"Monsieur le Comte de Juff," said the Queen in a little tinkling voice, "I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your travels. I am especially interested in the natives of Africa. We had a negro village here a few years ago ... hadn't we, M. von Kampfen?"
"Quite true, your Majesty," replied the Chamberlain, bowing deeply. The Queen turned again to Juve:
"I congratulate you, Monsieur, and I beg you to persevere in the work to which your special aptitude calls you."
The interview was at an end, and Juve was left wondering whether he should leave the room. The Chamberlain signed to him to retire behind the throne, where he found the amiable Mme. Heberlauf.
Juve, now standing quite close to the Queen, was enabled to overhear the next interview; with an old professor this time—Professor Muller. The Queen said:
"I am very happy to meet you. I congratulate you upon your pupils. I am especially interested in scholars."
Then turning to the Chamberlain:
"We have some very excellent schools here, have we not, Monsieur Kampfen?"
"Quite true, your Majesty."
"I congratulate you. Can I beg you to persevere in the work to which your special aptitude calls you?"