fresh as when they were gathered six days since."

"And you sent for them for me?" said Wilhelmina.

"Did you not express a wish to see them?" replied the prince; and
his glance rested upon her with such ardent passion that, blushing,
she cast her eyes to the ground, and stood still and ashamed before
him.

"And you have not one little word of thanks?" said the prince, after
a long pause. "Will you not fasten these pure flowers on your bosom,
and allow them to die a happy death there? Alas! you are hard and
cruel with me, princess; it seems to me that your husband dare claim
from you more of kindliness and friendship."

"My husband!" cried she, in a mocking tone. She turned her eyes,
searchingly, in every direction around the room. "It appears to me
that we are alone and wholly unobserved, and that it is here
unnecessary for us to play this comedy and call ourselves by those
names which we adopted to deceive the world, and which you taught me
to regard as empty titles. It is, indeed, possible that a wife
should be more friendly and affectionate to her husband; but I do
not believe that a lady dare give more encouragement to a cavalier
than I manifest to your royal highness."

"You are more friendly to all the world than to me, Wilhelmina,"
said the prince, angrily. "You have a kindly word, a magic glance, a
gracious reception for all others who approach you. To me alone are
you cold and stern; your countenance darkens as soon as I draw near;
the smile vanishes from your lips; your brow is clouded and your