"J'epouse la pauvrete, Si pour dot elle m'apporte L'honneur et la
probite."

The sun coming through the window rested upon his tall form, causing
the many jewels upon his garments to sparkle like stars on the blue
background, enveloping him in a sort of glory. He had repeated for
the third time, "J'epouse la pauvrete," when the door leading to his
wife's apartments was opened, and the countess entered in the full
splendor of her queenly toilet, sparkling with jewels. The count was
startled by her entrance, but he now broke out into a loud, mocking
laugh.

"Truly, countess," said he, "you could not have found a better
moment to interrupt me. For the last half hour my thoughts have been
given up to sentiment. Wonderful dreams have been chasing each other
through my brain. But you have again shown yourself my good angel,
Antonia, by dissipating these painful thoughts." He pressed a
fervent kiss upon her hand, then looking at her with a beaming
countenance, he said:

"How beautiful you are, Antonia; you must have found that mysterious
river which, if bathed in, insures perpetual youth and beauty."

"Ah!" said the countess, smiling, "all know that no one can flatter
so exquisitely as Count Bruhl."

"But I am not always paid with the same coin, Antonia," said the
count, earnestly. "Look at this poem, that the King of Prussia has
written of me. Truly, there is no flattery in it."