flashed it like a weapon full on the beholder; now merely a tall
figure and a sallow handsome face, with the evidences of a reckless
temper; anon opening like a flower to life and colour, mirth and
tenderness:- Madame von Rosen had always a dagger in reserve for the
despatch of ill-assured admirers. She met Otto with the dart of
tender gaiety.

'You have come to me at last, Prince Cruel,' she said. 'Butterfly!
Well, and am I not to kiss your hand?' she added.

'Madam, it is I who must kiss yours.' And Otto bowed and kissed it.

'You deny me every indulgence,' she said, smiling.

'And now what news in Court?' inquired the Prince. 'I come to you
for my gazette.'

'Ditch-water!' she replied. 'The world is all asleep, grown grey in
slumber; I do not remember any waking movement since quite an
eternity; and the last thing in the nature of a sensation was the
last time my governess was allowed to box my ears. But yet I do
myself and your unfortunate enchanted palace some injustice. Here
is the last - O positively!' And she told him the story from behind
her fan, with many glances, many cunning strokes of the narrator's
art. The others had drawn away, for it was understood that Madame
von Rosen was in favour with the Prince. None the less, however,
did the Countess lower her voice at times to within a semitone of
whispering; and the pair leaned together over the narrative.

'Do you know,' said Otto, laughing, 'you are the only entertaining