"I would have written that," said she, proudly and joyfully. "And the truth of that letter he would not have doubted."
"Oh, woman's heart! inexhaustible source of love and devotion!" murmured the king, turning away to conceal his emotion from his sister.
"Is this letter sufficient?" demanded the princess. "Shall Trenck be free?"
"I have promised it, and will keep my word. Fold the letter and direct it. It shall be forwarded at once."
"And when will he be free?"
"I cannot set him at liberty immediately. It would be setting my officers a bad example. But in three months he shall be free."
"In three months, then. Here is the letter, sire."
The king took the letter and placed it in his bosom.
"And now, my sister, come to my heart," said he, holding out his arms. "The king was angry with you, the brother will weep with you. Come, Amelia, come to your brother's heart."
Amelia did not throw herself in his arms; she stood still, and seemed not to have heard, not to have understood his words.