“Yes, his personal bravery is undoubted; he was also an excellent officer——covered with wounds—made the campaign in Russia, and was one of the few Bavarians who returned home to relate the horrors of the retreat. I advise you, however, to avoid the subject when he is present, as he is rather diffuse about it. His brother, a Nuremburger tradesman, died about six months ago, and left him a good deal of money; his wounds afforded him a good excuse for retiring from the service and applying for a pension. And he told me honestly, that he has been looking for a wife ever since, as he does not know what to do with himself.” “The idea of taking Hildegarde to wife, in order to dispel _ennui_, was a proof of great discernment,” observed Hamilton, ironically. “Rather say, most unpardonable effrontery,” replied Zedwitz, growing very red. “A man of his discrimination,” continued Hamilton, provokingly, “must be aware that Crescenz is but a bad substitute for her sister; Hildegarde, too, would have suited him much better; she would have kept him in order by——” Here he waved his hand significantly. “How you harp on that subject, Hamilton!” “I shall never mention it again if it distresses you. I was really not aware——” “Pshaw!” he exclaimed, impatiently, turning away. “As to Crescenz, poor girl,” continued Hamilton, “I really pity her. Such a fearful difference of age and person makes it an odious sacrifice!” “Not so much as you think, perhaps,” said Zedwitz, quietly; “Stultz is a good-hearted man, and will let her do whatever she pleases. You will see how soon she will be satisfied with her lot in life! Perhaps even before her marriage!” “It is at least to be hoped so,” observed Hamilton, dryly. “The _trousseau_ will soon occupy her mind completely, and while exhibiting it to her friends and receiving their congratulations, she will learn to like the cause of all the preparations, and end, perhaps, by fancying herself a singularly fortunate person!” Crescenz entered the garden while they were speaking, and blushed deeply as she passed them. Hamilton felt the blood mount to his temples, and turned away that Zedwitz might not observe it. “This is the beginning of the comedy,” cried the latter, after a moment’s pause, touching Hamilton’s arm to make him look round. He turned, and, through the foliage of the arbour, saw Major Stultz clasping a massive gold bracelet on Crescenz’s arm. She appeared for a moment embarrassed and shy; then played with a padlock or heart, or some such thing which dangled from the bracelet, and finally she looked up at him and smiled. “She is a thorough-bred coquette!” exclaimed Hamilton, indignantly. “Zedwitz, I throw down the gauntlet, and enter the list as your rival. I prefer running the chance of occasional chastisement from the fair hand of Hildegarde, to having anything more to do with such a silly, vain creature as this Crescenz seems to be.”