out together daily to inspect the cannon, it is either a piece of
politics or scandal, as I turn my phrase. I am the alchemist that
makes the transmutation. They have been everywhere together since
you left,' she continued, brightening as she saw Otto darken; 'that
is a poor snippet of malicious gossip - and they were everywhere
cheered - and with that addition all becomes political
intelligence.'

'Let us change the subject,' said Otto.

'I was about to propose it,' she replied, 'or rather to pursue the
politics. Do you know? this war is popular - popular to the length
of cheering Princess Seraphina.'

'All things, madam, are possible,' said the Prince; and this among
others, that we may be going into war, but I give you my word of
honour I do not know with whom.'

'And you put up with it?' she cried. 'I have no pretensions to
morality; and I confess I have always abominated the lamb, and
nourished a romantic feeling for the wolf. O, be done with
lambiness! Let us see there is a prince, for I am weary of the
distaff.'

'Madam,' said Otto, 'I thought you were of that faction.'

'I should be of yours, MON PRINCE, if you had one,' she retorted.
'Is it true that you have no ambition? There was a man once in
England whom they call the kingmaker. Do you know,' she added, 'I
fancy I could make a prince?'