ted of her goodness crossed my mind.

Smile if you will, but my eyes became full of tears when I saw
this young girl, so beautiful and so idolised by such a father,
seem so melancholy and pensive.

You know how scrupulously etiquette and the privileges of rank
are observed by us. Thanks to my title and my relationship to
the grand duke, the crowd in the midst of which I stood
gradually fell back, and I found myself left almost alone in the
embrasure of the door. It was, no doubt, owing to this
circumstance that the princess, awaking from her reverie,
perceived, and no doubt recognised me, for she started and
blushed.

She had seen my portrait at my aunt's, and recognised me;
nothing could be more simple. The princess's eyes did not rest
upon me an instant, but that look threw me into the most violent
confusion. I felt my cheeks glow, I cast down my eyes, and did
not venture to raise them for some time. When I dared at last to
steal a glance at the princess she was speaking in a low tone to
the archduchess, who seemed to listen to her with the most
affectionate interest.

Liszt having paused for a few moments between the pieces he was
playing, the grand duke took the opportunity of expressing his
admiration. On returning to his place he perceived me, nodded
kindly to me, and said something to the archduchess, fixing his
eyes on me at the same time. The duchess, after looking at me a
moment, turned to the duke, who smiled and said something to his
daughter that seemed to embarrass her, for she blushed again. I
was on thorns; but, unfortunately, etiquette forbade my leaving
my place until the concert was over.

As soon as the concert was finished I followed the aide-de-camp;
he conducted me to the grand duke, who deigned to advance a few
steps towards me, took me by the arm, and said to the
Archduchess Sophia:

"Permit me to present to your royal highness my cousin, Prince
Henry of Herkauesen-Oldenzaal."

"I have seen the prince at Vienna, and meet him here with
pleasure," replied the duchess, before whom I inclined myself
respectfully.

"My dear Amelie," continued the prince, addressing his daughter,
"this is Prince Henry, your cousin, the son of one of my most
valued friends, Prince Paul, whom I greatly lament not seeing
here to-day."

"Pray,