and Wilhelmine and Madame de Ruth bent in grand courtesies.

'Delighted to see you, mon cher! Welcome to our family!' cried Friedrich
Graevenitz ostentatiously, departing entirely from the ceremonious code of
those days, which hardly permitted the nearest friends to greet each
other in this informal manner. But Friedrich Graevenitz prided himself on
his friendliness and geniality, and, like most genial persons, he
constantly floundered into tactlessness and vulgarity. On this occasion
his misplaced affability was received with undisguised disapproval.
Madame de Ruth tapped him on the arm with her fan; Wilhelmine shot him a
furious, snake-like glance; Wuerben himself looked surprised, and merely
responded with a bow to the effusive speech. Schuetz, of course, was the
only one to whom it appeared natural, nay, correct. In his world
geniality, translated into jocoseness, was indispensable before, during,
and after a wedding--even at these scarcely usual nuptials!

Now Wuerben came forward. 'Mademoiselle de Graevenitz,' he said, 'believe
me, I am deeply sensible of the great honour you will do me.'

'Monsieur, I thank you,' began Wilhelmine; but Friedrich Graevenitz
interposed pompously:

'As the head of the family, Monsieur, I wish to express to you my
pleasure at the thought of my sister bearing your ancient name.'

'My name is much at Mademoiselle your sister's service,' responded
Wuerben; and Madame de Ruth surprised a covert sneer on the old roue's
lips.

'Come, mes amis!' she cried, 'the travellers must be in need of
refreshment. Will you not repair to the guest-chamber, gentlemen? and
when you have removed the dust of travel from your clothes, we will
partake of an early supper.'

'Madame de Ruth, I will escort the gentlemen to their apartments, if they
wish it,' said Friedrich pompously, opening his eyes wide in what he
thought was a reproving look, but in truth was only angrily foolish.

'Thank you, Friedrich. I will tell you when I wish your assistance,' said
Wilhelmine calmly. 'Dear Madame de Ruth, you are right. I think Baron
Schuetz knows the way to the guest-chamber? or shall I tell my brother to
summon a lackey?' Her tone was haughty to insolence. The irritation, the
disgust, the hatred of her odious though necessary plan, made her mood
evil. She was grateful to Wuerben for his silence, and his fine, if
somewhat contemptuous manner, and she bestowed a smile on him as he
passed out of the room.

A