FERDINAND."
"He will have my help and my eternal gratitude," whispered Amelia;
she then pressed the letter of the duke passionately to her lips.
"Oh, my God! I feel to-day what I have never before thought
possible, that one can be happy without happiness. If fate will be
merciful, and not thwart the noble purpose of Duke Ferdinand, from
this time onward I will never murmur--never complain. I will demand
nothing of the future; never more to see him, never more to hear
from him, only that he may be free and happy."
In the joy of her heart she not only fulfilled her promise to give
the messenger a gold piece for every hour of his journey, but she
added a costly diamond pin for Pollnitz, which the experienced
baron, even while receiving it from the trembling hand of the
princess, valued at fifty louis d'or.
The baron returned with a well-filled purse and a diamond pin to his
dwelling, and with imposing solemnity he called John into his
boudoir.
"John," said he, "I am content with you. You have promptly fulfilled
my commands. You returned the seventh day, and have earned the extra
thalers. As for your money, how much do I owe you?"
"Fifty-three thalers, four groschen, and five pennies.
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