(attempting to kiss her hand). What if I asked this little hand? Would that be terrible, Louisa?     

       LOUISA (with great indignation). Yes! for I should strangle you on the bridal night: and for such a deed I would joyfully yield my body to be torn on the rack! (She is going, but comes hurriedly back.) Is all settled between us, sir? May the dove be released?     

       WORM. A trifle yet remains, maiden! You must swear, by the holy sacrament, to acknowledge this letter for your free and voluntary act.     

       LOUISA. Oh God! Oh God! And wilt thou grant thine own seal to confirm the works of hell? (WORM leads her away.)     

  

       ACT IV.     

  

       SCENE I. Saloon in the PRESIDENT'S House.     

    FERDINAND VON WALTER enters in great excitement with an open letter in his hand, and is met by a SERVANT. 

       FERDINAND. Is the marshal here?     

       SERVANT. My lord, his highness the president is inquiring for you.     

       FERDINAND. Fire and fury! I ask is the marshal here?     

       SERVANT. His honor is engaged at the faro-table, above stairs.     

       FERDINAND. Tell his honor, in the name of all the devils in hell, to make his appearance this instant!     

                   [Exit SERVANT. 

  

       SCENE II.     

       FERDINAND (hastily reading the letter, at one moment seeming petrified with astonishment, at the next pacing the room with fury). Impossible! quite impossible! A form so heavenly cannot hide so devilish a heart. And yet!—and yet! Though all the angels of heaven should descend on earth and 

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