r own desires.
Already had she opened her lips, and stretched forth her arms, when
she suddenly let them fall, with a shudder.

She had heard the loud rolling of a carriage, and she knew what it
meant. This carriage which stopped at her door--could it be the one in
which Feodor had come to take her? "It is too late--I cannot go back,"
muttered she low, and with drooping head she slowly left her father's
room in order to repair to her own chamber.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XV.

THE RIVALS.

Elise, immediately on reaching her room, hurried to the window and
looked into the street, already darkened by the shades of evening. She
was not mistaken--a carriage stood at the door; but to her surprise,
she did not perceive the signal agreed on, she did not hear the
post-horn blow the Russian air, "Lovely Minka, I must leave thee." Nor
was it the appointed hour; neither did her chambermaid, who waited in
the lower story, come to seek her. She still stood at the window,
and involuntarily she felt herself worried by this equipage. A sharp
knocking at the door was heard. Before she had time to come to any
determination, it was hastily opened, and Bertram entered with a lady,
deeply veiled, on his arm.

"Bertram!" cried Elise, drawing back shyly. "What do you wish here?"

"What do I wish here?" answered Bertram, earnestly. "I come to ask a
favor of my sister. I have promised this lady that she shall see and
speak with you. Will my sister fulfil her brother's promise?"

"What does the lady wish with me?" asked Elise, casting a timid look
toward the mysterious veiled figure.

"She will herself tell you. She requested me, with tears, to bring her
to Elise Gotzkowsky, for, she assured me, the happiness of her life
depended on it."

Elise felt an icy shudder run through her. She laid her hand on her
heart, as if to protect it against the terrible danger which she felt
threatened her, and with trembling lip she repeated, "What does the
lady wish with me?"

Bertram did not answer her, but letting go the arm of the unknown,
he bowed low. "Countess," said he, "this is Mademoiselle Elise
Gotzkowsky. I have fulfilled my promise: allow me now to leave you,
and may God impart convincing power to your words!"

He greeted the ladies respectfully, and left the room quickly. The
two ladies were now alone together. A pause ensued. Both trembled, and
neither ventured to break the silence.

"You desired