terrible explosions their
schemes have ignited, that cowards learn to taste what they fancy to be
the ecstasy of courage."

While I thought what a sorry adversary I should prove against such a
woman, with all the wiles of her nature, and all the seductions by which
she could display them, my eyes fell upon the packet from Fiume, which
still lay with its seal unbroken. I broke it open half carelessly. It
contained an envelope marked "Letters," and the following note:--

"Herr Owen,--With this you are informed that the house of Hodnig
and Oppovich has failed, dockets of bankruptcy having been yesterday
declared against that firm; the usual assignees will be duly appointed
by the court to liquidate, on such terms as the estate permits. Present
liabilities are currently stated as below eight millions of florins.
Actual property will not meet half that sum.

"Further negotiations regarding the Hunyadi contract on your part are
consequently unnecessary, seeing that the most favorable conditions you
could obtain would in no wise avert or even lessen the blow that has
fallen on the house.

"I am directed to enclose you by bill the sum of two hundred and
eighteen florins twenty-seven kreutzers, which at the current exchange
will pay your salary to the end of the present quarter, and also to
state that, having duly acknowledged the receipt of this sum to me
by letter, you are to consider yourself free of all engagement to the
house. I am also instructed to say that your zeal and probity will be
duly attested when any reference is addressed to the managers of this
estate.

"I am, with accustomed esteem and respect,

"Your devoted servant,

"Jacob Ulrich.

"P. S. Herr Ignaz is, happily for him, in a condition that renders him
unconscious of his calamity. The family has retired for the present
to the small cottage near the gate of the Abazzia Villa, called 'Die
Hutte,' but desires complete privacy, and declines all condolences.--J.
U.

"2nd P. S. The enclosed letters have arrived here during your absence."

So intensely imbued was my mind with suspicion and distrust, that it was
not till after long and careful examination I satisfied myself that this
letter was genuine, and that its contents might be taken as true. The
packet it enclosed would, however, have resolved all doubt; they were
three letters from my dear mother. Frequent reference was made to other
letters which had never reached me, and in which it was cle