laughed over, but
the world knew that she scattered her sarcasms far and wide, in order
to secure her isolation; to banish every one from her presence, so that
none might hear her sighs, or read her sad history in her countenance.

"And yet, princess, I must still implore a hearing," said he, with
imperturbable good-humor; "if my voice is rough as the raven's, your
royal highness must feed me with sugar, and it will become soft and
tender as an innocent maiden's."

"I think a few ducats would be better for your case," said Amelia; "a
Pollnitz is not to be won with sweets, but for gold he would follow the
devil to the lower regions."

"You are right, princess; I do not wish to go to heaven, but be low;
there I am certain to find the best and most interesting society. The
genial people are all born devils, and your highness has ever confessed
that I am genial. Then let it be so! I will accept the ducats which your
royal highness think good for me, and now allow me to discharge my
duty. I come as the messenger of Prince Henry: He sends his heart-felt
greetings to his royal sister, and begs that she will do him the honor
to attend fete at Rheinsberg, which will take place in eight days."

"Has the master of ceremonies of the king become the fourrier of Prince
Henry?" said Amelia.

"No, princess; I occasionally and accidentally perform the function of a
fourrier. This invitation was not my principal object to-day."

"I knew it," said Amelia, ironically. "My brother Henry does not love me
well enough to invite me to this fete, if he had not some other object
to attain. Well, what does Prince Henry wish?"

"A small favor, your royal highness; he wishes, on the birthday of his
wife, to have Voltaire's 'Rome Sauvee' given by the French tragedians.
Some years since your highness had a great triumph in this piece. The
prince remembers that Voltaire prepared the role of Aurelia especially
for you, with changes and additions, and he entreats you, through me,
the temporary Directeur des spectacles de Rheinsberg, to lend him this
role for the use of his performer."

"Why does not my brother rather entreat me to take this part myself?"
said Amelia, in cruel mockery over herself. "It appears to me I could
look the part of Aurelia, and my soft, flute-like voice would make a
powerful impression upon the public. It is cruel of Prince Henry to
demand this role of me; it might be inferred that he thought I had
become old and ugly."