is easily seen--annoys you; but, much as I value your good opinion,
Mathys, it is firm. The more difficult I found it to regain my peace of
mind, the more foolish it would be to expose it to fresh peril. Now, if
ever, I must shun every source of agitation. Think! With the banning,
the general's work begins. How you look at me! Well, yes! You, too,
know how easy it is for the man who has most to do to spare a leisure
hour which the person without occupation does not find, and neither of us
is accustomed to deceive the other. Besides, it would be of little
avail. So, to cut the matter short, I am unwilling to see Barbara again
and awaken false hopes in her mind! But even these plain words do not
seem to satisfy you."

"By your Majesty's permission," replied the leech, "deeply as I regret it
for the invalid's sake, I believe, on the contrary, that you are choosing
the right course. But I have only discharged the first part of my
patient's commission. Though I have no pleasant tidings to take back to
her, I am still permitted to tell her the truth. But your Majesty, by
avoiding an interview with the poor girl, will spare yourself a sad, nay,
perhaps a painful hour."

"Did the disease so cruelly mar this masterpiece of the Creator?" asked
the Emperor. "With so violent a fever it was only too natural," replied
the physician. "Time and what our feeble skill can do will improve her
condition, I hope, but--and this causes the poor girl the keenest
suffering--the unfortunate inflammation of the bronchial tubes most
seriously injures the tone of her clear voice."

"Ah!" exclaimed the startled Emperor with sincere compassion.
"Do everything in your power, Mathys, to purify this troubled spring
of melody. I will repay you with my warmest gratitude, for, though the