Here he lived
quietly, surrounded by orchards of fruitful trees, free from the turmoil
of the noisy city. His family rejoiced at having him constantly in their
midst and he was glad at the opportunity of being the instructor of his
children, particularly in music.
One gloomy winter evening, the family was gathered in the brilliantly
lighted music room. Count Berlow had composed a pretty little poem, and
had fitted it to music. Albert had with difficulty mastered the playing
of it, but Marguerite could sing the song remarkably well. The children
had practised this piece faithfully and diligently and purposed to
surprise their mother by singing and playing it that very evening. After
the Count and Countess had sung several operatic selections, the father
turned to his children, saying: "Let us hear what you can do." Albert
seated himself at the piano and played, while Marguerite modestly sang
in a sweet tone.
The Countess was delighted over this, their first song. She embraced
both the children affectionately, and praised them for their efforts and
the pleasure which they had afforded her.
Suddenly, the door was thrust open, and armed soldiers crowded into the
room. The leader presented an order in which the Count was declared a
friend of the King and an enemy of freedom and equality, and in
consequence he was to be conducted to prison. Although the Countess,
weeping and lamenting, threw her arms about her husband's neck to hold
and guard him, and his children clung to his knees, the soldiers rudely
tore him from their embrace.
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