ie,
impetuously.

"Nothing at all. What should I say?" he replied, shrugging his
shoulders.

"Then I will speak with him." Marie called loudly after Splittgerber,
saying, "I have a word to speak to you."

The book-keeper remained standing near the door, and turning with
downcast face, demanded of Marie what she wished.

"I have something to tell you," she replied, with her usual tranquil,
proud demeanor, approaching Splittgerber, who regarded her with severity
and contempt, which she met with a gentle, friendly expression, a sweet
smile hovering on her lips.

Marie came close up to the old man, who awaited her with haughty
defiance, and never advanced one step to meet her--a lady splendidly
bedecked with diamonds and gold-embroidered satin. She whispered a few
words in his ear. He started, and, astonished, looked into her face, as
if questioning what he heard. She nodded, smiling, and bent again to say
a few words.

Suddenly Splittgerber seemed metamorphosed. His gloomy face brightened
a little, and his insolent glance was changed to one of deep emotion,
Bowing profoundly as he held the baroness's proffered hand to take
leave, he pressed it most respectfully to his lips.

"You will return in an hour?" Marie asked.

"Yes; I shall seek the gentlemen, and bring them with me," he graciously
replied.

"Thanks; I will then await you."

Splittgerber departed, and Marie returned to Ebenstreit who, amazed,
muttered some unintelligible words, having listened to her mysterious
conversation with the old book-keeper.

"Now to you, sir!" said she, her whole tone and manner changing to harsh
command; "the hour for settling our accounts has arrived--the hour that
I have awaited, purchasing it by four years of torture, self-contempt,
and despair. This comedy is at an end. I will buy of you my freedom. Do
you hear me? I will cast off these galley-chains. I will be free!"

"Oh, Marie!" he cried, retreating in terror, "with what fearful
detestation you regard me!"

"Do you wonder at it? Have I ever concealed this hate from you, or
ever given you hope to believe that a reconciliation would be possible
between us?"

"No, truly you have not, but now you will forgive me, for you know how I
love you, and have provided for your future. You will remain rich, and I
shall be poor."

Marie regarded him with unspeakable contempt. "You are more despicable
than I thought you were. You do not deserve forbearance or pity, for you
ar