Had not the gentlemen and ladies been so completely separated, it
might perhaps have been a little gay. But, as it was, no one of the
aristocratic women who surrounded her granted her even one poor word;
but the number of glances, open and secret, cast at her became all
the greater as one noble dame whispered to another that she was the
singer whom his Majesty condescended to distinguish in so remarkable
a manner.

To know that she was thus watched might be endured, as she was aware that
she could be satisfied with her appearance, but vanity compelled her
to assume an expression and bearing which would not disappoint the
gazers, and after the performances began this imposed a wearisome
restraint.

Once only was her solitude in the midst of this great company pleasantly
interrupted, for the Bishop of Arras, without troubling himself about
the separation of the sexes, had sought her out and whispered that he had
something to ask of her, whose details they would discuss later. On the
evening of the day after to-morrow his Majesty's most distinguished
guests, with their ladies, were to assemble at his house. If she desired
to place him under the deepest obligations, she would join them there and
adorn the festival with her singing. Barbara asked in a low tone whether
the Emperor would also be present, and the statesman, smiling, answered
that court etiquette prohibited such things. Yet it was not impossible
that, as a special favour, his Majesty might listen for a short time in
the festal hall, only he feared that the gout might interpose--the evil
guest was already giving slight warnings of its approach.

Then, without waiting for a reply, the young minister went back to his
royal master; but his invitation exerted a disturbing influence upon