consulted Bendel as to the means of meeting her again in the
forester's garden.

At times I flattered myself with great hopes from the near
approaching visit of the unknown; then wept again, because I saw
clearly on reflection that they would end in disappointment. I had
made a calculation of the day fixed on by the fearful being for our
interview; for he had said in a year and a day, and I depended on
his word.

The parents were worthy old people, devoted to their only child; and
our mutual affection was a circumstance so overwhelming that they
knew not how to act. They had never dreamed for a moment that the
Count could bestow a thought on their daughter; but such was the
case--he loved and was beloved. The pride of the mother might not
have led her to consider such an alliance quite impossible, but so
extravagant an idea had never entered the contemplation of the
sounder judgment of the old man. Both were satisfied of the
sincerity of my love, and could but put up prayers to Heaven for the
happiness of their child.

A letter which I received from Minna about that time has just fallen
into my hands. Yes, these are the characters traced by her own
hand. I will transcribe the letter:-

"I am indeed a weak, foolish girl to fancy that the friend I so
tenderly love could give an instant's pain to his poor Minna! Oh
no! thou art so good, so inexpressibly good! But do not
misunderstand me. I will accept no sacrifice at thy hands--none
whatever. Oh heavens! I should hate myself! No; thou hast made me