A CONSPIRACY OF THE CARBONARI

BY

LOUISE MÜHLBACH, _Author of "Berlin and Sans Souci, " "Frederick the Great and His Family, "etc. , etc. _

TRANSLATED BY

MARY J. SAFFORD. 

F. TENNYSON NEELY, 114 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. 1896. 

COPYRIGHT, 1896

BY F. TENNYSON NEELY

Transcriber's note: Minor typos in text corrected, and footnotes moved to end of text. 

A CONSPIRACY OF THE CARBONARI. 

CHAPTER I. 

AFTER ESSLINGEN. 

It was the evening of the 22d of May, 1809, the fatal day inscribed inblood-stained letters upon the pages of history, the day which brought toNapoleon the first dimming of his star of good fortune, to Germany, andespecially to Austria, the first ray of dawn after the long and gloomynight. 

After so many victories and triumphs; after the battles of Tilsit, Austerlitz, and Jena, the humiliation of all Germany, the triumphal daysof Erfurt, when the great imperial actor saw before him a whole "parterreof kings;" after a career of victory which endured ten years, Napoleon onthe 22d of May, 1809, had sustained his first defeat, lost his firstbattle. True, he had made this victory cost dearly enough. There had beentwo days of blood and carnage ere the conflict was decided, but now, at theclose of these two terrible days, the fact could no longer be denied: theAustrians, under the command of the Archduke Charles, had vanquished theFrench at Aspern, though they were led by Napoleon himself. 

Terrible indeed had been those two days of the battle of Aspern orEsslingen. The infuriated foes hurled death to and fro from the mouths ofmore than four hundred cannon. The earth shook with the thunder of theirartillery, the stamping of their steeds; the air resounded with the shoutsof the combatants, who assailed each other with the fury of rage and hate, fearing not death, but defeat; scorning life if it must be owed to theconqueror's mercy, neither giving nor taking quarter, and in dying, prayingnot for their own souls, but for the defeat and humiliation of the enemy!

Never since those years of battle between France and Austria has thefighting been characterized by such animosity, such fierce fury on bothsides. Austria was struggling to avenge Austerlitz, France not to permitthe renown of that day to be darkened. 

"We will conquer or die!" was the shout with which the Austrians, for thetwenty-first time, had begun the battle against the enemy, who pressedforward across three bridges from the island of Lobau in the middle of theDanube, and whom the Austrians hated doubly that day, because anotherpainful wound had been dealt by the occupation of their capital--beautiful, beloved Vienna--the expulsion of the emperor and his family, and thepossession of the German city. 

Thus conquest to the Austrians meant also the release of Vienna from themastery of the foe, the opening the way to his capital to the EmperorFrancis, who had fled to Hungary. 

If the French were vanquished, it meant the confession to the world thatthe star of Napoleon's good fortune was paling; that he, too, was merely amortal who must bow to the will of a higher power; it meant destroying thefaith of the proud, victorious French army in its own invincibility. 

These were the reasons which rendered the battle so furious, sobloodthirsty on both sides; which led the combatants to rend each otherwith actual pleasure, with exulting rage. Each yawning wound was hailedwith a shout of joy by the person who inflicted it; each man who fell dyingheard, instead of the gentle lament of pity, the sigh of sympathy, thejeering laugh, the glad, victorious shout of the pitiless foe. 

Then Austrian generals, eagerly encouraging their men by their own exampleof bravery, pressed forward at the head of their troops. The ArchdukeCharles, though ill and suffering, had himself lifted upon his horse, and, in the enthusiasm of the struggle, so completely forgot his sickness thathe grasped the standard of a wavering battalion, dashed forward with it, and thereby induced the soldiers to rush once more, with eager shouts ofjoy, upon the foe. 

More than ten times the village of Aspern was taken by the French, morethan ten times it was recaptured by the Austrians; every step forward wasmarked by both sides with heaps of corpses, rivers of blood. Every foot ofground, every position conquered, however small, was the scene of furiousstrife. For the church in Aspern, the churchyard, single houses, nay, evensingle trees, bore evidence of the furious assault of the enemies upon eachother; whole battalions went with exulting shouts to death. 

On account of this intense animosity on both sides, this mutual desire forbattle thus stimulated to the highest pitch, the victory on the first dayremained undecided and the gathering darkness found the foes almost in thesame position which they had occupied at the beginning of the conflict. TheAustrians were still in dense masses on the shore of the Danube; the Frenchstill occupied the island of Lobau, and their three bridges conveyed themacross to the left bank of the Danube to meet the enemy. 

But the second day, after the most terrible butchery, the most desperatestruggle, was to see the victory determined. 

It belonged to the Austrians, to the Archduke Charles. He had decided it bya terrible expedient--the order to let burning vessels drift down theDanube against the bridges which connected the island of Lobau with theleft shore. The wind and the foaming waves of the river seemed on this dayto be allies of the Austrians; the wind swept the ships directly upon thebridges, densely crowded with dead bodies, wounded men, soldiers, horses, and artillery; the quivering tongues of flame seized the piles and blazedbrightly up till everything upon them plunged in terrible, inextricableconfusion down to the surging watery grave below. 

At the awful spectacle the whole French army uttered cries of anguish, theAustrians shouts of joy. 

Vainly did Napoleon himself ride through the ranks, calling in the belovedvoice that usually kindled enthusiasm so promptly: "I myself ordered thedestruction of the bridges, that you might have no choice between gloriousvictory or inevitable destruction. "

For the first time his soldiers doubted the truth of his words and did notanswer with the exultant cheer, "_Vive l' Empereur_. "

But they fought on bravely, furiously, desperately! And Napoleon, with hispallid iron countenance, remained with his troops, to watch everything, direct every movement, encourage his men, and give the necessary orders. His generals and aids surrounded him, listening respectfully though withgloomy faces to every word which fell, weighty and momentous as a sentenceof death, from the white, compressed lips. But a higher power than Napoleonwas sending its decrees of death even into the group of generals gatheredaround the master of the world; cannon balls had no reverence for theCæsar's presence; they tore from his side his dearest friend, his faithfulfollower, Marshal Lannes; they killed Generals St. Hilaire, Albuquerque andd'Espagne, the leaders of his brave troops, the curassiers, three thousandof whom remained that day on the battlefield; they wounded Marshal Massena, Marshal Bessières, and six other valiant generals. 

When evening came the battle was decided. Archduke Charles was the victor;the French army was forced back to the island of Lobau, whose bridges hadbeen severed by the burning ships; the triumphant Austrians were encampedaround Esslingen and Aspern, whose unknown names have been illumined sincethat day with eternal renown. 

The island of Lobau presented a terrible chaos of troops, horses, woundedmen, artillery, corpses and luggage; the wounded and dying wailed andmoaned, the uninjured fairly shrieked and roared with fury. And, as ifNature wished to add her bold alarum to the mournful dirge of men, thestorm-lashed waves of the Danube thundered around the island, dashed theirfoam-crested surges on the shore, and, in many places, created crimsonlakes where, instead of boats, blood-stained bodies floated with yawningwounds. It seemed as if the Styx had flowed to Lobau to spare the ferrymanCharon the arduous task of conveying so many corpses to the nether world, and for the purpose transformed itself into a single vast funeral barge. 

Napoleon, the victor of so many battles, the man before whom all Europetrembled, all the kings of the world bowed in reverence and admiration; hewho, with a wave of his hand, had overturned and founded dynasties, was nowforced to witness all this--compelled to suffer and endure like anyordinary mortal!

He sat on a log near the shore, both elbows propped on his knees, and hispale iron face supported by his small white hands, glittering withdiamonds, gazing at the roaring waves of the Danube and the throng of humanbeings who surrounded him. 

Behind him, in gloomy silence, stood his generals--he did not notice them. His soldiers marched before him--he did not heed them. But they saw him, and turned from him to the mountains of corpses, to the moaning woundedmen, the pools of blood which everywhere surrounded them, then gazed oncemore at him whom they were wont to hail exultingly as their hero, theirearthly god, and whom to-day, for the first time, they execrated; whom inthe fury of their grief they even ventured to accuse and to scorn. 

But he did not hear. He heard naught save the voices in his own breast, towhose gloomy words the wails and groans of the wounded formed a horriblechorus. 

Suddenly he rose slowly, and turning toward Marshal Bessières, who, withhis wounded arm in a sling, stood nearest to him, Napoleon pointed to theriver. 

"To Ebersdorf!" he said, in his firm, imperious voice. "You will accompanyme, marshal. You too, gentlemen, " he added, turning to the capturedAustrian General Weber, and the Russian General Czernitschef, who hadarrived at Napoleon's headquarters the day before the battle on a specialmission from the Czar Alexander, and been a very inopportune witness of hisdefeat. 

The two generals bowed silently and followed the emperor, who went hastilydown to the shore. A boat with four oarsmen lay waiting for him, and histwo valets, Constant and Roustan, stood beside the skiff to help theemperor enter. 

He thrust back their hands with a swift gesture of repulse, and steppedslowly and proudly down into the swaying, rocking boat which was to bearthe Cæsar and his first misfortune to his headquarters, Castle Ebersdorf. He darted a long angry glance at the foaming waves roaring around theskiff, a glance before which the bravest of his marshals would havetrembled, but which the insensible waters, tossing and surging below, swallowed as they had swallowed that day so many of his soldiers. Then, sinking slowly down upon the seat which Roustan had prepared for him ofcushions and coverlets, he again propped his arms on his knees, rested hisface in his hands, and gazed into vacancy. The companions whom he hadordered to attend him, and his two valets followed, and the boat put offfrom the shore, and danced, whirling hither and thither, over thefoam-crested waves. 

But amid the roar of the river, the plash of the dipping oars, was heardthe piteous wailing of the wounded, the loud oaths and jeers of thesoldiers who had rushed down to the shore, and, with clenched fists, hurledexecrations after the emperor, accusing him, with angry scorn, of perfidybecause he left them in this hour of misfortune. 

Napoleon did not hear the infuriated shouts of his soldiery; he waslistening to the tempest, the waves, and the menacing voices in his ownbreast. 

Once only he raised himself from his bowed posture and again darted anangry glance at the foaming water as if he wished to lash the hated elementwith the look, as Xerxes had done with iron chains. 

"The Danube, with its furious surges, and the storm with its mad power, have conquered me, " he cried in a loud, angry voice. "Ay, all Nature mustrise in rebellion and wrath to wrest a victory from me. Nature, notArchduke Charles, has vanquished me!"

The waves roared and danced recklessly on, wholly unmindful of theemperor's wrathful exclamation; they sang and thundered a poem of theirmight, jeering him: "Beware of offending us, for we can avenge ourselves;we hold your fate in our power. Beware of offending us, for we are bearingyou on our backs in a fragile boat, and the Cæsar and his empire weigh nomore than the lightest fisherman with his nets. Beware of offending us, foryou are nothing but an ordinary man; mortal as the poorest beggar, and, ifwe choose, we will drag you down to our cold, damp grave. Beware ofoffending us!" Did he understand the song of the mocking waves? Was thatwhy so deep a frown of wrath rested on his brow?

He again sank into his gloomy reverie, which no one ventured todisturb--no one save the jeering surges. 

Yet he seemed to think that some one addressed him, that some one whom hemust answer had spoken. 

"Why, yes, " he cried, shrugging his shoulders, "yes, it is true, I havelost a battle! But when one has gained forty victories, it really is notanything extraordinary if he _loses_ one engagement. "[A]

No one ventured to answer this exclamation. The emperor did not seem toexpect it; perhaps he did not even know that any one had heard what heanswered the menacing voice in his own soul. 

Now the boat touched the shore, where carriages were ready to convey theemperor and his suite to Ebersdorf. 

His whole staff, all his marshals and generals, were waiting for him beforethe door of the castle. With bared heads, in stiff military attitude, theyreceived their lord and master, the august emperor, expecting a graciousgreeting. But he passed on without looking at them, without even salutingthem by a wave of his hand. They looked after him with wondering, angryeyes, and, like the glittering tail of a comet, followed him into thecastle, up the steps, and into the hall. 

But as they entered the reception-room where he usually talked with them, Napoleon had already vanished in his private office, whose door swiftlyclosed behind him. 

The marshals and generals, aids and staff officers, still waited. Theemperor would surely return, they thought. He still had to give them hiscommands for the next day, his orders concerning what was to be done on theisland of Lobau, what provision should be made for the care of the wounded, the sustenance of the uninjured, the rescue of the remains of his army. 

But they waited in vain; Napoleon did not return to them, gave them noorders. After half an hour's futile expectation, Roustan glided through thelittle door of the private room into the hall, and, with a very importantair, whispered to the listening officers that the emperor had gone to bedimmediately, and had scarcely touched the pillows ere he sunk into a deepsleep. 

Yes, the Emperor Napoleon was sleeping, and his generals glided on tiptoeout of the hall and discussed outside the measures which they must nowadopt on their own account to rescue the luckless fragment of the army fromthe island of Lobau, and make arrangements for building new bridges. 

Yes, the Emperor Napoleon was sleeping! He slept all through the night, through the broad light of the next day--slept when his whole staff hadgone to Lobau--slept when bodies of his infuriated guards rushed into thecastle and, unheeding the emperor's presence, plundered the cellars andstorerooms[B]--slept when, in the afternoon of that day, his marshals andgenerals returned to Castle Ebersdorf, in order at last to receive theemperor's commands. 

They would not, could not believe that the commander-in-chief was stillsleeping It seemed perfectly impossible that he, the illustriousstrong-brained Cæsar, could permit himself to be subjugated by the commonpetty need of human nature in these hours when every second's delay mightdecide the destiny of many thousands. This sleep could be no natural one;perhaps the emperor, exhausted by fatigue and mental excitement, had falleninto a stupor; perhaps he was sleeping never to wake again. They must seehim, they must convince themselves. They called Roustan and asked him totake them to the emperor's couch. 

He did not refuse, he only entreated them to step lightly, to hold theirbreath, in order not to wake the emperor; then gliding before them to theroom, he drew back the _portières_ of the chamber. The officers followed, stealing along on tiptoe, and gazed curiously, anxiously, into the quiet, curtained room. Yes, there on the low camp-bed, lay the emperor. He had noteven undressed, but lay as if on parade in full uniform, with his militarycloak flung lightly across his feet. He had sunk down in this attitudetwenty-two hours before, and still lay motionless and rigid. 

But he was sleeping! It was not stupor, it was not death, it was only sleepwhich held him captive. His breath came slowly, regularly; his face wasslightly flushed, his eyes were calmly closed. The emperor was sleeping!His generals need feel no anxiety; they might return to the drawing-roomwith relieved hearts. They did so, stealing noiselessly again through theprivate office into the hall, whose door had been left ajar that the noisemight not rouse the sleeper. 

Yet, once within the hall, they looked at each other with wondering eyes, astonished faces. 

He was really asleep; he could sleep. 

He was untroubled, free from care. Yet if the Archduke Charles desired it, the whole army was lost. He need only remain encamped with his troops onthe bank of the Danube to expose the entire force to hunger, todestruction. 

As they talked angrily, with gloomy faces, they again gazed at each otherwith questioning eyes, and looked watchfully around the drawing-room. Noone was present except the group of marshals, generals and colonels. Noone could overhear them, no one could see how one, Colonel Oudet, raisedhis right hand and made a few strange, mysterious gestures in the air. 

Instantly every head bowed reverently, every voice whispered a single word:"Master. "

"My brothers, " replied Colonel Oudet in a low tone, "important things arebeing planned, and we must be ready to see them appear in tangible form atany moment. "

"We are prepared, " murmured all who were present. "We await the commands ofour master. "

"I have nothing more to say, except that you are to hold yourselves ready;for the great hour of vengeance and deliverance is approaching. The greatSociety of the Carbonari, whose devoted members you are--"

"Whose great and venerated head you are, " replied General Massena, with alow bow. 

"The Society of the Carbonari, " Colonel Oudet continued, without heedingMassena's words, "the Society of the Carbonari watches its faithlessmember, the renegade son of the Revolution, the Emperor Napoleon, and willsoon have an opportunity to avenge his perfidy. Keep your hands on yourswords and be watchful; strive to spread the spirit of our order more andmore through the army; initiate more and more soldiers into our league asbrothers; be mindful of the great object: we will free France from theCæsarism forced upon her. Look around you in your circles and seek thehand which will be ready to make the renegade son of the society vanishfrom the world. "

"He is the scourge of our native land, " said one of the generals. "Hisrestless ambition constantly plunges us into new wars, rouses the hatred ofall Europe against France, and this hatred will one day burst into brightflames and plunge France into destruction. "

"He is destroying the prosperity of the country for generations, " saidanother; he is robbing wives of their husbands, fathers of their sons, labor of sturdy arms. The fields lie untilled, the workshops are deserted, trade is prostrate, and all this to gratify a single man's desire for war. "

"Therefore it is necessary to make this one man harmless, " said a third. "If no hand is found to slay him, there are arms strong enough to seizehim, bind him, and deliver him to those whose prison doors are always opento receive the hated foe who blockades their harbors denies their goodsadmittance to France and all the countries he has conquered and everywhereconfronts them as their bitter enemy. "

"Yes, England is ready and watchful, " whispered another. "She promisesthose who have the courage to dare the great deed, a brilliant reward; sheoffers a million florins and perpetual concealment of their names, as soonas the Emperor Napoleon is delivered to her. "

"Then let us seek men who are bold, ambitious, resolute, and money-lovingenough to venture such a deed, " said Colonel Oudet. "Form connections withthose who hate him; be cautious, deliberate and beware of traitors. "

"We will be cautious and deliberate, " they all replied submissively; "wewill beware of traitors. "

"But while determining to free France from the ambitious conqueror who isleading her to destruction, " said Colonel Oudet, "we must consider what isto be done when the great work is accomplished, when the tyrant is removed. It is evident to you all that the present condition of affairs ought not tolast. France now depends upon a single life; a single person forms herdynasty, and when he sinks into the grave, France will be exposed tocaprice, to chance; every door to intrigue will be opened. We must secureFrance from every peril. We have now seen, for the first time, that theproud emperor is only a mere mortal. Had the bullet which wounded his footat Regensburg struck his head, France would probably be, at the presentmoment, in the midst of civil war, and the Legitimists, the Republicans, and the adherents of Napoleon would dispute the victory with each other. Wemust try to avert the most terrible of all misfortunes, civil war; theemperor is not merely mortal; we do not merely have to consider his death, but we must also know what is to happen in case our plan succeeds and he isplaced in captivity. We must have ready the successor, the successor whowill at once render the Republic and the return of the Bourbons alikeimpossible. Do any of you know a successor thus qualified?"

"I know one, " replied General Marmont. 

"And I! And I! And I!"

"General Marmont, " said Oudet, "you spoke first. Will you tell us the nameof the person who seems to you worthy to be Napoleon's successor?"

"I do not venture to speak until the head of the Carbonari has named theman whom _he_ has chosen. "

"Then you did not hear me request you to speak, " said Oudet, in a tone ofstern rebuke. "Speak, Marmont, but it will be better to exercise cautionand not let the walls themselves hear what we determine. So form a circlearound me, and let one after another put his lips to my ear and whisper thename of him who should be Napoleon's successor. "

Marshals and generals obeyed the command and formed a close circle aroundOudet, whose tall, slender figure towered above them all, and whosehandsome pale face, with its enthusiastic blue eyes, formed a strangecontrast to the grave, defiant countenances which encircled him. 

"Marmont, do you begin!" said Oudet, in his gentle, solemn tones. 

The general bent close to Oudet and whispered something into his ear, thenhe stepped back and made way for another, who was followed by a third, anda fourth. 

"My brothers, " said Oudet, after all had spoken, "my brothers, I see withpleasure that the same spirit, the same conviction rules among you. Youhave all uttered the same name; you have all said that Eugene Beauharnais, the Viceroy of Italy, would be the fitting and desired successor ofNapoleon. I rejoice in this unanimity, and, in my position as one of theheads of the great society, I give your choice my approval. The invisibleones--the heads who are above us all, and from whom I, like the other threechiefs of the league, receive my orders--the invisible ones have alsochosen Eugene Beauharnais for the future emperor of France. Thereby thesuccession would be secured, and as soon as, by the emperor's death orimprisonment, the throne of France is free, we will summon Eugene deBeauharnais to be emperor of the French. May God grant His blessing uponour work and permit us soon to find the hands we need to rid France of hertyrant. "

At that moment the door opening into the emperor's study, which hadremained ajar, was flung open and Napoleon stood on the threshold. Hisiron face, which his officers had just seen in the repose of sleep, was nowagain instinct with power and energy; his large eyes were fixed upon hisgenerals with an expression of strange anger, and seemed striving to readthe very depths of their hearts; his thin lips were firmly compressed as ifto force back an outburst of indignation which the gloomy frown on his brownevertheless revealed. 

But the wrathful, threatening expression soon vanished from the emperor'scountenance, and his features resumed their cold, impenetrable expression. 

He moved swiftly forward several steps and greeted with a hasty nod theofficers who had all bowed respectfully before him, and stood motionless inabsolute silence. 

"General Bertrand, " said the emperor, in his sonorous, musical voice, "youwill proceed at once to the island of Lobau to make preparations for thegreat bridge-building which must be commenced at once and completed withina week. The restoration and strengthening of the bridges which connect theisland of Lobau and the other little islands with the right bank of theDanube is our principal task for the moment. Be mindful of that, general, and act accordingly. General Massena, you will undertake with me theprincipal direction of this bridge-building, and accompany me daily to theisland of Lobau. Bertrand will direct the building of the four firm bridgeswhich will connect Lobau with the shore of the Danube. We will select theplaces for six bridges of boats which must also be thrown across. Toprevent interruption, the Austrians must be occupied, and Generals Fouchetand Roguet will therefore post batteries of fifty cannon and bomb-proofstorehouses for ammunition, in order not only to keep the enemy from theleft bank, but also to drive him out of all the islands in the Danube. Youwill all take care to execute my orders with the utmost rapidity andpunctiliousness. The Austrians disputed the victory with us at Esslingen;in their arrogance they will perhaps even go so far as to assert that_they_ obtained it; so I will give them a battle in which the victory willbe on my side so undoubtedly that the Austrians must bow without resistancebeneath its heavy, imperious hand. The bridge-building is the first andmost necessary condition of this conquest. It must be carried on swiftly, cautiously, secretly--the enemy must not suspect where the bridges will beerected; all the portions of the structures must be made on the island ofLobau, then the bridges must appear out of nothingness, like a miraclebefore the astonished eyes of the foe. These bridges, gentlemen, will bethe road for us all to gain new laurels, win fresh victories, and surroundthe immortal fame of our eagles with new glory. I went to Germany tochastise and force into submission and obedience the insolent Germanprinces who wished to oppose me. I know that they are conspiring, thattheir treacherous designs are directed toward robbing France of hersovereign, who was summoned to his authority by the will of the Frenchnation. But they, like all who venture to rebel against me, must learnthat God has placed in my hand the sword of retribution and of vengeance, and that it will crush those who blasphemously seek to conspire against meand dispute my power. Austria has done this, Prussia would fain attempt it, but I will deter Prussia by chastising Austria. To work, gentlemen! In sixweeks, at latest, we must give Austria a decisive battle which will make itdepend solely on my will whether I permit the house of Hapsburg to reignlonger or bury it in the nonentity of inglorious oblivion!"

After the emperor, standing among his silent generals, had spoken in avoice which rose louder and louder till it finally echoed like menacingthunder through the hall, he nodded a farewell, by a haughty bend of thehead, and returned to his office, whose door he now not merely left ajar, but closed with a loud bang. 

With his hands behind his back, an angry expression upon his face, and afrowning brow, the emperor paced up and down his room, absorbed in gloomythought. Sometimes a flash of indignation illumined his face, and he raisedhis arm with a threatening gesture, as if, like a second Jupiter, to hurlback into the depths the Titans who dared to rise to his throne. 

"To appoint a successor, " he muttered in a fierce, threatening tone, "theydare to think, to busy themselves with that. The ingrates! It is I who gavethem fame, honor, titles, wealth; they are already cogitating about mydeath--my successor! It is a conspiracy which extends throughout the wholearmy. I know it. I was warned in Spain against the plots of the Carbonari, and the caution has been repeated here. And I must keep silence. I cannotpunish the traitors, for that would consign the majority of my generals tothe ax of the executioner. But I will give them all a warning example. Iwill intimidate them, let them have an intimation that I am aware of theirtreacherous plans. "

He sank down into the armchair which stood before his writing-desk, took apen-knife and began to mark and cut the arm of the chair with as much zealand perseverance as if the object in view was to accomplish some useful andurgent task. Then, when the floor was covered with tiny chips, and theblack, delicately carved wood of the old-fashioned armchair was markedwith white streaks and spots, the emperor hurled the knife down and rosehastily from his seat. 

"This Colonel Oudet must die, " he said, each word falling slowly andimpressively from his lips. "I cannot crush all the limbs, but I will makethe head fall, and that will paralyze them. Yes, this Colonel Oudet mustdie!"

Then, as if the sentence of death which he had just uttered had relievedhis soul of an oppressive burden, and lightened his heart, the gloomyexpression vanished from his face, which was now almost brightened by a rayof joy. 

Seizing the silver hand-bell, he rang it violently twice. Instantly thedoor leading into his sleeping-room opened and Roustan, gliding in, stoodhumbly and silently awaiting the emperor's orders. 

Napoleon, with a slight nod, beckoned to him to approach, and whenRoustan, like a tiger-cat, noiselessly reached his side with two swiftbounds, the emperor gazed with a long, searching look into the crafty, smiling face of his Mameluke. 

"So you listened to the conversation between the generals?" asked theemperor. 

"I don't know, sire, " said Roustan, shaking his head eagerly. "I probablydid not understand everything, for they spoke in low tones, and sometimes Ilost the connection. But I heard them talking about my illustrious emperorand master, so, as your majesty meanwhile had awaked, I thought itadvisable to inform you that the generals were having a conversation in thedrawing-room, because your majesty might perhaps desire to take part init. "

"You did right, Roustan, " said the emperor, with the pleasant smile thatwon every heart; "yes, you did right, and I will reward you for it. You cango to Bourrienne and have him pay you a hundred gold pieces. "

"Oh, sire, " cried Roustan, "then I shall be very happy, for I shall have ahundred portraits of my worshiped emperor. "

"Which you will doubtless scatter to the four winds quickly enough, youspendthrift, " exclaimed Napoleon. "But listen, you rogue: besides myhundred gold portraits, I'll give you a bit of advice which is worth morethan the gold coins. Forget everything that you have heard to-day, bewareof treasuring in your memory even a single word of the generals, orrecollecting that you have called my attention to it. "

"Sire, " replied Roustan, with an expression of astonishment, "Sire, Ireally do not know what your majesty is talking about, and what I couldhave said or heard. I only know that my gracious emperor and master hasgiven me a hundred gold napoleons, and present happiness has so overpoweredme, so bewildered my senses that I have lost my memory. "

The emperor laughed, and as a special proof of his favor pinched theMameluke's ear so hard that the latter with difficulty concealed hissuffering under a smile of delight. 

CHAPTER II. 

LEONORE DE SIMONIE. 

Napoleon's word was fulfilled! Scarcely two months had passed when heavenged the battle of Aspern on Austria, and twined fresh laurels ofvictory around his brow. On the 6th of July a conflict occurred whichcompleted Austria's misfortunes and wrested from her all the advantageswhich the victory of Aspern had scarcely won. 

The fight of Wagram gave Austria completely into the hands of the victor, made Napoleon again master of the German empire, compelled the EmperorFrancis and his whole family to seek refuge in Hungary, and yielded Viennaand its environs to the conqueror's will. The French imperial army, amidthe clash of military music, again entered Vienna, whose inhabitants wereforced to bow their heads to necessity in gloomy silence, and submit toreceiving and entertaining their victorious foes as guests in their homes. The Emperor Napoleon selected Schönbrunn for his residence, and seemedinclined to rest comfortably there after the fresh victory won at Wagram. It had indeed been a victory, but it had cost great and bloody sacrifices. Thrice a hundred thousand men had confronted each other on this memorable6th of July, 1809; eight hundred cannon had shaken the earth all dayincessantly with their terrible thunder, and the course of their balls wasmarked on both sides with heaps of corpses. Both armies had fought withtremendous fury and animosity, for the Austrians wished to add freshlaurels to the fame just won at Aspern, the French to regain what the daysof Esslingen at least rendered doubtful: the infallibility of success, theconviction that victory would ever be associated with their banners. 

It was the fury of the conflict which made the victory uncertain. TheAustrians showed themselves heroes on the day of Wagram, and for a longtime it seemed as if victory would fall to them. But Napoleon, who seemedto be indefatigable and tireless, who all day long did not leave his horse, directing and planning everything himself, perceived in time the danger ofhis troops and brought speedy and effective reinforcements to the alreadyyielding left wing of the army. But more than twenty thousand men on bothsides had fallen victims on this terrible field. Though Napoleon, in hisbulletins of victory, exultingly announced to the world another magnificenttriumph, France did not join enthusiastically as usual in the rejoicing ofthe commander-in-chief, for she had been obliged to pay for the new laurelswith the corpses of too many thousands of her sons, and the pæans ofvictory were drowned by the sighs and lamentations of so many thousandorphaned children, widowed wives, and betrothed maidens. 

Napoleon seemed to pay little heed to this; he was enjoying at Schönbrunnhis victory and his triumph; he gathered his brilliant staff around him, gave superb entertainments, and by parades and reviews lured the Vienneseto Schönbrunn to witness the brilliant spectacle. 

In Vienna, also, the conquerors arranged magnificent festivals, seeking towin the favor of the conquered people by the amusements offered them. TheFrench governor-general of Vienna, Count Andreossy, zealously endeavored tocollect around him the remains of the Austrian aristocracy, attract thesociety of the capital by elegant dinners, balls, and receptions, and sincethe armistice of Znaim, which occurred soon after the battle of Wagram hadput an end to hostilities the Viennese appeared disposed to accept thetruce and attend the brilliant entertainments and pleasant amusementsoffered by Count Andreossy. 

The latter was not the only person who opened his drawing-rooms to theViennese; others soon followed; fashionable Parisian society seemed forthe time to have transferred its gay circle from Paris to Vienna; to makein the German imperial capital propaganda for the gay, intellectual, andbrilliant circle of the imperial capital of France. 

Beautiful women, distinguished by illustrious names, by wealth and charm, suddenly appeared in Vienna, opened their drawing-rooms, and seemed to makeit their object to reconcile the hostile elements of French and Germansociety, smooth away contrasts and bring them together. 

Among these ladies whom the victory brought to Vienna, the beautiful Madamede Simonie was conspicuous as a brilliant and unusual person. She wasyoung, lovely, endowed with rare intellectual gifts, understood how to dothe honors of her drawing-room with the most subtle tact, and was bettersuited than any one to act as mediator between the Viennese and the French, since she herself belonged to both nations. A German by birth, she hadmarried a Frenchman, lived several years in Paris with her husband, one ofthe richest bankers in the capital, and now, being widowed, had come toVienna in order, as she said, to divert the minds of her countrymen fromthe great grief which the loss of their beloved capital caused them. 

Beautiful Leonore de Simonie certainly appeared to be thoroughly in earnestin her purpose to divert their minds from their great grief. Every eveningher drawing-rooms were thrown open for the reception of guests; everyevening all the generals, French courtiers, and people who belonged togood society in France were present; every evening more and more Germansand Viennese went to Madame de Simonie's, until it seemed as if sheafforded Viennese and Parisian society a place of meeting where, forgettingmutual aversion and hatred, they associated in love and harmony. 

To be a visitor at Madame de Simonie's therefore soon became a synonym ofaristocracy in the new fashionable society of Vienna, which was composed ofso many different elements. The foreigners who had come to the Austriancapital, attracted by the renown of the French emperor, or led byselfishness, strove with special earnestness to obtain the _entrée_ toMadame de Simonie's drawing-room, for there they were sure of meeting thosewhose acquaintance was profitable; by whose meditation they might hope toobtain access to the presence of the French emperor. 

The day before Baroness Leonore had given a brilliant entertainment. Untila late hour of the night all the windows of the story which she occupied inone of the palaces on the Graben were brightly lighted; the curious, characterless poor people had gathered in the street to watch the carriagesroll up and away, and gaze at the windows whence the candles blazing in thechandeliers shone down upon them, and behind whose panes they saw in swiftalternation so many gold-embroidered uniforms, so many showy ball dresses. 

As has been said, it was a brilliant entertainment and the Baroness deSimonie might well be content with it; for though the hostess she had alsobeen its queen. Every one, French as well as Austrians, Russians andItalians, Hungarians and Poles, had offered her enthusiastic homage; hadexpressed in glowing encomiums their greatful thanks for the magnificentfestival she had given. 

She had been radiant, too, in grace and beauty yesterday evening. Thegayest jests were throned upon her scarlet lips, the proudest light hadsparkled in her large black eyes, the most radiant roses of youth hadbloomed on her delicate cheeks, and the long black tresses which, withwonderful luxuriance, encircled her high white brow, had been to many theArmida nets in which their hearts were prisoned. 

But to-day, on the morning after this festival, all that was left of thebrilliant queen of the ball was a pale, exhausted young woman, who lay onthe divan with a sorrowful expression in her eyes, while ever and anon deepsighs of pain escaped from her breast. 

She was in her boudoir, whose equipments displayed French luxury and taste. Everything about her bore the appearance of wealth, happiness, andpleasure, yet her face was sad--yet Leonore de Simonie sighed--yet her lipssometimes murmured words of lamentation, satiety, even bitter suffering. But suddenly a ray of delight flitted over her face; a happy smilebrightened her pale features; and this was when, among the many letters theservant had just brought to her, she discovered the little note which shehad just read and then, with passionate impetuosity, pressed to her lips. 

"He will come, oh, he will come; he will be with me in an hour!" shewhispered, again glancing over the note with beaming, happy eyes, and thenthrusting it into her bosom. 

"This is mine, " she said softly; "my property; no one shall dispute it withme, and--"

A tremor ran through every limb, a burning blush crimsoned her cheeks, thenyielded to a deep pallor--she had heard steps approaching in thedrawing-room outside, recognized the voice which called her name. 

"He is coming!" she murmured. "It is he! My executioner is approaching tobegin the tortures of the rack afresh. "

At that moment the door which led into the apartment really did open, and alittle gentleman, daintily and fashionably attired, entered. 

"May I venture to pay my respects to Baroness de Simonie?" he asked, pausing at the door and bowing low, with a smiling face. 

Leonore did not answer. She lay motionless on the divan, her beautifulfigure outstretched at full length, her face calm and indifferent, herlarge eyes uplifted with a dreamy expression to the ceiling. 

"Madame la Baronne does not seem to have heard me, " said the gentleman, shrugging his shoulders. "I ventured to ask the question whether I couldpay my respects to you. "

Still she did not move, did not turn her eyes toward him, but said in aloud, distinct voice: "You see. We are alone! What is the use of playingthis farce?"

"Well, " he cried, laughing, "your answer shows that we are really alone andneed no mask. Good-day, then, Leonore, or rather good-morning, for, as Isee, you are still in your dressing-gown and probably have just risen fromyour couch. "

"It was four o'clock in the morning when the guests departed and I could goto rest, " she said, still retaining her recumbent attitude. 

"It is true, the entertainment lasted a very long time, " he cried, droppingunceremoniously into the armchair which stood beside the divan. "Moreover, it is true that you were an admirable hostess and understood how to do thehonors of your house most perfectly. The gentlemen were all completelybewitched by you, and, in my character of your uncle and social guide, Ireceived more clasps of the hand and embraces than ever before in my wholelife. "

"I can imagine how much it amused you, " she said coldly and indifferently. 

"Yes, " he cried, laughing, "I admit that it amused me, especially when Ithought what horror and amazement would fill these haughty aristocrats whoyesterday offered me their friendship, if they knew who and what we bothreally were. "

"I wish they did know, " she said quietly. 

"Heaven forbid!" he cried, starting up. "What put such a mad, preposterouswish into your head?"

"I am bored, " she replied. "I am weary of perpetually playing a farce. "

"But how are we playing a farce?" he asked in astonishment. "We are tryingto make our fortune, or as the French more correctly express it, _Nouscorrigous notre fortune_. Why do you call it playing a farce?"

"Because we pretend to be what we are not, honest aristocrats. "

"My dear, you are combining what is rarely put together in life; for yousee aristocratic people are rarely honest, and honest folk are seldomaristocrats. "

"But we are neither, " she said quietly. 

"The more renown for us that we appear to be both, " he cried, laughing, "and that no one suspects us. My dear Leonore seems to have an attack ofmelancholy to-day, which I have never witnessed in her before, and whichrenders me suspicious. "

"Suspicious?" she asked, and, for the first time, turned her head slightly, fixing her eyes with a questioning glance upon the old man who sat besideher, nodding and smiling. "Suspicious! I don't know what you mean. "

"Well, I really did not intend to say anything definite, " he replied, smiling. "I only meant that it is strange to see you suddenly so depressedby your position, which hitherto so greatly amused you. And, because thisseemed strange, I sought--searching you know is a trait of human nature--Isought the cause of this new mood. "

"Do you think you have found it?" she asked carelessly. 

"Perhaps so, " he said, smiling. "The most clever and experienced woman maybe deluded by love, and suffer her reason to be clouded by sweet, alluringvisions. "

"You mean that I have done so?"

"Yes, that is what I mean; but it gives me no further anxiety, for I haveconfidence that your reason will soon conquer your heart. So I do notgrudge you the rare satisfaction of enjoying the bliss of being loved. OnlyI warn you not to take the matter seriously and strive to make the dream areality. "

"And if that should happen, what would you do?"

"I would be inexorable, " he answered sternly. "I would tell who and whatyou are. "

She lay motionless; her face still retained its calm, indifferentexpression, only for a moment an angry flash darted from her eyes at theold gentleman, but she lowered her lids over them, as if they must notbetray the secrets of her soul. 

A pause followed, interrupted only by the slow, regular ticking of thegreat Rococo clock which stood on the marble mantelpiece. 

"You will not find it necessary to make such disclosures, " Leonore said atlast, slowly and wearily, "for you are perfectly right, I shall never grantlove the mastery over my future. I know who I am, and that says everything. It will never be requisite to communicate it to others. "

"I am sure of it, " he said kindly. "And now, my dear Leonore, let us saynothing about our private affairs and pass on to business. "

"Yes, let us do so, " she answered quietly. "I am waiting for yourquestions. "

"Then first: what did Count Andreossy want, when he begged for an interviewso urgently yesterday evening?"

"You were listening?" she asked calmly. 

"I heard it. I would gladly have listened to your conversation, but youwere malicious enough to grant him the interview in the little cornerdrawing-room, which has but a single entrance. So it was impossible toenter it unnoticed. Well, what did the count want?"

"He wanted to tell me that he loved me unutterably. He wanted to implorethe favor of accepting from him the _coupé_ with the two dapple-grays, inwhich he drove me yesterday, and which I had praised. "

"I hope that you granted the favor. "

"I did. The equipage will be sent to-day. "

"The dapple-grays are remarkably beautiful, " said the old gentleman, rubbing his hands contentedly. "They are worth at least a thousand florins, and the _coupé_ is a model of elegance and beauty. The count received itfrom Paris a fortnight ago. But how did you repay Andreossy for his regalgift?"

"I told him that I detested him, and that he need never hope for my love. "

"Yet you accepted his gift?" he asked, smiling. 

"Yes. I accepted it because he entreated it as the first and greatestfavor, and because, after the deep sorrow I had caused him, I could nothelp granting so small a boon. "

"Magnificent!" he cried, laughing; "you talk like a reigning queen, accepting gifts from her vassal. Then the count loves you passionately, does he not?"

"He loves nothing except himself and his ambition. He would like to obtainthe title of prince from Napoleon. "

"And he believes that you could aid him?"

"Indirectly, yes. If I help him to discover an affair which is of greatimportance to the emperor, and for whose disclosure he could not fail toreward Count Andreossy. "

"What kind of an affair?"

"A conspiracy, " she said quietly. 

"A conspiracy? Against whom?"

"Against the Emperor Napoleon. Andreossy naturally believes me to be anenthusiastic admirer of his emperor, and therefore he imparted to me hisfears and conjectures. The point in question is a widespread conspiracy, which is said to exist in the French army and have assistants among theAustrians. "

"And _you_? Do you believe in this conspiracy?"

"I am on the track and perhaps shall soon be able to give the particulars. Only it requires time and great caution and secrecy. Let me say no morenow, but I promise that I will be active and watchful. Only I make onecondition. "

"What is that?"

"If I succeed in discovering this conspiracy, delivering the leaders intoyour hands, giving the emperor undeniable proofs of the existence of thisplot, perhaps even saving his life by the disclosure; if I succeed, as Isaid, in doing all this, then you will release me and permit me to leaveVienna. "

"To go where?"

"Wherever I wish, only alone, only not--"

"Only not with you, you wanted to say, " he added, completing the sentence. "My child, you see that I was right in remarking that a change had takenplace in you. Formerly you were glad to be with me; you never felt a wishto leave me; formerly it was your ardent desire to occupy a brilliantposition in society, to be rich, aristocratic, brilliant, influential; andnow, when you have attained all this, now you are still unsatisfied, nowyou long to resign all this again. But you will reflect, Leonore; you willlisten to reason. You will consider what we have suffered from thepettiness, the pitifulness, the arrogance, and the selfishness of men. Youwill remember how often you vowed, with angry tears, to avenge yourselfsome day for all that we have suffered. Remember, child, remember! Have youforgotten how we starved and pined, when your mother died, because we wereso poor that, in her illness, we could not give her the necessary nursing, could not pay a doctor. Have you forgotten how we both knelt beside hercorpse and, with tears of grief and anger, swore to avenge the death of thepoor sufferer upon cruel men, base society?"

"I know it, father, yes, I know it, " she answered, panting for breath, asshe slowly raised her hands and pressed them on her bosom as if to forcedown the anguish within. "Ah, yes, I shall never forget it! That was thehour when we both sold ourselves to hell. "

"Until that time I had been an honest man, " he continued. "I had toiled inhonest ways to obtain support for my family and myself. I had earnestlyendeavored to make my knowledge profitable--humble enough to be willing toteach for the lowest price, to offer my services everywhere. But I couldget no employment; people wanted no teacher of music; everywhere I waspitilessly turned away. During the mournful years of war which had closedin upon us, no one wanted to spend his money for a useless art, whichperhaps could be used only for dirges. A music-teacher was the mostunnecessary and useless of mortals, and the music-teacher felt this, andwas ready to become wood-cutter, laborer, street-sweeper, anything toprocure food for his sick wife, his only child, to brighten theirimpoverished, sorrowful lives with a ray of comfort. But it was all invain; the poor music-teacher found employment nowhere; he might havestarved in the midst of the great city, surrounded by wealthy people who, with arrogant bearing, daily drove in brilliant equipages past him and hismisery. For his part, he would gladly have died, for what value could hiswretched, pitiful life have to him! But he had a daughter, the onlycreature whom he loved; she was his happiness, his hope, and his joy. Hisdaughter must not starve; must not suffer from the wretched needs ofexistence; must not crawl in the dust, while others, less beautiful, lessgood, less gifted, enjoyed life in luxury and splendor. Chance betrayed animportant secret to the poor musician. He knew that on the one side a largesum would be paid for his silence, on the other for his speech. He went andsold himself! He went to warn some, to save others if it were possible. "

"I know, " she said, panting for breath. "You are speaking of theassassination of the ambassadors in Rastadt. "

"Yes, Count Lehrbach's valet, in a drunken spree, betrayed his master'ssecret, so I learned the fine business, and could warn the envoys, couldwarn Lehrbach to take stronger precautions. It was my first trial, and itwas well paid. "

"The poor envoys paid for it with their lives, " she cried, shuddering. 

"That was their own fault. Why didn't they listen to my warning? Why didn'tthey delay their departure until the following morning? I knew that in theevening a whole detachment of Hussars was stationed on the highway whichthey must pass. I told them so, and warned them. But they did not believeme; they were reckless enough to set out, and I only succeeded inpersuading them to burn their important papers and arm themselves. True, this was useless. They were butchered by the Hussars. One alone, JeanDubarry, escaped, and I may say that I saved him; for I discovered him inthe tree up which he had climbed in his mortal terror, took him to a safehiding-place, and informed the French authorities in Rastadt. Yes, I savedhis life, and therefore I can say that I began my new life with a gooddeed, and did not entirely sell myself to the devil. Since that time I haveled a changeful, stirring existence, often in danger of getting a bullet inmy head, or a rope around my neck. But what has given me courage to deride, defy all these perils? The thought of my child, my beautiful, beloveddaughter Leonore. I had taken her to Paris, and placed her in one of themost fashionable boarding schools. I wished to have her trained to be anaristocratic lady. I had told her all my plans for the future, and as, like me, she despised the world and human beings, she had approved thoseplans and solemnly vowed by the memory of her mother, murdered by want, famine, and grief, to avenge herself with me upon society--wrest from itwhat formerly it had so cruelly denied: wealth, honor, and distinction. "

"And I think I have kept my oath, " she said earnestly. "I have entered intoall your plans; I have accepted the part which you imposed upon me, and forthree years have played it with success. Baroness von Vernon was as usefulto you in Berlin the last two years, as Baroness de Simonie is now inVienna. She aided you in all your plans, entered into your designs, pitilessly betrayed all who trusted her and whose secrets she stole bycraft, falsehood, and hypocrisy. "

"Why did they allow them to be stolen?" he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Why were they so reckless as to trust a beautiful woman, when experienceteaches that all women lie, deceive, and are incapable of keeping a secret?They must bear the consequences of their own folly; we need not reproachourselves for it. "

"I do not reproach myself, " she said, "only life bores me. I long for rest, for peace, for solitude around me, that I may not be so unutterably lonelywithin. "

"You wish to conceal the truth from me, Leonore, " he cried, shrugging hisshoulders, "but I know it. You are in love, my child, and since, as Isuppose, this is your first love, it cannot fail to be very passionate andtransfigure all humanity with a roseate glow. But wait! that will pass awayand you will soon be disenchanted. Hush! do not answer; do not try tocontradict me; lovers' reasons have no convincing power. We will leaveeverything to time and say no more about it. Let us rather talk about thegreat affair, which you just mentioned, and which certainly might greatlypromote our prosperity. Then you really believe in a conspiracy?"

"I do. I know some of the accomplices and shall succeed in discoveringothers. But I repeat, I will do nothing in regard to this matter until youhave granted my condition. "

"Are you serious, Leonore?" he asked sorrowfully. "You would leave me, yourfather? You wish to abandon the task which we imposed upon ourselves? Foryou know that we had set ourselves the purpose of becoming rich in order totrample under our feet those who scorned and ill-treated us when we werepoor. But there is still much to be done ere we attain our goal. It is truethat I am well paid; for I am always paid for my life, which is risked inevery one of my enterprises. You, too, are well paid; for a magnificentlyfurnished home with a monthly income of six thousand francs is a liberalcompensation. But my proud, aristocratic Leonore knows little abouteconomy, and she has arranged her housekeeping on so regal a scale that Ishall scarcely succeed in putting a trifle aside for her every month. Besides, consider that the engagement is liable to be cancelled at anymoment, and that the least error, the most trivial suspicion of yourtrustworthiness will suffice to hurl you back into oblivion. No, Leonore, Imust not enter into your ecstasy, and I will not. You must remain with me;you must fulfill the vow you made and, holding my hand, pursue the pathinto which despair and contempt for mankind has led us. "

"And if I will not?" she asked, sitting erect, and, for the first timeduring this whole conversation, permitting the passionate agitation of hersoul to be mirrored in her face. "If I will not? If I have resolved to flyfrom this life of shameful splendor, gilded falsehood, whitewashed crime?"

"Then I shall hold you in it by force, " he cried, grasping her armviolently. "And do you know how? I will inform the man you love who youare, and, believe me, he will turn from you with contempt and loathing; hewill not follow you into the paradise of solitude into which you wouldfain escape with him. Listen, Leonore, and weigh my words. We have gone toofar for return ever to be possible, therefore we must press forward, steadily forward! Whoever has once sold himself to the devil can never hopeto transform himself once more into an angel. Therefore he must be on hisguard against nothing so rigidly as repentance, moods of virtuousatonement! You are now suffering from such a mood; it is my duty to cureyou of it, and I know the medicine which can heal. So listen. If you do notswear, solemnly, swear, to continue, without wavering or delay, to play thepart which you perform with so much talent and success, I will await BaronKolbielsky here and tell him who you are. "

"You will not do that, " she shrieked, throwing herself from the divan uponher knees; "no, father, you will not. You will have pity on me, for I willconfess it to you: I love him. He is my first, my only love, and for hissake, oh! solely for his sake, I would fain again be good, pure, virtuous. So have pity on me, do not betray me. "

"Will you swear to remain Madame de Simonie? To make no change in yourpresent mode of life? To fulfill the duties which you have undertaken, andpursue your task with zeal and cleverness?"

"If I do, will you then promise not to betray me?"

"If you do, I will devote all my craft, cunning, and boldness to the onepurpose of making us rich; will put all means in motion, in order, when weare wealthy, to give you the happiness of living with your lover in somesecluded corner of the world. "

"You do not say that you will not betray me. Swear it. "

"I swear that I will betray to no human being who and what you are, as soonas you swear to remain what you are and to fulfill your duties. "

"Well then, " she groaned faintly, "I swear it: I will remain what I am; Iwill make no attempt to fly from this life of disgrace and crime. "

"My dear Leonore, " he said kindly, "now we have taken our mutual vows andunderstand each other. All differences are settled, and we are once moresure of each other. "

"Yes, we are sure of each other, " she repeated with a melancholy smile, slowly rising from her knees and drawing her figure proudly to its fullheight. "I will take up my part again and you shall hear no more complaintsfrom me, father. Have you any further questions to ask?"

"Really, " he exclaimed, gazing at her with sparkling eyes, "really, you arean admirable woman. Just now a despairing, penitent Magdalen, and once morea Judith ready for battle or a Delilah who is joyfully ready to cutSamson's locks and deliver him to the Philistines. Tell me, is there aSamson whom you will deliver to us?"

"More than one, " she cried; "for I tell you that there is a conspiracy, andI already know three of the members. The object is to discover the others. So give me time and trust me. "

"May I speak of it to the emperor now?"

"You may warn him, throw out hints, fix your price. For as you have said, we must be rich to be free and happy. Demand a high price of blood, that wemay be rich. "

"Blood-money! Then it is a very serious matter. Blood will be shed! Ay, blood will be shed! Heads will fall!" she cried with flashing eyes. "Butwhat do we care for that? We shall be paid for betraying the traitors, and, when we have gained wealth, no one will ask from what bloody source itcame. Wealth reconciles, equalizes everything. So we will be rich, rich. And now, uncle, listen. Baroness de Simonie will give another entertainmentto-morrow. She will invite all her friends and acquaintances, butespecially Count Andreossy's aids, Colonel Mariage, Captain de Guesniard, Lieutenant-colonel Schweitzer, the two Counts von Poldring, and moreover anumber of French and Austrian officers, magistrates and ladies. It must bea brilliant fête--all the rooms crowded with people, that some, withoutattracting attention, may be able to retire and hold a familiarconversation. "

"Of course, of course, my beautiful Leonore, and as your uncle andmajor-domo, I will do everything in my power for your honor! And now, mychild, farewell! I will go to Schönbrunn, to report to the emperor. Farewell, and be brave, happy, and joyous. Believe me, men do not deserveto be pitied, far less to be loved. The day will soon come when my Leonorewill perceive this and strip the enthusiasm of love from her heart ascalmly as the glove from her fair hand. Farewell, you lovely Baroness deSimonie!"

CHAPTER III. 

BARON VON KOLBIELSKY. 

Leonore had accompanied her father into the anteroom and listened inbreathless silence to his departing footsteps. 

Then, rushing to the window, she threw it open and gazed down into thestreet. Yes, she saw him enter a carriage and drive off in it, turning onceto nod to her. 

With a sigh of relief she went back to her boudoir. Her whole being seemedtransformed. Her cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkled, and a happy smilehovered around her lips as she glanced at the clock. 

"Twelve!" she cried joyously, "twelve! He will come! I shall see himagain. Ah, there he is! There he is!"

She darted to the door to open it. She had not been mistaken. _He_ wasthere, the man whom she expected. With a cry of joy he opened his arms, andshe threw herself into them, clasping her arms around his neck, and laidher head upon his breast. 

"Welcome, my beloved one, welcome! Oh, how delightful it is to rest uponyour breast!"

"And what happiness to clasp you in my arms, Leonore! Raise your head, mysweet love; let me see your beautiful face and sun myself in your eyes. "

She lifted her face to his, gazing at him with a happy smile. "I see myselfin your eyes, dearest. "

"And you would see yourself in my heart also, if you could look into it, Leonore. But come, my queen, sit down and let me rest at your feet and lookup to you as I always do in spirit. "

He accompanied her to the divan and pressed her down upon the silkencushions. Then, reclining at her feet, he laid his clasped hands in her lapand resting his chin upon them, gazed up at her. 

"Do you really love me, Leonore? Can you, the proud, petted, much courtedBaroness de Simonie, really love the poor adventurer, who has nothing, isnothing, calls nothing his own, not even his heart, for that belongs toyou. "

"I love you, because you are what you are, " she said, smiling, stroking hisblack hair lightly with her little white hand. 

"I love you because you are different from every one else; because whatattracts others does not charm you; what terrifies others does notintimidate you; I love you precisely because you are the poor adventureryou call yourself. Thank heaven that you are no sensible, prudent, deliberate gentleman, who longs for titles and orders, for money andposition, but the clever adventurer who calls nothing his own save hishonor, seeks nothing save peril, loves nothing save--"

"Loves nothing save Leonore, " he ardently interrupted. "Believe me, it isso! I love nothing save you, and, until I knew you, I did not know evenlove, only hate. "

"Hate?" she asked, smiling. "And whom did you hate, my loved one?"

"The foes of my native land, " he cried, while a dark, angry flush sweptover his handsome, expressive face, and his dark eyes flashed morebrightly. 

"The foes of your native land?" she repeated, smiling. "And who are thesehated foes?"

"The Prussians and the Emperor Napoleon. It was the Prussians who firstdismembered my hapless country. Oh, I was but a little boy when the EmpressCatharine and King Frederick stole the fairest portions of hapless Poland. I did not understand my mother's tears, my father's execrations, but as myfather commanded me, I laid my hand upon the Bible and vowed eternal, inextinguishable hatred of the Prussians. And the boy's vow has been keptby the man. I have struggled ceaselessly against these ambitiousland-greedy, avaricious Prussians; fought with my tongue, my sword, and mypen. And when at last, at Jena, they were vanquished and forced to bow tothe very dust, I exulted, for their defeat was Poland's vengeance. God wasrequiting the wrong they had done to Poland. Since then I have no longerhated the Prussians, but I despise them. "

"And whom do you hate now?" she asked, gazing lovingly at him with herlarge, dreamy eyes. 

"Him, the traitor, the actor, and liar, the Emperor Napoleon!" he cried, starting up and pacing excitedly to and fro. "Ah, Leonore, why did you layyour hand upon the great, ever-aching wound in my heart? Why did you askabout my hate when I wished to speak to you only of my love? Why do youwish to see that my heart is bleeding when you ought only to know that itexults in love? Yet perhaps it is better so; better that you should beholdit wholly without disguise; that you should know it not only loves, buthates. Leonore, all my love is yours, all my hate Napoleon's. I came toVienna by the behest of my hate, and for the first time, I found here whatI had never known--love. Hitherto my heart had belonged to my native land, now it is yours, Leonore. The poor adventurer, who, under manifold forms, in manifold disguises, under many names, had wandered through the world, always in the service of his native land and vengeance, has now found ahome at your feet, and it sometimes happens that he forgets grief for hiscountry in the joy of his love. And yet, Leonore, yet there are bitter, sorrowful hours, in which I execrate my love itself; in which I feel thatI will rend it from my heart; that I must escape from it into the hatewhich hitherto has guided and fixed my whole existence. "

"If you feel and think thus, you do not love me, " she said mournfully. 

"Yes, I love you, Leonore; love you with rapture, with anguish, withdespair, with joy. Yet I ask myself what will be the goal and end of thislove? I ask myself when this sun, which has shone upon me through onebeautiful, splendid day, will set?"

"It will never set, unless by your desire, " she cried, putting her armsaround his neck and bending to imprint a kiss upon his brow. 

"It will set, for I am not created to live in sunshine and enjoy happiness. My life belongs to my native land! I have sworn to consecrate it to mycountry, and I must keep my oath. I dare not give myself up to love until Ihave done enough for hate; I dare not enjoy happiness ere I have fulfilledvengeance. "

"Vengeance, my dearest? On whom do you wish to take vengeance?"

"On him who stole my native land; who deluded us for years with falsehopes, with lying promises; who promised us liberty and in return gave usbondage. I seek to avenge my country on Napoleon--"

"Hush! for God's sake, hush!" she cried, trembling violently, as shepressed her hand upon his lips. "Do not utter such words; do not ventureeven to think them; for even thoughts bring danger, and speech will bringyou death. "

"Ah, " he cried, laughing, "does my proud, royal Leonore fear? Does shefear in her own house, in her boudoir, where love alone can hear?"

"And hate, " she said anxiously. "For you say that not only love, but hate, dwells in your heart. "

"But not in yours, Leonore. No, in your heart dwells only love, and I willtrust it. Yes, you beautiful, glorious woman, I will give you a proof of myinfinite love and confidence. You shall know my secrets and I will tell youwhat I have yet betrayed to no woman on earth. "

"No, no, " she cried vehemently; "no, I will hear nothing. I do not wish toknow your secrets; for I might reveal them in my sleep. They might fill mysoul with such anguish and terror, that they would occupy it even inslumber, and I might tell in my dreams what I certainly would not disclosein waking, though I were exposed to the tortures of the rack. Oh, love, Ifear your secrets, and I fear that they threaten you with peril! Give themup. If my love has any power over you, I entreat you: renounce them. Resignall your plans of hate and vengeance! Cast thoughts of anger from you! Youhave lived and labored for your native land long enough. Now, my love, dismiss hatred from your heart, and yield it to love! Renounce vengeanceand allow yourself happiness! You say that you love me--give me a proof ofit, a divine, beautiful proof! Let us fly, my beloved one, fly from thisworld of falsehood, treachery, hate, and anger, to conceal ourselves in aquiet corner of the earth, where no one knows us, where the noise of theworld does not penetrate, where we shall learn nothing more of itsdissensions and wars, where only love and peace will dwell with us; where, clasped in each other's embrace, we can rest on Nature's bosom and receivefrom her healing for all our wounds, comfort for all our losses. Oh, let usfly, for I know well that, so long as you are here--here in this world ofstrife and intrigue--you will not be mine; you cannot wrench yourself awayfrom the numerous relations which hold and bind you, draw you into theirperilous circle. Give them up. Let us rend these bonds which fetter you andwill drag you to destruction. Let us go to America; far, far away to somequiet, unknown valley, where there are no human beings, and therefore therewill be no falsehood and no treachery, no battles and strife. There let usdwell in the divine peace of creation; live as Adam and Eve lived inParadise, quietly and at rest in the precincts of pure human happiness. "

"And you would, you could, do this for me?" he asked, gazing with admiringeyes at her glowing face, radiant with enthusiasm. "You, the petted queenof society, the spoiled, delicate daughter of luxury and wealth, you couldresolve to lead a quiet, simple, unknown life, far from the world and men?"

"Oh, " she exclaimed, "such an existence would be my happiness, my ecstasy, my bliss. I would greet it exultingly. I long for it with all the powers ofmy soul, all the fervor of my heart. Give it to me, my beloved; give usboth this life of solitude and divine peace. Speak one word--say that youare ready to fly with me--I will arrange everything for our escape; willguide us both to liberty, to happiness. Speak this one word, and I willsever every tie that binds me to the world; my future and my life willbelong to you alone. We will strip off all the luxury that surrounds us asthe glittering snake-skin with which we have concealed our real natures, and escape into the solitude as free, happy children of God. If such a lifeof peace and rest does not satisfy you; if you wish to labor and create, beuseful to mankind, we can find the opportunity. We will buy a tract of landin America, gather around us people to cultivate it, create a little statewhose prince you will be, which you will render free and happy and content. Say that you will, my loved one; tell me that you will make my goldendreams of the future a reality--oh, tell me so and you will render me theproudest and happiest of women. My dearest, you have so long devoted yourlife to hate, consecrate it now to love; let yourself be borne away by it. It will move mountains and fly on the wings of the morning through everyrealm. Hitherto you have called Poland your native land--now let love beyour country, and you shall find it on my breast. Come, my darling, come!My arms are opened to embrace you; they are ready to bear you away, faraway from this battle-rent, blood-soaked Europe. Save yourself, my beloved, save me! Come to my arms, let us fly to America!"

She held out her arms, gazing at him with a happy, loving smile. But he didnot rise from his knees to fall upon her breast; he only bowed his headlower and kissed the hem of her dress--kissed her feet, which he pressed tohis bosom. 

"Alas!" he sighed sadly, "this little foot, in its white satin shoe, is notcreated for the rough paths of life; it would be torn and blood-stained bytheir thorns, and the fault would be mine. No, my sweet love, you shall notfor my sake renounce the world of pleasure and splendor whose queen youare, even though you wish it, and perhaps even long for the peace and quietof solitude. I must not accompany you thither, must not be faithless tomyself. For the most terrible and inconsolable thing which can befall a manis to be faithless to himself and turn from the way which he himself haschosen, and from the goals which he himself has appointed. But I should dothis, Leonore, if I renounced the goals and efforts of my whole past life, and turned from what I have hitherto regarded as the most sacred purpose ofmy existence. You yourself, Leonore, cannot wish it, for then how could youtrust my fidelity, my love, if, for your sake, I could be untrue to mynative land, my sacred duty. No, Leonore, my heart is yours, but my brainand life belong to my country. I came to Vienna to serve it. The greatpatriots of Poland sent me here. 'Go to Austria, they said, and serve therethe sacred cause of freedom and human dignity. ' And I went, and am here toserve it. Many are in the league with me, struggling with me toward thesame goal. No one knows the others, but in the decisive hour we shall allwork together for the one great object. And this hour will soon come; allthe preparations are made, all the plans are matured. It is approaching. The great hour of sacred vengeance is approaching. You do not wish me toinitiate you into my secrets, Leonore, and I now feel that you are right, for every sharer in these secrets is imperiled by them, and I will not drawyou, my beloved one, into the dangerous circle, where I am bound. But if agracious destiny grants our plans success, if the great venture which wehave determined upon succeeds, then, Leonore, I will come to you, hold outmy hand, and exultingly repeat the question which to-day I dare only towhisper timorously: Leonore, will you be my wife?"

She did not answer immediately, but covered her glowing face with herhands, while her whole frame trembled with emotion. "Oh, " she groanedsorrowfully, "you will never repeat the question, for you will perish inthe dangers which you are preparing for yourself. "

"No, " he cried joyously, "I shall not perish in them, and I shall come torepeat my question. Believe me, love, and be glad and strong. Do not fearfor me, and forgive me if, during the next few days, I keep away from you. The last preparations for our great enterprise are to be made; all mystrength of mind, all the courage of my soul must be summoned, and perhapsI might be cowardly and weak if I should see you, gaze into your belovedface, and think of the possibility that I was beholding it for the lasttime; that death might clasp me in his arms ere I again pressed you to myheart. So I will bid you farewell, my dearest, farewell for a week. Duringthis time, remember me, pray for me, and love me. A week, my dear one, thenI will return to you; and then, oh, then may I be permitted never to leaveyou again; then perhaps we shall make the dream of your heart a reality, and in some valley of the New World seek for ourselves a new world ofhappiness. "

He again pressed her closely in his arms and imprinted a long, ardent kissupon her lips. "Farewell, beloved, farewell for a week, an eternity. "

"Do not say that; do not talk so!" she cried, trembling, as she threw herarms around his neck and clung closely to him. "Oh, do not speak of aneternity of separation, as you bid me farewell, or my arms will hold you todraw you by force from the dangers that threaten you; my lips will betrayyou by calling for help and accusing you of a conspiracy, merely to saveyou--compel you to renounce your perilous plans. "

"If you should do that, Leonore; if even for love of me you could become atraitress, I would kill myself, but ere I died I would curse you and invokeheaven's vengeance upon you! But why conjure up such terrible pictures! Iknow that my Leonore would be incapable of treachery, and that, during thisweek of separation, no word, no look, no hint, will betray that her mind isanxious and that some care oppresses her. "

"I swear to you that by no word, no look, no hint will I betray anything, "she said solemnly. "I swear that I will not even attempt to guess yoursecrets, in order not to be disturbed by them. But one question more, dearest. I shall give an entertainment to-morrow. Count Andreossy, ColonelsMariage and Schweitzer, Captain de Guesniard, and the two Counts vonPoldring will be present, as well as Generals Berthier and Massena, andseveral men who are prominent in aristocratic Austrian society. Will younot attend my reception? Will you not come to-morrow?"

"No, " he replied, "no, I cannot attend gay entertainments now. My week ofexile begins from this hour, and the first festival for me will be when Iagain clasp you in my arms. And now, dearest, let me go. This last kiss onyour eyes--do not open them until I have left you; for your eyes exert amagic power, and if they are gazing at me I shall not have courage to go. Farewell, my beloved star, farewell, and when you rise for me once more, may it be for the radiant hour of a reunion, unshadowed by fresh pangs ofparting. "

He pressed a last lingering kiss upon her eyes. She submitted and satquietly with closed lids and clasped hands until the door had closed behindhim and the sound of his steps died away in the anteroom. 

Then she slipped from the divan upon her knees, and, raising her hands toheaven, cried: "I thank Thee, oh God, I thank Thee. He is not one of theconspirators; he has no share in these plans; for he is not coming to theentertainment to-morrow, and therefore does not belong to those who havetheir secret appointment with me. Oh, God be praised for it, and may Heguard and protect him in all his enterprises! I do not wish to know them; Iwill not investigate them. Thou, oh God, canst shield and defend him. Thoualone!"

CHAPTER IV. 

BARON VON MOUDENFELS. 

Colonel Mariage, alone in his room, was pacing restlessly up and down, withhis eyes fixed intently, almost anxiously, upon the door. 

"The appointed hour has come and he is not here, " he murmured in a lowtone. "Has suspicion been roused, and have they arrested him? Oh, Godforbid! then we should all be lost, for we are all compromised, and lettersfrom me, also, would be found among his papers. "

At this moment the door was softly opened and the servant announced "Baronvon Moudenfels. "

"He is welcome, heartily welcome!" cried the colonel joyfully, swiftlyadvancing toward the door, through which the person announced had justentered the room. It was an old man with a long white beard, his headcovered with a large wig, whose stiff, powdered locks adorned the templeson both sides of his pale, emaciated face. Thick, bushy brows shaded a pairof large dark eyes, whose youthful fire formed a strange contrast to thebowed frame and the white hair. His figure, which must once have beenstately and vigorous, was attired in the latest fashion, and the eleganceof his dress showed that Baron von Moudenfels, though a man perhapsseventy, had not yet done with the vanities of this world, but was ready topay them homage. In his right hand, over which fell a broad lace cuff, heheld an artistically carved cane, on whose gold handle he leaned, as hemoved wearily forward, and a pin with beautiful diamonds glittered in thehuge lace jabot on his breast. 

Colonel Mariage held out both hands to the old man, but the baron contentedhimself with placing the finger-tips of the little hand adorned withglittering rings in the colonel's right hand a moment, and then sank intothe armchair, panting for breath. 

"Pardon me, " he gasped, "but the exertion of climbing your two long flightsof stairs has exhausted my strength, and I must rest. You probably see thatI am a poor, fragile old man, who has but a few steps to take to hisgrave. "

"But who will probably carefully avoid them, " replied the colonel, smiling. "You are, as you say, an old man, but in this aged form dwells afiery, youthful soul, whose strength of will will support the body so longas it needs the aid. "

"So long as it is necessary to the native land, yes, " cried the baroneagerly; "so long as there are foes to fight, friends to aid. Yes, the lastyears of my life belong to my native land and the foes who oppress it, andI know that I shall not die until I have attained the object of my life, until I have helped to overthrow the tyrant who has not only rendered mynative land, Germany, wretched, but is also hurling his own country, France, into ruin. "

Colonel Mariage glanced around the room with a hasty, anxious look. "Forheaven's sake, " he whispered, "don't speak so loud, baron; who knowswhether my valet is not a paid spy; whether he is not standing at the doorlistening to betray me at once to Count Andreossy, or even to the emperor. "

"My dear colonel, " said the baron, smiling, "that is why it is quite timethat we should secure you against such treason, and remove those whothreaten you. "

"What do you mean by that, baron?" asked the colonel timidly. "What areyou saying?"

"I am saying that the great hour of decision is approaching, " replied thebaron solemnly. "I mean that ere a week has passed, the world will bereleased from the yoke which oppresses it--released from the evil demon, Napoleon. "

The colonel, without answering even by a word, crossed the large apartment, and with a swift jerk opened the door leading into the anteroom. Then, after convincing himself that no one was near, he closed it, and made atour of the spacious room, carefully examining every _portière_, everyarticle of furniture, and at last approached the baron, who had beenwatching him with a quiet, scornful smile. 

"Now, my dear baron, speak, " he said, taking his seat in an armchairopposite to him. "We are really alone and without listeners, so I am readyto hear you. Do you bring news from our friends? News from France, especially?"

"Yes, news from France. I mean news from the Minister of Police, Fouché. Doyou know, my dear sir, that Fouché is very much dissatisfied with hisbeloved fellow conspirators; that he thinks they have not acted soresolutely and energetically as might have been expected from the bravegenerals and colonels of the French army?"

"Why should he be dissatisfied?" asked the colonel. "What ought we to havedone? When and where could we have acted more energetically?"

"At Castle Ebersdorf, my dear colonel. Surely you know that, after thebattle of Aspern, when Napoleon left his exhausted and conquered army onthe island of Lobau, and went to Castle Ebersdorf himself to enjoy arefreshing sleep after his first great defeat. "

"Yes, that sleep was really singular enough, " said Mariage thoughtfully. "The emperor slept soundly twenty-two hours; slept so soundly, in somotionless a posture, breathing so softly, that he might have beenbelieved to be dead, and did not even hear his drunken soldiers force theirway into the castle garden, and, with furious shouts, plunder and destroyeverything until our representations and entreaties forced them to retire. "

"Yes, the emperor fell into a deathlike slumber and would have been unableto resist or to defend himself had he been bound and gagged and quietlycarried away. Yet what did the generals and colonels who had assembled inthe large reception-hall close beside the sleeping emperor's privateoffice? What did the gentlemen who all belonged to the secret league whichhas existed in the French army four years, and whose object is to overthrowthe hated tyrant and oppressor? Did they avail themselves of theopportunity to attain this desired goal with a single bold stroke? No, they stood whispering and irresolute, asking one another what should bedone if Napoleon did not wake from his deathlike slumber--who should thenbe his heir to the throne of France? Whether they should make Bernadotte, the Prince of Ponte Corvo, or Eugene, the Viceroy of Italy, or the Count ofProvence, who styles himself Louis XVIII. , king of France, or again restorethe great and glorious republic? And since they could not agree upon thesequestions, they did nothing at all, but contented themselves with sending asecret envoy to Paris to ask Fouché what should be done, how they shouldact in such a case, and what counsel he had to give. "

"But how do you know all this so accurately?" asked the colonel insurprise. "One would really suppose you had been present, yet I distinctlyremember that this was not the case. "

"No, I was not; but you probably know that a certain Commissioner Kraus wasthere. Bernadotte had made the acquaintance of this Herr Kraus at ColonelOudet's, who, as is well-known, is the head of the secret society, whichexisted in the French army, and to whose laws all members, or, if youchoose, all fellow-conspirators, were compelled to submit. Oudet hadrecommended Kraus to the Prince of Ponte Corvo as a faithful and reliableman, a skillful negotiator, who was qualified to maintain and to promotethe agreements and alliances between the French conspirators and the Germanpatriots, and who could be employed without fear or reserve. Well, thisCommissioner Kraus, as you probably know, had come to Ebersdorf tonegotiate in behalf of myself and my German friends, and to ask whether thetime had not now come to accomplish the great work and rid Germany of thescourge which God had sent in punishment of all her sins. CommissionerKraus described that scene in the great hall of Castle Ebersdorf. Hereturned as your messenger, and brought us the news that we must keep quietand wait for further tidings, and, after bringing this message, he went toParis to Fouché, the minister of police, to deliver the letter and inquiryof the conspirators. "

"And he has not yet returned, " said Mariage, sighing. "Some misfortune hasbefallen him; the emperor's spies have doubtless tracked him, and he hasatoned for his reckless enterprise with his life. "

"No, Kraus is too clever and too bold to let himself be discovered byNapoleon's spies, " said the baron with a subtle smile, "and, since MonsieurBonaparte must fare like the worthy citizens of Nuremberg who hang no oneuntil they have caught him, Commissioner Kraus has not been compelled toatone for his bold enterprise with his life, but has returned successfuland unharmed. "

"What? He has returned?"

"Four days ago. "

"Four days ago, and I, we all, know nothing of it?"

"Yes, I knew it. Surely you are aware that Fouché was not to direct hisreply directly to any one of you, to a subject of the emperor, in order, incase of discovery, to compromise no one. So Fouché addressed his reply tome; for if the letter had actually been opened, it could have done Baronvon Moudenfels no harm, since fortunately I am not one of the emperor'ssubjects, and what he could punish in you as high-treason, he mustrecognize in us Germans as patriotism. "

"But the letter, Fouché's answer!" said Mariage impatiently. "Pray do notkeep me on the rack any longer. What does Fouché write?"

"Why, his letter is tolerably laconic, and one must understand how to readbetween the lines to interpret the meaning correctly. Here it is. You seethat it is directed to me--Baron von Moudenfels--and contains nothing butthe following words: 'Why ask me anything, when you ought already to haveaccomplished everything yourselves? Put him in a sack, drown him in theDanube--then all will be easily arranged everywhere. '"[C]

"For heaven's sake, " cried the colonel, pale and horror-stricken, "whatdoes Fouché mean? Of whom is he speaking?"

"Why, of whom except Bonaparte, or, as he likes to call himself, theEmperor Napoleon!" said the baron coolly. "And you will admit that Fouchéis right. If, at Ebersdorf, the sleeping Bonaparte had been thrust into asack and flung into the Danube, the whole affair would have been ended inthe most successful and shortest way, instead of our now being obliged torack our brains and plunge into dangers of every kind to attain the samegoal which we were then so near without peril or trouble. But it is uselessto complain; we must rather be mindful to seize the best means of repairingthe omission. "

"Has Fouché given no counsel, suggested no plan?"

"Yes, he sent verbally, by Commissioner Kraus, counsels and plans to becommunicated by me to the conspirators, and this communication has occupiedme during these last few days. The point was to discover, among those whowere in close attendance upon the emperor, certain individuals who could bewon over to our plans. "

"And have you succeeded?"

"Yes, I have succeeded. Do not ask the persons and names. I have sworn tomention none, and just as I would communicate your name to no one, I maynot impart the names of the others to you. Secrecy and silence must envelopthe whole conspiracy like a veil that bestows invisibility, if we are tohope for success. No one will know of the others until the day of decision, and even the necessary arrangements which the conspirators have to makemust be done under a mask. I am the mediator, who conveys the messages toand fro, and I know very well that I risk my life in doing it. But I amready to sacrifice it for my native land, and death is a matter ofindifference, if my suffering serves my country. Now listen! Within a weekNapoleon must be removed; for every day beyond endangers us the more. Hehas a suspicion of our plans; he has a whole legion of spies in the army, in Vienna, acting in concert with friends and foes, to watch the designs ofthe conspirators. For he is perfectly conscious that a conspiracy exists, and some inkling even of the conversation of his generals at CastleEbersdorf has reached his ears. It caused such an outburst of fury that hewas attacked with convulsions, and for three days ate nothing until Roustanhad tasted it, because he was afraid of being poisoned. The EmperorNapoleon also learned that Colonel Oudet was head of the secret society, and his most dangerous enemy, because he was extremely popular in the armyand possessed rare powers of persuasion. So Oudet must be removed, and hehas been. "

"Then you think that--"

"That the bullet which struck Colonel Oudet at the battle of Wagram wasnot a chance shot, sent by the enemy? Certainly I think so, and the proofof it is that the wound was in the back of the head. So he was struck frombehind, and his murderer was in the ranks of his fellow-combatants. So yousee that the emperor had sentenced him to death and he had his executionersready to fulfill his commands. We must let this serve as a warning to us. We must kill him, that he may not discover us and order his executioners tokill us. "

"It is true, we are all lost if he discovers the conspiracy. As I said, thework must be accomplished within a week, or you and all your companions, all the members of the society, will be imperiled. The emperor has hissuspicions; if he becomes certain, your death-sentence will be signed. Youhate Bonaparte. You are an adherent of the Count de Lille. You desire toreplace the legitimate King Louis XVIII. Upon the throne of his ancestors. Well, to accomplish this, Bonaparte must fall. Help to overthrow him, helpto rid the world of this monster, who feeds upon the blood of all the youthof Europe, and you will be sure of the gratitude of your king. He has ageneral's commission ready for you, promises orders and a title, and hewill keep his royal word. "

"And what is asked of me? What part have I to perform?"

"The part of a man who is blind and deaf, colonel. You are commander of themilitary police, and your officials will perhaps spy out the conspiracy andmake reports to you. You will be deaf to these reports, and order yoursubordinates to be the same. You are on the staff of the presentGovernor-general of Vienna, Count Andreossy, and it is your task not merelyto hear, but also to see what is occurring in the capital. But, during thenext few days, you will have the kindness to be blind and see nothing thatis passing around you, not to notice the preparations that attract theattention of the suspicious. You will give the same directions to yourconfidant, our fellow-conspirator, Captain de Guesniard, and if ourenterprise is endangered, you will warn us through him, as we willcommunicate to you, by the same person, what other aid we expect from you. Are you ready to fulfill these demands?"

"Yes, baron, I am ready. I hate Napoleon and I love the legitimate king ofFrance. So I have no choice. I will risk my life to serve the king, for thekings of France have been kind and gracious lords to my family forcenturies, and we owe them all that we are. I am ready to prove mygratitude by deeds, and I hope that, if I fall in the service of the king, he will have pity on my wife and my two children as soon as he himselfreturns to France. I will fulfill your commands. I will play the part ofone who is blind and deaf. I will see and hear nothing, warn no one, unlessI am forced to warn the conspirators. "

"In that case you will have the kindness to send your friend, Captain deGuesniard, to St. Stephens. One of our emissaries will be waiting night andday at the entrance of the main door of the cathedral, and every message hereceives will be faithfully brought to us. "

"But who will it be? How is De Guesniard to recognize your confidant?"

"Who will it be? To-day our messenger at the door of St. Stephens will be abeggar-woman, to-morrow perhaps a blind cripple, the day after a priest, alady, or some other person who would not rouse suspicion. The token bywhich to recognize the envoy will be a strip of blue paper, held in theleft hand. "

"Well, that will suffice. You have nothing more to say, baron?"

"No, colonel. So you will have the kindness to see and hear nothing for thespace of a week, but if, at the end of that time, you learn the news thatthe Emperor Napoleon has disappeared, you will hear it with the joy of atrue patriot. It will be reserved for you to set off at once with posthorses to bear to the Count de Lille in England this message of the rescueand purification of his throne. "

"Ah, that is indeed a delightful and honorable task, " cried the coloneljoyously. "Heaven grant that it may be executed. "

"It will be, for our arrangements are well made, and we are all anxious todo our utmost to regain the greatest of blessings, over liberty. Farewell, Colonel Mariage, in a week we shall see each other again. "

"In a week or never, " sighed Colonel Mariage, pressing the baron'sproffered hand in his own. 

CHAPTER V. 

COMMISSIONER KRAUS. 

After taking leave of Colonel Mariage, old Baron von Moudenfels passedthrough the antechamber, where he found the valet, with slow and wearysteps. Panting and resting on every stair, he descended the staircase, coughing, and moved slowly past the houses to the nearest carriage, intowhich he climbed with difficulty and sank with a groan upon the cushions. 

"Where shall I drive, your lordship?" asked the hackman, lifting his whipto rouse the weary nags from their half slumber. 

"Where? I don't know myself, my friend, " replied the old man, sighing. "Ionly want to ride about a little while to rest my poor old limbs and getsome fresh air. So take me through the busiest streets in Vienna, that Imay see them. I am a stranger who has seen little of your capital, becausehis weary limbs will not carry him far. So drive very slowly, at a walk, that I may see and admire everything--so slowly that if I liked anythingespecially, and wanted to get out, I could do so without stopping thevehicle. "

"Then your lordship does not want to drive by the trip, but by the hour?"

"Yes, my friend, by the hour, and here are four florins in prepayment fortwo hours. You'll have no occasion to trouble yourself now, but drive asslowly as possible and your horses will be able to rest. So go on throughthe busiest streets, and at a walk. "

"Well, that will suit my poor beasts, " said the driver, laughing, "theyhave already been standing for six hours, and stiff enough from it. "

He touched his horses' backs with the are whip, and the animals started. 

The carriage now rolled on slowly, like a hearse, at the pace driversusually take when they wish to notify pedestrians that they have nooccupant in their vehicles and can receive a passenger. So no one noticedthe slow progress of the carriage; no one in the crowded streets throughwhich it passed heeded it. Yet many a person might have been interested ifhe could have cast a glance within. 

Something strange and unusual was certainly occurring inside the hack. Nosooner had it started than Baron von Moudenfels hastily raised both theside windows and pulled down the little curtains of dark red silk. Nocurious eyes could now look in at him, and he could fearlessly devotehimself to his occupations, which he did with perfect composure andunconcern. First, he drew from the back pocket of his coat a packagewrapped in paper, which he unrolled, placing its contents on the back seat. These consisted of a wig of short fair hair, a mustache of the same color, and two little boxes containing red, white, and black paints. Then thebaron took from his breast-pocket another package, which he unwrapped andproduced a mirror, brushes and combs. 

After hanging the mirror by a small hook on the cushion of the back seat, the baron began to make his toilet, that is, to transform himself from anold man into a young one. First, he removed his powdered wig and exchangedit for the blonde one, doing it so quickly that the most watchful eye wouldhave had no time to see the color of his own hair concealed beneath. Withthe same speed he fastened over his hitherto beardless lips a pointedmustache of reddish-fair hair and, after removing from his face theskillfully painted wrinkles and the powder, he hastened to add red cheeksto the fair curls on his head, and to tinge the tip of his nose with therosy hue which suggests a convivial nature. After this was accomplished, andthe baron had convinced himself by a careful examination in the mirror thathe was transformed into a charming, gay, young fellow, he began a similarmetamorphosis of his costume. Taking the diamond pin from his lace jabothe hid it under his vest, which he buttoned to the necktie. Then removingthe light silk long-skirted dress-coat, he turned it completely on theother side and, by taking out some pins which held them, let the tails fallback. The dress-coat was now changed into an overcoat, a blue clothovercoat, whose color harmonized very pleasantly with his fair hair. 

Now the metamorphosis was complete, and, from the skill and speed withwhich the baron had performed it, one might suppose that he was notpractising such arts of disguise for the first time, but was well-trainedin them. With perfect calmness and deliberation he now put the cast-offarticles into the parcels, hid them in the pockets of his clothes, and, after unscrewing the gold crutch-handle from his cane and replacing it bya plain ivory head, he drew up the little curtains and looked out with akeen, watchful gaze. The carriage was just passing down the crowded andbusy Grabenstrasse moving behind a long row of equipages following afuneral procession, and the driver was of course compelled to proceedslowly. 

The baron now cautiously opened the carriage door, and as it was just inthe act of turning a corner, he took advantage of the opportunity offeredto spring with a swift leap into the street. 

He now hurried rapidly along the opposite side; his bearing was as vigorousand energetic as it had just been bowed and feeble; and with the wrinklesand gray hair every trace of age had also vanished he was now a young man, but the large black eyes, with their bold, fiery gaze, suited the rosycheeks and fair hair as little as they had formerly harmonized with the oldman's pallid countenance. But at any rate the present youthfulness was nodisguise, and the swift, vigorous movements were no assumption; that wasevident from the ease and speed with which the baron, after entering one ofthe handsomest houses in the Grabenstrasse, ran up the stairs, neverpausing until he had mounted the third flight. Beside the bell of a glassdoor, on a shining brass plate, was engraved the name of Count von Kotte. Baron von Moudenfels pulled this bell so violently that it echoed loudly, and at the door, which instantly opened, appeared a liveried servant withan angry face, muttering with tolerable distinctness something aboutunseemly noise and rude manners. 

"Is Count von Kotte at home?" asked the baron hastily. 

"No, " muttered the lackey, "the count isn't at home, and it wasn'tnecessary to ring so horribly loud to ask the question. "

He stepped back and was about to close the door again, but the baron thrusthis foot between it and the frame and seized the man's sleeve. 

"My good fellow, I _must_ see the count, " he said imperiously. 

"But when I tell you that the count isn't--"

He stopped suddenly in the middle of his sentence and cast a stolen glanceat the florin which the baron had pressed into his hand. 

"Announce me to Count von Kotte, " said the baron pleasantly. "He willcertainly receive me. "

"Your name, sir?" asked the lackey respectfully. 

"Commissioner Kraus, " was the reply. The man withdrew, and, a few minutesafter, returned with a smiling face. 

"The count is at home and begs the gentleman to come in, " he said, throwingthe door wide open and standing respectfully beside it. 

Commissioner Kraus, smiling, stepped past him into the anteroom. A door onthe opposite side opened, and the tall figure of a man attired in theAustrian uniform appeared. 

"Is it really you, my dear Kraus!" he cried. "So you have returned already. Come, come, I have longed to see you. "

Holding out his hand to the visitor, he drew him hastily into the nextroom. 

"You have longed to see me, my dear count, " said Kraus, laughing, "and yetI was within an ace of being turned from your door. Since when have youlived in a barricaded apartment, count?"

"Since the spies of the French governor of Vienna, Count Andreossy, havewatched my door and pursued my every step, " replied the count, smiling. "But now speak, my dear Kraus. You went to Totis? You talked with theEmperor Francis?"

"I went to Totis and talked with the Emperor Francis. "

"Good heavens! you say it with such a gloomy, solemn expression. Has theemperor become irresolute?"

"Yes, that is it. The emperor is surrounded by adherents of the Napoleonicparty; they have succeeded in thrusting back the real patriots, theAnti-Bonapartists, and would have rendered them wholly inactive had notthe Empress Ludovica tried to support them with all her influence. All isnot yet lost, but unless we soon succeed in making a decisive step, ourfoes will completely gain the ear of the emperor, persuade him to acceptthe ignoble, humiliating peace which Napoleon offered, and, from his enemy, become his ally. "

"It would be horrible if that could be done, " cried the count sadly. "It isnot possible that the Emperor Francis could resolve upon such humiliation. "

"They have alarmed the emperor, intimidated him; told him that his crown, his life, were at stake; that unless he would make himself Napoleon's allyand accept the proffered peace, the Emperor Napoleon would say of him whathe said of the Bourbons in Spain: 'The Hapsburg dynasty has ceased toexist. ' If something does not now happen, if we do not force a decision, everything is lost. Austria will conclude a humiliating peace and, insteadof being delivered from the French tyrant's yoke, we shall be obliged tosee Austria sink into a French province, and the Emperor Francis, in spiteof his high-sounding title, become nothing more than the viceroy of theEmperor Napoleon. "

"It must not, it shall not come to that!" exclaimed the count wildly. "Wemust risk everything to prevent this. We must stake our blood, our lives, to save Austria and Germany!"

"Ah, if you speak and think _thus_, count, you are one of us; you will wishto have a share in our work of liberation. "

"Yes, I demand my share, and the greater and more perilous it is, the morewelcome it will be. "

"We all risk our lives, " said Kraus solemnly, "and if we are defeated, weshall all be lost; for the Emperor Francis will not protect us--he willabandon us to Napoleon's wrath, in order to prove that he had no part inour plans. With this conviction, we must begin our work and arrange ouraffairs as if we were going into a battle. "

"My affairs are arranged, and I am ready, " replied the count solemnly. 

"Hush! listen! All our friends, like you, are ready, and the conspiracywinds like a great chain through all the countries of Europe. Every one wholoves his native land, and therefore hates Napoleon, has laid his bravehand on this chain and will add the link of his manly strength. In France, in England, in Spain and Italy, in Sweden, in Russia and Turkey, everywhere, our friends are waiting for the decisive act which must takeplace here. In England they have bought arms and ammunition and sent themto Heligoland Thence members of our league have brought them here anddistributed them among the brothers. In the harbor of Genoa a Swedish andan English ship lie ready for our service; the English one to aid ourescape and convey us to England, if our enterprise fails; the Swedish oneto serve as a transport vessel, if we succeed. Everywhere our friends areworking, everywhere they are preparing the insurrection; Tyrol is like awell-filled bomb which needs only the application of a spark to burst andscatter confusion around it, and in the minds of individuals patriotismhas increased to a fanaticism which deems even murder a justifiable meansto rid Europe from the shameful yoke of the tyrant. If we cannot executeour plan, if we do not succeed in abducting Napoleon, perhaps the dagger ofan assassin will he raised against him--an assassin who does not regard hisdeed as a crime, but as a sacred duty. "

"And why are we content with an abduction?" asked the count fiercely. "Whyshould not the blood of the man who has shed so many torrents of blood, beshed also?"

"Because that would be too light a punishment, " said Kraus, with anexpression of gloomy hate. "Because it would be an atonement for all hiscrimes, if he fell beneath the daggers of murderers. Such daggers renderedthe tyrant Julius Cæsar a hero, a martyr, and they would also transformNapoleon into a demi-god. No, we will not grant him such a triumph, such aglorious end--we will not allow him a speedy death. He shall ignominiouslydisappear; he shall die slowly on some barren island in the ocean; die amidthe tortures of solitude, of weariness, of powerless rage. This must be thevengeance of Europe; this must be the end of the vampire who has drunk herheart's blood. "

"You are right? it shall, it must be so, " cried the count, with sparklingeyes. "Now tell me, what have _I_ to do? What part is assigned to _me_?"

"You will go to Genoa, count. Here is a letter from General Nugent to thecaptain of the Swedish ship Proserpina, now lying in the harbor. "

"But it is not sealed?" asked the count, taking the paper offered. 

"Open it, and you will find that it does not contain a single word. Ireceived it so from our messenger, who brought it directly from CountNugent in Heligoland to me. It is your letter of recommendation, that isall! Written words might compromise, spoken ones die away upon the wind. Ifyou deliver this, addressed in General Nugent's hand, to the captain of theProserpina, he will recognize you as the right messenger, and you will thentell him verbally what you have to say. "

"What shall I tell him?"

"Tell him to take in his freight, have his ballast on board, and keepeverything in readiness for departure. From the day that you reach him theProserpina must be ready for sea, and a boat must lie in the harbor nightand day to receive the members of our league who will come if the plansucceeds. "

"But I hope this is not all that I have to do? I shall not be denied a moreactive part in the great cause?"

"If you wish, no! One of us will accompany Bonaparte to Genoa as hisjailer. You can relieve him there, and attend him to his prison. "

"I will do so. But where will the prison be?"

"You will put him on some barren island in the ocean, which will serve ashis dungeon. Then you will return. But you must name the place to which youconveyed him to no one except the heads of the society: that is, to GeneralNugent and myself. We will guard it as the most sacred secret of our lives, that no one may learn it--no one can make the attempt to rescue him. "

"I thank you, " cried the count joyously. "You assign me an honorable task, which proves that the heads of the society trust me. What else have I todo? Will not a meeting of the conspirators take place? Will you not summonone?"

"No, for I shall go at once to Totis to make the most necessary additionalarrangements with General Bubna, and through him with the Empress Ludovica, that, if the plot succeeds, the advantage will be ours and cannot beclaimed by the French party. But you, count, must manage to summon such anassembly of our friends in some unsuspected place. I learn that Baroness deSimonie is to give an entertainment to which, without knowing it, she hasinvited a number of our friends. You will recognize them by the blackenamel ring which every member of our band must wear upon the little fingerof his left hand. You will name to each a place of meeting. 

"Oh, I already know one, " cried the count, "it is--"

"Mention no names, " Kraus interrupted quickly. "I shall not be present, soit is not necessary for me to know. Every secret is imperiled by needlesscommunication, and we must compromise no one without cause. Here, count, are some necessary papers in which you will find further instructions. Makeyour preparations accordingly, and when you have read them and informed thepersons concerned, burn them. "

"But you tell me nothing about the principal matter, " said the count. "Whowill accomplish the actual deed? Who will have the heroic daring to takeNapoleon captive?"

"Many will be active in that, count. The names are not to be mentioned, butif you lay stress upon it, I will tell you that of the person who hasundertaken to lie in ambush for Napoleon, gag him, and carry him away. Itis Baron von Moudenfels. "

"Von Moudenfels? I don't know him, but I have heard of him. Was it notBaron von Moudenfels who arranged the secret connection with theconspirators in the French army, and negotiated with Oudet?"

"Yes, the same man. He is a great patriot and a daring fellow. He hatesNapoleon, and if he once has him in his grasp, he will die rather thansuffer him to escape, though Napoleon should offer a kingdom as a ransom. Now farewell, count, and may God grant that we see each other againsuccessful! May the guardian angel of our native land protect us in theperils which we must bravely meet. "

"So be it, " said the count, cordially pressing in his own Kraus' extendedhand. "Go to Totis: I will go to Genoa, to await my prisoner there. "

With the same hasty steps as he had come, Commissioner Kraus again hasteneddown the steps, and once more plunged into the tumult of the street. Aftera short walk, he again entered a house and ascended the stairs to a door inthe fourth story beside which, in a rush-bottomed chair, sat a servant, with his head bowed on his breast, sleeping peacefully. 

Baron von Moudenfels or Commissioner Kraus tapped the slumberer lightly onthe shoulder. 

"Wake up and open the door, Peter!" he said. 

The man started up and stared at the person standing before him withdilated eyes. 

"Who are you, sir, and what do you want of me?" he exclaimed sulkily. 

"Then you don't know me?" asked Kraus, smiling. "Must I tell you that I amyour master?"

"Herr Baron! Is it you? Is it possible that it's you; that anybody candisguise himself so--and--"

"Hush! you know that you are not to wonder at anything, and must always beprepared to see me in any disguise. True, I should have expected that youwould recognize your master's voice. "

"I beg your pardon, sir; I was so very sound asleep. I didn't sleep allnight because I was expecting you, and I've been on the watch all day. "

"Have many spies been here?" asked the baron as, followed by his servant, he entered his sitting-room. 

"Yes, sir, they fairly besieged the door of the house and patrolled theopposite side of the street all day long. Three times, too, gentlemencalled to ask for you. They said that they were visitors, but I think theywere only spies who wanted to find out whether you were at home. "

"Well, now they can come and assure themselves that I'm here, " replied hismaster, stretching himself comfortably upon the sofa. "True, it won't lastlong--we start in an hour. Order post-horses, Peter, two post-horses and alight carriage, and pack the baggage. "

"Yes, sir!" sighed Peter. "What clothes will you take? Do we travel thistime again as Baron von Moudenfels, and must I pack the old gentleman'sbaggage as I did for the journey to Frankfort?"

"No, not as Baron von Moudenfels. This time I shall go in my own person andunder my own name. We shall go to Totis to the camp of his majesty theemperor. So take the court dress and everything necessary for a gentleman. Thank heaven, I shall be rid of the tiresome wig for a few days. "

Removing the blonde wig he passed his hand through the black locks whichappeared under it. 

"Hurry, Peter, order post-horses and pack our clothing; we must start in anhour. "

CHAPTER VI. 

THE CONSPIRACY DISCOVERED. 

The festival was over, the last guests had taken leave of Baroness deSimonie, and the servants and lackeys were gliding noiselessly through theempty rooms to extinguish the lights in the chandeliers and candelabra, andhere and there push the scattered pieces of furniture into place. 

Baroness de Simonie had gone to her boudoir, but though it was late atnight she seemed to feel no disposition to retire to rest, nor was therethe slightest expression of weariness on her beautiful face; her eyessparkled as brightly as they had just flashed upon her guests, and therewas no change in the proud carriage of her head, or of the tall, slenderfigure, still robed in white satin veiled with silver-embroidered whitecrêpe. The diadem of diamonds still glittered in her hair, and clasps ofthe same brilliant gems adorned her neck and her bare white arms. 

Madame de Simonie was pacing up and down her boudoir with hasty, impetuoussteps; her whole being seemed intensely agitated. Sometimes she paused atthe door to listen, then with panting breath resumed her restless movementto and fro, while her scarlet lips murmured: "He does not come yet. Something extraordinary must have happened. But what? What? Can he be indanger? Oh, my God, if this terrible week were once over, that--But hush! Ihear footsteps; it is he. "

Springing to the door with a single bound like a lioness, she tore itopen. 

"Is it you, father?"

"Yes, it is I, " he answered, entering the room and cautiously locking thedoor behind him. 

"Thank heaven that you are here, father!" she sighed, with an air ofrelief. 

"What?" he asked, smiling, "has my Leonore again become so affectionate adaughter that she is anxious about her father if he is suddenly called awayat night? For you have been anxious about me--about me and no oneelse--have you not?"

"No, not for you, " she cried impetuously, "for him, for him alone. Tell methat he is not in danger, that he has nothing to do with the matter onwhose account you were so suddenly called away!"

"I swear it, Leonore. But, my child, the impetuosity of your passion isbeginning to make me uneasy. How will you keep your head clear, if yourheart is burning with such impetuous fire that the rising smoke mustbecloud your brain? I have allowed you to give yourself the amusement oflove, but you must not make a serious life question of it. "

"Yet I shall either perish of this love or be new-born by it, " shemurmured. "But let us not talk about it. Tell me first why you left theball so suddenly?"

"Urgent business, my child. The emperor sent for me to come to Schönbrunn. "

"The emperor! What did he want of you?"

"There is something to be discovered, Leonore--a murderer who seeks theemperor's life. "

"A murderer!" she said, shuddering; "my God, suppose it should be he!"

"The emperor has received an anonymous letter from Hungary, in which he isinformed that, during the course of the next week, a young man will come toSchönbrunn to murder him. [D] I suppose that this comes directly from theEmperor Francis' court at Totis. Some fanatic has told the Emperor Francisthat he will go there to murder his hated foe, and the kind-heartedemperor, in his magnanimity has sent this warning to Napoleon. "

"And _he_ was in Totis, " said Leonore, trembling, under her breath, "and hetold me that in a week something decisive would happen. "

"You are silent, Leonore?" asked her father. "Have you nothing to tellme?"

She started from her sorrowful reverie; a bold, resolute fire again flashedin her eyes. "I have many things to tell you, many important things, " shereplied. "But I will not utter a single word unless you first take anoath. "

"What oath?"

"The oath that, if it is Kolbielsky who comes to murder Napoleon, you willwarn him and let him escape. "

"But how am I to warn him in advance, since the probability is that, if Ireally catch him, it will be at the moment of the deed. "

"Well, then, you will let him escape at that moment, if it is Kolbielsky. "

"But that is impossible, Leonore! You will understand yourself that it isimpossible. "

"Well, then, do as you choose, but do not ask me to communicate mydiscoveries. Good-night, father; I feel tired, I will go to sleep. "

Passing her father, she approached the door. But just as she was about toopen it, he laid his hand on her arm and stopped her. 

"Stubborn girl, " he said, smiling, "I see that your will must be obeyed toinduce you to speak. Well, then, I swear that, if the person who comes tomurder Napoleon is Baron von Kolbielsky, I will let him escape if he fallsinto my hands. "

"Swear it by my mother's spirit and memory. "

"I swear it by your mother's spirit and memory. But now, Leonore, speak. Have you really discovered a conspiracy?"

"Yes, I have discovered a conspiracy, and, thank heaven, I can tell youeverything--the names of all the conspirators; for _he_ is not amongthem--he has nothing to do with this crazy, reckless affair. Father, youcan tell Napoleon that a widespread conspiracy exists, and that it even hasnumerous adherents in his own army. The most aristocratic members of itwere present at my entertainment and held a consultation here. ColonelMariage, as you know, had begged me to give him and his friends a roomwhere they could talk undisturbed. "

"And you gave him the little red drawing-room didn't you?"

"Yes. I gave them the little red drawing-room, which is reached from thisboudoir. I was in the niche and heard all. "

"So it is really an actual conspiracy?" asked her father, with a happysmile. 

"Really an actual conspiracy, " she repeated gravely, "and unless you warnthe Emperor Napoleon, unless you save him, he will be a lost man within aweek, even if that murderer's dagger should not strike him. "

"That is splendid, that is marvelous, " cried her father. "Leonore, thistime we shall really attain our goal. We shall be rich. The emperor isgenerous; he loves life. I will set a high price upon it. By heaven, theCæsar's head is well worth four hundred thousand francs! I will ask them, and I shall receive. We shall be rich enough to do without and beindependent of men. "

"And I shall be free, " murmured Leonore, with a flash of enthusiasm uponher beautiful face. "You will not forget, father, that you promised to giveme my liberty if I helped you to become rich. You will not forget that youare to permit me to escape, with the man I love, from this false, pitifulworld, and fly with him to some remote, secluded nook, where no one knowsme--no one can betray to him the shame and sin of my past life. And aboveall, father, you will not forget that you have solemnly sworn to revealnothing of my former existence, not to let him suspect who I am, and--"

"Who and what your father is, you wanted to say, " he interrupted. "Yes, Iwill remember and not disclose our little secrets to him. The virtuousBaron von Kolbielsky would certainly be very much astonished if he made thediscovery that your major-domo has the honor of being your father, and thatthe father of the proud baroness is no other than the well-known spySchulmeister, who has rendered the Emperor Napoleon so many usefulservices, and whose name Kolbielsky has so often mentioned in my presencewith scornful execration. No, he must not learn all this. We will concealour past, we will begin a new life, and since we shall then be rich enough, it will not be difficult for us to remain noble and virtuous. But now, myLeonore, tell me exactly and in detail everything you know. Come, let ussit down on this divan and allow me to note at once the most importantpoints in your story, and especially the names. "

"Then listen, father! Thursday next the emperor is to be carried away byforce. "

"Carried away--where?" asked Schulmeister, smiling. 

"To some desolate island in the ocean. But do not interrupt me; don't letme anticipate, but relate everything in regular order. So listen and notewhat is necessary. There is a conspiracy which has its members in theFrench army, in the garrison now in Vienna, nay, even among those who arein the closest attendance upon the emperor, and which unites all themalcontents in France with the foes of Napoleon throughout all Europe. Heligoland is the meeting-place for the envoys of the conspiratorsthroughout Europe; there the central committee always assembles at certaintimes, and from there by confidential messengers and fellow conspiratorsissues its commands and directions to the members in all places; there isthe depot of the arms, ammunition, and other military stores. ThitherEngland has sent General Bathurst; Spain, General Bandari, for consultationand agreement with the Austrian General Nugent, the Russian GeneralDemidoff, and a certain Baron von Moudenfels, who has apparently played aprominent part in all these negotiations, and in whose hands all the singlethreads of this many-branched conspiracy meet. There was devised andarranged the plan which is now to be executed and in which Baron vonMoudenfels plays the most important part. "

"Do you know this Baron von Moudenfels?" asked Schulmeister. "Was he atyour entertainment this evening? I saw several gentlemen who were strangersto me, and whose names I was going to ask you, when I was called away. WasBaron von Moudenfels among them?"

"No, father, he was not among them, and I do not know Baron von Moudenfelsat all. According to the descriptions which I heard of him this evening, heis a man already advanced in years, but whose youthful vigor and energywere extravagantly praised and admired. Baron von Moudenfels has been theoriginator and director of the whole plan, and has been engaged for monthsin making preparations for its execution. Listen to the rest of my story!On Thursday the plot must be put into action. On that day the emperor willtake a ride in the afternoon, as he always does. If, by chance, he shouldshow no disposition to do so, they will induce him by some means, and willpersuade him to go to the woods near Schönbrunn. The emperor likes todismount there and stroll along the lovely, shady paths, talking with hisgenerals. To his surprise he will find a most charming little hut which hehas not seen before--for the very good reason that it was erected only theprevious day. The emperor, as is well-known, is curious, and he will go toit. The conspirators--and his entire suite is composed of them--theconspirators will propose going in. A French song, the signal thateverything is ready, will be heard within. The emperor will enter, hiscompanions will follow. Inside the hut armed conspirators will bestationed, who, as soon as the emperor enters, will seize and gag him, bindhim hand and foot, and thus render him harmless. Then one of the party whoentered with the emperor, Colonel Lejeune, whose figure is exactly likehis, will put on a suit of clothes made precisely like the emperor's, and, donning Napoleon's three-cornered hat, will leave the hut. Meanwhiletwilight will have gathered, and the conspirators, with the emperor--thatis Colonel Lejeune--at their head, will return to Schönbrunn. The guardswill salute as soon as they see the emperor dash into the courtyard. Thechief equerry will hold his stirrup, and help him to dismount. The emperor, followed by his suite, will enter the castle, and silently, according tohis custom, ascend the stairs and go to the hall where he receives hismarshals; there, as he so frequently does, he will dismiss all who arepresent with a wave of his hand and pass on into his study, which adjoinshis sleeping-room. "

"Well, it must be admitted that so far the affair has a glimmer offeasibility and probability, " said her father, smiling. "But I should bevery anxious about the continuation. Would Roustan, who undresses theemperor every evening, also be deceived by the masquerade, or would theconspirators attempt to abduct him also? And then--has it been forgottenthat before going to rest the emperor now works an hour every evening withhis private secretary, Bourrienne?"

"Bourrienne is one of the conspirators. He will enter the room with hisportfolio and remain there an hour, after first bringing to the anteroomthe order, in the emperor's name, to make no further reports to him thatevening, as he was wearied and therefore wished to go to rest early. TheMameluke Roustan could not be bribed, and therefore the attempt wasrelinquished. But the day before, through a dose of arsenic which will beadministered to him, Roustan will be so dangerously ill that he cannotattend upon the emperor, and Constant will take his place. "

"And is the valet Constant one of the conspirators?"

"He is, and he will be on duty during the night in the anteroom of thebedchamber. In this way the emperor's disappearance will be concealed untilthe next morning, and the matter will not become known until the followingday at nine o'clock, when the generals arrive. What will happen then, whether Eugene is declared emperor or the Bourbons are again summoned tothe throne, will depend upon what occurs in France, and what effect theemperor's disappearance has upon the minds of the people there. We neednot trouble ourselves about it for the present; it does not belong to thebusiness which occupies our attention. "

"No, no, we have to deal only with the emperor, " cried Schulmeister, laughing, "and I can tell you that I am as anxious about the progress ofthis matter as if it were the development of a drama, and that I amextremely curious to know what more is to be done with the gagged emperor. We have left him in the hut. "

"Yes, and he will remain there until the night has closed in. Then Baronvon Moudenfels and two other conspirators, disguised as workmen, willconvey him in a basket standing ready in the hut, such as are used in thetransportation of the sick to the place in the woods where a carriage willbe waiting for the basket and its companions. They will ride all nightlong, relays will be ready everywhere at the appointed spots, and, whenmorning dawns, they will have reached the house of a conspirator nearGratz, and spend the day there. At nightfall the journey will be continuedin the same way, and so, constantly traveling by night and resting by dayin the house of a conspirator, until Trieste is reached. To be prepared forall casualties, a French passport for the transportation of an invalid toTrieste has been obtained. Count Andreossy issued it at the request ofColonel Mariage, and for greater security, Captain de Guesniard, in fulluniform and provided with the necessary legal documents, will accompany theparty to Trieste. "

"Who are to be the other companions of the captive emperor?"

"Three more persons will accompany him. First, Baron Moudenfels, theoriginator and instigator of the whole plan. Then there are two subalternofficers in the French army, for whom Captain de Guesniard answers, butwhose names were not mentioned. "

"Oh, I will discover them, " cried Schulmeister, "be assured I will discoverthem; and I am glad that there is some special work for me in this affair. Go on now, go on, my Leonore. "

"There is but little more to say. A ship, laden with grain, lies in theharbor of Trieste with papers ready to set sail at once for Genoa. TheBaron von Moudenfels, with the prisoner and the two French lieutenants, will take passage in her for Genoa, where another vessel, furnished by theSwedish members of the league, is ready to convey the party further. Countvon Kotte has already been sent from here to Genoa by Baron von Moudenfelsto give directions to the captain of the ship, who from that port willrelieve Baron von Moudenfels from the charge of the prisoner. "

"And what is the goal of his journey?"

"As I told you, some desolate island in the ocean, where no ships touch. There the emperor will be put ashore and left to support life like a secondRobinson Crusoe, or in his despair seek death. "

"Well, the plan really is not impracticable, and has been devised withequal boldness and calculation. Only I should like to know why so much adois made, instead of adopting the shorter process, that is, murdering theemperor. "

"For two reasons! The conspirators consider their task too sacred toprofane it by assassination. They wish to rid Europe of the unhallowed yokewhich weighs upon it in the person of the Emperor Napoleon. They areconvinced that they are summoned to the work; that they shall therebyrender the world and mankind a service full of blessing; but they will notanticipate fate; they will leave it to God to end a life which they merelydesire to render harmless to God and men. This is the first motive for notkilling the emperor, the second is that they believe a speedy death wouldbe no fit punishment for the crime which Napoleon has perpetrated onhumanity, while a perpetual, hopeless captivity, embittered by theomnipresent, ever alert consciousness of ruined greatness, of fame buriedin dust and silence, would be a lasting penance more terrible to anambitious land-robber than death could ever be. "

"They are right, by the eternal God, they are right!" cried Schulmeister;"I believe that the emperor would prefer a speedy death a hundred times tosuch slow torture; and to you, Leonore, to you and to me will now fall thevast, the priceless happiness of preserving the emperor from suchmartyrdom. I say the priceless happiness, but I shall take good care thatthe emperor pays me for it as dearly as possible, and--so far as it can bedone--balances the immense weight of our service by its compensation. Byheaven, half a million francs really seems a trivial reward, and I don'tknow whether we can be satisfied with it. "

"I shall be satisfied, " cried Leonore, with an enthusiastic glance, "onlywhen you fulfill the vow which you made; when, after I have made you rich, you make me free and permit me to go with the man whom I love wherever Idesire, taking care that you do not betray by a word, a hint, who I am, andwhat I was. "

"I will fulfill my oath to you, " said Schulmeister earnestly, "for you haveperformed yours. You have discovered a conspiracy, and through thisdiscovery saved the emperor from a terrible misfortune, and given me theright to demand a high price. You will make me rich; you will drive thedemon of poverty from my head; I will repay you--I will guard yours fromthe demons of disgrace and shame; you shall have no cause to blush in thepresence of the man whom you love. On the day that I bring from theemperor half a million as my property and yours, your past and mine willboth be effaced, and we will enter upon a new life, in a new world! Let thespy, Schulmeister, the adventuress Leonore de Simonie; be buried, and newpeople, new names, rise from the budding seeds of the half million. But nowfarewell, my daughter, my beautiful Leonie. I must begin the work, mustsummon all my assistants and subordinates, and assign their tasks, for thenext few days will bring much work. It is not enough for me to inform theemperor of the existence of a conspiracy, and the plan of the accomplices, but I must be able to give him convincing and irrefutable proofs of thisplot, that he may not deem it a mere invention which I have devised inorder to be able to claim a large reward. No, the emperor must see that Iam telling him the truth, so I must not let the affair explode too soon. Imust first know the names and residences of all the conspirators, investigate the details of the whole enterprise, and hold in my hand thethreads of the entire web in order to be sure that all the spiders who havelabored at it will be caught in their own net. "

"Do so, father, " cried Leonore joyously. "I will leave them all to you--allthese poor spiders of the conspiracy. I feel no pity for them. Let themdie, let them suffer, what do I care! I, too, have suffered, oh, and whatmortal anguish! Yes, let them die and rot; I shall at last be happy, free, and beloved. Oh, God be praised that the man whom I love is not entangledin this conspiracy, that I could disclose the whole plot, mention thenames of all the conspirators, without fear of compromising him. Yes, Ithank Thee, my God, that Kolbielsky has no share in this scheme. "

CHAPTER VII. 

THE REVELATION. 

The fatal Thursday had passed, Wednesday had come, yet Leonore had receivedno tidings from her father. For three days she had not seen him, had had nomessage from him. 

But it was not this alone that disturbed and tortured Leonore. She had alsohad no news from Kolbielsky, though the week which he had named as thenecessary duration of their parting had expired the day before. He hadsaid:

"My week of exile will begin from this hour, and the first festival will bewhen I again clasp you in my arms. "

This week had expired yesterday, and Kolbielsky had not come to clasp hisloved one in his arms again. She had expected him all through the day, allthrough the night, and the cause of her present deep anxiety was notsolicitude about her father, the desire to learn the result of theconspiracy discovered; no, it was only the longing for _him_, the terribledread that some accident might have befallen Kolbielsky. 

Why did he not come, since he had so positively promised to return at theend of a week? Was it really only a coincidence that the day which he hadfixed for his return was the selfsame one on which the conspiracy formed byNapoleon's foes was to break forth?

What if he had had a share in the conspiracy? If he had deceived her, if--But no, no, that was wholly impossible--that could not be! She knew thenames of the conspirators, especially those of the heads and leaders; sheknew that Kolbielsky's name had not once been mentioned during the wholediscussion between them. So away with anxieties, away with cowardly fears. Some accident might have detained him, might have caused a day's delay. 

To-day, yes, to-day he would come at last! To-day she would see him again, would rush into his arms, rest on his heart, never, oh! never to part fromhim again! Hark, a carriage was stopping before the door! Steps echoed inthe corridor. 

They approached, stopped at her door! It is he, oh, surely it is he!

Darting to the door, she tore it open. 

No! It was her father, only her father!

With a troubled cry, she sank into the chair beside the door. Her fatherwent to her; she did not see the sorrowful, almost pitying look he fixedupon her. She had covered her face with her hands and groaned aloud. Schulmeister stood before her with a gloomy brow, silent and motionless. 

At last, after a long pause, Leonore slowly removed her hands from her faceand raised her head. 

"Are we rich now?" she asked in a whisper, as though she feared lest eventhe walls should hear her question. 

"Yes, " he exclaimed joyfully, "yes, we are rich. "

Drawing his pocketbook from his coat, he opened it and poured out itscontents, shaking the various papers with their array of high numbers intoLeonore's lap. 

"Look, my daughter, my beloved child! Look at these wonderful papers. Tenbanknotes, each one fifty thousand francs. That is half a million, myLeonore! Look at these papers. Yet no, they are no papers, each is a magicspell, with which you can make a palace rise out of nothing. See this thinscrap of paper; a spark would suffice to transform it to ashes, yet youneed only carry it to the nearest banker's to see it changed into a heap ofgold, or glitter as a _parure_ of the costliest diamonds. If you desire it, these papers will transmute themselves into a magnificent castle, intoliveried servants, into superb carriages. Oh, I already see you standing asthe proud mistress of a stately castle, in your ancestral hall, withvassals bowing before you, and counts and princes suing for your hand. Forthese magic papers will give you everything, everything; not luxury alone, but honor, rank, and dignity, the love and esteem of men. Take them, forthe whole ten papers shall be yours. I wish to see you rich and happy, therefore I defied disgrace and mortal peril. Come, my child, let us setout this very hour to buy with these papers, far away from here, in anEden-like region, a castle which shall be adorned with all that luxury andart can offer. Come, my Leonore, come. We have accomplished our work ofdarkness, now day is dawning, now our star is rising. Come, come! Alas, thedays are so short, let us hasten, hasten to enjoy them!"

Leonore slowly shook her head. "_He_ must return, " she said solemnly. "First I must see him again, have him tell me that he will go with me tothat distant region. What would all the treasures of the earth avail, if Idid not have him! What would I care for castles, diamonds, and carriages ifhe were not with me! I am expecting him--he may be here at any moment. Sotell me, father--describe quickly how everything has happened. I have notseen you for three days; I do not know what has occurred, for, strangely, nothing has reached the public. "

"The emperor enjoined the most inviolable silence upon us all, " saidSchulmeister gloomily. "The whole affair has been treated and concealed asthe most profound secret. The emperor does not wish to have anything knownabout it; no one must deem it possible that people have dared to seek totake his life, to attempt to capture him. I never saw him in such a furyas when I first told him the plan of the conspirators. His eyes flashedlightnings, he stamped his feet, clenched his little hands into fists, andstretched them threateningly toward the invisible conspirators. He vowed tokill them all, to take vengeance on them all for the unprecedented crime. "

"And has he fulfilled the vow?"

"He has. He has punished the conspirators, so far as lay in his power. Butsome of them, for instance Baron von Moudenfels, do not belong to thenumber of his subjects, but are Austrians. The emperor did not have thesentence which he pronounced upon his own subjects executed upon them; hecould not at this time, for you know that negotiations for peace have beenopened, and the treaty will be signed immediately. So the emperor did notwish to constitute himself a judge of Austrian subjects; it is a delicateattention to the Austrian emperor, and the latter will know how to thankhim for it and to punish the criminals with all the rigor of the law. Therefore Baron von Moudenfels and Count von Kotte have merely been held asprisoners, and were compelled to witness the execution to-day. "

"What execution?" asked Leonore in horror. 

"Colonel Lejeune, Captain de Guesniard, and two sous-lieutenants were shotthis morning on the meadow at Schönbrunn, "[E] said Schulmeister in a lowtone. 

Leonore shuddered, and a deathlike pallor overspread her face. "And _I_delivered them to death!" she moaned. 

"And if you had spared them, you would have delivered the EmperorNapoleon, the greatest man of the age, to death, to the most terribletorture of imprisonment!" cried her father, shrugging his shoulders. "Thesemen wished to commit a crime against their sovereign, their commander. Youhave no reason to reproach yourself for having delivered the criminals tothe law. "

"And Mariage? What has become of Mariage?"

"Apparently he received a warning; he has fled. But we found all the othersyesterday at their posts; for we had made all our arrangements so secretlythat even the conspirators who surrounded the emperor were not aware of it. The emperor at first intended to act strictly according to the programme ofthe conspirators; take the ride with his suite, and not permit me to cometo his assistance, with a few trustworthy assistants, until after he hadentered the hut and been captured. But he rejected this plan, because hewould have been compelled to arrest his most distinguished generals andsubject the greater number of his staff officers to a rigid investigation. The whole army would then have heard of this bold conspiracy, andconspiracies are like contagious diseases, they always have successors. Sothe emperor rejected this plan, and, at the moment that his suite weremounting to attend him on his ride, he dismissed them all, saying that hewished to go into the woods alone, accompanied only by Colonel Lejeune, theMameluke, and myself. You can imagine the mute horror, the deathlike pallorof the generals. The emperor did not vouchsafe any of them a glance, butdashed away. When we had ridden into the woods, the emperor checked hishorse and turned to Colonel Lejeune, who, white as a corpse, rode besidehim. 

"Your sword, colonel!" he exclaimed, in tones of thunder. "You will notplay the part of emperor to-day, but merely the character of anarch-traitor and assassin. "

At the same instant Roustan and I rode to Lejeune's side, and each seizedan arm. A moment later he was disarmed and deprived of the papers which wefound in his breast pocket, and the tender farewell letters to his wife andhis mother, in case that the enterprise should fail. 

"I will have these sent at once to their addresses the morning after yourexecution, " the emperor said, with a withering glance from his largeflashing eyes. Then he rode on, and we followed, each holding an arm ofLejeune, who rode between us. At last we reached the hut and the emperorchecked his horse again. Roustan uttered a low whistle and, at the sameinstant, six gray-bearded giants of the imperial guard stood beside us asif they had sprung from the earth. As soon as the conspirators entered thehut, they had cautiously approached it and, concealed behind the trees, awaited the preconcerted signal. 

The emperor greeted them with the smile which bewitched his old soldiers, because it reminded them of the days of their great victory. 

"I know that you are faithful, " he said, "but I should also like to knowwhether you are silent. "

"Silent as the grave, if the Little Corporal commands it, " said oldConradin, the emperor's favorite. 

"Well, I believe you, and you shall give me a proof of it to-day. Clear outthe nest you see there, and catch the birds for me!"

"He pointed with uplifted arm and menacing gesture to the hut; the soldiersrushed to it and broke in the door. Shouts of rage were heard, severalshots rang out, then all was still, and the old grenadiers dragged out fivemen. Three were wounded, but they had avenged themselves, for three of thesoldiers were also injured. "

"Was Baron von Moudenfels among the prisoners?" asked Leonore quickly. 

"Yes, " replied Schulmeister, "yes, he was among them. "

"Then you saw him?"

"Yes, I saw him. "

The slow, solemn tone with which her father answered made Leonore tremble. She looked up questioningly into his face, their eyes met, and were fixedsteadily on each other. 

"Why do you gaze at me so sadly and compassionately?" asked Leonoresuddenly, cowering as though in fright. 

"I did not know that I was doing so, " he answered gently. 

"You were, you are still, " she cried anxiously. "Father, I read misfortunein your face. You are concealing something from me! You--oh, heaven, youhave news of Kolbielsky. "

She started up, letting the bank-notes fall unheeded to the floor, seizedher father's arm with both hands, and gazed silently at him with pantingbreath. 

He avoided her eyes, released himself almost violently from her grasp, stooped, picked up the bills and divided them into halves, putting fiveinto his breast pocket, and giving his daughter the other five. 

"Take it, my Leonore; take the magic key which will open Paradise to you!"

She took the bank-notes and, with a contemptuous gesture, flung them on thefloor. 

"You know something of Kolbielsky, " she repeated. "Where is he? Answer me, father, if you don't wish me to fall dead at your feet. "

"Yet if I do answer, poor child, what will it avail you? He is lost, youcannot save him. "

She neither shrieked nor wept, she only grasped her father's arm morefirmly and looked him steadily in the face. 

"Where is Kolbielsky?" she asked. "Answer, or I will kill myself. "

"Well, Leonore, I will give you a proof of my infinite love. I will tellyou the truth, the whole truth. When the prisoners were dragged out of thehut, one of them suddenly made an attempt to escape. The soldier tried tohold him, they struggled--in the scuffle the conspirator's wig fell off. Hitherto he had had white hair--"

"It was Baron von Moudenfels?" asked Leonore breathlessly. 

"Yes, Leonore, it was Baron von Moudenfels. But when the wig was torn fromhis head, we saw no old man, no Baron von Moudenfels, but--"

"Kolbielsky!" she shrieked with a loud cry of anguish. 

Her father nodded, and let his head sink upon his breast. 

"And he, too, was shot this morning?" she asked in a low, strange whisper. 

"No, Leonore. I told you that the emperor, out of regard for his futureally, the Emperor Francis, did not have him executed. He simply imprisonedhim and punished him only by compelling him to witness the execution. Hewill leave it to the Emperor Francis to pronounce sentence of death uponthe assassin. "

"He lives? You will swear that he lives?" she asked breathlessly. 

"I will swear that he lives, and that he will live until the return of thecourier whom Count Bubna, who is in Schönbrunn attending to the peacenegotiations--has sent to Totis to the Emperor Francis. "

The Baroness de Simonie bounded like a tigress through the room, tearing atthe bell till it sounded like a tocsin and the servants came rushing interror from the anteroom. 

"My carriage--it must be ready in five minutes!" she cried. The servantsran out and Leonore darted across the room, tore open the door of theadjoining chamber, opened a wardrobe in frantic haste, and dragged out acloak, which she flung over her shoulders. 

"In heaven's name, Leonore, are you out of your senses?" asked her father, who had hurried after her and now seized her arm. "What do you mean to do?Where are you going?"

"To the Emperor Napoleon!" she cried loudly. "To the Emperor Napoleon, tosave the life of the man I love. Give me the money, father!"

"What money, Leonore?"

"The bank-notes! The blood-money which I have earned!"

Her father had carefully gathered up the bank-bills which she had thrownabout the room, and gave them to her. Leonore shuddered as she clenchedthem in her trembling hands. "I have sold him, " she shrieked, raising thehand that held the papers toward heaven. "His blood clings to this money. But I will hurl it at the emperor's feet. I want no pay; I will beg hislife for my recompense. Pray father, pray that he may hear me, may grant memercy, for I swear by all that is sacred, if Kolbielsky must die, I willkill his murderers. And his murderers are--you and I!"

"The carriage is at the door, " said a servant, entering. 

She sprang forward. "I am coming. Pray, father, pray for mercy upon myloved one's murderers!"

CHAPTER VIII. 

PARDON. 

Four days had elapsed since the execution at Schönbrunn. Baron vonKolbielsky had been forced to attend it and was then conveyed to Vienna tospend dreary, lonely days at the police station in the Krebsgasse. 

He had vainly asked at least to be led before his judges to receive hissentence. The jailer, to whom Kolbielsky uttered these requests whenever heentered, always replied merely with a silent shrug of the shoulders, andwent away as mute as he had come. 

But yesterday, late in the evening, he had entered, accompanied by theChief Commissioner Göhausen, two magistrates, and a clergyman. With asolemn, immovable official countenance Commissioner Göhausen opened thedocument which his subordinate handed to him, and, in a loud voice, readits contents. It was a sentence of death. The death-sentence of BaronFriedrich Carl Glare von Kolbielsky "on account of sympathy and complicityin a murderous assault upon the sacred life of his annointed imperial allyand friend, Napoleon, emperor of the French. "[F] Early the followingmorning, at dawn, Baron Friedrich Carl Glare von Kolbielsky must be shot atSchönbrunn. 

Kolbielsky had listened to this death-warrant with immovable composure--noword, no entreaty for pardon escaped his lips. But he requested thepriest, who desired to remain to pray with him and receive his confession, to leave him. 

"What I have to confess, only God must know, " he said, smiling proudly. "Inour corrupt times even the secrets of the confessional are no longersacred, and if I confessed the truth to you, it would mean the betrayal ofmy friends. God sees my heart; He knows its secrets and will have mercy onme. I wish to be alone, that is the last favor I request. "

So he was left alone--alone during this long bitter night before his doom!Yet he was not solitary! His thoughts were with him, and his love--his lovefor Leonore!

Never had he so ardently worshipped her as on this night of anguish. Neverhad he recalled with such rapture her beauty, her indescribable charm, ason this night when, with the deepest yearning of his heart, he took leaveof her. Ah, how often, how often, carried away by the fervor of hisfeelings, he had stretched out his arms to the empty air, whispering herdear, beloved name, and not ashamed of the tears which streamed from hiseyes. He had sacrificed his life to hate, to his native land, but his lastthoughts, his last greetings, might now be given to the woman whom heloved. All his desires turned to her. Oh, to see her once more! Whatrapture thrilled him at the thought! And he knew that she would come if hesent to her; she would have the daring courage to visit his prison to bringhim her last love-greeting. He need only call the jailer and say to him:

"Hasten to Baroness de Simonie in Schottengasse. Tell her that I beg herto come here; tell her that I must die and wish to bid her farewell. She ismy betrothed bride; she has a right to take leave of me. "

He only needed to say this and his request would have been fulfilled, forthe last wishes of the dying and of those condemned to death are sacred, and will never be denied, if it is possible to grant them. 

But he had the strength to repress this most sacred, deepest desire of hisheart, for such a message would have compromised _her_. Perhaps she, too, might have been dragged into the investigation, punished as a criminal, though she was innocent. 

No, he dared not send to her! His Leonore, the beloved, worshipped idol ofhis heart, should not suffer a moment's anxiety through him. He loved herso fervently that for her sake he joyfully sacrificed even his longing forher. Let her think of him as one who had vanished! Let her never learn thatBaron von Moudenfels, the man who would be shot in a few hours, was the manwhom she loved. He would meet death calmly and joyfully, for he would leaveher hope! Hope of a meeting--not yonder, but here on earth! She wouldexpect him, she would watch for him daily in love and loyalty, andgradually, gently and easily, she would become accustomed to the thought ofseeing him no more. Yet, while doing so, she would not deem him faithless, would not suppose that he had abandoned her, but would know that it wasdestiny which severed them--that if he did not return to her, he had goneto the place whence there is no return. 

"Oh, Leonore, dearly loved one! Never to see you again, never again to hearfrom your lips those sweet, sacred revelations of love; never again to lookinto your eyes, those eyes which shine more brightly than all the stars inheaven. "

It was already growing lighter. Dawn was approaching. Yonder, in the darknight sky a dull golden streak appeared, the harbinger of day. The sun wasrising, bringing to the world and all its creatures, life; but to him, thecondemned man, death. 

Still he would die for his native land, for liberty! That was consolation, support. He had sought to rid the world of the tyrant who had crushed allnations into the dust, destroyed all liberty. Fate had not favored him; itshielded the tyrant. So Kolbielsky was dying. Not as a criminal, but as themartyr of a great and noble cause would he front death. And though fate hadnot favored him now, some day it would avenge him, avenge him on the tyrantNapoleon. It would hurl him from his height, crush him into the dust, trample him under foot, as he now trampled under his feet the rights andthe liberties of the nations. 

There was comfort, genuine consolation in this thought. It made death easy. The dawn grew brighter. Crimson clouds floated from all directions acrossthe sky! Perhaps he would be summoned in half an hour. 

No, not even half an hour's delay. His executioners were punctual. Thebolts on the outer door were already rattling. 

"Come, Kolbielsky, be brave, proud, and strong. Meet them with a joyousface; let no look betray that you are suffering! They are coming, they arecoming! Farewell, sweet, radiant life! Farewell, Leonore! Love of my heart, farewell!"

The inner door was opened--Kolbielsky advanced to meet his executionerswith proud composure and a smiling face. But what did this mean? Neitherexecutioner, priest, nor judge appeared, but a young man, wrapped in acloak, with his head covered by a broad-brimmed hat that shaded his face. 

Who was it? Who could it be? Kolbielsky stood staring at him, without thestrength to ask a question. The young man also leaned for a moment, utterly crushed and powerless, against the wall beside the door. Thenrousing himself by a violent effort, he bent toward the gray-bearded jailerwho stood in the doorway with his huge bunch of keys in his hand, andwhispered a few words. The jailer nodded, stepped back into the corridor, closed the door behind him and locked it. 

The young man flung aside the cloak which shrouded his figure. What didthis mean? He wore Kolbielsky's livery; from his dress he appeared to behis servant, yet he was not the man whom he had had in his service foryears. 

Kolbielsky had the strength to go a few steps forward. 

"Who are you?" he asked in a low tone. "Good heavens, who are you?"

The youth flung off his hat and rushed toward Kolbielsky. "Who am I? I?"he cried exultingly. "Look at me and say who I am. "

A cry, a single cry escaped Kolbielsky's lips, then seizing the youth'sslender figure in his arms, he bore it to the window. 

The first rays of the rising sun were shining in and fell upon the youngman's face. 

Oh, blessed be thou, radiant sun, for thou bringest eternal life, thoubringest love. 

"It is she! It is my Leonore! My love, my--"

He could say no more. Pressing her tenderly in his arms, he bowed his headupon her shoulder and wept--wept bitterly. But they were tears of delight, of ecstasy--tears such as mortals weep when they have no words to expresstheir joy. Tears such as are rarely shed on earth. 

Yet no. He would not weep, for tears will dim her image. He wished to seeher, imprint her face deep, deep upon his heart that it might still livethere while he died. 

He took the beautiful, beloved head between his hands and gazed at it witha happy smile. 

"Have you risen upon me again, my heavenly stars? Do you shine on me oncemore, ere I enter eternal night?"

Bending lower he kissed her eyes and again gazed at her, smiling. 

"Why do your lips quiver? Why do they utter no word of love? Oh, let mebreak the seal of silence which closes them. "

Bending again to the beloved face which rested in his hands, he kissed thelips. 

"Speak, my Leonore, speak! Bid me a last farewell; tell me that you willalways love me, that you will never forget me, though I must leave you. "

"No, no, " she cried exultingly, "no, you will not leave me, you will staywith me. "

Releasing herself and gazing at him with her large flashing eyes sherepeated:

"You will stay with me. "

"Oh, my sweet love, I cannot! They have sentenced me to death. They willsoon come to summon me. "

"No, no, my dear one, they will not come to lead you to death. They willnot kill you. I bring you life! I bring you pardon!"

"Pardon!" he cried, almost shrieked. "Pardon! But from whom?"

"Pardon from your sovereign and master, from the Emperor Francis!"

"God be praised. I can accept it from _him_, " cried Kolbielsky jubilantly. "So I am free? Speak, dearest, I am free?"

She shook her head slowly and sadly. "I have been able only to save youfrom death, " she said mournfully. "I have been able only to obtain yourlife, but alas! not your liberty. "

"Then I remain a prisoner?"

"Yes, a prisoner. "

"For how long?"

"For life, " she murmured in a voice barely audible. 

But Kolbielsky--laughed. 

"For life! That means--so long as Napoleon lives and is powerful. But hewill die; he will fall, and then my emperor will release me; then I shallbelong to life, to the world; then I shall again be yours! I will accept myemperor's pardon, for it is you who bring it to me--you have obtained it. You say so, and I know it. You hastened to Totis, you threw yourself at theemperor's feet, pleaded for mercy, and he could not resist your fiery zeal, your bewitching personality. But how did you know that I was arrested? Whotold you that I was Baron von Moudenfels?"

"My uncle, " she replied with downcast eyes, "my uncle brought me thetidings; he told me that Napoleon, through Count Bubna, had sent a courierto Totis, to the Emperor Francis, and asked your condemnation. I hastenedto Schönbrunn; I succeeded in overcoming all obstacles and reaching theemperor. I threw myself at his feet, confessed amid my tears that I lovedyou, begged for your life. And he granted it; he became your intercessor tothe Emperor Francis. He wrote a few lines, which I was to convey to Totismyself. I did so, hastening thither with post-horses. I spoke to theemperor. He was deeply moved, but he had not the courage to take anydecisive step; he still dreaded offending his new ally. The EmperorNapoleon begs me to grant Kolbielsky's life, he said. 'I will do so, butcan do nothing more for the present. I will grant him life, but I cannotgive him liberty. He must be taken to the Hungarian fortress Leopoldstadt. There he must remain so long as he lives. '"

"To Leopoldstadt! In an open grave, " cried Kolbielsky gloomily. "Cut offfrom the world, in joyless solitude, far from you. Oh, death, speedy deathwould be better and--"

"No, " she interrupted, "not far from me! I will remain with you. Theemperor at my fervent entreaty, permitted your servant, your faithfulservant, to accompany you, share your imprisonment. Now look at me, beloved, look at me. I wear your livery, I am the faithful servant who hasthe right to go with you. Oh! no, no, we will be parted no longer. I shallstay with you. "

Clasping both arms around his neck, she pressed a glowing kiss upon hislips. 

But Kolbielsky released himself from the sweet embrace and gently pushedher back. "That can never be--never will I accept such a sacrifice fromyou. No, you shall not bury your beauty, your youthful bloom in a livingtomb. Your tender foot is not made to tread the rough paths of life. Theproud Baroness de Simonie, accustomed to the splendor, luxury, and comfortof existence must not drag out her life in unworthy humiliation. I thankyou, love, for the sacrifice you wish to make, but nothing will induce meto accept it. Return to the world, my worshipped one! Keep your love, yourfidelity! Wait for me. Even though years may pass, the hour of liberty willat last strike and then I will return to you!"

"No, no!" she impetuously exclaimed. "I will not leave you; I will cling toyou. You must not repulse me. The emperor has given your servant the rightto stay with you. I am your servant. I shall stay!"

"Leonore, I entreat you, do not ask what is impossible. There aresacrifices which a man can never accept from the woman he loves--whichhumiliate him as they ennoble her. I should blush before your nobility; itwould bow me into the dust. Leonore de Simonie must not leave the pure, proud sphere in which she lives; she must remain what she is, the queen ofthe drawing-room. "

"Is this your final answer?" she asked, turning deadly pale. 

"My final one. "

"Well, then, hear me! You shall know who I am; you shall at least learnthat you might accept every sacrifice from me without ever being obliged toblush in my presence. You thrust me from you, that is, you thrust me intodeath! Yes, I will die, I wish to die, but first you shall hear from mylips the truth, that you may not grieve, may not shed a single tear for me. So hear me, Carl, hear me! I am not what you believe. My foot is notaccustomed to the soft paths of life--the world of splendor and honor isnot mine. From my earliest childhood I have walked in obscurity andhumiliation, in disgrace and shame, a dishonored, ignominious creature. "

As if crushed by her own words she sank down at his feet, and raised herclasped hands beseechingly, while her head drooped low on her breast. 

Kolbielsky gazed at her with an expression of unspeakable horror, then asmile flitted over his face. 

"You are speaking falsely, " he cried, "you are speaking falsely out ofgenerosity. "

"Oh, would to heaven it were so!" she lamented. "No, believe me, I amtelling the truth; I am not what I seem; I am not the Baroness de Simonie. "

"Not Baroness de Simonie? Then who are you?" he shrieked frantically. 

"I am a paid spy of the Emperor Napoleon, and the spy Schulmeister is myfather. "

Kolbielsky uttered a cry of fury and raised his clenched fist as if heintended to let it fall upon her head. But he repressed his rage and turnedaway. Despair and grief now overpowered him. He tottered to a chair and, sinking into it, covered his face and wept aloud. 

Leonore was still kneeling, but when she heard him sob she started up, rushed to him, and again throwing herself at his feet, she embraced hisknees. 

"Do not weep--curse me! Thrust me from you, but do not weep. Alas! yet Ihave deserved your tears. I am a poor, lost creature. Yes, do not weep. Ihave suffered much, sinned much, but also atoned heavily. Yes, weep for me!My life lies bare as a torn wreath of roses in the dust--not a blossomremains, nothing save the pathway of thorns, grief, and torture. Yes, weepfor me--weep for a lost existence. I was innocent and pure, but I waspoor--that was my misfortune. Poverty drove my father to despair, drove usboth to disgrace and crime. Oh, God! I was so young, and I wanted to live;I did not wish to die of starvation, and the tempter came to me in myfather's form, whispering, 'Have money and you will have honor! Helpyourself, for men and women will not aid you. They turn contemptuouslyaway because you are poor. To-morrow, if you are rich, they will pay courtto you, honor, and love you. I offer you the means to become rich. Give meyour hand, Leonore, despise the people who leave us to die, and follow me. 'I gave him my hand, I followed him, I became Napoleon's spy. I had money, Ihad a name, I saw people throng around me, I learned to despise them, andtherefore I could betray them. But, in the midst of my brilliant life, Iwas unhappy, for the consciousness of my shame constantly haunted me, constantly cast its shadow upon me. And one day, one day I saw and lovedyou! From that day I was the victim of anguish and despair. On my knees Ibesought my father to release me, to permit me to escape from the world. Hethreatened to betray my past, my disgrace to you. And I--oh, God, I lovedyou--I yielded, I remained. My father vowed that, if I made him rich, hewould set me free. I discovered a conspiracy. You were not among theaccomplices--I betrayed it. I wanted to serve _you_ by the treachery and Iplunged you into ruin. "

Tears gushed from her eyes; the sobs so long repressed burst forth andstifled the words on her lips. Kolbielsky no longer wept. He had let hishands fall from his face, and was listening to her in deep thought, inbreathless suspense. Now, when she paused sobbing, he stretched out hishand as if he wished to raise Leonore, then he seemed to hesitate andwithdrew it. 

She did not see it; she did not venture to look at him; she gazed only intoher tortured heart. "I have betrayed you, " she continued, after ananxious, sorrowful pause. "Oh, when I learned it, a sword pierced my souland severed it from every joy of life. I knew, in that hour, that I hadfallen a prey to despair, but I wished at least to rescue you. I have savedyou, that is the sole merit of my life. Napoleon could not resist mydespair, my tears, my wrath--he pitied me. He gave your life to me. All theblood-money which I had gained, all the splendor which surrounded me, Iflung at my father's feet. I released myself from him forever, and, that mypenance might be complete, I called all my servants and revealed myignominy to them. Then I left the palace where I had lived so long ingilded shame. I took nothing with me. I call nothing mine except theseclothes and the name of Leonore. Now you know all, and you will no longerbe able to say that I can make a sacrifice for you. Decide whether I mustdie, or whether you will pardon me. Let me atone; let me live--live as yourslave, your thrall. I desire nothing save to see you, serve you, live foryou. You need never speak to me, never deem me worthy of a word. I willdivine your orders without them. I will sleep on your threshold like afaithful dog, that loves you though you thrust him from you--who caressesthe hand that strikes him. I have deserved the blows; I will not murmur, only let me, let me live. "

She gazed imploringly at him, with a face beaming with enthusiasm and love. 

And he?

A ray of enthusiasm illumined his face also. He bent over the kneelingfigure, laid his hands on her shoulders, and gazed into her face whilesomething akin to a divine smile illumined his features. 

"When I bade you farewell, " he said softly, "I said that if I returned, Iwould ask you a momentous question. Do you know what it was?"

She shrank and a burning blush crimsoned her cheeks, but she did notventure to reply, only gazed breathlessly at him with fixed eyes. 

He bent close to her and, smiling, whispered:

"Leonore, will you be my wife?"

With a cry of joy she sprang into his arms, laughing and weeping in herecstasy. 

Kolbielsky pressed her closely to his heart and laid his hand upon her headas if in benediction. 

"You have atoned, " he said solemnly. "You shall be forgiven, for you havesuffered heavily! You have come to me homeless. Henceforth my heart shallbe your home. You have cast aside your name--I offer you mine in exchange. Will you be my wife?"

She whispered a low, happy "yes. "

An hour later an officer of justice arrived to announce to Kolbielsky hischange of sentence to perpetual imprisonment and inform him that thecarriage was waiting to convey him to Leopoldstadt. 

Kolbielsky now desired to see the priest whose ministration he had formerlyrefused, and when, half an hour later, he entered the carriage, Leonore washis wife. She accompanied him, disguised as his servant, for the permissionto attend the prisoner to Leopoldstadt was given in that name. But thepriest promised to go to the emperor himself and obtain for the wife thefavor which had been granted to the servant. 

He kept his word, and, a few weeks later, the governor of Leopoldstadtreceived the imperial command to allow the wife of the imprisoned Baron vonKolbielsky to share his captivity. 

But Kolbielsky's hope of a speedy release was not to be fulfilled. Napoleonhad become the emperor of Austria's son-in-law, and thereby Kolbielsky'sposition was aggravated. He knew too many of the Emperor Francis' secrets, could betray too much concerning the emperor's hate, and secret intriguesof which Francis himself had been aware. He was dangerous and thereforemust be kept in captivity. 

In his wrath he wrote vehement, insulting letters to the Emperor Francis, made himself guilty of high-treason. So they were well satisfied to findhim worthy of punishment, and render the troublesome fault-finder foreverharmless. 

So he remained a prisoner long after Napoleon had been overthrown. His wifedied many years before him, leaving one daughter, who, when a girl ofeighteen, married a distinguished Austrian officer. Her entreaties and herhusband's influence finally succeeded in securing Kolbielsky's liberation. In the year 1829 he was permitted to leave Leopoldstadt, to live with hisdaughter at Ofen, where he died in 1831. 

THE END. 

NEELY'S PRISMATIC LIBRARY. 

GILT TOP, 75 CENTS. 

"I know of nothing in the book line that equals Neely's Prismatic Libraryfor elegance and careful selection. It sets a pace that others will noteasily equal and none surpass. "--E. A. ROBINSON. 

 * * * * *

SOAP BUBBLES. MAX NORDAU. Brilliant, fascinating, intenselyinteresting. 

BIJOU'S COURTSHIPS. "Gyp. " From the French, by Katherine di Zerega. Illustrated. 

NOBLE BLOOD. By CAPT. CHARLES KING. 

TRUMPETER FRED. CAPT. CHARLES KING, U. S. A. Author of "FortFrayne, " "An Army Wife, " etc. , with full-page illustrations. 

 A startling story involving the circumstantial evidence of murder against a boy in the Regular Army. 

THE KING IN YELLOW. By the Author of "In the Quarter. " It is amasterpiece. . . . I have read many portions several times, captivated by theunapproachable tints of the painting. None but a genius of the highestorder could do such work. --_Edward Ellis_. 

IN THE QUARTER. By the Author of "The King in Yellow. " "Well written, bright, vivid; the ending is highly dramatic. "--_Boston Times_. 

FATHER STAFFORD. ANTHONY HOPE. Author of "The Prisoner ofZenda. "

 "'Father Stafford' is quite the best thing Hope has done so far, if I except one or two scenes from the 'Dolly Dialogues. '"--JOHN OLIVER HOBBES. 

AN ART FAILURE. JOHN W. HARDING. A story of the Latin Quarter asit is. More than fifty illustrations. 

 * * * * *

_For sale everywhere or sent postpaid on receipt of price by thepublisher. _

F. TENNYSON NEELY, 114 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. 

NEELY'S LATEST BOOKS. 

_Captain Charles King, U. S. A. _

TRUMPETER FRED. A startling story of the plains. Full pageillustrations. Buckram, 75 cents. 

AN ARMY WIFE. Suspicion and intrigue at headquarters. 12mo. Price$1. 25. 

FORT FRAYNE. 7th edition. 12mo. $1. 25. 

_Max Nordau. _

HOW WOMEN LOVE. Study and story, brilliant and energetic. 12mo. $1. 25. 

THE RIGHT TO LOVE. 12mo. $1. 50. 

THE COMEDY OF SENTIMENT. 12mo. $1. 50. 

THE AILMENT OF THE CENTURY. 12mo. $1. 50. 

_Robert W. Chambers. _

THE KING IN YELLOW. Neely's Prismatic Library. 75 cents. 

_John W. Harding. _

AN ART FAILURE. A story of the Latin Quarter as it is. Profuselyillustrated. Neely's Prismatic Library. 75 cents. 

_Robert Buchanan and Henry Murray. _

THE CHARLATAN. 12mo. $1. 25. 

_Anthony Hope. _

FATHER STAFFORD. The author's best story. Neely's PrismaticLibrary. Buckram, 75 cents. 

_Ethan Allen's_

WASHINGTON, OR THE REVOLUTION. In two parts. Each part, cloth, $1. 50. 

THE BACHELOR AND THE CHAFING DISH. 2nd Edition. $1. 00. 

CHEIRO'S LANGUAGE OF THE HAND. 5th Edition. $2. 50. 

IF WE ONLY KNEW and other poems by Cheiro. 50 cents. 

_Paul Bourget. _

THE DISCIPLE. 12mo. $1. 25. 

THE LAND OF PROMISE. 16 page illustrations. 12mo. $1. 50. 

F. Tennyson Neely. 

 New York, Chicago, 114 Fifth Avenue. 254 Franklin Street. 

FOOTNOTES:

[A] Napoleon's own words. See Hormayr, "Universal History of Modern Times, "part III. , p. 136. 

[B] Historical. See Hormayr's "Universal History. "

[C] Historical. "Anemones from the Diary of an Old Pilgrim, " Part II. , p. 99. 

[D] Historical. See "Anemones, " Part II. , p. 90. 

[E] Historical. See "Anemones, " Part II, . P. 90. 

[F] "Anemones, " Part II. , p. 93.