, dull, and monotonous. As you
say, every one has become most honorable and virtuous. No scandals or
piquant adventures occur; baptisms, marriages, and burials are the only
events. This is really a miserable existence; for as I do not wish to be
baptized or to marry, and as I am not yet ready for burial, I really do
not know why I exist."

"But those that are married and baptized, doubtless know why they
exist," said the prince, smiling. "Tell me something of this happy
class. Whose, for example, is the latest marriage?"

"The latest marriage?" said Pollnitz, hesitating--"before answering,
I must allow myself to ask after the condition of your heart. Does it
still suffer?"

"No," cried the prince, "it does not suffer; it received a heavy shower
of cold water, and was cured instantly."

"I rejoice to hear it, your highness, and congratulate you on your
recovery, for truly there is no more painful disease than a suffering
heart."

"I told you that I had recovered fully; tell me, therefore, your news
without hesitation. You spoke of a marriage. Who were the happy lovers?"

"Your highness, Madame von Kleist has married," murmured Pollnitz.

The prince received this blow without betraying the slightest emotion.

"When did the marriage take place?" he asked, with perfect composure.

"Yesterday; and I assure your highness that I never saw a happier or
more brilliant bride. Love has transformed her into a blushing, timid
maiden."

Prince Henry pressed his hand upon his heart with a quick, unconscious
movement.

"I can well imagine that she was beautiful," said he, controlling his
voice with a great effort. "Madame von Kleist is happy, and happiness
always beautifies. And the bridegroom, M. du Trouffle, was he also
handsome and happy?"

"Your highness knows the name of the bride-groom," said Pollnitz,
appearing astonished.

"Yes, Madame von Kleist told me herself when she announced her
approaching marriage. But I am not acquainted with Du Trouffle--is he
handsome?"

"Handsome and amiable, your highness, and besides, a very good officer.
The king gave him, as a wedding present, a major's commission."

"Then the beautiful Louise is now Mrs Major du Trouffle," said the
prince, with a troubled smile. "Were you present at the wedding?"

"Yes, in the name of the king."

"Did she speak the decisive Yes, the vow of faith and obedience, with
earnestness and confidence? Did she not blush, or droop her eyelids in
doi