* * * * * _Afternoon._ Frederick Augustus hasn't said a word to me about the affair with Richard. We have our meals together and his attitude in no wise differs from that usually maintained. Yet I am convinced he knows. The last service rendered me by Lucretia, gave me great relief. She found out that neither the Tisch, nor Frederick Augustus, nor the King know who "Richard" is. Fortunately his letter was typewritten, signature and all. * * * * * _Six o'clock._ The King announced his visit for eight o'clock. * * * * * _Nine o'clock._ The King had a fall in his apartments shortly after he sent me notice of his coming. He was unconscious for two hours. Safe for the time being! CHAPTER LXII KING'S ILLNESS A BOON TO LOVERS Prayers mixed with joy--Espionage disorganized, and I can do as I please--Love-making in the school-room--Buying a ring for Richard--"Wishing it on"--"Our marriage"--King's life despaired of--My tormentors obsequious--Smile at my peccadilloes--Husband proud of me--My popularity a great asset--Frederick Augustus delighted when he hears that King can't last long--The joyous luncheon at Richard's studio--Making fun of majesties--I expect to be Queen presently. DRESDEN, _October 22, 1902_. He is dangerously ill. It may be weeks and months before the King recovers--if he recovers at all. I feel like praying, crying, shouting with joy. When Richard folded his arms about me this afternoon, I said to myself: "God doesn't begrudge me a lover as kind and good as Richard." The King's illness has disorganized the espionage, my coming and going are no longer controlled. The body-groom brings in my letters as delivered at the gate. In the school room, while the children are writing or studying, Richard and I find time to exchange kind words and even an occasional caress. When I "command" the tutor to my apartments, we need fear no surprise. The utmost quiet prevails in the palace. The courtyard is sanded foot high and strewn with straw to deaden the sound of wheels and horses' hoofs. No more mounting of the guard with fife and drum. I suggested that the children be sent to the _Grosser Garten_ to play. The Tisch agreed with enthusiasm. This yields us--Richard and myself--two hours of love-making. * * * * * DRESDEN, _October 25, 1902_. The King continues ill. I went into a cheap jeweler's this afternoon and bought an inexpensive ring with a ruby no larger than a pin head. When I gave it to Richard, he grew red with joy. Strange, he bought a similar ring for me. I shall never wear another ring in my life but Richard's. I pulled my rings off one after the other and threw them on the bed.