s to the amount
of ten pounds, and, at first, Charles won, much to the displeasure
of the proud lady, who did not relish being beaten, even in a game of
cards. Charles, perceiving this, played badly. The lady won from him
eighty thousand pounds."

"Eighty thousand pounds," cried the count, "why, that is a half a
million of thalers!"

"And do you mean to say," said the countess, angrily, "that that is too
much to gain the favor of a beautiful lady?"

"No! it is not too much; but it is certainly enough. I hope, at least,
it was not in vain."

"No, no! and Loudon is now raving about the intellectual, genial and
generous son of Count Bruhl. I trust, count, that you instantly sent him
a check."

"Yes," said the count, shrugging his shoulders. "But, countess, if the
king were to hear this story, it would cause much evil; for you know
that he believes in economy; luckily for me, he believes me to be an
economical man. Those enemies who would not dare to accuse us, would
have no fears of saying evil of our son; he will certainly hear this
eighty-thousand-pound story."

"We will tell him ourselves, but say that the story is much
exaggerated."

"What a wonderful woman you are, Antonia!" said her husband; "your
counsel is wise; we will follow it."

At this moment a slight knocking was heard at the door, and the
secretary entered with a sealed letter.

"A courier from Torgau just arrived with this from the commandant." The
count's brow became clouded.

"Business! forever business!" said he. "How dared you annoy me with
this, upon the birthday of my wife?"

"Pardon, your excellency; but the courier brought with this packet such
strange news, that I ventured to disturb you, to communicate--"

The beating of drums and the thunder of cannon interrupted him.

"The king and queen are now entering their carriage," cried the count.
"No more business to-day, my friend. It will keep till tomorrow. Come,
Antonia, we must welcome their majesties." And taking his wife's hand,
he passed out of the study.

CHAPTER XII. THE INTERRUPTED FEAST.

As the Count Bruhl and his wife entered the saloon, it almost seemed
as if they were the royal couple for whom all this company was waiting.
Every one of any rank or position in Dresden was present. There were
to be seen the gold and silver embroidered uniforms of generals and
ambassadors; jewelled stars were sparkling upon many breasts; the
proudest, loveliest women of the court