ess to the deeds that my hands were to do.

Yet even he did not understand, for he had not dared to lift his eyes to
the Princess Flavia, as I had lifted mine.

Our plans were now all made, even as we proceeded to carry them out, and
as they will hereafter appear. The next morning we were to start on the
hunting excursion. I had made all arrangements for being absent, and
now there was only one thing left to do--the hardest, the most
heart-breaking. As evening fell, I drove through the busy streets to
Flavia's residence. I was recognized as I went and heartily cheered. I
played my part, and made shift to look the happy lover. In spite of my
depression, I was almost amused at the coolness and delicate hauteur
with which my sweet lover received me. She had heard that the King was
leaving Strelsau on a hunting expedition.

"I regret that we cannot amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau," she said,
tapping her foot lightly on the floor. "I would have offered you more
entertainment, but I was foolish enough to think--"

"Well, what?" I asked, leaning over her.

"That just for a day or two after--after last night--you might be happy
without much gaiety;" and she turned pettishly from me, as she added, "I
hope the boars will be more engrossing."

"I'm going after a very big boar," said I; and, because I could not help
it, I began to play with her hair, but she moved her head away.

"Are you offended with me?" I asked, in feigned surprise, for I could
not resist tormenting her a little. I had never seen her angry, and
every fresh aspect of her was a delight to me.

"What right have I to be offended? True, you said last night that every
hour away from me was wasted. But a very big boar! that's a different
thing."

"Perhaps the boar will hunt me," I suggested. "Perhaps, Flavia, he'll
catch me."

She made no answer.

"You are not touched even by that danger?"

Still she said nothing; and I, stealing round, found her eyes full of
tears.

"You weep for my danger?"

Then she spoke very low:

"This is like what you used to be; but not like the King--the King I--I
have come to love!"

With a sudden great groan, I caught her to my heart.

"My darling!" I cried, forgetting everything but her, "did you dream
that I left you to go hunting?"

"What then, Rudolf? Ah! you're not going--?"

"Well, it is hunting. I go to seek Michael in his lair."

She had turned very pale.

"So, you see, sweet, I was not so poor a love