count sighed deeply and withdrew.

The prince completed his toilet, and sought the princess in her
apartment, in the other wing of the castle. With hasty steps he
passed through the corridors; his countenance was anxious and
expectant, his eyes were glowing and impatient, haste marked every
movement; he held in his hand a costly bouquet of white camelias.
When he reached the anteroom of the princess he became pallid, and
leaned for a moment, trembling and gasping for breath, against the
wall; he soon, however, by a strong effort, controlled himself,
entered, and commanded the servant to announce him.

The Princess Wilhelmina received her husband with a stiff,
ceremonious courtesy, which, in its courtly etiquette, did not
correspond with the costume she had assumed. The proud and stately
princess was transformed into an enchanting, lovely shepherdess. It
was, indeed, difficult to decide if the princess were more beautiful
in her splendid court toilet, adorned with diamonds, and wearing on
her high, clear brow a sparkling diadem, proud and conscious of her
beauty and her triumphs; or now, in this artistic costume, in which
she was less imposing, but more enchanting and more gracious.

Wilhelmina wore an under-skirt of white satin, a red tunic, gayly
embroidered and festooned with white roses; a white satin bodice,
embroidered with silver, defined her full but pliant form, and
displayed her luxurious bust in its rare proportions; a bouquet of
red roses was fastened upon each shoulder, and held the silvery veil
which half concealed the lovely throat and bosom. The long, black,
unpowdered hair fell in graceful ringlets about her fair neck, and
formed a dark frame for the beautiful face, glowing with health,