med to lack words.

"Years ago," she said, "he pledged his word of honor, and--and broke it
in a moment of desperation. The proof of this is probably in the hands
of some low man, who will use this knowledge to ruin him. That I should
communicate this to you at a time like this will show you the light in
which I regard your connection with our house. If it be possible to
restore his peace of mind, you, I know, will do it." She drew a letter
from under the pillow, and placed it in Anton's hand.

Anton took it to the window, and saw with surprise that it was in
Ehrenthal's handwriting. He had to read it twice before he could master
its contents. In a lucid interval the imbecile had happened to recall
his former dealings with the nobleman, and wrote to remind him of the
stolen notes of hand, to demand his money, and to threaten the baron.
The letter was full, besides, of laments over his own weakness, and the
wickedness of others; and what its confusion left unexplained was
cleared up by the copy of a note of hand--probably from the draught of
one agreed upon by the baron and Ehrenthal, for the letter mentioned the
existence of the original, and threatened to use it against the baron.

Folding up the letter, Anton said, "The threats which Ehrenthal connects
with the copy inclosed need not disturb you, baroness, for the note of
hand seems to have no signature, and the sum which it represents is a
small one."

"And do you believe that it is a true statement?" asked the baroness.

"I do," was the reply. "This letter explains to me much that hitherto I
never could understand."

"I know that it is true," whispered the baroness, in so low a voice that
Anton scarcely heard it, while a faint blush overspread her face. "And
you, Mr. Wohlfart, will you endeavor to get back the stolen papers for
us?"

"I will," replied Anton, earnestly. "But my hopes are small. The baron
has no existing claim upon these missing documents. They belong to
Ehrenthal, and an understanding with him is necessary in the first
instance. It will be difficult to bring about. And again, I very
imperfectly understand the circumstances, and must request you to try
and inform me of all you can connected with the robbery."

"I will endeavor to write to you," said the baroness. "You can draw up a
list of the questions you wish answered, and I will do so as well as I
can. Whatever may be the result of your efforts, I now thank you with
all my soul. Our house