The hall was empty, and the rooms were closed.

The prince passed on to the opposite end, where there was a door open, and stood upon a balcony, with steps descending into the garden, which, with its flower-beds, grass-plots, shrubbery, and the tall trees, formed a lovely background.

The birds were singing, the trees rustled, and variegated butterflies fluttered over the odorous flowers.

Upon the turf, forming a beautiful group, was Wilhelmine playing with her daughter, and the nurse with the little boy upon her lap, who laughingly stretched out his arms toward his mother.
"Wilhelmine--Wilhelmine!" cried the prince.
With a cry of joy she answered, and flew toward the house.

"You have come at last, my beloved lord," she cried, almost breathless, mounting the steps.