though he had a demon at his service. I am not a man of that sort.
I know the value of money. Your three cards will not be thrown
away upon me. Come!"

He paused and tremblingly awaited her reply. The Countess remained
silent. Hermann fell upon his knees.

"If your heart has ever known the feeling of love," said be, "if
you remember its rapture, if you have ever smiled at the cry of
your new-born child, if any human feeling has ever entered into
your breast, I entreat you by the feelings of a wife, a lover, a
mother, by all that is most sacred in life, not to reject my
prayer. Reveal to me your secret. Of what use is it to you? May
be it is connected with some terrible sin, with the loss of eternal
salvation, with some bargain with the devil. Reflect, you are old,
you have not long to live--I am ready to take your sins upon my
soul. Only reveal to me your secret. Remember that the happiness
of a man is in your hands, that not only I, but my children and my
grandchildren, will bless your memory and reverence you as a
saint."

The old Countess answered not a word.

Hermann rose to his feet.

"You old hag!" he exclaimed, grinding his teeth, "then I will make
you answer!" With these words he drew a pistol from his pocket.
At the sight of the pistol, the Countess for the second time
exhibited strong emotions. She shook her head, and raised her
hands as if to protect herself from the shot. Then she fell