"Before the Baron's marriage, a certain Count Victorin, major in the Prince's _Garde d'Honneur_, and only now and then professionally established at the _residenz_, was one of Euphemia's regular suitors, and the only one of whom it could ever have been said, that he at times appeared to be honoured by her particular regard. It had once been whispered indeed, that a much nearer and more intimate acquaintance existed between them, than was yet indicated by their outward behaviour. But the rumour immediately died away, as obscurely as it had arisen. "Be that as it may, the Count Victorin was again this last winter in the _residenz_, and of course, made his appearance in the circles of the Baroness. He seemed, however, not in the least to concern himself about her, but rather even to avoid her conversation. Notwithstanding all this, I imagined that frequently their looks met, when they believed themselves unobserved; and that in these looks--but I shall not describe more particularly--suffice it to say, that their expression was such, as in my opinion could not be misunderstood, and such as to cause to me the utmost disquietude. "More especially, it happened one night at the house of the Governor, where a large party was assembled, that I stood crowded and squeezed up into a window, where I was more than half concealed by the furniture drapery, and only two or three steps before me was the Count Victorin. "Then Euphemia, more than ever brilliant and tasteful in her dress, and beaming in luxuriant beauty, swept up to him as if to pass by. No one, probably, remarked them but myself. He seized her arm, with a kind of passionate vehemence, but so that it was observed by me alone. Their eyes met; her expressive looks were turned directly and full upon him. She whispered some words, of which I could not seize the import. Euphemia must have seen me. She turned round quickly; but I distinctly heard the words, 'We are observed!' "I stood as if petrified by the shock of this discovery. Alas! reverend sir, think of my conflicting feelings at that moment--think of my gratitude and respect--of that faithful attachment with which I was devoted to the Baron--and recollect, too, the apprehensions by which I had been so long persecuted, and which were thus so cruelly and unequivocally realized! "These few words, however unimportant in themselves, had completely revealed to me that there was a secret understanding between the Baroness and the Count! For the present I was obliged to be silent; but I was resolved to watch Euphemia with Argus eyes, and then, as soon as I had obtained _proofs_ of her crime, to break asunder at once the disgraceful bands in which she had fettered my unhappy friend.