said Conradi to Arwed;
'perhaps he can do something for us.'

'Have the goodness to grant us a word, general,' said Arwed hastily to
him.--He turned and approached them.

'We are here,' said Arwed in a moving tone, 'to present a petition in
favor of baron Goertz. The queen has refused us an audience. You are
going directly to her majesty, and therefore we beg of you to endeavor,
if possible, to obtain for us a hearing. We are indeed unknown to you,
but your own heart will be our advocate.'

'To whom is the brave Gyllenstierna unknown,' said Rank in the kindest
manner; 'neither is this worthy pastor a stranger to me. What little
influence I may have, I will willingly exert for you; but I know the
queen, and doubt a favorable result.'

He went in. The two confederates stood waiting in the ante-room until
he returned. 'The queen,' said he, 'will pass through here when she
repairs to the grand hall, and will hear you as she passes. Speak
submissively and briefly, and may God guide your tongues.'

The folding doors flew open. Two bedizened pages lighted the way with
torches. Between two richly embroidered and highly scented
chamberlains, rustled forth the proud Ulrika, oppressed by a heavy
silken and gold-embroidered hoop petticoat, with clouds of lace about
her bosom, and her arms, hands, breast and ears overloaded with jewels,
and above her high, frizzed curls glistened the little crown of
brilliants. Pages bore her long train, and her maids of honor followed.
The queen looked displeasedly towards the unwelcome petitioners.
Conradi approached, fell upon one knee, pressed the hem of her robe to
his lips, and then with a soft and winning dignity of manner said, 'I
beg a hearing of your majesty upon a question of mercy.'

'Stand up and speak,' answered Ulrika, stopping, and causing her train
of attendants to halt.

'Your majesty,' said Conradi, without changing his position, 'has
inherited the crown of Sweden from your deceased royal brother....'

'Inherited! quite right!' interposed Ulrika quickly: 'and it is
unaccountable to us,' she proceeded, looking at her companions,
'that doubt upon that subject can yet be entertained in any quarter.'

'It is not to be doubted,' said the pastor, astonished at this
unexpected episode, 'that your majesty heartily honors the memory of
our late glorious king, as you were so nearly connected with him by the
ties of blood. Nevertheless, his truest servant, the man upon whom he
be