The Emperor laughed heartily, and went forward more quickly.
“As the Countess has fared with her admirers, so should I fare if I should attempt to see how true are the vows of certain people who declare that they are devoted to me, not attracted by the glory of my crowns, but for my principles,” the Emperor quickly added. “I should really like to imitate for once the example of Maria Felicia, in order to get rid of awkward and intruding flatterers. At first I wanted to know Miss Felsenburk because she was your daughter; but now she herself interests me, and I insist on your introducing her, even though she may not succeed in making the three bows that etiquette now prescribes for such occasions, since I have forbidden kneeling before my mother and myself. Continue, dear Count; your narration interested me very much. I can see the long faces of the embarrassed admirers.”
“I should abuse your patience if I were to describe all the extremes in which she de-
