me of all this, and told him it was my wish to remain in a country
where I seemed to be beloved, and to lead a life free from anxiety.
I then commissioned him to purchase the finest estate in the
neighbourhood in the name of his daughter--for a father was the best
person to act for his daughter in such a case--and to refer for
payment to me. This occasioned him a good deal of trouble, as a
stranger had everywhere anticipated him; but at last he made a
purchase for about 150,000 pounds.

I confess this was but an innocent artifice to get rid of him, as I
had frequently done before; for it must be confessed that he was
somewhat tedious. The good mother was rather deaf, and not jealous,
like her husband, of the honour of conversing with the Count.

The happy party pressed me to remain with them longer this evening.
I dared not--I had not a moment to lose. I saw the rising moon
streaking the horizon--my hour was come.

Next evening I went again to the forester's garden. I had wrapped
myself closely up in my cloak, slouched my hat over my eyes, and
advanced towards Minna. As she raised her head and looked at me,
she started involuntarily. The apparition of that dreadful night in
which I had been seen without a shadow was now standing distinctly
before me--it was she herself. Had she recognised me? She was
silent and thoughtful. I felt an oppressive load at my heart. I
rose from my seat. She laid her head on my shoulder, still silent
and in tears. I went away.

I now found her frequently weeping. I became more and more
melancholy. Her parents were beyond expression happy. The eventful