“For Heaven’s sake, Adolphus, consider that we are not alone,” she whispered hurriedly.

“I am alone with you, and if millions encircled us still should I be alone with you in paradise.  To me you are the first, the only woman upon earth.  I look upon you with the rapture which Adam felt when he first perceived at his side his God-sent, heavenly wife.  You have led me back to a paradise of innocence and peace, have changed me into an Adam who the first time sees and loves a woman.  Oh, my beloved, you have made me blessed indeed!  This little strip of paper that you pressed into my hand, as if by an enchanter’s spell, has penetrated my whole being with heavenly fire.  I must see it, I must with my own eyes, with my own heart, read the words which you have indited to me.”

“I will repeat to you the contents of the note,” said she, smiling.  “Here they are:  ’On Tuesday evening at ten o’clock the little side door next the cathedral will not be locked, only closed.  Through this enter a vestibule, to the right of which stands a door.  Open this and mount the flight of stairs beyond.  Arrived at the top, go down the little passage to the left until you reach a door at the end.  It will be open.’”

“Tuesday evening?” whispered he, with enraptured looks; “and—­”

Three loud cannon shots drowned his words.  They announced the opening of the exhibition of fireworks, and Princess Sophie Hedwig now came rapidly forward, followed by the whole assembly, all pressing eagerly toward the great hall, whose windows commanded a view of the fireworks.  The rockets flew, and artificial suns wheeled and turned in fiery circles.  Even the Elector forsook his card playing, and, supported by Count Schwarzenberg, walked to the window to behold the costly spectacle.  Without, the densely packed throng of men shouted aloud with delight at each new star which shot upward.

The Electoral Prince Frederick William still lay within his solitary chamber, moaning and sighing upon his couch.  Regularly every quarter of an hour Dietrich had thrown away a spoonful of medicine, and given the Prince a spoonful of warm milk.  But his pains had not been diminished thereby, though the Electoral Prince was evidently himself, and clearly conscious of his situation.  Several times he had addressed a few affectionate words to Dietrich, seeking to comfort the faithful old man, who in his agony of mind wept and prayed, and then tenderly pressed his beloved master’s hand to his lips, and besought him to get well and live.

“If it depends on me, Dietrich,” said the Electoral Prince slowly, moistening his parched lips with his tongue—­“if it depends on me, I surely shall not die.  Life is still dear to me, although it has brought me much of bitterness and grief.  On that very account, though, I hope that the future will indemnify me.  It is a sorrowful thought to me to die and sink into the grave so young, so unknown.  Could I prevent it, I surely should.  But this hellish fire in my veins burns on and on, and is consuming my life.  Give me something to drink; milk at least lessens my pangs in some degree.”