Baron Swartz hastened behind the scenes, but soon returned, somewhat cast down.

“Sire, the signora affirms that she will not dance, and that the king has no power to compel her.  She dances to please herself.”

“Ah! that is a menace,” said the king, threateningly; and without further speech he stepped upon the stage, followed by Baron Swartz.  “Where is this person?” said the king.

“She is in her own room, your majesty; shall I call her?”

“No, I will go to her.  Show me the way.”

The baron stepped forward, and Frederick endeavored to collect himself and assume a cool and grave bearing.

“Sire, this is the chamber of the Signora Barbarina.”

“Open the door.”  But before the baron had time to obey the command, the impatient hand of the king had opened the door, and he had entered the room.

CHAPTER IX.

The king and Barbarina.

Barbarina was resting, half reclining, and wholly abstracted, upon a small crimson divan; her rounded arms were crossed over her breast.  She fixed her blazing, glowing eyes upon the intruders, and seemed petrified, in her stubborn immobility, her determined silence.  She had the glance of a panther who has prepared herself for death, or to slay her enemy.

The king stood a moment quiet and waiting, but Barbarina did not move.  Baron Swartz, alarmed by her contemptuous and disrespectful bearing, drew near, in order to say that the king had vouchsafed to visit her, but Frederick motioned him to withdraw; and, in order that Barbarina might not understand him, he told him in German to leave the room and await him in the corridor.

“I do not wish the signora to know that I am the king,” said he.  As the baron withdrew, Frederick said to him, “Leave the door open.”

Barbarina was motionless, only her large black eyes wandered questioningly from one to the other; she sought to read the meaning of their words, not one of which she understood; but her features expressed no anxiety, no disquiet; she did not look like a culprit or a rebel; she had rather the air of a stern queen, withholding her royal favor.  The king drew near her.  Her eyes were fixed upon him with inexpressible, earnest calm; and this cool indifference, so rarely seen by a king, embarrassed Frederick, and at the same time intoxicated him.

“You are, then, determined not to dance again?” said the king.

“Fully determined,” said she, in a rich and sonorous voice.

“Beware! beware!” said he; but he could not assume that threatening tone which he wished.  “The king may perhaps compel you.”

“Compel me! me, the Barbarina!” said she, with a mocking laugh, aim disclosing two row? of pearly teeth.  “And how can the king compel me to dance?”

“You must be convinced that he has some power over you, since he brought you here against your will.”