"Why not?" returned Kathi, reddening; "did he not tell me to say what I wanted?"
"Yes," said Marianne in a low voice, "but it may be a gift—perhaps it is from his sweetheart!"
"No, Marianne," replied the emperor sadly, "I have no sweetheart. No one cares whether I give or keep the ring. Take it, Kathi."
Kathi held out her hand, and when it had been placed upon her finger she turned it around to see it glisten, and laughed for joy.
"And you, Marianne," said Joseph, changing his tone as he addressed the beautiful creature who stood at his side, "tell me your wish. Let it be something hard to perform, for then I shall be all the happier to grant it."
But Marianne spoke not a word.
"Why, Marianne," cried Kathi impatiently, "do you not see that he is a rich and great lord, who will give you any thing you ask? Why do you stand so dumb?"
"Come, dear Marianne," whispered the emperor, "have you no wish that I can gratify?"
"Yes, sir," cried Marianne, in a voice scarcely audible.
"Speak it, then, sweet one, and it shall be granted."