Before he went to Dortrecht yesterday morning, he gave me this letter and charged me to place it in your hands with the most loving greetings." With these words the musician gave Maria a letter.

She hastily took it from his hand, saying: "No offence, Herr Wilhelm, but we'll discuss your motet to-morrow, or whenever you choose; to-day--" "To-day your time belongs to this letter," interrupted Wilhelm.

"That is only natural.

The messenger has performed his commission, and the music-master will try his fortune with you another time." As soon as the young man had gone, Maria went to her room, sat down at the window, hurriedly opened her husband's letter and read: "MY DEAR AND FAITHFUL WIFE! "Meister Wilhelm Corneliussohn, of Leyden, will bring you this letter.

I am well, but it was hard for me to leave you on the anniversary of our wedding-clay.