que, which looked us though they
retained the expression of the angular, quaint, rococo faces of those
by whom the houses were formerly tenanted) was crowded with all that
was gay and animated in Dantzic; around the fountains, somewhat rude
in their execution but admirable in their models, the peasants from
the neighborhood were congregated. Presently the crowd, which had
momentarily become greater and still greater, swayed backward and
forward like the tide in a harbor when a noble vessel enters its
gates. They made place for a herald, who rode on horseback surrounded
by his deputies, and gave notice in an audible voice that on that day
week the Supreme Council would meet to decide on the merits of the
different pieces of mechanism which were to be submitted to their
judgments, and which were to be sent in three days previously. Then
the herald recited the rewards which the great and free city offered
to the most successful competitors: they were worthy of the great
League of which Dantzic was the head:--A house to be kept up at the
expense of the State, to be styled the "most honorable," a ring
of honor, but above all, a laurel wreath, and to have precedence
immediately after the Supreme Council itself. Such was the attachment
of the inhabitants of Dantzic to their town and its glories that
its embellishment was dearer to them than any personal or material
advantages. But it is probable that these honors would not have been
so great on the present occasion had the Grand Master not been fully
impressed with the belief that his own son would succeed in the
contest, and add another and the greatest to the honors which belonged
to his house. Marguerite and Dumiger pressed forward through the crowd
to hear the proclamation read, and the blood flowed in their cheeks
as they listened. Dumiger turned to look at Marguerite, her eyes were
moist with love and admiration; he pressed her arm fondly, and said in
a low voice,--

"Now, Marguerite, will you forgive me the hours passed in solitude, in
selfish silence, when you know how highly the city estimates this work
to which my nights and days have been devoted?"

Her only answer was a glance of affection which thrilled through his
frame.

It was night, they were tired of wandering about, and entered one of
the numerous _cafes_ which had been temporarily erected in celebration
of the day. In the center of the Grande Place a stage was built for
dancing, and when the band played