The Daughter of an Empress

Joseph Ribas answered Stephano's reverential bow with a haughty nod.

"Go," said he, "take off the seals in the quickest possible time, and

then away with you!"

But as Stephano was about retiring with his people, Joseph Ribas

beckoned him back again.

"You have, therefore, recognized this deed of gift?" asked he, and as

Stephano assented, he continued: "You therefore cannot deny that my

master is the undisputed possessor of this villa, and can do with it

according to his pleasure?"

"I do not deny it at all!" growled Stephano.

Joseph Ribas then drew forth another paper, which he also handed

Stephano. "You will also recognize this deed of gift to be regular and

legal! It is likewise undersigned and authenticated by our ambassador."

Stephano, having attentively read it, almost indignantly said: "It is all right. But the count is crazy, to give away so fine a

property!"

And still grumbling, he departed with his people.

Clinging to Marianne's side, Natalie had observed the whole proceeding

with silent wonder; and, with the astonishment of innocence and

inexperience, she comprehended nothing of the whole scene, nor was a

suspicion awakened in her childishly pure soul.

"He is, then, really going?" she asked, as Stephano was slowly moving

off.

"Yes, he is going," said Joseph Ribas, "and will never venture to

disturb you again. Henceforth you will be in undisputed possession of

your property. My lord has made this villa and garden forever yours by a

regular legal deed of gift."

"And who is your lord?" asked Natalie. "Tell me his name--tell me where

I may find him, that I may return him my thanks?"

"Yes, conduct us to him," said the weeping Marianne. "Let me clasp his

feet and implore his further protection for my poor helpless princess."

"My lord desires no thanks," proudly responded Ribas. "He does good for

his own sake, and protects innocence because that is the duty of every

knight and nobleman."

"At least tell me his name, that I may pray for him," sobbed Marianne.

"Yes, his name," said Natalie, with a charming smile. "Ah, how I shall

love that name!"

"His name is his own secret," said Ribas. "The world, indeed, knows and

blesses him, calling him the bravest of the brave. But it is his command

that you shall never be informed of it. He desires nothing, no thanks,

no acknowledgments--he wishes only to secure your peace and happiness,

and thus redeem the solemn vow he made to his friend, Count Paulo

Rasczinsky, to guard and preserve you as a father, and to watch over you

as your tutelar genius!"

"Thanks, thanks, my God!" cried Marianne, with her arms raised toward

heaven. "Thou sendest us help in our need, Thou hast mercy on suffering

innocence, and sendest her a saviour in her greatest distress!"