"No excuses," he thundered. "You are a rip and ugly customer and you will stay in the garrison I designated." Even before the King had finished, Bernhardt interrupted him with a fierce: "Don't you call me names, Majesty. I won't stand for that." "Won't stand for anything that I think proper to mete out to you, rascal? I will make you." The King had risen and was about to box Bernhardt's ears. Bernhardt jumped back two paces and shouted like mad: "Don't you dare touch me. I will defend my honor sword in hand, even if I have to shoot myself on the spot." For several seconds the King stood speechless, then he reached out his hand and touched an electric button. Marshal Count Vitzthum responded. "Take him," said the King hoarsely--"he is your prisoner." Bernhardt drew his sword and threw it at the King's feet. He was conducted to a room, and sentinels were posted outside his door and under his windows. Presently the telephone called together a council of war and it was decided that Bernhardt go to Nossen during the King's pleasure, or rather displeasure. "The army officers that act as my guards are not allowed to speak to me," said Bernhardt, "and the garrison in Nossen will likewise be muzzled." He laughed as he added: "I suppose I shall have to make friends with the spirits of the great Augustus's mistresses haunting the old burg. They were gay ones! If the King remembered that, he would send me to the Trappists rather than to Nossen." * * * * * DRESDEN, _July 1, 1901_. I never dreamt that science would come to my rescue, but a clever woman has more than one trick up her sleeve. On a visit to a book store I happened to see a new publication on the Hygienics of Pregnancy and had it sent to the palace. Last night, when nearly dead with _ennui_, I turned over the leaves of the volume and came across an article advising women in my condition to seek plenty of merry company. My mind was made up at once. First thing in the morning I sent for the Court Physician, and with many a sigh and groan gave him to understand that I feared to have melancholy if I continued the monotonous life I was leading. I happened to strike one of the doctor's pet theories, and he recited whole pages from the book I had been reading. Then he asked me a hundred questions, and rest assured that my answers were in accordance with my wishes. "I will have the honor to report to His Majesty at once," said the Councillor at the end of the examination, "that some diversion is imperative in Your Imperial Highness's case. Would Your Imperial Highness be pleased to visit the theatre or the Opera if the King approves?" The King did approve, and the Crown Princess of Saxony is once more permitted the privilege of _Frau_ Schmidt and _Frau_ Mueller; namely, to go to the theatre when she feels like it. [Illustration: THE LATE KING GEORGE OF SAXONY Louise's Father-in-Law] CHAPTER LV FRANCIS JOSEPH JOINS MY SAXON ENEMIES