"I rejoice to hear it, your highness, and congratulate you on your
recovery, for truly there is no more painful disease than a
suffering heart."

"I told you that I had recovered fully; tell me, therefore, your
news without hesitation. You spoke of a marriage. Who were the happy
lovers?"

"Your highness, Madame von Kleist has married," murmured Pollnitz.

The prince received this blow without betraying the slightest
emotion.

"When did the marriage take place?" he asked, with perfect
composure.

"Yesterday; and I assure your highness that I never saw a happier or
more brilliant bride. Love has transformed her into a blushing,
timid maiden."

Prince Henry pressed his hand upon his heart with a quick,
unconscious movement.

"I can well imagine that she was beautiful," said he, controlling
his voice with a great effort. "Madame von Kleist is happy, and
happiness always beautifies. And the bridegroom, M. du Trouffle, was
he also handsome and happy?"

"Your highness knows the name of the bride-groom," said Pollnitz,
appearing astonished.