"So, then, the woman with whom you will now become enamored will receive your first tender vows?"
"Yes, even so."
"And you wear the uniform of the life-guard—you are a lieutenant!" cried Pollnitz with tragical pathos, and extending his arms toward heaven. "But how?—what did you say?—that until to-day you had seen no woman who approached your ideal?"
"I said that."
"And to-day—?"
"Well, it seems to me, we have both seen an angel to-day!—an angel, whom you have wronged, in giving her the common name of fairy."
"Aha! the Princess Amelia," said Pollnitz. "You will love this young maiden, my friend."
"Then, indeed, shall I be most unhappy! She is a royal princess, and my love must ever be unrequited."
"Who told you that? who told you that this little Amelia was only a princess? I tell you she is a young girl with a heart of fire. Try to awake her—she only sleeps! A happy event has already greeted you. The princess has fixed your enraptured gaze upon her lovely form, by throwing or rather shooting roses at you. Perhaps the god of Love has hidden his arrow in a rose. You thought Amelia had only pelted your cheek with roses, but the arrow has entered your soul. Try your luck, young man; gain the love of the king's favorite sister, and you will be all-powerful."
The young officer looked at him with confused and misty eyes.