the hatred of his proud enemy. She had, nevertheless, stifled her
anger so far as to invite the King of Prussia, who was staying in
the palace of the Countess Morizinska, not far from his army, to her
table.

Frederick had declined this invitation. He remained quietly in the
palace, whose doors were open to all, giving audience to all who
desired it, listening to their prayers, and granting their wishes.

The Queen of Poland heard this with bitter anger; and the more
gracious the King of Prussia showed himself to the Saxons, the more
furious and enraged became the heart of this princess.

"He will turn our people from their true ruler," said she to
Countess Ogliva, her first maid of honor, who was sitting at her
side upon a divan placed before the princess's door. "This
hypocritical affability will only serve to gain the favor of our
subjects, and turn them from their duty."

"It has succeeded pretty well," said the countess, sighing. "The
Saxon nobility are continually in the antechamber of this heretical
king; and yesterday several of the city authorities, accompanied by
the foreign ambassadors, waited upon him, and he received them."

"Yes, he receives every one; he gives gay balls every evening, at
which he laughs and jokes merrily. He keeps open house, and the poor
people assemble there in crowds to see him eat." Maria Josephine
sighed deeply. "I hate this miserable, changeable people!" murmured
she.