"
Sophia Dorothea did not honor her with a glance; her eyes rested on
her son with an expression of severity and scorn.
"Really, I had a better opinion of you," said she. "It is no great
achievement to mislead a child, and one that is altogether unworthy
of a royal prince."
"My mother," exclaimed the prince, indignantly, "you do not believe-
-"
"I believe what I see," said the queen, interrupting him. "Have done
with your assurances of innocence, and bow to the truth, which has
judged you in spite of your denial. And you, my young lady, will
accompany me, and submit to my commands in silence, and without
excuses. Come, and assume a cheerful and unconstrained air, if you
please. I do not wish my court to hear of this scandal, and to read
your guilt in your terrified countenance. I shall take care that you
do not betray your guilt in words. Come."
The prince looked after them with an expression of confusion and
astonishment. "Well, no matter how this riddle is solved," murmured
he, after the queen had left the conservatory with her maid of
honor, "Laura is safe at all events, and in a week we will flee."
CHAPTER XV.
THE COUNTERMINE.
Three days had slowly passed by, and Fritz Wendel waited in vain for
a sign or message from his beloved.
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