"I have ordered them to the court, and as soon as it is dark we will mount them." "What! is it not best that we should mount before my door and ride openly away ?" said the prince, wonderingly.
"It is my opinion that is the best plan," cried Baron Kaphengst, laughing gayly.

"Every one will believe your highness to be simply taking a ride, while curiosity would be raised if we left the city on foot." "I think leaving in the dark, and on foot, looks as if I were afraid," said the prince, thoughtfully.
"Secrecy is good for priests and old women, but not for us," cried Kaphengst.
"Secrecy suits all who wish to do wrong," said Kalkreuth, earnestly.
The prince glanced hastily at him.

"You believe, then, we are about to do wrong ?" "I dare not speak of your highness, but we two are certainly doing wrong; we are about to commit an act of insubordination.

But still, my prince, I am ready to do so, as your highness wishes us to accompany you." The prince did not answer, but stepped to the window, and looked out thoughtfully and silently.

In a few moments he returned, looking calm and resolute.
"Kalkreuth is right--we were going to do wrong, and we must avoid it.
I shall write to the king, and ask leave for you and myself to go to Berlin." "That is, unfortunately, impossible," said a sweet voice behind him, and as the prince turned he saw the smiling face of Pollnitz.