letters of fire upon my brain, that the climax came. For several days
the city had been in an uproar, crowds had paraded the streets, and had
even clamoured at the palace gates. So violent did they at last become,
that it was necessary that the military should be called out in order to
disperse them. But--and it was here that the shoe pinched--it was
unmistakably borne in upon those at the head of affairs, that the army
itself was in sympathy with the rioters. For upwards of a week Max and I
had not been permitted to leave the palace, the streets being considered
unsafe for us at such a time. During the afternoon of the sixteenth a
council meeting was held, after attending which the members had been
compelled to disperse secretly, and by different doors, for fear the mob
should get hold of them. By chance I happened to be near my mother's
boudoir when von Marquart acquainted her with the result of their
deliberations. They had never been friends, but at such a time they felt
they must cease to be enemies.

"If you will give me warning when it will be necessary for us to start,
I will take care to be ready," I heard my mother say, in answer to a
speech of his.

"You may count upon me," Marquart replied gravely. "I will allow your
Majesty as much time as possible."

Then, having kissed her hand, he withdrew without another word. When he
had gone, my mother crossed to the window, and drawing back the curtain,
looked out upon the snow-covered Platz. Presently a convulsive sob
reached my ears. Proud woman though she was, in the face of this new
trouble, her fortitude for the moment deserted her. I emerged from my
hiding place and went over to her, slipping my hand into hers. Sinking
down upon the window-seat she drew me to her and kissed me passionately.

"Paul, Paul, my little son," she cried, her voice breaking with tears,
"this is my work. It is your mother who has brought about this ruin. And
yet God knows I am innocent of any evil intention."

"Those who say that it is your fault lie, mother," I began, with an
indignation that at any other time would have been ludicrous in one so
young. "Max says it is a lie, and when he is king he will punish them.
He told me this morning. Don't cry, mother dear; Max and I will take
care of you."

The unintentional irony of my remark must have occurred to her, for she
rose from her seat and walked a few paces away. How bitter her thoughts
must have been at that moment! Her husban