Page:Love's trilogy.djvu/251

 HELD the treasure in my hand!

It happened late one evening that I passed by a big restaurant. The rooms on the first floor were brilliantly lighted, and through the open windows came the sound of dance music.

Suddenly I remembered that Marie had been invited to a ball for this evening, and that the ball was to take place in these rooms. So now, at this moment, she was dancing there! dancing with the manufacturer, who, I was sure, looked proud and pompous, because every one could see that Marie was his.

Ah, don't be too sure, my good friends; at this very moment my revenge shall strike you—you who dare to dispute my right to Marie.

I enter the restaurant, ask for pen and paper, and write: 'I will not allow you to be with him any longer. Say that you are ill, and come to me. I am sick with longing for you. If you love me you will come.'

A footman promises for love and money to carry the letter safely to Marie, while I return home. I make the rooms look pretty. I am not in the least restless, for I know she will not fail me, and indeed, scarcely have I finished my preparations, before a carriage drives up to my door, from which steps a lady dressed in white.

She stands in my room with heaving bosom, and hand pressed against her throbbing heart. A lovely vision! A lovely foam-clad Naiad! Her dress made of layer upon layer of white gossamer,