As he neared the tent, the gay song and merry jest ceased. Every eye was fixed inquiringly upon the individual who had dared to disturb this fete by his presence. The music, which had before filled the air with joyous sounds, was now playing a heart-breaking air.
Count Bruhl now arose and advanced. He greeted the Prussian ambassador in a few cold, ceremonious words.
But Count Mattzahn’s only answer to this greeting was a silent bow. He then said, in a voice loud enough to be heard by the king and queen:
“Count Bruhl, as ambassador of the King of Prussia, I request you to demand an audience for me at once from the King of Saxony. I have an important dispatch from my king.”
Count Bruhl, struck with terror, could only gaze at him, he had not the strength to answer.
But King Augustus, rising from his seat, said:
“The ambassador of my royal brother can approach; I consent to grant him this audience; it is demanded in so strange a manner, it must surely have some important object.”
The count entered the royal tent.
“Is it your majesty’s wish,” said Mattzahn, solemnly, “that all these noble guests shall be witnesses? I am commanded by my royal master to demand a private audience.”
“Draw the curtain!” said the king.