He had been
occupied in arranging the plants and flowers in this conservatory,
which had been confided to his especial care. As the queen never
entered the garden at this time, this hour had been set apart for
his labors.
In the midst of his occupation he was interrupted by the entrance of
Laura von Pannewitz, and had hastily retired to the grotto,
intending to remain concealed until the lady should have left the
conservatory. From his hiding-place, concealed by the dense Indian
vines, he could see the myrtle arbor in which the beautiful Laura
reposed; and now, seeing that she slept, he advanced slowly and
cautiously from the grotto. He listened attentively to her slow and
regular breathing--yes, she really slept; he might therefore
stealthily leave the saloon.
"Ah, if it were she!" he murmured; "if it were she! I would not
leave here so quietly. I would find courage to fall down at her feet
and to clasp her to my arms, while pressing my lips to hers, to
suppress her cry of terror. But this lady," said he, almost
disdainfully, turning to the sleeping Laura, "is so little like her-
-that she is--"
The words died on his lips, and he hastily retreated to the entrance
of the grotto. He thought he heard footsteps approaching the
conservatory.
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