would not
confess it to himself. Perhaps he dared not look down deep into
his heart and comprehend the new feelings and new wishes which were
struggling there.

At times he stood still, and looked with a wild, rapt expression into
the heavens, as if they alone could answer the mysterious questions his
soul was whispering to him; then passed on with his hand pressed on his
brow to control or restrain the thoughts which agitated him. He did not
hear a light tap upon the door, he did not see it open, and his most
intimate and dearest friend, Count Kalkreuth enter, dressed in the full
costume of a shepherd.

Count Kalkreuth stood still, and did nothing to call the attention of
the prince to his presence. He remained at the door; his face was also
dark and troubled, and the glance which he fixed upon Prince Henry was
almost one of hatred.

The prince turned, and the count's expression changed instantly; he
stepped gayly forward and said:

"Your royal highness sees my astonishment at finding you lost in such
deep thought, and your toilet not even commenced. I stand like Lot's
blessed wife, turned to stone upon your threshold! Have you forgotten,
my prince, that you commanded us all to be ready punctually at four
o'clock? The castle clock is at this moment striking four. The ladies
and gentlemen will now assemble in the music-saloon, as you directed,
and you, prince, are not yet in costume."

"It is true," said Prince Henry, somewhat embarrassed, "I had forgotten;
but I will hasten to make good my fault."

He stepped slowly, and with head bowed down, toward his dressing-room;
at the door, he stood and looked back at the count.

"You are already in costume, my friend," said he, noticing for the first
time the fantastic dress of the count. "Truly, this style becomes
you marvellously; your bright-colored satin jacket shows your fine
proportions as advantageously as your captain's uniform. But what means
this scarf which you wear upon your shoulder?"

"These are the colors of my shepherdess," said the count, with a
constrained smile.

"Who is your shepherdess?"

"Your highness asks that, when you yourself selected her!" said
Kalkreuth, astonished.

"Yes it is true; I forgot," said the prince. "The princess, my wife, is
your shepherdess. Well, I sincerely hope you may find her highness more
gay and gracious than she was to me this morning, and that you may see
the rare beauty of this fair rose, of which I only feel t