"I shall sing with Walpurga," said Irma, "and Your Majesty will again observe that music is the highest good on earth. Singing together, Walpurga and I are equals. The creations of other arts, poetry especially, may be translated by every one into his own language, according to the measure of his knowledge and experience." "Quite true," replied the king; "music is the universal language, the only one that requires no translation, and in which soul speaks to soul." While they were thus talking, Walpurga stared at them in dumb amazement. The king, accompanied by Countess Irma, looked at the prince for a little while, and then, having said: "The christening will take place next Sunday," he withdrew. It was with a strange expression that Walpurga's eyes followed the king and then rested in earnest gaze upon Countess Irma. The countess busied herself with the papers, and then, with cheerful voice, took leave of Walpurga. Her cheerfulness almost seemed constrained, for she laughed while there was nothing to laugh at. For a long while, Walpurga stood looking at the curtains, behind which the countess had disappeared, and at last said to Mademoiselle Kramer: "You told the truth, when you said that the palace isn't a church." She did not enter into any further explanation. "I will teach you how to write," said Mademoiselle Kramer; "it will be pleasant employment for us, and you will then be able to do your own writing to your family." "Yes, that I will," said Walpurga. CHAPTER XIV. "I want to ask a favor of you," said Walpurga to Countess Irma, the next day. "Always tell me frankly whenever I do anything wrong." "Quite willingly; but, in return, you must always tell me when I--" "Then I've something on my heart, this very moment." "Speak out." "Some time when we're alone together, I will." "Pray, dear Kramer, would you oblige me by retiring for a few moments?" Mademoiselle Kramer went into the adjoining room, and Walpurga could not help feeling astonished when she observed how, in the palace, people were pushed hither and thither, just like so many chairs. "And now, what is it?" inquired the countess. "You won't think ill of me, if I say anything foolish; you're sure you won't?" "What is it?" asked Irma again. "You're so beautiful, so very beautiful; more so than any one I've even seen; you're even more beautiful than the queen--no, not more beautiful, but more powerful, and your eyes are full of kindness--" "Well what is it? speak out." "I'd rather think I'm wrong; but it's best to feel sure. Well, I didn't like the way you and the king looked at each other yesterday; while your hand was on the cradle-rail, he placed his upon it; and he's a husband and a father. You're an unmarried girl, and don't know what it means when a man looks at you in that way; but I'm a married woman, and it's my duty to warn you. You said that we'd be good friends, and now there's a chance to test our friendship."