on't come back until you can show a pleasant face. I want to see
none other around me."

* * * * *

LOSCHWITZ, _August 2, 1899_.

Ferdinand received a medical report from ----r. My first private advices
regarding Marie's death were correct, but the additional details given
are too horrible to contemplate.

The poor Duchess was brutally murdered. She died cursing her crowned
murderer.

The manner in which she was put to death can only be likened to that of
the lover in Heinrich von Kleist's poetically sublime, but morally
atrocious, tragedy, _Penthesilcia_, except that, in poor Marie's case,
the _woman_ suffered from the awful frenzy of the male, in whom the
"gentlest passion" degenerated in Saturnalia of revolting cruelty. The
Duke killed Marie because _doing so gave him the most damnable
pleasure,--her the most excruciating pain_.

Yet the King's will is the highest law and criminals on thrones laugh at
the criminal code.

CHAPTER XLII

I LOSE ANOTHER OF MY LOVERS

Happily no scandal--Rewarded for bearing children--$1250--for
becoming a mother--Royal poverty--Bernhardt, the black sheep, in hot
water again--The King rebukes me for taking his part.

LOSCHWITZ, _August 10, 1899_.

Frederick Augustus sent for Ferdinand and gave him to understand that he
had received divers anonymous letters, connecting my name with that of
the Privy Councillor. "Of course I don't believe a word of it," said my
husband, "but one in my position cannot afford to flout public opinion.
It will be for the best, if you cease your services to Her Imperial
Highness."

Upon the same day Ferdinand received orders from the King to stop his
visits.

The Baroness's doings, of course,--pin-pricks when she would like to
shoot with sharp cartridges. She evidently doesn't know the full extent
of our intimacy. As to Ferdinand, he acted the coward, left my letters
unanswered and didn't make the slightest attempt to continue relations
that might possibly turn out to his disadvantage.

He is contemptible. My heart is unengaged, but my pride sadly humbled.

* * * * *

DRESDEN, _February 15, 1900_.

The King sent me an emerald, one-twentieth the size of that given me by
the Shah of Persia. Frederick Augustus did himself proud and, on his
part, I gained a pearl necklace in acknowledgment of my renewed services
to the state. Little Marguerite was bor