rder of St. John."

"I thank you, Adolphus, for this kind and friendly wish," said Count Adam,
giving his hand to his son. "It proves to me that you love your old
father, and that delights me. Truly, man is a wonderful creature, not
being able to live for himself alone, but always longing for some
sympathetic heart on which to lean. I have at last made the discovery that
I have a heart."

"And I," said Count Adolphus, laughing--"I have just discovered that I no
longer have a heart."

"Or rather, you are sick at heart, are you not?" inquired his father
quickly. "My son, you have avoided me of late--you have turned from me,
you no longer confide in me."

"I have nothing to confide, most revered sir," replied Count Adolphus,
smiling. "I lead a merry, harmless life, and care for nothing."

"For nothing?" repeated the count. "Not even for the Princess Charlotte
Louise?"

Count Adolphus slightly shuddered, and his cheeks paled a little, but he
carelessly shook his head, and continued to smile.

"My son," continued his father, "I ask you to-day, as I did two years ago,
on what terms are you with the Princess Charlotte Louise? During all this
time you have invariably eluded my efforts to converse on the subject. I
indulged you, for I know my prudent, cautious son, and waited for him to
give me his confidence voluntarily. Hitherto, however, I have but waited
in vain, so that I am compelled to take the initiative, and sue for your
confidence. Give it to me, Adolphus, tell me whether you love the Princess
Charlotte Louise."

"Wherefore?" asked Count Adolphus. "How would it profit you?"

"Me? Not at all, but perhaps it may profit you to tell me the truth. The
lofty hopes we once indulged in have come to naught, destiny has not
willed their fruition. We have been disappointed in our hope of seeing
George William's daughter become his heiress, and exalt her husband into
an Elector of Brandenburg. Frederick William is Elector, he has entered
upon his father's estates to their full extent. But the Princess Charlotte
Louise is still unmarried, and has remained so because she loves you and
is waiting for you."

"She has made me wait," cried the young count, with a sudden outburst of
passion. "She kept me standing and waiting two hours before a locked door,
and never, while I live, never, shall I forget the shame, the torture, and
degradation of those two hours of vain expectation. Oh, father, see what
power you have over me!