The court entered the theatre. The emperor's suite took possession of the boxes on either side of the one appropriated to the imperial family, while Leopold, followed by Prince Eugene, whom he delighted to honor, entered the imperial box.
"I wish to present our new field-marshal to the empress," said he to his courtiers.
The empress was seated in one corner of the box, busily engaged with a piece of embroidery. She was so absorbed in the mysteries of silk and golden stitching, that she scarcely remarked the entrance of the court. For a moment her eyes met those of the emperor, to whom she bowed and smiled; then, bending her head again, she resumed her work.
The emperor took a seat by her, and watched her flying fingers with affectionate interest. "Your majesty is unusually industrious to- day," said he, smiling, and touching the embroidery.
"I was merely beguiling the hour of expectation which has passed away with your majesty's presence, by completing a flower on this altar-cloth, intended for the chapel of the blessed Eleanor, my namesake."
"The blessed Eleanor must excuse you to-day if I claim your presence here," replied the emperor. "And let me implore you for a while to fold those busy hands, and give your attention to the music which has been gotten up for your especial gratification."
The empress quietly folded her work, and rose from her tabouret.
"Allow me to present to your majesty the youngest field-marshal in the army," said Leopold, signing to Eugene to advance.
"I congratulate your highness," replied the empress, while Eugene knelt and kissed her hand. "Are you, indeed, so very young, prince?"
"No, your majesty," said he, sadly. "I am so old, that I wonder my hair is not gray."