"And the wretch," said Madame von Stork, "has ordered our King to assist a huge Russian force through Prussia."
"And I heard," said Pauline, "that when the King heard the news he bowed his head and said that of all men he was most unlucky."
"But our Queen," put in Marianne, who was working at tent stitch, "is to have a great pleasure."
The two ladies gazed at her in curiosity.
"She is going to visit her father," answered Marianne. "The Countess told me. She has not been home for many years, and when she told the King of her great longing, he consented. She is to leave to-morrow."
Bettina, who was on her way to the "Stork's Nest," saw her depart. Catching sight of the girl, the Queen smiled a farewell. For some reason it made Bettina solemn.
"It was as if she were saying good-bye forever," she told Marianne later. Marianne laughed merrily.
"She will be back in a few days. What nonsense!"