ng so?"

"Oh, no; she smiled as if entranced, and raised her eyes to heaven, as
if praying for God's blessing upon her vows."

"One thing more," said the prince, fixing his large, gray eyes with a
searching expression upon Pollnitz--"what is said of me? Am I regarded
as a rejected lover, or as a faithless one; for doubtless all Berlin
knows of my love for this lady, you having been our confidant."

"Oh, my prince, that is a hard insinuation," said Pollnitz, sadly.

"Your highness cannot really believe that--"

"No protestations, I pray you," interrupted the prince, "I believe I
know you thoroughly, but I am not angry with you nor do I reproach
you: you are a courtier, and one of the best and rarest type; you have
intellect and knowledge, much experience and savoir vivre; I could
desire no better company than yourself; but for one moment cast aside
your character as a courtier, and tell me the truth: what does the world
say of this marriage in regard to me?"

"Your highness desires me to tell you the truth?"

"Yes, I do."

"Now the important moment has come," thought Pollnitz. "Now, if I am
adroit, I believe I can obtain the payment of my debts."

"Well, then, your highness," said Pollnitz, in answer to the prince, "I
will tell you the truth, even should I incur your displeasure. I fear,
my prince, you are regarded as a rejected lover, and Madame du Trouffle
has succeeded in throwing a holy lustre around her beautiful brow. It is
said that she refused your dishonorable proposals, and preferred being
the virtuous wife of a major, to becoming the mistress of a prince."

"Go on," said the prince, hastily, as Pollnitz ceased, and looked
searchingly at him. "What do they say of me?"

"That you are in despair, and that you have retired to your chambers to
weep and mourn over your lost love."

"Ah, they say that, do they?" cried the prince, with flashing eyes and
darkened brow; "well, I will show this credulous world that they are
mistaken. Is the king in Sans-Souci?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Well, go to him, and announce my visit; I will follow you on foot."

"We have won the day," cried Pollnitz, as he approached the king; "the
prince desires to make you a visit. He will be here immediately."

"Do you know what my brother wishes of me?" asked the king.

"I do not know, but I suspect, sire. I think he wishes to marry, in
order to pique his faithless sweetheart."

"Go and receive the prince, and conduct him