“I can only say to all this that I go no more upon the balcony.”

“That is to say—­”

“That is to say that my stars are quenched and my sun has set in clouds.  I am, even as you are, set aside.”

Pollnitz gazed at Trenck with so sharp and cunning an eye that the young man was confused and looked down.  The baron laughed merrily.

“Dear Trenck,” said he, “a lie shows in your face like a spot on the smooth skin of a rosy apple.  You are too young to understand lying, and I am too old to be deceived by it.  Another point:  will you make me believe that this luxury which surrounds you is maintained with your lieutenant’s pay?”

“You forget that my father has left me his property of Sherlock, and that I have rented it for eight hundred thalers!”

“I am too good an accountant not to know that this sum would scarcely suffice for your horses and servants.”

“Well, perhaps you are right; for the rest I may thank my gracious king.  During the course of this year he has presented me with three hundred Fredericks d’or; and now you know the source of my revenue and will not think so meanly of me as to suppose that—­”

“That, your great love has any thing to do with earthly riches or advancement.  I do not believe that I brought in such a charge against you, even as little do I believe that you have been given up!  Ah, dear friend, I alone have cause of complaint; I alone am set aside, and why am I thus treated?  Have I not been discreet, diligent in your service, and ready at all times?”

“Certainly.  I can only repeat to you that all is at an end.  Our beautiful dream has faded like the morning cloud and the early dew.”

“You are in earnest?”

“In solemn earnest.”

“Well, then, I will also speak earnestly.  I will relate to you something which you do not appear to know.  A gardener boy who had risen earlier than usual to protect some rare flowers in the garden of Monbijou saw two figures upon the balcony, and heard their light whispers.  The boy made known his discovery to the principal gardener, and he communicated the facts to the chamberlain of the queen-mother.  It was resolved to watch the balcony.  The virtuous and suspicious queen immediately concluded that Mademoiselle von Marwitz had arranged a rendezvous upon the balcony, and she was sternly resolved to dismiss the lady at once if any proof could be obtained against her.  Happily, the queen made known these facts to the Princess Amelia, and I can readily conceive that the balcony remains now unoccupied.”

“Yes, I understand that.”

“You can also understand that this event was regarded as a warning of fate, and great caution and forethought were exercised.  Not only was the balcony given up, but the old friend and confidant who had played the part of companion and carrier-pigeon was banished and dismissed wholly from service.”