"Yes, sir, of you. I wish to warn you not to occupy your pious thoughts
with that very worldly thing called politics, and to request you to
instruct the members of your Church in religion, in Christian love and
kindness, and not to lure them to murder and treachery."

The priest shrugged his shoulders; a contemptuous smile played about his
small, thin lips.

"The words 'religion and Christian love' sound strangely in the mouth of
a Prussian warrior. I decline receiving any advice from you. I have
no fear of you or of your superiors! I am subject only to God and the
Pope!"

"That may be in your own country, but not in the King of Prussia's,"
answered General Fink, quietly. "There every one is subject to the law;
no title, no clerical gown protects the criminal. Two days ago, a spy
was discovered in the Prussian camp, who was a priest; he was hung like
any other spy, although at the last moment, hoping to save his life, he
exclaimed that he was a friend of Father Guarini, the court confessor.
His majesty the King of Prussia commissioned me to impart to you the
death of your friend."

"From my heart I thank you for so doing," said the priest. "I shall have
masses read for my friend, of whom you have made a martyr."

The queen gazed at him with sparkling eyes. "Oh, my father," said she,
"I thank you for your noble example; it shall enable me, in spite of
threats and insults, not to deny the holy cause and the friends who
have suffered for it. And now, general, I hope your commissions are
fulfilled, and that you will take your leave."

"I hope your majesty will believe that I would not venture to remain,
were I not compelled by the commands of my king. I have to request
your majesty to listen while I read aloud some letters, some historical
documents, which may possibly interest your highness."

"You can read," said the queen. "As my ears do not belong to the King of
Prussia, it lies with me to listen or not, as I please." She sank gently
upon the divan, signing to the priest to remain beside her.

"I flatter myself that I will have your majesty's attention," said the
general, withdrawing to the nearest window and opening a package of
letters. "The first relates to an extremely amusing occurrence, which my
master, knowing that France was your ally, imagined would interest you.
Your highness is aware that Prince Soubise is a brave soldier. This is
Madame Pompadour's opinion; it must, therefore, be true. About a week