mother died--there were
objections to the marriage and I also had some wicked enemies--they
would have taken my dear child from me. Twenty years of dread of this,
of dodging and evasion like a fugitive, in humble places have
succeeded. Had they found me, then I might have lost my Anna, for her
mother's relatives, who hate me, they are very, very powerful. I have
worried, worried, worried, ever, lest I lose her. Even have I had to
hide my little artistry in my profession because, had I exploited it,
it would have told my enemies where they could find me. Such has been
the life which I have led because I loved my daughter.

"Madame," he went on, not patronizingly but with a growing
consciousness of his own impregnable position which impressed even the
self-seeking woman he addressed, "to you I am only Kreutzer, the poor
flute-player; but in my native country I am more--Count Otto Von
Lichtenstahl."

"Good heavens!" she cried. "The man is mad!"

"No, Madame. I have been unfortunate. I have not even told my Anna of
my title, because I have not wished to make her feel unhappy. It is so
long since I have lived as would befit my rank, that, almost, I had
quite forgotten it; but always I have kept the proofs."

From an inner pocket of his coat the old man drew a worn cloth
envelope which held long, folded papers.

"Look, Madame."

Almost as one who dreams she took the little packet from his hand and
hastily glanced through the papers which comprised it. Though
evidently somewhat impressed her doubts still remained.

"It is easy to manufacture such documents," she said finally. "How am
I to know that these are genuine?"

The old man, wounded to the quick, made no reply, but looked at her
with a silent dignity and stern reproof that affected her more than
any words could have. It was evident that his pent-up indignation,
however, was on the point of breaking forth; but what he might have
said must always remain mystery, for at that moment, M'riar entered, a
large, impressive envelope held in her hand.

"Postman's bean 'ere," she explained, and held it toward the old
musician.

As Herr Kreutzer saw this letter he gasped with astonishment and,
taking it eagerly from her hand, quickly tore it open. As he read it
great joy showed upon his face. He stood transfigured, speechless. At
last he handed it to Mrs. Vanderlyn.

"Perhaps Madame will believe this," he said quietly.

Mrs. Vanderlyn gave an ecstatic little cry aft