not deceive me! If he is not here; if he told
me the truth!" His countenance had been so open, so calm, so smiling
when he said to her that he had a rendezvous with some friends at the
Catholic priest's; and in a graceful, roguish mockery, asked her if she
was jealous of that meeting. No, no! this time he was true. He could not
have played the hypocrite with such smiling composure. Scarcely knowing
what she did, Marietta entered the house, and asked if Camilla was at
home--then hastened on to the door of Camilla's room.

The young girl advanced to meet her with a joyous greeting. "I am glad
you have come, Marietta. Without you I should have been condemned to
pass the whole evening shut up in my room, wearying myself with books.
But I am resolved what I will do in future. If mamma insists upon
my being a child still, and banishes me from the parlor when she has
company, I will either run away, or I will invite company to amuse me.
My cousin, Lieutenant Kienhause, is again in Berlin; his right arm is
wounded, and the king has given him a furlough, and sent him home.
When mamma is in the saloon, I will invite my cousin here." She laughed
merrily, and drew Marietta dancing forward. "Now I have company, we will
laugh and be happy."

"Who is in the saloon?" said Marietta, "and why are you banished
to-day?"

"Well, because of this Italian count--this insufferable Ranuzi. He has
been here for an hour, and mamma commanded no one to be admitted, as she
had important business with the count."

"And you believe that he will remain the whole evening?" said Marietta.

"I know it; he remains every evening."

Marietta felt a cold shudder pass over her, but she was outwardly calm.

"Poor child!" said she, "you are indeed to be pitied, and, if you really
desire it, you shall have my society; but first, I have a commission to
execute, and then I will bring some notes, and we will sing together."
She kissed Camilla upon the brow, and withdrew.

The last moment of respite had expired for Ranuzi; there was no longer a
ray of mercy in Marietta's heart. Rushing forward, she soon reached the
castle, and announced herself to the marquis. She was introduced into
his study, and the marquis advanced to meet her, smiling, and with an
open letter in his hand.

"You come at the right time, madame," said he; "an hour since I received
this letter from his majesty."

"Has the king named the person to whom I am to confide my secret?" she
said,