Then, drawing herself up to her full height, she passed her hand across her brow and defiantly exclaimed: "And why should I think and ponder? I will be happy, and make you happy also, my only love!"
As she spoke she again threw herself upon his breast, but only for a few brief moments. Don Luis Quijada reappeared with the marquise, and conducted both ladies out of the imperial apartment.
Outside the door the major-domo detained Barbara, and had a tolerably long conversation with her, of which the marquise vainly endeavoured to catch even a few words.
At last he committed the girl to the old nobleman's charge and returned to the Emperor.
The marquise received Barbara with the assurance that she had found in her a warm, nay, a maternal friend.
If this beautiful creature was not alreadv the object of the Emperor's love, the experienced old woman told herself, she must very soon become so.
Yet there had never been a favourite at this monarch's court, and she was curious to learn what position would be assigned to her.
After accompanying the girl intrusted to her care down the stairs with flattering kindness, she committed her to the musicians and Wolf, who, with old Blomberg, were awaiting her in the chapel with increasing impatience. The captain had obtained admittance through Wolf.
At her first glance at Barbara the eyes of the old marquise had rested on the glittering star which the Emperor had fastened on the lady of his love.
The men did not notice it until after they had congratulated the singer upon her exquisite performance and the effect which it had produced upon his Majesty.