While reading, the countess's countenance was perfectly clear; not
the slightest cloud was to be seen upon her brow.

"Do you not think it a good poem?" said she, indifferently.

"Well," said he, "I must acknowledge that there was a certain fire
in it that touched my heart."

"I find it stupid," said she, sternly. "There is but one thing in it
that pleases me, and that is the title-'il ne faut pas s'inquieter
de l'avenir.' The little King of Prussia has done well to choose
this for his motto, for without it, it strikes me, his peace would
be forever gone, for his future will surely be a humiliating one."

The count laughed.

"How true that is!" said he "and a just answer to his stupid poem.
Speak of something else."

He tore the paper into small pieces, which, with a graceful bow, he
laid at the feet of the countess.

"A small sacrifice," said he, "which I bring to my goddess. Tread
upon it, and destroy the king's words with your fairy foot." The
countess obeyed him, laughingly.

"But now, count," said she, "we will, for a moment, speak of graver
things. I have received letters from Loudon-from our son. Poor Henry
is in despair, and he has requested me to intercede for him. You
were always very stern with him, my friend, therefore he fears your