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 where the rest of the company were starting a minuet.

At that question, over the Count’s face, until then so clear, there flitted a shadow.

“I did not dare to speak of her to your majesty,” he answered evasively.

“I fear that I have failed in courtesy to you,” the Emperor kindly replied. “It might have easily happened that being taken up with state affairs, I should have left without thinking of the Prague beauties. The Countess must introduce all her friends to me, that I may see for myself whether she is, as the rumor goes, the most beautiful among them. But why are you looking so downcast?”

“I am worried,” said the Count, “lest Maria Felicia may fail to meet with grace from her noble Emperor.”

“What an idea!” said the Emperor, surprised. “Why should I dislike your daughter, a lady renowned for beauty and brought up by you?”

“I have proved that a loving father is not the person to bring up his daughter,” the Count