round the group of nymphs calling out, 'Ni toi! Ni toi! Je
cherche une vraie reine!' He paused irresolute for a moment, then,
catching sight of Wilhelmine's smiling face, he made a dash for her,
exclaiming loudly, 'Je te choisis, jolie dame!' and he shot his paper
arrow straight at her breast. There was a pause of consternation among
the dancers; this upset all the plans; and how could an untrained
stranger execute the elaborate step of the dance especially invented by
his Highness's own dancing-master for this occasion?

There was commotion in the audience: men pressed forward to observe the
scene, women fluttered their fans and whispered together, the three
nymphs tittered weakly, while Madame de Geyling stood in the middle of
the hall with heaving bosom and angry face. Madame de Ruth was laughing,
and even the Duchess had risen from her chair and was leaning on Madame
de Stafforth's shoulder, smiling and nodding. Wilhelmine had caught Cupid
up in her arms, and he was laughing and shouting and sticking the little
paper arrows in her hair. The musicians ceased playing, waiting for the
chosen nymph to begin the 'Dance of Joy,' which preceded the entrance of
the Duke in the character of Prince Charming.

Wilhelmine whispered to Madame de Ruth: 'What shall I do? I don't know
the dance--the Duke would never forgive--advise me quickly!'

'Don't dance, but make the Duke notice you,' whispered the old woman.

The girl rose, Cupid still in her arms, and began to walk slowly across
the hall towards the door whence the Duke must appear. The musicians,
mistaking her for some personage of the masque, struck up the 'Dance of
Joy.' Now Wilhelmine possessed immense dramatic perceptions, also she
knew she could dance, so without hesitation she began to execute a long
sliding measure in perfect harmony with the music, though it was, of
course, an impromptu of her own. She danced half-way round the hall,
holding Cupid high in the air in her strong arms. Meanwhile the Duke, all
unknowing, appeared in the doorway in his appointed place. Wilhelmine
glided up to him, and sinking on one knee with Cupid held up to his
Highness, she said, 'Cupid has made a mistake, Monseigneur. He was always
a blind god. Pardon, Monseigneur, and permit Sa Majeste l'Amour to choose
again!' With that she set the child down and ran through the door past
the Duke, who, astounded, remained standing holding Cupid by the hand. He
heard the applause which had broken