the prince
and his wife. Not far from them was Count Kalkreuth. For more than two
hours he had borne the agony of being near the prince without being
addressed by him. For two hours he had stood the inquiring, malicious
smiles and glances of the courtiers, who were looking on with delight at
his humiliation.

His martyrdom was almost over. Dinner was finished, and all awaited
a sign from the princely couple to rise from the table. Prince Henry
arose, glass in hand, and said, in a loud voice:

"And now, my guests, I have pleasant news for you; as you are all
friends of Count Kalkreuth, what is good news to him will be to you
also. His majesty has appointed him lieutenant-general of Prince
Frederick William's army corps in Prussia. The king, knowing my
true friendship for him, granted me the privilege of announcing his
promotion. I am sorry to say that through it we lose him, for his
majesty desires him, as soon as we leave the table, to hasten to
Sans-Souci to receive his commission. And now, gentlemen, fill your
glasses, we will drink to the lieutenant-general's welfare."

All arose to drink the toast except Count Kalkreuth. His head was bent
almost upon his breast, as if he were ashamed to show his pale, agitated
countenance. He would have given all he possessed to have flown from the
hall. Princess Wilhelmina sat opposite, she had not yet looked at him,
but she now threw him a glance full of inexpressible pity, and raised
her glass hastily to her lips. It was not wine, but her own tears that
she drank.

The prince now led the princess to the reception-room. He stood beside
her when Kalkreuth approached. The guests were grouped about the room,
every eye was fixed eagerly upon this trio.

Count Kalkreuth was still pale and unmanned; with tottering, trembling
steps he advanced toward the princely couple.

The prince turned laughingly to his guests, saying: "See the strange
effect of joy. It has transformed our gay and witty count. He is stern
and solemn as if, instead of an honor, he had received a degradation."

No voice answered the prince. Finally, in midst of deep silence, the
count said:

"I come to take leave of your royal highness before going to that
exile which his majesty has kindly chosen for me. For, although it is
promotion, you must permit me to reiterate that it is also banishment,
for at Konigsberg I shall not see my prince. But I shall carry your
picture in my heart--there it shall forever dwe