"He obtained leave of absence immediately, and went to Rome," continued the young Baroness, "returning in a week, accompanied by my brother. He had succeeded in freeing Eugene and withdrawing him from the whole affair. Even the newspapers did not mention the name of the young German who had been involved in it. I do not know by what means it was done. If one has powerful friends and does not need to spare money, much is possible. Herbert had spent money lavishly on all sides and had brought into use every advantage made possible to him through his long years of diplomatic work. He also cancelled the gambling debts, although with his own bond. He told me later that he had given half his fortune for that purpose."
"It was very magnanimous, since by this sacrifice he won a cool million. And what did Eugene say to this--trade?"
"He knew nothing of it, and soon returned to Germany, as had been decided at first. From that time Herbert came to our house daily and knew how to prepossess my sick father so well, that father finally felt a desire for the union himself. Only then did Herbert begin his wooing. I was grateful to him for giving it this turn, only Eugene was not deceived. He guessed everything, and forced the truth from me. Since then he has tortured himself with self-reproach and almost feels hostility toward his brother-in-law, in spite of my repeated assurance that I have never had cause to rue that step, and that I have in Herbert the most attentive and considerate husband."
Falkenried's eyes rested intently upon the face of the young wife, as if he wished to read her most secret thoughts.
"Are you happy?" he asked, slowly.
"I am content."
"That is much in this life," said the Colonel in the old, harsh tone. "We were not born to be happy. I have done you wrong, Ada. I believed the splendor of a high position, the desire to play a first rôle in society as wife of the Ambassador, had made you Frau von Wallmoden, but--I am glad that t judged you wrongly."
He stretched forth his hand. Some expression was now in the icy gaze and an apology in the grasp of the hand.
"You know everything now," concluded Adelaide, with a deep breath, "and I beg that you will not touch upon the subject before Herbert. You see, there was nothing dishonorable in his dealings. I repeat to you that he used neither force nor persuasion. I was forced only by the power of circumstances. I could not expect that he would make such sacrifices for a stranger."
"If a lady had sought me in such anxiety, I would have made the sacrifices--unconditionally," declared Falkenried.