Adventures of a New Year's Eve

== ADVENTURES OF A NEW YEAR'S EVE ==
=== By Heinrich Zschokke ===
=== Published in Short Stories in 1894 ===
Mother
Kate, the watchman's wife, at nine o'clock on New Year's eve, opened her little
window, and put out her head into the night air. The snow was reddened by the
light from the window as it fell in silent heavy flakes, upon the street She
observed the crowds of happy people, hurrying to and fro from the brilliantly
lighted shops with presents, or pouring out of the various inns and
coffee-houses, and going to the dances and other entertainments with which the
New Year is married to the Old in joy and pleasure. But when a few cold flakes
had lighted on her nose she drew back her head, closed the window, and said to
her husband: "Gottlieb, stay at home, and let Philip watch for thee
to-night ; for the snow comes as fast as it can from Heaven, and thou knowest
the cold does thy old bones no good. The streets will be gay to-night. There
seems dancing and feasting in every house, masqueraders are going about, and
Philip will enjoy the sport." 
Old
Gottlieb nodded his assent. " I am willing, Kate," he said. " My
barometer, the old wound above my knee, has given me warning the last two days
of a change of weather. It is only right that my son should aid me in a service
to which he will be my successor." 
We must
give the reader to understand that old Gottlieb had been a sergeant of cavalry
in one of the king's regiments until he was made a cripple for life by a
musket-ball, as he was the first mounting the walls of a hostile fort in a
battle for his fatherland. The officer who commanded the attack received the
cross of honor on the battlefield for his heroism and was advanced in the
service; while Gottlieb was fain to creep homewards on a pair of crutches. From
pity they made him a schoolmaster, for he was intelligent, liked to read, and
wrote a good hand. But when the school increased they took it away from him lo
provide for a young man, who could do none of these as well as he, merely
because he was a godson of one of the trustees. However, they promoted Gottlieb
to the post of watchman, with the reversion of it to his son Philip, who had in
the meantime bound himself to a gardener. It was only the good housewifery of
Mistress Katharine, and the extreme moderation of old Gottlieb, that enabled
them to live happily on the little they possessed, Philip gave his services to
the gardener for his board and lodging, but he occasionally received very fine
presents when he carried home flowers to the rich people of the town. He was a fresh,
handsome young fellow, of si x-and- twenty. Noble ladies often gave him sundry
extra dollars for his tine looks, a thing they would never have thought of
doing for an ugly face. Mrs. Kate had already put on her cloak to go to the
gardener's house to fetch her son, when he entered the apartment. 
"Father,"
said Philip, giving a hand to both father and mother, "it's snowing, and
the snow won't do you much good. I'll take the watch to-night, and you can get
to bed." 
"
You're a good boy," said old Gottlieb. 
"And
then I've been thinking," continued Philip, "that as to-morrow is New
Year's day, \ may come and dine with you and make myself happy. Mother,
perhaps, has no joint in the kitchen, and — " 
"No,"
interrupted the mother, "we’ve no joint, but then we have a pound and a
half of venison ; with potatoes for a relish and a little rice with laurel
leaves for a soup, and two flasks of beer to drink. Only come, Philip, for we
shall live finely to-morrow! Next week we may do better, for the New Year's
gifts will be coming in, and Gottlieb's share will be something ! Oh ! we shall
live grandly." 
"Well,
so much the better, dear mother," said Philip; "but have you"
paid the rent of the cottage yet ?" 
Old
Gottlieb shrugged his shoulders. 
Philip laid
a purse upon the table. 
"
There are two-and-twenty dollars that I have saved. I can do very well without
them ; take them for a New Year's gift, and then we can all three enter on the
new year without a debt or a care. God grant that we may end it in health and
happiness ! Heaven in its goodness will provide for both you and me." 
Tears came
into Mother Katharine's eyes as she kissed her son ; old Gottlieb said : "
Phihp, you are the prop and stay of our old age. Continue to be honest and
good, and to love your parents, so will a blessing rest on you. I can give you
nothing for a New Year's gift, but a prayer that you may keep your heart pure
and true — this is in your power — you will be rich enough — for a clear
conscience is a Heaven in itself." 
So said old
Gottlieb, and then he wrote down in an accountbook, the sum of two-and-twenty
dollars that his son had given him. 
" All
that you have cost me in childhood is now nearly paid up. Your savings amount
to three hundred and seventeen dollars, which I have received." 
"Three
hundred and seventeen dollars!" cried Mistress Katharine in the greatest
amazement — and then turning to Philip with a voice full of tenderness, "
Ah, Philip," she said, "you grieve me. Child of my heart! Yes,
indeed, you do. Had you saved that money for yourself you might have bought
some land with it, and started as gardener on your own account, and married
Rose. Now that is impossible. But take comfort, Philip. We are old, and you
will not have to support us long." 
"
Mother," exclaimed Philip, and he frowned a little ; " what are you
thinking of ? Rose is dear to me as my life, but I would give up a hundred
Roses rather than desert you and my father. I should never find any other
parents in this world but you, but there are plenty of Roses, although I would
have none but Mrs. Bittner's Rose, were there even ten thousand others." 
" You
are right, Philip," said Gottlieb ; " loving and marrying are not in
the commandments — but to honor you" father and mother is a duty and
commandment. To give up strong passions and inclinations for the happiness of
your parents is the truest gratitude of a son. It will gain you the blessing
from above — it will make you rich in your own heart." 
"If it
were only not too long for Rose to wait," said Mrs. Katharine, " or
if you could give up the engagement altogether! For Rose is a pretty girl, that
can't be denied ; and though she is poor, there will be no want of wooers. She
is virtuous and understands housekeeping." 
"
Never fear, mother," replied Philip ; " Rose has solemnly sworn to
marry no man but me; and that is sufficient. Her mother has nothing to object
to me. And if I was in business and had money enough to keep a wife with. Rose
would be my wife to-morrow. The only annoyance we have is, that her mother will
not let us meet so often as we wish. She says frequent meetings do no good ;
but I differ from her, and so does Rose — for we think meeting often does us
both a great deal of good. And we have agreed to meet to-night at twelve
o'clock, at the great door of St. Gregory's Church, for Rose is bringing in the
year at a friend's house ; and I am to take her home." 
In the
midst of such conversation the clock of the neighboring tower struck
three-quarters, and Philip took his father's greatcoat from the warm stove
where Katharine had carefully laid it, wrapped himself in it, and taking the
lantern and staff, and wishing his parents good-night, proceeded to his post. 
Philip
stalked majestically through the snow-covered streets of the capital, where as
many people were still visible as in the middle of the day. Carriages were
rattling in all directions, the houses were all brilliantly lighted. Our
watchman enjoyed the scene, he sang his verses at ten o'clock, and blew his
horn lustily in the neighborhood of St. Gregory's Church, with many a thought
on Rose, who was then with her friend. " Now she hears me," he said
to himself ; " now she thinks on me, and forgets the scene around her. I
hope she won't fail me at twelve o’clock at the church door." And when he
had gone his round, he always returned to the dear house and looked up at the
lighted window. Sometimes he saw female figures, and his heart beat quick at
the sight ; sometimes he fancied he saw Rose herself; and sometimes he studied
the long shadows thrown on the wall or the ceiling to discover which of them
was Rose's and to fancy what she was doing. It was certainly not a very
pleasant employment to stand in frost and snow and look up at a window ; but
what car^ lovers for frost and snow ? And watchmen are as fiery and romantic
lovers as ever were the knights of ancient ballads. 
He only
felt the effects of the frost when, at eleven o'clock, he had set out upon his
round. His teeth chattered with cold ; he could scarcely call the hour or sound
his horn. He would willingly have gone into a beer-house to warm himself at the
fire. As he was pacing through a lonely by-street, he met. a man with a black
half -mask on his face, enveloped in a fire-colored silken mantle, and wearing
on his head a magnificent hat turned up at one side, and fantastically
ornamented with a number of high and waving plumes. 
Philip
endeavored to escape the mask, but in vain. The stranger blocked up his path
and said : " Ha ! thou art a fine fellow ; I like thy phiz amazingly.
Where art thou going, eh ? 1 say, where art thou going ? " 
" To
Mary Street," replied Philip. " I am going to call the hour
there." 
"
Enchanting ! " answered the mask. " I'll hear thee : I'll go with
thee. Come along, thou foolish fellow, and let me hear thee, and mind thou
singest well, for I am a good judge. Canst thou sing me a jovial song ? " 
Philip saw
that his companion was of high rank and a little tipsy, and answered : " I
sing better over a glass of wine in a warm room, than when up to my waist in
snow." 
They had
now reached Mary street, and Philip sang and blew his horn. 
" Ha !
that's but a poor performance," exclaimed the mask, who had accompanied
him thither. " Give me the horn ! I shall blow so well that you'll half
die with delight." 
Philip
yielded to the mask's wishes, and let him sing the verses and blow. For four or
five times all was done as if the stranger had been a watchman all his life. He
dilated most eloquently on the joys of such an occupation, and was so
inexhaustible in his own praises that he made Philip laugh at his extravagance.
His spirits evidently owed no small share of their elevation to an extra glass
of wine. 
" I'll
tell you what, my treasure, I’ve a great fancy to be a watchman myself for an
hour or two. If I don't do it now, J shall never arrive at that honor in the
course of my life. Give me your great>coat and wide-brimmed hat, and take my
domino. Go into a beer-house and take a bottle at my expense ; and when you
have finished it, come again and give me back my masking-gear. You shall have a
couple of dollars for your trouble. What do you think, my treasure? " 
But Philip
did not like this arrangement. At last, however, at the solicitations of the
mask, he capitulated as they entered a dark lane. Philip was half -frozen ; a
warm drink would do him good, and so would a warm fire. He agreed for one half
hour to give up his watchmanship, which would be till twelve o'clock. Exactly
at that time the stranger was to come to the great door of St. Gregory's and
give back the great-coat, horn and staff, taking back his own silk mantle, hat
and domino. Philip also told him the four streets in which he was to call the
hour. The mask was in raptures : " Treasure of my heart, I could kiss thee
if thou wert not a dirty, miserable fellow ! But thou shalt have naught to
regret, if thou art at the church at twelve, for I will give thee money for a
supper then. Joy! I am a watchman ! " The mask looked a watchman to the
life, while Philip was completely disguised with the half-mask tied over his
face, the bonnet ornamented with a buckle of brilliants on his head, and the
red silk mantle thrown around him. When he saw his companion commence his walk
he began to fear that the young gendeman might compromise the dignity of the
watchman. He therefore addressed him once more, and said : 
" I
hope you will not abuse my good nature and do any mischief or misbehave in any
way, as it may cost me the situation." 
"
Hallo !" answered the stranger. " What are you talking about ? Do you
think I don't know my duty ? Off with you this moment, or I'll let you feel the
weight of my staff. But come to St. Gregory's church and give me back my
clothes at twelve o'clock. Good bye. This is glorious fun ! " 
The new
guardian of the streets walked onward with all the dignity becoming his office,
while Philip hurried to a neighboring tavern. 
As he was
passing the door of the royal palace, he was laid hold of by a person in a mask
who had alighted from a carriage. Philip turned round, and in a low whispering
voice asked what the stranger wanted. 
" My
gracious lord," answered the mask, " in your revery you have passed
the door. Will your Royal Highness- " 
"What?
Royal Highness ? " said Philip, laughing. " I am no highness. What
put that in your head ? " 
The mask
bowed respectfully, and pointed to the brilliant buckle in Philip's hat. "
I ask your pardon if I have betrayed your disguise. But, in whatever character
you assume, your noble bearing will betray you. Will you condescend to lead the
way ? Does your Highness intend to dance ? " 
" I ?
To dance ? " replied Philip. "No; you see I have boots on." 
"To
play, then P " inquired the mask. "Still less. I have brought no
money with me," said the assistant watchman. 
" Good
heaven I " exclaimed the mask. " Command my purse —-all that I
possess is at your service! " Saying this, he forced a full purse into
Philip's hand. 
" But
do you know who I am ? " inquired Philip, and rejected the purse. 
The mask
whispered with a bow of profound obeisance: " His Royal Highness, Prince
Julian." 
At this
moment Philip heard his deputy in an adjoining street calling the hour very
distinctly, and he now became aware of his metamorphosis. Prince Julian, who
was well known in the capital as an amiable, wild and good-hearted young man,
had been the person with whom he had changed his clothes. " Now,
then," thought Philip, " as he enacts the watchman so well, I will
not shame his rank; I'll see if, for one half -hour, I can't be the prince. If
I make any mistake, he has himself to blame for it." He wrapped the red
silken mantle closer round him, took the offered purse, put it in his pocket,
and said : " Who are you, mask ? I will return your gold to-morrow." 
" I am
the Chamberlain Pilzou." 
" Good
— lead the way — I‘ll follow." The Chamberlain obeyed, and tripped up the
marble stairs, Philip coming close behind him. They entered an immense hall
lighted by a thousand tapers and tlauzling chandeliers, which were reflected by
brilliant mirrors. A confused crowd of maskers jostled each other, sultans,
Tyrolese, harlequins, knights in armor, nuns, goddesses, satyrs, monks, Jews,
Medes and Persians. Philip for a while was abashed and blinded. Such splendor
he had never dreamt of. In the middle of the hall the dance was carried on by
hundreds of people to the music of a full band. Phihp, whom the heat of the
apartment revived from his frozen state, was so bewildered with the scene that
he could scarcely nod his head as different masks addressed him — some
confidentially, others deferentially. 
" Will
you go to the hazard table ? " whispered the Chamberlain, who stood beside
him, and who Philip now saw dressed as a Brahmin. 
" Let
me get unthawed first," answered Philip. " I am an icicle at
present." 
" A
glass of warm punch ? " inquired the Brahmin, and led him into the
refreshment room. The pseudo-prince did not wait for a second invitation, but
emptied one glass after the other in short time. The punch was good, and it
spread its genial warmth through Philip's veins. 
" How
is it you don't dance to-night, Brahmin ? " he asked of his companion,
when they returned into the hall. The Brahmin sighed and shrugged his
shoulders. 
" I
have no pleasure now in the dance. Gayety is distasteful to me. The only person
I care to dance with — the Countess Bonau — I thought she loved me ; our
families offered no objection — ^but all at once she broke with me." His
voice trembled as he spoke. 
"
How," said Philip. " I never heard of such a thing." 
" You
never heard of it ? " repeated the other ; " the whole city rings
with it. The quarrel happened a fortnight ago, and she will not allow me to
justify myself, but has sent back three letters I wrote to her, unopened. She
is a dedarcil enemy of the Baronetis Reizetithal, and had made me promise to
drop her acquaintance. But, think how unfortunate I was I When the Queen-mother
made the hunting party to Freudenwald, she appointed me cavalier to the
Baroness. What could I do? It was impossible to refuse. On the very birthday of
the adorable fionau I was obliged to set out. . . , She heard of it. . . . She
put no trust in my heart ! " 
"
Well, then, Brahmin, take advantage of the present moment. The New Year makes
up all quarrels. Is the Countess 
" Do
you not see her over there — the Carmelite on the left of the third pillar
beside the two black dominos. She has laid aside her mask. 
Ah, Prince
I your intercession would " 
Philip
thought : " Now I can do a good work ! " and, as the punch had
inspired him, he walked directly to the Carmelite. The Countess Bonau looked at
him for some time seriously, and with flushed cheeks, as he sat down beside
her. She was a beautiful girl; yet Philip remained persuaded that Rose was a
thousand times more beautiful. 
"Countess,"
he said, — and became embarrassed when he met her clear bright eye fixed upon him.
"
Prince," said the Countess, '• an hour ago you were somewhat too
bold." 
" Fair
Countess, I am therefore at this present moment the more quiet," 
" So
much the better. 1 shall not, then, be obliged to keep out of your way." 
" Fair
lady, allow me to ask one question. Have you not put on a nun's gown to do
penance for your sins ? " " 1 have nothing to do penance for." 
" But
you have, Countess! — your cruelties — your injustice to the poor Brahmin
yonder, who seems neglected by his God and all the world." 
The
beautiful Carmelite cast down her eyes, and appeared uneasy. 
" And
do you know, fair Countess, that in the Freudenwald aSair the Chamberlain is as
innocent as I am ? " 
"As
you, Prince?" said the Countess, frowning — "what did you tell me an
hour ago ? " 
" You
are right, dear Countess, I was too bold. You said so yourself. But now I
declare to you the Chamberlain was obliged to go to Freudenwald by command of
the Queenmother — ^against his will was obliged to be cavalier to the hated
Reizenthal " 
"
Hated by him ? " — interrupted the Countess with a bitter and sneering
laugh. 
" Yes
— ^he hates, — he despises the Baroness. Believe me, he scarcely treated her
with civility, and incurred the Royal displeasure by so doing. I know it ; and
it was for your sake. You are the only person he loves — to you he offers his
hand, his heart — and you ! — you reject him ! " 
" How
comes it. Prince, that you intercede so warmly for Pilzou ? You did not do so
formerly." 
"
'^That was because I did not know him, and still less the sad state into which
you have thrown him by your behavior. I swear to you he is innocent — you have
nothing to forgive in him — he has much to forgive in you." 
"Hush!
" whispered the Carmelite, "we are watched here; away from
this." She replaced her mask, stood up, and placing her arm within that of
the supposed prince, they crossed the hall and entered a side-room. The
Countess uttered many bitter complaints against the Chamberlain, but they were
the complaints of jealous love. The Countess was in tears, when the tender
Brahmin soon after came timidly into the apartment. There was a deep silence
among the three, Philip, not knowing how to conclude his intercession better,
led the Brahmin to the Carmelite, and joined their hands together, without
saying a word, and left them to fate. He himself returned into the hall. 
Here he was
hastily addressed by a Mameluke: " Tm glad 1 have met you, Domino. Is the
Rose-girl in the side room?" The Mameluke rushed into it, but returned in
a moment, evidently disappointed. "One word alone with you, Domino,"
he said, and led Philip into a window recess in a retired part of the hall. 
"What
do you want?" asked Philip. 
" I
beseech you,", replied the Mameluke, in a subdued yet terrible voice,
"where is the Rose-girl?" 
"What
is the Rose-girl to me?" 
"But
to me she is everything!" answered the Mameluke, whose suppressed voice
and agitated demeanor showed that a fearful struggle was going on within,
" To me she is everything. She is my wife. You make me wretched. Prince! I
conjure you drive me not to madness. Think of my wife no more!" 
" With
all my heart," answered Philip dryly; "what have I to do with your
wife?" 
"O
Prince, Prince!" exclaimed the Mameluke, "I have made a resolve which
1 shall execute jf it cost me my life. Do not seek to deceive me a moment
longer, I have discovered everything. Here! Look at this! Tis a note my false
wife slipped into your hand, and which you dropped in the crowd without having 
Philip took the note. 'Twas written in pencil,
in a fine, delicate hand: " Change your mask. Everybody knows you. My
husband watches you. He does not know me. If you obey me I will reward
you." 
"Hem!"
muttered Philip. "As I live, this was not written to me. 1 don't trouble
my head about your wife." 
"Death
and fury. Prince! Do not drive me mad! Do you know who it Ls that ^eaks to you?
1 am the Marshal Blankenswerd. Your advances to my wife are not unknown to me,
ever since the last rout at the palace." 
"My
Lord Marshal," answered Philip, "excuse me for saying that jealousy
has blinded you. If you knew me well you would not think of accusing me of such
folly. 1 give you my word of honor I will never trouble your wife," 
"Are
you in earnest, Prince?" 
"Entirely."
"Give
me proof of this." 
"
Whatever yon require." 
" I
know you have hindered her until now from going with me to \-isit her relations
in Poland. Will you persuade her to do so now ? " 
"With
all my heart, if you desire it." 
"Yes,
yes! and your Royal Highness will prevent inconceivable and unavoidable
misery." 
The
Mameluke continued for some time, sometimes begging and praying, and sometimes
threatening so furiously that Philip feared he might make a scene before the
whole assembly that would not have suited him precisely. He therefore quitted
him as soon as possible. Scarcely bad he lost himself in the crowd, when a
female, closely wrapped in deep mourning, tapped him familiarW on the ann and
whispered: 
"Butterfly,
whither away? Have you no pity for the disconsolate Widow?" 
Philip
answered very politely: "Beautiful widows find no lack of comforters. May
i venture to include myself amongst them P " 
"Why
are you so disobedient? and why have you not changed your mask?" said the
Widow, while she led him aside that they might speak more freely, " Do you
really fancy, Prince, that every one here does not know who you are ? " 
" They
are very much mistaken in me, I assure you," replied Philip. J 
" No,
indeed," answered the Widow, " they know you very well, and if you do
not immediately change your apparel, I shall not speak to you again the whole
evening. 1 have no desire to give my husband an opportunity of making a
scene." 
By this
Philip discovered whom he was talking with. " You were the beautiful
rose-girl ; are your roses withered so soon ? " 
" What
is there that does not wither ? not the constancy of man ? I saw you when you
slipped oS with the CarmeUte, Acknowledge your inconstancy — you can deny it no
longer." 
"
Hem," — answered Philip dryly, " accuse me if you will, I can return
the accusation." 
" How,
— pretty butterfly ? " 
" Why,
for instance, there is not a more constant man alive than the Marshal. 
"
There is not, indeed ! — and I am wrong, very wrong to have listened to you so
long. I reproach myself enough, but he has, unfortunately, discovered our
flirtation." 
"
Since the last rout at Court, fair Widow " 
"
Where you were so unguarded and particular — pretty butterfly ! " 
" Let
us repair the mischief. Let us part. I honor the Marshal, and, for my part, do
not like to give him pain." 
The widow
looked at him for some time in speechless amazement. 
" If
you have indeed any regard for me," continued Philip, " you will go
with the Marshal to Poland, to visit your relations. Tis better that we should
not meet so often. A beautiful woman is beautiful — but a pure and virtuous
woman is more beautiful still." 
"
Prince ! " cried the astonished widow, " are you really in earnest ?
Have you ever loved me, or have you all along deceived ? " 
" Look
you," answered Philip, " I am a tempter of a peculiar kind. I search
constantly among women to find truth and \'irtue, and 'tis but seldom that I
encounter them. Only the true and virtuous can keep me constant — ^therefore I
am true to none; but no! I will not lie — there is one that keeps me in her
chains — I am sorry, fair Widow, that that one — ^is not you ! " 
"You
are in a strange mood to-night, Prince," answered the Widow, and the
trembhng of her voice and heaving of her bosom showed the working of her mind. 
"
No," answered Philip, " I am in as rational a mood to-night as I ever
was in my life. I wish only to repair an injury ; I have promised to your
husband to do so." 
" How
! " exclaimed the Widow, in a voice of terror, " you have discovered
all to the Marshal." 
" Not
everything," answered Philip, " only what I knew." 
The Widow
wrung her hands in the extremity of agitation, and at last said, " Where
is my husband ? " 
Philip
pointed to the Mameluke, who at this moment approached them with slow steps. 
"
Prince," said the Widow, in a tone of inexpressible rage, — " Prince,
you may be forgiven this, but not from me ! I never dreamt that the heart of
man could be so deceitful, — ^but you are unworthy of a thought. You are an
impostor ! My husband in the dress of a barbarian is a prince ; you in the
dress of a prince are a barbarian. In this world you see me no more ! " 
With these
words she turned proudly away from him, and going up to the Mameluke, they left
the hall in deep and earnest conversation. Philip laughed quietly, and said to
himself : " My substitute, the watchman, must look to it, for I do not
play my part badly ; I only hope when he returns he will proceed as I have
begun." 
He went up
to the dancers, and was delighted to see the beautiful Carmelite standing up in
a set with the overjoyed Brahmin. No sooner did the latter perceive him, than
he kissed his hand to him, and in dumb show gave him to understand in what a
blessed state he was. Philip thought : " It is a pity I am not to be
prince all my lifetime. The people would be satisfied then : to be a prince is
the easiest thing in the world. He can do more with a single word than a lawyer
with a four hours speech. Yes! if I were a prince, my beautiful Rose would be —
lost to me forever. No ! I would not be a prince." He now looked at the
clock, and saw 'twas half-past eleven. The Mameluke hurried up to him and gave
him a paper. " Prince," he exclaimed, " I could fall at your
feet and thank you in the very dust. I am reconciled to my wife. You have
broken her heart; but it is better that it should be so. We leave for Poland
this very night, and there we shall fix our home. Farewell! I shall be ready
whenever your Royal Highness requires me, to pour out my last drop of blood in
your service. My gratitude is eternal. Farewell ! " 
" Stay
! " said Philip to the Marshal, who was hurrying away, "what am I to
do with this paper ? " 
"Oh,
that, — 'tis the amount of my loss to your Highness last week at hazard. I had
nearly forgotten it; but before my departure, I must clear my debts. I have endorsed
it on the back." With these words the Marshal disappeared. 
Philip
opened the paper, and read in it an order for five thousand dollars. He pot it
in his pocket, ^nd thought: " Well, it's a pity that I'm not a
prince." Some one whispered in his ear : 
"Your
Royal Highness, we are both discovered; I shall bkyvr tty biains out." 
Philip
turned round in amazement, and saw a negro at his side.
" What
do you want, mask ? " he asked, in an unconcerned tone. 
" I am
Colonel Kalt," whispered the negro. " The Marshal's wife has been
chattering to Duke Herrman, and he has been breathing fire and fiuy against us
both." 
" He
is quite welcome," answered Philip. 
"But
the King will hear it all," sighed the negro. "This very night I may
be arrested and carried to a dungeon; 1*11 sooner hang myself." 
" No
need of that," said Philip. 
" What
! am I to be made infamous for my whole life ? I am lost, I tell you. The Duke
will demand entire satisfaction. His back is black and blue yet with the marks
of the cudgeling I gave him. I am lost, and the baker's daughter too. I'll jump
from the bridge and drown myself at once ! " 
" God
forbid ! " answered Philip ; what have you and the baker's daughter to do
with it ? " 
" Your
Royal Highness banters me, and I am in despair ! I humbly beseech you to give
me two minutes' private conversation." 
Philip
followed the negro into a small boudoir dimly lighted up with a few candles.
The negro threw himself on a sofa, quite overcome, and groaned aloud. Philip
found some sandwiches and wine on the table, and helped himself with great
relish. 
" I
wonder your Royal Highness can be so cool on hearing this cursed story. * If
that rascally Salmoni was here who acted the conjurer, he might save us by some
contrivance, for the fellow was a bunch of tricks. As it is, he has slipped out
of the scrape." 
"So
much the better," interrupted Philip, replenishing his glass ; "
since he has got out of the way, we can throw all the blame on his
shoulders." 
" How
can we do that ? The Duke, I tell you, knows that you, and I, and the Marshal's
wife, and the baker's daughter, were all in the plot together, to take
advantage of his superstition. He knows that it was you that engaged Salmoni to
play the conjurer; that it was I that instructed the baker's daughter (with
whom he is in love) how to inveigle him into the snare; that it was I that
enacted the ghost, that knocked him down, and cudgeled him till he roared
again. If I had only not carried the joke too far, but I wished to cool his
love a little for my sweetheart. 'Twas a devilish business. I'll take
poison." 
"
Rather swallow a glass of wine — 'tis delicious," said Philip, taking
another tart at the same time. " For to tell you the truth, my friend, I
think you are rather a white-lived sort of rogue for a colonel, to think of
hanging, drowning, shooting and poisoning yourself about such a ridiculous
story as that. One of these modes would be too much, but as to all the four —
nonsense. I tell you that at this moment I don't know what to make out of your tale."
" Your
Royal Highness, have pity on me, my brain is turned. The Duke's page, an old
friend of mine, has told me this very moment that the Marshal's wife, inspired
by the devil, went up to the Duke and told him that the trick played on him at
the baker's house, was planned by Prince Julian, who opposed his marriage with
his sister; that the spirit he saw was myself, sent by the Princess to be a
witness of his superstition ; that your Highness was a witness of his descent
into the pit after hidden gold, and of his promise to make the baker's daughter
his mistress, and also to make her one of the nobility immediately after his
marriage with the Princess. * Do not hope to gain the Princess. It is useless
for you to try,' were the last words of the Marshal's wife to the Duke." 
" And
a pretty story it is," muttered Philip ; " why, behavior like that
would be a disgrace to the meanest of the people. I declare there is no end to
these deviltries." 
" Yes,
indeed. 'Tis impossible to behave more meanly than the Marshal's lady. The
woman must be a fury. My gracious lord, save me from destruction." 
"
Where is the Duke ? " asked Philip. 
" The
page told me he started up on hearing the story, and said, ' I will go to the
King.' And if he tells the story to the King in his own way " 
" Is
the King here, then ? " 
" Oh,
yes, he is at the play in the next room, with the Archbishop and the Minister
of Police." 
Philip
walked with long steps through the boudoir. The case required consideration. 
" Your
Royal Highness," said the negro, " protect me. Your own honor is at
stake. You can easily make all straight ; otherwise, I am ready at the first
intimation of danger to fly across the border. I will pack up, and to-morrow I
shall expect your last commands as to my future behavior." 
With these
words the negro took his leave. 
" It
is high time I were a watchman again," thought Philip. I am getting
both myself and my substitute into scrapes he will find it hard to get out of —
and this makes the difference between a peasant and a prince. One is no better
off than the other. Good heavens ! what stupid things these court lords are
doing which we do not dream of with our lanthoms and staff in hand, or when at
the spade. We think they lead the lives of angels, without sin or care. Pretty
piece of business! Within a quarter of an hour I have heard of more rascally
tricks than I ever played in my Whole life. And — " but his revery was
interrupted by a whisper. 
" So
lonely, Prince ! I consider myself happy in having a. minute's conversation
with your Royal Highness," 
Philip
looked at the speaker ; and he was a miner, covered over with gold and jewels. 
" But
one instant," said the mask. "The business is pressing, and deeply
concerns you." 
" Who
are you ? " inquired Philip, " Count Bodenlos, the Minister of
Finance, at your Highness' service," answered the miner, and showed his
face, which looked as if it were a second mask, with its little eyes and
copper-colored nose. " Well, then my lord, what are your commands ? "
" May
1 speak openly ? I waited on 
your Royal
Highness thrice, and was never 
admitted to
the honor of an audience ; and 
yet —
Heaven is my witness — no man in 
all this
court has a deeper interest in your Royal Highness than 
I
have." 
" I am
greatly obliged to you," replied Philip; " what is your business just
now ? But be quick." 
" May
I venture to speak of the house of Abraham Levi?" " As much as you
like." 
" They
have applied to me about the fifty thousand dollars which you owe them, and
threaten to apply to the King. And you remember your promise to his Majesty,
when last he paid your debts." 
"
Can't the people wait ? " asked Philip. "No more than the brothers
Goldschmidt, who demand their seventy-five thousand dollars." 
" It
is all one to me. If the people won't wait for their money, I must " 
" No
hasty resolution, my gracious lord I I have it in my power to make everything
comfortable, if " 
"
Well, if what ? " 
"If
you will honor me by listening to me one moment. I hope to have no difficulty
in redeeming all yoiu" debts. The house of Abraham Levi has bought up
immense quantities of com, so that the price is very much raised. A decree
against importation will raise it three or four per cent higher. By giving
Abraham Levi the monopoly, the business will be arranged. The house erases your
debt, and pays off your seventy-five thousand dollars to the Goldschmidts and I
give you over the receipts. But everything depends on my continuing for another
year at the head of the Finance. If Baron Grief ensack succeeds in ejecting me
from the Ministry, I shall be unable to serve your Royal Highness as I could
wish. If your Highness will leave the party of Griefensack, oiu- point is
gained. For me, it is a matter of perfect indifference whether I remain in
office or not. I sigh for repose. But for your Royal Highness, it is a matter
of great moment If I have not the mixing of the pack I lose the game." 
Philip for
some time did not know what answer to make. At last, while the Finance
Minister, in expectation of his reply, took a pinch out of his snuff-box set
with jewels, Philip said : 
" If I
rightly understand you. Sir Count, you would starve the country a little to pay
my debts. Consider, sir, what misery you will cause. And will the King consent
to it ? ** 
" If I
remain in office, I will answer for that, my gracious lord ! When the price of
com rises, the King will, of course, think of permitting importation, and
prevent exportation by levying heavy imposts. The permission to do so is given
to the house of Abraham Levi, and they export as much as they choose. But, as I
said before, if Griefensack gets the helm, nothing can be done. For the first
year he would be obliged to attend strictly to his duty, in order to be able
afterwards to feather his nest, at the expense of the country. He must first
make sure of his ground. He is dreadfully grasping ! " 
" A
pretty project," answered Philip ; " and how long do you think a
finance minister must be in office before he can lay his shears on the flock to
get wool enough for himself and me ? " 
" Oh,
if he has his wits about him, he may manage it in a year." 
" Then
the King ought to be coimselled to change his finance minister every twelve
months, if he wishes to be faithfully and honorably served." 
" I
hope, your Royal Highness, that since I have had the Exchequer, the King and
Court have been faithfully served ? " 
" I
believe you. Count, and the poor people believe you still more. Already they
scarcely know how to pay their rates and taxes. You should treat us with a
little more consideration, Count." 
" Us !
Don't I do everything for the Court ? " 
" No 1
I mean the people. You should have a little mo*^ consideration for them." 
" I
appreciate what your Royal Highness says, but I serve the King and Court, and
the people are not to be considered. The country is his private property, and
the people are only useful to him as increasing the value of the land. But this
is no time to discuss the old story about the interests of the people. I beg
your Royal Highness's answer to my proposition’:. Shall I have the honor to
discharge your debts on the above specified conditions ? " 
"Answer
— ^no, never, never! at the expense of hundreds and thousands of starving
families." 
" But,
your Royal Highness, if in addition to the clearance of your debts, I make the
house of Abraham Levi present you with fifty thousand dollars in hard cash ? I
think it may afford you that sum. The house will gain so much by the operation,
that " 
"
Perhaps it may be able to give you also a mark of its regard." 
" Your
Highness is pleased to jest with me. I gain nothing by the affair. My whole
object is to obtain the protection of your Royal Highness." 
" You
are very polite ! " 
" I
may hope, then, Prince ? My duty is to be of service to you. To-morrow I shall
send for Abraham and conclude the arrangement with him. I shall have the honor
to present your Royal Highness with the receipt for all your debts, besides the
gift of fifty thousand dollars," 
" Go ;
I want to hear no more of it." 
"And
your Royal Highness will honor me with your favor ? For unless I am in the
Ministry, it is impossible for me to deal with Abraham Levi so as — " 
"I
wish to Heaven you and your Ministry and Abraham Levi were all three on the
Blocksberg ! I tell you what, unless you lower the price of com, and take away
the monopoly from that infernal Jew, Til go this moment and reveal your
villainy to the King, and get you and Abraham Levi banished from the country.
See to it — I'll keep my word." Philip turned away in a rage, and proceeded
into the dancing-room, leaving the Minister of Finance petrified with
amazement. 
"When
does your Royal Highness require the carriage?" whispered a stout little
Dutch merchant in a bobbed wig. 
" Not
at all," answered Philip. 
" 'Tis
after half -past eleven, and the beautiful singer expects you. She will tire of
waiting." 
" Let
her sing something to cheer her." 
"How,
Prince? Have you changed your mind? Would you leave the captivating Rollina in
the lurch, and throw away the golden opportunity you have been sighing for for
two months? The letter you sent to-day, inclosing the diamond watch, did
wonders. The proud but fragile beauty surrenders. This morning you were in
raptures, but now you are as cold as ice ! What is the cause of the change ?
" 
" That
is my business, not yours," said Philip. 
" I
had your orders to join you at half -past eleven. Perhaps you have other
engagements ? " Perhaps." 
“Le petit
souper with. the Countess Bom? She is not present here ; at least, among all
the masks I can't trace her out. I should know her among a thousand by that
graceful walk and her peculiar way of carrying her little head— eh, Prince ?
" 
"
Well, but if it were so, there would be no necessity for making you my
confidant, would there ? " 
" I
will take the hint, and be silent. But won't you at any rate send to the
Signora Rollina to let her know you are not coming ? " 
" If I
have sighed for her for two months, she had better sigh a month or two for me.
I sha'n't go near her." 
" So
that beautiful necklace which you sent her for a New Year's present was all for
nothing ? " 
" As
far as I am concerned." 
" Will
you break with her entirely ? " 
"
There is nothing between us to break, that I know of." 
"
Well, then, since you speak so plainly, I may tell you something which you
perhaps know already. Your love for the Signora had hitherto kept me silent ;
but now that you have altered your mind about her, I can no longer keep the
secret from you. You are deceived." 
" By
whom ? " 
" By
the artful singer. She would smile alternately on your Royal Highness and a
Jew." 
" A
Jew ? " 
" Yes
! the son of Abraham Levi." - 
" Is
that rascal everywhere ? " 
" So
your Highness did not know it ? but I am telling you the exact truth ; if it
were not for your Royal Highness, she would accept his attentions. I am only
sorry you gave her that watch." 
" I
don't regret it at all." 
" The
jade deserves to be whipped." • 
" Few
people meet their deserts," answered Philip. 
" Too
true, too true, your Royal Highness. For instance, I have discovered a girl — O
Prince, there is not such another in this city or in the whole world! Few have
seen this angel. Pooh ! Rollina is nothing to her. Listen — a girl tall and
slender as a palm-tree, with a complexion like the red glow of evening upon
snow, eyes like sunbeams, rich golden tresses ; in short, the most beautiful
creature I ever beheld, a Venus, a goddess in rustic attire. Your Highness, we
must give her chase." 
" A
peasant girl ? " 
" A
mere rustic ; but then you must see her yourself, and you will love her. But my
descriptions are nothing. Imagine the embodiment of all that you can conceive
most charming, add to that, artlessness, grace and innocence. But the
difficulty is to catch sight of her. She seldom leaves her mother. I know her
seat in church and have watched her for many Sundays past, as she walked with
her mother to the Elm-Gate. I have ascertained that a handsome young fellow, a
gardener, is making court to her. He can't marry her, for he is a poor devil,
and she has nothing. The mother is the widow of a poor weaver." 
" And
the mother's name is ? " 
"
Widow Bittner, in Milk street; and the daughter, fairest of flowers, is in fact
called Rose." 
Philip's
blood boiled at the sound of the beloved name. His first incUnation was to
knock the communicative Dutchman down. He restrained himself, however, and only
asked: 
Are you the
devil himself ? " 
" 'Tis
good news, is it not ? I have taken some steps in the matter already, but you
must see her first. But, perhaps such a pearl has not altogether escaped your
keen observation? Do you know her ? " 
"
Intimately ? " 
" So
much the better. Have I been too lavish of my praises ? You confess their truth
? She sha'n't escape us. We must go together to the widow; you must play the
philanthropist. You have heard of the widow's poverty, and must insist on
relieving it. You take an interest in the good woman ; enter into her
misfortunes; leave a small present at each visit, and by this means become
acquainted with Rose. The rest follows, of course. The gardener can be easily
got out of the way, or perhaps a dozen or two dollars slipped quietly into his
hand may^ " 
Philip's
rage broke forth. 
" I'll
throttle you " 
" If
the gardener makes a fuss ? " interposed the Dutchman. " Leave me to
settle this matter. I'll get him kidnapped, and sent to the army to fight for
his country. In the meantime you get possession of the field ; for the girl has
a peasant's attachment for the fellow, and it will not be easy to get the
nonsense out of her head, which she has been taught by the canaille. But I will
give her some lessons, and then " 
" I'll
break your neck." 
" Your
Highness is too good. But if your Highness would use your influence with the
King to procure me the Chamberlain's key " 
" I
wish I could prociu-e you " 
" Oh,
don't flatter me, yoiu* Highness. Had I only known you thought so much of her
beauty, she would have been yours long ago." 
" Not
a word more," cried the enraged Philip, in a smothered voice; for he dared
not speak aloud, he was so surrounded by maskers, who were listening, dancing,
talking, as they passed him, and he might have betrayed himself; " not a
word more!" 
" No,
there will be more than words. Deeds shall show my sincerity. You may advance.
You are wont to conquer. The outposts will be easily taken. The gardener I will
manage, and the mother will range herself under your gilded banners. Then the
fortress will be won ! " 
" Sir,
if you venture," said Philip, who now could hardly contain himself. It was
with great difficulty he refrained from open violence, and he clutched the arm
of the Dutchman with the force of a vice. 
" Your
Highness, for heaven's sake, moderate your joy. I shall scream — you are
mashing my arm ! " 
" If
you venture to go near that innocent girl I will demolish every bone in your
body." 
"Good,
good," screamed the Dutchman, in intense pain; " only let go my
arm." 
" If I
find you anywhere near Milk Street, TU dash your miserable brains out. So look
to it" 
The
Dutchman seemed almost stupefied; trembling, he said: 
" May
it please your Highness, I could not imagine you really loved the girl as it
seems you do." 
" I
love her ! I will own it before the whole world ! " 
" And
are you loved in return ? " 
"
That's none of your business. Never mention her name to me again. Do not even
think of her ; it would be a stain upon her purity. Now you know what I think.
Be off ! " 
Philip
twirled the unfortunate Dutchman round as he let go his arm, and that worthy
gentleman slunk out of the hall. 
In the
meantime Philip's substitute supported his character of watchman on the
snow-covered streets. It is scarcely necessary to say that this was none other
than Prince Julian, who had taken a notion to join the watch — his head being
crazed by the fire of the sweet wine. He attended to the directions left by
Philip, and went his rounds, and called the hour with great decorum, except
that, instead of the usual yratchman's verses, he favored the public with
rhymes of his own. He was cogitating a new stanza, when the door of a house
beside him opened, and and a well-wrapped-up girl beckoned to him, and ran into
the shadow of the house. 
The prince
left his stanza half finished, and followed the apparition. A soft hand grasped
his in the darkness, and a voice whispered : 
"Good
evening, dear Philip. Speak low, that nobody may hear us. I have only got away
from the company for one moment, to speak to you as you passed. Are you happy
to see me?" 
"
Blest as a god, my angel ; — who could be otherwise than happy by thy
side?" 
" I've
some good news for you, Philip. You must sup at our house to-moiTOW evening. My
mother has allowed me to ask you. You'll come ?" "For the whole
evening, and as many more as you wish. Would we might be together till the end
of the world ! 'Twould be a life fit for gods ! " 
"Listen,
Philip; in half an hour I shall be at St. Greg- or/s. I shall expect you '
there. You won't fait me? Don't keep tne waiting long — we shall have a walk
together. Go now — we may be discovered." She tried to go, but Julian held
her back and threw his arms round her. 
"What,
wilt thou leave me so coldly ?" he said, and tried to press a kiss upon
her lips. 
Rose did
not know what to think of this boldness, for Philip had always been modest, and
never dared more ^ than kiss her hand, except once, when her mother had
forbidden their meeting again. They had then exchanged their first kiss in
great sorrow and in great love, but never since then. She struggled to free
herself, but Julian held her firm, till at last she had to buy her liberty by
submitting to the kiss, and begging htm to go. But Julian seemed not at all
inclined to move. 
" What
! go ? I'm not such a fool as that comes to 1 You think I love my horn better
than you ? No, indeed ! " 
" But
then it isn't right, Philip. " 
" Not
right ? why not, my beauty ? There is nothing against kisdng in the ten
commandments." 
" Why,
if we could marry, perhaps you might — but you know very well we can't many,
and " 
" Not
marry! why not ? You can marry me any day you like." 
"
Philip ! — why will you talk such folly ? You know we must not think of such a
thing." 
" But
think very seriously about it — if you would consent." 
" You
are unkind to speak thus. Ah, Philip, I had a dream last night." 
" A
dream — what was it ? " 
" You
had won a prize in the lottery ; we were both so happy ! you had bought a
beautiful garden, handsomer than any in the city. It was a little paradise of
flowers-^and there were large beds, of vegetables, and the trees were laden
with fruit. And when I awoke, Philip, I felt so wretched — I wished I had not
dreamed such a happy dream. You*ve nothing in the lottery, Philip, have you?
Have you really won an)rthing? The drawing took place to-day." 
" How
much must I have gained to win you too ? " 
" Ah,
Philip, if you had only gained a thousand dollars, you might buy such a pretty
garden ! " 
" A
thousand dollars ! And what if Jt were more ? " 
" Ah,
Philip — what ? is it true ? is it really ? Don't deceive me I 'twill be worse
than the dream. You had a ticket ! and you've won ! — own it ! own it ! " 
" All
you can wish for." 
Rose flung
her arms around his neck in the extremity of her joy, and kissed him. 
" More
than the thousand dollars ? and will they pay you the whole ? " 
Her kiss
made the Prince forget to answer. It was so strange to hold a pretty form in
his arms, receive its caresses, and to know they were not meant for him. 
"
Answer me, answer me ! " cried Rose, impatiently. " Will they give
you all that money ? " 
"
They've done it already — and if it will add to yom: happiness I will hand it
to you this moment." 
" What
! have you got it with you ? " 
The Prince
took out his purse, which he had filled with money in expectation of some play.
" Take
it and weigh it, my girl," he said, placing it in her hand, and kissing
her again. " This, then, makes you mine ! " 
" Oh,
not this — ^nor all the gold in the world, if you were not my own dear Philip I
" 
" And
how if I had given you twice as much as all this money, and yet were not your
own dear Philip ! " 
" I
would fling the purse at your feet, and make you a very polite curtesy,"
said Rose. 
A door now
opened ; the light streamed down the steps, and the laughing voices of girls
were heard. Rose whispered : 
" In
half an hour, at St. Gregory's," and ran up the steps, leaving the Prince
in the darkness. Disconcerted by the suddenness of the parting, and his
curiosity excited by his ignorance of the name of his new acquaintance, and not
even having had a full view of her face, he consoled himself with the
rendezvous at St. Gregory's Church door. This he resolved to keep, though it
was evident that all the tenderness which had been Uestowed on him, was
intended for his friend the watchman. 
The
interview with Rose, or the coldness of the night, increased the effect of the
wine to such an extent that the mischievous propensities of the young Prince
got the upper hand of him. Standing amidst a crowd of people, in the middle of
the street, he blew so lustily on his horn that the women screamed and the men
gasped with fear. He called the hour, and then shouted, at the top of his lungs
: 
“ The
business of our lovely state Is stricken by the hand of fate — Even our maids,
both light and brown. Can find no sale in all the town ; They deck themselves
with all their arts, But no one buys their worn-out hearts." 
"
Shame ! shame ! " cried several female voices from the window at the end
of this complimentary effusion, which, however, was crowned with a loud laugh
from the men. " Bravo, watchman ! " cried some ; " Encore !
encore ! " shouted others. "How dare you, fellow, insult ladies in
the open street?" growled a young Heutenant, who had a very pretty girl on
his arm. 
" Mr.
Lieutenant," answered a miller, " unfortunately watchmen tell the
truth, and the lady on your arm is a proof of it. Hal young jade, do you know
me? do you know who I am? Is it right for a betrothed bride to be gadding at
night about the streets with other men ? To-morrow your mother shall hear of
this. I'll have nothing more to do with you ! " 
The girl
hid her face, and nudged the young officer to lead her away. But the
lieutenant, like a brave soldier, scorned to retreat from the miller, and
determined to keep the field. He therefore made use of a full round of oaths,
which were returned with interest, and a sabre was finally resorted to, with
some flourishes; but two Spanish cudgels were threateningly held over the head
of the lieutenant by a couple of stout townsmen, while one of them, who was a
broad-shouldered beer-brewer, cried, " Don't make any more fuss about the
piece of goods beside you — she ain't worth it. The miller's a good fellow, and
what he says is true, and the watchman's right, too. A plain tradesman can
hardly venture to marry now. All the women wish to marry above their station.
Instead of darning stockings, they read romances ; instead of working in the
kitchen, they run after comedies and concerts. Their houses are dirty, and they
are walking out, dressed like princesses ; all they bring a husband as a dowry
are handsome dresses, lace ribbons, intrigues, romances and idleness! Sir, I
speak from experience; I should have married long since, if girls were not
spoilt." 
The
spectators laughed heartily, and the lieutenant slowly put back his sword,
saying, peevishly : " It's a little too much to be obliged to hear a sermon
from the canailU,*^ 
"What?
Canaille!” cried a smith, who held the second cudgel. " Do you call those
canaille who feed you noble idlers by duties and taxes ? Your licentiousness is
the cause of our domestic discords, and noble ladies would not have so much
cause to mourn if you had learned both to pray and to work." 
Several
young officers had gathered together already, and so had some mechanics ; and
the boys, in the meantime, threw snowballs among both parties, that their share
in the fun might not be lost. The first ball hit the noble lieutenant on the
nose, and thinking it an attack from the canaille^ he raised his sabre. The
fight began. 
The Prince,
who had laughed amazingly at the first commencement of the uproar, had betaken
himself to another region, and felt quite unconcerned as to the result. In the
course of his wanderings, he came to the palace of Count Bodenlos, the Minister
of Finance, with whom, as Philip had discovered at the masquerade, the Prince
was not on the best of terms. The Countess had a large party. Julian saw the
lighted windows, and still feeling poetically disposed, he planted himself
opposite the balcony, and blew a peal on bis horn. Several ladies and gentlemen
opened the shutters, because they had nothing better to do, and listened to
what he should say. 
"
Watchman, " cried one oi them, " sing us e New Year's greeting."
The
invitation brought a fresh accession of the Countess' party to the windows.
Julian called the hour in the usual manner, and sang, loud enough to be distinctly
beard inside : 
" Ve
who grotn with heavy debts. 
And swiri
approaching Gulure fretl. Pray the Lord that he this hour Mk)r nuse yon to some
pUce of power ; And while the nation wants and safteri. Fill yoar own from the
people's coflers," 
"Outrageous!"
screamed the lady of the minister; "who is the insolent wretch that dares
such an insult ? " 
"
Pleashe your exshellenshy," answered Julian, imitating the Jewish dialect
in voice and mamicr, " I vash only intendsh to shing you a pretty shong. I
am de Shew Abraham Levi, well known at dish court. Your ladyship knowsh me very
well." 
" How
dare you tell such a lie, you villain ? " exclaimed a voice trembling with
rage, at one of the windows; " how dare yon say yon are Abraham Levi ? I
am Abraham Levi 1 You are a cheat I" 
" Call
the police ! " cried the Countess. " Have that man arrested 1" 
At these
words the party confusedly withdrew from the windows. Nor did the Prince remain
where he was, but quickly effected his escape through a cross-street. A crowd of
servants rushed out of the palace, led by the secretaries of the Finance
Minister, and commenced a search for the offender. " We have him,"
cried some, as the rest eagerly approached. It was, in fact, the real guardian
of the night, who was carefully perambulating his beat, in innocent
unconsciousness of any offence. In spite of all he could say, he was disarmed
and carried off to the watch-house, and charged with causing a disturbance by
singing libelous songs. The officer of the police shook his head at the
unaccountable event, and said : " We have already one watchman in custody,
whose verses about some girl caused a very serious affray between the
townspeople and the garrison." 
The
prisoner would confess to nothing, but swore prodigiously at the tipsy young
people who had disturbed him in the fulfilment of his duty. One of the
secretaries of the Finance Minister repeated the whole verse to him. The
soldiers standing about laughed aloud, but the ancient watchman swore with
tears in his eyes that he had never thought of such a thing. While the
examination was going on, and one of the secretaries of the Finance Minister
began to be doubtful whether the poor watchman was really in fault or not, an
uproar was heard outside, and loud cries of, " Watch, watch ! " 
The guard
rushed out, and in a few minutes the Field Marshal entered the office,
accompanied by the Captain of the Guards on duty. " Have that scoundrel
locked up tight," said the Marshal, pointing behind him, and two soldiers
brought in a watchman, whom they held close prisoner, and whom they had
disarmed of his staff and horn. 
" Are
the watchmen all gone mad to-night ? " exclaimed the Chief of Police. 
" I'll
have the rascal punished for his infamous verses, said the Field Marshal
angrily. 
" Yom*
excellency," exclaimed the trembling watchman, " as true as I live, I
never made a verse in my bom days." 
"Silence,
knave!" roared the Marshal. "Til have you hanged for them ! And if
you contradict me again, I'll cut you in two on the spot." 
The police
officer respectfully observed to the Field Marshal that there must be some
poetical epidemic among the watchmen, for three had been brought before him
within the last quarter of an hour, accused of the same offence. 
Gentlemen,"
said the Marshal to the officers who had accompanied him, "since the
scoundrel refuses to confess, it will be necessary to take down from your
remembrance the words of his atrocious libel. Let them be written down while
you still recollect them. Come, who can say them ? " 
The officer
of police wrote to the dictation of the gentlemen who remembered the whole
verses between them : 
" On
empty head a flaunting feather, A long qaeae tied with tape and leather ;
Padded breast and waist so little, Make the soldier to a tittle ; By cards and
dance, and dissipation, He's sure to win a Marshal's station." 
" Do
you deny, you rascal," cried the Field Marshal to the terrified watchman;
"do you deny that you sang these infamous lines as I was coming out of my
house ? " 
"They
may sing it who like, it was not me," said the watchman. 
" Why
did you run away, then, when you saw me ? " 
" I
did not run away." 
" What
! " said the two officers who had accompanied the Marshal — " not run
away ? Were you not out of breath when at last we laid hold of you there by the
market ? " 
"Yes,
but it was with fright at being so ferociously attacked. I am trembling yet in
every limb." 
" Lock
the obstinate dog up till the morning," said the Marshal ; " he will
come to his senses by that time ! " With these words the wrathful
dignitary went away. These incidents had set the whole police force of the city
on the qui vive. In the next ten minutes two more watchmen were brought to the
office on similar charges with the others. One was accused of singing a libel
under the window of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in which it was insinuated
that there was no affairs to which he was more foreign than those of his own
department. The other had simg some verses before the door of the Bishop's
palace, informing him that the " lights of the church " were by no
means deficient in tallow, but gave a great deal more smoke than illiunination.
The Prince, who had wrought the poor watchmen all this woe, was always lucky
enough to escape, and grew bolder and bolder with every new attempt. The affair
was talked of everywhere. The Minister of Police, who was at cards with the
King, was informed of the insurrection among the hitherto peaceful watchmen,
and, as a proof of it, some of the verses were given to him in writing. The
King laughed very heartily at the doggerel verses about the miserable police,
who were always putting their noses into other people's family affairs, but
could never smell anything amiss in their own, and were therefore lawful game,
and ordered the next poetical watchman who should be taken to be brought before
him. He broke up the card-table, for he saw that the Minister of Police had
lost his good-humor. 
In the
dancing-hall next to the card-room, Philip had looked at his watch, and
discovered that the time of his appointment with Rose at St. Gregory's had
nearly come. He was by no means sony at the prospect of giving back his silk
mantle and plumed bonnet to his substitute, for he began to find high life not
quite to his taste. As he was going to the door, the negro once more came up to
him, and whispered : " Your Highness, Duke Herrman is seeking for you
everywhere." Philip shook his head impatiently and hurried out, followed
by the negro. When they got to the ante-chamber, the negro cried out, " By
Heaven, here comes the Duke ! " and slipped back into the hall. 
A tall
black mask walked fiercely up to Philip, and said:. "Stay a moment, sir;
I've a word or two to say to you; I've been seeking for you long." 
"
Quick, then," said Philip, " for I have no time to lose." 
"I
would not waste a moment, sir; I have sought you long enough; you owe me
satisfaction; you have injured me infamously." . 
" Not
that I am aware of." "You don't know me, perhaps," said the
Duke, lifting up his mask; "now that you sec me, your own conscience will
save me any more words. I demand satisfaction. You and the cursed Salmoni have
deceived me ! " 
" I
know nothing about it," said Philip. 
" You
got up that shameful scene in the cellar of the baker's daughter. It was at
your instigation that Colonel Kalt made an assault upon me with a cudgel."
"
There's not a word of truth in what you say." 
"What!
— ^you deny it? Marshal Blankenswerd's wife was an eye-witness of it all, and
she has told me every circumstance." 
" She
has told your grace a fairy tale — I have had nothing to do with it ; if you
made an ass of yourself in the baker's cellar, that was your own fault." 
" I
ask, once more, will you give me satisfaction ? If not, I will expose you.
Follow me instantly to the King. You shall either fight with me, or — go to his
Majesty.** 
Philip was
nonplussed. " Your grace, " he said, " I have no wish either to
fight with you or to go to the King." 
This was,
indeed, the truth, for he was afraid he should be obliged to unmask, and would
be punished, of course, for the part he had played. He therefore tried to get
off by every means, and watched the door to seize a favorable moment for
effecting his escape. The Duke, on the other hand, observed the uneasiness of
the Prince (as he thought him), and waxed more valorous every minute. At last
he seized poor Philip by the arm, and was dragging him into the hall. 
" What
do you want with me ? " said Philip, sorely frightened, and shook off the
Duke. 
" To
the King. He shall hear how shamefully you insult a guest at his court." 
" Very
good," replied Philip, who saw no hope of escape, except by continuing the
character of the Prince. " Very good. Come, then, I am ready. By good luck
I happen to have the agreement with me between you and the baker's daughter, in
which you promise " 
"Nonsense!
stuff!" answered the Duke, "that was only a piece of fun, which may
be allowed surely with a baker's daughter. Show it if you Uke, I will explain
all that" 
But it
appeared that the Duke was not quite so sure of the explanation, for he no
longer urged Philip to go before the King. He, however, insisted more earnestly
than ever on getting into his carriage, and going that moment — Heaven knows
where — to decide the matter with sword and pistol, an arrangement which did
not suit our watchman at all. Philip pointed out the danger and consequences of
such a proceeding, but the Duke overruled all objections. He had made every
preparation, and when it was over he would leave the city that same night. 
" If
you are not the greatest coward in Europe, you will follow me to the carriage —
Prince !" 
" I —
am — ^no — ^prince," at last stuttered Philip, now driven to extremities. 
" You
are ! Everybody recognized you at the ball. I know you by your hat. You sha'n't
escape me." 
Phillip lifted
up his mask, and showed the Duke his face. 
" Now,
then, am I a prince ? " 
Duke
Herrman, when he saw the countenance of a man he had never seen before, started
back, and stood gazing as if he had been petrified. He had revealed his secrets
to a perfect stranger! *Twas horrible beyond conception! But before he had
recovered from his surprise, Philip had opened the door and effected his
escape. 
The moment
he found himself at liberty he took off his hat and feathers, and wrapping them
in his silk mantle, rushed through the streets towards St. Gregory's, carrying
them under his arm. There stood Rose already, in a comer of the high church
door, expecting his arrival, 
" Ah,
Philip, dear Philip," she said, pressing his hand ; " how happy you
have made me! how lucky we are! I was very uneasy to get away from my friend's
house, and I have been waiting here this quarter of an hour, but never cared
for the frost and snow — ^my happiness was so great : I am so glad you're come
back." 
" And
I, too, dear Rose, thank God that I have got back to you. May the eagles fly
away with these trinkum-trankums of great people. But I'll tell you some other
time of the scenes I've had. Tell me now, my darling, how you are, and whether
you love me still ! " 
" Ah,
Philip, you've become a great man now, and it would be better to ask if you
care anything for me." 
"
Thunder ! How came you to know so soon that I've been a great man ? " 
" Why,
you told me yourself. Ah ! Philip, Philip, I only hope you won't be proud, now
that you've grown so rich. I am but a poor girl, and not good enough for you
now — and I have been thinking, Philip, if you forsake me, I would rather have
had you continue a poor gardener. I should fret myself to death if you forsook
me." 
" What
are you talking about, Rose ? Tis true that for one half -hour I have been a
prince ; 'twas but a joke, and I want no more of such jokes in my life. Now I
am a watchman again, and as poor as ever. To be sure, I have five thousand
dollars in my pocket that I got from a Mameluke ; that would make us rich, but
unfortunately they don't belong to me ! " 
"
You're speaking nonsense, Philip," said Rose, giving him the purse of gold
that the prince had given her. " Here, take back your money, 'tis too
heavy for my bag." 
" What
should I do with all this gold ? Where did you get it. Rose ? " 
" You
won it in the lottery, Philip." 
" What
! have I won ? And they told me at the office my number was not yet out. I had
hoped and wished that it might come to give me a setting-up in the world ; but
gardener Redman said to me as I went a second time towards the office : * Poor
Philip — a blank.' Huzzah ! I have won ! Now I will buy a large garden and
marry you. How much is it ? " 
" Are
you crazy, Philip, or have you drunk too much ? You must know better than I can
tell you how much it is. I only looked at it quietly under the table at my
friend's, and was frightened to see so many glittering coins, all of gold,
Philip. Ah ! then I thought, no wonder Philip was so impertinent — for, you
know, you were very impertinent, Philip — ^but I can't blame you for it. Oh, I
could throw my arms round your neck and cry for joy." 
"
Rose, if you will do it I shall make no objections. But there's some
misunderstanding here. Who was it that gave you this money, and told you it was
my prize in the lottery ? I have my ticket safe in my drawer at home, and
nobody has asked me for it." 
"Ah!
Philip, don't play your jokes on me! You yoiu^self told me it half an hour ago,
and gave me the purse with your own hand." 
"
Rose, try to recollect yourself. This morning I saw you at Mass, and we agreed
to meet here to-night, but since that time I have not seen you for an
instant." 
" No,
except half an hour ago, when I saw you at Steinman's door. But what is that
bundle under your arm ? Why are you without a hat this cold night ? Philip !
Philip ! Be careful. All that gold may turn your brain. You've been in some
tavern, Philip, and have drank more than you should. But tell me, what is in
the bundle? Why — here's a woman's silk gown! Philip, Philip, where have you
been ? " 
"
Certainly not with you, half an hour ago. You want to play tricks on me, I
fancy. Where have you got that money, I should like to know ? " 
"
Answer me first, Philip, where you got that woman's gown. Where have you been,
sir ? " 
They were
both impatient for explanations ; both a little jealous — and finally began to
quarrel. 
But as this
was a lovers' quarrel, it ended as lovers' quarrels invariably do. When Rose
took out her white pocket-handkerchief, put it to her beautiful eyes, and
turned away her head as the sighs burst forth from her breast, this sole
argument proved instantly that she was in the right, and PhiUp decidedly in the
wrong. He confessed he was to blame for everything, and told her that he had
been at a masked ball, and that his bundle was not a silk gown, but a man's
mantle and a hat and featheis. And now he had to undergo a rigid examination.
Every maiden knows that a masked ball is a dangerous maze for unprotected
hearts. It is like plunging into a whelming sea of dangers, and you will be
drowned if you are not a good swimmer. Rose did not consider Philip the best
swimmer in the world — it is difficult to say why. He denied having danced, but
when she asked him, he could not deny having talked with some feminine masks.
He related the whole story to her, yet would constantly add : " The ladies
were of high rank, and they took me for another." Rose doubted him a
little, but she si^pressed her resentment until he said they took him for Prince
Julian. 'f Then she shook her little head, and still '1 more when she heard
that Prince Julian ; was transformed into a watchman while Philip was at the
ball. But he smothered her doubts by saying that in a few minutes the Prince
would appear at SL Gregory's Church and exchange his watch-coat for the mask. 
Rose, in
return, related all her adventure; but when she came to the incident of the
kiss 
"Hold,
there!" cried Philip; "I didn't kiss you, nor, I am sure, did you
kiss me in return." 
" I am
sure 'twas intended for you, then," replied Rose, whilst her lover rubbed
his hair down, fpr fear it should stand on end. 
" If
'twas not you," continued Rose, anxiously, " I will believe all that
you have been telling me." 
But as she
went on in her story a light seemed to break in on her, and she exclaimed : “
And after all, I do beheve it was Prince Juhan in your coat !" 
Philip was
certain it was, and cried : " The rascal 1 He stole my kisses; now I
understand ! That's the reason why he wanted to take my place and gave me his
mask ! " And now the stories he had heard at the masquerade came into
Philip's head. He asked if anybody had called at her mother's to offer her
money ; if any gentleman was much about Milk street ; if she saw any one
watching her at church ; but to all his questions her answers were so
satisfactory, that it was impossible to doubt of her total ignorance of all the
machinations of the rascally courtiers. He warned her against all the advances
of philanthropical and compassionate princes — ^and Rose warned him against the
dangers of a masked ball and adventures with ladies of rank, by which many
young men have been made unhappy — and as everything was now forgiven, in
consideration of the kiss not having been wilfully bestowed, he was on the point
of claiming for himself the one of which he had been cheated, when his designs
were interrupted by an unexpected incident. A man, out of breath with his rapid
flighty rushed against them. By the great-coat, staff and horn, Philip
recognized his deputy. He, on the other hand, snatched at the silk cloak and
hat. " Ah ! sir," said Philip, " here are your things. I would
not change places with you again in this world ! I should be no gainer by the
operation." 
"
Quick ! quick ! " cried the Prince, and threw the watchman's apparel on
the snow and fastened on his mask, hat, and cloak; Philip returned Bo his
beaver and coat, and took up the lanthom and staff. Rose had shrunk back into
the door. 
" I
promised thee a dole, comrade — ^but its a positive fact — I have not got my
purse." 
" I've
got it here," said Philip, and held it out to him. " You gave it tc^
my intended there ; but, please your Highness, I must forbid all presents in
that quarter." 
"
Comrade, keep what you've got, and be off as quick as you can. You are not safe
here." 
The Prince
was flying off as he spoke, but Philip held him by the mantle. 
" One
thing, my lord, we have to settle ^** 
"Run!
Watchman! I tell you. They're in search of you." 
" I
have nothing to run for. But your purse, here " 
" Keep
it, I tell you. Fly ! if you can run." 
"And a
billet of Marshal Blankenswerd's for five thousand dollars " 
" Ha !
what the plague do you know about Marshal Blankenswerd ? " 
" He
said it was a gambling debt he owed you. He and his lady start to-night for
their estates in Poland." 
"Are
you mad ? How do you know that ? Who gave you the message for me ? " 
"And
your Highness, the Minister of Finance, will pay all your debts to Abraham Levi
and others if you will use your influence with the King to keep him in
office." 
"
Watchman ! you've been tampering with Old Nick." 
" But
I rejected the offer." 
" You
rejected the offer of the Minister ? " 
"Yes,
your Highness. And, moreover, I have entirely reconciled the Baroness Bonau
with the Chamberlain Pilzou." 
"Which
of us two is a fool ? " 
"Another
thing, your Highness. Signora Rollina is a bad woman. I have heard of some love
affairs of hers. You are deceived — I therefore thought her not worthy of your
attentions, and put off the meeting to-night at her house." 
"Signora
Rollina ! How did you come to hear of her ? " 
"Another
thing. Duke Herrman is terribly enraged about that business in the cellar. He
is going to complain of you to the King." 
"The
Duke ! Who told you about that ? " 
"
Himself. You are not secure yet — ^but I clon't think he'll go to the King, for
I threatened him with his agreement with the baker's daughter. But he wants to
fight you; be on your guard." 
" Once
for all — do you know how the Duke was informed of all this?" 
"Through
the Marshal's wife. She told all, and confessed she had acted the witch in the
ghost-raising." 
The Prince
took Philip by the arm. “ My good fellow," he said, " you are no
watchman." He tirnied his face towards a lamp, and started when he saw the
face of this strange man. 
" Are
you possessed by Satan, or Who are you ? " said 
Julian, who
had now become quite sober. 
" I am
Philip Stark, the gardener, son of old Gottlieb Stark, the watchman," said
Philip quietly. 
" Lay
hold of him ! That's the man ! " cried many voices, and Philip, Rose and
Julian saw themselves surrounded by six lusty servants of the police. Rose
screamed, Philip took her hand, and told her not to be alarmed. The Prince
clapped his hand on Philip's shoulder. 
"'Tis
a stupid business," he said, "and you should have escaped when I told
you. But don't be frightened ; there shall no harm befall you." 
"
That's to be seen," said one of the captors. " In the meantime he
must come along with us." 
"
Where to ? " inquired Philip ; " I am doing my duty. I am watchman of
this beat." 
"
That's the reason we take you. Come." 
The Prince
stepped forward. " Let the man go," good people," he said, and
searched in all his pockets for his purse. As he found it nowhere, he was going
to whisper to Philip to give it him, but the police tore them apart, and one of
them shouted : " On ! We can't stop to talk here." 
" The
masked fellow must go with us, too \ he is suspicious looking." 
" Not
so," exclaimed Philip ; " you are in search of the watchman. Here I
am, if you choose to answer for taking me from my duty. But let this gentleman
go." 
" We
don't want any lessons from you in our duty," replied the sergeant ;
" march ! all of them ! " 
" The
damsel, too ?" asked Philip ; " you don't want her, siu^ely 1" 
" No,
she may go ; but we must see her face, and take down her name and residence ;
it may be of use." 
" She
is the daughter of widow Bittner," said Philip ; and was not a Httle
enraged when the whole party took Rose to a lamp and gazed on her tearful face.
" Go home.
Rose, and don't be alarmed on my account," said Phihp, trying to comfort
her; " my conscience is clear." 
But Rose
sobbed so as to move even the policemen to pity her. The Prince, availing
himself of the opportimity, attempted to spring out of his captors' hands, but
one of the men was a better jumper than he, and put an obstacle in his way. 
"
Hallo I" cried the sergeant, " this fellow's conscience is not quite
so clear; hold him firm ; march! " 
"
Whither P " said the Prince. 
"
Directly to the Minister of Police." 
"
Listen," said the Prince, seriously, but affably, for he did not like the
turn affairs were taking, as he was anxious to keep his watchman frohc
concealed. " I have nothing to do with this business. I belong to the
court. If you venture to force me to go with you, you will be sorry for it when
you are feasting on bread and water to-morrow in prison." 
" For
Heaven's sake let the gentleman go," cried Philip ; " I give you my
word he is a great lord, and will make you repent your conduct. He is " 
" Hush
; be silent," interrupted Juhan ; “ tell no human being who I am. Whatever
happens keep my name a secret. Do you hear ? An entire secret from every one I
" 
" We
do our duty," said the sergeant, " and nobody can punish us for that
; you may go to a prison yourself ; we have often had fellows speak as high,
and threaten as fiercely ; forward ! " 
" Men
! take advice ; he is a distinguished man at court" 
" If
it were a king himself he should go with us. He is a suspicious character, and
we must do our duty." 
While the
contest about the Prince went on, a carriage, with eight horses and outriders,
bearing flambeaux, drove past the church. 
" Stop
I " said a voice from the carriage, as it was passing the crowd of
policemen who had the Prince in custody. 
The
carriage stopped. The door flew open, and a gentleman, with a brilliant star on
the breast of his snrtout, leaped out. He pushed through the party, and
examined the Prince from head to foot. 
"I
thought," he said, "I knew the bird by his feathers. Mask, who are
you ? " 
Julian was
taken by surprise, for in the inquirer he recognized Duke Herrman. 
"
Answer me," roared Herrman in a voice of thunder. 
Julian
shook his head, and made signs to the Duke to desist, but he pressed the
questioix home upon him, being determined to know who it was he had accosted at
the masquerade. He asked the policemen. They stood with heads imcovered, and
told him they had orders to bring the watchman instantly before the Minister of
Police, for he had been singing wicked verses ; they had heard some of them ;
that the mask had given himself out as some great lord of the court, but that
they believed that to be a false pretence, and therefore considered it their
duty to take him into custody. 
" The
man is not of the court," answered the Duke ; take my word for that. He
insinuated himself clandestinely into the ball, and passed himself off for
Prince Julian. I forced him to unmask, and detected the impostor, but he
escaped me. I have informed the Lord Chamberlain ; off with him to the palace !
You have made a fine prize ! " 
With these
words the Duke strode back to his carriage, and once more urging them not to
let the villains escape, gave orders to drive on. 
The Prince
saw no chance left. To reveal himself now would be to make his night's
adventures the talk of the whole city. He thought it better to disclose his
incognito to the Chamberlain or the Minister of Police. " Since it must be
so, come on then," he said ; and the party marched forward, keeping a firm
hand on the two prisoners. 
Philip was
not sure whether he was bewitched, or whether the whole business was not a
dream, for it was a night such as he had never passed before in his life. He
had nothing to blame himself for except that he had changed clothes with the
Prince, and then, whether he would or no, been forced to support his character.
He felt pretty safe, for it was the princely watchman who had been at fault,
and he saw no occasion for his being committed. His heart beat, however, when
they came to the palace. His coat, horn and staff were taken from him. Julian
spoke a few words to a young nobleman, and immediately the pohcemen were sent
away. The Prince ascended the stairs, and Philip had to follow. 
" Fear
nothing," said Julian, and left him. FhiUp was taken to a little
ante-rooro, where he had to wait a good while. At last one of the royal grooms
came to him, and said : " Come this way; the King will see you." 
Philip was
distracted with fear. His knees shook so that he could hardly walk. He was led
into a splendid chamber. The old King was sitting at a table, and laughing long
and loud; near him stood Prince Julian without a mask. Besides these, there was
nobody in the room. 
The King
looked at Philip with a good-humored expression. "Tell me all — without
missing a syllable — thai you have done to-nighL" 
Philip took
courage from the condescension of the old King, and told the whole story from
beginning to end. He had the good sense, however, to conceal all he had heard
among the courtiers that could tiim to the prejudice of the Prince. The King
laughed again and again, and at last took two gold pieces from his pocket and
gave them to Philip. " Here, my son, take these, but say not a word of
your night's adventures. Await your trial; no harm shall come of it to you. Now
go, my friend, and remember what I have told you," 
Philip
knelt down at the King's feet and kissed his hand as he stammered some words of
thanks. When he arose, and was leaving the room. Prince Julian said: "I
beseech your Majesty to allow the young man to wait a few minutes outside. I
have some compensation to make to him for the inconvenience he has
suffered." 
The King,
smiling, nodded his assent, and Philip left the apartment. 
"
Prince !" said the King, holding up his forefinger in a threatening manner
to his son, " 'tis well for you that you told me nothing but the truth.
For this time I must pardon your wild scrape, but if such a thing happens again
you will otTend me. There will be no excuse for you! I must take Duke Hernnan
in hand myself. 1 shall not be sorry if we can get quit of him. As to the
Ministers of Finance and Police, I must have further proofs of what you say. Go
now, and give some present to the gardener. He has shown more discretion in
your character than you have in his." 
The Prince
took leave of the King, and having changed his dress in an ante-room, sent for
Philip to go to his palace with him ; there he made him go over — word for word
— everything that had occurred. When Philip had finished his narrative, the Prince
clapped him on the shoulder and said : " Philip, listen I You're a
sensible fellow. I can confide in you, and I am satisfied with you. What you
have done in my name with the Chamberlain Pilzou, the Countess Bonau, the
Marshal and his wife, , Colonel Kalt, and the Minister of Finance — I will
maintain — as if I had done it myself. But, on the other hand^ you must take
all the blame of my doings with the horn and staff. As a penalty for your
verses, you shall lose your office of watchman. You shall be my head-gardener
from this date, and have charge of my two gardens at Heimleben and Quellenthal.
The money I gave your bride she shall keep as her marriage portion, — and I
give you the order of Marshal Blankenswerd for five thousand dollars, as a mark
of my regard. Go, now; be faithful and true!" 
Who could
be happier than Philip ! He almost flew to Kose's house. She had not yet gone
to bed, but sat with her mother beside a table, and was weeping. He threw the
purse on the table and said : " Rose, there is thy dowry ! and here are
five thousand dollars, which are mine ! As a watchman I have transgressed, and
shall therefore lose my father's situation; but the day after to-morrow I shall
go, as head-gardener of Prince Julian, to Heimleben. And you, mother and Rose,
must go with me. My father and mother also. I can support you all Huzza ! God
send all good people such a happy new year ! " Mother Bittner hardly knew
whether to beheve Philip or not, notwithstanding she saw the gold. But when he
told her how it had all happened — though with some reservations — she wept
with joy, embraced him, laid her daughter on his breast, and then danced about
the room in a perfect ecstacy. " Do thy father and mother know this,
Philip ? " she said. And when he answered no, she cried: " Rose,
kindle the fire, put over the water, and make some coffee for all of us."
She then wrapped herself in her little woollen shawl and left the house. 
But Rose
lay on Philip's breast, and forgot all about — the wood and water. And there
she lay when Mother Bittner returned with old Gottlieb and Mother Katharine.
They surrounded their children and blessed them. Mother Bittner saw if she
wanted coffee, she would be obliged to cook it herself. 
Philip lost
his situation as watchman. Rose became his wife in two weeks; their parents
went with them to ; but this does not belong to the adventures of a New Year's
Eve, a night more ruinous to the Minister of Finance than any one else ;
neither have we heard of any more pranks by the wild Prince Julian. 
Category:Zschokke
Category:ShortStories