CHAPTER XVI. "This is the state of man! To-day he puts forth upon him; Shakspeare. SOME days after the select fête at Princess Stolberg's, Desmond arrived: he had entered Prague in the disguise of a monk, and made his way to the presence of his friend Winterfeldt, who could, with difficulty, comprehend the necessity for such clandestine measures, especially as he had no suspicion of the contents of the despatches which were deposited in his hands, but which, nevertheless, he promised should not reach the Duke till a day should have elapsed after the lieu. tenant was again clear of Prague. In short, all was securely executed, and, in respect to the existence of danger, no VOL. II. $ proof whatever had occurred. Desmond was half mad when he learned the compromise that had been made with Wolfstein for his deliverance. Vallenstein, immediately on the return of his ambassador, sent him to the palace, to solicit à private audience of leave a painful and most embarrassing ceremony, which might not be dispensed with; and it was most readily and graciously accorded. He had, for some days, absented himself from court, but his non-appearance was attributed to the necessity of preparation for the campaign on which he was about to enter, while, in fact, he was employed in incessant exercise-riding or walking without intermission, in hopes, by intense. bodily fatigue, to dull or silence the internal wretchedness. He foresaw the innumerable perplexing questions which awaited him from his sovereigns; and, after much vain deliberation, resolved to trust the impulse of the moment for his replies, determined on two points only-neither to betray his father, nor to utter an untruth. The august pair received him with the usual marks of interest and regard. "We have been consulting," said the Emperor, "what token of our love might be most acceptable to a man, on whom it is scarcely in our power to bestow a larger portion of wealth, or honour, than he already possesses or inherits; your affections, therefore, are your only assailable part, and there we direct our bribe:" presenting, as he spoke, a case containing the joint miniatures of himself and his imperial spouse, encircled with costly jewels. "No," said he, struck with the perceptible and strong emotion with which this royal gift was received, "I will have no verbal thanks. You will soon hold an ostensible charge against our enemies. No doubt your father reserves you a worthy and distinguished post, such as your merit, independent of your blood, may aspire to." Vallenstein lowered his eyes, and was silent. "Do you know, Count," proceeded the Emperor, "it will often, in all probability, be in your power to confer favours on your sovereign? The Duke of Friedland has stipulated," and something of a resentful glow passed over his cheek— "as the price of his services, for the undivided rule and guidance of his vast army. He has not left to our option the nomination of a general. I have not interest with him for the command of a single regiment! If I would serve a friend, therefore, I will do it through your medium: those I would promote shall be your clients, for your interest must be as sure a way to preferment as that of your father. What his jealousy would refuse to the interference of his sovereign, his tenderness will accord to the solicitations of his son." Still he was silent, and the Empress beheld, with wonder and sympathy, his increasing and overwhelming agitation; partly she attributed it to the sensibility and modesty of his nature, and partly to the mournful feeling with which he was bidding adieu to a scene where she knew he had experienced the severest disappointment which a young and un practised heart can suffer. "I could wish, my gallant friend," she said, "to see you go forth to the conflict with a brighter aspect, but you will return to us covered with exultation and glory." "What think you," said the Emperor, "of the Chevalier Wolfstein's sudden cona version? The Empress is sanguine, but I am very incredulous." "I fear, my liege, he will never deserve to be canonized." 66 "And yet," observed the Empress, you sanctioned the general hope by exhibiting towards him tokens of such cordiality as you had not been supposed to entertain." "Your Imperial Majesty must deign |