"I see the king," murmured Madame von Morien.
"And I see Pollnitz standing near him," said Madame von Brandt, whose eyes had followed the direction of her friend's. She thrust her handkerchief into her pocket and opened her fan in order to hide her reddened face behind it; the king's piercing look filled her with alarm. "Let us walk through the saloons, dear Morien," said she, rising up, "the heat chokes me, and I would gladly search a little for the letter; perhaps it may yet be found."
"What letter?" asked Madame von Morien, indifferently. Her friend stared at her and said:
"My God! you have not heard one word I have said to you!"
"Oh, yes, that you had a letter to give me from the Empress of Austria."
"Well, and this letter I have lost here in these saloons."
"Some one will find it; and as it is addressed to me, will immediately restore it."
"Dear Morien, I pray you in God's name do not seem so quiet and indifferent. This is a most important affair. If I did not leave this letter in my room, and have really lost it, we are in danger of being suspected; in fact, in the eyes of the king we will be considered as spies of Austria."
At the name of the king Madame von Morien was attentive and sympathetic.
"But no one can read this letter. Was it sealed?"