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 of seeing you at the court. Count Felsenburk promised me, when we last met, to come to Vienna with you as soon as possible.”

The face of the Countess, which seemed so pale to the Emperor, became even paler at these words, and she nervously bit her lip.

“I have been looking forward with joy to your début at the court, not only because I imagined that you would be its brightest star, but for more selfish reasons. In the first moment of our acquaintance I was surprised, as you yourself must have noticed, at your vivacious spirit, the depth and meaning of which I, however, did not comprehend and value according to its merit until I received your letters. I scarcely could believe they were written by a lady—especially a lady of your age. It seemed more probable that they were written by a statesman who had all his life pondered national problems. You must, Miss Felsenburk, you must lend your beautiful, bright eyes, which can see so far and so deep, to your Emperor; otherwise you would be unjust to him and the nation. Will you