She had heard that the King was leaving Strelsau on a hunting expedition.
"I regret that we cannot amuse your Majesty here in Strelsau," she said, tapping her foot lightly on the floor.

"I would have offered you more entertainment, but I was foolish enough to think--" "Well, what ?" I asked, leaning over her.
"That just for a day or two after--after last night--you might be happy without much gaiety;" and she turned pettishly from me, as she added, "I hope the boars will be more engrossing." "I'm going after a very big boar," said I; and, because I could not help it, I began to play with her hair, but she moved her head away.
"Are you offended with me ?" I asked, in feigned surprise, for I could not resist tormenting her a little.

I had never seen her angry, and every fresh aspect of her was a delight to me.
"What right have I to be offended?
True, you said last night that every hour away from me was wasted.

But a very big boar! that's a different thing." "Perhaps the boar will hunt me," I suggested.

"Perhaps, Flavia, he'll catch me." She made no answer.
"You are not touched even by that danger ?" Still she said nothing; and I, stealing round, found her eyes full of tears.
"You weep for my danger ?" Then she spoke very low: "This is like what you used to be; but not like the King--the King I--I have come to love!" With a sudden great groan, I caught her to my heart.
"My darling!" I cried, forgetting everything but her, "did you dream that I left you to go hunting ?" "What then, Rudolf?
Ah! you're not going-- ?" "Well, it is hunting.