es and
nobles to seek her, and many who had been attracted solely by curiosity
were charmed with the entertaining sprightliness of the beautiful woman,
and admitted her to their very exclusive circle.

This time the springs proved still more beneficial than when she first
used them, and the hope of soon being able to exercise her beloved art
again gained new and solid foundation.

This occupied a large share of her thoughts, but a still greater one
was filled with the yearning for her John, of whom, in spite of many
inquiries, she could hear nothing.

When, in her quiet home life, the monotony of her days oppressed her
more heavily, she often remembered Ems, and the pleasures and attention
which the next summer there would bring her. Now that the great,
passionate emotions which had been devoted to others were at rest,
she began to think more of her own person. It seemed desirable to show
herself to advantage, and though she longed for her recovery above all
for the sake of her art and the pleasure which its exercise afforded
her, she was already secretly thinking how she could use it to restore
and obtain satisfaction for her paralyzed self-esteem.

In consequence of the victory of St. Quentin, Brussels was filled
with festal joy; but Barbara took very little part in the numerous
festivities which followed one another, and again went to Ems.

When she returned, much benefited, her first visit was to the Dubois
house in the park. Unfortunately, it was futile; but when, a few weeks
before the battle of Gravelines, she repeated it for the second time,
she met the couple, now advancing in years, out of doors, and saw that
some good fortune had come to them.

Usually she had always been received here with a certain shade of
embarrassment, but to-day her coming seemed to please Herr Adrian. From
the great arm-chair, which he now never left, he held out his hand to
her, and Frau Traut's merry eyes looked a glad welcome.

After the first greetings, they eagerly expressed their joyful
amazement at the clear tones of her voice. Then Frau Dubois exchanged
a significant glance with her husband, and now Barbara learned that a
letter had arrived from San Yuste that very morning, which contained
little except pleasant news of his Majesty and John.

While speaking, Adrian drew from his doublet the precious missive,
showed it to the young wife as cautiously as a fragile ornament which
we are reluctant to let pass out of our ha