“I thank you, sire,” said Louise, faintly.
“Ah, I see our conversation has agitated you a little!” said the king. “Fortunately, we are now at an end. In the next eight days, remember, you will be engaged!”
“Yes, sire.”
“The day of your marriage, I will make your captain a major. You promise to tell my brother of your engagement, and that it is in accordance with the warmest wishes of your heart?”
“Yes, sire; and you will banish the gardener forever?”
“I will; but wait—one thing more. Where will you tell my brother of your engagement, and before what witnesses?”
“At the place and before the witnesses your majesty may select,” said Madame von Kleist.
The king thought a moment. “You will do it in my presence,” said he; “I will let you know the time and place through Pollnitz. We have arranged our little affairs, madame, and we will descend to the saloon where, I think, your epouseur is sighing for your presence.”
“Let him sigh, sire! With your permission, I should like to retire.”
“Go, madame, where you wish. Pollnitz will conduct you to your carriage.”