“Yes, we will go and fulfil them,” said she, with flashing eyes.  “Sire, I will go to fulfil mine; but I am weak, and have yet one more favor to ask.  There is no cup of Lethe from which men drink forgetfulness, and yet I must forget.  I must cast a veil over the past.  Help me, sire—­I must leave Berlin!  Banish my husband to another city.  It will be an open grave for me; but I will struggle to plant that grave with flowers, whose beauty and perfume shall rejoice and make glad the heart of my husband!”

“I grant your request,” said the king, sadly.

“I thank you, sire; and now, farewell!”

“Farewell, Barbarina!”

He took again her hands in his, and looked long into her fair, enchanting face, now glowing with enthusiasm.  Neither spoke one word; they took leave of each other with soft glances and melancholy sighs.

“Farewell, sire!” said Barbarina, after a long pause, withdrawing her hands from the king’s and stepping toward the door.  The king followed her.

“Give me your hand,” said he, “I will go with you!”

Frederick led her into the adjoining room, in which there were two doors.  One led to a small stairway, which opened upon a side-door of the castle; the other to the great saloon, in which the cavaliers and followers of the king were wont to assemble.

Barbarina had entered by the small stairway, and now turned her steps in that direction.  “No, not that way,” said Frederick.  “My staff await me in the saloon.  It is the hour for parade.  I will show you my court.”

Barbarina thanked him, and followed silently to the other door.  The generals, in their glittering uniforms, and the cavaliers, with their embroidered vests and brilliant orders, bowed profoundly, and no one dared to manifest the surprise he felt as the king and Barbarina entered.

Frederick led Barbarina into the middle of the saloon, and letting go her hand, he said aloud:  “Madame, I have the honor to commend myself to you.  Your wish shall be fulfilled.  Your husband shall be President of Glogau! it shall be arranged to-day.”  The king cast a proud and searching glance around the circle of his cavaliers, until they rested upon the master of ceremonies.  “Baron Pollnitz, conduct Madame Presidentess Coceeji to her carriage.”

Pollnitz stumbled forward and placed himself with a profound salutation at Barbarina’s side.

Frederick bowed once more to Barbarina; she took the arm of Baron Pollnitz.  Silence reigned in the saloon as Barbarina withdrew.

The king gazed after her till she had entirely disappeared; then, breathing heavily, he turned to his generals and said:  “Messieurs, it is time for parade.”

CHAPTER XII.

Intrigues.