importunately to lift the veil. But I had resented it so graciously,
so kindly--I should certainly pardon their good-heartedness.

The thing appeared so amusing to the rogue that he did his best, by
reproving words, to strengthen, for the present, the good folk in
their belief. He gave a very comical report of all this to me; and
as he found that it diverted me, he made a joke to me of his own
wickedness. Shall I confess it? It flattered me, even by such means,
to be taken for that honored head.

I commanded a feast to be prepared for the evening of the next day
beneath the trees which overshadowed the open space before my house,
and the whole city to be invited to it. The mysterious power of
my purse, the exertions of Bendel, and the inventiveness of Rascal
succeeded in triumphing over time itself. It is really astonishing how
richly and beautifully everything was arranged in those few hours. The
splendor and abundance which exhibited themselves, and the ingenious
lighting up, so admirably contrived that I felt myself quite secure,
left me nothing to desire. I could not but praise my servants.

The evening grew dark; the guests appeared, and were presented to me.
Nothing more was said about Majesty; I was styled with deep reverence
and obeisance, Count. What was to be done? I allowed the title to
stand, and remained from that hour Count Peter. In the midst of
festive multitudes my soul yearned alone after one. She entered
late--she was and wore the crown. She followed modestly her parents,
and seemed not to know that she was the loveliest of all. They were
presented to me as Mr. Forest-master, his lady and their daughter.
I found many agreeable and obliging things to say to the old people;
before the daughter I stood like a rebuked boy, and could not bring
out one word. I begged her, at length, with a faltering tone, to
honor this feast by assuming the office whose insignia she graced. She
entreated with blushes and a moving look to be excused; but blushing
still more than herself in her presence, I paid her as her first
subject my homage, with a most profound respect, and the hint of the
Count became to all the guests a command which every one with emulous
joy hastened to obey. Majesty, innocence, and grace presided in
alliance with beauty over a rapturous feast. Mina's happy parents
believed their child thus exalted only in honor of them. I myself was
in an indescribable intoxication. I caused all the jewels which