Count Brühl

n the castle, preparations were in progress at

numberless artistes in gorgeous oriental costumes, and the fairy-like effects produced by elaborate ma

ing of the word, on the stage, behind the scenes, and beyond. Signora Bordoni, although married to the great composer, Johanet Hass

ong neared the castle Faustina was sitting in the small drawing-room arranged fo

blossoms and withers quickly, she preserved her voice, the charm of her figure,

ic, with the form of a statue, as though made from

nd feet of a princess, abundant black hair like the mane of an Arabian horse. In her face, notwithstanding the classical beauty of her features, there was more strength th

mmand, to receive homage, fearing nought, darin

dressing-table, covered with lace, was loaded with silver and china. The wardrobes for her dresses we

men, for they had not given up their national coifure. Faustina glanced at the clock, threw herself on th

ants wer

e, but glancing towards a good-looking young man wh

he was the embodiment of almost womanly charm. Young, remarkably handsome, with long black hair falling over his shoulders, he seemed to be born for the r?le

Faustina, who ha

n women--you will lose your voice. Fie! How you can see a

is chest and looking into a mirror, for he wa

excuse,' said Faustina laugh

Italian sky, Italian faces, and the hea

and made a sign to the s

she. 'We all pet you,

he ceiling taking no notice o

zi come?'

n't k

ish to know a

care ab

er jealous of her nor your Apollo-like beau

y n

oll. Look at the clo

ppeared in the doorway; i

d he. 'But perchance I in

Faustina laughed and s

tage,' said she. 'You are al

elo moved towards the door; Puttin

ready, I shal

n dressed in black; his round face, with s

n continual dread

in, help!

e? Wh

Klein, a member of the orchestra, Faustina's great admire

Faustina changed it into Gio

? What is the matter

ing Augustus the Str

he actors began to crowd in. The great majority of them were already half dressed for the performance of 'Cleophila.' Abbuzzi

austina exclaiming in all possible voices: 'Il re è morto!' Their faces expressed more fear than sorrow. Faustina alone was silen

nded throughout

mance to-night, go home!

frightened, they stood as t

'We have nothing to do here; w

gone, Abbuzzi also disappeared, and Faustina lay on the sofa n

ghed s

It's

the German,

e, Faustina

about? About a new Requ

mass: Sulla morte d'un eroe, which I composed some time ago, would be suitable f

ecome of us now?

lo

e walked to and fro, then s

anyone who could be put in my place, not even such a one a

's voice is like a candle that burns bri

he thoughtful German, 'you

us, modest, ruled-by

e la

la musica, e fanati

t make him so.' A bright idea flashed through her brain, 'Poor old Augustus is dead,' said s

ugged his

per, 'but history will not be indulgent to him. He was a magnificent

xony be more happy, more brilliant, more favour

miled p

but the whole country paid for those diamonds with tears. Joy and singing resounded through Dresden, moani

to her feet, s

say anything against him; your

bed by the music, I loved the beautiful Faustina for her voi

Watzdorf, the same who had called Brühl to the Prince. His figure and movements resembled those of the bandit of the fancy dress ball. For a courti

smiling to Faustina, 'that you ha

i by the sound of the bells,' rep

or wedding; you might even suppose that a prince

g,' Faust

resses, scattered millions, drank rivers of wine, wore out plenty of horses' shoe

rrupt the speaker; Ha

ppen next?' a

uarini, Padre Salerno, Padre Toyler and Padre Kopper. Faustina shall sing as she used to sing before; Hasse shall compose operas a

and said in

e listening at the door. It is dangerous

hrugged hi

rch last year?' asked

Wait--well--I

t Square where the drama entitle

f said

man whom they put in the pillory surrounded by the crowd. The executioner broke a sword over his head, gave him two slaps on the fa

onically, 'but I pity more the man who a

Faustina triumpha

d rule over him as you ruled over the deceased. And I can tell you that it will be an easier task. Augustus the Strong was a great seduc

d and con

sten to get my mourning suit ready for to-morrow. I must show my

To-morrow he ascends the throne, and to-morrow also Brühl will either return to Thuringia or accept the position

tzdorf suddenly covered

llowed? I am

' said she, coming near him, 'yo

a finger

than to remain an honest man, and should they put me in K?nigstein

et,' said Hasse clasping his hand. 'T

ad my thoughts among people,' answered Watzdorf a

disap

stein, or if there should be no room for him

asse