lover, announce that he does not command, but entreats her to let him
hear again this evening the voice whose melody so powerfully moved his
heart.--You, Baron, will accompany the gentleman, and not return without
the young lady!--What is her name?"

"Barbara Blomberg."

"Barbara," repeated the sovereign, as if the name evoked an old memory;
and, as though he saw before him the form of the woman he was describing,
he added in a low tone: "She is blue-eyed, fairskinned and rosy, slender
yet well-rounded. A haughty, almost repellent bearing. Thick, waving
locks of golden hair."

"That is witchcraft!" the baron exclaimed. "Your Majesty is painting
her portrait in words exactly, feature by feature. Her hair is like that
of Titian's daughter."

"Apparently you have not failed to scrutinize her closely," remarked the
Emperor sharply. "Has she already associated with the gentlemen of the
court?"

Both promptly answered in the negative, but the Emperor continued
impatiently: "Then hasten! As soon as she is here, inform me.--The meal,
Malfalconnet, must be short-four courses, or five at the utmost, and no
dessert. The boy choir is not to be stationed in the chapel, but in the
dining hall, opposite to me.--We leave the arrangement to you, Sir Wolf.
Of course, a chair must be placed for the lady.--Have the larger table
set in another room, baron, and, for ought I care, serve with all twenty
courses and a dessert. Old Marquise de Leria will remain here. She will
occupy Queen Mary's seat at my side. On account of the singer, I mean.