that he regretted. At Wolfenbuttelyy, having served Sophia
faithfully, his ever-growing, romantic passion for her might find
expression. She would make all dispositions, and advise him when
she was ready to set out. But they must use caution, for they
were being spied upon. Madame von Platen's over-eagerness had in
part betrayed her. It was, indeed, their consciousness of
espionage which had led to this dangerous meeting in the
seclusion of the pavilion, and which urged him to linger after
Sophia had left him. They were not to be seen to emerge together.

The young Dane sat alone on the window-seat, his chin in his
hands, his eyes dreamy, a faint smile on his shapely lips, when
Ernest Augustus burst furiously in, the Countess von Platen
lingering just beyond the threshold. The Elector's face was
apoplectically purple from rage and haste, his breath came in
wheezing gasps. His bulging eyes swept round the chamber, and
fastened finally, glaring, upon the startled Koenigsmark.

"Where is the Princess?" he blurted out.

The Count espied Madame von Platen in the back ground, and had
the scent of mischief very strong. But he preserved an air of
innocent mystification. He rose and answered with courteous ease:

"Your Highness is seeking her? Shall I ascertain for you?"

At a loss, Ernest Augustus stared a moment, then flung a glance
over his shoulder at the Countess.

"I was told that her Highness was here," he said.