At one of the windows of the corridor Madame Rosenberg and Hildegarde were standing—the former was speaking loudly and angrily. “I never knew anything so absurd as Crescenz’s conduct! To choose Mr. Hamilton of all people in the world for the object of a sentimental love! If she had not been a simpleton, she might have easily perceived that he thinks of everything rather than of such nonsense. As to what the Major hinted about his having said that he liked you, that was said at my particular request; so don’t you begin to have fancies like Crescenz.” “There is not the slightest danger,” said Hildegarde, with a scornful smile. “Where is Major Stultz?” said Hamilton, hastily opening the hall-door. “He is gone home, I am sorry to say. Oh, Mr. Hamilton, this is a most unpleasant business! If Crescenz’s marriage should be broken off now, it will be an actual disgrace.” “It will not be broken off. I can explain everything.” “Let me give you a hint what to say,” cried Madame Rosenberg, detaining him, “for he is exceedingly angry, and says we have all been deceiving him. Can you not just set matters right—say that you _have_ paid Crescenz some attentions, and that you did admire her some time ago!” “Of course I shall say that,” replied Hamilton, endeavouring to get away. “Say, too, that she does not really care at all for you, and was only trying to make him jealous this evening because he called her a coquette. And then, to frighten him, you may as well add that you will renew your addresses to-morrow if he do not at once make up his quarrel with her.” “I shall tell him the truth and blame myself—even more than I deserve,” said Hamilton, closing the door and running down stairs. “He certainly is an excellent young man!” exclaimed Madame Rosenberg, “and notwithstanding his youth, I see I may transfer the arrangement of this disagreeable affair to him. At all events, I can do nothing more to-night, and may as well go to bed. Tell Crescenz I do not wish to see her until to-morrow. What is said cannot be unsaid, and scolding now would be useless. What will your father say when he hears what she has done?”