready
+for any executioner's service; I have friends to whom the Italian
+sing-song is objectionable, and who prefer a German drinking song to
+any _aria_. We will work for you, Fraeulein Baute; a cavalier who makes
+so little of a rendezvous as this Herr von Blanden is rightly served
+when his night-light is blown out."
+
+"What you say, dear Herr Doctor," said Lori, "is most objectionable in
+tone and manner, and really not calculated for a girl's ears. I will
+forget it. As to the rest, you have the right to think a singer as bad
+as you choose! You belong to the public, and the public is sovereign."
+
+The result of this conversation was that on the fatal evening Dr.
+Sperner, with several young friends, sat in a very determined attitude
+in several rows in front of the mistress of the school. Lori's eyes
+rested upon him with satisfaction, when he turned round and nodded a
+confidential smiling greeting to her.
+
+"There will be a disturbance to-day," Lori whispered to Caecilie,
+sitting exactly before her.
+
+"But why in the world?" asked the other.
+
+"The affair with Blanden--"
+
+"But Signora Bollini will not sing falsely on that account."
+
+"Who knows?" said Lori, "those who are out of tune in life, are also
+out of tune in art; we must set ourselves against the importation of
+the equivocal doings of large towns; I should only approve if our
+public raise a decided demonstration."
+
+"She is a splendid florid singer," replied Caecilie. "After all, the
+audience in a theatre has only to judge of the singing and not to
+distribute the Monthyon prize of virtue; the most celebrated actresses
+would not have received it."
+
+Lori shook her curls angrily at such an evasive opinion, and leaned
+back in her chair abruptly terminating the conversation.
+
+There was indeed something menacing in the attitude of the audience;
+here and there small groups might be observed, sitting together,
+prepared for a common task.
+
+The parties measured one another with hostile glances, with defiant
+countenances. Lieutenant Buschmann sat in a stage-box and examined his
+faithful adherents under the chandelier, gathered there like a dense
+dark cloud. Here and there appeared a noncommissioned officer, who
+should evidently preserve intact the communications between the
+separate troops, although he might not take part personally in the
+intended salvo.
+
+The Lieutenant was annoyed to perceive the long, thin figure of
+Merchant Boeller in the opposite stage-box, where he had placed a few
+large bouquets of flowers upon the balustrade, and with yet greater
+displeasure he saw that his former friend and companion appeared in the
+pit, and greeted a number of young merchants with a friendly shake of
+the hand. Those, then, were the opponents!
+
+It appeared to be a fine corps, well organised; the powerful shake of
+the hand promised vigorous work; bright confidence of success was
+depicted upon every feature.
+
+"This miserable Brackenburg," muttered Buschmann to himself, "Claerchen
+has long since sacrificed him to her Egmont, and he still runs about
+the market and mobilises the citizens. Well, the iron tread of my
+Spaniards will pass implacably over them."
+
+His confidence in the success of the good cause which he represented
+suddenly increased, when a noisy human stream suddenly poured into the
+pit, Spiegeler, in front, stamping with his crutches, eager for the
+fight.
+
+Ah, that was Bluecher at Waterloo! Now the victory was decided, those
+were veteran troops which he led, accustomed to the battle-fire of a
+theatre, accustomed to obey the leader's signal, to work together in
+irresistible onslaught, obstinate and tough enough to overcome all
+resistance. That was the select battalion of the _claque_ which
+understood how to raise the flag of fame on high, but also how to tear
+it down and trample it in the dust.
+
+Buschmann's features became radiant. What could Boeller's volunteers,
+with their undisciplined enthusiasm do against these well trained
+troops, which could stand immovably under fire?
+
+In the densely crowded pit, however, Spiegeler at once recognised an
+enemy in his immediate vicinity--the singer's friend, the repulsive
+Italian, who had given him a palpable proof of this friendship. Despite
+all menaces, the critic had not brought the affair into court, because
+he did not wish that the episode at the "fleck" boiler's, by means of a
+trial and newspapers, should become too generally known; he believed
+rightly that his position as a critic might suffer if people learned
+what species of anti-criticism had been his portion. But secretly he
+brooded upon revenge.
+
+He was delighted to perceive that Baluzzi stood amidst the faithful,
+who surrounded him like a lightning-laden cloud, and hoped that at the
+coming discharge some unexpected blow would fall upon the intruder's
+head.
+
+The curtain rose when the overture ceased, the audience listened in
+breathless expectation; Figaro's song was tempestuously applauded.
+Giulia's friends aired their enthusiasm; their opponents, on the other
+hand, wished to make the contrast all the more conspicuous by
+previously helping a mediocre baritone to a brilliant success.
+
+The singer was quite amazed at the unusual storm of approval with which
+he was greeted; he bowed his acknowledgments amid the most beautiful
+dreams of a future that fluttered through his mind; at last his great
+talent had met with merited recognition; in spirit he saw himself
+already as the first baritone at the Berlin Court opera house.
+
+Then the street was changed into Bartolo's room. Rosina appeared.
+
+Boeller, always ready for service, hurled his wreaths behind the
+footlights, and gave the signal for applause; the young merchant guards
+in the pit joined in, also Kuhl and Schoener, and several unconcerned
+listeners in the stalls.
+
+But simultaneously Buschmann and Spiegeler discharged their infernal
+machines--a hissing arose, as when fire and water are mingled. Others
+again commanded silence. Rosina began in a frightened voice; her heart,
+indeed, was heavy, but the power of the music soon carried her away
+above that dull oppression.
+
+She sang with all her feelings--
+
+
+                 "And every power fails,
+                  Love remains victor."
+
+
+She sang with grace, she knew how to impart such fervour even to these
+light winged passages, that, even before a partial judge, she would
+surely have gained her cause. But here there was not even a question of
+partizanship, her doom was already decided upon and sealed.
+
+Hardly had she ended the triumphant song of the power of love, when an
+unrestrained storm broke loose. Her friends' applause was entirely
+overpowered by the noise and hissing which issued from pit and gallery;
+for a moment she seemed to stand in the pillory. In vain Basilio sought
+to waft to the audience a whispered, almost inaudible, _aria_ upon
+calumny. For a few bars he gained an attentive silence, the song was as
+appropriate as if improvised, but when he continued to sing--
+
+
+                 "How it passes from tongue to tongue
+                  Nothing but words to inflate the lung,
+                  First a smile and then a scowl
+                  First a murmur then a howl,"
+
+
+the storm broke loose afresh; then the people felt staggered, they
+discovered an audacious accusation in Rossini's semiquavers and
+demi-semiquavers. The hissing and drumming raged through the "aerial
+regions." In the pit the hostile parties seemed to have come to actual
+battle, they were mixed up in dark wild confusion. Spiegeler stamped
+with his crutches like a madman, and, passing it from hand to hand,
+something was thrust out of the door; it was a figure striking right
+and left with hands and feet. Baluzzi had given too lively expression
+to his anger against the singer's enemies, and as he was situated in
+the hostile camp, his abusive remarks upon the _maladetti_ were
+not without result. Before the police could prevent this act of
+self-defence, the Italian, at a signal from Spiegeler, and by united
+effort, had been rendered harmless.
+
+But, with a feeling of perfect helplessness and internal indignation,
+Giulia stood defenceless before the raging mob. With the rapidity of
+lightning the pictures of a whole life-time passed before her mind: she
+saw the joyful movement of a crowd of people coming exultantly towards
+her, as she had seen it in Florence, Barcelona, London and even here!
+What evil demon had metamorphosed the public into a rage-foaming
+monster! Yet over her career as an actress writhed one widespread
+shadow, as if beneath a scorching blast her laurel wreaths withered,
+her future was destroyed. She had but one preserver--him, him alone,
+and that preservation she could only purchase if she sacrificed her
+soul's salvation.
+
+Calumny had aroused this storm of public opinion, it was a blind,
+unjust outbreak; she could defy it with a good conscience. And, yet
+shuddering internally, she felt as if a Divine judgment were falling
+upon her; "guilty" cried a voice from within, and her knees tottered.
+
+Then resounded a many-voiced shrill whistle; it originated in the
+stalls, in which Doctor Sperner and his friends were seated; they had
+provided themselves with toy whistles,
+
+
+                 "Drums and fifes
+                  Martial sounds--"
+
+
+thus he courted Lori's favour, remembering Goeethe's lines--
+
+
+                 "Maidens and castles
+                  Then must they yield,
+                  Bold is the struggle
+                  For glorious reward."
+
+
+The shrill whistle was answered by a ringing mocking laugh from every
+portion of the house. The humiliation, the disgrace were too great.
+
+Giulia fainted, the curtain fell, the performance could proceed no
+farther.
+
+The crowd dispersed noisily, some persons crowded round the ticket box
+to demand their entrance money. Lori looked on very triumphantly, her
+eyes flashed, and Dr. Sperner was permitted to accompany her home.
+Kuhl had hastened on to the stage; Giulia had been taken into the
+drawing-room, where she soon recovered consciousness.
+
+Blanden was her first thought; she implored Kuhl not to communicate the
+theatrical riot to him, he should beseech all their friends to be
+silent about it; she should take care that the newspapers containing
+the report should not fall into his hands, it might excite him, and be
+injurious to his health, if the news reached him.
+
+Kuhl promised to preserve the secret.
+
+"Really, it is not so bad," added he consolingly, "a little more or
+less noise does not matter. The dear public itself is a great scandal,
+a thousand-headed crime against good taste, a million-fold want of
+sense. What is most wretched pleases it, and yet it is really sincere
+when its honest displeasure has been roused, if indeed it is possible
+to transform this sleepy mass into fire and flame. To be sure it only
+burns like plum-pudding when spirits have been poured over it and
+ignited, when the spirits are exhausted then the phlegm remains
+behind."
+
+Giulia thanked the Doctor for his friendly intentions, and for the
+slight comfort which she could extract from such daring views. Arrived
+at home, she sat a long time talking to Beate; she gave her companion
+money for the journey, and on the following day Beate prepared for her
+departure to the Orta lake.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+                           A SLEIGHING PARTY.
+
+
+A cold East Prussian winter's day--crisp snow upon the roads--the broad
+fields sleep beneath their white cover. Ashen grey clouds in the sky,
+but the snow flakes seem to be frozen, and cannot loosen themselves;
+only now and again one little atom flutters down, or has the icy north
+wind, which here and there sweeps up a looser snow field, wafted it
+down from the roofs? It is that spiteful cold which seems to be more
+fitted for Laplanders than for civilised mortals. The air cuts as if
+with knives, and the breath of life freezes on men's lips. But this
+very scorn of Nature who has retired to her ice palace and surrounded
+herself unapproachably, as if with a threefold shield, calls forth
+man's defiance.
+
+Nature must be enjoyed at any price!
+
+The inhabitants of the town, clad in thickly furs, amuse themselves
+upon the Pregel. Upon the smooth even course that leads inland the
+chair sleighs fly forward in long rows, the skaters rush in the
+direction of the north wind which brings them the icy cold greeting
+from the Baltic Sea, lying beneath the spell of winter, others make
+circles upon the surface, and display their art which even a great poet
+has immortalised.
+
+One of the most successful is the gallant skater who makes use of his
+skates as buskins for the higher flight of love. With what gladsomeness
+he pushes the sleigh before him; within it sits, buried beneath furs,
+shawls, rugs, veils, what appears to be a formless mass, and yet!--he
+is proud to drive a beautiful woman.
+
+This same emotion of pride fills Wegen's breast so far as anything is
+to be seen of his face, which is concealed under the fur cap and warm
+ear-covers; it beams with pleasure. His eyes, it is true, weep, but
+only because of the north wind, but if they were a couple of tears of
+joy which he shed he should not be surprised! Olga had never been more
+affable towards him than to-day, and when he dared to speak of the
+sleighing privileges, she smiled. No, it is no smile which refuses--he
+understands it well! The first kiss in prospect,--this point he had
+never attained with Caecilie! Hah! how his sleigh flew on in advance of
+all towards the beautiful goal, and if the ice did not shed sparks from
+beneath steel shoes, it was not his fault, for he was fire and flame, a
+Hecla in the midst of rigid frost.
+
+Wegen had been in the Province for some time, and Olga, despite the
+monotony of a winter season in the country, had visited the same
+relatives as those with whom Caecilie had formerly stayed. Olga had made
+a much more favourable impression in Masuren than Caecilie; she was not
+so superior, so clever: she talked with zest of everything that can
+interest a country young lady and a country "Junker"--and above all,
+she was beautiful, with that stately vigorous beauty that country
+squires love, because it gains such prizes as can be obtained by
+understanding the art of feeding the lower creatures of the animal
+kingdom.
+
+The rumour of her intimacy with Dr. Kuhl only arose in a very pale
+form, and was hardly noticed. Wegen visited Olga as frequently as his
+time permitted him, which it did every day. Olga was always friendly
+and accessible, not so distant, so enigmatic, so evasive as Caecilie.
+Besides, even before others, she showed how much she favoured Wegen,
+and he was very happy that he should be envied. Such a thing had never
+befallen him before, it was quite a novel sensation for him. Milbe
+declared that every _ombre_ player might wish for such a spadille, and
+Oberamtmann Werner held a conversation with her about his different
+varieties of wool causing him to entertain deep respect for her
+intellectual faculties. Even the women and girls were taken with her.
+She held the most sensible views upon preserving fruit, she knew the
+family tree of all the families of Masuren, and even the collateral
+branches did not disturb her self-possession. Happy Wegen! Never had a
+winter painted more beautiful flowers upon his window panes!
+
+Blanden's wound had re-called Wegen to the capital; he took his turn
+with Giulia and Kuhl in nursing his friend. Olga, meanwhile, had also
+returned to the town, Wegen appeared frequently in Frau von Dornau's
+modest dwelling, and was always received, even by Caecilie, who had now
+transformed herself into a well-meaning friend, with special
+distinction.
+
+Still, however, he had not yet made up his mind to propose! It seemed
+so humiliating to appear with the same big bouquet of flowers, in the
+same little room, and once more before the same faded sofa to pour
+forth his homage and courtship, while the whole furniture merely
+displayed the one, but very important, difference that Olga was seated
+upon the sofa instead of Caecilie. The recollection of the figure in the
+cotillon, _changez les dames_, could not be got rid of in those
+apartments in which he had first _avance_ to Caecilie's hand. No, even
+if he were firmly resolved to propose for Olga it could not be done in
+that place which was full of mocking, giggling recollections! He
+cherished bold plans, which at other times were foreign to his mind--he
+thought of a sudden surprise.
+
+All at once, as if fatigued, he began to push the chair-sleigh more
+slowly. Dr. Kuhl rushed past him pushing Caecilie, as did Frau von
+Dornau, who had to content herself with a hired attendant.
+
+Then Wegen guided her somewhat aside. A whole caravan of sleighs now
+passed them tumultuously, Lori in front with an embroidered rug, a
+present from the first-class! On Dr. Sperner's moustache, her cavalier,
+hung melancholy icicles, behind her came the slender girls of the
+first-class, mostly driven by cousins; only fat Iduna, deprived of her
+Theodor Koerner, had to be contented with the man servant from the
+school, who was accustomed to heavy loads.
+
+Now Wegen broke completely out of the course like a shying sleigh
+horse, guided her sideways over lumpy hillocks of snow, which had been
+heaped up on the river, and then stopped suddenly in a defile between
+two large snowdrifts, which yielded him a welcome cover.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, where are we?" said Olga's voice, suffocated by
+shawls and furs.
+
+"The snow has dazzled me, I have lost my way," cried Wegen, having
+recourse to a daring falsehood.
+
+Olga uttered a cry of alarm, but only raised herself up in the sleigh
+to see in what territory she had arrived.
+
+There she stood like a czarina; winter seemed to have built his palace
+in her honour alone, only to do homage to her; the north wind kissed
+her fur sleeves, and even if the fur cap surrounded her face enviously,
+so that but little was to be seen of her red, glowing cheeks, yet her
+large eyes gazed majestically out of all her winter wraps.
+
+Wegen shivered with the cold; standing still after the violent exercise
+made him uncomfortable, and the wind blew icily into his face. And yet
+his state of mind was that of Romeo, when he looked up in the Capulet's
+garden at the balcony where his Juliet, in a light ball dress, carried
+on a conversation with the moon and stars.
+
+"What in the world, Herr von Wegen, are we doing?" cried Olga, to whom
+the adventure began to appear serious, because in his sound senses a
+sleigh conductor could hardly wander from the proper course. For a
+moment she actually looked searchingly at Wegen, whether the colour in
+his cheeks could be called forth honestly by the north wind, or if it
+owed its origin to a bottle of champagne.
+
+"As chance has so ordained it, that we are alone, hear then, dear Olga,
+hear what it is that I have had so long at heart."
+
+A turbulent gust of wind swept through the top loose piles of snow and
+whirled them about so that Romeo and Juliet must simultaneously wipe
+the snow out of their eyes.
+
+"I love you, Olga!"
+
+Olga started back in alarm, making the little bells on her fur rug
+tinkle; it is true it was sweet alarm, but she was not prepared for a
+declaration of love with the thermometer so low. Wegen waited for the
+result, while alternately stamping his feet and beating himself with
+his arms, so as to impart some warmth to his body.
+
+"Yes, I have always loved you, that is to say," added he in his love of
+truth, "after Caecilie--but you know it? Why waste so many words? My
+breath freezes upon my lips, but my heart is all the warmer. Will you
+belong to me for ever?"
+
+Olga drew one hand out of her muff and extended it as if in
+protestation:
+
+"So suddenly, dear friend? And here in the snow?"
+
+"Here we are undisturbed."
+
+"Then it was base treachery?"
+
+"Yes, I will confess it, my compass would not have failed me, but to be
+able to say to you at last what fills my whole--"
+
+Wegen stopped, his teeth chattered, it was internal emotion mingled
+with a shiver, called forth by the low temperature of Boreas, who was
+blowing with inflated cheeks.
+
+"It is indeed weather in which only the Lapland youth can stammer about
+love to a Lapland maiden," added Wegen dejectedly, "but the
+circumstances, the conditions--Olga, tell yourself that it is a
+favourable moment. I do not mean the weather, but that we are alone,
+quite alone. I will make you happy--we have little time, I do not mean
+for your happiness, for that we have our whole lives; but now to
+arrange matters. It is indeed barbarously cold. A glass of negus or
+mulled ale will do us good. But speak then, will you be mine?"
+
+"I must consider it, weigh--"
+
+"And the result you have seen in Caecilie's case. Those are words as
+cold as ice; it is enough to freeze one's soul. My Olga, dear sweet
+girl, you know my circumstances, they are affluent, my people approve
+of my choice. Your mamma had already given her consent when I proposed
+to Caecilie, and, of course, it is immaterial which of the two
+daughters--I mean--that is to say, immaterial to your mamma. And now
+once more may I claim my sleighing rights?"
+
+Olga nodded pleasantly, and withdrew her other hand from her muff.
+Wegen pressed a glowing kiss upon her lips, the ice upon his fair beard
+melted in the fervour of his love.
+
+"That was the sleighing privilege, and now--shall we glide together
+over the mirror-like surface of life, as we do over the ice? I promise
+to avoid every uneven course. The sleighing right for life?"
+
+"Yes," whispered Olga, out of her fur hood, into which she had again
+relapsed.
+
+Then Wegen pressed the betrothal kiss upon her lips, her arms encircled
+and folded him to herself, and heart would have beaten glowingly
+against heart if the thick fur trimmings had not been an insurmountable
+obstacle.
+
+Soon the sleigh stumbled over the snow hillocks once more into the
+smooth course, and now they went impetuously towards the inn near the
+Haff, where a numerous circle of people was assembled.
+
+Wegen led Olga to Frau von Dornau, and as he could not shout the glad
+tidings out aloud, sought by means of speaking pantomime to make her
+understand that he was engaged to Olga. A mother always understands
+such things, even although the where and how may remain a riddle to
+her, and while the waiter brought the negus ordered by Wegen and all
+fell to gallantly, Frau von Dornau spoke words of consent, and after
+having refreshed herself with a glass of the fiery drink, imparted her
+blessing in a voice full of emotion.
+
+Caecilie triumphed when she heard the news from Olga. "She is the right
+one, now at last you have found her," said she, as she shook Wegen's
+hand heartily. The intelligence spread rapidly, like quicksilver,
+amongst those present. A betrothed! Fraeulein Baute's entire school
+becomes excited. A lover--for the first-class in a girl's school, that
+is the loftiest position upon earth to which a man can attain. Every
+eve of St. Sylvester they cast him in lead, and yet nothing can be done
+with such a leaden lover, a lover of the future.
+
+Iduna, with her companions, one after another, glided past the chair in
+order to get a closer view of the marvel.
+
+"It is, indeed, remarkable," said Lori to Dr. Sperner, who sat beside
+her and drank to her in a glass of mulled ale; "in Neukuhren people
+believed that he was as good as engaged to Caecilie, he accompanied her
+upon the piano--and that is always the beginning. But he appears to
+have made a mistake then; this Olga is the right major chord. Upon the
+whole, I consider such feeling about rather tactless. Herr von Wegen is
+no Don Juan by profession like the other. I believe he allows himself
+to be married, and Caecilie, who holds the first mortgage upon him, has
+given him notice, because he--did not offer sufficiently good
+security."
+
+At the same time Lori made a gesture of explanation. Dr. Sperner knew
+how, by ringing laughter, to do honour to the schoolmistress' hint.
+What an amount of genius she concealed in her little head!
+
+"But the other?" asked the Doctor, as he stroked his moustache
+complacently, "where is her first mortgage now?"
+
+"On a spot, which alas! is even more insecure! If a suit be opened upon
+Dr. Kuhl's heart, then every unhappy creditor, or much rather female
+creditor, will have to content herself with very little payment."
+
+"But I do not understand how a young lady can be so thoughtless."
+
+"They should be cut, propriety requires it, nothing else is left for
+us."
+
+At that moment Caecilie passed by; she greeted them pleasantly, but her
+bow was scarcely returned by Lori, while Doctor Sperner looked
+defiantly at her, a bold smile upon his lips, and only nodded his head
+slightly.
+
+Her sister's engagement cast her far into the shade, people gave her to
+understand that her free behaviour would no longer be tolerated in
+society. Major Bern's wife did not press her to sit down, although
+Banquo's ghost might have been obliged to sit either on the right or
+left hand, and the Frau Kanzleiraethin wrapped herself disapprovingly in
+her red shawl when Caecilie addressed her, and was so chary of her
+words, that her friends looked anxiously at her as if she had been
+suddenly taken ill, because only shortly before she had gathered
+together the sluices of her eloquence, to pour out an overwhelming
+flood of language. Even Minna, who was still unmarried, and in spite of
+that fact had forfeited none of her good nature--fat Minna, who had
+already in all dancing parties long since belonged to the female
+_land-sturm_, and was only called out when no one else could be
+mobilised--did not talk to Caecilie without a certain timidity, as if
+contact with so adventuresome a beauty might injure her good character,
+and frighten away some wooer, although for years already none had
+appeared on her horizon.
+
+Caecilie seemed to challenge danger with a certain amount of defiance,
+the tokens of contempt increased at table after table, where she
+greeted old acquaintances. Not more cheering was the familiar and
+impudent greeting of gifted Salomon, who, seated with a few friends
+over a large bowl of negus, pledged a glass to the lady passing by, and
+invited her to sit down at their table while he recited in a half
+intoxicated voice--
+
+
+                 "With brunettes I now have finished,
+                    And this year am once more fond
+                  Of the eyes whose hue is azure
+                    Of the hair whose colour's blonde."
+
+
+Caecilie found it difficult to defend herself from these importunate
+invitations.
+
+Dr. Kuhl stood beside the stove, and warmed himself with his hands
+behind him, but nothing of that which befell Caecilie escaped him. It
+filled him with extreme dissatisfaction, it was as if his beloved were
+running the gauntlet, and with such irritating composure. He had caught
+himself in the act of pulling up his coat sleeves in rage, ready to
+knock down all who insulted her.
+
+"Dear Paul," said Caecilie, "I have something to tell you."
+
+"I do not understand," replied Paul, angrily, "how you can court all
+these people; they are the most worn out coinage which can have no
+circulation amongst us. Let us sit down here at this table behind the
+stove, there we shall at least not see these bald heads, which only by
+an oversight, or by the magic wand of some mischievous Demiurgos, were
+thrown amongst human beings. Well your communication--"
+
+"It could be foreseen, Olga has engaged herself to Herr von Wegen."
+
+Kuhl struck the table with his hand.
+
+"Then may the weather--that Wegen! I always had an antipathy for the
+man; he belongs to those who would play with dice, and cannot count,
+and with the most innocent face he gets up one affair after another.
+First he proposes to you, then to Olga--I feel as if I saw my face in a
+distorting mirror, like a ridiculous caricature."
+
+"No one will blame his conduct!"
+
+"That is it! People may dare much for love! Only a little time must
+elapse between--time! That is the meaning of all wisdom, and yet that
+old maid who paints our wrinkles upon us makes everything worse!
+Whether to-day I love two girls at once, or to-day the one, and
+to-morrow the other, is really no very great difference! And yet the
+first is accounted a sin, and the other is most correct. Always the
+goose-step in life and love, and so one walks most comfortably through
+the world."
+
+"You see, though, how kindly they greet Olga and thrust me aside."
+
+"Olga--she has put a crown upon her faithlessness to our alliance, now
+it is broken! I did not think her so calculating."
+
+"Calculating? She loves Wegen!"
+
+"It is not possible!"
+
+"Why? He is honest, and a gentleman!"
+
+"Did you perhaps love him too?"
+
+"And if I had done so? bountiful natures must find an outlet!"
+
+"You are making fun of me! Verily any one who will uphold a sensible
+principle in a ridiculous world, must at least appear like a Don
+Quixote, even to himself; at least, they all look upon his helmet as a
+barber's goblet. I am weary of carrying on this impossible struggle
+with want of sense."
+
+Caecilie did not interrupt the monologue, but beat upon the table with
+her fingers, and looked inquiringly at his face with her cunning
+sparkling eyes.
+
+"I took Olga's to be a nature," continued Kuhl, "which, following an
+unknown impulse, grasps the right one. We need such natures which do
+not trouble themselves at all about the rules of society, which pass no
+sleepless nights in consequence. For me she was refreshing, because for
+the mentally intoxicated, and those who are tired of roving, who wander
+through heaven and earth, there is no better refreshment than a richly
+endowed material nature; for me she was a triumph because she showed me
+that not natural feeling, but only the falsity of society demanded
+exclusive possession."
+
+Caecilie cast down her eyes and said timidly, "I did not know that Olga
+was so much to you!
+
+"Not she alone, you both together, you complete one another in a
+harmonious picture of perfect womanhood."
+
+"And what are we, then, separately, each by herself? Melancholy,
+imperfect work! And yet, dear Paul, if I ask my heart--is it rich
+enough in ardent passion to satisfy one whole life, I hear the reply
+and repeat it with pride. I alone will have you, for I feel the power
+within me quite alone to make you happy; for every effort, every action
+of your mind, an echo lives in my breast; for the glow and impetuosity
+of your love a corresponding fire; for immeasurable will, immeasurable
+devotion."
+
+"Caecilie," cried Kuhl warmly, stirred by the beautiful enthusiasm of an
+usually cold nature.
+
+"My heart would tell me this, my proud heart! But love which can do all
+things, can also be resolute. I do not suffice you--well then! I did
+not only do violence to my own feelings, but in full consciousness I
+took martyrdom upon me, I bore the contempt of the world, not from
+the conviction that your audacious opinion was right, but with
+self-sacrificing courage of love I rejected Wegen's offer, as the world
+rejects me. You must be all to me, and I am not even to possess the
+comfort of being all to you."
+
+Sinister clouds gathered on Kuhl's brow, he struggled with a
+resolution.
+
+"Oh! do not think that it is so easy to stand alone and bear contempt.
+It wounds one's heart--and many scalding tears have I shed, and even
+now they come again into my eyes, although I may bear the humiliation
+with a smiling countenance."
+
+Caecilie began to sob, and with clenched hands Kuhl sprang up from the
+table, as though he would call an opponent out to battle.
+
+"You cannot protect me as Blanden protected his beloved, with a pistol
+in his hand: outlaw and excommunication hover over me, but such things
+cannot be touched; they only keep watch in the air, they are only
+written on countenances, in gestures--and not men accustomed to battle
+are they who carry out this excommunication; they are women and girls,
+the guardians of propriety who only pierce a heart with pins."
+
+"It shall be different," cried Kuhl now, with firm resolution. "Olga
+has left us, you have remained true to me, you shall not suffer for it.
+Verily, I am not Blanden's inferior in courage, and yet that duel has
+given me much to think about. He offered up his life for his beloved
+one's good name. I cannot, I must not, look on and see them insult you.
+Blanden has often already said so. I would not believe it; to-day I see
+it with my own eyes. No, no, no! He was right, ten times right! I may
+sacrifice _myself_ to my convictions, but not a girl who loves me!"
+
+Caecilie had also risen, and with clasped hands looked beseechingly at
+him.
+
+"I can ascend the funereal pile, but must not permit them even to
+scorch the finger tips of my beloved. Hitherto, you have sacrificed
+much to me, your good name before the world; thus I will sacrifice much
+to you, everything, a portion of my better self, faith towards truth.
+Yes, at this moment I appear like a traitor in my own eyes, whose hand
+shall be cut off, but I am weak, I will be weak out of love for you.
+They shall not think lightly of you, they shall not, although I despise
+their opinion and can only compare them with the vapour that hovers
+over large towns, the pestilential air of a densely-packed crowd, but
+for your sake Caecilie--be it! I will take part in the same absurdity,
+and thus declare you to be my betrothed."
+
+With a suppressed cry of gladness, Caecilie sank into his arms, the
+stove concealed the group from the eyes of the many.
+
+"And even marriage I shall not mind, it is the fruit of this evil doing
+and so on. At this moment I appear contemptible to myself, small--no
+reformer's vein flows through me, it must say _pereat mundus_ 'and live
+the new faith,' but a man can no longer stand upon the buskin when he
+stands beneath the slipper. But now they shall have it in black and
+white, lithographed, engraved!--what do I care? And in all newspapers
+it shall be stated, so that you shall be purified, my child, with
+printer's ink! Go, hasten, whisper it to your sister, cry it through
+the room, they shall respect you, it does not cost much, a small amount
+of lungs and a few letters, such as are before a menagerie; lion and
+lioness in one cage! Then they will be contented at once. I shall still
+remain here in my corner, I must first consider what kind of grimace I
+must make as a _fiance_. I shall look odd."
+
+Caecilie kissed his hands; drawing back, he said, "None of those slavish
+caresses, but go, go! There, I am, after all, caught in the purple
+silk, and the cursed song of the bridesmaids' wreath buzzes in my ears!
+By Jupiter! And Wegen, my brother-in-law! That is what reasoning
+animals call it! That is the most bitter pill!"
+
+Caecilie hastened at once to her sister and mother to bring them the
+glad tidings. Frau von Dornau was too happy! Two daughters engaged on
+one day!
+
+Olga congratulated her sister heartily. "Only think," added she, "we
+became engaged out in the snow and ice, with the thermometer twenty
+degrees below zero!"
+
+"And we," said Caecilie smiling, "at about twenty degrees above zero,
+behind the blazing stove. It is a tale of extremes! It is to be hoped
+that the right temperature will be restored to us both in marriage."
+
+Kuhl was brought out of his corner by both sisters to the family table;
+he wore the air of a culprit, who is led to execution. Wegen was
+brimming over with cordiality, Kuhl buttoned up his coat.
+
+"It is better thus," said the Baron, "_suum cuique!_ One must learn to
+control oneself."
+
+"Well, I should think," replied Kuhl, "we have nothing to reproach
+ourselves with."
+
+The news spread rapidly through the room and created the greatest
+sensation. Major Bern's wife appeared behind Caecilie's chair with the
+friendly words, "May we congratulate you, my dear Fraeulein?" The
+Kanzleiraethin came in her red shawl with her fat daughter Minna; both
+were affected, as was natural, under the circumstances. Minna had
+already wished happiness to so many others with her tears--rain falling
+upon the bridal wreath brings happiness. Last of all Lori appeared
+also, and congratulated with all her heart. Kuhl was a good match.
+
+"There you have the world," said the latter to Caecilie, "with what a
+fine thread these marionettes can be guided! It is worth while to act a
+comedy before such an audience."
+
+But Lori said to Dr. Sperner, as he sat down beside her, "God have
+mercy on them! Courage is needed to marry Dr. Kuhl. Without barred
+windows and heavy iron, he will yet escape some day."
+
+The moon shone brightly! The return journey was commenced in the most
+cheerful mood, which, however, soon ceased in the astonishing cold
+which meanwhile had set in.
+
+"A bridal drive, such as the Esquimaux enjoy," said Kuhl, "but it is
+done more comfortably there with the dog-sleighs; here we must push our
+own goods home."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+                   IN THE LAND OF THE LOTUS-FLOWERS.
+
+
+Blanden recovered slowly; several relapses occurred, weeks elapsed
+before he might take his drive with Giulia.
+
+The softened mood of the convalescent was in harmony with the wild
+spring breeze which was wafted towards them from wood and meadow. The
+thawing wind had melted the ice on the Pregel, it floated to the sea,
+and the breezes of spring swept through the air.
+
+They descended from the carriage in the wood, they gathered the last
+snow drops, the first anemones.
+
+"I love these flowers," said Blanden, "the pretty anemones cannot grow
+in gloom, they only flourish in places where a fresh breath of air
+greets them, where the wind plays with their delicate coronets of
+blossom. Free air, fresh air, breath of life, how I have ever longed
+for you! I feel myself related to these lovely flowers--and if a soul
+dwells in these tiny anemones, it is one thirsting after freedom."
+
+Giulia had learned to enter entirely into Blanden's thoughts and
+feelings, the quiet, familiar intercourse in his sick room had given
+her leisure to become quite absorbed in his richly stored mind.
+
+Daily she felt more that she could not live without him, and equally so
+that she owed him her whole life; again and again she told herself that
+it could be no sin if she made him happy, so long as it was permitted
+by the fate which she defied. He did not see the sword above her head,
+she saw it with internal trembling, and yet--she defied it, even if it
+might fall upon her.
+
+How devoutly she listened to his tales of the land of the
+lotus-flowers! Ah, how vast was the world, how rich the knowledge of
+it, how varying the habits! Giulia was almost alarmed when Blanden told
+her of the woman at Luckwardie, on the hills of the Himalaya, high
+above the Pomona--every woman there belongs to four brothers.
+
+She lost herself completely in the breath of the fairy tale and flowery
+land, that is so lovely in its dreams and so vast in its thoughts. One
+after another Blanden unrolled these magically illuminated worlds of
+thought conceived by silent thinkers in penitents' garb and hermits'
+huts. Is the world but the veil, the dream, the existence?--why then is
+life full of nervous dread? Giulia felt herself strengthened by that
+dream-world of the Bast, everything painful and impious faded away in
+that mild, softening twilight.
+
+Blanden, too, seemed to be transfigured by the soothing influence of
+sickness, in the loneliness of the sick room, far removed from the
+world: like one of those thoughtful hermits, who, upon mossy banks in
+sacred groves, amongst flowers and gazelles, ponder upon the mystery of
+the world. She thus forgot that he, far from belonging to inactive
+dreamers, had only lately given a proof of western knightliness which
+is very different from the blood-fearing Hindoo; but yet he was filled
+with the warmest sympathy for Hindoo thinkers and poets.
+
+"How profound," said he often, "is the blending of the soul with all
+that their wise men teach. If the form break, the spirit becomes united
+with the Divine soul of the world, as a bottle in the deep mingles its
+contents with the sea, if it break against the rocks."
+
+Four lines of poetry, however, were, above all others, ineffaceably
+impressed in her memory, reflecting her situation, her mood, so truly
+that she trembled in her very soul when Blanden first recited them to
+her, verses culled from one of the two great hero books of India,
+containing such depth of thought as is not to be found either in the
+heroic poetry of Greece or Germany--
+
+
+           "Oh earthly happiness ever trembling on the brink,
+            As dew drops kiss the flowers a moment but to sink;
+            As logs on the ocean may meet and then sever
+            So men here on earth, and to meet again--never."
+
+
+Blanden was obliged to kiss the tears from Giulia's eyes, which the
+grand verses of the Ramayana and the song of "trembling earthly
+happiness" had called forth.
+
+"You often appear to me," said Blanden, "like a charming Savitri, and
+although you also are my goddess of fire, I do not mean her, but the
+child which bore her name. A dark prophecy dedicated the beloved one to
+death after the lapse of a year, but before the fatal respite drew
+near, she performed daily penances, praying and fasting; and like a
+marble goddess standing before the altar, and when the blood-red god of
+death appeared, with the thin rope in his hand, and had already
+extracted her beloved one's soul, she knew how to move him by her
+prayers, entreaties, and her touching faithfulness, until he granted
+her her husband's life. You, too, with faithful care and touching
+prayer have won my life from the blood-red Yamna."
+
+"It was my own life," replied Giulia; "without you I could not have
+lived, you yourself told me that the funereal pile is lighted with
+sacred fire into which the Hindoo widow casts herself. That pure flame
+was the fire of your love for me; they die for him who had lived for
+them, how much more must I have sought death for him who would have
+died for me?"
+
+Trembling in the bliss of such devoted affection, she thought of Beate
+and her errand with eagerness as terrified as that with which the
+Hindoo maidens follow the flower-clad little boats, carrying burning
+lamps, and which they have confided to the waves of the Ganges; if the
+lamp extinguish, then extinguishes the light of hope, and a silent
+desire entrusted to the stream, finds its watery grave. When Blanden
+told her this, how she had thought of her light-ship that was now
+tossing upon the waves of the Orta lake; perhaps already the north wind
+which blew through the passes of the Simplon had extinguished the
+little lamp of her hopes.
+
+It was a weird shadow which followed her through life. Oh, how she
+envied the gods and peris who dwelled in enchanted gardens far above
+the everlasting snow upon the summits of the Himalayas, envied them not
+the flowers of Paradise, not the ethereal light, not the glorious song
+of the Gandharvos, not because they drink the Indian ambrosial amreeta
+in fox-gloves out of the moon, which, for fourteen days, the sun has
+filled with that drink, but only the one privilege, that of walking in
+light and casting no shadow behind them. An unshadowed bliss, this for
+her was unattainable for evermore!
+
+Even the measures of precaution by which she had intended to conceal
+from Blanden her defeat upon the stage, were only successful for a
+time. One day a deputation of students, in caps of every hue, came to
+Blanden. Salomon was the speaker.
+
+"We know, Herr von Blanden, that Fraeulein Bollini is your betrothed, we
+wish you happiness, although the muse of song--her name I cannot
+recollect this moment, as we sons of the muses care less for them than
+might be expected--will veil her face. A report is spread abroad that
+you forbid your betrothed to tread the world-renowned stage."
+
+"It is her own free will," replied Blanden.
+
+"We respect you," continued Salomon, "because you have shown in a
+knightly manner how a man should defend his lady's honour, and even,
+although we have no lady-loves, at least no perennial plants, who bear
+the title of wife or betrothed, we know well how to appreciate such
+conduct."
+
+A murmur of approval from the students denoted their concurrence in
+those words.
+
+"Therefore it is that we address you with the entreaty that you
+persuade your betrothed to appear again upon the stage. We are all now
+ready to protect her, after having learned with whom that disgraceful
+outrage originated."
+
+"What outrage?" asked Blanden astonished.
+
+Salomon was surprised at the question.
+
+"But surely you know, Herr von Blanden?--"
+
+"Indeed, I know of nothing!"
+
+The deputation became uncomfortable, the students looked at one another
+in amazement. Salomon, however, was soon calmed, and at the same time
+delighted at his own shrewdness, as he imagined he was able to see
+through the matter; he snapped his fingers and said--
+
+"Then our respected _prima donna_ has concealed this from you out of
+tender feeling, so as not to cause you any excitement which might be
+deleterious to your health. But now that the mention of the unpleasant
+fact has escaped the custody of our lips, you will be able to bear the
+sad news with manly dignity. Yes, on that evening on which Giulia was
+to sing Rosina's part, she was hissed, drummed out, and whistled at,
+until the curtain had to be lowered."
+
+Blanden sprang up wrathfully.
+
+"The worthless creatures; oh, I know--"
+
+"It was a conspiracy," added Salomon.
+
+"Savitri, faithful nurse, this then was your penance," said Blanden
+dreamily to himself.
+
+"It was desecration of the temple to the muses."
+
+"That is why the criticisms on the 'Barbiere di Sevilla' could not be
+found when I wanted to read them," said Blanden.
+
+"A most unholy alliance between the companions of Spiegeler the
+reporter, and a clique got together by an officer, carried off a
+disgraceful victory on that eventful evening. Very few members of the
+Albertina, alas, were present, but we have now resolved to make Signora
+Bollini brilliant amends upon her next appearance. The noble clubs of
+Masuren and Lithuania, the Albertina itself with all its societies; the
+Hochheimers, Goths, Teutons and Borusses are unanimous, which does not
+often happen, and even the independent Camels will join the students'
+union. We shall not permit a small party to be the leaders of taste in
+the theatre, we will represent the _vox populi_ with overwhelming
+force, and the pillars of the old shop of the muses shall tremble with
+the thunder of our acclamations. Long live Signora Bollini!"
+
+"Hurrah!" cried the students, waving their caps.
+
+"I thank you from my heart, gentlemen," said Blanden, "but the decision
+upon this point rests with the actress."
+
+"But you have much influence over her! We will offer her consolation
+and compensation. May she console herself with Schiller--
+
+
+           'The mean world loves to darken what is bright;'
+
+
+then Heine's verses will become true--
+
+
+           'And a new-born song spring softly
+            From the heal'd heart shoots to-morrow.'
+
+
+"I am fond of quoting, Herr von Blanden, it is an act of disinterested
+love of truth; our cultivation consists entirely in half unconscious or
+unguaranteed quotations. Why not declare openly that Bartel knows on
+which side his bread is buttered?"
+
+As Salomon began to diverge--a known peculiarity of the versatile
+talented youth--one of the seniors, whose face, rendered purple by many
+a cut and thrust, bore artistic marks of kind friends legibly sketched
+upon it, assumed the reins of the transaction with a firm hand.
+
+"Let the Signora appear, we will protect her! If that clique venture
+forth once more, we will reply to their second brutal blow with fitting
+tierce and quart, so that their ears shall tingle."
+
+"I repeat," said Blanden, "that I am very grateful to you, but I cannot
+even support your wish."
+
+"Why not?" asked Salomon, dissatisfied with the meagre results of his
+eloquence.
+
+"I do not wish that my betrothed shall be again exposed to the storms
+of public opinion; I will guide her into a safe haven. The laurels of
+the European capitals will console her for this small defeat; even for
+Signora Bollini's laurels, may Frau von Blanden long no more, she will
+belong to quite another world, and I wish that too violent equinoctial
+gales should not accompany her to this change in her life, so that she
+may be able calmly to prepare herself for it. But this, of course, is
+only my opinion, I shall not interfere at all with my betrothed's
+resolutions, and she will in any case rejoice at your warm sympathy,
+and the honor which you intend for her."
+
+Blanden shook hands pleasantly with the students' delegates, while he
+added, every one of the gentlemen should be welcome who would be
+present at his wedding.
+
+Soon after, he went to Giulia; he reproached her for having concealed
+from him the scene in the theatre; she was alarmed that he should have
+heard of it.
+
+"Silence," said she, "is not always as the German poet says, the god of
+the happy, but just as often the god of the unfortunate."
+
+"Do you think that I should have rejected you as Rama rejected his
+Sita, when the opinion of the people turned against her? Do you believe
+that you are less dear to me, fill my whole heart less, when the
+senseless mob calumniates you?"
+
+"Oh, that is not the cause of my silence towards you; I feared that you
+might excite yourself for my sake. I would not let any shadow from
+without cast its gloom into your sick chamber."
+
+"Oh, you are so gentle and good! Goodness of heart is little prized in
+the world, and yet all wisdom depends upon it, it alone is the
+guarantee of happiness. Giulia, shall you appear upon the stage again?"
+
+"Never," replied the singer.
+
+"They would prepare you a brilliant triumph, you would retire from the
+stage richer by one beautiful recollection! Weigh it well!"
+
+"Is it your wish?"
+
+"Only if you wish it!"
+
+"No, no! I want no more laurel wreaths, and if I retire with a painful
+memory, my parting from the stage will be all the easier; I want
+nothing more in the world but your love. Buried be my past, oh, could I
+but bury it deeply!"
+
+"But not all!" said Blanden, "shall even the beautiful recollection of
+the magic lake be buried? Every day of happiness was a picture of
+future enchanting years. Do you remember the charming Indian poem,
+'Calidas,' of which I told you? Oh, that Indian poetry is like the
+madhavya plant, which from its very root is full of flowers. I always
+think of that lovely Sacontala, and the marriage of Gandarvos, by which
+upon the flowery seat of the hermit's cave she united herself to the
+king. Then in the Indian legend ensues a time of long, dreary
+forgetfulness, but upon our life rests another curse. At last Sacontala
+saw her beloved one again; misunderstandings were cleared up, and the
+short enchanting meeting became a lasting alliance. Therefore will I,
+my lotus-flower, kiss the tears from your cheeks, as King Duschmanta
+kissed his regained beloved one."
+
+"Then, I will belong only and wholly to you," cried Giulia, amid kisses
+and embraces, "and even the fame which I conquered shall fade away like
+visions in the air."
+
+"I feel better every day," said Blanden, "I shall soon go to Kulmitten,
+and make all preparations for our marriage."
+
+Giulia, as usual, trembled when the eventful day was named.
+
+"If only Beate would return," said she to herself, "perhaps I should be
+calmer."
+
+Once more before setting out for his estate Blanden made a speech in
+the Citizen Assembly; he did not wish to break the thread which he had
+attached here, an active political life should be closely united to the
+domestic happiness he had ensured. Unfortunately, however, he must
+learn that his popularity in those circles had suffered seriously.
+Theatrical adventures and duels were something that the citizen mind
+could not deem compatible with a pioneer of political liberty. While
+they suddenly discovered a Don Quixote in him, he found himself at
+variance with the sentiments of the free citizens. Mutual estrangement
+ensued: his speech met with a lukewarm reception, the matadors of the
+assembly, the political doctor, the picturesque humourist, gave no
+token of approval, and therefore the crowd also remained silent.
+
+Not without a feeling of bitterness did Blanden leave the
+_Gemeinde-garten_; a slight veil was spread over his political dreams
+of the future; should he always remain bound to a life of vagrancy,
+never be able to raise himself to citizen-like activity, to
+statesman-like distinction?
+
+Spring was in the air, as he drove home with his foaming team, but an
+autumnal sensation at his heart he could not suppress.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+                      IN THE CHURCH ON SAN GIULIO.
+
+
+About eight days might have elapsed since Blanden's departure. Giulia
+meanwhile had dissolved her agreement with the managers, and at home
+denied herself to all visitors. She was in a state of excitement which
+she could conceal with difficulty. Whenever a carriage drove up in her
+vicinity she rushed to the window. She watched for Beate with dread
+expectancy. At last the carriage stopped before the house, and her
+friend's first words were, "Be calm! All is well."
+
+After having shaken off the dust of her journey, Beate soon appeared in
+Giulia's drawing-room with the unfailing cunning smile upon her lips,
+and with a calm gladsomeness, such as follows the execution of a good
+deed; she stirred the crackling fire in the stove, seated herself
+comfortably upon the sofa, poured as much arack as possible into her
+tea, to warm herself, and then began to relate the events of her
+journey:
+
+"Oh, our beautiful south! How melancholy to drive over these plains of
+ice, through the snow-laden pine forests, through these districts where
+sleepy Nature never seems to open her eyes, how terribly wearisome all
+the world here appears to one! And those passengers in mail coaches,
+those Polish Jews, those people from the small towns with their boxes,
+their baggage, their stupid faces! Thus it went on night and day, day
+and night. People have given themselves the trouble to find names for
+all these heaths, these towns through which one drives, and yet one
+looks like another, it is most immaterial what they are called! Even a
+little rocky nest in our Italy at least looks picturesque, here they
+are always the same barns, the same bad pavement, over which the mail
+coach rattles.
+
+"A long row of extra carriages followed the principal one, in which a
+most unpleasant company seemed to be congregated. In the dark corners
+of the passengers' room I saw figures which resembled brigands, one
+passenger especially, with a black bandage over one eye, and a dark
+beard, clings to my recollections. I saw him creep past me several
+times, wrapped up in his cloak. I had an eerie feeling as if he had
+cast an evil eye upon me, it seemed sometimes as if he were staring
+piercingly at me out of the dark with his only sound one. I had to rest
+in the capital, for three days and three nights I had not left the
+rattling coach, and, at last, from over fatigue, had fallen into an
+unrefreshing sleep. I had hardly looked after my baggage and put my
+large box into the charge of a postal official in order to seek my long
+missed rest at an hotel, before I saw a special post-chaise drive up
+and the man in the cloak, with the bandage over his eye, get in.
+
+"He must be in great haste to proceed, for the post-chaise had four
+horses.
+
+"I travelled slowly, I rested several times in large towns. I am
+nervous too, although I am no actress, but daily intercourse with a
+_prima donna_ upsets one's nerves. Do not be offended, dear child, but
+even the finest particles of dust, which one swallows in your theatre,
+are like _aqua toffana_. I remained one day in Berlin, in Nuremberg, in
+Augsburg!
+
+"How I rejoiced when I saw the Alps again, dangerous as was the drive
+through the snow passes.
+
+"Then I felt the mild soft spring breath of Italy when the steamboat
+carried me across the glorious lake. From Stresa I went over the
+mountains to Orta--how my heart beat, when the waves of the lake surged
+at my feet, and the little island with the rocky castle lay before me.
+
+"I had had leisure enough on my way to think of a plan as to how I
+could best execute my task, a task that was full of danger for body and
+soul; but for the soul there is always absolution. Many plans that rose
+in my mind I rejected as too daring, as impracticable, much I must
+leave to chance and circumstances. I then made enquiries for the two
+witnesses to the marriage, whose names you wrote down for me. Signor
+Bonardo has long been dead, and the beautiful Orsola eloped with a
+Greek, and was quite lost sight of. No danger is threatened from that
+quarter.
+
+"I visited the chaplain of the little church of San Giulio, he was a
+young man not unsusceptible to my charms. His predecessor, the old
+priest, had just died. For a long time he had been in confinement in
+the cloister, and under examination. In the nearest diocese a trial was
+to be instituted against him for forgery, of which he had been guilty.
+The chaplain himself conducted me up the high steps by the lake into
+the sacristy of the church, where he searched through the registry to
+reply to my question as to your marriage day. If ever I exerted my eyes
+I did so then. Eagerly I followed his movements, noted the book, the
+number of the page, the entrance to the sacristy. I thanked the
+chaplain, the good man even became tender towards me, and when he
+bestowed his blessing upon me he kissed me upon my brow.
+
+"It was still early morning, and a long day of twelve hours lay before
+me. People might, perhaps, have taken me for a love-sick dreamer if
+they had seen me wander upon the woodland paths behind the little town.
+I could not remain long in the _Leone d'oro_, feverish restlessness had
+taken possession of me.
+
+"I scrambled up the path with its numerous chapels leading to the
+pilgrims' church of San Franciscus. I prayed here and there. I did
+penance for that which I was about to begin. I felt as if I belonged
+not to the bright day, not to this glorious nature! How exquisite was
+the view over the lake from the Sacro Monte, upon the chestnut and
+walnut woods of Pella, upon the high Alps of Monte Rosa, what a breath
+of Spring quivered yonder in the fruit hedge and made the lake ripple!
+With my sinister purpose I seemed to be out of place in this bright
+world!
+
+"How sleepily the hours crept on. How long it was before the sun
+declined into the west and cast its more slanting rays into the waves
+of the lake and upon the house roofs of the little town. And much as I
+had longed for this hour with feverish impatience, I became
+proportionately alarmed again at the approach of fatal night.
+
+"Like an incendiary I had provided myself with a tinder-box that was
+sufficiently well supplied to contain ample provision, even for many
+vain attempts.
+
+"The windows of the little church of San Giulio were brightly
+illuminated, it was the hour of evening service. My boat glided over
+the lake in the moonlight, and landed at the tall granite stairs.
+
+"I ascended the steps. The moon was just hiding its light in a cloud;
+and looking back upon the lake, in a boat that seemed to be circling
+round the little rocky island, like an eagle round his eyrie, I
+perceived a closely enveloped figure, which reminded me of that man
+with the bandage.
+
+"My sight is keen, but it was too dark to recognise the figure more
+accurately, and I soon came to the conclusion that I had become the
+victim of a morbid delusion. The skiff disappeared behind a rocky
+promontory which rose up steeply to the summit, upon which stood the
+old tower of Berengarius.
+
+"I entered the church, but neither could I join in the devotions of the
+congregation nor examine the pillars of porphyry, the image of the
+Madonna of Ferrari, nor the mosaics of the floor. I only looked about
+for some place of concealment in which I could hide myself, and
+believed I had discovered one behind a small tomb.
+
+"I took advantage of a moment in which the sacristan, like the rest of
+the congregation, was occupied with the service, to creep behind the
+door of the sacristy, and quickly as lightning drew out the key, then I
+descended the stairs, and unperceived cast it into the lake.
+
+"The service was over, the sacristan made his round of the church once
+more, and convinced himself that the devout throng had entirely left
+it. Having passed my youth amongst bands of smugglers, I am used to
+creeping, crawling, and slipping into crevices like lizards, and thus I
+succeeded in deceiving the custodian of the church by first gliding
+after him and then suddenly disappearing behind the tomb. He sought
+long in vain for the key of the sacristy, and at last relinquished the
+effort, shaking his head, while he left the door standing open. He shut
+the church behind him: I was alone.
+
+"The first sensation which overcame me was one of undefined dread. A
+few lingering moonlight rays still fell through the tall church
+windows, and shed a light upon the pictures on the wall, so that they
+seemed to move like ghosts. But then the darkness became intense,
+either the moon had set or was concealed behind heavy clouds. My
+solitary footsteps made a hollow echo upon the floor. I shuddered when
+I remembered that about the midnight hour spirits might rise out of the
+tombs and keep me company. It was still too early for my undertaking.
+Below all was still awake in the island town and upon the lake, a gleam
+of light too early would have betrayed me.
+
+"But from dread of the echo of my footsteps, which rumbled away through
+the empty space as if something besides myself were stirring here, I
+sat down motionlessly upon a bench, folded my hands, tried to pray, and
+then to fall asleep.
+
+"And a short sleep did overcome me, but I started up from it with a
+loud cry. Had I dreamed it? It seemed as if at the other end of the
+church something that passed gently over the steps, stumbled over the
+benches.
+
+"But all was still again, the dread of a living being besides myself in
+this place had fled to my dreams, and on awaking the delusion still
+clung to me.
+
+"It must have been midnight already; deep silence reigned without, not
+a sound from the houses by the lake penetrated to my ears, not even the
+dim radiance of the lightly veiled moonlight forced its way through the
+windows. Impenetrable heavy clouds must have enveloped the heavenly
+orb, because the blackest obscurity filled the church.
+
+"My sense of locality came to my assistance. I had impressed the plan
+of the interior of the church sharply into my memory, estimated all
+distances correctly; I knew exactly where the chairs stood, and in how
+many rows, where the steps began to ascend to the altar, where was the
+entrance to the sacristy.
+
+"Thus I felt my way from one row to another, measured with careful feet
+the distance to the altar steps, and was already placing my foot upon
+the lowest one when an invisible hand behind my dress drew me back.
+
+"I was seized with unutterable horror; my heart beat audibly; it could
+be no delusion; I was not alone here; was I in the power of an
+invisible enemy; or did a spectre persecute me?
+
+"I put my hand out behind; I grasped the empty air; the hand had
+released my dress; I cried in a strong voice, so as to inspire myself
+with courage, 'Who is here?' But nothing replied, excepting one loud
+echo from the walls of the empty church.
+
+"Nevertheless my heart is full of courage, and I said to myself, why
+this fear and alarm? What concerns you is that you have pledged your
+honour to save your friend; now see that you succeed whether you live
+or die, even if hell send its ghosts against you!
+
+"Indeed, it seemed more probable that some spectre hand had seized me,
+than that any human being besides myself lingered in the gloomy place,
+but if it were a mortal, then I must try to deceive and out-man[oe]uvre
+him.
+
+"Like lightning this flashed through my mind. I did not ascend any more
+steps; softly as possible I glided into a corner, there I drew off my
+shoes, and crept once more to the altar steps, which this time I could
+pass up undisturbed. I felt about the altar until I had hold of one of
+the candelabra, and had convinced myself that a candle was in it. With
+nervous anxiety I avoided the least sound.
+
+"The candlestick in one hand, I went down again from the high altar,
+held my dress closely together with the other, so that it might not
+sweep the steps. I did not dare to breathe.
+
+"Then something in the corner stumbled over my shoes, which I had left
+there. This time I was not alarmed. I was thankful that the ghost was
+on the other side of the church; in all haste I sped into the sacristy
+through the door, which was only slightly ajar.
+
+"I knew that the light would attract the bats, which hopped after me,
+and yet I could not shut the door without betraying myself. I groped
+for the desk where I had seen the registry lie, there it was still in
+the same place. I turned over the leaves and counted the pages, of
+which, in the morning, I had taken note. I must gain as much time as
+possible before I should burn the tell-tale light.
+
+"At last the moment had arrived, it must be done. My tinder-box did its
+duty; the altar candle burned; the holy light illuminated my unholy
+task.
+
+"For the duration of a second the sensation of sacrilege overcame me,
+but time passed.
+
+"I had only turned over two pages too many, there it stood: Giulia
+Bollini, Signor Baluzzi. That was the fatal leaf! With bold resolution
+I tore it out and held it in the flame. Then a loud peal of mocking
+laughter rang from the door of the sacristy. I looked round and saw the
+man with the bandage.
+
+"The page was burned to atoms, I still saw it as if in a dream; rigid
+with fear I saw the man rush upon me; I blew out the light, but I could
+not escape him.
+
+"I felt as one does in those dreams in which we see a monster, a
+serpent, a tiger prepared for the spring which shall kill us: my nerves
+were over-excited so that I could not distinguish between my dream and
+reality.
+
+"Still nearer came the steps of the gruesome ghost. My senses gave way.
+I fell down in a swoon!
+
+"When I awoke again all was still intensely dark, but morning must soon
+dawn.
+
+"I was alone, as it appeared; nothing stirred. The altar candlestick
+still stood upon the desk. I took it up, crept out of the sacristy up
+to the altar and put it back upon its old place. Nothing molested me!
+My shoes I found in my corner. I put them on, hid myself behind a
+pillar, not far from the church door, ready for rapid flight.
+
+"Indeed, it was not long before the sacristan opened the church doors
+for early mass. He went towards the altar, while I glided out behind
+him and hastened down the steps as if the church behind me were in
+flames.
+
+"In Orta, also, I only remained a few minutes, then drove over to
+Stresa; the coachman could not make his horses go fast enough. In
+Bellinzona I became ill from the excitement, and when I had recovered,
+I performed very severe penance; my mind was terribly upset, but the
+farther north I came, the fresher did the breeze blow towards me. I
+began then to triumph that I had outman[oe]uvred that secret emissary
+of Baluzzi--because it could be no one else--that I had succeeded,
+despite his watchful ambuscade. I triumphed that I had restored you
+your liberty, and with this proud emotion I now clasp you in my arms.
+
+"Burned to ashes is the spell that fettered you, and freely may you
+follow your heart!"
+
+Giulia was intensely excited at her friend's intelligence, amid tears
+she squeezed Beate's hands. And yet she could not conquer an internal
+fear. Thus breaking into the sanctuary of the church seemed like an
+inexpiable act of sacrilege which rested upon her soul; and even if she
+believed in the newly-gained liberty she could not feel glad. Anxious
+forebodings of unknown possibilities that lay waiting in the air
+disturbed her confidence in unclouded happiness. What secrets oppressed
+her soul! How could she meet her beloved one's eye? The heavy weight
+that lies in the consciousness of forbidden deeds, did not permit her
+to draw that free breath without which success loses its triumphant
+charms. And yet--she was resolved to seize the supremest bliss in life
+in spite of fate, to set the right of her passion above all the rights
+in the world. Was her happiness only transitory? She must do penance
+and succumb; at any rate, that which she now struggled for with such
+ardent longing would once have been her own.
+
+Beate had not been back many days before Blanden's invitation to
+Kulmitten was received. The day of the marriage was decided upon.
+Giulia prepared for her departure with Beate after having made a few
+purchases for a brilliant toilet.
+
+Numerous guests from the provincial capital set out on horseback and in
+carriages for Kulmitten. The students had not neglected the invitation;
+they were glad to be present at a gay wedding. Salomon had arranged a
+performance for the Polter-abend, adapted from his collection of
+poetical blossoms, and the doctors, Kuhl and Schoener, drove a spirited
+team to the lakes of Masuren. Caecilie was expected to come with Olga
+and Wegen from the neighbouring estate, where she had gone upon a visit
+to her sister, and every one in the district, who had not shown a
+hostile spirit towards the proprietor of Kulmitten, was welcome on this
+glad occasion.
+
+Certainly, only a singer! It was, indeed, an unsuitable choice! Several
+ladies pretended to be ill, and only allowed their husbands to look on
+at the phenomenon so as to be able to bring back an account of the
+doings.
+
+"I do not like such extremes," said Frau Baronin Fuchs to her husband,
+"is it necessary to jump from the sanctimonious to the most impudent
+children of this world? Certainly, in reality, the other was the same
+kind, only a different colour. No power in the world would take me to
+this wedding; you, of course, will drive over because everything
+connected with rouge pots and stage tinsel has a certain charm for you
+now. Well, look from a close point of view at the Circe who has
+enchanted this knight of the rueful countenance."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+                           THE BRIDAL JEWELS.
+
+
+Two sitting-rooms and bedrooms were prepared for Giulia and Beate in
+the old wing of the Castle. Blanden had ridden over to the nearest town
+to meet her, and sent on his carriage and four in advance.
+
+He drove back with her. When they arrived at the boundary of his
+possessions, they were greeted by the peasants and tenants with loud
+acclamations. A handsomely decorated triumphal arch was erected; canon
+resounded far and near, and genuine, indeed, were the rejoicings of the
+people, who idolised Blanden. None of the proprietors on the lakes of
+Masuren were so gentle and kind as he, certainly none others had
+studied Buddha's teachings, or recognised pity for every being of
+creation as the original spring of all wisdom and morality.
+
+The school girl who presented a huge nosegay to Giulia at the gate of
+honour, had learned a very long and very profound address, which was
+listened to with intense weariness by all but the bride-elect, for whom
+an accusation lay in every one of those moral sentiments. Cold water
+seemed to be running down her, when the little girl, with devout
+dove-like eyes, looked lovingly into her face.
+
+And when old Olkewicz acted as spokesman for the officials and those
+belonging to the estate, and spoke of the old family possession, of the
+worthy heir, of his forefathers, then she suddenly felt what, until
+now, had been quite unknown to her: that here she was entering into the
+sacred circle of a family, into a well-regulated world governed by
+moral laws, into touching familiarity amongst equals, into a beautiful
+blending together of past and future; and to herself she appeared in
+the light of an intruder, who deserved to be cursed, who tore down the
+old saintly household gods from the domestic hearth, and with a guilty
+hand polluted a stainless roll of ancestors. She shuddered as if seized
+with cold; while Olkewicz also stammered in his honest speech and lost
+himself--he had suddenly recognised Giulia; it was actually the same
+white fairy who had stood on high in the moonlight on the gallery of
+the belfry tower.
+
+The carriage drove on through the park. The Castle was decked with
+flags and banners, fluttering merrily in the breeze; all the doors were
+wreathed; here a dense crowd--part of which had hastened by a short cut
+from the triumphal arch, and were thus in advance--received them with
+renewed cheers.
+
+Blanden was deeply moved, and pressed his betrothed's hand; he knew
+that it was true hearty love which bade them welcome. He thought of his
+father, of the old lords of the Castle--they blessed his entry. His
+feelings were solemn as he lifted his future bride out of the carriage
+and led her into the Castle, where he delivered her into the hands of
+the guardian spirits of his home.
+
+When Giulia was seated alone in her room, for a few moments she gave
+herself up to a sensation of luxurious comfort; how strange was it for
+a wandering disciple of art to have a home, to reign as mistress over a
+vast estate! No more need she trouble about the gains of the moment, no
+more need she struggle from day to day for a living, competing for fame
+and gold, and the favour of the variable crowd which alone could grant
+both to her. The labour of art in the muses' temple appeared like a
+miserable daily task, which is forced from the reluctant senses, while
+only the holiness of enthusiasm sanctifies the artistic duty! From
+country to country had she wandered with her nomad tent, tarrying long
+wherever she had found plentiful pastures; but how many dangers did the
+pirates of criticism prepare for her, by how many _fata morgana_ had
+she been deceived--how homeless was her life, her soul!
+
+What a sensation of security behind the stout walls of this Castle; for
+decades, for a whole life-time, every struggle with its necessities was
+banished, a life belonging to itself, one not given up to the mob! And
+how one must learn to love every little spot of earth which, by the
+habit of long association and possession, has become a portion of
+ourselves! Without, the trees rustled, the eastern sky glanced in the
+reflection of the declining sun, and the evening star, the star of
+love, peeped forth in the vapour-like clouds that were tinged with a
+delicate red.
+
+Yonder the tall oaks, the silver poplars, and Scotch firs; the pavilion
+with its gay windows peeping out of the Chinese shrubs that surrounded
+it; the bridge over the lake; upon the island stood the swans' houses:
+at first all seemed but a pretty picture for her contemplation, but
+from day to day it must all become blended into her life--every spot,
+sanctified by love, become endeared to her heart.
+
+And how home-like the old furniture in the drawing and other rooms:
+_roccoco_ cupboards, and drawers with their sweeping lines, those
+arm-chairs, little works of art carved in wood, those heavy curtains,
+which formed an easily moved partition between the secret concealed
+cabinets and drawing-rooms! How pleasant the faces of the old male and
+female servants, who at once took the new mistress to their hearts, and
+were ready to watch over their new precious possession as well as they
+had ever guarded the most valuable treasure confided to them.
+
+A proud sensation of happiness overcame her; the dream of a peaceable
+existence, of ensured happiness, hovered before her mind, then her hand
+was pressed convulsively to her heart; painfully she felt the rift that
+extended through her whole life--that she always experienced, even
+although concealed from her lover and the world, but which, when it
+suddenly yawned, became an abyss which must swallow up all her
+felicity.
+
+She could only listen absently to Beate's chatter, "I must say it is a
+true Palazzo Pitti, in which we, however, are the most beautiful
+pictures! And as to its being countryfied, the Castle itself certainly
+is not so, although the entire population consists of rough unhewn
+blocks. One might be in a fortress; down below, Signora, at the foot of
+the hill, still stands a massive square tower. I enquired about it,
+they call it the 'Dantziger;' it was used for watching the besiegers
+and taking them in their rear, it also ensured escape, as a secret
+outlet leads to the lake. The stone passage, with its handsome arches,
+unites it with the Castle. Well, if I can find a sweetheart here, the
+old Dantziger will do me good service for secret adventures and secret
+flight. Besides which, in the Castle, there are divers stairs in the
+walls, hidden doors--what else I know not! The Knights of the Order had
+their secrets, too. We shall find it all out in good time."
+
+"You are incorrigible with your love of adventures, Beate."
+
+"Think of the sacristy in the church of San Giulio. What should you be
+without me? A very doubtful betrothed, your past rests in the Orta Lake
+with the sacristy key! But enough of it. They are very lively over in
+the new wing, where all are preparing for the Polter-abend
+entertainment; they say it is just like being behind the scenes, gay
+masks of every kind, but terribly inexpert wardrobe women; everything
+in the world requires experience. If only we were with them, we
+understand the art."
+
+Beate was still chattering when Blanden entered; she possessed tact
+enough to disappear as speedily as possible.
+
+"Only get dressed quickly, dear Giulia!" cried Blanden, "all are
+preparing to greet us. I am an outlawed man it is true, but yet one
+always possesses some real friends. The Castle is full from attic to
+cellar; for twenty years or more there has not been such a garrison.
+You bring life into my solitude, let me welcome you cordially once
+more."
+
+He clasped her in his arms and pressed a fervent kiss upon her lips.
+
+"What is that little box," said Giulia, "which you carry in your hand?"
+
+"My bridal gift, beloved! I come with a full heart, and may not do so
+empty handed."
+
+He opened the ebony casket: the most beautiful ornaments, a diadem with
+brilliants, necklets and bracelets of the most magnificent pearls, and
+beside them unset precious stones, sapphires, and rubies shone in such
+radiance that Giulia could not suppress a sudden cry of admiration.
+
+"It is all yours, it is the inheritance which has been bequeathed to
+the last Blanden by his mother and by the ancestral mistresses of this
+house, there being no living heiress who has the right to these
+ornaments. From henceforth you shall wear them, they have found an
+owner again who is worthy of them, and well they will suit your dark
+hair and fine features!"
+
+Giulia was dazzled with the brilliant gift, and yet-- Like
+will-'o-the-wisps, like snakes of fire, they flashed and quivered
+before her eyes! Was it not a robber's hand which grasped this family
+possession?
+
+But she overcame the slight shudder with which she saw the ghostly
+ancestresses of the house of Blanden, as they stretched out their bony
+hands in protest, or touched her brow and imprinted the sign of the
+curse upon her. She was only conscious of Blanden's love and goodness
+in confiding such a priceless heritage to her, and, thanking him
+cordially, laid her hand upon her heart.
+
+On that evening she would be queen of the feast, banish all gloomy
+thoughts; he should have a right to be proud of her. A mistress of the
+toilet, an art belonging to the stage, she would enhance her beauty by
+simple attire. Merrily adorned with a wreath of flowers, her hair,
+black as ebony, as it fell upon her neck, enframed a face whose fine
+moulding did not suffer from the pallor of its features, for that
+Venetian colouring appertained to the beauty of marble, to that
+idealism of form which was peculiar to her. Her tall slight figure was
+seductively enveloped in clouds of pink tulle, and as if of gleaming
+foam, bosom and neck, the glorious outlines of a Venus Anadyomene rose
+from out that mass of clouds. As she entered the dining-hall with
+Blanden, a buzz of admiration passed through the apartment. They were
+mostly elderly gentlemen who were present, the younger ones were still
+behind the scenes preparing the masquerade.
+
+Hermann von Gutskoehnen and Sengen von Laerchen had never seen anything
+of the kind; the former greeted her with a whispered monologue which
+reached its climax in a low oath; the latter held his finger
+thoughtfully to his nose, and after his address, "dear friends," had
+allowed a considerable pause to follow, "she is a most beautiful woman,
+tall, she has breeding, something Arab-like in her nostrils, and
+devilish black hair, but no healthy colour--she needs some Masuren
+breezes to blow about her cheeks."
+
+"Thunder and lightning," replied Hermann, "a splendid toilet! But a
+betrothed should really be a rose-bud, she is perfectly full blown!"
+
+"Herr von Blanden has good taste," said Baron von Fuchs to his
+neighbour, the Landrath, "it is well that our wives have not come with
+us. It was well feigned hoarseness, and a most justifiable headache
+which befell them, because I must say--naturally I exclude our
+wives--we have no beauties in the district who can be compared with
+her. And they who stayed at home have all happily escaped this
+sensation. In words they would not have acknowledged this beauty, but
+at heart they would have bowed before it as the brethren bowed before
+Joseph, in the dream; they would have tingled with unbounded jealousy
+to the very tips of their fingers and toes, because whosoever bathes in
+the pool of Bethsaida knows how to respect the beauty of the
+Olympians."
+
+Blanden and Giulia welcomed their guests heartily, and then seated
+themselves in two garlanded arm-chairs to receive the homage of the
+Polter-abend. A merry blast of music announced the commencement of the
+performance.
+
+First appeared lovely water-fairies from the lake. Olga von Dornau led
+the dance; the daughter of the Sanitaetsrath from the district town, the
+daughters of a retired major, who lived there, and a rich young widow
+represented the Naiads decked with reeds.
+
+The concessions made to the local colouring and faithful costume of the
+legend, were of varying degrees, the young widow's being the greatest.
+Olga was the speaker of the Kingdom of the Nymphs--
+
+
+           "With the welcome of sisters we greet thee
+              In thy beauty, our sovereign anew;
+            Long we mourned, never hoping to meet thee,
+              Now thine image again we review.
+                The waters shall mirror thy image afar
+                As in glory and triumph we carry thy car."
+
+
+Thereupon, Caecilie appeared as the goddess of Song, a wreath of laurels
+in her hand; behind her, Thalia and Melpomene, which characters were
+assumed by two of her friends.
+
+Caecilie had composed these lines for herself--
+
+
+           "Silently, sadly, we see you depart,
+              Leaving our kingdom made greater by you,
+            But the laurel of fame must give place to the heart,
+              Happiness there is more lasting and true.
+            Go you to bliss that cannot be measured,
+              And leave those behind who will never forget,
+            Your art as yourself will ever be treasured,
+              O'er your gain we rejoice, our loss we regret."
+
+
+Then Schoener entered as a herald; in sonorous flowing verses he
+announced the arrival of the new mistress of the Castle, and poured
+forth praises of the perfection of her beauty and art; he recited these
+verses with wonted enthusiasm, and received plenteous applause.
+
+Herr von Wegen came as the Master, at the head of a number of Knights
+of the Order; their white mantles with the black cross, harmonised well
+with the old dining-hall, which thus gained historical animation.
+
+The German Order also greeted the new mistress; the poem, of whose
+authorship the fair-haired District Deputy was guiltless, while his
+brother-in-law, Dr. Kuhl, was universally thought to be its composer,
+contained some humourous flashes; it spoke of a fair lady who had not,
+as in former times, surreptitiously entered the house of the Order, and
+by the back way, but like a mistress, who is entitled to go up the
+principal wide staircase. Thus the Order was completely secularised,
+and by this brilliant example the Order of wilful old bachelors equally
+so, as was demonstrated by the master himself, and his friend, the
+Prussian heathen.
+
+And now, armed with a mighty club, Dr. Kuhl stepped forth as an ancient
+Prussian at the head of a band dressed in skins; he greeted Giulia in
+the name of the original inhabitants of the land, who alone possessed a
+right to these forests and lakes; he declared war to the knights who
+had been imported into this free land, to those monks of the sword,
+that black-crossed hypocrisy; with his people he would destroy this
+Castle to its very foundations if the presence of so beautiful a
+guardian goddess did not compel him to lay his club in homage at her
+feet; he concluded with the words--
+
+
+           "I swear it by every sacred god
+              To-day all wars for ever cease,
+            No more our blood shall soil the sod
+              For hence shall reign eternal peace.
+                When the gods clamour for foemen dead
+               Our goddess shall offer the olive instead."
+
+
+Then followed another series of more stately pictures, and merry jests.
+Salomon had conceived the unhappy idea of appearing as Ariosto,
+introducing himself as the Italian Heinrich Heine, and in a mixture of
+verses, which were collected, partly from the _Ottave rime_ of the poet
+of Reggio, partly from free thinking verses by the Parisian
+Aristophanes, and speaking of Herr von Blanden as Orlando, who had
+delivered Angelica, bound to the rock of the stage.
+
+A tall girl, whose form was as redundant as those of the Genoese women,
+appeared as "Italia," a basket of fruit in her hands, a wreath of
+perfumed orange blossoms in her hair. It was Iduna; she had left
+Fraeulein Baute's school, after having met with frequent insults from
+the mistress, and openly displayed contempt on the part of her Theodore
+Koerner, Dr. Sperner. Her father owned a small estate in the
+neighbourhood, and thus she was invited to the entertainment.
+
+Soon all revolved in merry dance. Blanden opened the ball with Giulia,
+and then stood thoughtfully for some time, leaning against a pillar of
+the radiated arch; he thought of the other dance beneath the pear tree,
+and the pale shadow of his lovely Eva mingled in the rows of the
+dancers. She had pledged him in the unalloyed bliss of youth; this
+woman brought the rapture of passion. But he felt that with her came a
+rent in his life. The gay company assembled, from which the most
+distinguished ladies of the neighbourhood were absent, the coldness of
+the members of his party in the capital, all proved to him that he had
+once more rendered it impossible to take a firm foothold in his home,
+and to attain a higher position in political life by any recognised
+influence; but it was only a transient heretical thought! There she
+stood before him in all her beauty, a fascinating woman! Her eyes
+gleamed with promise; dancing had brought a warmer colour to the marble
+of her features; her bosom heaved with sweet excitement, she appeared
+like a breathing statue of a goddess! A lamp shone in the pavilion!
+myrtles and oranges shed their perfume; the stars of Italy gazed
+sparklingly down from the deep blue sky! He encircled her firmly with
+his arms, and sped to a wild measure through the old hall. Giulia was
+in her brightest mood, she would and did forget everything that was
+painful and hostile in her life; she chatted more pleasantly than ever
+before, and had a friendly winning word for every one; a roguish smile
+played around her lips, as she said to Blanden--
+
+"I cannot realise that I shall never more stand behind the piano; never
+more look down upon my worthy conductor's bald head when he wields his
+_baton_, or into the manager's complacent countenance after a
+well-paying house; that Dr. Schoener will never more arrange a poetical
+nosegay for my vase; no Spiegeler cause me sleepless nights by the
+stings of his wasps and bees. But away with all laurel wreaths!
+Without, in the theatrical world, the echo of my name will not yet have
+quite died away, and when it is dead, it will no longer trouble the
+memory of the world to come, which will be inundated with many more."
+
+Kuhl, the heathen, who had just performed a wild round dance with the
+orange-perfumed Italian, in which he had squeezed Iduna's hands with
+more fervour than the requirements of the dance demanded, now turned to
+Giulia and began a battle of words with her upon which she readily
+entered. Kuhl had only seen her as Blanden's nurse, when wounded, and
+spoken to her in a serious manner; her happy mood stirred him
+strangely, but was doubly attractive, and he could not leave her side
+while Blanden was enjoying a dance with Olga.
+
+"Excuse me, Signora," suddenly said Caecilie's somewhat sharp voice.
+"Look here, my friend! I only wish to tell you that there must now be
+an end of polytheism, and that you shall neither worship the slight
+Italian marble goddess nor plump Iduna with her apples of eternal
+youth, neither one of Raffael's nor Ruben's beauties. Look this way my
+friend! I am now your Alpha and Omega, as the Bible says. I have now a
+right to you, and shall know how to assert it."
+
+Kuhl listened to the conjugal lecture; sadly he then took up his club,
+which had been propped against a pillar, and leaning upon it, pondered
+over the fate which even the most irrefutable theories find in life's
+irksome custom. He resigned himself to the melancholy conviction that
+he, the Hercules of free love, had, after all, allowed his Dejanira to
+charm him into a Nessus shirt.
+
+Dancing and enjoyment lasted until late into the night, then the guests
+retired to their chambers. Blanden accompanied his betrothed to the
+carved oak door of her apartment, and left her with an ardent kiss and
+the whispered words, "Until to-morrow!"
+
+Beate, who had danced bravely and made a slight conquest of a young
+lawyer, was so fatigued that she had thrown herself, half undressed,
+upon the bed in her room, which was situated behind Giulia's, and had
+fallen into a sound sleep.
+
+Giulia was still in her sitting-room--she gazed into the moonlit park;
+high into the air the fountain cast its stream of silver, gently around
+the trees quivered that dreamy light which rocks the soul with vague
+forebodings.
+
+Dance, wine, love had intoxicated her. Was not the world so beautiful,
+life so happy!
+
+She longed to rejoice, like the ray of water springing up towards the
+skies!
+
+She threw aside her ball dress, and in her light dressing-gown
+contemplated her reflection in the large mirror. She felt so
+lighthearted, so free--and was she not beautiful, youthfully beautiful?
+A heavy destiny had passed over her, but in its flight it only slightly
+touches the favourites of the gods. No creases, no wrinkles, she needed
+no paint-pot to conceal them, no weight of cares had been able to bow
+her tall form, and the consciousness of her own beauty thrilled her
+with delight.
+
+Then she hastened to the cupboard, which was placed in a panel of the
+wall, opened it with a carefully secured key, and took out the jewel
+box which Blanden had given to her. First she let the splendid stones
+glisten in the lamp light, then flash in the moon's radiance, while she
+revelled in the sparkling lights and the prismatic rays which played to
+and fro.
+
+Then she stepped before the large mirror, put the diadem of brilliants
+upon her curls, decked herself with the pearl necklace, with the
+bracelets, glistening with rubies and emeralds. She thought herself
+magnificent as a queen; thus, in her dazzling splendour, ornamented
+with the prince's crown, might not everything be permitted to her? Need
+a ruler fear his conscience, that sentinel of the garrison? Did she, in
+her power and beauty, not stand far above it?
+
+They were proud dreams in which she indulged--blissful
+self-forgetfulness, the ruinous intoxication of dark spirits of the
+earth, which guard the treasures of the deep, and scatter that shining
+dust into the eyes of mankind that it may perceive nothing but the
+sparkling brilliance of mammon and soulless splendour. She walked up
+and down before the mirror, bent her head to see how the coronet of
+brilliants became her dark locks, turned to the right and to the left;
+but then the spirit of the stage came upon her, a vain spirit at first,
+and she repeated scenes from operas, raising her arms, now wringing her
+hands, then extending them as if cursing, all the time admiring the
+shining lights of her bracelets as they played about those beautifully
+rounded forms.
+
+Then she stood again as still as sculptured marble and gazed at herself
+as though she were looking at a statue, standing in a niche of a
+Pantheon. Then, suddenly--it was no dream--the mirror began to move; it
+was pushed on one side by invisible hands: she commenced to tremble, to
+rub her eyes--her own reflection disappeared with the mirror like a
+ghost into the surface of the wall--and, instead, a space black as an
+abyss yawned before her--and a draped figure sprang into the room and
+threw off its cloak.
+
+It was Baluzzi!
+
+She started back with a loud cry.
+
+"Traitoress!" cried he, "now you are worthy of me!"
+
+Giulia staggered back a few paces, half unconscious, with one hand
+resting upon the back of the roccoco chair, she held the other
+tremblingly towards the intrusive ghost.
+
+"Back, back!" she cried with a failing voice, that was almost stifled
+into a convulsive whisper.
+
+"I believe, indeed, that you would refuse to see me, and that I am more
+hateful to you to-day than any other being whom the world contains. I
+come most inopportunely, I know, and that is why I come. And how
+beautifully you are adorned--for the galley!"
+
+Giulia seized the diamond crown, the necklace and bracelet, all almost
+unconsciously, as if in a heavy dream, in which one seeks in blind
+haste to protect life, possessions and estate from unavoidable ruin;
+but her hand was paralysed, and the ornaments adhered to her.
+
+"Beautifully adorned, and still beautiful!" cried Baluzzi, stepping
+nearer, "still as beautiful as once when you stood before the altar in
+the little church of San Giulio! Do not shrink from me--before others
+you are a bride elect, before others you may feign modesty, and wrap
+yourself in the bridal veil, not before me! I have an old and sacred
+right over you--your body, your soul belong to me, and to me alone; you
+cannot be separated from me so long as the indissoluble word of the
+Church exists upon earth, and I place my hand upon you as upon a
+runaway slave--Giulia Baluzzi, my wife!"
+
+And he went up to her, held the struggling woman with a strong arm, and
+laid the other hand upon her marble shoulder that quivered as if in the
+grip of a tiger cat.
+
+"Stand back, madman," whispered Giulia in a suppressed tone of alarm,
+"stand back, or I shall call for help."
+
+"You will not do so, my child! You will not call for help, not even if
+I murder you with my dagger! You would prefer to drop mutely into my
+arms, and with expiring eyes to implore me--for silence, for
+forgetfulness! Is it not so? A cry for help!--what is a cry for help
+but a cry for shame, for disgrace, for law and executioner? I know you
+better, my little dove; so imprudent you are not; the friend of Beate,
+the cunning robber of a church, possesses too much sense and
+understanding."
+
+"I shall call for help," said Giulia, with pride and defiance, now
+releasing herself from Baluzzi's arms. "And if I declare you before all
+the world to be a robber and a liar, all will deem your utterances to
+be madness, because the proofs are wanting."
+
+"The proofs are ready."
+
+"They were, perhaps; but they are no longer."
+
+"Haha," said Baluzzi, with a mocking laugh, "you rely upon your astute
+messenger, upon Beate, who lays her devil's paw upon the altar candles
+and registers, at the ghostly hour of midnight lights a firebrand in a
+sacristy. A harmless amusement! Had it not been so harmless I should
+have prevented it, but it was great amusement for me to watch the
+lizard as it glided into the crevices in the church walls, and to carry
+on a game with it; unfortunately she swooned too soon. I should have
+liked to torture her still longer, have made her bones rattle, the
+good-for-nothing! You all possess courage only up to a certain point;
+the little witch, too, showed courage, but then, in a moment, it goes
+out like a candle that has burned down, that has consumed itself all
+too speedily."
+
+"But the proofs are destroyed," said Giulia, although doubtfully and
+alarmed at Baluzzi's scorn, because she could not help fearing that by
+some means Beate's undertaking had failed.
+
+"You are mistaken, my child. I do not allow the thread by which I hold
+you to be so easily withdrawn from my hands. I have my spies, and when
+I heard from Antoinette, my little scout, whither Beate intended to go,
+I knew enough. At first I accompanied her in the greatest possible
+_incognito_, then I gained a considerable start in order to obtain the
+necessary information. I was at the See at Milan. I knew that an
+enquiry into some forgery was pending against the former priest of San
+Giulio. I have staunch friends, even at the holy courts of law. A
+priest, with whom I worked formerly in Monaco, at my desire, enquired
+if amongst the deeds of the suit a copy of the registry of San Giulio
+did not exist; a legal official copy certified by the chaplain. I had
+reason to expect this because the suit concerned a falsification of the
+register. My supposition was well-founded--now I was safe, now I could
+play with that dangerous culprit who is your greatest friend, as a cat
+does with a mouse. All respect to you, we are quits. I awaited her
+arrival in Orta, dogged all her steps, and my knowledge of the church
+permitted me to hide myself in the little crypt. The fire of joy at
+midnight I vouchsafed to her with malicious pleasure, but our marriage,
+my child, is signed and sealed in the legal copy in the register number
+two, that lies at Milan, valid before God and man. It is a pity that
+the travelling expenses, and heroic courage were spent in vain, that
+the triumph was useless--I have the proofs!"
+
+Giulia's courage fell with each of Baluzzi's words. She felt herself to
+be completely in his power, thus everything that she had done to free
+herself from him, even Beate's criminal proceeding, was all in vain.
+She looked at him with the glance of a mortally wounded deer.
+
+"You do not believe my story? Here in my pocket-book is the most exact
+information as to where the document can be found which proves my
+perfect right to you. Now will you still cry for help?"
+
+Silently Giulia covered her face with her hands.
+
+"You are going to be sensible, my child; I thought so! That is why I
+come to you at night, it is very considerate of me, and on a toilsome
+road too. A wonderful child led me here--my rare little sea-devil, whom
+I have taken into my service. It is the road upon which you must now
+follow me!"
+
+"What are you thinking of? Impossible!" said Giulia, springing up.
+
+"The road is not very pleasant! Close beside the shore of the lake
+there is a cave--my blood-hound found it; it is overgrown with thistles
+and bushes, the little one worked with an axe and sickle all last night
+to clear the passage. One must stoop to pass through. It leads to the
+old tower, which, with its ivy-clad walls, casts its shadow below upon
+the moonlit shrubs in the park. It was the watch tower, the battle and
+sally-tower of the knights, and the hidden road ensures them flight in
+case of defeat. From the tower a secret walled passage leads into the
+Castle. It is covered with rubbish and ruins, and there are awkward
+steps to go up and down. But then a little masked winding-staircase in
+the wall leads up to this mirror door. My wonderfully clever seal
+discovered all this. It took us some time last night before we could
+find out the mechanism of this door. We knew that these rooms were
+destined for you. We tried a long time, but I am clever at such
+secrets, and beneath its external disguise found the spot where one
+must press so as to make the wooden panel move and slide back. The
+little one waits below with a dark lantern--the boat is tied up close
+to the egress of the hollow way. It will cost a few bruises and torn
+clothes, then we shall sail over the lake and away over the Russian
+frontier."
+
+"You are out of your senses, Baluzzi!"
+
+"Shall I remind you of our past, of our agreement? We were married
+secretly. You were a singer whose fame was waxing. I, an inferior
+chorus singer, who could do no better. I saw myself, that your
+prospects would be damaged if the world knew of our marriage. Soon I
+resigned the miserable position of an incapable helper's helper in the
+troupe of singers at the theatre, and I must confess it, gave myself up
+to a somewhat dissipated life. I drank and gambled. I became a croupier
+in Monaco, your fame was augmenting. Our paths led farther and farther
+asunder. All the same, I loved you fervently, but I perceived that your
+love diminished daily. You were ashamed of me. You began to avoid me,
+to fly from me. I required money, much money for my habits of life.
+They are as respectable and distinguished as those of a well-born
+prince who squanders his heritage. How often was I not in
+embarrassments enough to make one's hair stand on end, badly in debt.
+It was at that time we made an agreement that I should avoid you as
+long as you were at the theatre, but, that in return, the greater
+portion of your abundant gains should always be paid over to me. So
+long as you were at the theatre--that was the condition. Recollect it!
+No evasions! I am a man of my word, and I shall see that faith is kept
+with me also. _Cospetto!_ In my hand I hold the power to compel you."
+
+"I, too, kept my word," said Giulia, "and more than this, I have often
+starved that you might live luxuriously."
+
+"For two years," said Baluzzi, "when you were here in Prussia during
+the summer I was left without news of you."
+
+"Owing to your irregular life the letter to you must have been lost--an
+unfortunate chance which I do not lament over much."
+
+"Then for two years I was in Russia, lost to you. I had business that
+made me acquainted with sables and ermines. I exonerate you from blame
+for that time, nevertheless you thus became my debtor. However, if you
+leave the stage, you cannot redeem yourself now, you no longer have
+your own independent earnings and possessions. Therefore, from
+henceforth, you belong to me! Thank the Madonna that I have come to
+hold you back from a crime--follow me!"
+
+"Never!" said Giulia, folding her hands.
+
+"Do you then think that my passion for you is extinguished? Even when
+far away it burned in my bosom with silent fervour, and this glow
+expands into bright flames since I have seen you once more, because you
+are the most beautiful woman whom I have met with upon my manifold
+journies in life, and I have seen women of every nation and of every
+class. It is a proud sensation that of possessing you, not secretly,
+no, before all the world to display you, and it is a delight to fold
+you in my arms."
+
+Giulia hid her face as she drew back.
+
+"Yet do not believe that it is the same old love, as beneath Italy's
+orange and myrtle trees when you were my Madonna, when my heart beat
+for you, when I looked up to you as to a queen of heaven floating amid
+a bright halo. And even then, when you parted from me as from one
+unworthy who might not follow in the ascending paths of your life, even
+in the desolate existence that I led, still I always looked up as one
+looks up at a heavenly orb through a crevice in a grotto. Then came
+those days of Lago Maggiore, I watched and saw how you were faithless
+to me, you bought yourself free from my anger, because then I was in a
+desperate position, but since that time my feelings have been
+completely metamorphosed. My Madonna was one no longer, and though she
+may not repent, I have vowed to myself to make her do so."
+
+"Oh, to be fettered to crime, and in addition by sacred bonds--is there
+a more unhappy fate? Is despair not justified, even when it clutches
+convulsively at transient felicity? Well, I may belong to you, but you
+do not belong to me, never so long as my spirit can move its wings in
+liberty, can appreciate the beautiful, believe in what is noble."
+
+Giulia had risen proudly, she had recovered herself, overcame her fear
+and terror, courage of death shone on her brow.
+
+"Any one who saw you now--truly a vestal, whose fire, alas, had often
+gone out. It looks like gold and is brass, it gleams like silver and is
+tin. And this, on the day on which a crime shall be consecrated. The
+cocks have already crowed, midnight is past, your second wedding day
+will soon dawn, do not forget your first myrtles; its stars still
+shine, the second can only consist of nightshade and fox-glove, it
+breathes the poison of a lie. _Corpo di bacco_--such a saint--it makes
+one laugh!"
+
+"I know, I feel that I am committing an impious act, I am defying law,
+I am deceiving the best of men, but I only deceive him out of endless
+love, and so utterly unworthy is that which is protected by law, that I
+dare all because I believe in the pardon of Heaven."
+
+"You need not have this sin pardoned, it will not be committed."
+
+"Hear me Baluzzi!"
+
+"Hear me first! I have not yet told you all. Since those days by the
+lake, love died in my heart, passion remained, but it was a wild
+passion that wavered between love and hatred; expiation I had hoped for
+from you, but you cast flaming anger into my heart. You shall be mine,
+your kisses shall give me rapture, my pulses shall throb louder, when I
+hold you in my arms, but only like the pirate's pulses, who rejoices
+over the captured beauty. Never shall I forget that you injured and
+betrayed me beyond expression, that you are my slave, over whom I
+exercise my proud right of master, whether I torture and chastise, or
+whether I love her. What are your laurel wreaths to me? Dried up straw
+which I burn, because no more gold glitters on its leaves, but as in
+mockery of your renown, the queen of the stage shall preside at my
+gaming-tables beside other painted harridans, and shall decoy victims
+into my net--the trade will flourish! The remains of a great name will
+suffice for it, that little candle end can still shed some light. You
+shall obey me, tremble before me! That is the expiation, the penance
+for an overbearing and faithless wife!"
+
+"And to such degradation shall I follow you, give myself up to such
+disappointment? Death rather!"
+
+"There is a still better means, Signora! Seize your dagger, kill me,
+let me be killed as a robber and housebreaker, then you will be free,
+and with a light heart can greet the first ray of the morning sun; but
+I am on my guard, my glances do not leave you, do not leave that door
+behind which Beate sleeps. I know that she has a pocket pistol under
+her pillow, and a crime more or less does not matter to her, but I am
+prepared to meet her also."
+
+And Baluzzi pulled out a pistol.
+
+"Beate sleeps in the second room," said Giulia, "she does not hear us!
+We will not excite ourselves--one calm word! An unhappy fate has
+brought us together, it should never have happened. Our paths led far
+asunder, but the indissoluble bond remains; it is cruel to tie up my
+soul with it, it is indissoluble there, indissoluble also for me here,
+because I dare not venture forth with this life-long lie, without
+forfeiting my future happiness. But you would not be separated,
+although to do so lay in your power. I beg, I implore you, do not let
+your old right interfere in my life. I was always your friend, I will
+remain so, but upon my knees I implore you, grant me the bliss of this
+true love. I ask nothing but silence, do not make him miserable who
+hazarded his life for me. Is it then so great a sacrifice not to utter
+words which would plunge two people into calamity? Is it impossible to
+resign a dreamed-of possession, a right that is dead?"
+
+"A dreamed-of possession?" shouted the Italian, "the real right will
+still find its protection in the world, and when I see you thus before
+me, in all the magic of your charms, I long to press you to my heart
+and to rejoice in my beautiful possession; my blood surges up within
+me, like the fire-spring of Salfatora. I am no Don Juan who breaks at
+night into the sanctuary of the house, I am no adulterer, no seducer; I
+am the husband, and that word is like a king's crown and sceptre,
+before which all the nation bows. The law would drive you into my arms
+with rods, if you refuse, because to me is given power over you."
+
+"Away, do not touch me!"
+
+"And if I do? I am safe from your cries for help!"
+
+"That you are not," cried Giulia in supreme excitement, "not even if I
+must let my shame resound through the house with the alarm bell! Rather
+than rest in your arms, rather than follow you and obey that vile
+control which your right and will exercise, rather would I fall crushed
+upon my knees before every one, confess the incredible, pray for mercy,
+and then seek and find death. You know me! I dare do much, I dare do
+what is unheard of! With bold hand I will rob myself of my own
+happiness. He who dares that is prepared for all! Beside the summit
+there is an abyss and no other path--least of all no other path in
+common with you!"
+
+Giulia's wild determination made an impression upon Baluzzi; he knew
+those convulsively closed lips, those knitted eyebrows, those rigid
+glances; he knew that at such moments she was capable of extremities.
+
+What, then, was left to him? The sensation of gratified revenge, a mere
+shadow of recollection--but not the bliss of the rack, and what his
+passion, his avarice, might perhaps still expect of the future, would
+then be buried for evermore.
+
+He stopped, and hesitated.
+
+Then, as Giulia rose from her knees in haughty anger, the light of the
+lamp swept across her head-dress, so that the diamonds flashed and
+quivered, and a dream-like firework of precious stones seemed to
+scintillate upon her head.
+
+The Italian was suddenly dazzled and enraptured with the ornament which
+he had, indeed, perceived immediately upon his entrance, but which he
+had not estimated at its full value.
+
+His eyes wandered from the coronet to the strings of pearls, down to
+the bracelets; they passed on to the open jewel casket on the table
+whence a brilliancy betokening great promise shone in the dim light.
+
+Giulia followed his gaze, his expression had entirely changed: the glow
+of passion, the madness of revenge had given place to mute greed, to
+avarice, that sought gratification, not from the animate, but the
+inanimate objects. As if spell-bound his glance hung upon the
+brilliants. A considerable pause ensued, Giulia imbibed new courage.
+
+"You are not poor," said Baluzzi, suddenly, "is that your own?"
+
+"My wedding present," replied Giulia.
+
+"All this--and those precious stones, too? Show me the coronet!"
+
+Giulia removed it. Baluzzi seized a candle which stood upon the table
+beside him and illuminated the glittering stones. He drank in their
+radiance as he slowly examined them. Then, as if making some
+calculation, moved his lips; every one of these stones became changed
+into a sparkling number, and dazzling as if in a Bengal light, a noble
+sum flashed before him.
+
+"You see," said Giulia, who had grasped the sudden change equally
+quickly, "Blanden is liberal, and although I may earn nothing more
+myself, his gifts will render it possible for me, even, if not to the
+same extent as formerly, still to remember you."
+
+"Do you think so?" said Baluzzi, as he looked at her with widely opened
+eyes.
+
+"And although I have retired from the stage, I will save for you just
+the same, only do not demand impossibilities, take the circumstances
+into consideration; less than formerly can I only call my own, dispose
+of less, but, otherwise, things shall be as they were."
+
+"Less? You are very modest! When did you ever have such beautiful
+ornaments before?"
+
+"They are the Blandens' family jewels, they do not belong to me! They
+are only lent to me."
+
+"Lent? You told me yourself that he had given them to you."
+
+"For my life-time, perhaps! Such heirlooms revert to the family. I look
+upon them as a property entrusted to my keeping."
+
+"Give me the ornaments," cried Baluzzi, taking hold quickly.
+
+"Impossible," replied Giulia, paling. "They are my wedding jewels for
+tomorrow."
+
+"Haha," laughed Baluzzi. "And you do not fear that these sparkling
+stones should scorch your hair, or change themselves into little
+snakes, such as play around the heads of the Furies? I have a great
+undertaking in prospect, besides, I have much money to pay in Russia. I
+offer you the choice: give me the diadem or I remain. I shall expose
+you before all the world, and assert my rights."
+
+Giulia looked once more imploringly at him. Her eye dropped. She was
+weary of the endless torture.
+
+"Cease! I beseech you, Baluzzi! What shall I say? How excuse myself?"
+
+"Invent a robber. You are inventive enough. A lie, more or less, cannot
+matter to you, and this is not the worst," added he, scornfully.
+
+"Oh, this torture, this humiliation! Am I not a cowardly woman? Where
+is my pride, where is my strength? Have you not appeared as one come to
+warn me, to call to me, 'So far, and no farther! Cease, cease from your
+reckless game!' And I have not courage to resign, standing before
+supreme happiness, not the courage of truth, not the courage to speak
+one single word, to avoid an act of infamous sacrilege! Unworthy
+struggling, and cheating! That is the greatest humiliation. In open
+confession, in the lowest abnegation, before universal repudiation,
+there would still be sublimity! A voice would cry to me, 'You have done
+rightly,' and above my head I should hear the fluttering of the wings
+of my life's good genii who have long since forsaken me."
+
+She seemed to be speaking to herself! Eagerly Baluzzi awaited the
+decisive result of this monologue, at the same time with his eyes
+devouring the diamonds in Giulia's hand.
+
+"I cannot," cried she suddenly, striking her brow with her clenched
+hand. "I am too weak, too powerless! Duty's command appears like a
+horrible spectre that gives me up to boundless misery, while under the
+spell of criminal silence an ardently longed-for happiness beckons to
+me. Pity, pity!"
+
+She cried to Heaven for it with clasped hands; Baluzzi answered, as
+though she had spoken to him.
+
+"None of that! The diamonds! It is my last word!"
+
+"And the price--your everlasting silence!"
+
+"Everlasting? Oh, no! That would be a bad bargain! But, by my honour,
+for a year, if I live so long, I will not remind you. I will be
+silent."
+
+"A very sword above my head! And yet a year's felicity! How much
+happiness does not even a moment contain! Who can destroy what once was
+ours? And what once it has bought from hell can never be reclaimed! And
+yet--how my heart will beat at every step, at every rustle or rattle of
+the leaves. No, no, everlasting silence--and the jewels are yours."
+
+"A year--give them, give them, senseless woman!"
+
+He grasped the diamond circle and wrenched it from Giulia's hands after
+a short indifferent resistance.
+
+"Then farewell, complete your crime! A year--but pray for my life! For
+I have sworn before I die to be revenged upon you! I leave no other
+will, save my curse, which shall be upon you."
+
+With these words, and still holding the sparkling ornament high in the
+air, he disappeared behind the mirror-door, which he pushed back again
+into the framework of the wall.
+
+Giulia sank upon a seat. She extinguished the lamp and candles.
+Sleepless, dreamless, she gazed fixedly through the windows into the
+night. The moon had set. The grey dawn did her good. Everything faded
+into uncertainty. A cradle song passed through her mind! How terrible
+the rising day which gave distinct form again to everything which
+erected the implacable barriers of life!
+
+And on it came with its increasing light, and tinged the tops of the
+trees. When Beate entered Giulia was still sitting motionlessly in her
+evening robe in the easy chair.
+
+On descending the winding staircase Baluzzi found Kaetchen sitting upon
+the first steps of the subterranean passage beside the dark lantern.
+
+Impatient she had certainly become, and had even crept up the stairs.
+She had listened, but understood nothing, for Baluzzi and Giulia spoke
+in Italian.
+
+In her hand she held something that fluttered and flapped strangely. It
+was a bat which had whirled around her lantern, and threatened to
+entangle itself in her hair. When she perceived Baluzzi she started up.
+
+"Well, and she?"
+
+"She will remain this time," said the Italian. "She has bought herself
+off."
+
+He showed the magnificent diamonds, but they made no impression upon
+the girl.
+
+"Bought herself off?" said she, as she raised the lantern, let the bat
+fly away, and stared at Baluzzi in idiotic amazement.
+
+She scrambled down a few steps through the rubbish in the subterranean
+passage.
+
+Then Kaetchen stopped suddenly.
+
+"And the marriage will still take place to-morrow?"
+
+"Yes, yes!"
+
+"Most wonderful!"
+
+"Is she not your wife?"
+
+"So the legend says, my child!"
+
+On they clambered over the rubbish. Bats whirred round the lantern.
+
+"To-morrow I must go to the district town," said Baluzzi.
+
+"Leave me here, to-morrow. I will dance in the barn with the peasants
+at the wedding."
+
+The Italian gave his consent.
+
+They rested themselves in the old watch tower, before commencing the
+still more toilsome path through the narrow passage to the shore of the
+lake.
+
+"And you could not, would not prevent it. I thought we should drag her
+with us, perhaps, still in her beautiful clothes, in her satin shoes
+over the sharp stones, so that the blood would flow over her delicate
+little feet! Why, you said you would torture her, bind her firmly if
+she resisted, oh, I had bandages ready that she could not have torn. We
+should have stowed her away in the boat like a little mass of misery
+and had she become unruly, I might have struck her with a dripping oar.
+You said this, and what have you done? Nothing--she will be happy, the
+proud creature--and he, he!"
+
+"Come before dawn breaks," said Baluzzi, urging her to start.
+
+"I must think it over," Kaetchen muttered to herself.
+
+A gust of wind sweeping through the loopholes of the Dantziger,
+extinguished the lantern.
+
+"Follow me," said Kaetchen, "I have cat's eyes, and can see in the dark.
+Here is the passage to the shore. Stoop, you know it is low, but we can
+feel and grope our way through."
+
+"Horrible darkness, _corpo di bacco_," muttered Baluzzi, while he
+measured the height of the grotto passage with one hand.
+
+"To-morrow it will be brighter here," Kaetchen hummed, "but come on,
+thorns and thistles will not sting you now. I have beheaded and cut
+them down, I understand how to clear things away, away with the weeds!"
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+                            THE WEDDING DAY.
+
+
+Brightly dawned the day, but the morning sun disappeared early beneath
+the glowing clouds, with which the whole sky was soon overcast.
+
+A cold, feeble rain pattered down; a few wedding guests ventured into
+the park, but the chilly disagreeable weather soon drove them back.
+Blanden was busied with arrangements in the Castle; this time his
+master of the kitchen and cellar had not been granted leave of absence;
+he had to show the wonders of the Castle to Olga, his stately mistress.
+Dr. Kuhl was only allowed to devote himself to the nymphs of the lake.
+Caecilie looked strictly after him, lest he wished to lay his homage at
+the feet of the Castle fairies. There were the most charming little
+town girls present, whom such a Don Juan by profession could wind up
+like a watch, so that their hearts ticked in a race with the throbs of
+his. Iduna, the late head scholar, was there, a fresh child of Nature
+with developed appreciation of manly beauty. Her first love had been an
+unhappy one, but with that elixir within her, she saw a Doctor Sperner
+in every man. She had cast an eye upon Kuhl, and was little gratified
+that Salomon became her cicerone, exhibiting all the apartments of the
+Castle full of historical associations.
+
+"In this dining-hall, my Fraeulein, certainly no one ever danced before,
+but you must not think that everything was conducted in a very holy
+manner. Yes, at the time of Winrich of Kniprode, these gentlemen had to
+be called to order. There were Grand Masters at the Marienburg, whose
+glance extended to the remotest corners of the land. But later ensued a
+period of decay. They certainly still sometimes fought bravely, it
+was their trade, and it was immaterial to them whether they held a
+prayer-book or a sword in their hands--they understood their letters
+very well, and scratched whole alphabets into their enemies' faces. I
+assume that this Castle has also often been besieged by the Poles--from
+the Dantziger there the knights no doubt have triumphantly repelled the
+attack of the others; courage upon the whole, my Fraeulein, is a very
+ordinary virtue practised partly at the word of command, partly under
+compulsion. I do not think much of it. All the world is brave, even the
+oxen in the meadows, which stand before their enemies and rush at one
+another with their horns."
+
+"But I should think," said Iduna, before whose mind stood Theodor
+Koerner's picture in all its glory, "it is one of the noblest virtues,
+the fruit of glorious enthusiasm," and she added a few passages, which
+she had retained in her memory from her most successful theme upon the
+Lieutenant of Hussars.
+
+"Enthusiasm is all very fine," said Salomon, "but who has time for it
+before a battle! Men must clean their weapons, count their cartridges,
+eat a morsel of commissariat bread. I speak of to-day, because the
+Knights of the Order did not know that nutritious food, and when once
+the troops start, they must listen exactly to the commander's order,
+march, halt, load, fire! Enthusiasm--it is only to be found amongst
+warlike poets. In battle people are as excited as in a boxing match;
+they hit out on all sides, they know it is a matter of life or death,
+they may lose their collars, they see nothing, think nothing, only try
+to save their own skins. There is nothing more stupid than a soldier in
+a battle."
+
+"You describe it so vividly," said Iduna, "that one might believe you
+had been present yourself."
+
+"Not at a battle, but often at a fight. Besides, where is there any
+battle now? We live in everlasting peace. No, no my Fraeulein! I have
+merely cast a few glances into the human mind, and if one will discover
+the truth, one must always assume the contrary of that which poetry
+asserts. Poetry is merely a beautiful falsehood. But, as I said, the
+brethren of the Order might be brave even at the time of their decay,
+but they led a merry life; I wager that they drank as bravely in this
+dining-hall, as at any drinking party of Lithuanians or Masurens, and
+that the gaily painted Madonna, with her radiant colours in the window
+panes, was not the only representative of womanhood, but that also many
+a high born knight's young lady--"
+
+"No, never, Herr Salomon," said Iduna, promptly.
+
+The youth was about to spare the maiden's blushes by passing suddenly
+to the event of the day, when the other ladies and girls declared that
+it was time to dress, and Iduna was not sorry to leave the highly
+educated student, who shed the radiance of enlightened human
+understanding into every corner, in which any illusion still lingered
+fondly. He knew that few, like himself, stood upon the height of
+nineteenth century reason.
+
+Beate would not be debarred from dressing her friend for the ceremony.
+She looked beautiful in her veil and white satin robe, but was ghastly
+pale. Beate advised her to have recourse to artificial aid, but Giulia
+very decidedly rejected every reminiscence of her past.
+
+There she appeared, really like a marble bride; on beholding her, Kuhl
+remembered how he had once called her so, when Blanden told him of his
+adventures on the Lago Maggiore. At first sight her beauty gave an
+impression of pride and coldness, but any one looking more closely
+recognised the softening influence of internal suffering which
+overshadowed her features.
+
+They were a handsome pair; there was no dissentient voice in the
+unenvious assembly. Blanden had quite recovered from his duel, he
+looked noble and grand, the dreaminess in his features possessed a
+charm of its own, such gentleness, such benignity lay in it, and when
+he opened his eyes widely they told of superior intellectual spirit.
+
+All the ladies appeared in brilliant toilets; both the brides elect,
+Caecilie and Olga, with Beate, were the bridesmaids. The unheard of
+event that Dr. Kuhl had donned a frockcoat, betokened that Caecilie had
+already made progress in taming the rebel. As for him, he contemplated
+himself in the pier-glasses, shrugging his shoulders and saying to
+Wegen he felt like a bear at a fair, whom the bear-leader had dressed
+up in a red jacket; however, he must perform his antics and dance to
+the drum. And so saying, he stretched about and strained his Herculean
+arms in the unwontedly fine material.
+
+The procession was arranged and moved through the dining-hall into the
+festively decorated and flower bedecked chapel. There, behind the
+altar, upon which Giulia had once placed an enchanted souvenir, stood
+the minister. She thought of the two Italian island churches, of the
+one in which she had stood before the altar as to-day; in the other
+where she had confessed to a forbidden love, and before the sacred word
+and sacred act she was overcome with a full consciousness of her sinful
+temerity.
+
+As in a vision, her whole life passed before her, she did not listen to
+the words of the Bible. The "Yes" in the church of San Giulio rang in
+her ears--the echo of the chapel seemed to strengthen it--at first it
+sounded like the crash of scorn, and still louder, more grave, more
+solemn, the thunder of the judgment day--her knees tottered. Everything
+was bathed in dreamy light--she was herself, and yet was not--she was
+there and here.
+
+Did not the lake of Orta roar outside?
+
+No, it was the storm which had risen, sweeping through the tops of the
+pines, and stirring up the waves of the northern water mirror.
+
+Fancy often erects a bridge of dreams from one summit of life to
+another, and deep below in oblivion lie all its other paths.
+
+Giulia was absorbed in a vision, in a self-delusion; the pictures of
+the past and present became mixed up, but the confusion was agonising;
+her hand trembled in Blanden's.
+
+Then the rings were exchanged, Giulia looked into his luminous eyes, he
+bent over her with an expression of most ardent love. The shadows
+disappeared, she felt the full consciousness of the bliss of the
+present, and in a voice not trembling with anguish of conscience, but
+with all the warmth of intense devotion, she spoke the word of consent.
+
+When Blanden led her to dinner he asked about the diadem; he had hoped
+that she would adorn herself with it on that day--when again should so
+good an opportunity be offered of letting the proud family heritage of
+the Blandens' shine in all its glory? And when it shone above the
+flowing bridal veil, the sanction of the family, the blessing of the
+long row of female ancestors, of that house would at the same time rest
+upon the brow of her who entered that line: she was received into the
+sanctuary of the noble women who for centuries had held their sway over
+this home. Giulia blushed deeply, and with deceitful words pleaded
+modesty and humility as her excuse, but Blanden felt that he was
+rebuffed, painfully disappointed that she had scorned to adorn herself
+with his costly gift; it was like a note of discord in the harmony of
+the entertainment, and he could not suppress a sensation of anxious
+misgiving.
+
+The grand wedding dinner passed off very cheerfully. Giulia possessed
+the lightheadedness of an actress; in glad emotions she forgot
+everything which at other times might depress her, she imbibed
+forgetfulness and courage with the sparkling froth of the champagne.
+Then, when her countenance brightened, a slight colour suffused it as
+she smiled and joked, and gave herself up to a genial actress' mood,
+which owes its birth to a rich treasury of recollections; then only her
+beauty, which until now had but inspired cold admiration, warmed all
+hearts, and Blanden was deemed fortunate to have won so beautiful a
+wife.
+
+There was no lack of toasts and verses. Schoener made use of a few ideas
+which he had once mustered in Neukuhren at Eva's betrothal. A true poet
+always goes economically to work, because when once he has stamped an
+idea with the immortal impress of his genius, it must not be lost
+again, and it would be most blameworthy even to make a feeble copy.
+Salomon retired to the domain of satire, he compared the new Knights of
+St. John with those of the old Order, and ridiculed the celibacy of the
+latter in verses imitative of Heine.
+
+Dr. Kuhl, it is true, proposed no toasts, but he was in a wild mood,
+which inspired his betrothed with some slight alarm, he spoke of his
+gallows-wit, and said he had courage to mention the rope, even in the
+house of a man who had been hanged; he was enjoying himself immensely
+at the wedding, but this fact did not upset his theories that marriage
+festivities were a public nuisance; however, as he had at last lost all
+his characteristics and fallen a victim to his own good nature, and
+another person's amiability, well, he could not help it; he, too, must
+let himself be married, but he should only permit two witnesses,
+selected from the midst of the sovereign people, to be present, who
+afterwards would disappear in the night of that plebeian universality
+where all cows are black; his marriage dinner he and Caecilie should eat
+alone, or at the utmost invite his Caro who, on that day, should
+receive a specially good dish of meat and bones. Well, he had somehow
+got into the good-for-nothing frock-coat, and he only wished that all
+the seams would burst. The whole life of perishing humanity consisted
+in most abject concessions; he, too, now moved on that degrading
+course, and had already fallen far from that height upon which he had
+formerly stood in proud self-glorification, and he looked upon himself
+as an apostate, and with his better self, which still occasionally rose
+from out the slough, he looked upon his present self, planted up to its
+neck in a bog of social prejudices, with an indescribable feeling of
+pity and contempt.
+
+"Thank God," said Wegen to Olga, "that you have not fallen into the
+hands of this wicked hector, who seems to look upon his engagement as
+an act of suicide. How differently I appreciate you."
+
+Smiling meaningly, Olga pressed her lover's hand, but Kuhl had
+overheard the last words.
+
+"Dear friend and brother-in-law," said he, "I herewith pronounce
+you to be the greatest hypocrite at this round table. The theory of
+common love, for which the century is not yet ripe, permits many
+variations--and one of these variations you have performed, and all the
+world performs them with us. Enter upon an engagement to-day, give it
+up soon, and a week or so later fall in love and engage yourself again,
+and you are one of the most moral citizens in the world, and no one
+will assail your good name. But, if only you feel that affection a week
+sooner, before the old one is given up, then you are a Don Juan.
+Everything then depends upon time, just as in hiring anything, a week
+constitutes the whole difference between virtue and vice. Well, if we
+have not sinned, dear brother-in-law _in spe_, at least we have nothing
+with which to reproach ourselves! I have loved two sisters, but so have
+you also--your good health, my friend!"
+
+Wegen coloured at this address, which, to him, appeared intensely
+heartless. Olga laughed, but Caecilie had long since compressed her lips
+and prepared herself for an armed reprimand.
+
+The clergyman opposite, an enlightened man, had listened to Kuhl's
+defiant speech with a smiling countenance. He quietly took part in the
+conversation.
+
+"The affections of the human heart are very peculiar, and who, indeed,
+excepting the Lord, who searches heart and mind, can say that he has
+fathomed that organ? Such affection may be transient or deep, yet it
+seems to me that it, too, is subject to mutability and change. But this
+free-booter's love must cease at that point where human society rises
+unanimously, striving to attain its grandest ends. We will grant dual
+love to Herr Dr. Kuhl. Let every one manage it as best he can. I know,
+indeed, that the heart, like the ocean, can have but one ebb and flow,
+and that this tide is only produced by the mysterious attraction of
+one orb, not merely in regular course--as is the case with the ocean
+tide--but also in wild passionate upheavings, as in that of the glowing
+liquid emotion of the earth, the earthquake, which clever men also
+ascribe to the influence of the moon's powers of attraction; but
+although dual love may be a whim of the heart, bigamy is very
+different."
+
+Although Blanden was talking to her at the moment, Giulia became
+attentive, and listened eagerly to the words of her other neighbour.
+
+"Bigamy," said the clergyman, "is a mockery of the ordinances which
+Church and State have laid down for the support of society, and the
+purity and security of families; hence the severe punishment which has
+always been decreed to that crime. It may appear too severe to those
+who are free spirits to such an extent, as also in this case only to
+perceive the maintenance of immaterial forms, but whosoever tries to
+shake them tries to shake the bases of society."
+
+Giulia's heart beat more quickly. The cheering influence of the
+champagne had lost its power, gloomy clouds overspread her brow.
+
+"We have," said the clergyman, "only lately had such a case in our
+village. A depraved woman, who came from the other side of the Polish
+frontier, had a legal husband there; here, however, she commenced a
+fresh love affair, and was married again. The matter came to light, and
+the woman who had taken the payment of the double marriage expenses
+very lightly, was sentenced to several years' imprisonment."
+
+Giulia became pale, the champagne glass fell from her hand, and was
+dashed to pieces on the table.
+
+Blanden was startled. He had not listened to the clergyman's discourse,
+having been talking very animatedly himself to Giulia, but what he said
+to her was pleasant, bright and cheerful--what had come to her?
+
+"I was abstracted, and awkward; forgive me!" said she, in an unsteady
+voice.
+
+"It is possible," Dr. Kuhl's powerful voice sounded across the table,
+"that by bigamy people may wish to live in clover, but that does not
+prevent a man wasting his substance in dual love."
+
+Blanden now noticed the subject under discussion. He became depressed
+and thoughtful, and did not know why. What could have agitated Giulia
+so much? Was her heart not quite free?
+
+They rose from the table in good spirits. Evening was already closing
+in.
+
+On that day, too, Blanden showed his usual care for the amusement of
+his dependents by going into the great barn at the farm, where the
+floor had been swept and garnished for a dance.
+
+The village band had already commenced its noisy tum-tum, beer flowed
+from the mighty barrels which Olkewicz had sent there.
+
+Red lamps illumined the place with a festive light. The couples whirled
+round in merry dance. A joyous hurrah greeted the master, who
+immediately led his young wife amongst the groups of glad people. She
+was obliged to open a dance with Olkewicz, and never in his life did
+the worthy steward experience greater pride than when footing it with
+the princess out of the fairy lake, the vision of a former occasion, in
+a place where he usually commanded the united threshing flails of the
+village.
+
+But Giulia had to dance with the young people also. There were Poles
+from beyond the frontiers; one a fine lad, in a laced jacket, knelt
+down before Giulia, after the dance, and begged her to allow him to
+take off her shoe, according to Polish custom, so as to drink her
+health. Resistance was in vain, and the princess of Lago Maggiore had
+as little cause as Cinderella to conceal her shoe and feet from the
+world. The lad filled the slipper with brandy, and gave one lusty cheer
+for the lady of the manor, while vowing himself to her service for
+evermore. The fiddlers struck up a furious tune, with them the two
+horns in the village band, and the night-watchman's horn, too-tooed
+joyously. Great was the gladness of the people, and Giulia moved like a
+strange fairy indeed amongst the women and girls of the village, mostly
+lacking any beauty. The master himself went about from one to another,
+talked to the tenants, shook hands pleasantly with those peasants, who,
+according to old privileges, farmed their own acres, here and there
+caught a better-looking maiden under her chin, and said a kindly word
+to her.
+
+Then, suddenly, from behind a pear tree, as if out of a hiding place,
+two glaring eyes stared at him; they were Kaetchen's.
+
+In his pleasantly excited mood he hardly remembered their last weird
+meeting.
+
+"What in the world brings you here?" asked he.
+
+She did not answer for some time.
+
+"Have you become dumb again?"
+
+Now Kaetchen wriggled out from behind the wooden monster, and stood on
+the bench beside it. She pointed to Giulia with outstretched arms, and
+said, "Must I take part in your wedding after all? Marriage on land and
+sea! Hurrah!"
+
+And, like a mad woman, she jumped down, mingled alone in the confusion
+of the dancers with wild gnome-like bounds, until a little crooked
+fellow, who could find no partner, took pity on her and twirled her
+round in the ring.
+
+Then Kaetchen disappeared into the night outside; meanwhile the other
+ladies and gentlemen had also descended to watch the people's
+enjoyment. One after another Kuhl selected a conspicuously good-looking
+or ugly partner and bore her in breathless fury over the threshing
+floor, so that the fleetest youths were obliged to acknowledge his
+superiority in the wild dance. The heated fair did not know what
+happened to them, and marvelled how a townsman, who had never threshed,
+could have such powerful arms. After this furious round dance Kuhl
+ascended a tub, imposed silence, and made an impromptu speech to these
+worthy Masurens, which was frequently interrupted by loud cheers.
+
+The park was illuminated in a dazzlingly brilliant effulgence. Blanden
+led Giulia on his arm, and the other guests followed along the paths.
+The flames displayed letters upon the velvet sward; here was read, in
+quivering, glowing characters, "Lago Maggiore," there the name
+"Giulia." The Chinese pavilion on the island in the lake, and the
+bridge leading to it shone in the gayest reflection of lights. In the
+hot-houses a splendid group of southern plants, laurels, and myrtles,
+under the feathery shelter of a pine, gleamed in the radiance of
+coloured lamps, but most beautiful of all was a red fir outside, decked
+with ribbons and flags, and when the guests came up to it they were
+magically illuminated with a flaming red light. Giulia squeezed
+Blanden's hand.
+
+The sky had become clear, and when gorgeous fireworks were let off upon
+the lake the rockets ascended to the stars, and the bude lights and
+Catherine wheels crackled above the moonlit waves.
+
+Then the party assembled again in the dining-hall, but the bridal
+couple retired from the scene. Dancing and cards were still kept up for
+long. Wegen arranged everything admirably. Kuhl was in an excellent
+humour, and only by degrees one member after another left the happy
+circle and sought repose. Silence reigned in the old Castle, only the
+flag upon the tower fluttered in the night wind that had risen from the
+lake, and lashed the waves higher and higher; still could be heard glad
+sounds of the drinkers and dancers from the threshing barn of the farm.
+
+A quiet ray of light fell from Giulia's windows, intercepted by the
+large fir as it bent its heavy hanging boughs watchfully over them.
+
+All the lights were extinguished in the park. Only between the gaps in
+the walled-passage between the Dantziger and the Castle a stray one
+seemed to quiver.
+
+Not out of the deep-blue atmosphere of Italy did the stars look down
+upon this night; from a paler sky shone a paler light! Not the glorious
+Lago, with its enchanted isles and boundary Alps, rocked all into sweet
+dreams--it was a sober tide which here surged upon the strand; a tide,
+whose waves have nothing to tell, whose monotonous play only reflect
+the infinite wearisomeness of a lifeless landscape.
+
+And yet--it was she herself, in all her beauty, the princess of those
+days, and it matters not out of what sea Venus rises, she brings Heaven
+with her all the same.
+
+But the happiness that once the red fir looked down upon, over which
+the pine spread its loving fans, was ephemeral, grasped from the
+moment, forfeited to the moment. How different Blanden felt; was
+happiness secured in his own home, under the protection of his old
+household gods? thither he had transplanted the roguish smiling
+wanderer, where, although deprived of its fluttering wings, it found an
+abiding place by the family hearth without losing its enchanting smile.
+
+Thus he thought and felt; he did not inhale momentary intoxication from
+Giulia's lips, but the inauguration of a whole life. She, on the
+contrary, rejected every thought of the past, of the future. With
+intentional obliviousness she gave herself up to the present.
+
+What sacrifice had she made, what sacrilege committed to be once more
+with him, whom alone she loved. She contemplated his noble gentle
+features with speechless happiness, in his great, widely-opened eyes
+she read the same passion which animated her, only with fleeting
+thoughts that swept through her mind as flashes of lightning illumine a
+weird gloomy spot, dared she think of anything beyond.
+
+She closed her eyes, she did not venture to look at the mirror. If it
+were to move again; if Baluzzi were to step forth, her bridal coronet
+in his hand; if Blanden learned the truth, thrust her from him as a
+deceiver; if a curse were hurled upon her from the bosom that still
+often breathed uneasily in consequence of the wound which he had
+received for her sake--it was impossible to complete the thought. She
+covered her face with her hands. Outside the needles of the fir
+crackled in the wind, and swept the window. She sank into a light
+state of semi-somnolence, and she heard the branches crack still more
+loudly--what a violent storm! It was as though it drove dust and wind
+into her eyes, and deprived her of breath. With that volition, which
+does not quite disappear in sleep, she raised herself slowly, and
+simultaneously Blanden started up.
+
+What had happened? Were they dreaming? But those were no mists and
+clouds of dreamland, it was smoke and fire that surrounded them. They
+sprang up and rushed to the window! At the same moment the giant fir
+outside caught fire. The flames blazed and hissed as they rose, and
+upon its wide arms the tree bore the fire across to the other side of
+the Castle roof, away over the apartments in which were the wedded
+pair.
+
+Giulia's terrified cry for help pierced the night. Blanden remembered
+the stairs and the secret passage. He pushed the mirror-door aside, but
+an ocean of flame met his gaze; hence came the fire. He rushed to the
+other side, drawing Giulia after him by her arm with all his might. The
+first room, also the second, in which Beate had slept on the previous
+night, were still free, the flames had passed over them, but farther on
+again the branches of the fir had shaken down the sparks. The staircase
+could not be reached, door and wainscot stood in a blaze. "Lost!" cried
+Giulia, sinking down with a loud cry.
+
+Blanden shouted once more from the window. In mortal fear he listened
+for any token of life outside.
+
+Where were the watchmen? Doubtlessly at the dance in the barn.
+
+At last--a sound of voices--they came nearer--it was high time! but how
+escape?
+
+"Ladders, ladders here!" rang a mighty cry without, it filled Blanden's
+bosom with renewed confidence; it was Kuhl's voice.
+
+The crowd seemed to rush helplessly in noisy confusion through the
+park. Olkewicz called for the fire engines.
+
+"Where are the ladders?" roared Kuhl.
+
+Blanden's position became more imminent every moment, the flames
+already darted through the clattering mirror door, caught the curtains,
+and the canopy of the bed rattled down over the broken posts.
+
+A moment more--and the flames, which sent a stifling vapour in advance,
+had overtaken the other chambers, wherein Blanden supported the
+unconscious Giulia in his arms. With a fearful effort, he dragged her
+to the window to breathe fresh air, for her strength was beginning to
+fail.
+
+Outside powerless lamentations and cries for help, futile swearing and
+cursing by the steward.
+
+But no! The ladder of salvation was brought and placed against the
+window.
+
+In the midst of the sparks which the burning roof showered upon them,
+beneath a down-pour of bricks and stones that rattled to the ground
+with the rapidity of fire itself, Dr. Kuhl sprang up the ladder,
+received Giulia into his strong arms, and bore her down again as
+easily, firmly, and unfalteringly as if he were walking down a marble
+staircase.
+
+Blanden, whose hair was already singed, followed their preserver.
+
+A thundering cry of joy greeted him.
+
+All had become animated in the other wing of the Castle, which the
+guests occupied, and who had hastened down, the ladies in cloaks which
+they had thrown hastily over their night robes.
+
+The first fire engine arrived, conducted by Wegen on horseback. The
+fiery red of the sky must have aroused the neighbouring villages,
+whither eager messengers had been despatched.
+
+With deep emotion, Blanden gazed upon the increasing blaze, which
+threatened to reduce the old inheritance of his family to ashes;
+already the forked tongues of the flames lashed the tower, they boded
+ill for the dining-hall and chapel. All exertions were now directed to
+save the centre of the Castle, the actual Ordensburg.
+
+Certainly the fire could effect nothing upon those mighty walls, but as
+the flames swept in wild haste over the roofs, the falling, burning
+rafters from above might ignite the doors and panels of the beautiful,
+well-preserved Castle apartments of the oldest portion.
+
+Meanwhile engine after engine arrived, the whole district was alarmed,
+the Castle tower of Kulmitten shone like a flaming beacon, but still
+more did love for the noble master speed the help that was hurrying to
+his home. Some of the engines were stationed on the other side of the
+Castle, some in the park meadows, executing their work of preservation
+with unflagging labour.
+
+Blanden was first here then there; Giulia had recovered, she stared
+senselessly into the flames. Had the flash of a tempest set the Castle
+on fire she would have been convinced that heaven's judgment had fallen
+upon her sin; that it would proclaim with burning tongues that which
+she concealed so anxiously, yet although she did not know the cause of
+the evil, she held the fire to be in some dark connection with her own
+fate, and sometimes, with a shudder, the thought passed through her
+mind that Baluzzi might be its author.
+
+Despite all efforts of the numerous engines, and the helpful
+interference of the throng, the splendid dining-hall could not be
+saved. The flames had penetrated beyond the door, and consumed all
+inflammable-material which the room contained. Still more was Giulia
+terrified when the image of the Madonna and child fell half shattered
+from the niche in the main wall; she was the old patron saint of this
+Castle, did she flee from the sacrilege which had entered? Cautiously
+and courageously Blanden, Kuhl and Wegen led the party of firemen, but
+only towards morning did they become masters of the fire. The chapel
+was saved, and the burning tower, after it had done its duty as beacon,
+was extinguished.
+
+The new building, the other wing, remained entirely uninjured.
+
+Now, when only timid flames and clouds of smoke arose from the burning
+place, when the streams of water hissed more faintly over the smoking
+ruins, and the first rays of dawn gleamed in the east, Blanden and his
+friends gained time for calm reflection, which the ceaseless zeal of
+vigorous action had hitherto not permitted.
+
+First the lord of the Castle mustered all its inhabitants, no one was
+missing; weeping Beate must be comforted, she had lost all her
+beautiful clothes, which had been left in the bedroom the day before.
+Blanden promised compensation. But then the eager question arose as to
+how the fire had originated? It had evidently broken out in that
+extreme wing, which was connected with the front tower by the
+subterranean passage, whence the secret stairs led upwards, but that
+was the very spot whither usually no human being penetrated. Who could
+have come there on that day? The subterranean passage had fallen in,
+the secret approach from the lake to the front tower was overgrown.
+Blanden knew that for many years, yes, all his life time, the medieval
+romantic nature of that spot had remained undisturbed.
+
+With a throbbing heart, Giulia listened to these discussions. One knew
+that dark path, and had already traversed it. Verily he had deceived
+her, concealed his shameful intentions, too soon already completed the
+work of his promised revenge. It was Baluzzi, but where had he
+remained? Was he still tarrying in the vicinity? What disclosures
+menaced her? Not enough that he had laid the Castle, her new home, in
+dust and ruins, he would now direct the deadly arrow against herself.
+
+She had relied upon his word, upon the word of a malicious _bravo_.
+
+In order entirely to extinguish the glowing cinders, the water streams
+were now all directed upon the spot where the fire had broken out; a
+few bold men, Kuhl at their head, ventured wherever a sudden flame
+could still dart out.
+
+Giulia felt a vague dread of the researches, and yet nothing could be
+found there save dust and ashes.
+
+Suddenly Kuhl's cry was heard by the expectant crowd.
+
+"A corpse!"
+
+The cry, repeated more loudly, passed on to the very last person, all
+rushed nearer, in eager expectation.
+
+"Baluzzi!" cried Giulia to herself, becoming pale, at that moment only
+a sensation of horror seized her. A half-charred, half-shattered corpse
+was carried towards them; the fact of its lying beneath the fallen
+rubbish of stones had preserved it from being completely burned. The
+half-consumed rags of garments showed that it was the corpse of a
+woman--of a girl.
+
+Blanden went closer; suddenly an idea flashed through him, all that
+could still be recognised as the remains of a human being confirmed his
+supposition. The incendiary was discovered, it could be none other than
+half-witted Kaetchen.
+
+"It is the idiot girl who danced with deformed Pietrowicz yesterday!"
+
+Pietrowicz came nearer and stared at the remains of his partner.
+
+"A death-dance Pietrowicz! You never anticipated that! But from
+henceforth do not dream of ghosts!"
+
+Pietrowicz stepped back as if struck, and crossed himself.
+
+"To set fire to places," added Blanden by way of explanation, "is a
+mania of such half-witted beings."
+
+But he told himself that this girl was not more mentally deranged than
+all who are animated with a blind, senseless passion; that she since
+that visit to her attic chamber, since he had rejected her insane
+offers of love, had brooded upon revenge against him, and had executed
+it on his wedding day. The mixture of love and hatred, he knew was not
+only peculiar to those whose minds are disordered, but in all moody,
+narrow ones it works like an accumulated combustible, which at the
+first shock explodes, scattering all into ruins.
+
+"I might be superstitious," thought he to himself, "she always brings
+evil and ruin to that which I love."
+
+"Giulia," then he cried suddenly, "where are you, my sweet wife? You
+live, then is all well!"
+
+And he clasped her in his arms, while the morning sun rose glowingly
+red on the horizon above the smoking Castle ruins, the closely
+thronging crowd, and the corpse of halfwitted Kaetchen, the water nymph,
+who had died in the fire.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+                               A LEGACY.
+
+
+The sight of the ruins, constantly before the eyes of the newly-married
+couple, must have given a bitter flavour to their honeymoon.
+
+And yet, Blanden was happier than he had ever been, in the possession,
+which he believed to be ensured, of a beloved wife. He gazed upon the
+Castle ruins, upon the ruins of his past, but in his Giulia's smile he
+saw the promise of an abiding, beautiful future.
+
+The Ordensburg, the dining-hall, the Madonna's image, all should rise
+anew in the old form out of the rubbish. To attain this Blanden had
+sent for architects, who were well-known artists, to Kulmitten, so as
+to restore the building in accordance with the old foundations. Giulia
+took warm interest in all these plans, and often looked over Blanden's
+shoulder at the sketches of elevations over which he pored. Of course
+no art could compensate for the value of its historical age and
+associations, with the dining-hall the poetry of the olden days was
+destroyed, the new creation could but become a clever imitation.
+Several friends, especially Wegen and Olga, too, sometimes came to
+visit them, but the intercourse was not very lively, and Blanden wished
+to live alone with his love, and the object of that love. Often they
+sailed upon the lake or walked alone in the woods, upon the oak tree
+dykes, past the ponds filled with tall reeds; in that solitude which
+reminded her of primeval forests, Giulia forgot the world, the spell of
+her doom, the secret menaces of fate; and when Blanden's fowling piece
+brought down the water-fowl, and the broad belt of the fir forest sent
+back the echoes of the shot, Giulia felt as glad and as free as if she
+were living with a settler in the back woods, and as though prairie
+fires blazed between her and human society.
+
+Owing to the fire and its mysterious cause, Kulmitten had fallen into
+still worse repute amongst the proprietors and their wives in the
+neighbourhood.
+
+"There, we have it," said Frau Baronin Fuchs, to her husband, "gorgeous
+fireworks for their wedding! It is lucky that the dead cannot speak;
+that poor burned child who was drawn out of the flames, and probably
+set the place on fire, doubtlessly omitted to protest, in time, against
+the banns, and thus, in her fashion, made up for it on the wedding day.
+Of course she was a forsaken lover! The one loses her life in water the
+other in fire! Who knows which elements, those who remain may select,
+for naturally they have not come to an end yet. There was so much
+love-making in that community that it would be a school for a whole
+life-time!"
+
+But not only to her husband, everywhere on the neighbouring estates,
+wherever her dapple-greys carried the clear-sighted Frau Baronin of
+firm morals, she uttered, with triumphant eloquence, her unpleasing
+belief in the just punishment that had befallen this knight of the
+rueful countenance. Outlaw and excommunication rested once again upon
+the master of those estates, and many crossed themselves when they
+spoke of the fire at Kulmitten Castle, of the ruins of the old nest of
+the Order, as the happy possessors of brand-new knightly castles
+contemptuously termed it, and of the Signora, who, out of the depths of
+the theatre, had risen to such a height, and whose family in the
+Apennines probably drove mules, or were even related to Fra Diavolo and
+other bandits of noble descent.
+
+One day a young married couple were announced, Dr. Sperner and his
+wife. The principals of the school from the provincial capital, were
+making a tour of visits to the parents of their pupils, and hoping thus
+to obtain new ones. Dr. Sperner's moustache was a sign-board that did
+its duty. He still possessed the key to the mothers' hearts although it
+was now discreetly hidden by him in the key-basket of conjugal bliss.
+Lori had married soon after Blanden, whose conquest she had certainly
+only contemplated in daring dreams, was irretrievably lost. On that
+evening, in the theatre, on which the Doctor had distinguished himself
+by the active part he had taken in punishing the immoral _prima donna_,
+he had quite won Lori's heart; the schoolmistress' pride melted like
+snow in March, nothing remained but the little girl, who gladly gave
+herself into the strong man's keeping. There was an end of the
+commanding and dictating Fraeulein. Lori stepped down from the lofty
+pedestal, upon which she had placed herself with such dignity, and
+acknowledged her master in him, who, shortly before, had declared
+himself to be her white slave. Now the plantation belonged to them
+both, and the world maintained that it was Lori who had become the
+white slave. Sperner possessed all the qualifications for a despot, and
+it was in vain that she prepared to defend herself against his vigorous
+energy with the pin-pricks of her wit. Yet she could still occasionally
+celebrate tiny triumphs with it when the Doctor, in one or the other of
+the classes, distinguished a few favourites according to his old bad
+custom. She was implacable towards these successors of Iduna. She took
+possession of their copy-books after her husband had already corrected
+them, and let her red pen run riot through their pages until they
+resembled a corn field overgrown with poppies. Then their domestic
+peace was seriously imperilled, and the first-class listening at the
+door, had the satisfaction of witnessing noisy scenes between the
+conductors of the establishment. How differently Fraeulein Sohle had
+maintained discipline! Yes, even some lovely eyes peeping through the
+keyhole pretended to have seen how Dr. Sperner's moustache, the terror
+and glory of the school, played a suffering part in these disputes. At
+last, however, the Doctor gained his point, Lori was merely, by
+courtesy, the principal of the school.
+
+Although this couple's last kindly relation to Giulia had consisted in
+the homage which they paid to her talent in the theatre by hissing and
+whistling, it did not, in the least, prevent them paying a friendly
+visit to Herr and Frau von Blanden. Times change, and besides, in those
+days, they were a portion of the public, the most irresponsible
+creature that the world contains, because the individual disappears
+within it like a wave in the ocean, which none can make permanently
+stationary?
+
+Lori was most agreeable; she could not sufficiently regret that Frau
+von Blanden had said farewell to the stage. Since her retirement there
+had been a total lack of all real interest, and nothing was heard but
+commonplace ballad-singing for salaries and wages, without any of the
+divine spark.
+
+Sperner, too, kissed the lady's hand with the very lips which had
+given the signal whistle in the pit, and looked up at her with such
+true-hearted eyes that she could not but believe in his genuineness. He
+was one of those honest men whose frank manner, whose warm impulsive
+speeches inspire confidence at once, one of those men, with open hearts
+and open shirt collars, whose genuineness, as Kuhl said, is nothing but
+studied hypocrisy, while behind the mask of their honesty lurks the
+vilest deception.
+
+Blanden led his guests round the Castle and into the apartments of the
+old stronghold, which Lori surveyed with peculiar ill-nature. They
+ascended the tower, which had been temporarily restored. Yet the view
+over the wide woods to the limits of the estate, fading into the sky on
+the horizon, awoke a disagreeable emotion in Frau Sperner. She thought
+of her home, of the gravel walk, of the narrow cells in which she
+housed those entrusted to her care--how small, how miserable compared
+with such a magnificent possession; she thought of Dr. Sperner, who
+brought nothing to the union but his moustache, a box of clothes,
+another of books, and an undeniable talent as a dictatorial teacher in
+the school and conjugal lord, and a heavy shadow overclouded her life.
+Blanden stood transfigured before her like a being of a higher order.
+Giulia had remained behind in the chapel with the Doctor. Lori looked
+at Blanden with an expression, in which lay the pain of deceived
+affection, combined with one of sad resignation. But Blanden said,
+smilingly--
+
+"You will surely call me to your assistance against the bold tutor, who
+took so much upon himself! Verily he has set a crown upon his boldness
+now, robbed you of heart and name, trodden Fraeulein Baute's door plate
+in the dust, and upon the long suffering metal written the name of the
+wild man who was so dreadful. Can I help you, my Fraeulein? Shall I call
+him out? I am ready as ever for knightly duty!"
+
+"Laugh away, a knight may be needed at all times, and a man who is a
+savage does not at once become tame in marriage. Herr von Blanden, we
+may call ourselves teachers, but nevertheless we always remain pupils
+in life."
+
+It was well that Giulia and Sperner appeared, or Lori would have fallen
+into Blanden's arms upon the Castle leads, if he had shown the least
+inclination to bear so precious a burden.
+
+At any rate Frau Sperner had the satisfaction of driving back to the
+town in Herr von Blanden's elegant carriage. Reclining in the soft
+cushions, drawn by the four high stepping horses, she could indulge in
+dreams of being the mistress and owner of this team! How contemptible
+the Doctor appeared at that moment; he possessed no carriages and
+horses, castles and villages, forests and meadows, and yet assumed a
+mien as if his frown were dreaded in a circumference of thirty square
+miles. And he was really living upon borrowed capital. That was all the
+grandeur!
+
+With a sigh she leaned back in the cushions and closed her eyes, and in
+a half dream of delight she saw herself as Frau von Blanden with
+Sperner seated in his proper place, upon the box in a splendid livery,
+thrashing the horses and stroking his moustache.
+
+A few days after this visit, Blanden had to cross the frontier to see a
+landowner in Russian Poland about agricultural matters and the new
+buildings, for which he hoped to find desirable materials. Giulia bade
+him a fond farewell, as though she had a presentiment that it would be
+farewell for a long, long time. The road from Kulmitten first led along
+a beautifully situated road on the estate, then between little lakes on
+either side; farther on, at several places, the traveller might easily
+imagine himself to be in Arabia Petraea, for the highway went past hills
+which had been strewn with a shower of stones. Here not a tree grew,
+not a shrub, it was a limitless waste. The horses, too, had difficulty
+in making their way through the stony _debris_, for Blanden had already
+to diverge from the main road, because his friend's estate was only
+accessible along by-ways. It was a toilsome drive, twilight overtook
+them before the frontier was reached. Meanwhile the landscape had again
+assumed a different character; the hills were covered with woods, and
+in the hollows between them small lakes which terminated in swamps. The
+carriage wheels often ran so closely to their edge that only the light
+of the carriage lamps and the driver's caution preserved them from some
+mishap. Some of these morasses were so deep that it would be fatal to
+sink into them. Suddenly the carriage dropped below into a copse
+dividing two lakes or swamps; a string of carts which had been driven
+up one behind another, and would not move on, blocked the road. The
+coachman became impatient, but he was bidden to wait; Blanden sprang
+out of the carriage and climbed up a little eminence close to the road,
+however, it was too dusk to be able to overlook the whole train. He saw
+a few dark figures moving about amongst the carts, and some of them
+were armed with guns.
+
+At last the cry "Forward!" resounded. The line of carts was set in
+motion, it was possible to proceed. Blanden had to act as rear-guard.
+
+Thus they went on for some time alternating from wooded hills to swampy
+vallies, then they stopped again, a post with the Russian colours
+showed that the frontier was reached. That "halt!" was not given in the
+loud voice of the "forward," but in a whispered tone. Blanden became
+impatient, he knew already that he had fallen amidst a caravan of
+smugglers, which could only seek to cross the frontier on by-roads, in
+the dead of the night. Then suddenly the soundless silence was
+disturbed by noisy cries; shots and din of conflict followed, the
+horses in Blanden's carriage reared, the coachman could hardly keep
+them in hand. More shots. Cossacks on fleet horses dashed upon the
+foot-wide margin that separated the carts from a swamp on the right
+hand from a steep wooded hill on the left. They overpowered the drivers
+of the carts, bound them safely, and mounted the waggons themselves. A
+Cossack also seated himself beside Blanden's coachman, obliging him to
+deviate from his course and follow to the frontier station.
+
+As they drove past the scene of conflict he saw that it had cost the
+lives of several victims; a wounded Cossack was lifted up and placed in
+one of the carts, two officials from the frontier searched a wildly
+overgrown bank running out into the swamp, evidently they expected to
+find a wounded smuggler there. As the road became wider, and passed
+through a plain of meadows, one cart was left behind to bring on a few
+more prisoners, and several Cossacks galloped back to catch some
+runaway smugglers. Clearly the attack on the column of carts had been
+unexpected and sudden, and doubtlessly its leader had formerly often
+succeeded in crossing the frontier unperceived by these remote roads.
+
+Blanden was supremely annoyed at this compulsory divergence; almost an
+hour elapsed before they reached the station, near which was an inn. He
+knew the inspector of the frontier personally, and also had papers with
+him fully proving his identity, and setting the matter beyond doubt
+that he was in nowise connected with the band of smugglers.
+
+The Cossack upon the box, who had escorted him safely, took leave, and
+for his unwelcome trouble received a _trink-geld_ that he accepted with
+eloquent gestures. It was too late at night to drive to his friend's
+estate, they had turned off in an exactly opposite direction. Blanden
+had the horses taken out, and resigned himself to the fate of spending
+the rest of the night in that miserable inn.
+
+Gradually the carts arrived with the Cossacks. Blanden had preceded
+them. The waggons contained jewellery, silks, and linen; he learned
+that a bold speculator, who accompanied the train himself, hoped to do
+a great stroke of business with it. He had not yet been caught. Blanden
+overheard all this in the inn parlour, when he walked impatiently up
+and down, waiting for the wretched meal which he had ordered.
+
+Outside there was incessant running to and fro; shouting, ordering,
+rolling of cartwheels, and stamping of horses, echoed through the
+night. A company of infantry had been summoned from the neighbouring
+town, because they had to deal with the most dangerous traders of the
+East Prussian forests, who thoroughly understood the little frontier
+struggles, and amongst whom were several reckless axe-bearers and
+dreaded shots.
+
+It was late when one more conveyance arrived, from out of which a
+groaning man was lifted; he had been found upon the bank in the swamps,
+where he had sought to conceal himself in the wild profusion of
+overgrowth.
+
+"He will not live much longer," said the host, returning, after having
+gleaned the information outside, "but, besides the room which I have
+given up to you, there is not an empty spot in the house."
+
+"I will gladly resign it," replied Blanden. "I shall not be able to
+sleep any more; put the unhappy man in my room."
+
+Accompanied by two Cossacks, the wounded man was carried into the
+parlour where the landlord told him he could be accommodated in the
+upper room, which this gentleman had relinquished to him. Out of a
+cloak which concealed the rest of his face two great glowing eyes fixed
+themselves upon Blanden. A sudden quiver passed through the wounded
+man. He was carried out and up the stairs.
+
+"Who is the man?" asked Blanden.
+
+"So far as I can hear," said the host, "he is a dealer, who, in
+transporting his goods--whether from greediness and anxiety, whether
+from delight in such adventures--does not leave the matter to competent
+professional smugglers, but assumes the management himself. Certainly,
+this time it is a great expedition, which might have entirely provided
+a princely ball at Warsaw with jewels and silk. He has fared ill
+to-day! He defended himself and fired a revolver, but was mortally
+wounded."
+
+The servant of the house then entered and begged Blanden to go to the
+wounded man, who urgently requested it.
+
+"The poor man will not part from life without thanking me," said
+Blanden.
+
+He went up the stairs and entered a room meagrely lighted with a feeble
+oil lamp. Against the wall stood a wretched bedstead, upon which lay a
+straw mattress. At the head of the bed sat a Cossack, his lance in his
+hand.
+
+"Make room, good fellow," said the wounded man's voice, "let the
+gentleman come to me! You can stand on guard as well as sit. I am no
+longer dangerous."
+
+He had spoken Russian. The Cossack drew back while Blanden went up to
+the bed, but his sensation of pity suddenly gave place to one of
+astonishment, when, in the man doomed to die, he recognised the amber
+merchant.
+
+"Signor Baluzzi!" cried he shocked, for he suddenly recollected that
+this man stood in some mysterious relation to Giulia.
+
+"I shall soon be dead," said Baluzzi, while spasmodic gasps interrupted
+the words brought out with such difficulty. "_Corpo di bacco!_ I should
+not have believed that it would come so soon, but I feel it is to be,
+and the frontier official, who was a surgeon formerly, says so too.
+People follow many trades here."
+
+"I am sorry for you, Baluzzi! How could you enter upon so insane an
+undertaking?"
+
+"Insane? _L'assicuro di no!_ I have often had the most splendid
+success, but misfortune must befall all in time; you, too, Herr von
+Blanden, and I am glad, because I have the right to hate you."
+
+The Italian's dim eyes gleamed, he clenched his hand convulsively, and
+then let it fall again upon the pillow.
+
+"What do these insinuations mean?--speak! If you have a secret to
+confide to me do not hesitate, for it might easily become too late."
+
+"A secret of a strange kind," said Baluzzi, as he tossed about and
+groaned. "Haha, now it will come upon her, too. This bullet speeds
+beyond the frontier--and into her heart! I foretold it to her when she
+gave me up in her unworthy pride. I was too weak. I let myself be
+dazzled by the gold that she promised and gave me! But now it is all
+over, death is approaching, it needs no bribe. Now I will speak! That
+was the agreement. I shall hold firmly to it!"
+
+"You speak in riddles," said Blanden.
+
+"As she will no longer rest in my arms, neither shall she in yours,"
+said the Italian. "I shall assert my rights. I shall preserve them with
+my last breath, long as I may have denied them. That is worthy of a
+brave man. She is mine, and belongs to this death-bed."
+
+"Of whom do you speak?" cried Blanden, more astonished.
+
+"Of Giulia, your--mistress!"
+
+"Hah, you scoundrel," cried Blanden, "I shall be forgetting that a
+dying man is before me, that these words are the unnecessary attacks of
+an expiring intellect."
+
+"You are mistaken," said Baluzzi, but pain compelled him to stop for a
+time and to speak more softly. "I speak the truth."
+
+"Fool--united to me at the altar!"
+
+"Null and invalid, null and invalid!"
+
+"Is there anything you wish, Baluzzi? I will gladly carry it out, but
+to listen longer to your wandering speech is impossible."
+
+"Wandering speech! Haha--am I a madman? Do I tear off the bandage which
+the wretched surgeon, the old frontier official, put on? Do I grope in
+the air half unconsciously? No, my mind is clear, clear as yours,
+clearer, perhaps, at this moment. I can understand that the world
+begins to go round with you when I repeat that 'Giulia can only be
+your mistress, because she is--my wife!'"
+
+"Your wife, madman!"
+
+Blanden shouted in a torrent of anger, then he shuddered. Various dark
+impressions, for which hitherto he could not account, swept suddenly
+over him, the possibility of what was incredible lay before him like a
+deep fearful abyss.
+
+"She has deceived you, _carissimo_!"
+
+"Oh, then--then I should envy you the merciful bullet which struck you,
+envy you your approaching death," cried Blanden, beside himself, "but
+it cannot be, Giulia could not thus deceive me."
+
+"She wanted to belong to you for ever, and she did not mind a crime."
+
+"She must have dreaded the disclosure every moment."
+
+"There you have an ardent daughter of our country! She would be happy
+at any price."
+
+"You should have come forward long since, have opposed it."
+
+"I did not do it. I was accustomed to turn away from her, to be silent.
+It was more advantageous for me! She paid well for my silence, but that
+she should treat me with contempt ate silently into my vitals, and I
+vowed to be avenged upon the overbearing woman as soon as the hour
+should have struck."
+
+Bach one of these replies, which Baluzzi gave in a low expiring voice,
+was a deathblow for Blanden. Not only could he not refute them, but
+they bore the impress of truth.
+
+The dark recollection of the Lago Maggiore, of Giulia's agonised bursts
+of anguish, of the force of circumstances which she lamented, of
+Baluzzi's appearance on the shore of the lake, and at the gate of the
+villa, all returned overwhelmingly upon him. He had many times asked
+casual questions which she had always answered crossly and evasively,
+and only in order to avoid marring the peace of their honeymoon had he
+refrained from an enquiry which might easily be misinterpreted. With
+the keen sharpness of a knife this thought quivered through his brain,
+and a dread feeling of pain rent his heart, and yet with every excuse
+which his anxious reason could discover, he tried to stem the coming
+evil.
+
+"Your wife, you say, your wife, but where were you married?"
+
+"In the church of San Giulio, on the island, in the lake of Orta."
+
+"I will assume that you are speaking the truth, assume it without
+believing it. But then she was your wife years ago. She is divorced."
+
+"Our Church knows no divorce," murmured Baluzzi softly to himself.
+
+"Your laws--"
+
+"Do not recognise it either!"
+
+"Well, then, she has been divorced in some other country where it is
+permitted."
+
+"I have always remained a subject of Italy, and even here--I had
+grounds enough for a divorce--remember the villa at Stresa--but I would
+not."
+
+Baluzzi made a sign of denial. He groaned, and pressed his hand upon
+his heart. He could not speak any more.
+
+"Horrible," cried Blanden; then he began to perceive what Giulia's
+heart must have gone through in its passionate love for him--the
+unbounded deception became comprehensible. He could not but acknowledge
+to himself that he should never have made his, this vagrant's wife,
+even if she had been divorced. Giulia had told herself the same, and
+therefore concealed the past from him.
+
+But that he should realise the possibility, could realise it, seemed to
+him like inexpiable injustice to Giulia.
+
+The man, sick unto death, was a prey to wild delirium, but even through
+madness there runs one connecting thread, on which it hangs its
+pictures, and is often more sharp-sighted, more rational than sound
+sense.
+
+A pause ensued. The Cossack, who was weary, began to whistle a song
+which is sung on the shores of the Don by the girls of his race.
+Baluzzi had somewhat recovered.
+
+"You still doubt? Pray call in the officer of the frontier."
+
+Under the impression that the Italian felt weak, and needed some
+surgical assistance, Blanden hastened down the stairs and returned with
+the chief guardian of the frontier. The latter felt Baluzzi's pulse,
+and shook his head.
+
+"One favour! Show this gentleman what you found sewn up in my coat."
+
+Annoyed, but unwilling to refuse a dying man's entreaty, the officer,
+with an enquiring glance at Blanden, went into his office, and
+returned, bringing another Cossack with him as watchman.
+
+Out of a rough wooden box close at hand at the time, he took a
+sparkling diamond coronet. Even the Cossacks drew nearer with covetous
+glances.
+
+Only one stone was wanting in the ornament. Blanden started back as if
+stung by an adder.
+
+"My, her diamonds! Our family jewels! Robber!
+
+"I a robber? Did she wear these diamonds on her wedding day? Did she
+complain that she had lost them? It is a gift that she gave to me--one
+of the many with which she bought my silence. I came to her on the
+evening before her wedding. Kaetchen showed me the road through the
+tower and the subterranean passage, and cleared the way--poor child, it
+was there, too, that she died the following day in the fireworks, which
+she let off in honour of the bridal couple. These diamonds are my
+honestly gained property."
+
+Now Blanden said no more. Groping about blindly he sought an
+explanation, but all excuses were denied to him. Desperate, he buried
+his face in his hands, and stamped as if in an impotent rage with his
+fate.
+
+"He is dying," said the official, pointing at Baluzzi, whose features
+suddenly became overshadowed.
+
+But he raised himself once more with a powerful effort, and cried in a
+shrieking half-failing voice--
+
+"Thrust her from you, the adulteress. Where am I? The brand upon her
+brow, the chains of the galley rattle about me--"
+
+"And if it were so," cried Blanden, "the proofs are wanting. The secret
+goes with you to the grave. I alone have the right to punish her."
+
+"You are wrong," said Baluzzi, gathering up his strength once more.
+"Revenge I have vowed to her, I keep my oath, the proofs are not here,
+not at hand, but they are in safe keeping. The accusation I carried for
+long, carefully sealed up in my breast pocket. Beate burned the page in
+the registry in San Giulio, but a legal copy at the See in Milan proves
+the marriage. And this accusation is my legacy, the lightning that
+strikes the worthless woman, even before I die."
+
+"This accusation--" cried Blanden, almost breathlessly.
+
+"Bears the address of the nearest court in the district, shows all
+proofs, and is in the hands of Wild Robert, who fled with me on to the
+bank in the swamps. The ball hit me--it missed him. He promised me,
+even if it cost his life, to take the papers there. He knows the way
+through the morass, and if he had to hew down bush and tree with an axe
+to make a bridge for himself, the bailiffs have not caught him.
+Triumph! Chains and fetters for her--she has despised me, I, too, may
+despise her--thus I die--gladly!" And with these words, which were
+already interrupted by the rattle of approaching death, he bowed his
+head and passed away.
+
+As if out of his mind Blanden rushed into the night, ran along lonely
+roads, sprang over ditches and fences, hurried up and down--he felt as
+though he must fly from himself.
+
+His Giulia had deceived him, she was a criminal, his marriage
+invalid--the myrmidons of the law were already knocking at the door of
+his Castle! He repeated all this to himself mechanically, hopelessly,
+as though he were conning a lesson. It was impossible that all this
+could concern himself.
+
+After two hours of rapid flight through the night, which just began to
+yield to the dawn in the east, he returned to the inn, asked for ink
+and paper, and wrote to Giulia--
+
+"Baluzzi is dead, he fell in a smuggler's fight, and dying confessed to
+me that you are his wife, and never were divorced from him! Shortly
+before his death he sent in an accusation against you. It cannot all be
+true, confirm the untruth with a few lines; they will find me with the
+proprietor of Opaczno."
+
+He obtained a messenger and despatched him to Kulmitten with his
+letter.
+
+It would have been impossible for him to return now, look into Giulia's
+eyes, hear from her own lips that she was the wife of that wretch.
+
+He gave some orders and money for Baluzzi's burial, and then drove to
+Opaczno.
+
+Fixedly he gazed at the morning, he saw none of the objects past which
+he drove, for him a heavy shadow lay upon all earthly things.
+
+She whom he had so proudly loved, seemed like a spectre to him, a bride
+of Corinth, a vampire, which had sucked his blood, his life.
+
+And yet--in the midst of his wrath at the deception, he was seized with
+fear, with pity for her, an inexpressible feeling of pain, that gnawed
+at his heart.
+
+He felt as if the mild god of Hindoostan, the old King's son, laid a
+hand upon his brow like a healing doctor, and whispered to him, "Have
+pity upon all creation!"
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+                              CONFESSIONS.
+
+
+"When you receive these lines," wrote Giulia, "I shall have left
+Kulmitten with Beate, and all traces of me, it is to be hoped, will be
+lost to you and to the world. I take nothing with me, save the
+remembrance of your goodness and love, and they shall support me in my
+forsakenness, and render it possible for me to endure life.
+
+"What else can it be to me, but an atonement of the past, but a prayer,
+a prayer for forgiveness? I shall never learn if it be fulfilled, but
+in my best hours I shall comfort myself with it, I shall hope and
+believe in it, as we believe in one only happiness!
+
+"And I dare believe and hope, because the crime that I committed was
+committed only through boundless love for you, through passion that
+gives up and sacrifices everything for the possession of the beloved
+one, even its duty, its honour--at least that which before law and the
+world passes for such. I had hoped to be able to preserve my secret,
+and at the same time untroubled happiness for you, even although mine
+was ever disturbed by pangs of conscience; it has been ordained
+differently, the veil has suddenly fallen. I stand as a criminal before
+your eyes. If you, too, measure me with the measure of others, then
+there is no absolution for me, but you, whom I loved most deeply, will
+also be more capable than all others of forgiveness.
+
+"The whole history of my sorrow is connected with a man who has now met
+with so terrible an end, he was fatal to my life. I may regret that a
+low mind made him an unsettled, unhappy wanderer upon earth, but I
+cannot weep for him, because tears are too precious to be wasted upon
+what is ignoble. Others may, perhaps, think the same of me, but every
+great passion has an atoning power. The story of my life is short, but
+eventful.
+
+"My parents possessed a small estate near Bergamo; they exchanged it
+for another in the Italian Tyrol, but they were unfortunate, their
+affairs went wrong. Young as I was, I had to think of earning something
+for myself, and as I was esteemed tolerably good looking, and my voice
+melodious and strong, it was determined that I should devote myself to
+the stage. Influential friends provided for my education, so that I
+might enter the chorus at the _Pergola_, in Florence.
+
+"I was eighteen years old, I did not know life. In my dreams I might
+sketch a brilliant future for myself: the present was poor enough, it
+did not satisfy the ambition of artistic struggles, it barely yielded
+daily bread. Gradually, however, I began to receive subordinate parts,
+in which, if not by my singing, yet by my voice, my whole manner, I
+could rouse people's attention.
+
+"At that time I became acquainted with Baluzzi; he was twenty years
+older than I, and also a chorus singer, but for him the chorus was only
+a place of refuge, as it seemed, the sad close to a mysterious life. He
+was considered to be a handsome man, all my friends were proud when he
+paid them any little attention. Soon he began to distinguish me
+especially, which roused my companions' jealousy, made me, however, the
+more susceptible of the tokens of his favour. He understood how to win
+a young heart; he surrounded himself with the charm of recklessness;
+here and there he allowed a reminiscence of his past, a picture to
+gleam shedding around him the halo of a bold, daring man. Being a
+member of the chorus appeared to us as a disguise which he had assumed
+in his momentary need.
+
+"Unacquainted with life, captivated by Baluzzi's fiery glances, and the
+power of his language, I was soon beneath his spell. I loved him with
+inexperienced, ardent love. An event also occurred that showed me his
+uncontrolled feelings, it is true, but also the strength of his
+passion. I had inspired a Florentine noble with one of those transient
+affections which the stage so easily ignited. I had treated him
+politely, and he looked upon me as an easy prey. Late one evening he
+came to me. I bade him leave, he became more importunate. Baluzzi had
+watched for him, came to me, drew out his dagger, and wounded the
+nobleman. The wound was not dangerous and my well-born friend deemed it
+best to observe silence. I, however, could gauge Baluzzi's love for me
+by the measure of his savage jealousy.
+
+"Nor did he only crave for fleeting love, he strove to possess me from
+the first. He told the wounded intruder that I was his betrothed, and
+asserted his right of active defence. I had not given him the right
+until now, but I did not show over-much resistance when he claimed it.
+Once when I refused to listen to him, we were standing upon the
+platform of the _companile_, he threatened to throw himself down, and I
+appeased him with hasty consent, because I believed that he would
+fulfil his threat.
+
+"One thing I must say for him--and that was my misfortune--he believed
+in my talent, my future. While others thought my performances pretty
+and taking, he was convinced that, with my voice, my appearance, after
+a little progress in singing, I should become great on the Italian
+stage. In imagination he foresaw my pecuniary, my brilliant successes,
+therefore he strove to possess me. I was an object of his calculations,
+and they had not deceived him. That he also found me personally
+desirable I will readily believe, for the world, the public, the
+newspapers, and above all, my mirror told me that I was beautiful.
+
+"Baluzzi's passionate courtship, which inspired me with fear and
+dread--as he intimidated me with menaces if I should not do his will--I
+could no longer resist. I had sung my first more important part at the
+_Pergola_ and been very successful; his calculations now gained a
+firmer basis, more resolutely he went at his object. At that time, it
+is true, I only perceived the expression of unlimited passion in all
+that he said or did, which at last intoxicated me, for nothing is more
+infectious than the soul's warmth. I gave my consent to the marriage;
+that it should be a secret one at first, we both agreed. Nothing is
+more fatal to young actresses than the title of _Signora_, it sets a
+barrier to those undecided wishes which spontaneously, like a
+superfluous element of nature, mingle with the admiration of beauty and
+artistic revelations; in such unexpressed emotions often lies the
+secret of success. A grand career lay before me, it must remain free
+and open to me. Baluzzi also desired this. We were married in the
+remote little church in the middle of the Orta lake. For the stage I
+continued to be Signora Bollini; but the heavy, fatal error of my life
+had been committed, it was no youthful folly whose consequences could
+be brushed away with a light hand. Marriage is indissoluble according
+to the laws of the Church, indissoluble according to those of the
+country. The priest's words had converted me into a slave for evermore.
+I did not feel it then, I was happy. This confession does not disgrace
+me, because felicity lies in our feelings, and delusion can call it
+forth as well as truth. Youth has its own rapture, its own bliss, and
+love is not so powerless as not to procure full enjoyment for all who
+are filled with it. Those were glorious days which I spent by the banks
+of the Orta lake. Baluzzi then seemed like a demi-god to me, but that
+bliss was of short duration.
+
+"Returned to Florence, I soon remarked that he displayed several
+rougher sides of his nature, at first surprising, then alarming me. I
+perceived that he gave himself up to a wild life, which, merely to win
+and deceive me, he had interrupted for some time. He laid an embargo
+upon my cash-box, I was almost reduced to poverty; he was a gambler, a
+drunkard, and spent his nights with wild companions.
+
+"The rapture of love, however, had given unthought-of wings to my
+talent; from part to part I attained greater success, and after the
+lapse of a year was engaged at the _Pergola_ with a considerable
+salary, but, with the salary, increased Baluzzi's claims; often he
+demanded money for his journeys to Monaco, where he indulged his mania
+for play, whence he always returned a bankrupt. All my expostulations
+were vain, he met them with bitter scorn and the defiant manner of a
+lord and master.
+
+"He gambled at Monaco, he engaged in equivocal business, and did I not
+send him sufficient money at any time, he pursued me like a spy, like a
+shadow. He read of my successes in the papers, he kept a book of them,
+he calculated my receipts. In Milan, not long after, began the era of
+my triumphs, the most distinguished circles were opened to me. I became
+intimate with Princess Dolgia, and she invited we to her villa at
+Stresa.
+
+"It was then that I saw you for the first time, when my heart burned
+for you with glowing passion, when I experienced all the charms of love
+and life, and felt the shame of my chains doubly heavy; then, too, he
+spied upon me by the lake shore, he had been dissatisfied with the last
+remittance; he demanded more. At the same time his heart was inflamed
+with savage jealousy, or was it rather an emotion of hatred--he saw
+that we loved one another. I feared for your life, only a great price
+could assuage his wrath. But, carried away with delight that knew no
+bounds, as if to raise me in blissful dreams above the unworthiness
+with which my life was filled, I would not curb my glowing love, and
+greater than the sin of loving was the wicked doubt, whether the
+welfare of my soul was more imperilled by your love than by the mad
+passion of a brutal criminal.
+
+"Since then my only thought has been for you and your love; he followed
+me upon my career of triumph which I commenced through Europe. I would
+fly from you, only entwine your love like a transient dream in my
+life--and ever again it urged me to seek you; therefore I came here
+and stayed so long on the shores of the northern lakes. It drew me to
+your native land, to your own home. I visited your Castle while you
+were absent; then I tore myself away from the glowing dreams of my
+longing--for almost two years I lingered in Russia. Owing to no fault
+of mine, Baluzzi had lost all traces of me for a considerable time; he
+had been guilty of some breach of the laws in Russia, and was, I know
+not why, banished to Siberia, but he discovered me again, and, like a
+leech, he clung to my heels.
+
+"My increasing fame gave me the _entree_ to good society, I gained the
+friendship of princes and princesses. Intercourse with Baluzzi could
+only injure my name. Little as he fulfilled his duties as a chorus
+singer in Florence, he was known as one of those musical assistants who
+stood upon a subordinate step of the ladder of art, in those circles I
+had risen far above his horizon. I often let him feel it, and he
+rebelled with double defiance against my 'impudent overbearing.' Yet he
+saw that, for his own sake, he must not disturb my career; he agreed
+only to see and speak to me secretly, and before the world to assume
+the semblance of friendship; he often came after dissipated
+entertainments and asserted his rights, rousing my anger.
+
+"Another fearful surprise awaited me. A falling scene had struck his
+shoulder; he persistently rejected all assistance from the surgeon, and
+from me. I went to see him, he lay in feverish sleep. I wanted to see
+the wound, that appeared to me as serious as his resistance was
+suspicious. I drew back the bandage and saw--even now the recollection
+fills me with horror--upon his shoulder the branded mark of a
+galley-slave! It was to a desperate criminal that I had given hand and
+heart!
+
+"There are countries in which the law would grant the right of divorce
+in cases where such discoveries were made after marriage, because they
+assume that only by mistake could such an union have been formed. But
+in Italy there is no such law, and had there been I had neglected the
+time which is allowed for such an appeal. I knew nothing about it.
+
+"Nevertheless, my resolution, to set myself free from the horrible
+control of this man, so far as lay in my power, remained immovable.
+When Baluzzi had recovered, I imparted my discovery to him with great
+composure; he started. I told him that I knew now that I had married a
+heavily punished criminal.
+
+"'Quarrels at the gaming table,' said he shortly, 'a hasty dagger that
+caught its victim.'
+
+"'Perhaps combined with cheating and robbery,' added I.
+
+"'What does it matter to you? Who dares to reproach me with a
+punishment that I have undergone?' I explained succinctly to him that I
+could have nothing in common with a dismissed galley-slave, and forbade
+him to visit me any more. Naturally this prohibition angered him, but I
+declared that I should betray his secret to the world, publish the
+brand which justice had imprinted upon him, and thus had cast him out
+for ever from association with his fellow-men.
+
+"'Then I shall proclaim our marriage,' cried he triumphantly, 'and upon
+you will rest the same curse.'
+
+"'And our fame, my talent, our gains?'
+
+"He became thoughtful, and entered into negociations; he should not
+disturb my path any more, but he claimed the greater portion of my
+receipts for himself; under these conditions, so long as I remained on
+the stage, where he prophesied me a brilliant career, he should not
+assert his rights over me, but so soon as from any cause I left the
+theatre, I should again fall into his power, not only my possessions,
+but also my life and person; thus should he be indemnified for the long
+privation. I might then proclaim that he had been in the _bagno_, it
+was immaterial to him. The wife of a galley-slave shared his disgrace;
+yes, then he should be my master again and possess the right to the
+whims of a sultan.
+
+"He parted from me; I bound myself always to give him my address, as I
+was about to set out on a starring tour in Italy and abroad. I felt
+like a serf who is granted liberty which is liable to be recalled at
+any moment, but my earnings were paralysed, and my heart could not beat
+freely without committing sin. That was control worse than the galley!
+
+"I saw you again. From that time my life has been no secret to you. I
+would belong to you for ever, it was the one object of my life, and yet
+unattainable if I did not possess the audacity to defy the constraint
+of a law binding me for life to the galley. Is there no higher decree
+than the mutable chequered one of these countries in our hemisphere? Is
+there not a holier love which may scorn an unholy bond? I hoped to
+annihilate the proofs of my slavery: I hoped to keep the spectre of my
+life far aloof from myself, and still farther from you; to enjoy a
+happiness over which, indeed, hung a sword on a silver thread, yet
+invisible to you and your repose, not hostile to your peace--in vain!
+He came because I had resigned the stage; he came not to demand my
+money, but myself, and in wild desperation I bought a new reprieve with
+the gift of your love, the diamond diadem, the family jewels of the
+Blandens. But dying, the wretched man fulfilled his oaths of revenge,
+and, as bleeding, he descends amongst the shadows, he leaves me behind
+amidst the falling ruins of my bliss.
+
+"Well;--I am a guilty woman! Now condemn me! I have deceived you, I
+bring disgrace upon your house--and yet, so long as my heart beats, it
+will beat for you; I go forth into misery, behind me the myrmidons of
+the law, nothing is left for me save the last greeting, the last word
+of blessing! God protect the most noble man whom the earth contains,
+and if he cannot forgive me then may his pity follow me--the outcast,
+the scorned--into the wide world!"
+
+Again, and again, Blanden read the letter with throbbing heart and a
+tear in his eyes, he ordered his horses to be harnessed and drove
+furiously to Kulmitten. The Castle was desolate and empty. Giulia and
+Beate had left it in a peasant's cart which chanced to be passing
+through, both in the plainest garments, none could tell whither.
+
+He was alone. He waited for the officers of justice who would soon
+knock at those doors and attach the seal of nameless shame to the
+sacred heritage of his family. He sat there a silent, moody man, and
+buried all his hopes.
+
+
+
+
+                             LAST CHAPTER.
+
+                              TO THE EAST!
+
+
+Since the occurrences which we have just related, two years had passed
+away.
+
+The political storm had burst which the weather tokens on the horizon
+had long since foretold, the regeneration of the German people was
+proclaimed amid mighty convulsions.
+
+It was a premature spring whose blossoms shed their leaves before they
+attained maturity.
+
+The uproar raged through the large towns. Blood flowed over the
+streets. War between brothers was unfettered. Often those fought
+together, who desired the same object; with cannon balls, the people
+greeted the desired concessions of Government; wild tumult had taken
+possession of hearts and minds. The equinoctial gale of the spring of
+liberty swept through Europe, and general shipwreck ensued.
+
+Only upon one tiny spot of earth, where it was necessary to defend
+German soil against foreign encroachments, and to prepare the place for
+the German Empire of the future, a struggle had been commenced, which
+did not bear the fearful impress of a war between brothers, which was
+ennobled by glorious enthusiasm for the fatherland. The dependence upon
+the will of foreign rulers who trod old rights under foot, had become
+insupportable to a brave race of people which flew to arms to preserve
+the right, to repel the interference of a newly-crowned king, and to
+maintain its connection with Germany at the point of the sword.
+
+It was on a day in April, 1848, that the thunder of cannon echoed
+across the narrow bay of Flensburg; the red columns of the Danish army
+had extended themselves around the village of Bau and threatened to cut
+off the advance guard of the Schleswig-Holstein army that was stationed
+at Bau and Krusau. Soon the battle began! The flower of the country's
+youth, the students of Kiel, with the riflemen of that town, had to
+withstand the first onslaught of the enemy.
+
+Over the hedges, out of the ditches, the advanced out-posts fired upon
+the red sharpshooters, upon the rushing enemy.
+
+"Forward!" resounded the cry of the officers; "forward!" rang Blanden's
+voice. He led the disciples of _alma mater_ to the battle; he had
+hastened to them, and entered their ranks amongst the first German
+volunteers, who placed their swords at the disposal of the good cause
+of Schleswig-Holstein.
+
+"Forward!" replied the students' cry, with tempestuous enthusiasm, many
+of whom had a musket in their hands for the first time, who had poured
+in from the lecture-rooms to prove by active deeds their devotion to
+their fatherland. And forward moved the volunteer band; with levelled
+bayonets they charged the Danish vanguard, drove it back, and held
+their position beneath a heavy fire; courage and energy compensated for
+lack of numbers.
+
+The Danes gave the courageously attacking force credit for strong
+supports; for a fresh effort they summoned fresh powers to their
+assistance.
+
+Regardless of the balls which whistled round him from every side,
+Blanden, too, stood under fire; it almost seemed as if death would be
+welcome to him, and yet he was filled with burning love of battle as he
+looked into the radiant faces of those youths who went so full of the
+courage of sacrifice to meet their death.
+
+Yes, and it was no common food for powder that filled the ditches, they
+were the best sons of the land. It was the vanguard of the German
+spirit, and wherever it had conquered it was always the united word of
+the sword, and the sword of the word which had gained the victory.
+These bayonets were not merely a flashing protest of the northern
+nations; the hands in which they rested were equally powerful to wield
+the pen--and knew how to prove this right.
+
+Meanwhile the shots thundered from Bau, the crashing salvoes, however,
+drew towards the south-east of Flensburg. Soon scattered troops
+announced that the sixteenth battalion at Bau had been beaten by the
+Danes. Now the brave men stood helplessly, no order from head-quarters
+came to them; one orderly after another was despatched, none returned.
+The retreat to Flensburg was endangered.
+
+Thus they left the corpse-strewn battle field in order to force a
+retreat for themselves. Bau and Krusau were the Schleswig-Holstein
+Thermopylae!
+
+Singing battle songs, the troops of lads approached the town, but they
+were hymns to the dead, for now only did death reap its abundant
+harvest.
+
+The road ran along the shore, the bay suddenly became alive, the white
+and red flags approached, and the sky-blue lion prepared to spring. Was
+not the sea, the kingdom of the old Vikings, subject to the island
+people; how long did the Sound stand beneath the dominion of Danish
+cannon?
+
+And it was a submissive bay of the conquered East Sea, which here made
+its entry into the Schleswig-Holstein country of beeches and hedges.
+
+Suddenly the waves became alive, from the narrow tongue of land, from
+Holsens, where the Leviathans, the armed men of war, lay, it came ever
+nearer like a dark cloud upon the billows, a dense evil-boding throng.
+
+They were the Danish gun-boats; then flashed the shots, then blazed the
+touch-holes. Astonished, the waves caught the strange smoke of powder
+which spread itself over them like a veil, and the cartridges rattled
+on the strand.
+
+Like an ocean monster of the old legend rolling devouringly upon the
+land, death leaped from the waves and laid its victims low. The road
+became filled with corpses, of what use were the single bullets, which
+struck the boats; of what avail the temporary shelter behind the trunks
+of trees along the path!
+
+"Forward to the foundry!" rang the cry of death. It was a kind of
+trench granting protection. There they could fall fighting; here the
+band resembled game driven by the keepers, upon which the sportsmen can
+shoot from a safe position.
+
+And with winged steps all thronged to the fort of death, determined, at
+least, to sell their lives dearly.
+
+Cartridge upon cartridge blazed across; wounded and dying leaned
+against the tall stems of the beeches, and the down crashing branches
+decked these pale brows as if with a homely wreath of honour, upon
+which trickled the cold drops of death.
+
+Already Blanden saw the smoking furnaces of the foundry before him;
+there a flash quivers through the cloud of vapour; in conical flight
+the birds of death swept through, on right and left, fell into the
+trees, here and there penetrated the earth, struck the companions by
+his side, and stretched Blanden himself on the ground. He gazed into
+the night, as it descended upon his eyes--the night of death--but
+uttered not a word of lament. His last thought before his senses
+forsook him was the futility of his life, which was honourably
+terminated by death upon the battle-field.
+
+When he opened his eyes again amidst violent pain, he fancied he was
+still under the spell of a dream: had he awoke in India amongst the
+peris? His bewildered fancy led the favourite images of his waking
+dreams before his mind.
+
+A tear-bedimmed eye rested upon him, a slight form, wrapped in a cloak,
+bent over him.
+
+They were the eyes, it was the figure of Giulia; with a loud cry of joy
+she welcomed his awaking.
+
+But it was yet the day, the same day of the battle. Vollies rattled
+round the iron fort; where at other times the wheels of machinery
+revolved, now revolved the wheel of death.
+
+A gun-boat still lay upon the strand, the otters had moved nearer to
+Flensburg, but that one did not cease from its work of devastation. A
+cartridge rattled and fell into the beech and struck down a branch,
+which fell upon Giulia and cut her brow. She had bent over Blanden to
+shelter him.
+
+"Where am I? You here?" said he, half unconsciously.
+
+"Do not ask how."
+
+"Who brings you here?"
+
+"Charity and longing for death, but now there is not a moment to lose."
+
+She beckoned to two peasants, who stood close by with a little cart,
+and lifted Blanden into it, beside a wounded man who already lay there.
+Giulia seated herself upon the hard straw sack. They went along back
+streets to the inn of a neighbouring village, where several surgeons
+were in full employment.
+
+It was a long time before Blanden recovered from his wounds, which left
+him slightly lame for life. Giulia was once more his faithful nurse,
+she also followed him to the Danish captivity, into which he, with the
+other wounded men, had fallen.
+
+The feeling of belonging wholly to one another became quickened in
+both. From every side Blanden heard with what heroic valour Giulia had
+hastened into the battle field, how amidst shot and shells she had
+brought consolation, succour and relief to the wounded, an angel of
+mercy, whose memory would live for all ages in the hearts of the
+Schleswig-Holstein youth. For long both avoided speaking of their
+separation, its causes, of their later experiences. There would have
+been the risk of great agitation for Blanden, for both the danger of
+parting again, and yet both felt how painful an effect this would have
+upon their lives.
+
+At last Blanden had sufficiently recovered to be allowed to go out into
+the fresh air, and he, with others, had been already exchanged for
+Danish prisoners.
+
+They sat under a lofty avenue of beeches by the sea, lying so quietly
+and blue before them. Islands rose out of the waves and ships passed on
+the horizon.
+
+"Where have you been, Giulia, since you left me?"
+
+"Upon a little island near that of Sylt, in a lonely fisherman's
+cottage, there I deemed myself most effectually concealed. So quickly
+could the law not raise its accusation, not follow my track and find me
+yonder in my solitude, where, with Beate, I helped to mend fishing
+nets, and obtained a little money by teaching children. For hours I sat
+upon the 'dunes,' I saw the tide rush in which for centuries has been
+washing away these islands, ready to swallow them up, and which already
+has buried so much work of men's hands within its depths. Like a sea
+mew's flight over the foaming, dashing billows, my thoughts swept over
+the heights and abysses of my life, and my bruised heart did bitter
+penance, and as the roaring hurricane came and stirred the waves and
+tore them upwards until towering on high they dashed upon the shore, so
+was I now overwhelmed with the fire and wild passion which had animated
+me, and with the recollection of all the tempests of my life.
+
+"I could have retired to a convent in my own country, but my soul
+longed for the free breath of heaven, and an irrevocable bond would
+have crushed it to the ground.
+
+"Beate left me, she had often been at Sylt during the season, and there
+had made the acquaintance of a well-to-do Hamburg merchant, whom her
+sparkling eyes and lively manner had fascinated. We parted amid tears,
+she was my most faithful friend, who for me had jeopardised her honour.
+Then the feeling of being utterly forsaken came upon me, the never
+ceasing return of ebb and flow, the only event of which the 'dunes'
+could tell, made my spirit weary and listless, all the fettered springs
+of life stirred within me. I could not have lived amid the ocean
+solitude another year, my talent for a Robinsonade was exhausted. Then
+the news of war, which was at that time only imminent, but of whose
+outbreak messengers brought premature intelligence, penetrated to our
+fishermen's cottages; I resolved to make atonement for my past as a
+nurse in the midst of the conflict, and hoped, perhaps, to meet death
+from a merciful bullet. When I came here I found nothing prepared, I
+wished to go upon the battle-field as a volunteer Samaritan, and
+beneath its terrible and yet elevating influences, I felt the pulses of
+my life beat higher once more--I forgot myself. I relieved pain, I
+earned thanks--the sin of my life seemed to be melting away as if tears
+and words of gratitude washed it out. Thus I found you. Fate led those
+together again, whom it had parted, but still the gulf of guilt lies
+between them. You have recovered, my task is completed, let me go hence
+once more."
+
+"No Giulia," cried Blanden with a burst of emotion, "now we part no
+more."
+
+Giulia looked enquiringly at him; she could not believe his words.
+
+"I part from my preserver no more. I am superstitious, or believing
+enough to follow the signal of fate which re-united us upon the field
+of honour. You have nothing more to fear from justice. Baluzzi's
+messenger, wild Robert, did not reach his goal, he fell, lost in the
+swamp, the edges of which were thoroughly searched by the guards;
+doubtlessly he ventured too far in order to escape them. Baluzzi's
+accusation lies deep down in the morass where it ought to lie; he
+himself is dead, never did any messenger of justice trouble me. Thus
+there is but one human being in the world who can bring an accusation
+against you, and that one dare not, because you only sinned out of love
+for me, out of blind, but yet true ardent love, and with this kiss I
+absolve you."
+
+He kissed Giulia's brow; sobbing, she sank into his arms.
+
+"Fate has foiled my most glorious plans of life, we cannot return to
+the desolate Castle. Your sudden flight injured my name again, the
+people there will not associate with us, but the world is large!
+Although my life has been a failure, although I must stay far from my
+home, there yet remains to me the thinker's dream and the ecstasy of
+love."
+
+"Not for my sake shall you fly from all," said Giulia imploringly.
+
+"I, too, am dead to this portion of the world. I can do nothing more
+for my fatherland. This bullet has rendered me unfit for war, a chain
+of unfortunate circumstances for peace. I cannot stand before any
+electors, a political career is closed to me. Thus I fly for my sake
+also, and you, my fondly loved wife, I take with me as comforter. The
+registry at San Giulio still tells of your guilt, we must away, far
+away from here. I know a land, the cradle of the gods, perhaps the
+cradle of mankind, a wonder land. There beneath the giant mountain lies
+the Walar Lake, and the Behat winds through a paradise of rustling
+fruit trees and prolific plains upon which gaze down glaciers high as
+heaven. Beautiful beings wander there in the most blessed valley of the
+world, and there free from the constraint of law and the trammels of
+society, which here rule the world, we will build ourselves huts
+and I will introduce you to the profound wisdom of the land of the
+lotus-flowers. Follow me to Cashmere."
+
+Giulia pressed him to her heart, "I have no will but yours."
+
+Blanden wrote to Wegen and begged him to sell Kulmitten, Rositten, and
+Nehren. His friend, Olga's happy husband, doubly happy by her
+unexpected mastery of the art of cooking, executed Blanden's
+commission, and by means of a large inheritance, was enabled to buy
+Kulmitten, the principal estate, for himself.
+
+To Kuhl, however, who really had invited no living creature excepting
+Caro, to his wedding dinner, Blanden wrote--
+
+"I go far away, to the primeval home of mankind; I am a shipwrecked
+mariner, and, united to Giulia, shall build myself a hut in the desert.
+Withered leaves--they fell upon the flowers of my heart, and twice have
+covered and crushed out their life. My friend! no man can overcome his
+past. Unforeseen it rises again like a spectre and stretches the
+destroyer's hand into our lives. Poor Eva was the victim of one of
+those fearful chains of events which, long invisible, suddenly seize us
+with a ghostly grasp. That I had loved the mother, was the daughter's
+death! Withered leaves--vainly my Giulia amid bitterest pain sought to
+wrench herself loose from her past, but it held her firmly as in an
+iron vice. Away into the kingdom of Buddha, into the dream-world of the
+East! I could not live as I would, therefore now I will live as I can."
+
+Not long after a Hamburg steamboat bore the loving pair into the land
+of the lotus-flowers.
+
+
+
+                               FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: The evening preceding the wedding day,--_Translator's
+note_.]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+      Printed by Remington & Co., 5, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Withered Leaves. Vol. III.(of III), by
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