not resist the Germans; they must unite into one, just as the streamlets flow into a large stream, and in its sway lose their individual colors, tastes and names.”
The Countess stood before the Emperor in speechless amazement. She heard his every word, heard but did not comprehend—she could not. This from him whom she had esteemed so highly? Where, then, were justice and humanity, if even Joseph II. bade them farewell? Was the most enlightened philosopher and most noble philanthropist of his age such a man as this? Was this the emperor whose adviser and confidante she wanted to become, and to whose service she intended to consecrate her life? She was conscious that her aim was high, and determined that she would not swerve one inch from her path. She had armed herself against the temptations of luxury and love; she had wished bravely to be above regarding the prejudices and the insulting suspicions that would arise from her occupying such a position; but now
