"Then reach me a cloak and muff, and woe to you if I encounter a draught on my way!"
CHAPTER LIX.
SOUVENIR D'EPERIES.
The emperor stood in the centre of the room in lively conversation with the gentlemen of his suite. As Kaunitz entered, he stopped at once, and coming forward, received the prince with a cordial welcome.
Kaunitz replied by a low bow, and nodded slightly to Prince de Ligne and
General Lacy.
"Your highness is just in time," said the emperor. "These gentlemen need encouragement. They have been blushing and trembling like two young debutantes."
"Before whom, your majesty?"
"Oh!—before the great Frederick, of course. And De Ligne, who is considered the most elegant man in Vienna, actually trembled more than anybody else."
"Actors trembling before their manager!" said Kaunitz, with a slight shrug. "Compose yourselves, gentlemen; the King of Prussia is too much absorbed in his own role to take any notice of you."
"That is right," cried the emperor. "Encourage the debutantes, prince!"