In her imagination she saw herself in this room surrounded with splendor and magnificence, and sparkling with gems.

She saw around her elegantly-attired ladies and gentlemen, in brilliant uniforms, glittering with orders; saw every-where smiling faces, and respectful manners.

She saw all eyes turned to her, and heard only flattering words, which resounded for her from every lip--for her, once so despised and scorned! "It shall be, yes, it shall be," cried she aloud.

"I will be the queen of my king! I will become the Prussian Marquise de Pompadour; that I swear by the heads of my children, by--" "Rather swear by thy own beautiful head, Wilhelmine," said a voice behind her.

Startled, she turned, and beheld the tall figure of a man, wrapped in a long cloak, who stood in the open door.
"Who are you ?" she cried, amazed.