Trude continued: "Moritz lived in this way one year; his friends knew how he was suffering, and they proved in their deeds how much they loved and esteemed him. The teachers at the Gymnasium divided his hours of instruction among them, that he should not forfeit his place and lose his salary. Even the king showed great sympathy for him, sending to inquire for him. Herr Gedicke visited him frequently at Halle; and once when about to mount the ladder to the hay-loft he met Moritz descending, carefully dressed, in a reasonable, gentle mood, and then he returned with him to Berlin. There was great rejoicing in the college over his return, and they feted him, witnessing so much love for him that it was really touching. He has been promoted to professor, and at the express command of the king he teaches the young Prince Frederick William in Latin and Greek.
Oh, he is so much esteemed and--"
"And is married I hope," murmured Marie. "Is he not happily married, Trude?""No. Herr Gedicke says he could marry a wealthy girl, for he is a great favorite, and is invited into the most distinguished society.
He repels every one, and has become a woman-hater.""He hates them--does that mean that he hates me?""Yes, he thoroughly scorns and despises you; so much so that Herr Gedicke says you should know of it, and keep out of his way. He has sworn to publicly show his contempt for you, and therefore his friends wish you to be apprised of it, and not encounter him in society.""It is well, I thank you," said Marie, rising; "I will act accordingly. Kiss me once more, my dear mother, and let me repose my weary head upon your bosom. Ah, Trude, what a sorrow life is!""You will yet learn to love it again, Marie.""If I thought that I could sink so low, I would kill myself this very hour. I know myself better, and only for revenge do I live.
Hush! say nothing more. Look at me! I am cursed, and there in those gaudy rooms in my purgatory; here is my paradise, and here the wicked demon may dare to change into the sad, wretched wife, who mourns the happy days already flown, and weeps the inconsolable future. Oft will I come here in the night when those sleep who think me so proud and happy, and you alone shall behold me as I am. Now Imust back to purgatory.--Farewell!"
A half hour later a splendid carriage drove from the house of Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen. The people upon the street stood in wondering admiration of the beautiful Arab horses with the costly silver-mounted harness, and sought to catch a glimpse of the occupants of the carriage, an insignificant, meagre, blond-haired man, who appeared like a servant beside the lovely pale wife, though proud and indifferent, who kept her eyes fixed steadily before her.
The chasseur, with his waving plumes, sat upon the box beside the rich-liveried coachman.
As the married couple returned from their drive, having left their cards at the most distinguished houses in Berlin, the baroness handed the list of guests to he invited to the baron to examine. He glanced hastily over it, assuring her that every thing should be directed as she desired, deferring all to her superior knowledge.
Suddenly he seemed confused, even frightened. "What is the matter?
What were you about to remark?" asked Marie, indifferently.
"I was in error. I have, without doubt, read it wrong. I beg pardon for a foolish blunder, but will you tell me this name?"Marie bent forward to look at the paper which her husband handed her, and, pointing with her finger, read "Professor Philip Moritz.""Do you intend to invite him?" asked Ebenstreit, quite alarmed.
"Why should I not? He belongs to the circle of friends and acquaintances, and it is natural that I should include him.
Moreover, there is not a little gossip, and it is necessary to silence it. If you are not of my opinion, strike out the name.""Not at all, dearest. On the contrary, you are perfectly right, and I admire you for it.""Then give the list to the butler, for it is quite time that the invitations were given out."
