“Us!—­don’t I do everything for the Court?”

“No!  I mean the people.  You should have a little more consideration for them.”

“I appreciate what your Royal Highness says; but I serve the King and the Court, and the people are not to be considered.  The country is his private property, and the people are only useful to him as increasing the value of the land.  But this is no time to discuss the old story about the interests of the people.  I beg your Royal Highness’ answer to my propositions.  Shall I have the honor to discharge your debts on the above specified conditions?”

“Answer,—­no—­never, never! at the expense of hundreds and thousands of starving families.”

“But, your Royal Highness, if, in addition to the clearance of your debts, I make the house of Abraham Levi present you with fifty thousand dollars in hard cash?  I think it may afford you that sum.  The house will gain so much by the operation, that—­”

“Perhaps it may be able to give you also a mark of its regard.”

“Your Highness is pleased to jest with me.  I gain nothing by the affair.  My whole object is to obtain the protection of your Royal Highness.”

“You are very polite!”

“I may hope, then, Prince?  My duty is to be of service to you.  To-morrow I shall send for Abraham, and conclude the arrangement with him.  I shall have the honor to present your Royal Highness with the receipt for all your debts, besides the gift of fifty thousand dollars.”

“Go, I want to hear no more of it.”

“And your Royal Highness will honor me with your favor?  For unless I am in the Ministry, it is impossible for me to deal with Abraham Levi so as—­”

“I wish to Heaven you and your Ministry and Abraham Levi were all three on the Blocksberg!  I tell you what, unless you lower the price of corn, and take away the monopoly from that infernal Jew, I’ll go this moment and reveal your villainy to the King, and get you and Abraham Levi banished from the country.  See to it—­I’ll keep my word.”  Philip turned away in a rage, and proceeded into the dancing-room, leaving the Minister of Finance petrified with amazement.

VII.

“When does your Royal Highness require the carriage?” whispered a stout little Dutch merchant in a bob-wig.

“Not at all,” answered Philip.

“’Tis after half-past eleven, and the beautiful singer expects you.  She will tire of waiting.”

“Let her sing something to cheer her.”

“How, Prince?  Have you changed your mind?  Would you leave the captivating Rollina in the lurch, and throw away the golden opportunity you have been sighing for for two months?  The letter you sent to-day, inclosing the diamond watch, did wonders.  The proud but fragile beauty surrenders.  This morning you were in raptures, and now you are as cold as ice!  What is the cause of the change?”