Frederick waited some time, then entered the room, which seemed to him to resound with the sighs and prayers of Barbarina.  It brought back the memory of joys that were past, and it appeared to him even as the death-chamber of his hopes and happiness.  He stepped hastily through the room and bolted the door through which Barbarina had gone out.  He wished to be alone.  No one should share his solitude—­ no one should breathe this air, still perfumed by the sighs of Barbarina.  King Frederick looked slowly and sadly around him, then hastened to the door before which Barbarina had knelt.  An embroidered handkerchief lay upon the floor.  The king raised it; it was wet with tears, and warm and fragrant from contact with her soft, fine hand.  He pressed it to his lips and to his burning eyes; then murmured, lightly, “Farewell! a last, long farewell to happiness!”

CHAPTER XV.

The last struggle for power.

Restless and anxious the two cavaliers of the king paced the anteroom, turning their eyes constantly toward the door which led into the king’s study, and which had not been opened since yesterday morning.  For twenty-four hours the king had not left his room.  In vain had General Rothenberg and Duke Algarotti prayed for admittance.

The king had not even replied to them; he had, however, called Fredersdorf, and commanded him sternly to admit no one, and not to return himself unless summoned.  The king would take no refreshment, would undress himself, required no assistance, and must not be disturbed in the important work which now occupied him.

This strict seclusion and unaccustomed silence made the king’s friends and servants very anxious.  With oppressed hearts they stood before the door and listened to every sound from the room.  During many hours they heard the regular step of the king as he walked backward and forward; sometimes he uttered a hasty word, then sighed wearily, and nothing more.

Night came upon them.  Pale with alarm, Rothenberg asked Algarotti if it was not their duty to force the door and ascertain the condition of his majesty.

“Beware how you take that rash step!” said Fredersdorf, shaking his head.  “The king’s commands were imperative; he will be alone and undisturbed.”

“Have you no suspicion of the cause of his majesty’s distress?” asked Algarotti.

“For some days past the king has been grave and out of humor,” replied Fredersdorf.  “I am inclined to the opinion that his majesty has been angered and wounded by some dear friend.”

General Rothenberg bent over and whispered to Algarotti:  “Barbarina has wounded him; for some time past she has been sullen and imperious.  These haughty and powerful natures have been carrying on an invisible war with each other; they both contend for sovereignty.”

“If this is so, I predict confidently that the beautiful Barbarina will be conquered,” said Algarotti.  “Mankind will always be conquered by Frederick the king, and must submit to him.  So soon as Frederick the Great recognizes the fact that the man in him is subjected by the enchanting Barbarina, like Alexander the Great, he will cut the gordian knot, and release himself from even the soft bondage of love.”