ut not over you. I weep over your great,
self-sacrificing soul. I do not pity you--your grief is too great, too
sacred--it is above pity. But I bow profoundly before you, for your
suffering is worthy of all reverence. To me you appear much more
beautiful than all the women of this court who dance giddily through
life. It is not the diplomatist but the man who kneels before you and
offers you his homage."

Gently Amelia bade him rise. "With a sweet, happy smile upon her lip she
thanked him for his sympathy, and hoped they would be good friends and
counsel with each other."

The general was silent for a few moments. "The feelings of the empress
must be worked upon--she must intercede with King Frederick for Trenck.
He cannot refuse her first request."

"Will you undertake to effect this?" said Amelia, hastily. "Will you
intercede for your unfortunate relative?"

"I had done so long ago had it been possible. Alas, I dared not. Trenck
is my relative--my request would, therefore, have been considered as
that of a prejudiced person. My exalted empress possesses so strong
a sense of right that it has become a rule of hers never to fulfil a
request made by any of her own intimate and confidential friends for
their families or relatives. She would have paid no attention to my
request for Trenck's release. Moreover, I would have made enemies of a
powerful and influential party at court--with a party whose wish it is
that Trenck may never be released, because he would then come and demand
an account of the gold, jewels, and property left him by his cousin,
the colonel of the pandours, thus causing a great disturbance amongst
several noble families at court. These families are continually
filling the ear of the empress with accusations against the unfortunate
prisoner, well knowing that he cannot defend himself. You must appear
to have forgotten that poor Trenck is languishing in prison while his
property is being guarded by stewards who pay themselves for their
heavy labor with the old colonel's money. It is dangerous, therefore, to
meddle with this wasp's nest. To serve Trenck, the interceder must be so
harmless and insignificant that no one will consider it worth while to
watch him, so that Trenck's enemies, not suspecting him, can place no
obstacles in his path."

"Lives there such a one?" said the princess.

"Yes, your royal highness."

"Where is he? What is his name? What is he?"

"The fireman in the apartments of t