The musician had clenched the handkerchief, with which he had wiped the perspiration from his brow, closely in his hand, and asked: 

“What more have you heard of Anna?”

“Very little,” replied Belotti.  “Her father has torn her from his heart, and calls Henrica his only daughter.  Happiness abandons those who are burdened by a father’s curse, and she certainly did not find it.  Don Luis is said to have been degraded to the rank of ensign on account of some wild escapades, and who knows what has become of the poor, beautiful signorina.  The padrona sometimes sent money to her in Italy, by way of Florence, through Signor Lamperi—­but I have heard nothing of her during the last few months.”

“One more question, Belotti,” said Wilhelm, “how could Henrica’s father trust her to your mistress, after what had befallen his older daughter in her house?”

“Money—­miserable money!  To keep his castle and not lose his inheritance, he resigned his child.  Yes, sir, the signorina was bargained for, like a horse, and her father didn’t sell her cheap.  Drink some wine, sir, you look ill.”

“It is nothing serious,” said Wilhelm, “but the fresh air will probably do me good.  Thanks for your story, Belotti.”

     ETEXT editor’s bookmarks: 

     Art ceases when ugliness begins
     Debts, but all anxiety concerning them is left to the creditors
     Despair and extravagant gayety ruled her nature by turns
     Repos ailleurs
     The best enjoyment in creating is had in anticipation
     To whom the emotion of sorrow affords a mournful pleasure

THE BURGOMASTER’S WIFE

By Georg Ebers

Volume 3.

CHAPTER XIII.

On the afternoon of the sixteenth of May, Burgomaster Van der Werff’s wife was examining chests and boxes.  Her husband was at the town-hall, but had told her that towards evening, the Prince’s commissioner, Herr Dietrich Van Bronkhorst, the two Seigneurs von Nordwyk, the city clerk Van Hout, and several other heads of municipal affairs and friends of freedom would meet at his house for a confidential consultation.  Maria had the charge of providing the gentlemen with a nice collation, wine, and many similar cares.

This invitation had a very cheering influence on the young wife.  It pleased her to be able to play the hostess, according to the meaning of the word in her parents’ house.  How long she had been debarred from hearing any grave, earnest conversation.  True, there had been no lack of visitors:  the friends and relatives of her husband’s family, who called upon her and talked with Barbara, often begged her to come to their houses; among them were many who showed themselves kindly disposed and could not help respecting her worth, but not one to whom she was attracted by any warm affection.  Maria,