t he treated her indifferently,
then harshly, and soon matters became so bad that she was obliged to
seek refuge from her husband's abuse in her parents' house. Her nerves
had been so shaken by the horrible scenes which she experienced, that
your American colleagues recommended a long residence in Europe for the
restoration of her health. She came here, and for several months has
lived in Frankfort, where the best society struggles for her. Yon can
imagine that a young and beautiful woman entirely alone, whose husband
is invisible, does not remain unassailed. Besides, there is the
American independence and confidence of manner which is often mistaken
for emancipation, and by which a man easily feels encouraged--in short,
serious attention has been paid to her, and she has seemed to accept
it. Then suddenly there came a repulse and a rupture, which has
already resulted in injury to several somewhat delicately strung
masculine hearts. Moreover she is very uneven in her manner. Often
gay, even reckless, devising pranks like a spoiled boy, then suddenly
reserved, distant, and stern. True, she is always intellectual, so
that I know many a man who is uncomfortable in her society, to say
nothing of women."

Frau von Jagerfeld had spoken eagerly in a low tone, with frequent
interruptions when courtesy compelled her to listen to the numerous
toasts which were chiefly proposed to her and to the master of the
house. Mrs. Burgess could not long fail to notice that the two persons
opposite were talking about her, and she smilingly shook her finger
across the table at her friend.

"Poor woman," murmured Bergmann, "so bitter in experience at the
threshold of life--But why does she endure her fate? It is so easy to
be set free in America."

"I don't know. Perhaps on account of her children."

"Ah--she has children?"

"Two; and it is strange and touching to see how she rears them. Often
she treats them like dolls, and amuses herself for hours by dressing
and undressing them, dragging them around the room, and then suddenly
dropping them in some sofa corner, head down and feet up. Then again,
she talks gravely and tenderly to the little creatures, and tries to
instil good principles--it is too comical. But she is a delightful
creature, oh, a delightful creature----"

The banquet was over, honor was done to the last toast from brimming
champagne glasses, and the guests went to the drawing-room. Several
minutes elaps