“It is a matter of no consequence if he does hear me, Your Majesty,” replied Wolfgang, smiling contemptuously, “for nothing could tempt him to disarrange his ruffles or break his perfume box.” “Silence, child,” interposed the Empress; “you have a very disrespectful way of talking, which you must stop. Come nearer.” Wolfgang obeyed, and the kind Empress gave him some dainties from her own plate, which he ate with evident relish. “Good,” said the Empress, “now you can go; but I shall expect you after dinner in my own apartments, where you can play with my children a while.” “I shall be glad to go, Your Majesty,” replied Wolfgang. “Will her little Royal Highness with the blond hair be there too?” “You mean my Marie Antoinette?” replied the Empress. “Yes, she will be there, and will be delighted to see you. Adieu till then.” Radiant with joy, Wolfgang bowed again, and proudly enough marched back to his father’s side. Their Majesties soon arose at the sound of the trumpets, the signal that dinner was finished. After affably bowing to the assembled guests, the royal train left in the same stately way it had entered, and Chapelmaster Mozart and his family were conducted by a servant to the ante-chamber of the Empress to await further orders. They did not have to wait long. The Empress was in her dressing-room, and while her maid was arranging her toilet, Wolfgang and Nannie performed by turns upon a piano in the waiting-room. Wolfgang played with an inspired enthusiasm, which enabled him to overcome the greatest difficulties with ease. The condescension and maternal kindness of the noble lady had won his heart, and he improved this opportunity to express his love and gratitude by an extraordinary display of his skill. He continued in this manner until the Empress herself at last checked his enthusiasm. “Enough, enough, my child,” she graciously said. “We do not wish you to make yourself sick by overdoing. You have again shown us you are a great magician; now show us that you can be a child among children.”