be again
a life-enjoying Aspasia. Ah, the prince separates himself from
his followers. I have a few words to whisper in the ear of the gay
Kaphengst."

The king stepped back into the room, and after resuming his mask, he
descended into the saloon, accompanied by his grand chamberlain.

Mirth and gayety reigned; the room was crowded with masks. Here stood
a group in gay conversation; there was dancing at the other end of the
saloon. Some were listening to the organ-player, as he sang, in comical
German and French verses, little incidents and adventures that had
occurred during the present year at court, bringing forth laughter,
confused silence, and blushes. Some were amusing themselves with the
lively, witty chat of the son of the Prince of Prussia, the little
ten-year-old, Prince Frederick William. He was dressed as the God of
Love, with bow and quiver, dancing around, and, with an early-ripened
instinct, directing his arrow at the most beautiful and fascinating
ladies in the room.

Prince Henry paid no attention to all this; his wandering glance sought
only the beautiful Louise, and a deep sigh escaped him at not having
found her. Hastily he stepped through the rows of dancers which
separated the two cavaliers from him.

"It appears," murmured Baron Kalkreuth to his friend, "it appears to me
that the prince would like to get rid of us. He wishes to be entirely
unobserved. I think we can profit by this, and therefore I shall take
leave of you for a while, and seek my own adventures."

"I advise you," murmured Baron Kaphengst, laughingly, "to appoint no
rendezvous for to-morrow."

"And why not, friend?"

"Because you will not be able to appear; for you will doubtless be in
arrest."

"That is true, and I thank you for your prudent advice, and shall
arrange all my rendezvous for the day after to-morrow. Farewell."

Baron Kaphengst turned laughingly to another part of the saloon.
Suddenly he felt a hand placed on his shoulder, and a low voice murmured
his name.

Terrified, he turned. "I am not the one you seek, mask," he said; but as
he met those two large, burning eyes, he shuddered, and even his bold,
daring heart stood still a moment from terror. Only the king had such
eyes; only he had such a commanding glance.

"You say you are not the one I seek," said the mask. "Well, yes, you
speak wisely. I sought in you a brave and obedient officer, and it
appears that you are not that. You are not, then, Lieutena