umption of these haughty
Frenchmen to go unpunished?"

"I will take pains not to observe it," said the queen, turning her
attention again to the music. During all this time, Count Belleville
stood behind Fraulein Marshal. While the concert was going on, he bowed
over her and spoke long and impressively. Fraulein Marshal did not
reply; neither his ardent love-assurances, nor his glowing reproaches,
nor his passionate entreaties, nor his bold and offensive insolence,
could draw from her one word, one look.

When the concert was over, and they were about to return to the saloon
where, until supper, they could dance and amuse themselves, the young
maiden turned with calm composure and indifference to Count Belleville.
"Sir, I forbid you to molest me with your presence, and I counsel you no
longer to offend my ears with these indecent romances, which you have
no doubt learned upon the streets of Paris. But if, believing that I am
unprotected, you still dare to insult me, I Inform you that my father
has this moment arrived, and will certainly relieve me from your
disagreeable and troublesome society." She spoke aloud, and not only
Belleville, but the group of French officers who stood behind him,
heard every word. She passed by them with calm indifference and joined
a large, elderly officer, who was leaning against a pillar, and who
stretched out his hand smilingly toward her.

"Father," she said, "God himself put it in your heart to come to Berlin
this day. You are by my side, and I have nothing to fear. I know you can
protect me."

In the mean time, the musicians commenced to play the grave and at the
same time coquettish minuet, and the officers drew near the ladies
to lead them to the dance. This was done, however, in so bold and
unconstrained a manner, with such manifest nonchalance, the request was
made with such levity, the words were so little respectful, that the
ladies drew back frightened. Princess Amelia called Fraulein Marshal to
her side. She took her hand with a kindly smile.

"My child," she said, "I rejoice that you have the courage to defy these
shameless coxcombs. Go on, and count upon my protection. Why are you not
dancing?"

"Because no one has asked me."

At this moment an officer drew near with diligent haste, apparently to
lead her to the dance. While in the act of offering his hand to her he
made a sudden movement, as if he had just recognized the lady, turned
his back, and withdrew without a