I beg you, my dear, good child, grant your parents the few last years of their life freedom from care!" "And I, Marie," said her mother, in a softened and tender tone, which Marie had never heard from her--"I beg you also, be a good daughter, pity your mother! I have always led a joyless, unhappy life.

I lived unmarried, a native-born countess, with proud relations, who made me feel bitterly my dependence; when married my existence was only trouble, privations, care, and sorrow.

I beg you, Marie, teach me to know happiness, for which I have so longed in vain; give me independence and prosperity, which I have always desired, and never known.

I pray, Marie, make us happy in bringing us a rich, genteel, and good son-in-law, Herr Ebenstreit." Marie, who met the scorn and threats of her mother with firmness and a proud demeanor, trembled as she heard these severe and merciless lips, always so cold and harsh, now begging and imploring.

At first she was quite frightened, and then terrified, and covered her face with her hands, her head sinking upon her breast as her mother spoke.
"Speak, my daughter," cried the general, as his wife was silent.