"Flatterer," said the queen, "if your father heard you, he would
scold fearfully. If you compare me to the sun, how can you describe
him?"

"Well, he is Phoebus, who harnesses the sun and points out his
path."

"True, indeed." said the queen, "he appoints his path. Poor sun!--
poor queen!--she has not the right to send one ray where she will!"

"Who, notwithstanding, assumes the right, gracious mamma," said
Amelia, smiling, and pointing to the diadem, "for I imagine that our
most royal king and father has not commanded you to appear in those
splendid jewels."

"Commanded," said the queen, trembling; "if he could see me he would
expire with rage and scorn. You know he despises expense and
ornament."

"He would immediately calculate," said Amelia, "that he could build
an entire street with this diadem, and that at least ten giants
could be purchased for the Guard with this necklace." She turned to
her sister, who had withdrawn, and said:

"Ulrica, you say nothing. Has the splendor of our mother bewildered
you? Have you lost your speech, or are you thinking whom you will
command to dance with you at the ball this evening?"

"Not so," replied the little Ulrica, "I was thinking that when I am
to be a queen, I will make it a condition with my husband that I