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 try to get at the truth everywhere, be it ever so bitter.”

“Felicia,” the Count exclaimed, “in your childish confidence in our sovereign’s benignity you forget the respect due him.”

“In what, father? Because I do not hide my thoughts before him? You yourself have told me that he declares war against all dissimulation; why, then, should I fear to speak frankly? You have also told me that he knows no higher duty than to promote the welfare of his subjects, and for that reason I believed you that he was the greatest of monarchs. Why, then, do you not let him make me happy by leading me out of the labyrinth of doubt into which I have come, not even knowing how, and out of which you cannot lead me? He alone will be able to do so, being the most enlightened—that is, the most righteous and the best of men.”

The Emperor’s face flushed. Nothing had ever flattered him so much as these words spoken with the fervor of deep conviction.

“Let the young lady have her way,” he said