d, they seem to
be artificial flowers; their leaves are hard and thick like alabaster,
and dazzlingly white like snow. What flowers are these, my prince?"

"They are camelias. I recently heard you speak of these rare flowers,
which had just been imported to Europe. I hoped to please you by placing
them in your hands."

"Certainly; but I did not know that these new exotics were blooming in
our land."

"And they are not," said Prince Henry. "This bouquet comes from
Schwetzingen; there, only, in Germany, in the celebrated green-houses of
the Margravine of Baden can they be seen."

"How, then, did you get them?" said the princess, astonished.

"I sent a courier to Schwetzingen; the blossoms were wrapped in moist,
green moss, and are so well preserved, that they look as fresh as when
they were gathered six days since."

"And you sent for them for me?" said Wilhelmina.

"Did you not express a wish to see them?" replied the prince; and his
glance rested upon her with such ardent passion that, blushing, she cast
her eyes to the ground, and stood still and ashamed before him.

"And you have not one little word of thanks?" said the prince, after a
long pause. "Will you not fasten these pure flowers on your bosom, and
allow them to die a happy death there? Alas! you are hard and cruel with
me, princess; it seems to me that your husband dare claim from you more
of kindliness and friendship."

"My husband!" cried she, in a mocking tone. She turned her eyes,
searchingly, in every direction around the room. "It appears to me that
we are alone and wholly unobserved, and that it is here unnecessary
for us to play this comedy and call ourselves by those names which we
adopted to deceive the world, and which you taught me to regard as empty
titles. It is, indeed, possible that a wife should be more friendly and
affectionate to her husband; but I do not believe that a lady dare
give more encouragement to a cavalier than I manifest to your royal
highness."

"You are more friendly to all the world than to me, Wilhelmina," said
the prince, angrily. "You have a kindly word, a magic glance, a gracious
reception for all others who approach you. To me alone are you cold
and stern; your countenance darkens as soon as I draw near; the smile
vanishes from your lips; your brow is clouded and your eyes are fixed
upon me with almost an expression of contempt. I see, madame, that you
hate me! Well, then, hate me; but I do not deserve your co