courtier was earnest and respectful.

"If that is your opinion," said the prince, with a happy smile, "my
duty as a son demands that I should hasten to the queen, and I will
go immediately to Berlin. But as I am going to my mother, and solely
on her account, I will do it in the proper form. Have, therefore,
the kindness to obtain my leave of the king--bring me my brother's
answer immediately, I only await it to depart."

"And I hasten to bring it to your highness," said Pollnitz,
withdrawing.

Prince Henry looked thoughtfully after him.

"I shall see her," he murmured; "I shall speak with her, and shall
learn why she withdrew herself so long from me. Oh, I know she will
be able to justify herself, and these slanders and evil reports will
flee before her glance as clouds before the rays of the sun."

In the mean while, Pollnitz hastened to Sans Souci, where he was
immediately received by the king.

"Your majesty," he said, joyfully, "the young lion has fallen into
the net that we set for him."

"He goes then to Berlin, to the queen-mother?" asked the king,
quickly.

"He begs your majesty's permission to take this little trip."