forgotten, my prince, that you commanded us all to be ready
punctually at four o'clock? The castle clock is at this moment
striking four. The ladies and gentlemen will now assemble in the
music-saloon, as you directed, and you, prince, are not yet in
costume."

"It is true," said Prince Henry, somewhat embarrassed, "I had
forgotten; but I will hasten to make good my fault."

He stepped slowly, and with head bowed down, toward his dressing-
room; at the door, he stood and looked back at the count.

"You are already in costume, my friend," said he, noticing for the
first time the fantastic dress of the count. "Truly, this style
becomes you marvellously; your bright-colored satin jacket shows
your fine proportions as advantageously as your captain's uniform.
But what means this scarf which you wear upon your shoulder?"

"These are the colors of my shepherdess," said the count, with a
constrained smile.

"Who is your shepherdess?"

"Your highness asks that, when you yourself selected her!" said
Kalkreuth, astonished.

"Yes it is true; I forgot," said the prince. "The princess, my wife,
is your shepherdess. Well, I sincerely hope you may find her
highness more gay and gracious than she was to me this morning, and
that you may see the rare beauty of this fair rose, of which I only