"What do you want, Muller?
What do you poke your stupid face in here for ?" said the king.
"Pardon me, your majesty," replied the footman, "the Baron von Arnim begs for an audience." "Bid him enter," commanded the king, sinking back in his old, faded velvet arm-chair.

Resting his chin upon his staff, he signed to the baron, who stood bowing upon the threshold, to approach.

"Well, Arnim, what is the matter?
What papers have you there ?" "Sire," answered Baron von Arnim, "the contract of the French actors, which needs renewing, I have to lay before your majesty; also a paper, received yesterday, from Madame Mara; still another from the singer Conciliani, and a petition from four persons from the opera." "What stupid stuff!" growled the king, at the same time bestowing a caress upon Alkmene.

"Commence with your report.

Let us hear what those singers are now asking for." "The singer Conciliani has addressed a heart-breaking letter to your majesty, and prays for an increase of salary--that it is impossible for him to live upon three thousand dollars." "Ah! that is what is wanted ?" cried the king, furious, and striking his staff upon the floor.