I suggest that some of my father's principal debtors should
fill this place. I believe these gentlemen would willingly carry my
train if my father would grant them a respite. If your majesty
agrees to this proposition, I shall at once select two of your
noblest cavaliers for my train-bearers, and will then no longer put
your brilliant court to shame."
The queen did not reply; she cast an angry glance at the quiet and
composed countess, and then walked quietly toward the throne, around
which the royal family had now assembled.
CHAPTER X.
THE MASKERS.
The king, with the assistance of Pollnitz, had now completed his
toilet; he did not wish to be recognized, and his dress was similar
to hundreds of others who were wandering through the rooms.
"Do you think I will be known?"
"No, sire, it is not possible. Now have the goodness to push your
mask slightly over your eyes; they might perhaps betray you."
"Well, these eyes will soon see some curious things. Did you ever
stand upon a battle-field as a conqueror, surrounded by corpses, all
your living enemies having fled before you?"
"Heaven in its mercy preserve me from such a sight! My enemies,
sire, have never fled from me; they chase me and threaten me, and it
is of God's great mercy that I have always escaped them.
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