ered, with all the careless ease of his
ordinary manner. It was impossible to detect from his countenance
whether he regarded the event as a serious one, or simply one of those
popular commotions which are ever occurring in a large empire.

"I know you are discussing politics, or something akin to them," said
he, laughingly. "Madame de Heidendorf has her 'cabinet countenance' on,
and Auersberg is looking as fierce as a field-marshal ought to do when
contradicted. Come, General, present me to the Princess. It is an honor
I have been long desiring. How tired you must be of all this, Madame!"
said he to Kate. "Such wise people as will not talk gossip,--such
high-minded souls as never will condescend to say a good thing, or hear
one, are insupportable." And, seating himself beside her, he rattled
on about Vienna, its society, and its pleasures, with all the ease and
flippancy of a young fashionable of the day, while, in an attitude of
deep respect, not unmixed with a dash of impatience, stood the old Count
before him.

"What does Auersberg want to tell us?" said the Prince, at last, looking
up at the old General's face.

"To say adieu, your Royal Highness."

"You don't go with the troops, surely?" said the Duke, laughing.

"At the head of my own regiment, your Royal Highness."

"Ah, by the bye, the Auersbergs are in your brigade. Very proper that.
And is this my _protege?_" said he, taking Frank's arm, and drawing him
forward. "There's your best example, sir. Be only as good a soldier,
and the name of Dalton will be a title of nobility amongst us. Good-bye,
Lieutenant General, farewell. Give that _canaille_ a lesson quickly, and
come back to us as soon as you can."

Kate rose and followed Frank out of the room. For a few seconds they
were closely locked in each other's arms, without speaking. "Oh, Frank
dearest! when are we to meet again,--and how?" cried she, passionately.

"In pride and happiness, too, Kate," said the boy, joyfully. "I have no
fears for the future. But what is this, sister dearest,--gold?"

"Do not refuse me, Frank. It is the only happiness left me."

"But this is the Russian's, Kate."

"No, believe me, it is not Count Stephen has made me his heir; he has
given me all his fortune. Even good luck can come too late!" said she,
with a sigh.

"Do not leave this till I write to you, Kate. I will do so very
soon,--that is, if I can; but these are anxious times. You know,
Kate,"--here the boy whisp