million of thalers!"

"And do you mean to say," said the countess, angrily, "that that is
too much to gain the favor of a beautiful lady?"

"No! it is not too much; but it is certainly enough. I hope, at
least, it was not in vain."

"No, no! and Loudon is now raving about the intellectual, genial and
generous son of Count Bruhl. I trust, count, that you instantly sent
him a check"

"Yes," said the count, shrugging his shoulders. "But, countess, if
the king were to hear this story, it would cause much evil; for you
know that he believes in economy; luckily for me, he believes me to
be an economical man. Those enemies who would not dare to accuse us,
would have no fears of saying evil of our son; he will certainly
hear this eighty-thousand-pound story."

"We will tell him ourselves, but say that the story is much
exaggerated."

"What a wonderful woman you are, Antonia!" said her husband; "your
counsel is wise; we will follow it."

At this moment a slight knocking was heard at the door, and the
secretary entered with a sealed letter.

"A courier from Torgau just arrived with this from the commandant."
The count's brow became clouded.