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"General Werrig von Leuthen has addressed himself to you, sire, praying for the consent of your majesty to the marriage of his daughter with the banker Ebenstreit. Your majesty has consented, and added that Herr Ebenstreit shall take the name of his future father-in-law, and the marriage shall take place as soon as the title of nobility has been made out." The king nodded.
"First sign this document," said the director, as he drew a second paper. "It runs thus: 'I, Marie von Leuthen, that of my own free will and consent I will renounce every other engagement, and will marry Herr Ebenstreit von Leuthen, and be a faithful wife to him. I witness with my signature the same." "Give it to me quickly," she gasped. "I will sign it! He must be free! He shall not go mad!"
You said yourself, sir, this morning, that it was only valid if you succeeded in marrying the daughter of General von Leuthen. No none knows where you can find your bride but me." "And Trude," said Ebenstreit, quickly. "You know she will not betray Fraulein, and you have not even tried to make her." "You are mistaken; Trude is as easily bought as any one."
The hour of whist the general impatiently awaited the entire day, and it was regularly observed. Even in the contract with his adopted son it had been expressly mentioned as a duty, that he should not only secure to them yearly income, but also devote an hour to cards every evening. Herr Ebenstreit regarded it as a tax, which he must observe until married.
Moritz's head sank upon his breast, almost in the agony of death. "Take him to the next station, my friends," commanded Ebenstreit, "the carriage is already ordered to remove him to Spandau." He dismounted, and now took the place by Marie, who still lay in a dead faint. "Postilion, mount and turn your carriage, I retain you until the next station.
A radiant smile flitted over Marie's face as she defied Ebenstreit with the law of the Great Frederick, who had decided that every unhappy couple without offspring could separate by their own free will and consent, having signed a paper to that effect. "Is that the paper which you have made me sign?" cried Ebenstreit, alarmed. "Yes, drawn up by my notary, and both of our names are signed to it."
"Why do you not answer me?" cried Moritz, stamping his foot. "Are you the coward? Was this red scar caused by the whip-lash?" Another long pause ensued, and a distinctly audible voice was heard, saying, "Yes, it is he!" "Who replied to me?" asked Moritz, turning his angry glance away from Ebenstreit. "I," said Marie. "I reply for my husband!" "You? Are you the wife of this man?" thundered Moritz.
His wife bowed dignifiedly, and the happy bridegroom gave old Trude some gold-pieces upon the favorable news. "Has she, then, been converted by your persuasion?" he asked. "Through my persuasion and her own good sense. She understands that, if she cannot marry her dear Moritz, Herr Ebenstreit is the most fit husband, because he loves her, and is so generous to her old parents.
As preparations were being made for a grand dinner, with which the Baron and Baroness von Ebenstreit would close the season, the former head bookkeeper of the baron appeared at the palace, demanding, with anxious mien, to see the principal.
The certificate of nobility arrived this morning." "I congratulate you, mother you have at last found the long-desired heir to your name." "Congratulate me above all, my beautiful betrothed," said Herr Ebenstreit, in a hoarse, scarcely intelligible voice. "This title crowns all my wishes, as it makes me your husband.
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