I had scarcely taken my accustomed low seat at her side, when, opening a casket which stood on the table near her, she took out a diamond tiara, and, placing it in my hair, pointed to the glass. 'Ah, my child!' she exclaimed, 'you well become your future crown!' and, without waiting for my reply, she informed me that my father's negotiations for my marriage had been completely successful, and that the King of Poland had demanded my hand.