"
"Ah, if that is the case, it becomes almost a duty to give you this
girl, in order to prevent her millions from leaving the country,"
said the queen, smiling. "Be hopeful, count, your wish will be
granted, and this little millionnaire, who longs to appear at court,
shall have her desire. I will speak with my son on this subject to-
day; and you may take it for granted that your request will meet
with a favorable response."
And the queen, who was proud and happy to have an opportunity of
showing the count how great was her influence with her royal son,
graciously permitted him to kiss her hand, and listened well pleased
to his exclamations of gratitude and devotion.
She then dismissed him with a gracious inclination of her head,
requesting him to inform Madame von Brandt, whose laughing voice
could be heard at a short distance, that she desired to see her.
While the count hurried off to execute the commission of his royal
mistress, the queen walked on slowly and thoughtfully. Now that she
was permitted to be a queen, her woman's nature again made itself
felt; she found it quite amusing to have a hand in the love affairs
which were going on around her, and to act the part of the
beneficent fairy in making smooth the path of true love.
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