"Yes, Madame von Kleist told me herself when she announced her
approaching marriage. But I am not acquainted with Du Trouffle--is
he handsome?"

"Handsome and amiable, your highness, and besides, a very good
officer. The king gave him, as a wedding present, a major's
commission."

"Then the beautiful Louise is now Mrs Major du Trouffle," said the
prince, with a troubled smile. "Were you present at the wedding?"

"Yes, in the name of the king."

"Did she speak the decisive Yes, the vow of faith and obedience,
with earnestness and confidence? Did she not blush, or droop her
eyelids in doing so?"

"Oh, no; she smiled as if entranced, and raised her eyes to heaven,
as if praying for God's blessing upon her vows."

"One thing more," said the prince, fixing his large, gray eyes with
a searching expression upon Pollnitz--"what is said of me? Am I
regarded as a rejected lover, or as a faithless one; for doubtless
all Berlin knows of my love for this lady, you having been our
confidant."

"Oh, my prince, that is a hard insinuation," said Pollnitz, sadly.

"Your highness cannot really believe that--"