ed in such
masterly style. We all wear our glittering masks, under which our
corpses are hidden; one word from our master and this drapery would
fall off, and these grinning death-heads be brought to ruin. It depends
solely upon the will of Frederick of Prussia to speak this word. He is
our master, and when he commands it, we must lay aside our swords and
exchange our uniforms for the garments of a malefactor."

"He will not dare to do this," said Giurgenow; "all Europe would call
him a barbarian, and make him answerable for his insolence."

"First, all Europe must be in a condition to call him to account," said
Ranuzi, laughing; "and that is certainly not the case at present, I am
sorry to say."

"You have not heard, then," said Belleville, "of the glorious victory
which our great General Broglie has gained over Duke Ferdinand of
Brunswick; all France is jubilant over this happy event, and the
Marquise de Pompadour, or rather King Louis, has made this second
Turenne, our noble Broglie, marshal."

"I know of this," said Ranuzi; "but I know also that the fortune of
battles is inconstant, otherwise we would not now be here."

"It is to be hoped we will not be here long," said Giurgenow,
impatiently. "Does it not lie in our power to go at once? What think
you? Have we not our swords? They have not dared to take them from
us! They tremble before us, and honor, in our persons, the nations we
represent. Look at the complaisance and consideration with which we are
met on all sides. The King of Prussia fears his powerful enemies, and
does all in his power to conciliate them. Suppose that to-night, as soon
as the royal family are assembled, we draw our swords and take them all
prisoners; we have overpowering numbers, and I think it would be an easy
victory. We could make a fortress of this palace, and defend ourselves;
they would not dare to make a violent attack, as the queen and
princesses would be in our power. What think you of this plan, Count
Ranuzi?"

Ranuzi met the sharp and piercing glance of the Russian with cool
composure.

"I think it bold, but impossible. We could not maintain our position,
one hour. The garrison of Berlin would overcome us. We have no thousands
of prisoners in the casements here, as in Kustrin, to aid us in such an
attempt."

"The count is right," said Belleville, gayly; "such a grandiose and
warlike conspiracy would amount to nothing. We must revenge ourselves
in another way for the ted