“Countess von Moltke and Frau von Morien!” announced the usher. In brilliant toilets the ladies rustled in, hastening toward the baroness, who had now regained her wonted composure, and received them in her usual stately manner. “How perfectly charming you look to-night!” cried Countess Moltke. “To me you are ever the impersonation of the goddess of wealth and beauty strewing everywhere with lavish generosity your gifts, and turning every thing to gold with your touch.” “But whose heart has remained tender and gentle,” added Frau von Morien.--“You are indeed a goddess, always enhancing the pleasures of others. To-day I wear the beautiful bracelet which you sent me because I admired it.” “And I, ma toute belle,” cried the countess, “have adorned myself with this superb gold brocade which you so kindly had sent from Paris for me.” “You have forgotten, countess, that you begged of me to give the order for you.” “Ah, that is true! Then I am your debtor.” “If you are not too proud to receive it as a present?” “Oh, most certainly not; on the contrary, I thank you, my dear.--Tell me, my dear Morien, is not this woman an angel?” At this instant the French ambassador, Marquis Treves, appeared among the numerous guests, whom the baroness stepped quickly forward to welcome, withdrawing with him into the window-niche. “Welcome, marquis,” she said, quickly, in a low voice, “Have you brought me the promised papers?” Drawing a sealed packet from his coat-pocket, he handed it to the baroness with a low bow, saying: “I would draw your attention to the fact once more, dear madam, that I have abided by the price named by yourself, in making this sale, although I am still of the opinion that it is below its value.” “The sum is sufficient for my wants, and I rated its value according as it is taxed.” “There are a hundred thousand dollars in bills of exchange, payable at the French embassy at any moment,” said the marquis. “I thank you, sir, for this proof of friendly attention; and as it may be the last time we meet, I would assure you that I shall always remember your many and thoughtful kindnesses.” “You speak, baroness, as if you would forsake the circle of which you are the brightest ornament.” “No, the friends will forsake me,” she replied, with a peculiar smile. “Ere an hour shall pass not one of all these numerous guests will remain here.--Ah, there comes the decision! See there, marquis!” The usher announced “Banker Splittgerber.” The old man entered followed by two men of not very presentable appearance, and whose toilet was but little in keeping with the brilliantly-decorated room and the aristocratic guests. Never heeding the sneers nor contemptuous smiles, the faithful book-keeper wound his way, through the crowd of elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen, accompanied by the two men, up to Ebenstreit, who, with instinctive politeness, had placed himself near Marie.