She confessed to herself that the prince's manners were not in the
least improved by hia long campaign--that they were somewhat
brusque. He took her hand tenderly; leading her to a divan, and
seated himself beside her, but suddenly jumping up he left her, and
returned in a few moments with his friend Count Kalkreuth.
"Permit me, Wilhelmina," said he, "to introduce to you again my dear
friend and companion in arms. Men say I have won some fame, but I
assure you that if it is true, Kalkreuth deserves the largest share,
for he was the gardener who tended my laurels with wise and prudent
hands. I commend him, therefore, to your kindness and friendship,
Wilhelmina, and beg you to evince for him a part of that affection
you owe to me, and which causes my happiness."
There was something so noble, so open, and knightly in the prince's
manner, that Count Kalkreuth, deeply touched, thought in his heart
for a moment that he would not deceive this noblo friend with
treachery and faithlessness.
The prince's words had a different effect upon the princess. Instead
of being touched by his great confidence in her, she was insulted.
It indicated great arrogance and self-conceit to be so sure of her
love as to see no danger, but to bring his friend to her and commend
him to her kindness.
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