turers, sold at their prices, by They are safely packed, and may be shipped by Railroad or Steamer, to any part of the country. By arrangement with the Manufac

V

II.

WHEN Master Sebaltus arrived in view

of the palace, the shades of night veloped the city of Dresden, and the ilminated entrance of the palace shone rth brilliantly in the darkness.

Guided by the Chamberlain, Sebaltus assed through the sentinels, who presentd arms; he ascended a large stone stairway and entered a suite of apartments, at he end of which was a grand drawingroom, where the Sovereign Elector and persons of his Court were assembled.

The bewilderment of our ex-schoolmaster would have been much greater, if he had not continued to believe that he was under the influence of a dream. He awoke, so to speak, but in the presence of the Prince. The latter had waited impatiently the arrival of the future preceptor, and his smile bespoke satisfaction when he saw Sebaltus enter. Nevertheless Sebaltus east a stolid look around him, and seemed ill at ease, until the Prince, taking pity on the poor fellow's embarrassment, advanced a step or two, extended his hand graciously, and kindly said:

in the atmosphere of the palace. I shall present to you your pupils."

The Prince motioned; the two young lads, one of fifteen years, the other of twelve, approached. Their demeanor was reserved and proud, and though their dress was plain, it was of good taste.

"My sons," said the Elector, "this is Mr. Spurdzer, the good and learned man whom I have chosen to finish your education. My wish was that he have nothing in common with the others; here he brings integrity, philosophic disinterestedness, and domestic qualities, so rarely found now-a-days. You must respect Mr. Spurdzer as you respect me: he will be for you a second father, and by your regard replace the sons whom he has left behind, to devote himself entirely to the cultivation of your minds."

The two young Princes listened gravely to this little address; during which Sebaltus showed many signs of emotion. The elder answered in a respectful tone:

"My father, for us your wishes are law; be assured that we shall show the greatest deference towards the illustrious and modest tutor whom you have selected for

ship-"

"How, now, be not confused. I easily conceive that between your former humble life and the one you are about to lead there is a vast and sudden transition, but you will soon fall into court habits, nay, it will

Spurdzer, though ignorant of the laws of etiquette, understood that it was necessary to compliment the Prince.

"Sire," said he in his turn, "allow me to assure you of the gratitude which my zeal alone can equal, and I hope I shall prove to your highness that your confidence has been safely placed."

"Of this, I have no doubt,” said the

turned towards the Chamberlain: "That is a well-turned compliment for him."

After this formal presentation the circle broke up, groups formed, and conversations began; the subject of which can easily be guessed. As to Spurdzer, he became the object of so many bows and salutations that he knew not how nor where to conceal his confusion. That night Master Sebaltus was the new star that arose in the firmament of favor.

Withal, how great was his satisfaction, when he at last returned to his apartment! It was not that he did not feel emotion mingled with fear and sadness. This sumptuous place, this world unknown to him here, no more habits, no favorite corners, no link with the past. Where was the old leather-covered arm-chair near the hearthstone, the wooden clock with its iron weights; above all, where was that long pipe that he so amply filled, to smoke in the evening? Farewell to the rustic life of his German fireside; farewell the caresses of his two beloved sons. Sebaltus regretted even the hasty disposition of his wife Thecla, who had in turn her good moments. As his gaze wandered around his new abode, he suddenly perceived on a round table volumes that were symmetrically arranged and richly bound. This attracted the bibliomaniac's attention. It is impossible to describe his stupefaction, when on examining the titles, and reviewing the pages, he recognized his own manuscripts. Was it not a miracle, a sequel to the fairy-tale begun that morning? What! those papers which he valued so little had escaped from their drawer, from their obscure prison to the office of a publisher! What hand had brought them to light? Poor Spurdzer, startled at the rumor of his own celebrity, paused and reflected whether he had not been instrumental in this strange occurrence. In vain did he recall the past. There was no clue to his having made any effort to obtain the favor or the dangerous honors of publicity. So far then was he in the right to suppose that there were magic and witchcraft in all that had happened, and he would say: "Is it the devil in person who has brought me here to tempt me?" He spent an uneasy night, full of eccentric dreams and horrid

visions; the feverish state created images grotesque and mated circles, where were elector, his sons, Thecla, C courtiers and simple villagers. the dreamer, exhausted and op nightmares, scream out "S and those circles appeared to size and motion. When dayli he was prostrated with the h agitation of his sleep. He was finding some relaxation whil few pages of his favorite aut breakfast was served up at an and his highness had called that he had to dispense with to hastily partake of his repas appear before the Elector.

"Good morning, my dear said the Prince; "how did Are you satisfied with your palace?"

"I frankly avow to your hi Sebaltus, "that I passed a night."

"Indeed!"

"However, it is not surp here is so new to me. I sh tomed to it. Besides, I meet after surprise." "How?"

"Undoubtedly so. From schoolmaster, I am transform preceptor of two princes; f cottage, I am transported in and finally, when I cast a loc apartment, what do I find? writings superbly printed This is what astounds me the one can persuade me that I of publishing my works, w only written for my own pers tion. Unless Satan has ro night of my manuscripts, I ca stand."

"Satan or your wife," said laughing.

This disclosure confounde and rendered him unable to Prince added:

"Let us converse seriousl I shall no longer conceal from ficulties of your undertaking strong passions, and particu