“That is not in my power!” cried Amelia passionately.  “I cling to the religion of my house, and I should tremble before the wrath of God if I gave it up.”

“After all, it is but a small and unimportant difference between the Reformed and Lutheran Churches,” said Ulrica, much excited, and entirely forgetting that the question had as yet no relation to herself.  “One can be as pious a Christian in the Reformed Church as in the Lutheran.”

“Not I; it is not in my power,” said Amelia, with the wilfulness of a spoiled child not accustomed to opposition.  “I will not become a Lutheran.  A Pollnitz may change his faith, but not the daughter of Frederick William.  Did not the king with indignation and contempt relate to us how Pollnitz had again changed his religion and become a Protestant?  Did we not laugh heartily, and in our hearts despise the dishonorable man?  I will not place myself in such a position.”

“Then, my sister, there will be stormy times and stern strife in our household:  the bitter scenes of earlier days will be renewed.  Our royal brother is not less resolute than our stern father.  I fear that his brothers and sisters are nothing more to him than useful instruments in this great state machine, and they must bow themselves unquestioningly to his commands.”

“Yes, I feel this; I see it clearly,” said Amelia, trembling; “and for this reason, dear sister, you must stand by me and help me.  I swear to you that I will not become a Lutheran.”

“Is that your unchangeable resolution?”

“Yes, unchangeable.”

“Well, if that is so, I will give you my counsel.”

“Speak, speak quickly,” said Amelia, breathlessly, and throwing her arms around the slender waist of her sister, she laid her head trustingly upon her shoulder.

“Firstly, the Swedish ambassador has not made a formal demand for your hand; that probably proves that he will first examine and observe you closely, to see if you are suited to be the wife of the prince royal.  We have still, therefore, a short delay, which, if wisely used, may conduct you to the desired goal.  But, Amelia, prove yourself once more; ask counsel again of your heart and conscience, before you make a final resolve.  I will not have you complain of me in future, and say that my foolish and guilty counsel lost you the throne of Sweden.”

“Oh, fear not, my beloved sister.  I will not be queen of Sweden at the cost of my immortal soul.”

“You will not, then, reproach me, Amelia?”

“Never.”

“Listen, then.  From this moment lay a mask upon your face; that is to say, assume a proud, rude, overbearing tone to all around you—­ toward your friends, your servants, the court circle, yes, even toward the members of your family.  Particularly in the presence of this Swedish ambassador, show yourself to be a capricious, nervous, and haughty princess, who scarcely thinks it worth the trouble to speak