"By a declaration of war, my husband! This is due to your honor. We
have been insulted; it therefore becomes you to throw down the
gauntlet to your presumptuous adversary."

"We will continue this conversation in my apartments," said the
king, rising; "this is no place for it. Our beautiful feast has been
disturbed in a most brutal manner. Count Bruhl, notify the different
ambassadors that, in an hour, I will receive them at my palace."

"This hour is mine!" thought the queen, as she arose; "in it I will
stimulate my husband's soft and gentle heart to a brave, warlike
decision; he will yield to my prayers and tears." She took the
king's arm with a gay smile, and left the tent, followed by the
princes, and the host and hostess.

Silently they passed the festive tables, from which the guests had
risen to greet them. The courtiers sought to read in their
countenances the solution of that riddle which had occupied them
since the arrival of the Prussian ambassador, and about which they
had been anxiously debating.

But, upon the queen's countenance there was now her general look of
indifference. It is true, the king was not smiling as was his wont
when amongst his subjects, but his pleasant countenance betrayed no
fear or sorrow. The queen maintained her exalted bearing; nothing
had passed to bow her proud head. After the royal guests had left,
Count Bruhl returned. He also had regained his usual serenity. With
ingenious friendliness he turned to his guests, and while requesting
them, in a flattering manner, to continue to grace his wife's fete
by their presence, demanded for himself leave of absence. Then