"The devil! that is worse still," murmured Pollnitz. "And the valet- -with him also does the king remain king?"
"Yes, so entirely, that he scarcely allows his valet to touch him.
He shaves, coifs, and dresses himself."
"My God! who, then, has any influence over him? To whom can I turn to obtain a favor for me?"
"To his dogs, dear baron; they are now the only influential dependants!"
"Do you mean truly the four-footed dogs?—or—"
"The four-footed, dearest baron! Frederick has more confidence in them than in any two-legged animal. You know the king always trusted much to the instincts of his dogs; he has now gone so far in this confidence, as to believe that the hounds have an instinctive aversion to all false, wicked, and evil-minded men. It is therefore very important to every new-comer to be well received by the hounds, as the king's reception is somewhat dependent upon theirs."
"Is Biche yet with the king?"
"Yes, still his greatest favorite."
"I am rejoiced to hear that! I was always in favor with the Signora Biche; it was her custom to smell my pocket, hoping to find chocolate. I beseech you, therefore, dearest friend, to give me some chocolate, with which I may touch and soften the heart of the noble signora, and thus induce the king to look upon me favorably.
"I will stick a half pound in each of your pockets, and if Biche still growls at you, it will be a proof that she is far more noble than men; in short, that she cannot be bribed. Have you finished with your questions? I think it is now my time to begin."