"You will fulfil my commands accurately. You know that Fritz Wendel
still lives, and that I shall be inexorable if you do not act as you
have promised."

Louise submitted respectfully to the king's commands; she accepted
her fate, but she wept bitterly, and when she felt that the king's
eyes were no longer upon her, her tears flowed unceasingly. Perhaps
Frederick still saw her, or suspected her weakness, for the portiere
opened slightly, and his noble, but stern countenance appeared.

"Madame," he said, "if the prince sees you with tearful eyes, he
will not believe in your happiness."

Louise smiled painfully. "Ah! sire, he will believe I am weeping for
joy. I have often heard of joyful tears."

The king did not reply; he felt for her agony, and closed the
partiere.

"I will cry no more," she said; "I have accepted my destiny, and
will fulfil it bravely for the sake of my daughter. It concerns
Camilla's happiness more than my own. I will deserve the respect of
my unfortunate child."

In saying this, a smile like a sunbeam illuminated her countenance.
But now she started up, and laid her hand in terror upon her heart.
She heard steps approaching. The door moved, and in a moment the
king appeared and motioned to her.

"Courage, courage!" murmured Louise, and with instinctive fear she