count; and is resolved, moreover, that although he cannot yet extend to you, publicly, that portion of his favour which his heart accords, you shall never know a repetition of this day's endurances."

Enough, enough, my gracious mis

tress! I cannot bear more."

"Yet I have not done; I am commissioned to command your habitual attendance at court; and you will take care especially to attend my circle. assiduous homage from you.

I expect

You are not half supple enough for a courtier, and must practise pliancy; you must provide yourself with a countenance of ceremony; it is no less indispensable than an embroidered habit. Such a one as you wore this morning was never seen before, I believe, in an imperial circle." "It shall appear there no more, madam."

"Well, Count, to execute all my credentials properly, I must deposit these

papers in your hands;

transmit them, by your best means, to your illustrious father. The Emperor is more than ever bent on accelerating arrangements for his restoration to a post in which the best must follow him imperfectly; and, that you may not suppose your presence has been useless at Vienna, let me tell you the embittered feelings excited in the soul of your gracious master, by your unsuitable situation this morning, has proved a stimulus to the adoption of more decided measures than he has hitherto held expedient. Farewell!-We meet to-morrow."

Away went Vallenstein; all thoughts of quitting Vienna eradicated from his brain, and all the mortification of his spirit, so far as it was caused by the conduct of his sovereign, healed and assuaged. On arriving at his hotel, he aroused Desmond, to acquaint him with the transition which had taken place in his ideas.

"You will think me a mere weathercock, lieutenant; for, after all, I have abandoned my intention of a journey to Prague."

"I can only rejoice, that the wind sits in a better quarter. But will you permit. me one question? and it shall be a discreet one."

"Propose it, Desmond!"

"Was it the Empress who won you from your purpose?"

"Why, yes!-It was the Empress. Perhaps you think me the greater fool for allowing the arts of a woman thus tò sway with me, but her reasons were unanswerable."

"You mistake me, Count; I rather marvel that you could for a momentyou, who are admitted to the discourse of that majestic woman-to listen to her silver voice to know that your own has admission to her ear-to contemplate the mild dignity of those blue eyes-nay, sometimes to feel them resting on your

countenance! I marvelled you could think, for a moment, of evading her magic circle."

"Well said, my friend," said Vallensteïn laughing, surprised by the grave ardour with which this speech was uttered. "Our Bavarian Juno has stolen your heart, methinks; but remember Ixion! Meanwhile, here is a packet which her hand put into mine; you will carry it to Prague in lieu of the one I prepared for you a few hours ago. I have only to add, the sooner you return to me the better; I shall look out for you impatiently."

66

CHAPTER IX.

Why, what a deal of candied courtesy This fawning greyhound then did proffer me !" Shakspeare.

THE following day, soon after the Emperor and his train had joined the circle of the Empress, Vallensteïn appeared in it no longer deeming it necessary to distress his politic uncle, by any claim on his countenance or sanction, he entered alone. Count Harrach rather suspected that even the bare toleration his nephew had been indulged with, at the preceding levee, was the fruit of his influ ence; and now that the youth wanted this shield, confidently expected to see even that denied him. Greatly, therefore, was he surprised and puzzled to observe that his imperial majesty received him with a gracious smile, and asked