travel on foot, like the pilgrims to the pope at Rome."

"An original, a truly original genius," cried the king.

"He is so indeed, and is so called by all his friends."

"Has he any friends?" asked the king, with an incredulous smile.

"Yes, sire, many warm and sympathizing friends, who are much attached to
him, and, on account of his distinguished and brilliant qualities, are
willing to indulge his peculiarities."

"Herzberg, you are charmed, and speak of this man as a young girl in
love!"

"Sire, if I were a young girl, I should certainly fall in love with this
Moritz, for he is handsome."

"Diable! I begin to fear this subject. You say he is handsome, learned,
wise, and good, although he belongs to the airy, puffed-up Berliners.
Did you let Herr Moritz wander on in his pilgrimage?"

"No, sire, I persuaded him at last to accept a seat in my carriage, by
explaining to him that your majesty might soon leave Welsdorf, and he
would run the risk of not arriving in season. Upon no condition would
he get inside, but climbed up behind, for, said he, with a firm,
decided manner, 'I go to the king as a beggar, not as a distinguished
gentleman.'"

"Indeed it is an original," the king murmured to himself. "Do you know
what the man wants?" he asked aloud.

"No, your majesty; he said that his business concerned the happiness of
two human beings, and that he could only open his heart to his God and
his king."

"Where is your protege?"

"He stands outside, and it is my humble request that your majesty will
grant him an audience, and permit me to call him."

"It is granted, and--"

Just at that moment the door opened, and the footman announced that the
private secretary of his highness Prince von Galitzin had arrived, and
most respectfully begged an audience.

"It is he--it is the baron," said the king. "Tell your protege he must
wait, and come again. Bid the Prince von Galitzin enter."

As the Minister von Herzberg withdrew, the Baron von Thugut appeared,
the extraordinary and secret ambassador of the Empress Maria Theresa.

"Well, Herr Baron, you are already returned," said the king, as he
scarcely nodded to the profoundly respectful bows of the ambassador. "I
infer, therefore, that your instructions are not from the empress, but
from the co-regent, the Emperor Joseph, who has betaken himself to the
Austrian camp."

"Sire," answered Thugut, laconically, "I have driven day and night, and
have received my instr