birds, in the plaudits and bravos with which the world greeted me, I heard only these celestial words, 'I think ever of thee.' I lived upon them during your absence, I wrote them with my glances upon your empty chair in the theatre, I fixed my eyes upon it, and for love of you I danced to it. One night I saw in this chair, not only my golden starry words, I saw two stars from heaven; I was not prepared--their glance was fatal. No, sire, that was no miserable comedy, no actor's work. I sank unconscious, and from that hour I know one does not die from rapture, but sinks insensible. I wept the whole night, God knows whether from shame or bliss, I cannot tell. The next day--yes--then I was false and deceitful. I stuck my stiletto in my foot, to deceive the world; only God might know that the Barbarina fainted at the sight of the king--fainted because she felt that she no longer hated, but worshipped him." She rushed to the door, but Frederick sprang after her; he drew her back, madly but silently; his eyes were radiant with joy. "Remain," said he; "I command you--I, not the king." He placed his lips to her ear and whispered two words: her soft cheeks were crimson. At this moment there was a knock upon the door, the portiere was thrown back, and the wan, suffering face of Fredersdorf was seen. "Sire," said he, "your majesty commanded me to summon Baron Swartz; he is here, and waits for your orders." "Let him enter," said the king; then smiling upon Barbarina, he said, "He comes just in time; we must sign our contract, Swartz shall act as our priest." He advanced to meet the intendant, and asked for the contract between Barbarina and himself. He read it carefully, and said, "There are only a few things to alter." He stepped to his desk and added a few words to the contract. "Signora," said he, turning backward, "will you come here for a moment?" Barbarina, embarrassed and blushing, drew near. In the back part of the room stood Baron Swartz, watching the king and Barbarina with a sly smile; near him stood Fredersdorf, whose pale and melancholy face was brought out in strong relief by the dark velvet portiere. "Read this," said the king to Barbarina, pointing to the words he had just written. "Have you read?" "Yes, sire." Frederick raised his head, and slightly turning, his glowing glance rested upon Barbarina, who, ashamed and confused, cast her eyes to the ground. "Will you sign this?" "I will, sire," said she, almost inaudibly. "You bind yourself to remain here for three years, and not to marry during that time?" [Footnote: By this contract, Barbarina received an income of seven thousand thalers and five months' liberty during each year; but she was bound not to marry during this term of three years.--SCHNEIDER.] "I do, sire." "Take the pen and sign our contract.--Come forward, Swartz, and witness this document.--Fredersdorf, is your seal at hand?" The contract was ready.