equally to the account of the bride you offer to him as of her from whom you wish to separate him. I would beg of you a more positive test! Propose to him some perfectly unexceptionable woman. Then, if he consents, let Secretary Worm break stones on the highway for the next three years.     

       PRESIDENT (biting his lips). The devil!     

       WORM. Such is the case, you may rest assured! The mother—stupidity itself—has, in her simplicity, betrayed all to me.     

       PRESIDENT (pacing the room, and trying to repress his rage). Good! this very morning, then!     

       WORM. Yet, let me entreat your excellency not to forget that the major—       is my master's son——     

       PRESIDENT. No harm shall come to him, Worm.     

       WORM. And that my service in ridding you of an unwelcome daughter-in-law——     

       PRESIDENT. Should be rewarded by me helping you to a wife? That too, Worm!     

       WORM (bowing with delight). Eternally your lordship's slave. (Going.)     

       PRESIDENT (threatening him). As to what I have confided to you, Worm! If you dare but to whisper a syllable——     

       WORM (laughs). Then your excellency will no doubt expose my forgeries!     

                            [Exit. 

       PRESIDENT. Yes, yes, you are safe enough! I hold you in the fetters of your own knavery, like a trout on the hook!     

    Enter SERVANT. 

       SERVANT. Marshal Kalb——     

       PRESIDENT. The very man I wished to see. Introduce him.     

                          [Exit SERVANT. 

  

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