And how home-like the old furniture in the drawing and other rooms: _roccoco_ cupboards, and drawers with their sweeping lines, those arm-chairs, little works of art carved in wood, those heavy curtains, which formed an easily moved partition between the secret concealed cabinets and drawing-rooms! How pleasant the faces of the old male and female servants, who at once took the new mistress to their hearts, and were ready to watch over their new precious possession as well as they had ever guarded the most valuable treasure confided to them. A proud sensation of happiness overcame her; the dream of a peaceable existence, of ensured happiness, hovered before her mind, then her hand was pressed convulsively to her heart; painfully she felt the rift that extended through her whole life--that she always experienced, even although concealed from her lover and the world, but which, when it suddenly yawned, became an abyss which must swallow up all her felicity. She could only listen absently to Beate's chatter, "I must say it is a true Palazzo Pitti, in which we, however, are the most beautiful pictures! And as to its being countryfied, the Castle itself certainly is not so, although the entire population consists of rough unhewn blocks. One might be in a fortress; down below, Signora, at the foot of the hill, still stands a massive square tower. I enquired about it, they call it the 'Dantziger;' it was used for watching the besiegers and taking them in their rear, it also ensured escape, as a secret outlet leads to the lake. The stone passage, with its handsome arches, unites it with the Castle. Well, if I can find a sweetheart here, the old Dantziger will do me good service for secret adventures and secret flight. Besides which, in the Castle, there are divers stairs in the walls, hidden doors--what else I know not! The Knights of the Order had their secrets, too. We shall find it all out in good time." "You are incorrigible with your love of adventures, Beate." "Think of the sacristy in the church of San Giulio. What should you be without me? A very doubtful betrothed, your past rests in the Orta Lake with the sacristy key! But enough of it. They are very lively over in the new wing, where all are preparing for the Polter-abend entertainment; they say it is just like being behind the scenes, gay masks of every kind, but terribly inexpert wardrobe women; everything in the world requires experience. If only we were with them, we understand the art." Beate was still chattering when Blanden entered; she possessed tact enough to disappear as speedily as possible. "Only get dressed quickly, dear Giulia!" cried Blanden, "all are preparing to greet us. I am an outlawed man it is true, but yet one always possesses some real friends. The Castle is full from attic to cellar; for twenty years or more there has not been such a garrison. You bring life into my solitude, let me welcome you cordially once more."