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@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4067 *** + + + + FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT An Historical Romance @@ -15046,4 +15051,7 @@ satisfactorily." "FREDERICK II." -THE END.
\ No newline at end of file +THE END. + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4067 *** diff --git a/4067-h/4067-h.htm b/4067-h/4067-h.htm index 736a292..eb9ec3b 100644 --- a/4067-h/4067-h.htm +++ b/4067-h/4067-h.htm @@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ P.finis { font-size: larger ; </head> <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4067 ***</div> <H1 ALIGN="center"> FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT @@ -20591,6 +20592,6 @@ satisfactorily." "FREDERICK II." THE END. </P> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 4067 ***</div> </body> - </html> diff --git a/old/frdrc10.txt b/old/frdrc10.txt deleted file mode 100644 index dca7093..0000000 --- a/old/frdrc10.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,15934 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg Etext of Frederick the Great and His Court -by L. 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If you - don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are - payable to "Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation" - the 60 days following each date you prepare (or were - legally required to prepare) your annual (or equivalent - periodic) tax return. Please contact us beforehand to - let us know your plans and to work out the details. - -WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? -Project Gutenberg is dedicated to increasing the number of -public domain and licensed works that can be freely distributed -in machine readable form. - -The Project gratefully accepts contributions of money, time, -public domain materials, or royalty free copyright licenses. -Money should be paid to the: -"Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -If you are interested in contributing scanning equipment or -software or other items, please contact Michael Hart at: -hart@pobox.com - -[Portions of this header are copyright (C) 2001 by Michael S. Hart -and may be reprinted only when these Etexts are free of all fees.] -[Project Gutenberg is a TradeMark and may not be used in any sales -of Project Gutenberg Etexts or other materials be they hardware or -software or any other related product without express permission.] - -*END THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.07/27/01*END* - - - - - - - - - - - -Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - - - - - -FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT - -An Historical Romance - -BY - -L. MUHLBACH - -AUTHOR OF JOSEPH II. AND HIS COURT - - - -TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY - -MRS. CHAPMAN COLEMAN AND HER DAUGHTERS - - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -BOOK I. - -CHAPTER - - I. The Queen Sophia Dorothea, - II. Frederick William I., - III. The Tobacco Club, - IV. Air-Castles, - V. Father and Son, - VI. The White Saloon, - VII. The Maid of Honor and the Gardener, - VIII. Von Manteuffel, the Diplomat, - IX. Frederick, the Prince Royal, - X. The Prince Royal and the Jew, - XI. The Princess Royal Elizabeth Christine, - XII. The Poem, - XIII. The Banquet, - XIV. Le Roi est Mort. Vive le Roi! - XV. We are King, - XVI. Royal Grace and Royal Displeasure, - - - BOOK II. - - I. The Garden of Monbijou, - II. The Queen's Maid of Honor. - III. Prince Augustus William, - IV. The King and the Son, - V. The Queen's Tailor, - VI. The Illustrious Ancestors of a Tailor, - VII. Soffri e Taci, - VIII. The Coronation, - IX. Dorris Ritter, - X. Old and New Sufferings, - XI. The Proposal of Marriage, - XII. The Queen as a Matrimonial Agent, - XIII. Proposal of Marriage, - XIV. The Misunderstanding, - XV. Soiree of the Queen Dowager, - XVI. Under the Lindens, - XVII. The Politician and the French Tailor, -XVIII. The Double Rendezvous, - - - BOOK III. - - I. The Intriguing Courtiers, - II. The King and the Secretary of the Treasury, - III. The Undeceived Courtier, - IV. The Bridal Pair, - V. The French and German Tailors, or the Montagues and - Capulets of Berlin, - VI. In Rheinsberg, - VII. The King and his Friend, - VIII. The Farewell Audience of Marquis von Botta, the Austrian - Ambassador, - IX. The Masquerade, - X. The Maskers, - XI. Reward and Punishment, - XII. The Return, - XIII. The Death of the Old Time, - XIV. The Discovery, - XV. The Countermine, - XVI. The Surprise, - XVII. The Resignation of Baron von Pollnitz, - - - - - -FREDERICK THE GREAT AND HIS COURT. - - - -BOOK I. - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE QUEEN SOPHIA DOROTHEA. - - -The palace glittered with light and splendor; the servants ran here -and there, arranging the sofas and chairs; the court gardener cast a -searching glance at the groups of flowers which he had placed in the -saloons; and the major domo superintended the tables in the picture -gallery. The guests of the queen will enjoy to-night a rich and -costly feast. Every thing wore the gay and festive appearance which, -in the good old times, the king's palace in Berlin had been wont to -exhibit. Jesting and merrymaking were the order of the day, and even -the busy servants were good-humored and smiling, knowing that this -evening there was no danger of blows and kicks, of fierce threats -and trembling terror. Happily the king could not appear at this -ball, which he had commanded Sophia to give to the court and -nobility of Berlin. - -The king was ill, the gout chained him to his chamber, and during -the last few sleepless nights a presentiment weighed upon the spirit -of the ruler of Prussia. He felt that the reign of Frederick the -First would soon be at an end; that the doors of his royal vault -would soon open to receive a kingly corpse, and a new king would -mount the throne of Prussia. - -This last thought filled the heart of the king with rage and -bitterness. Frederick William would not die! he would not that his -son should reign in his stead; that this weak, riotous youth, this -dreamer, surrounded in Rheinsberg with poets and musicians, sowing -flowers and composing ballads, should take the place which Frederick -the First had filled so many years with glory and great results. - -Prussia had no need of this sentimental boy, this hero of fashion, -who adorned himself like a French fop, and preferred the life of a -sybarite, in his romantic castle, to the battle-field and the night- -parade; who found the tones of his flute sweeter than the sounds of -trumpets and drums; who declared that there were not only kings by -"the grace of God, but kings by the power of genius and intellect, -and that Voltaire was as great a king--yes, greater than all the -kings anointed by the Pope!" What use has Prussia for such a -sovereign? No, Frederick William would not, could not die! His son -should not reign in Prussia, destroying what his father had built -up! Never should Prussia fall into the hands of a dreaming poet! The -king was resolved, therefore, that no one should know he was ill; no -one should believe that he had any disease but gout; this was -insignificant, never fatal. A man can live to be eighty years old -with the gout; it is like a faithful wife, who lives with us even to -old age, and with whom we can celebrate a golden wedding. The king -confessed to himself that he was once more clasped in her tender -embraces, but the people and the prince should not hope that his -life was threatened. - -For this reason should Sophia give a ball, and the world should see -that the queen and her daughters were gay and happy. - -The queen was indeed really gay to-day; she was free. It seemed as -if the chains which bound her bad fallen apart, and the yoke to -which she had bowed her royal neck was removed. To-day she was at -liberty to raise her head proudly, like a queen, to adorn herself -with royal apparel. Away, for to-day at least, with sober robes and -simple coiffure. The king was fastened to his arm-chair, and Sophia -dared once more to make a glittering and queenly toilet. With a -smile of proud satisfaction, she arrayed herself in a silken robe, -embroidered in silver, which she had secretly ordered for the ball -from her native Hanover. Her eyes beamed with joy, as she at last -opened the silver-bound casket, and released from their imprisonment -for a few hours these costly brilliants, which for many years had -not seen the light. With a smiling glance her eyes rested upon the -glittering stones, which sparkled and flamed like falling stars, and -her heart beat high with delight. For a queen is still a woman, and -Sophia Dorothea had so often suffered the pains and sorrows of -woman, that she longed once more to experience the proud happiness -of a queen. She resolved to wear all her jewels; fastened, herself, -the sparkling diadem upon her brow, clasped upon her neck and arms -the splendid brilliants, and adorned her ears with the long -pendants; then stepping to the Venetian mirror, she examined herself -critically. Yes, Sophia had reason to be pleased; hers was a queenly -toilet. She looked in the glass, and thought on bygone days, on -buried hopes and vanished dreams. These diamonds her exalted father -had given when she was betrothed to Frederick William. This diadem -had adorned her brow when she married. The necklace her brother had -sent at the birth of her first child; the bracelet her husband had -clasped upon her arm when at last, after long waiting, and many -prayers, Prince Frederick was born. Each of these jewels was a proud -memento of the past, a star of her youth. Alas, the diamonds had -retained their brilliancy; they were still stars, but all else was -vanished or dead--her youth and her dreams, her hopes and her love! -Sophia had so often trembled before her husband, that she no longer -loved him. With her, "perfect love had not cast out fear." Fear had -extinguished love. How could she love a man who had been only a -tyrant and a despot to her and to her children? who had broken their -wills, cut off their hopes, and trodden under foot, not only the -queen, but the mother? As Sophia looked at the superb bracelet, the -same age of her darling, she thought how unlike the glitter and -splendor of these gems his life had been; how dark and sad his -youth; how colorless and full of tears. She kissed the bracelet, and -wafted her greeting to her absent son. Suddenly the door opened, and -the Princesses Ulrica and Amelia entered. - -The queen turned to them, and the sad expression vanished from her -features as her eyes rested upon the lovely and loving faces of her -daughters. - -"Oh, how splendid you look, gracious mamma!" exclaimed the Princess -Amelia, as she danced gayly around her mother. "Heaven with all its -stars has fallen around you, but your sweet face shines out amongst -them like the sun in his glory." - -"Flatterer," said the queen, "if your father heard you, he would -scold fearfully. If you compare me to the sun, how can you describe -him?" - -"Well, he is Phoebus, who harnesses the sun and points out his -path." - -"True, indeed." said the queen, "he appoints his path. Poor sun!-- -poor queen!--she has not the right to send one ray where she will!" - -"Who, notwithstanding, assumes the right, gracious mamma," said -Amelia, smiling, and pointing to the diadem, "for I imagine that our -most royal king and father has not commanded you to appear in those -splendid jewels." - -"Commanded," said the queen, trembling; "if he could see me he would -expire with rage and scorn. You know he despises expense and -ornament." - -"He would immediately calculate," said Amelia, "that he could build -an entire street with this diadem, and that at least ten giants -could be purchased for the Guard with this necklace." She turned to -her sister, who had withdrawn, and said: - -"Ulrica, you say nothing. Has the splendor of our mother bewildered -you? Have you lost your speech, or are you thinking whom you will -command to dance with you at the ball this evening?" - -"Not so," replied the little Ulrica, "I was thinking that when I am -to be a queen, I will make it a condition with my husband that I -shall be entirely free to choose my toilet, and I will never be -forbidden to wear diamonds! When I am a queen I will wear diamonds -every day; they belong to majesty, and our royal mother was never -more a queen than to-day!" - -"Listen," said Amelia, "to this proud and all-conquering little -princess, who speaks of being a queen, as if it were all arranged, -and not a doubt remained; know you that the king, our father, -intends you for a queen? Perhaps he has already selected you for a -little margrave, or some unknown and salaried prince, such as our -poor sister of Bairout has wedded." - -"I would not give my hand to such a one!" said the princess, -hastily. - -"You would be forced to yield, if your father commanded it," said -the queen. - -"No," said Ulrica, "I would rather die!" - -"DIE!" said Sophia; "man sighs often for Death, but he comes not; -our sighs have not the power to bring him, and our hands are too -weak to clasp him to our hearts! No, Ulrica, you must bow your will -to your father, as we have all done--as even the prince, your -brother, was forced to do." - -"Poor brother," said Amelia, "bound to a wife whom he loves not--how -wretched he must be!" - -Ulrica shrugged her shoulders. "Is not that the fate of all princes -and princesses; are we not all born to be handled like a piece of -goods, and knocked down to the highest bidder? I, for my part, will -sell myself as dearly as possible; and, as I cannot be a happy -shepherdess, I will be a powerful queen." - -"And I," said Amelia, "would rather wed the poorest and most obscure -man, if I loved him, than the richest and greatest king's son, to -whom I was indifferent." - -"Foolish children," said the queen, "it is well for you that your -father does not hear you; he would crush you in his rage, and even -to-day he would choose a king for you, Amelia; and for you, little -Ulrica, he would seek a small margrave! Hark, ladies! I hear the -voice of the major domo; he comes to announce that the guests are -assembled. Put on a cheerful countenance. The king commands us to be -joyous and merry! but remember that Frederick has his spies -everywhere. When you speak with Pollnitz, never forget that he -repeats every word to your father; be friendly with him; and above -all things when he leads the conversation to the prince royal, speak -of him with the most unembarrassed indifference; show as little -interest and love for him as possible, and rather ridicule his -romantic life in Rheinsberg. That is the way to the heart of the -king; and now, my daughters, come." - -At this moment the grand chamberlain, Pollnitz, threw open the doors -and announced that the company was assembled. The queen and -princesses followed the master of ceremonies through the room, -giving here and there a smile or a gracious word, which seemed a -shower of gold to the obsequious, admiring crowd of courtiers. Pride -swelled the heart of Sophia, as she stepped, to the sound of soft -music, into the throne saloon, and saw all those cavaliers, covered -with stars and orders--all those beautiful and richly-dressed women -bowing humbly before her. She knew that her will was more powerful -than the will of all assembled there; that her smiles were more -dearly prized than those of the most-beloved bride; that her glance -gave warmth and gladness like the sun. While all bowed before her, -there was no one to whom she must bend the knee. The king was not -near to-night; she was not bound by his presence and his rude -violence. To-night she was no trembling, subjected wife, but a proud -queen; while Frederick was a poor, gouty, trembling, teeth-gnashing -man--nothing more. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -FREDERICK WILLIAM I. - - -Mirth and gayety reigned in one wing of the palace, while in the -other, and that occupied by the king himself, all was silent and -solitary; in one might be heard joyous strains of music, in the -other no sound reached the air but a monotonous hammering, which -seemed to come immediately from the room of the king. - -Frederick William, when in health, had accustomed himself to use his -crutch as a rod of correction; he would shower down his blows, -careless whether they fell on the backs of his lacqueys, his -ministers of State, or his wife. When ill, he was contented to vent -his wrath upon more senseless objects, and to flourish a hammer -instead of his crutch. Under the influence of the gout, this proud -and haughty monarch became an humble carpenter; when chained to one -spot by his disease, and unable to direct the affairs of State, he -attempted to banish thought and suffering, by working with his -tools. Often in passing near the palace at a late hour of the night, -you might hear the heavy blows of a hammer, and consider them a -bulletin of the king's health. If he worked at night, the good -people of Berlin knew their king to be sleepless and suffering, and -that it would be dangerous to meet him in his walk on the following -day, for some thoughtless word, or careless look, or even the cut of -a coat, would bring down on the offender a stinging blow or a severe -reprimand. Only a few days had passed since the king had caused the -arrest of two young ladies, and sent them to the fortress of -Spandau, because, in walking through the park at Schonhausen, he -overheard them declare the royal garden to be "charmant! charmant!" -One French word was sufficient to condemn these young girls in the -eyes of the king; and it was only after long pleading that they were -released from confinement. The men were fearful of being seized by -the king, and held as recruits for some regiment; and the youths -trembled if they were caught lounging about the streets. As soon, -therefore, as the king left the proud castle of his ancestors, all -who could fled from the streets into some house or by-way, that they -might avoid him. - -But now they had nothing to fear. His queen dared to wear her -jewels; his subjects walked unmolested through the streets, for the -king was suffering, chained to his chair, and occupying himself with -his tools. This employment had a beneficial effect: it not only -caused the king to forgot his sufferings, but was often the means of -relief. The constant and rapid motion of his hands and arms imparted -a salutary warmth to his whole body, excited a gentle perspiration, -which quieted his nervous system, and soothed him in some of his -most fearful attacks. - -To-day the king was once more freed from his enemy, the gout; this -evil spirit had been exorcised by honest labor, and its victim could -hope for a few painless hours. - -The king raised himself from his chair, and with a loud cry of -delight extended his arms, as if he would gladly embrace the -universe. He commanded the servant, who was waiting in the adjoining -room, to call together the gentlemen who composed the Tobacco Club, -and to arrange every thing for a meeting of that august body. - -"But those gentlemen are at the queen's ball," said the astonished -servant. - -"Go there for them, then," said the king; "happily there are no -dancers among them; their limbs are stiff, and the ladies would be -alarmed at their capers if they attempted to dance. Bring them -quickly. Pollnitz must come, and Eckert, and Baron von Goltz, and -Hacke, the Duke of Holstein, and General Schwerin. Quick, quick! In -ten minutes they must all be here, but let no one know why he is -sent for. Whisper to each one that he must come to me, and that he -must tell no one where he is going. I will not have the queen's ball -disturbed. Quick, now, and if these gentlemen are not all here in -ten minutes, I will give a ball upon your back, and your own howls -will be the most appropriate music." - -This was a threat which lent wings to the feet of the servant, who -flew like a whirlwind through the halls, ordered, with breathless -haste, two servants to carry the tobacco, the pipes, and the beer- -mugs into the king's chamber, and then hurried to the other wing of -the palace, where the ball of the queen was held. - -Fortune favored the poor servant. In ten minutes the six gentlemen -stood in the king's ante-room, asking each other, with pale faces, -what could be the occasion of this singular and unexpected summons. - -The servant shrugged his shoulders, and silently entered the king's -room. His majesty, dressed in the full uniform of his beloved Guard, -sat at the round table, on which the pipes, and the mugs, filled -with foaming beer, were already placed. He had condescended to fill -a pipe with his own hands, and was on the point of lighting it at -the smoking tallow candle which stood near him. - -"Sire," said the servant, "the gentlemen are waiting in the next -room." - -"Do they know why I have sent for them?" said the king, blowing a -cloud of smoke from his mouth. - -"Your majesty forbade me to tell them." - -"Well, go now, and tell them I am more furiously angry to-day than -you have ever seen me; that I am standing by the door with my -crutch, and I command them to come singly into my presence." - -The servant hurried out to the gentlemen, who, as the door was -opened, perceived the king standing in a threatening attitude near -the door, with his crutch raised in his hand. - -"What is the matter? Why is the king so furious? What orders do you -bring us from his majesty?" asked the gentlemen anxiously and -hurriedly. - -The servant assumed a terrified expression, and said: - -"His majesty is outrageous to-day. Woe unto him over whom the cloud -bursts. He commanded me to say that each of you must enter the room -alone. Go now, for Heaven's sake, and do not keep the king waiting!" - -The gentlemen glanced into each other's pale and hesitating -countenances. They had all seen the threatening appearance of the -king, as he stood by the door with his raised crutch, and no one -wished to be the first to pass under the yoke. - -"Your grace has the precedence," said the grand chamberlain, bowing -to the Duke of Holstein. - -"No," he replied, "you are well aware his majesty does not regard -etiquette, and would be most indignant if we paid any attention to -it. Go first yourself, my dear friend." - -"Not I, your grace, I would not dare to take precedence of you all. -If you decline the honor, it is due to General Schwerin. He should -lead on the battle." - -"There is no question of a battle," said General Schwerin, "but a -most probable beating, and Baron von Pollnitz understands that -better than I do." - -"Gentlemen," said the servant, "his majesty will become impatient, -and then woe unto all of us." - -"But, my God," said Count von Goltz, "who will dare go forward?" - -"I will," said Councillor Eckert; "I owe every thing to his majesty, -therefore I will place my back or even my life at his service." - -He approached the door with a firm step, and opened it quickly. - -The others saw the flashing eyes of the king, as he raised his stick -still higher. They saw Eckert enter, with his head bowed down and -then the door was closed, and nothing more was heard. - -"Against which of us is the anger of the king directed?" faltered -Pollnitz. - -"Against one and all," said the servant, with a most malicious -expression. - -"Who will go now?" the gentlemen asked each other, and, after a long -struggle, the grand chamberlain, Von Pollnitz, concluded to take the -bitter step. Once more, as the door opened, the king was seen -waiting, crutch in hand, but the door closed, and nothing more was -seen. Four times was this scene repeated; four times was the king -seen in this threatening attitude. But as General Schwerin, the last -of the six gentlemen, entered the room, the king no longer stood -near the door, but lay in his armchair, laughing until the tears -stood in his eyes, and Baron von Pollnitz stood before him, giving a -most humorous account of the scene which had just taken place in the -ante-room, imitating the voices of the different gentlemen, and -relating their conversation. - -"You all believed in my rage," said the king, almost breathless with -laughing. "The joke succeeded to perfection. Yours, also, Schwerin. -Do you at last know what it is to be afraid, you who never -experienced the feeling on the field of battle?" - -"Yes, sire, a shot is a small thing in comparison with the flashing -of your eye. When the cannon thunders my heart is joyful, but it is -very heavy under the thunder of your voice. I do not fear death, but -I do fear the anger and displeasure of my sovereign." - -"Oh, you are a brave fellow," said the king, warmly giving the -general his hand. "And now, gentlemen, away with all constraint and -etiquette. We will suppose the king to be at the ball. I am only -your companion, Frederick William, and will now proceed to the -opening of the Tobacco Club." - -He once more lighted his pipe, and threw himself into one of the -chairs, which were placed round the table; the other gentlemen -followed his example, and the Tobacco Club was now in session. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE TOBACCO CLUB. - - -There was a short interval of silence. Each one busied himself with -pipe and tobacco. The dense clouds of smoke which rolled from the -lips of all had soon enveloped the room with a veil of bluish vapor, -from the midst of which the tallow candle emitted a faint, sickly -light. - -The king ordered the man in waiting to light several additional -candles. "To-day our Tobacco Club must also present a festive -appearance, that the contrast between it and the ball may not be too -great. Tell me, Pollnitz, how are matters progressing over there? Is -the assemblage a handsome one? Are they enjoying themselves? Is the -queen gay? and the princesses, are they dancing merrily?" - -"Sire," said Pollnitz, "a more magnificent festival than to-day's I -have never witnessed. Her majesty was never more beautiful, more -radiant, or gayer than today. She shone like a sun in the midst of -the handsomely dressed and adorned ladies of the court." - -"Indeed! she was then magnificently attired?" said the king, and his -countenance darkened. - -"Sire, I had no idea the queen possessed so princely a treasure in -jewels." - -"She has put on her jewels, then, has she? It seems they are taking -advantage of my absence. They are merry and of good cheer, while I -am writhing on a bed of pain," exclaimed the king, who, in his -easily excited irritability, never once remembered that he himself -had appointed this festival, and had demanded of his wife that she -should lay aside care, and be cheerful and happy. - -"Happily, however, your majesty is not ill, and not on a bed of -pain. The queen has, therefore, good reason to be happy." - -The king made no reply, but raised his mug to his lips, and took a -long draught of beer, and let fall its lid with an angry movement. - -"I should not be surprised if Frederick had clandestinely come over -to this ball," murmured the king. "They dare any thing when not -apprehensive of my taking them by surprise." - -"But taking by surprise is your majesty's forte," exclaimed Count -Hacke, endeavoring to give the conversation another direction. -"Never before in my life did I feel my heart beat as it did when I -crossed the threshold of this chamber to-day." - -The king, who was easily soothed, laughed heartily. "And never -before did I see such pale faces as yours. Really, if the gout had -not made my fingers so stiff and unwieldy, I would paint you a -picture of this scene that would make a magnificent counterpart to -my representation of the Tobacco Club, and I would call it 'The Six -Tailor Apprentices who are afraid of Blue Monday.' See! we will now -devote ourselves to poetry and the arts, and our learned and -fantastic son will soon have no advantage over us whatever. If he -plays the flute, we paint. While he writes sentimental, we will -write satirical poems; and while he sings to sun, moon, and stars, -we will do as the gods, and, like Jupiter, envelop ourselves in a -cloud. Let it be well understood, however, not for the purpose of -deluding a Semele or any other woman, at all times, and in all -circumstances, we have been true to our wives, and in this -particular the prince royal might well take his father as an -example." - -"Sire, he could do that in all things," exclaimed Count von Goltz, -blowing a cloud of smoke from his lips. - -"He thinks at some future day to govern the kingdom with his book- -learning and his poems," said the king, laughing. "Instead of -occupying himself with useful things, drilling recruits, drawing -plans, and studying the art of war, he devotes his time to the -acquirement of useless and superficial knowledge, which benefits no -one, and is most injurious to himself. A dreaming scholar can never -be a good king; and he who, instead of sword and sceptre, wields the -pen and fiddle-bow, will never be a good general." "Nevertheless, -no regiment made a finer appearance, or was better drilled, at the -last review, than that of the prince royal," said the Duke of -Holstein. - -The king cast a distrustful look at him, and muttered a few words -which no one understood. He was never pleased to hear any defence of -the prince royal, and suspected every one who praised him. - -"Your majesty forgets that this is a sitting of the Tobacco Club and -not of the State Council," said Pollnitz, in a fawning voice. "If -your majesty designed to be angry, it was not necessary to light the -pipes and fill the beer-mugs; for while you are neither smoking nor -drinking, the pipe goes out, and the beer becomes stale." - -"True," replied the king, and raising his glass he continued: "I -drink this to the health of him who first overcame his timid heart -and dared to enter my chamber. Who was it? I have forgotten." - -"It was the privy councillor Von Eckert, sire," said Count Hacke, -with an ironical smile. Eckert bowed. - -"He entered the chamber as if going to battle," exclaimed Von -Pollnitz, laughing. "In the spirit he took leave of all the fine -breweries, and artfully constructed never-smoking chimneys which he -had built; he also took leave of the city exchanges, which he had -not yet provided with royal commissioners, destined to despoil them -of their riches; he bade adieu to his decoration and to his money- -bags, and exclaiming, 'To the king I owe all that I am, it is -therefore but proper that my back as well as my life should be at -his service,' marched courageously into the royal presence." - -"Did he really do that? Did he say that?" exclaimed the king. -"Eckert, I am pleased with you for that, and will reward you. It is -true that I have elevated you from a lowly position; that I have -made a gentleman of the chimney-sweep; but gratitude is a rare -virtue, men seldom remember the benefits they have received; your -doing so, is an evidence that you have a noble heart, one which I -know how to appreciate. The new house which I am building in Jager -Street shall be yours; and I will not present you with the naked -walls, but it shall be handsomely furnished and fitted up at my -expense." - -"Your majesty is the most gracious, the best of monarchs!" exclaimed -Eckert, hastening to the king and pressing his hand to his lips. -"Yes, your majesty is right in saying that you have elevated me from -the dust, but my heart, at least, was always pure, and I will -endeavor to preserve it so. You have rescued me from the scum of the -people. As the ancient Romans gave freedom to those slaves who had -rendered themselves worthy of it by good and noble deeds, so has my -king also delivered me from the bondage of poverty and lowliness, -and given me freedom, and I also will strive to render myself worthy -of this great boon by good and noble actions." - -"And Berlin offers you the best opportunities of doing so. There are -still many smoking chimneys and indifferent beer breweries. Privy -Councillor Von Eckert can, therefore, still execute many glorious -deeds before he is gathered to his forefathers," exclaimed Von -Pollnitz. - -All were amused at this, and the king himself could not refrain from -smiling. Von Eckert's countenance had become pale and lowering, and -casting an angry look at Von Pollnitz, he said, with a forced laugh: - -"Really, your wit to-day is dazzling, and I am so charmed with your -pleasantries, that should your wine merchant refuse to supply you -with any more wine until your old accounts have been settled, I -shall be perfectly willing to send you a few bottles from my own -cellar, that your Grace may be able to drink my health." - -"That I will gladly do," said Pollnitz, affably. "Yes, I will drink -to your long and lasting health, for the longer you live the more -time your ancestors will have to increase and to multiply -themselves. And, as it seems that you are not destined to become the -father of a coming generation, you should, at least, endeavor to -become the progenitor of your ancestors and the father of your -fathers. Ancestors are born to you as children are to others, and, -if I am not mistaken, you are already the possessor of three. For a -gentleman of wealth and quality, this is, however, too few. I will, -therefore, drink to your health, that you may still be able to -create many ancestors. And I propose to your majesty to give him an -ancestor for every chimney which he frees from smoke." - -"Silence, Pollnitz!" exclaimed the king, laughing. "No more of this -raillery. Listen to what I have to say. I have given Eckert the new -house, and as I have invested him with a title of nobility, it is -but proper that a noble coat-of-arms should be placed over his door. -Gentlemen, let us consider what the escutcheon of Eckert shall be. -Each of you, in his turn, shall give me his opinion. You, duke, -commence." - -With grave and sober mien the gentlemen began to confer with each -other in regard to Von Eckert's escutcheon; and each one considering -the favor in which the former stood with the king, took pains to -propose the most magnificent coat-of-arms imaginable. But the king -was not pleased with the grave and learned devices which were -proposed. He disliked giving the newly-made baron a coat-of-arms -worthy of any house of old and established nobility, which would -have placed him on an equality with the oldest counts and barons of -the kingdom. - -"When I build a house," said the king, "I wish every one, to see -that it is a new one; I therefore give it a nice white coat of -paint, and not an old graystone color to make it look like a robber -castle. Eckert should, therefore, have a fresh touch of paint for -his new dignity, a spick and span new coat-of-arms." - -"I am entirely of your majesty's opinion," exclaimed Von Pollnitz -solemnly; "and as every noble family bears on its coat-of-arms some -emblem and reminiscence of the deeds and events through which it -became great, so should also the escutcheon of the noble house of -Eckert contain some such reminiscence. I propose to quarter this -shield. The first field shall show on a silver ground a black -chimney, in which we will also have indicated the Prussian colors. -The second field is blue, with a golden vat in the centre, having -reference to Eckert's great ability as a beer-brewer. The third -field is green, with a golden pheasant in the middle, suggestive of -Eckert's earlier occupation as gamekeeper in Brunswick; and the -fourth field shows on a red ground a cock and a knife, a -reminiscence of the good old times when Privy Councillor Von Eckert -fed and dressed fowls in Bairout." - -A peal of laughter from the entire club rewarded Von Pollnitz for -his proposition. The king was also so well pleased, that he, in all -gravity, determined to accept it, and to have a coat-of-arms with -the above designated emblems adjusted over the door of the new house -in Jager Street. - -The merriment of the gentlemen of the Tobacco Club was now becoming -energetic, and jests and jokes were contributed by all. The grand -chamberlain, Von Pollnitz, was, however, the gayest of the gay. And -if the pleasantries which bubbled from his lips like water from a -fountain, at any time threatened to flag, a glance at the pale face -of Von Eckert, who fairly trembled with suppressed rage, was -sufficient to renew his merriment. - -While the king was conversing with Von Eckert on the subject of his -new house, Pollnitz turned to his neighbor and asked if he had not -made ample amends for his awkwardness in the first instance. - -"By my thoughtless repetition of that hypocritical man's words, I -procured him the new house, but I have also given him a coat-of- -arms; and I wager the privy councillor would willingly relinquish -the former, if he could thereby get rid of the latter." - -"Pollnitz, why are you looking so grave" asked the king at this -moment. "I wager you are in a bad humor, because the handsome house -in Jager Street was not given to you." - -"By no means, your majesty; as handsome as the house is, it would -not suit me at all." - -"Ah, yes, you are right; it would be much too large a one for you!" -said Frederick William, laughing. - -"No, your majesty, it would be much too small for me. When a -cavalier of my quality once determines to build a house, it should -be arranged in accordance with his rank and standing, and that costs -a great deal of money, much more than I ever possessed. It is true -that my father left me a fortune of about two hundred thousand -dollars, but what is such a trifle to a nobleman? It was not enough -for a decent support, and it was too much to go begging on. I -calculated how long this sum might be made to last, and finding -that, with considerable economy, it would perhaps do for four years, -I lived like a noble and generous cavalier for that time; and during -that period I was fortunate enough to have the most devoted friends -and the truest sweethearts, who never deserted me until the last -dollar of my fortune was expended!" - -"Do I understand you to say that you expended two hundred thousand -dollars in four years?" asked the king. - -"Yes, your majesty; and I assure you that I was obliged to practise -the most, rigorous economy." - -Frederick William regarded him with surprise, almost with -admiration. To the king there was something in this man's nature -which was imposing. It was perhaps the great contrast between the -unlimited extravagance of the baron and his own frugality, which -exerted so great an influence on the king, excited his astonishment, -and enlisted his admiration in behalf of this ready, witty, and -ever-merry courtier. - -"An income of fifty thousand dollars is, therefore, not sufficient -for a decent support?" asked the king. - -"Your majesty, if one attempted to live in a style befitting a -nobleman, on that sum, he might die of hunger." - -"Ah, explain that. What sum would you consider necessary to enable -you to live in a style befitting a nobleman?" - -Pollnitz remained lost in thought for a moment, and then replied: - -"You majesty, in order to live somewhat respectably, I should -require four hundred thousand dollars yearly." - -"That is not true, not possible!" exclaimed the king. - -"That is so very possible, sire, that I hardly know whether it would -suffice or not." - -"Gentlemen, do you believe that?" asked the king. - -"I, for my part, have not the fourth part of this income," said the -Duke of Holstein, smiling. - -"I not the tenth!" said Count Von der Goltz. - -"And I not the twentieth!" exclaimed General Von Schwerin and Count -Hacke at the same time. - -"And yet," said the king, "you all live as respected cavaliers, as -esteemed gentlemen of my court. Let us hear how Pollnitz would -manage to spend so much money. Quick, Jochen, quick, give us a sheet -of paper and a pencil." - -The valet hastily executed this commission, and handed the king -paper and pencil. - -"Fill the glasses, Jochen," ordered the king, "and then seat -yourself at the foot of the table, and pay attention to what Von -Pollnitz is about to explain. It is worth the trouble to learn how -an income of four hundred thousand dollars can be spent in a -respectable manner. You shall dictate, and I will be your secretary. -Woe to you, however, if you do not keep your word, if you expend -less! For every thousand which you fail to account for, you shall -drink ten glasses of beer, and smoke a pipe of the strong Havana -tobacco recently sent me by the stadtholder of Holland." - -"But what shall I receive for every thousand which I expend over and -above that sum?" asked Von Pollnitz, laughing. - -"Oh, it is impossible that a nobleman should need more, that is, -provided he does not expend it in a foolish manner, like a madman." - -"And if, in order to live in a style befitting a nobleman, I should -nevertheless need more, what am I to receive for every thousand?" - -"Well, then, for every thousand, I will pay a hundred of your oldest -debts," said the king. "But commence. And you, gentlemen, drink and -smoke, and pay attention to what he has to say." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -AIR-CASTLES. - - -"I will begin," said Pollnitz. "First of all, I shall need a -respectable house, to receive my guests in, to exhibit my -collections, and entertain my friends; to pursue my studies, without -being disturbed by the slightest noise; a house, in which my wife -must have her separate apartments, and as I shall wish to have my -friends with me, every now and then, to smoke, my wife's reception- -rooms must be entirely separated from mine." - -"But," exclaimed the king, "your wife will certainly allow you to -smoke in her rooms!" - -"And if she permitted it, your majesty, I would not do so; it -becomes not a cavalier to smoke in a lady's room." - -The king reddened a little, and carried the mug to his lips, to hide -his embarrassment; he remembered how often he had smoked in the -queen's rooms, notwithstanding her sighs. - -Pollnitz continued quietly: "I must then have several different -reception-rooms, and as my wife and myself will frequently be at -variance with each other, two different and widely-separated -staircases will be necessary, that we may not meet, unless we wish -it!" - -"Oh! you mean to lead a wretched life with your wife; to quarrel -with her every now and then, do you?" - -"No, sire, we will never quarrel; it ill becomes a cavalier to have -a contest with his wife." - -The king reddened again, this time from anger. This exposition of a -cavalier began to offend him; it seemed to be a satire upon himself; -for unhappily the king not only smoked in the queen's rooms, but the -world knew that his wife and children were often the objects of his -violent temper, and that the queen had more than once been terribly -frightened by his thundering reproaches and unbearable threats. - -"Your highness sees that my house must be large, and as it is so, a -host of servants and a large income will be necessary. But of this -hereafter. Let us speak of my houses, for it is easily understood -that I must have a country residence." - -"Yes, that is a reasonable demand," said the king, in adding the -country house to his list. - -"But as I do not go to the country to live as I do in the city, but -to enjoy the beauties of nature and scenery, I must have a garden, -with vineyards, and beautiful walks, and, for their cultivation, -many servants. And, as I cannot ask my friends to visit me simply to -pluck my flowers, and eat my fruits, I must procure for them other -and rarer pleasures. I must have a park for hunting, and a lake for -fishing." - -"Yes, that is well argued and true," said the king, noting the park -and the lake on his paper. - -"Now we are coming to the most important points--the kitchen and -wine-cellar. On these two I must bestow most particular care. It -would be most unworthy a cavalier to present such dishes to his -friends as they can enjoy every day at home. No, if I invite my -friends, they must be certain of having such luxuries as they cannot -procure elsewhere--such rare and costly viands as will recall the -wonders of fairy land!" - -"I am quite of your opinion," cried the king, and his face -brightened at the thought of the delightful and costly dishes that -the rich Pollnitz would set before his friends. "Listen: from time -to time you can prepare for me the delightful bacon-pie that I once -tasted at Grumbkou's. Oh, that was really splendid, and reminded -one, as you say, of the wonders of fairy land! My cook obtained the -receipt immediately; but what do you think? three bottles of -champagne and three bottles of burgundy were necessary to stew the -meat. I had to give up the intention of having such a pie, but I -told Grumbkou that when I felt like eating such an expensive dish, I -would be his guest." - -"I will obey your commands, your highness," said Pollnitz, -earnestly, and bowing low to the king. "Let us continue to furnish -my house; after that we will speak of the pie. As hunting is decided -upon, we must now consider the horses, for I cannot ask my friends -to hunt on foot, or walk to the lake. I must have beautiful and -noble steeds, and as horses and carriages do not take care of -themselves, I must have a number of servants to attend to them." - -"That is true," said the king, adding the carriages and horses to -his list. "That is true; but I find that you think a great deal of -your friends and very little of yourself. Your whole demand, so far, -is for the benefit of your friends." - -"Sire, hospitality is one of the noblest virtues of a cavalier, for -which one can never do too much, but easily too little." - -The king frowned and looked threateningly before him; the rest of -the club looked at Pollnitz with increasing astonishment, surprised -at his daring to show the king in this manner his faults and -weaknesses. - -Pollnitz alone remained gay and unembarrassed. "Now, as I have -attended sufficiently to the pleasure and comfort of my friends, it -is time that I should think a little of myself. I therefore beg your -highness to name the sum you deem necessary for my yearly expenses -for charities and presents for my sweetheart." - -"Your wife is your sweetheart. You intend to be a very tender -husband, nowithstanding the two staircases." - -"Sire, it would not become a cavalier to possess a wife and -sweetheart in the same person. Your wife represents your family, -your sweetheart amuses you. You give your wife name and rank, your -sweetheart your love and whole heart. A true cavalier does not love -his wife, but he demands that the world shall honor her as the lady -that bears his name." - -"Pollnitz, Pollnitz," said the king, shaking his hand threateningly -at him, "take care that I never see your cavalier in my house, and -no one that is like him; I would have no pity with him, but crush -him with my kingly anger!" - -Pollnitz was frightened, and covered himself in a cloud of smoke, -that the king might not see his perplexity. - -"Continue," said Frederick William, after a short pause. "I have set -aside a certain amount for every single article you have mentioned, -but I truly hope you have concluded; and that the demon that dwells -in you, and masters you, will make no further suggestions to your -luxurious and insane fancies." - -"Yes, your highness; and I beg you will calculate the sum total -necessary for these different articles." - -The king calculated, his guests smoked and drank in silence, and -Pollnitz listened attentively to the sound of voices, and noise of -horses in the court. - -The king suddenly uttered an oath, and brought his fist heavily down -on the paper. "As truly as God lives, Pollnitz is right! Four -hundred thousand dollars are not sufficient to support a cavalier of -his pretensions. The sum here amounts to four hundred and fifty -thousand dollars." - -"Your highness confesses that I have demanded nothing superfluous or -exaggerated?" - -"Yes, I confess it." - -"Consequently, your highness will be kind enough to pay me five -thousand dollars." - -"The devil! How can I understand that?" - -"Your majesty forgets that you promised me one hundred dollars for -every thousand over and above the sum of four hundred thousand." - -"Did I say that?" said the king; and as all present confirmed it, he -laughed aloud, saying, "I see that none of you understand Pollnitz. -That was not my meaning. I did not say I would pay Pollnitz the -gold; but for every thousand above his four hundred thousand I would -pay a hundred of his oldest debts, and that is quite a different -affair. You know well, if I gave him the gold, his creditors would -never receive a cent of it. But what I have promised I will do; -bring me, to-morrow, a list of your oldest debts, and I will pay -five thousand dollars upon them." - -"Your highness, my account is not yet finished. I have only -mentioned the most pressing and necessary articles, and much has -been forgotten. I must have a forester to chase the poachers from my -park, and a night watch to guard my country house, to feed the fish -in my pond, to strike upon the water in order to silence the frogs, -that my sleep and that of my friends may not be disturbed." - -"Enough, enough of your castles in the air, fool that you are!" -cried the king, half angry, half amused. "Seek another sovereign, -who is rich enough to provide for your follies." - -"Sire," said Pollnitz, "I will seek nothing elsewhere. I am too -happy to have found so noble and gracious a monarch. I only wished -to prove to your majesty, and these gentlemen that do me the honor -to consider me a spendthrift, that a great fortune can be easily -spent without extravagance and folly, and you will now understand -that I have given a worthy proof of economy in fixing my yearly -income at four hundred thousand dollars, when I could easily dispose -of that sum in six months." - -The king laughed, and, raising the beer-pot aloft, commanded the -gentlemen to drink to the health of the miser Pollnitz. - -The beer-pots were raised, and were jingling merrily, when suddenly -it seemed as if an electric shock had struck them all -simultaneously--all with the exception of the king. The six -cavaliers placed their beer-pots upon the table, and, rising with -breathless haste from their chairs, bowed lowly and humbly. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -FATHER AND SON. - - -The king, in speechless amazement, sank back in his chair. He could -not yet conceive what spell had taken hold of these gentlemen, that -made them rise from their seats in spite of the rules of the Tobacco -Club. The king did not see that, behind him, the door had opened, -and, in the midst of the smoke that filled the whole room, a young -man was visible, whose appearance had produced this astounding -impression upon the six cavaliers. And, certainly, there was -something exalted and imposing in this youth. A wondrous combination -of beauty, nobility of soul, youth, royalty, and melancholy was -expressed in this face, whose sharp and marked lines spoke of severe -pain and bitter experience, while so fresh and youthful a smile -played upon the soft red lip, you could but suppose the heart young, -confiding, and impressible. But the eyes were in wonderful contrast -to these beautiful lips; they shone like great, mysterious, -unfathomable stars--one moment sparkling with youthful -superciliousness, the next with the firm, steady, piercing glance of -an observing sage. The lofty, somewhat retreating forehead, and the -straight, finely-pointed nose, formed a profile indicating -commanding elevation of character. And the soul imprisoned behind -these temples was powerfully agitated, seeking ever for freedom of -thought and expression. It was the eye, the head of a hero; and, had -his form corresponded with the giant strength of his glance, he -would have been a Titan, and might have crushed the world like a toy -in his hand. But his slender, symmetrical, and graceful form was -more weak than powerful, more maidenly than heroic. - -You felt, however, that this head might lend strength to the body, -and if the Titan could not overcome by physical strength, he could -rule and conquer by the commanding power of his genius. [Footnote: A -French traveller, by the name of Birre, who went from Paris to -Berlin to see Frederick, describes him in this manner: Buste -admirable el vraiment royal, mais pauvre et miserable pedestal. Sa -tete et sa poitrine sont au dessous des eloges, le train d'en bas au -dessous de la critique.--(See Thiebault.)] - -This was the unexpected apparition that shocked the gentlemen of the -Tobacco Club, and forced them hastily from their seats! The king sat -speechless and amazed in his chair, while the youth stood close -behind him. - -"Allow me to wish your majesty good-evening," said the prince, with -his full, clear-ringing voice. - -The king was greatly agitated, and the blood rushed to his face. -"Fritz!" said he, in a light tone. "Fritz!" repeated he more -sternly, and already the sound of a coming storm was perceptible in -his voice. - -"I come from Ruppin," said the prince, in a quiet, kindly voice, -"where I was reviewing my regiment, and I beg pardon for my -unexpected appearance." - -The king made no reply; his mistrust was scornfully exhibited. He -thought that the queen believed him to be suffering and confined to -his room. He did not doubt for a moment that she had sent for the -prince, and Frederick was there to see if the life of the king was -not in danger; if the throne of Prussia would not soon be empty, and -ready for its successor. - -These dark suspicions excited the king's ire, and filled his heart -with bitter distrust. With a hasty movement he dashed back the hand -of the prince royal, and arose from his chair. His scornful eye took -in at a glance the whole circle, still standing in awe-struck -silence around the table. - -"Why have you arisen from your chairs?" cried the king, with -trembling voice. "How dare you arise contrary to my command, and -thus set yourselves in opposition to my kingly power? Do you no -longer know the laws of the Tobacco Club? Do you not know that these -laws positively forbid you to arise from your seats to greet any -one? You are all silent, miserable cowards that you are, who do not -attempt to defend yourselves, who go always with wind and tide, and -deceive and flatter in every direction. Answer me, Pollnitz, did you -not know the law of the Tobacco Club, forbidding you to arise from -your seat?" - -"I know it, sire, but thought I might be allowed to make an -exception of the prince royal." - -"So thought we all," said General Schwerin, in a steady voice. - -The king struck with doubled fist on the table, and the pitchers and -beer-mugs trembled. - -"You thought that," said the king, "and yet knew that no exception -was ever made for me! But certainly the prince royal is of more -consequence than the king. The prince royal is the future sovereign, -the rising sun! What the king was not able to give, the prince royal -may bestow. From the king there is nothing left to hope, nothing to -fear; for this reason you turn to the prince royal; for this reason -you ridicule the laws of the father to flatter the son. The son is a -fine French cavalier, who loves ornament and courtesy, to whom the -question of etiquette is important. You stand up also when the -prince royal enters, although you know in this room all are equal, -and here you have often forgotten that I am king. Yes, the king can -be forgotten--the prince royal never; he may soon be king!" - -"God grant your majesty a long and happy life," said the prince -royal. - -During this passionate speech of the king, he had stood silent and -immovable behind his chair. - -"Who spoke to you? Who told you to speak until you were questioned?" -said the king, whose whole form trembled with rage. "You, the slave -of etiquette, should know that no man speaks to the king until he is -spoken to. Truly you think the king does not understand etiquette. -He is an old-fashioned man, and knows not how a true cavalier should -conduct himself. Now, Pollnitz, you see there a cavalier after your -own heart, a veritable model. Ah, you thought perhaps I did not see -the face lurking behind your picture; you suppose I did not -recognize the cavalier you painted in such glowing colors, in order -to prove that he must have four hundred thousand dollars yearly or -be forced to make debts. Patience! patience! my eyes are at last -opened! Woe, woe to you all when I see that you dare brave me in -order to please the prince royal! I will prove to you that I yet -live, and am your master. The Tobacco Club is closed, and you may -all go to the devil!" - -"As I don't know the way there, will your majesty allow me to return -to Rheinsberg? I now take my leave," said the prince royal, bowing -respectfully to the king. - -Frederick William turned his head, and said but one word--"Go!" - -The prince bowed again; then, turning to the cavaliers, he said: - -"Good-evening, gentlemen. I sincerely regret to have been the cause -of the king's anger. Against you this displeasure is however just, -for a command of the king should never be disobeyed, not even with a -kind and magnanimous intent." - -The prince had with these words put himself beyond the reach of the -king's rage, and at the same time done justice to all: to the king -in acknowledging the justice of his anger; to the cavaliers in -praising their good intentions. He was evidently master of the -situation. - -With a firm, steady tread he left the room, while the king, in spite -of his anger, could not help feeling that he had again failed in -kindness to the prince royal. But this consciousness only made him -the more passionate. He muttered a deep curse, and looked -threateningly at the pale, trembling cavaliers. - -"Hypocrites and eye-servants are you all," muttered he, as he slowly -passed by them. "Give me your arm, Hacke, and lead me into the other -room. I cannot look at these men any longer." - -Count Hacke rushed forward, and, leaning on his arm, the king -tottered into the adjoining room. - -When the door closed behind them, the cavaliers seemed to awaken -from their torpidity. They raised their heads, and looked at one -another with a half-confused, half-angry gaze. They had been scolded -like children, and felt that they were men. Their honor had received -a sensitive wound, but their awe of the king kept them from -demanding satisfaction. - -When the count returned to order the gentlemen in the king's name to -leave the palace, they did not have the courage to obey this -command, but sent the count as their ambassador to the king to ask -in the humblest manner for forgiveness and pardon, and to assure him -that their behavior to the prince royal was but the consequence of -involuntary thoughtlessness. - -The count, after much trembling, left the room to deliver this -message to the king; the cavaliers waited in anxious silence for his -return. At length the door opened, and the count appeared. - -"Well, what says the king? Has he forgiven us? Will he take us into -his favor again? Is he convinced that we are his true, humble, and -obedient servants?" - -All these questions the count answered by a slight motion of the -hand. It was a moment of anxious expectation; all were eagerly -looking at the count, who was to pronounce for them the words of -forgiveness or condemnation. - -"Gentlemen," at length said the count, and his voice sounded to the -trembling courtiers hollow and awful as that of an angel of death, -"gentlemen, the king says if you do not leave here at once, he will -easily find means to compel you to do so!" - -This was a menace that gave strength to the trembling limbs of the -courtiers. Silently, with sad, troubled looks, they hastened away, -and not until the great portals of the palace had closed upon them -did they feel safe from the fear of imprisonment, and the king's -crutch. - -The king had not yet subdued his anger. He thirsted for another -victim. The servants wisely remained at a distance beyond the reach -of the royal crutch; the king's ungovernable anger had even banished -Count Hacke from the room. - -The king was alone, entirely alone in this dark, empty room, and its -comfortless silence filled him with anxiety. He sank into his arm- -chair, and looked with a sad glance around this large room, which, -because of his parsimony, was but badly lighted with four tallow -candles. Nothing broke the silence but from time to time the gay -music of the dance, which was heard from the other wing of the -castle. Mirth still reigned in the saloons of the queen. The king -sighed; his heart was filled with melancholy and rage. The queen was -gay, while her husband suffered. The court was joyful, while he sat -alone and neglected, gnashing his teeth in this dark and joyless -room. And yet he was the king, the all-powerful ruler of millions of -subjects, who trembled before him, and yet not one of them loved -him. - -All eyes were fixed upon the rising sun, upon Frederick, so unlike -his father, and so little the son of his father's heart. As the king -thought of this, deep grief and a foreboding melancholy overcame -him. In the anguish of his heart he turned to God and prayed. He -silenced the voice of self-accusation and remorse, now whispering in -his breast, by prayer. - -The king prayed. Exhausted with rage, he fancied that he had given -himself up to pious contrition and world-despising godliness. - -As the tones of the music were again heard, he experienced a pious -exasperation over this unholy levity, a peaceful self-content; he -belonged not to the ungodly, who gave themselves up to worldliness -and vanity, but alone and deserted he prayed to his Father in -heaven. How small, how pitiful, how contemptible did the gay dancers -appear to him! How pleased he was with himself, his holy walk and -conversation! At this moment the anxious face of his valet appeared -at the door. - -"Your majesty commanded me to tell you so soon as the coffins which -came yesterday were unpacked and placed in the white saloon: this is -done, and the coffins can be seen." - -"Ah! My coffin is ready!" said the king, involuntarily shuddering. -"My coffin, and that of the queen! And Sophia gives a ball, and -perhaps dances, in place of bowing her soul in contrition before -God. I will awaken her from these soul-destroying vanities; the -arrival of the coffins now was an especial providence of God. The -queen shall see them!" - -He called his two valets, commanded one to lead him to the ball- -room, the other to illuminate the white saloon in which the coffins -were placed. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE WHITE SALOON. - - -The queen had no suspicion of all that had happened in the chambers -of the king; she had not observed the absence of the Tobacco Club, -and after having made the grand tour of the saloons, she seated -herself at the card-table. - -Her majesty had no idea that her husband was free from pain, and had -left his arm-chair; she was, therefore, gay and careless, filled -with a sense of freedom and power. The cruel eye of Frederick -William was not bent upon her to look her down, and cast a veil of -humility over the sparkling diamonds which adorned her brow; no, she -was to-night entirely herself--every inch a queen! proud and happy, -smiling and majestic. Rejoicing in her own greatness and glory, she -was still amiable and obliging to this great crowd of devoted, -submissive, flattering, smiling men, who surrounded her; never had -she been so gracious, never so queenly. As we have said, she had -seated herself at the card-table, and the margrafin Maria Dorothea -and the English and French ambassadors were her partners; behind her -chair stood her two maids of honor, to whom she now and then -addressed a word, or sent them to look after the young princesses, -who were dancing in the adjoining room, and giving themselves up -merrily to the pleasures of the evening. Suddenly the music ceased, -and a strange, unaccustomed silence reigned throughout the rooms. - -The queen was arranging the cards, and turned smilingly to one of -her maids of honor, commanding her as soon as the dance was ended to -lead the princesses to her side; she then gave her attention to the -game, when suddenly the Princess Amelia, pale and terrified, rushed -hastily to her mother, and whispered a few words in her ear. - -Sophia Dorothea uttered a low cry of terror, and exclaimed: "The -king! my God, the king! he seems very angry!" said the princess; "do -not let him see your diamonds." The partners of the queen sat in -respectful silence, waiting for her to play; she dashed her cards -upon the table, removed her necklace and bracelets hastily, and -thrust the glittering heap into her dress pocket. [Footnote: See -Thiebault.] - -"Remove my long ear-rings," she whispered to Amelia, and while the -princess obeyed the command, the queen took her cards from the -table. The glory was departed; the diamonds were hiding timidly in -her pocket, and the fire of her eye was quenched. - -The king was there; Sophia Dorothea was no longer a royal queen, but -a trembling, dependent woman, cowering before the rage of her -husband. The partners of the queen sat quietly with downcast eyes, -and did not appear to see the rash change in the toilet of her -majesty, still seemingly waiting for the play of the queen. Sophia -played a queen, Lord Hastings played the king. - -"Lost!" said her majesty, "so must the queen ever lose when the king -comes; but it is always a comfort," she said, with a bitter smile, -"to be overcome only by a king." She played on quietly, though she -knew that the king was already in the door of the room and watching -her closely. - -As the king stepped forward and called her name, she rose and -advanced toward him with an expression of joyful surprise. - -"Ah, my husband, what a great pleasure you have prepared for us!" -she said smiling; "it is most amiable of your majesty to glorify -this feast with your presence." - -"I come, however," said the king, in a rude, harsh voice, and -thrusting the queen's arm in his own, "to cast gloom upon this fete; -it is good and necessary in the midst of tumultuous earthly -pleasures to be reminded of the fleeting vanity of all sublunary -things; and to still the voluptuous music with prayer, I am come to -administer this medicine to your vain and sin-sick soul. Come with -me, you there!" said the king, turning his head backward to the -courtiers, who were gathered in silent and frightened groups. "You -there, follow us!" He dragged the queen forward; silently the -procession of richly-adorned guests followed the royal pair, no one -knew where. - -The queen had in vain implored the king to make known his purpose. -This long procession, adorned with flowers, diamonds, uniforms, and -orders, had a gay and festal appearance; you might well suppose them -wedding guests on their way to church. The principal actors on this -occasion, however, did not promise to be a happy pair. - -The king looked steadily, with a frowning brow and tightly- -compressed lips, right before him; the queen, wan and trembling, -turned her eyes anxiously from side to side, seeking everywhere some -new danger, some new terror prepared for her. The procession stepped -silently and earnestly through the dressing-rooms, odorous with -flowers; through the illuminated antechamber; further on through the -corridors and up the wide stair steps; onward still through long -passages till they reached the great doors of the White Saloon, -which Frederick had built and adorned. - -"We have arrived," said the king, opening the door, and leading in -the queen. Suddenly Sophia Dorothea uttered a cry of horror, and -fell backwards; behind her stood the curious, astonished, and -shocked courtiers, pressing themselves hastily through the door of -the saloon. - -"Two coffins!" murmured the queen, with horror; her timid glance -rested first upon the solemn coffins, then wandered anxiously to the -lofty, imposing marble statues of the prince electors, who, in -solemn rest, in this chamber of the dead, seemed to hold a watch -over the coffins of the living. - -"Yes, two coffins," said the king--"our coffins, Sophia; and I -resolved in this hour to show them to you and the assembled court, -that this solemn warning might arouse you all from your unholy and -sinful lusts. Death must strike at your heart to awaken it from -voluptuous sleep and cause you to look within. In these coffins we -will soon rest, and all earthly vanity and glory will be at an end. -No one will fear my glance or my crutch; no one will compliment the -beautiful toilet of the queen, or admire her diamonds; dust will -return to dust, and the king and the queen be nothing more than food -for worms!" - -"Not so," said Sophia, whose noble and proud heart felt humbled by -this pious grovelling of her husband; "not so, we will be more than -dust and food for worms. The dust of common mortals will be -scattered in every direction by the hand of Time, and over their -graves will History walk with destroying feet; but she will remain -with us and will gather our dust, and build therewith a monument to -our memory; when our bodies of flesh and blood are placed in the -vault of our ancestors, our forms will arise again with limbs of -marble and bosoms without hearts. Look, my husband, at these statues -of your exalted ancestors; they have also gone down into the vaults, -but their marble forms have the best places in our splendid rooms; -perhaps they listen to our words and behold our deeds." - -Whilst the queen spoke, her countenance was illuminated with royal -energy and beauty; she was now, indeed, truly imperial, without the -aid of diamond coronets. The queen was herself again; she had -conquered her womanish fears; she felt herself not only the wife of -Frederick, but the sister of the king of England, the mother of the -future king. - -But Frederick, in what he considered his holy penitential mood, was -made angry by her self-possession, her proudly-erected head; he felt -that this soul had made itself free from his heavy yoke, and claimed -and enjoyed a separate existence; but she should acknowledge him -again as her lord, and he bowed down with humble penitence. The -queen should become the woman, the obedient wife; had not the Bible -said, and "he shall rule over thee"? - -"So, then, let our ancestors behold how we try our coffins before -them," said the king, placing his hand heavily on the shoulder of -the queen; "the world knows that diamonds become you, and that I, in -my uniform, am a fine-looking fellow; let us see now how our coffins -will clothe us!" - -"What do you mean, my king?" said Sophia, fixing her trembling -glance upon her husband. - -"I mean that we will see if we can take our places with dignity and -worthily in our coffins; that we will do to-day in sport what we -must hereafter do in solemn earnest." - -"This is indeed a cruel jest," said the queen. - -"Oh, yes, to the children of this world every thing seems cruel -which reminds them of death and the fleeting nature of all earthly -joys," said the king, "but such a warning is good and healthy to the -soul, and if we would accustom ourselves from time to time to leave -the ballroom and rest awhile in our coffins, we would, without -doubt, lead more holy and earnest lives. Lay yourself, therefore, in -your coffin, Sophia; it will be to your soul's advantage, and my -eyes will see a picture which, praised be God, you can never behold. -I shall see you in your coffin." - -"Oh, you are younger than I, my husband; you will surely see me -buried; it is not therefore necessary to put me to this trial." - -"Conquer thy soul, and make it quiet and humble," said the king; "we -have come hither to try our coffins, and we will try them!" - -"The king had a feverish attack of piety to-day. I would not have -come if I had known the intentions of your majesty," said the queen. - -"You would have come as I willed it," murmured the king, while his -cheeks glowed with anger and his eye flashed fire. - -Sophia saw these symptoms of a rising storm, and she knew that all -restraints would be removed if she resisted longer. She called with -a commanding tone to one of her maids of honor, and said proudly: - -"Reach me your hand, duchess; I am weary, and will for awhile rest -upon this bed, of a new and uncommon form." - -With the appearance and nobility of a truly royal soul, she raised -her robe a little, lifted her foot over the edge of the coffin, and -placed it firmly in the bottom. She stood in the coffin proudly -erect, commanding and majestic to behold; then, with inimitable -grace, she stooped and lay down slowly. The coffin creaked and -groaned, and amongst the crowd of courtiers a murmur of horror and -disgust was heard. The king stood near the coffin, and Sophia -Dorothea looked at him so steadily, so piercingly, that he had not -the courage to meet her glance, and fixed his eyes upon the ground. -The queen stood up quietly. The Countess Hacke held out her hand to -assist her, but she waved her proudly back. - -"No," she said, "kings and queens leave their coffins by their own -strength and greatness, and sustained by the hand of History alone." -Sophia then stepped over the edge of the coffin, and, bowing -profoundly to the king, she said-- - -"Your majesty, it is now your turn." - -The king was confused. He cast a dark, distrustful glance upon the -queen. Her simple words had for him a prophetic meaning, and he -shuddered as he drew near the coffin. With a powerful effort he -overcame himself, stepped into the coffin, and nodded to some of his -courtiers to assist him in lying down. - -"Ah, I rest well upon this couch," said Frederick. "Here will I soon -sleep till it shall please God to wake me at the resurrection!" - -"May that time be far removed, my king!" said Sophia earnestly. -"Allow me to assist you." - -She reached her hand to the king; he seized it with alacrity, and -was in the act of rising, when a wild and unaccustomed sound was -heard without--a loud, piercing cry, which was many times repeated, -then the sound of hasty steps approaching the room! The pallid and -awe-struck courtiers whispered to each other. - -"What is it?" cried the king, who was still sitting in his coffin. - -No one answered. The courtiers whispered confused and wild words, -but no one dared to answer. - -"I demand to know what has happened," said the king, as with much -difficulty he sought to raise himself up. - -The major domo stepped forward. "Your majesty, two soldiers are -without who held watch in the corridor; they declare that a long, -white figure, with a veiled face and black gloves, passed slowly by -them the whole length of the corridor, and entered this room; they, -believing that some unseemly mask wished to approach your majesty, -followed the figure and saw it enter this room. They ran hither to -seize the masker, but your majesty knows no such person is here." - -"The white lady!" cried the king, and sank powerless and as if -broken to pieces in the coffin. "The white lady! veiled and with -black gloves! That signifies my death!" - -"The white lady!" murmured the courtiers, withdrawing involuntarily -from the door through which the evil-omened white lady should enter. - -The queen alone was silent. She looked around with a searching -glance upon the marble statues of the prince electors, and her soul -was far away with her beloved son Frederick. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE MAID OF HONOR, AND THE GARDENER. - - -It was a lovely day in May. The lilacs were in bloom; the birds were -singing their sweetest songs; the swans floating upon the tranquil -lake, which, bordered with water lilies and other fragrant plants, -was one of the chief ornaments in the garden of the prince royal at -Rheinsberg. It was still early; the residents of the palace, which -was surrounded by this beautiful garden, were sleeping; the windows -were closed and curtained, and you heard none of the sounds which -usually arose from this gay and charming place. No music fell on the -ear but the melting tones of the nightingale and the morning song of -the lark. - -The prince royal himself was still asleep, for his flute was silent, -and that was a sure sign to all who lived in the palace that the -lord of the house was not awake, or at least that he had not yet -begun the day. - -The music of his flute was the morning sacrifice with which the -young prince greeted the day; it, like the pillar of Memnon, which -gave forth a sound when touched by the rays of the sun, announced to -his flattering courtiers that their sun had arisen. - -But the flute was silent; the sun had therefore not arisen, although -its beams had long been flooding the park in golden light, and -drinking from every flower the dew that had fallen during the past -sultry night. - -Fritz Wendel, the gardener, was already busy with his watering-pot, -and was at the same time anxiously selecting and gathering the most -beautiful flowers, and concealing them carefully under the various -plants and bushes; perhaps to protect them from the heat of the sun, -perhaps to secure them from the curious eyes of some observer. Such -eyes were already observing him, and resting upon him with an -expression so tender and smiling, that you could see that the young -girl to whom they belonged had a special interest in the tall, -handsome gardener, who, in his modest, simple dress, and his great -and imposing beauty, appeared to realize the truth of the old -fables, of the gods who visited the earth in disguise. He might have -been Apollo charmed by some Daphne, and taking this rude dress to -approach the shepherdess he loved. Perhaps this charming young girl -thought thus, and on that account looked at him so smilingly from -behind the lilacs, or perhaps she believed him to be a prince, and -waited anxiously for the moment when he would throw off his disguise -and declare himself her equal. For she was, although not a princess, -maid of honor to one, and of noble birth. - -But youth is indifferent to such things as a genealogical tree, or a -coat-of-arms, and what cared this child of thirteen summers whether -Fritz Wendel was the son of a prince or a peasant? He pleased her -because he was young and handsome, and he had one other great charm, -he was her first lover. Every one else called Mademoiselle von -Sehwerin a child, and jested with little Louise. The princess royal -had begged her from her mother, as a sort, of plaything with which -to amuse her lonely hours, and the title "maid of honor" was only a -jest, which served merely to secure the entrance of the young lady -to her royal mistress at any time. - -But Louise was only a child in years; she possessed already the -heart, the feelings, and the desires of a woman; nothing, therefore, -hurt her pride so much as being called a child, and she was never -happier than when her beauty and talent caused her youth to be -forgotten. - -Fritz Wendel, the young gardener, knew nothing of her age. For him -she was Mademoiselle von Schwerin, a young lady, the goddess at -whose shrine he worshipped, the fairy under whose glance his flowers -bloomed, and his heart beat high. For her alone he tended the -flowers and the fruits; for her alone had God created the earth; was -she not its queen, and was it not natural that Fritz Wendel lay at -her feet, and called her the star of his existence? - -The young lady having watched her silent, dreaming "first lover" -long enough, and tired of this unnatural silence, walked forward -from her place of concealment, and bade Fritz Wendel good-morning, -just as he was gathering a beautiful narcissus. - -Poor Fritz trembled, and a deep blush overspread his face; he was so -embarrassed that he forgot to return the young girl's greeting, and -only bent still lower over the flower which he held in his hand. - -"For whom are your flowers intended?" said Louise, "and why have you -hidden the most beautiful ones? Will you not place them in the -bouquet which you arrange every morning for the princess?" - -"I have never been ordered to gather the most beautiful flowers for -the princess," said Fritz Wendel, who had not yet dared to glance at -the young lady. "The prince royal commanded me to place fresh -flowers in the vases every morning; that is all." - -"But it seems to me that is not all," said Louise, laughing, "for -you are gathering other flowers; for whom are they intended, if not -for the princess royal?" - -Fritz Wendel at length dared to raise his eyes, and glance timidly -at the smiling face of the young girl who stood near him. - -"They are also intended for a princess," he said, in a low voice-- -"for my princess." - -"Oh! then you have a special princess for whom you gather flowers?" - -"Yes, I have my princess, whom I serve, and for whom I would -willingly sacrifice my life," cried the impetuous young man, with -all the energy of his passionate and untamed nature. - -Mademoiselle von Schwerin played carelessly with the branch of the -lilac which she held in her hand. She plucked off the small -blossoms, and throwing them in the air, blew them about, as she -danced here and there on tiptoe. - -"I would like to know how it is that I find a magnificent bouquet in -my room every morning, and who it is that dares to gather more -beautiful flowers for me than any to be found in the vases of the -princess royal?" - -"It must be some one who adores you," said the young gardener, with -his eyes on the ground, and blushing deeply at his own temerity. - -"Then it is a nobleman, perhaps one of the court gentlemen," she -said, casting a teasing glance on her embarrassed lover. "Who else -would dare to adore me, or to send me flowers?" - -"Yes, you are right, who would dare?" murmured Fritz Wendel; -"perhaps some poor, deluded mortal, led by a wild insanity to forget -his humble condition, and consider himself your equal. There have -been maniacs who imagined themselves great among earth's greatest -men, and equal even to the very God in heaven." - -"How pale you are!" cried Louise, looking at the young man with -undissembled tenderness. "Why do you weep, Fritz?" - -She took his hand, and gazed into his eyes with a most singular -expression, half curious, half questioning. - -Fritz Wendel trembled with delight at her touch, but withdrew his -hand almost with violence. - -"I weep because I am a miserable gardener," he murmured; "I weep -because I am not great and noble, like the gentlemen at court." - -"Yesterday Baron von Kaiserling gave an account of an Austrian -general, who was the son of a peasant, and had been a cowherd. Now -he is a general, and is married to the daughter of a count." - -The countenance of Fritz Wendel beamed with energy and courage. - -"Oh! why is there not a war?" he cried, enthusiastically. "I could -not fail to become a general, for I should fight like a lion." - -"You would like to become a general, in order to marry the daughter -of a count?" - -"Not the daughter of a count, but--" - -"Fritz Wendel! Fritz Wendel!" called a voice in the distance. - -"It is the head gardener," said poor Fritz, sadly. "Farewell, -farewell; be kind and gracious, and come again to-morrow to the -garden." - -He took his basket of flowers, and hurried down the avenue. - -Mademoiselle von Schwerin followed him, with an angry glance. "Once -more no declaration of love," she murmured, stamping on the ground -with the spitefulness of a child. "He shall make me a declaration. -Madame von Morien says there is nothing more heavenly than to hear -for the first time that you are beloved. She also says it is wisest -not to choose your lovers among your equals, but either above or -beneath you, for then you may be sure that you will not be betrayed. -She told me yesterday that she was never so worshipped as by a young -huntsman who served her father when she was just my age, and that no -other man had ever adored her as he had done. Now Fritz Wendel loves -me also, and he shall make me a declaration, for I must know what -this charming sensation is. He shall do it to-morrow. I will be so -kind and gentle that he will tell me of his love. But now I must -return to the palace. I dare not be found here," and the young girl -flew away lightly as a gazelle. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -VON MANTEUFFEL, THE DIPLOMAT. - - -The garden was again solitary. Nothing was heard but the chattering -of birds, as they flitted from limb to limb, and the whispering of -the wind among the trees; all else was tranquil and still. But this -did not last long. The noise of advancing footsteps gave evidence of -the approach of some one, whose figure was soon visible at the -entrance of the grand avenue. - -This person was again a lady, who, if not so beautiful as -Mademoiselle von Schwerin, was still pretty enough to be called one -of the fair sex. She was dressed in a charming and tasteful morning -robe, which was eminently adapted to display to advantage the -beautiful contour of her tall and stately figure. - -Nor had she come into the garden merely to breathe the fresh morning -air, and enjoy the delightful fragrance of flowers; these were -scarcely observed, as she hurriedly swept past them. She stood still -for a moment at the end of the long avenue, and looked cautiously -around in all directions. Seeing that no one was near, that she was -alone and unobserved, she turned aside into the bushes, and, -following a narrow, overgrown path, at last arrived at the garden -wall, where she remained standing before a small door for a moment, -listening with suppressed breathing. Hearing nothing, she clapped -her hands three times, and listened again. And now a repetition of -her signal could be heard from the other side, and she cried in -clear and silvery tones, "Good-morning, good-morning!" A deep, manly -voice returned her greeting from the other side of the wall. - -"It is he!" murmured the lady, and quickly drawing a key from her -pocket, she opened the door. - -The man who had been standing outside sprang forward through the -open gate, and, bowing low to the lady, pressed her proffered hand -to his lips. - -"Good-morning, Count Manteuffel," said she, smiling. "Really you are -as punctual as if coming to a rendezvous with your lady love." - -"Tempi passali!" sighed the count. "I am married," - -"So am I," said the lady, laughing; "that is, however, no reason -why--" - -"You should not still have ardent and devoted admirers." said the -count, interrupting her. "But you are still young and beautiful, -while I have grown old. Tell me, kind lady, by what, art you have -preserved the charming freshness of youth, and those bright and -sparkling eyes by which I was so completely enslaved when I still -had a heart?" - -The lady gave him a penetrating, mocking look. "Count Manteuffel," -said she, "you are so friendly, and your adoration is of so profound -a nature, that you undoubtedly have some very particular favor to -solicit at my hands. But come, let us enter that little pavilion; -there we will find comfortable seats, and be secure from all -interruption." - -They passed silently along the wall to the pavilion, to which the -same key gave access which had before opened the garden door. - -"Here we are safe," said the lady, throwing back the lace veil which -had concealed her face. "Come, count, let us be seated; and now tell -me why you desired this meeting, and why it is that your valet was -not sent as usual to deliver your letters and to receive mine?" - -"I had an irresistible longing to see you, to behold once more your -lovely countenance," said the count, with a deep sigh. - -"But just now you said you had no heart," said the lady, laughing. - -"You are the enchantress who recalls it to life. Really you do -credit to your name, and, thanks to Madame Brandt, my heart is again -in flames." - -"Count, it is very evident that you are now playing a part to which -you are not accustomed," exclaimed Madame Brandt, laughing. "When -you attempt to act the lover you become insipid, while your are -known and acknowledged to be one of the shrewdest and most ingenious -of diplomatists. But no diplomatic subterfuges with me, I pray. Let -us waste no time on the shell, but to the kernel at once! What do -you require of me? In my last letter I gave you an accurate account -of the state of affairs at court, and also of the state of my -finances, which is precisely that of the prince royal's; that is, -his purse is as empty as mine." - -"And both of you have an empress who is only too happy to have the -privilege of supplying this deficiency," said Count Manteuffel, -drawing forth a well-filled purse, through the silken meshes of -which gold glittered, and presenting it to the lady. "I am only -sorry to say there are several empresses who have the inestimable -privilege of assisting the prince royal and Madame Brandt." - -"What do you mean, count? We no longer understand each other, and I -beg of you not to speak in riddles, which I am not prepared to -solve." - -"I mean to say that the prince royal, in his moneyed embarrassments, -no longer addresses himself to the Empress of Austria, although she, -as his nearest relative, as the aunt of the princess royal, has -undoubtedly the first claim to his confidence." - -"But perhaps the purse of the Empress of Austria is insufficient to -meet his demands," said Madame von Brandt. - -"He should first have tested the purse of the empress, as he -frequently did in former times--in times when not only the prince -royal, but also his sister of Bairout, experienced the generosity of -their imperial aunt. But the prince royal readily forgets the -benefits which he has received." - -"That he does," sighed Madame von Brandt. "We poor women are the -greatest sufferers. He has loved us all, and forgotten us all." - -"All?" asked Count Manteuffel. - -"All, count! We are nothing more to him than the plaything of an -idle hour; he then wearies of us, and throws us aside. There is but -one whom he truly loves and constantly." - -"And this lady's name?" - -"The flute, count! Ah, you looked sadly crestfallen. True, this lady -cannot be bribed, either with Austrian gold or with the flattery of -the skilful Count Manteuffel; she is always discreet, always -mysterious; she never betrays her lover. Ah, count, we might both -learn something from this noble flute. Yes, believe me, I would try -to be like her, if, unfortunately, I did not need so many things for -which a flute has no use, and if the glitter of Austrian gold were -not so alluring. But you, Count Manteuffel, why are you not like the -flute? Why have you spies and eavesdroppers at all places? Why are -you an Austrian spy at the court of Prussia--you who have wealth, -rank, and standing which should place you above such paltry -considerations?" - -Count Manteuffel's brow darkened, and he compressed his lips -angrily. But he quickly subdued this momentary irritation, and was -once more the affable, easy, and attentive diplomat. - -"I serve the Austrian court from inclination," said he, "from -preference, and certainly with honest intentions. I serve that -court, because I am deeply convinced that upon Austria devolves the -privilege and duty of dethroning all other German princes, and -uniting all Germany under one government, of converting Austria into -Germany. Prussia must then cease to exist in Austria, and must bend -the knee as a vassal. That is my political conviction, and I act in -accordance with it." - -"And for this political conviction you receive Austrian gold and -Austrian decorations," observed Madame von Brandt, laughing. "For -the sake of your political conviction you have spies at all points, -at the court of Potsdam, at the court of Dresden, and even here at -the little court at Rheinsberg. Not satisfied with having bought -over the prince royal's cook, and induced him to keep a diary for -your inspection, [Footnote: "Youth of Frederick the Great," by -Preuss, page 132.] you have also succeeded in securing the services -of that humble and modest little person, Madame von Brandt, who well -knows that all this costs your Grace a considerable amount of money. -And now you wish to make me believe that you do these things on -account of your political conviction. Softly, my dear count! I, too, -am a little diplomat, and have my convictions, and one of these is, -that Count Manteuffel has but one passion, and that is, to play a -political role, and to make as much money in that way as he possibly -can. And to the good Count Manteuffel it is a matter of perfect -indifference whether this money comes from Prussian or from Austrian -sources." - -"And why these amiable pleasantries?" said the count, with a forced -smile. - -"They mean, my dear count, that this miserable acting should cease; -that we should lay aside our masks, and deal with each other truly -and sincerely, when alone, as we are at present. I serve you, -because I am paid for it; you serve Austria, because you are paid -for it. If, in time of need, you were not at hand with a well-filled -purse, I would cease to serve you; and you would no longer be -enthusiastic on the subject of Austrian dominion, if Austria's money -should cease to flow into your coffers. And now, my dear count, I -believe we understand each other; and, without further -circumlocution, what do you require of me--what have you to -communicate?" - -"I must speak with you on matters of very grave importance." - -"I knew it! your flattery betrayed you," said Madame Brandt, "Well, -begin." - -"First of all, my dear baroness, you must know that the prince royal -will in a few days be king." - -"Not so, count; a courier arrived yesterday evening with the -intelligence that his majesty was much better. The prince royal is -so rejoiced that he has determined to give a fete in honor of Madame -von Morien to-day." - -"Does the prince royal still love this lady?" - -"I told you before that he loved his flute alone," said Madame -Brandt. - -"Does he not, then, love the princess royal?" - -"No! And perhaps he would not love her even if she were changed into -a flute. He would probably say to Quantz, 'It is not made of good -wood, and has a bad tone,' and would lay it aside." - -"And do you believe he would do that with the princess? although she -is no flute, do you believe he would cast her aside?" - -"The princess dreads it." - -"And so does the empress!" - -"But why was a woman, who not only knows nothing about music, but -has a hoarse and discordant voice, and who articulates so -indistinctly that the prince royal could not understand her were she -to say the wittiest things imaginable, why should such a woman have -been given as a wife to a prince of such remarkable musical -proclivities? One does not marry a woman merely to look at her." - -"Then you believe the prince royal will separate himself from his -wife as soon as he obtains his freedom, that is, when he becomes -king?" observed Count Manteuffel, thoughtfully. - -"Of that I know nothing, count. The prince never speaks of his wife, -even to his most intimate friends; and in his tenderest moments -Madame Morien herself endeavors in vain to obtain some information -on this subject." - -"The prince is very discreet and very suspicious. Madame Morien must -be bought over," murmured the count. - -"That will be a difficult task," said Madame Brandt. "She is -unfortunately very rich, and attaches but little importance to -money. I know of but one means. Procure for her a lover who is -handsomer, more ardent, and more passionate than the prince royal, -and she can be won! For it is well known that Madame Morien has a -very susceptible heart." - -"Baroness, no jesting, if you please; the matters under discussion -are of the gravest importance, and our time is limited. Madame -Morion must be won over. She alone can influence the prince through -his heart, and her influence must be exerted to prevent a separation -of the prince royal from his wife. You, my dear baroness, must -induce Madame Morien to do this; you, with your bewitching -eloquence, must make Madame Morien comprehend that this is the only -means of doing penance for her sinful life, and that her only chance -of reconciliation with Heaven depends upon her restoration of the -faithless husband to the arms of his noble wife. She could, perhaps, -save the princess royal and the imperial court the disgrace of a -separation. The princess must remain the wife of the king. This is -the only tie which can bind the king to Austria. The prince is -surrounded by the enemies of Austria, of whom Suhm is the most -dangerous." - -"Well, he, at least, is not near the prince. You know that he is the -ambassador of Saxony at the court of Petersburg." - -"Therein lies the main difficulty! The prince royal places unlimited -confidence in him, they correspond in characters which we have -vainly endeavored to decipher; and the result of this correspondence -is, that Suhm has already procured the prince royal a loan of ten -thousand dollars from the Duke of Courland, and that he has now -secured him the annual sum of twenty-four thousand dollars from the -Empress Anne. These payments will continue until the prince ascends -the throne; the first has just been received." [Footnote: CEuvres de -Frederic le Grand, vol. xvi., pp. 340, 356, 360, 384.] - -"That is a fable," exclaimed Madame Brandt, laughing. "The prince is -as poor as Job, and for some time past has been literally besieged -by his creditors!" - -"And it can be no other than Russia who assists him in these -difficulties!" exclaimed Count Manteuffel, in despair. "We must -leave nothing undone to lessen the influence of this dangerous -enemy, and to win Prussia to Austrian interests. Germany wishes for -peace, and Prussia and Austria must be on good terms. If Prussia and -Austria were to take up arms against each other, the balance of -power in Europe would be destroyed, and a war would be inaugurated -which, perhaps, for years would deluge Germany with blood and tears! -Austria will do all that lies in her power to avoid this; and we, my -dear friend, will be Austria's allies, and will assist her to the -best of our ability. Russia has given Prussia money, it is true, but -an indebtedness of this kind ceases the moment the money is -returned. When the prince royal ascends the throne, he will pay to -Russia what he owes her, and with that all obligations will be at an -end. Then another tie must be found to bind Austria more firmly to -Prussia. And you must help to weave this tie. The prince royal must -never be separated from his wife! The future queen of Prussia will -then be the niece of the empress. The duties of a nephew will -consequently devolve on the king. To unite the two houses more -closely, another marriage must be brought about. The Prince Augustus -William, the presumptive heir of the prince royal, must, like the -latter, espouse a princess of the house of Brunswick--a sister of -the princess royal." - -"That is impossible!" exclaimed Madame Brandt, with vivacity. - -"Impossible? Why impossible?" - -"Because the heart of the Prince Augustus William is already filled -with a deep and passionate love--a love which would even touch you, -that is, if you are susceptible to pity." - -"My dear madame, we are speaking of affairs of State, and you -discourse of love! What have politics to do with love? The prince -may love whom he will, provided he marries the Princess of -Brunswick." - -"But his is a great and noble, a real love, count--a love over which -we have no power, in which the devil had no hand; a love as pure as -Heaven, and deserving of Heaven's blessing! You must give this plan -up, count; the Prince Augustus William will never marry the Princess -of Brunswick. He is far too noble to give his hand without his -heart, and that is devoted to the beautiful Laura von Pannewitz." - -"A prince of the blood who loves a little maid of honor, and wishes -to marry her?" exclaimed von Manteuffel, laughing loudly. "How -romantic! how sublime! what excellent materials for a sentimental -romance! My dear baroness, I congratulate you! This discovery does -all honor to your poetical temperament." - -"Mock me, if you will, count; but I repeat, nevertheless, Prince -Augustus William will not marry the Princess of Brunswick, for he -loves the beautiful maid of honor of the queen, and is determined to -make her his wife." - -"We will know how to break this determination," said Count -Manteuffel. "The prince royal will assist us, depend upon it. He is -not an enthusiastic lover, like Augustus William, and will never -consent to his brother's making a misalliance." - -"And I tell you, the prince would rather die than give up the -beautiful Laura." - -"Well, then she must give him up," said Count Manteuffel, with cruel -composure. - -"Poor Laura," said Madame Brandt, with a sigh, "she loves him so -dearly! it will break her heart to lose him." - -"Pshaw! the heart of every woman is broken one or more times, but it -always heals again, and when warmed by a new love, the old scars -disappear entirely. You, dear baroness, have experienced this in -yourself. Have you no recollection of the days of our ardent and -passionate love? Did we not expect to die when we were separated? -Did we not wring our hands, and pray for death as a relief? And are -we not still living, to smile pityingly at the pangs we then -endured, and to remember how often we have experienced delight, how -often love has since triumphed in our hearts?" - -"It is true," sighed Madame Brandt, "we outlive our sorrows; the -heart of women resembles the worm--it still lives and quivers, -although cut in pieces." - -"Well," said Count Manteuffel, laughing, "the heart of Laura von -Pannewitz is merely a worm, and we will not hesitate to cut it in -pieces, as it will still live merrily on. You, my dear friend, shall -be the knife which performs the operation. Are you willing?" - -For a moment Madame Brandt looked down sadly, and seemed lost in -thought. - -"True," she murmured, "we outlive it, but the best part of our being -is destroyed! I should never have become what I am, if I had not -been ruthlessly torn from my first dream of love. We will not kill -Laura von Pannewitz's body, but her soul will suffer!" - -"And as it is not our province to look after souls, that need give -us no care; a political necessity demands that Prince Augustus -William shall marry the Princess of Brunswick. It demands, moreover, -that the prince royal shall not be divorced from his wife, but that -the niece of the empress shall be Queen of Prussia. In both of these -affairs we need your assistance. You must closely watch the Prince -Augustus William and his lady love, and, at the proper time, bring -the affair to light. By your eloquence you must convince Madame -Morien that it is her duty to exert her influence with the prince -royal to prevent his separation from his wife. This is your task, -and a noble task it is. Its objects are--to protect the peace of -married life; to recall two noble hearts to the duties which they -owe to the world; and lastly, to create a new bond of union between -two mighty German powers. The wife of the Emperor Charles VI., the -noble empress, will not be ungrateful to her ally, Madame Brandt. On -the day on which Prince William espouses the Princess Louisa Amelia -of Brunswick, Madame Brandt will receive a present of twenty -thousand dollars from the empress." - -The countenance of Madame Brandt was radiant with pleasure and -delight. - -"The prince shall and will marry the Princess Louisa Amelia--my word -for it. I am then to be the demon who, with his poisonous breath, -destroys this romantic, this beautiful love; the evil genius who -drives fair Laura to despair. But why should I pity her? She suffers -the fate of all women--my fate. Who pitied, who saved me? No one -listened to my cry of anguish, and no one shall heed the wailing cry -of the fair Laura von Pannewitz. Count, she is condemned! But, hark! -Do you not hear faint tones of distant music? The prince royal has -arisen, and is playing the flute at his open window. We must now -separate; the garden will soon be full of people, and we are no -longer safe from intrusion. A boat-ride on the lake is in -contemplation for the early morning hours, and then Chazot will read -Voltaire's last drama to the assembled court." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -FREDERICK, THE PRINCE ROYAL. - - -Madame Brandt was not mistaken; the prince royal was awake, and was -bringing a tribute to beautiful, sunny Nature in return for the -sweetly-scented air that came through his window. There he stood, -with the flute at his lips, and looked out at God's lovely, laughing -world with a sparkling eye and joyful countenance. A cheerful quiet, -a holy peace radiated from his beautiful face; his whole being -seemed bathed in perfect harmony and contentment, and the soft, -melting tones of his flute but echoed his thoughts. Suddenly he -ceased playing, and slightly bowed his head to catch the sweet, -dying notes that were still trembling in the air. - -"That was good," said he, smiling, "and I believe I can note it down -without exciting the anger of Quantz." He took his flute again, and -softly repeated the air he had just finished. "I will write it -immediately, and play it this evening before my critical musicians." - -While speaking, Frederick left his bedroom, and passed into his -library. On entering this room, a beautiful smile flitted over his -face, and he bowed his head as if saluting some one. It would be -impossible to imagine a more charming and tasteful room. It had been -arranged according to the directions of the prince royal, and was in -a great degree a true portrait of himself, a temple which he had -erected to art, science, and friendship. - -This room was in the new tower, and its circular form gave it a -peculiar appearance. It was most appropriately compared to a temple. -High glass cases around the walls contained the works of Voltaire, -Racine, Moliere, and Corneille; those of Homer, Caesar, Cicero, and -Ovid; also the Italian poets Dante, Petrarch, and Machiavel. All -that had a good name in the literary world found its way into the -library of the royal prince--all, excepting the works of German -authors. - -Between the book-cases, the shelves of which were ornamented here -and there with busts of celebrated writers, were alcoves, in which -stood small satin damask sofas, over which hung, in heavily-gilt -frames, the portraits of Frederick's friends and contemporaries. - -The largest and most beautiful was one of Voltaire. He had received -the honored place; and when Frederick raised his eyes from his work, -while sitting at his escritoire, they rested upon the smiling face -of the talented French writer, whom the prince royal had selected as -his favorite, and with whom he had for many years corresponded. - -The prince went with hasty steps to his table, and, without noticing -the sealed letters that were lying there, he took a piece of lined -paper, and began to write, humming softly the melody he had just -composed. He occasionally threw down his pen, and took the flute -that was lying at his side, to try, before noting them, different -accords and passages. - -"It is finished at last," said the prince, laying aside his pen. "My -adagio is finished, and I think Quanta will have no excuse for -grumbling to-day; he must be contented with his pupil. This adagio -is good; I feel it; I know it; and if the Bendas assume their usual -artist airs, I will tell them--; no, I will tell them nothing," said -the prince, smiling. "It is useless to show those gentlemen that I -care for their approval, or court their applause. Ours is a pitiful -race, and I see the time approaching when I shall despise and -mistrust the whole world; and still my heart is soft, and gives a -warm approval to all that is great and beautiful, and it would make -me very happy to love and trust my fellow-men; but they do not -desire it--they would not appreciate it. Am I not surrounded by -spies, who watch all my movements, listen to every word I utter, and -then pour their poison into the ear of the king? But enough of -this," said the prince, after a pause. "This May air makes me -dreamy. Away with these cobwebs! I have not time to sigh or dream." - -He arose, and walked hastily up and down his room, then approached -the escritoire, and took the letters. As his eye fell on the first, -he smiled proudly. - -"From Voltaire," he murmured softly, breaking the seal, and hastily -opening the enclosure, which contained two letters and several loose -scraps of printed matter. The prince uttered a cry of joyful -astonishment, and scarcely noticing the two letters, he gazed with a -half-tender, half-curious expression on the printed papers he held -in his hand. - -"At last! at last!" exclaimed the prince, "my wish will be -accomplished. The first step toward fame is taken. I shall no longer -be unknown, or only known as the son of a king, the inheritor of a -throne. I shall have a name. I shall acquire renown, for I will be a -poet, an author, and shall claim a place in the republic of genius. -I shall not need a crown to preserve my name in history. The first -step is taken. My 'Anti-Machiavel' is in press. I will tread under -foot this monster of knavish and diabolic statecraft, and all Europe -shall see that a German prince is the first to break a lance against -this Machiavel, who is making the people the slaves of princes. By -his vile principles, he is moulding princes into such monsters that -all mankind must curse them." - -And again looking at the paper, the prince read a few lines, his -voice trembling with displeasure: - -"If it is a crime to destroy the innocence of a private individual -who exercises a limited influence, is it not far worse to undermine -the moral character of princes who should exhibit to their subjects -an example of goodness, greatness, kindness, and love? The plagues -sent by Heaven are but passing, and destroy only in certain -localities; and although most disastrous, their effects pass away in -time. But the vices of kings create incurable misery; yes, misery -enduring for generations. How deplorable is the condition of nations -who have every evil to fear from their ruler, their property exposed -to the covetousness of a prince, their freedom to his humor, and -their lives to his cruelty!" - -Frederick ceased, and turned over a few pages of his "Anti- -Machiavel," and then continued to read: - -"Machiavel speaks in his 'Principe' of miniature sovereigns, who, -having but small states, can send no armies to the field. The author -advises them to fortify their capitals, and in time of war to -confine themselves and their troops to them. - -"The Italian princes, of whom Machiavel speaks, only play the part -of men before their servants. Most of the smaller princes, and -especially those of Germany, ruin themselves by spending sums far -exceeding their revenues, and thus by vanity are led to want. Even -the youngest scion of the least important salaried prince imagines -himself as great as Louis. He builds his Versailles, and sustains -his army. There is in reality a certain salaried prince of a noble -house, who has in his service all the varieties of guards that -usually form the households of great kings, but all on so minute a -scale that it is necessary to employ a microscope to distinguish -each separate corps, and whose army is perhaps strong enough to -represent a battle on the stage of Verona." - -Prince Frederick laughed aloud. "Well, I think my most worthy -cousin, Ernest Augustus, of Saxe-Weimar, will understand this -allusion, and in gratitude for my giving his name to posterity in my -'Anti-Machiavel,' will unravel the mystery, and inform the world how -it is possible, with the annual income of four hundred dollars, to -keep a retinue of seven hundred men, a squadron of one hundred and -eighty, and a company of cavalry; if he is capable of accomplishing -this, without plunging into debt, he is certainly my superior, and I -could learn a great deal from him. I could learn of him how to rid -myself of this torment that I endure from day to day, from hour to -hour. What could be a greater degradation to an honorable man than -to be compelled to flatter the base pride of these vile usurers to -whom I am forced to resort for the money I need; this money pressed, -perhaps, from widows and orphans? To think that I, the inheritor of -a kingdom, am in this condition--that I must lower myself to sue and -plead before these men, while millions are lying in the cellars of -my father's palace at Berlin! But what! Have I the right to -complain? am I the only one who suffers from the closeness of the -king? are not the people of Berlin crying for bread, whilst the -royal larder is filled to overflowing? But patience! the day will -come when the keys will be in my hands--on that day I will give the -people what rightly belongs to them, bread. I will unlock the -treasury, and set free the imprisoned millions. But what noise is -this?" said the prince, approaching the door. - -Loud and angry voices were heard from without. "I tell you I must -and will speak with the prince royal," cried a threatening voice; "I -have waited in vain for two months, in vain addressed to him the -most modest and respectful letters; I have not even been deemed -worthy to receive an answer. Now I have come to receive it in -person, and I swear I will not leave this spot without an -explanation with the prince royal." - -"It is Ephraim," muttered Frederick, with a deep frown. - -"Well, you can stand here until you become a pillar of salt, like -your great-grandmother of old," cried another voice. - -"This is Knobelsdorf," said Frederick. - -"The idea is good," said the first voice, "but it is not I who will -become a pillar of salt, but others will from fright and terror, -when I come with my avenging sword; for justice I will have, and if -I do not obtain it here, I shall go and demand it of the king." - -"From the king! you do not know, then, that his majesty is dying?" - -"Not so, not so! if that were so, I would not be here; I would have -waited quietly for that justice from the new king which I demanded -in vain from the prince royal. The king is recovering; I saw him in -his arm-chair in the garden; for this reason I insist on speaking to -the prince." - -"But if I tell you his royal highness is still asleep?" - -"I would not believe you, for I heard him playing on his flute." - -"That was Quantz." - -"Quantz! he is not capable of playing such an adagio; no, no, it -could only have been the prince royal." - -"Ah! this man wishes to bribe me with his flattery," said the -prince, smiling, "and make me believe I am an Orpheus. Orpheus tamed -lions and tigers with his music, but my flute is not even capable of -taming a creditor." - -"But I say it was Quantz," cried the poor frightened Knobelsdorf; -"the prince still sleeps, or is in bed, for he is not well, and gave -orders to admit no one." - -"Ah! I know all about that; noble gentlemen are always ill if they -have to breathe the same air with their creditors," said Ephraim, -with a mocking smile; "but I tell you I will stay here until I have -spoken to the prince, until he returns me four thousand dollars that -I lent to him, more than a year ago, without interest or security. I -must and will have my money, or I shall be ruined myself. The prince -cannot wish that; he will not punish me so severely for the kindness -and pity I showed to him in his greatest need." - -"This is really too much," cried Knobelsdorf, "you are shameless; do -you dare to speak of pity for the prince royal? do you dare to boast -of having lent him money, while you only did it knowing he could and -would repay you with interest?" - -"If Ephraim knows that, he is cleverer than I am," said Frederick, -smiling sadly; "although I am a prince, I do not know how to get the -miserable sum of four thousand dollars. But I must leave poor -Knobelsdorf no longer in this condition; I must quiet this uproar." -And he hastened toward the door, as the noise without became louder -and louder. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE PRINCE ROYAL AND THE JEW. - - -At this moment, while Knobelsdorf was threatening the Jew and -calling the servants to thrust him out, the prince royal opened the -door and showed his smiling face to the two combatants. - -"Come in," said the prince, "I grant you the audience you so -importunately demand." - -Frederick stepped quietly back in his room, while Ephraim, confused -and humiliated by the calm dignity of the prince, advanced with -bowed head and downcast eyes. - -"Dear Knobelsdorf," said Frederick, turning to his gasping -secretary, who stood amazed behind the Jew, "I pray you to assemble -all the ladies and gentlemen in the garden; we are going yachting; I -will be with you in five minutes." - -"Five minutes," said Ephraim to himself, as Knobelsdorf withdrew, -"only one moment's audience for every thousand dollars! This is a -proud debtor; I would have done better not to place myself in his -power. But I will not be frightened, I will stand up boldly for my -rights!" - -"And now, what have you to say to me?" said the prince, fixing his -angry eyes upon Ephraim. - -"What have I to say to your highness!" said Ephraim, astonished. -"More than a year ago I lent your highness four thousand dollars! I -have as yet received neither principal nor interest." - -"Well, what more?" - -"What more!" said Ephraim. - -"Yes, what more? It is impossible that you have come from Berlin to -Rheinsberg to tell me what I have known for a year as well as -yourself." - -"I thought your highness had forgotten," said the Jew, fixing his -eyes upon the prince, but casting them suddenly to the floor, as he -met the flashing glance of Frederick. - -"Forgotten," said he, shrugging his shoulders; "I have a good memory -for every act of kindness, and also for every offence against the -respect and reverence due to the son of the king." - -His voice was so harsh and threatening, that Ephraim trembled in his -inmost heart, and stammered some words of apology. - -"My prince," said he, "I am a Jew, that is to say a despised, -reviled, and persecuted man! no--not a man, but a creature--kicked -like a dog when poor and suffering, and even when the possessor of -gold and treasures, scarcely allowed human rights. It is better for -the dogs than for the Jews in Prussia! A dog dare have its young, -and rejoice over them, but the Jews dare not rejoice over their -children! The law of the land hangs like a sword over them, and it -may be that a Jewess may he driven out of Prussia because a child is -born to her, only a specified number of Jews being allowed in this -enlightened land! Perhaps the father is not rich enough to pay the -thousand dollars with which he must buy the right to be a father -every time a child is born to him! For this reason is gold, and -again gold, the only wall of protection which a Jew can build up -between himself and wretchedness! Gold is our honor, our rank, our -destiny, our family, our home. We are nothing without gold, and even -when we extend a golden hand, there is no hand advanced to meet it -that does not feel itself contaminated by the touch of a Jew! Judge, -then, your royal highness, how much we love, how highly we prize one -to whom we give a part of our happiness, a part of our honor. I have -done for you, my prince, what I have done for no other man. I have -given you four thousand dollars, without security and without -interest. I lent to Knobelsdorf, for the prince royal, upon his mere -word, my honest gold, and what have I received? My letters, in which -I humbly solicit payment, remain unanswered. I am mocked and -reviled--the door contemptuously shut in my face, which door, -however, was most graciously opened when I brought my gold. Such -conduct is neither right nor wise; and as the worm turns when it is -trodden upon, so is there also a limit to the endurance of the Jew. -He remembers at last that he is also one of God's creatures, and -that God himself has given him the passion of revenge as well as the -passion of love. The Jew, when too long mishandled, revenges himself -upon his torturers, and that will I also do, if I do not receive -justice at your hands. That will I also do, if you refuse me my gold -to-day." - -"You have made a lengthy and impertinent speech!" said Frederick. -"You have threatened me! But I will forgive you, because you are a -Jew; because the tongue is the only weapon a Jew has, and knows how -to use. I now advise you to put your sword in its sheath, and listen -calmly to me. It is true, you have lent me four thousand dollars -without security and without interest. You need not extol yourself -for this, for you well know it is not the wish or the intention of -the prince royal to oppress even the most pitiful of his subjects, -or to withhold the smallest of their rights. You knew this; then why -were you not satisfied to wait until I sent for you?" - -"I can wait no longer, your highness," cried Ephraim, passionately. -"My honor and credit are at stake. Count Knobelsdorf gave me his -sacred promise that at the end of six months my money with interest -should be returned. I believed him, because he spoke in the name of -the prince royal. I now need this money for my business. I can no -longer do without it. I must have it to-day." - -"You must? I say you shall not receive one penny of it to-day, nor -to-morrow, nor for weeks!" - -"If your highness is in earnest, I must go elsewhere and seek -redress." - -"That means you will go to the king." - -"Yes, your highness, I will!" - -"Are you ignorant of the law by which all are forbidden to lend -money to the princes of the royal house?" - -"I am not ignorant of that law; but I know that the king will make -an exception--that he will pay the money I lent to his successor. It -is possible I may feel his crutch upon my back, but blows will not -degrade me. The Jew is accustomed to blows and kicks--to be daily -trodden under foot. Even if the king beats me, he will give me back -my honor, for he will give me back my gold." - -"Suppose that he also refuses you?" - -"Then I will raise my voice until it is heard over the whole earth," -cried Ephraim, passionately. - -"Well, then, raise your voice and cry out. I can give you no gold -to-day." - -"No gold!" said Ephraim. "Am I again to be paid with cunning smiles -and scornful words? You will withhold my gold from me? Because you -are great and powerful, you think you can oppress and mistreat a -poor Jew with impunity, but there is a God for the just and unjust, -and He--" - -He stopped. Before him stood Frederick, blazing with anger. His lips -were pallid and trembling, his arm uplifted. - -"Strike, your highness!--strike!" cried Ephraim, fiercely. "I -deserve to be beaten, for I was a fool, and allowed myself to be -dazzled with the glory of lending my gold to an unhappy but noble -prince! Strike on, your highness! I see now that this prince is but -a man like the rest; he scorns and loathes the poor Jew, but he will -borrow his money, and defraud him of his rights." - -Frederick's arm had fallen, and a soft smile played about his lips. - -"No," said he, "you shall see that Frederick is not a man like other -men. This day you shall have your money. I cannot pay you in money, -but I will give you jewels, and horses from the stud that the king -lately gave me." - -"Then your highness has really no money?" said Ephraim, -thoughtfully. "It was not then to frighten and torment the poor Jew -that my gold was denied me. Can it be possible that the great Prince -Frederick, on whom the hopes of the people rest, and who is already -dearly loved by his future subjects, can be without money? Is it -possible that he suffers like other men? My God! how dare we poor -Jews complain when the heir to a throne is harassed for money, and -must endure privations?" - -The prince was not listening to Ephraim; he had opened a closet, and -taken from it a silver-bound casket, and was gazing intently at its -contents. He drew forth a large diamond cross and some solitaires -and approached the Jew. - -"Here are some jewels, I think, well worth your four thousand -dollars; sell them and pay yourself," said the prince, handing him -the sparkling stones. - -Ephraim pushed the prince's hand gently back. "I lent gold, and gold -only will I accept in payment." - -The prince stamped impatiently upon the ground. "I told you I had no -gold!" - -"Then I cannot receive any," said Ephraim, passively. "The poor Jew -will wait still longer; he will give to the prince royal the gold -which he needs, and of which the poor Jew still has a little. I -humbly ask your highness if you would not like to borrow another -thousand, which I will gladly lend upon one condition," - -"Well, and this condition?" - -"Your highness is to pay me upon the spot the interest upon the four -thousand in ready money? Does your highness understand? Just now you -wished to pay my capital with diamonds and horses. Will you give me -as interest a few costly pearls--pearls which lie hidden in that -flute, and which appear at your magical touch? I will count this as -ready money!" - -Frederick came nearer to Ephraim, and eyeing him sternly, he said: - -"Are you mocking me? Would you make of the prince royal a travelling -musician, who must play before the Jew, in order to soften his -heart?--would you--? Ah, Fredersdorf," said he, interrupting -himself, as his valet approached him in a dusty travelling-suit," -have you just arrived from Berlin?" - -"Yes, your highness; and as I was told who was importuning your -highness, I came in without changing my dress. The banker gave me -this package for you. I believe it is from Petersburg." - -"From Suhm," said the prince, with a happy smile, and hastily -breaking the seal, he drew from the package a letter and several -books. Casting a loving glance at the letter, he laid it on his -writing-table; then turning away, so as not to be seen by Ephraim, -he took up the two books, and looked carefully at their heavily- -gilded covers. Frederick smiled, and, taking a penknife, he hastily -cut off the backs of the books, and took out a number of folded -papers. As the prince saw them, a look of triumph passed over his -expressive face. - -"Ten thousand dollars!" said he to himself. "The empress and the -Duke Biron have fulfilled their promise!" - -Frederick took some of the papers in his hand, and walked toward -Ephraim. - -"Here are your four thousand dollars, and one hundred interest. Are -you satisfied?" - -"No, your royal highness, I am not satisfied! I am not satisfied -with myself. When I came to Rheinsberg I thought I had been wronged. -It now seems to me that I have wronged your highness!" - -"Let that pass," said Frederick. "A prince must always be the -scapegoat for the sin-offering of the people. They make us -answerable for all their sufferings, but have no sympathy for us in -our griefs. I owe you nothing more--you can go." - -Ephraim bowed silently, and turned slowly toward the door. The eyes -of the prince followed him with a kindly expression. He stepped to -the table, and took up his flute. Ephraim had reached the door of -the ante-chamber, but when he heard the soft melting tones of the -flute, he stopped, and remained listening breathlessly at the outer -door. The piercing glance of the prince rested on him; but he -continued to play, and drew from his flute such touching and -melancholy tones that the poor Jew seemed completely overcome. He -folded his hands, as though engaged in fervent prayer; and even -Fredersdorf, although a daily hearer of the prince, listened in -breathless silence to those sweet sounds. - -When the adagio was ended, the prince laid down his flute, and -signed to Fredersdorf to close the door; he wished to give Ephraim -an opportunity of slipping away unobserved. - -"Did your highness know that the Jew was listening?" said -Fredersdorf. - -"Yes, I knew it; but I owed the poor devil something; he offered to -lend me still another thousand dollars! I will remember this. And -now, Fredersdorf, tell me quickly how goes it in Berlin? How is the -king?" - -"Better, your highness. He set out for Potsdam a few days since, and -the pure fresh air has done him good. He shows himself, daily upon -the balcony, in full uniform. The physicians, it is true, look very -thoughtful; but the rest of the world believe the king is rapidly -improving." - -"God grant that the physicians may be again mistaken!" said the -prince. "May the king reign many long and happy years! If he allow -me to live as I wish, I would willingly give an arm if I could -thereby lengthen his life. Well, now for mirth and song! We will be -gay, and thus celebrate the king's improvement. Make, therefore, all -liberal arrangements. Give the cook his orders, and tell the ladies -and gentlemen assembled in the garden that I will be with them -immediately." - -The prince was now alone; he opened the letter he had received with -the gold; his eye rested lovingly upon the handwriting of his -distant friend, and his heart glowed as he read the words of -friendship, admiration, and love from Suhm. - -"Truly," he said, raising his eyes devoutly to heaven, "a faithful -friend is worth more than a king's crown. In spite of all my -brilliant prospects in the future, what would have become of me if -Suhm had not stood by me for the second time and borrowed this money -for me in Russia--this paltry sum, which I have in vain sought to -obtain in my own land? My heart tells me to write a few lines at -once to Suhm, expressing my unshaken friendship, my enduring love." - -Frederick seated himself, and wrote one of those soul-inspiring -letters for which he was so celebrated, and which ended thus: "In a -short time my fate will be decided! You can well imagine that I am -not at ease in my present condition. I have little leisure, but my -heart is young and fresh, and I can assure you that I was never more -a philosopher than now. I look with absolute indifference upon the -future. My heart is not agitated by hope or fear, it is full of pity -for those who suffer, of consideration for all honest men, and of -tenderness and sympathy for my friends. You, whom I dare proudly -count among the latter, may be more and more convinced that you will -ever find in me what Orestes was to his Pylades, and that it is not -possible for any one to esteem and love you more than your devoted -Frederick." - -"Now," said the prince, as he arose, "away with the burdens, the -gravities and cares of life! Come, now, spirit of love! spirit of -bliss! We will celebrate a feast this day in thy honor, thou goddess -of youth and hope! Come, lovely Venus, and bring with thee thy son -Cupid! We will worship you both. To you belongs this day, this -night. You, goddess of love, have sent me the little Morien, that -fluttering, light gazelle, that imperious, laughing fairy--that -'Tourbillon' of caprice and passion. Here is the poem I composed for -her. Madame Brandt shall hand it to her, and shall lead the -'Tourbillon' into the temple of love. Away with earnest faces, dull -eyes, and the wisdom of fools! Come over me, spirit of love, and -grant me one hour of blessed forgetfulness." - -The prince rang for his valet, and commanded him to lay out his -latest French suit; he entered his boudoir, and with a comic -earnestness, and the eager haste of a rash, impatient lover, he gave -himself to the duties and arts of a royal toilet. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PRINCESS ROYAL ELIZABETH CHRISTINE. - - -The princess royal had not yet left her rooms; she still waited for -the prince, whose custom it was to give her his arm every morning -and lead her to the saloon. On these occasions only did the Princess -Elizabeth ever see her husband alone, then only did he address one -word to her, touch her hand, or allow her to lean upon his arm. A -sweet and sad happiness for this young wife, who lived only in the -light of her husband's countenance; who had no other wish, no other -prayer, no other hope than to please him. She felt that the eye of -Frederick never rested upon her with any other expression than that -of cold friendship or absolute indifference. The reason for this she -could never fathom. Elizabeth would have given her heart's blood to -be beloved by him for one single day, yes, for one short, blessed -hour; to be clasped to his heart, not for form or etiquette, but as -a loving and beloved wife, to receive in her ear the sweet whispers -of his tenderness and his fondness. She would have given years of -her life to have bought this man, whom she so passionately loved; he -was her earthly god, the ideal of her maiden dreams. This man was -her husband; he belonged to her; he was bound to her by the holiest -ties, and yet there was an impassable gulf between them, which her -unbounded love, her prayers, her sighs, could not bridge over. The -prince loved her not; never had the slightest pulse of his heart -belonged to her! He endured her, only endured her by his side, as -the poor prisoner, sighing for fresh air, permits the presence of -the jailer, when he can only thus buy a brief enjoyment of God's gay -and sunny world. The prince royal was a prisoner, her prisoner. Not -love, but FORCE had placed that golden ring upon his hand, that -first link in the long, invisible heavy chain, which from that weary -hour had bound his feet, yes, his soul; from which even his thoughts -were never free. Elizabeth knew that she was an ever-present, bitter -memento of his sad, crushed, tortured, and humbled youth--a constant -reminder of the noble friend of his early years, whose blood had -been shed for him, and to whose last wild death-cry his tortured -heart had been compelled to listen. Her presence must ever recall -the scorn, the hatred, the opposition of his stern father; the -hardships, the abuse, the humiliations, yes, even the blows, all of -which had at last bowed the noble mind of the prince and led him to -take upon himself the slavery of this hated marriage, in order to be -free from the scorn and cruelty of his father. To escape from his -dreary prison in Ruppin, he rushed into the bonds of wedlock. How -could he ever forgive, how could he ever love this woman forced upon -him, like drops of wormwood, and swallowed only with the hope of -thereby escaping the torturous pains and last struggles with death? - -Elizabeth had been ignorant of all these bitter truths. The prince -had been ever considerate and kind, though cold, when they met: she -had had one single confidential interview with him, and in that hour -he had disclosed to her what had forced them together, and at the -same time forever separated them. Never could he love the wife -associated in his mind, though innocently, with such cruelties and -horrors; he was fully convinced that she, also, could not love a -husband thus forced upon her; could entertain no feeling for him but -that of respectful consideration and cold indifference. - -Frederick did not know with what deadly wounds these words had -pierced the princess; she had the strength to veil her passion and -her shame with smiles, and in her modest maidenly pride she buried -both in her heart. Since that interview years had gone by, and every -year the love of the princess royal for her husband became more -ardent; his eyes were the sun which warmed and strengthened this -flower of love, and her tears were the dew which nourished and gave -it vitality. - -Elizabeth hoped still to ravish the heart of her husband; she yet -believed that her resigned, modest, but proud and great love, might -conquer his coldness; and yet, in spite of this hope, in spite of -this future trust, Elizabeth trembled and feared more than formerly. -She knew that the hour of decision was drawing nigh; she felt with -the instinct of true love that a new storm was rising on the ever- -clouded horizon of her marriage, and that the lightning might soon -destroy her. - -Frederick had been forced by the power of the king, his father, to -marry her; how would it be when this power should cease, when her -husband should be king? by no one held back; by no one controlled; -free himself, and free to give laws to the world; to acknowledge no -man as his judge; to be restrained by nothing but his conscience. -Might not even his conscience counsel him to dissolve this unnatural -marriage, which had within itself no spark of God's truth, no ray of -God's blessing? might not her husband cast her off and take this -English princess for his wife? had she not been the choice of his -heart? had not King George, although too late, declared his -willingness for the betrothal? had they not loved each other with -the enthusiasm of youth, although they had never met? did not Sophia -Amelia's portrait hang in the library of the crown prince? did not -the English princess wear his picture constantly near her heart? had -she not sworn never to be the wife of another man? - -As Elizabeth thought of these things she trembled, and it seemed to -her that her whole life would go out in one great cry of anguish and -horror. - -"No," she said, "I cannot live without him! I will never consent! he -can kill me, but he cannot force me to break the solemn oath I have -sworn on God's holy altar. He shall not cast me out into the wild -wilderness, as Abram did Hagar, and choose another wife!" - -He could not force her to leave him, but he could beseech her, and -Elizabeth knew full well there was nothing in the world she could -refuse to her husband, which he would condescend so far as to -entreat; for one loving, grateful word from his lips, she would give -him her heart's blood, drop by drop; for one tender embrace, one -passionate kiss, she would lay down her life joyfully. But she would -not believe in this separation; she would yet escape this unblessed -fate--would find a way to his love, his sympathy, at least to his -pity. - -It was a struggle for life, for happiness, for her future, yes, even -for honor; for a divorced wife, even a princess, bears ever a stain -upon her fair name, and walks lonely, unpitied, ever despised -through the world. - -For these reasons the poor princess of late redoubled her efforts to -please her husband; she entered more frequently into the gayeties of -the court circle, and sometimes even took part in the frivolous and -rather free jests of her husband's evening parties; sometimes she -was rewarded by a smile and a glance of applause from Frederick. -This was for Elizabeth the noblest jewel in her martyr crown of -love, more costly, more precious than all her pearls and diamonds. - -To-day one of these joyous and unrestrained circles was to meet. The -prince loved these fetes; he was more charming, witty, talented, and -unrestrained, than any of his guests. Princess Elizabeth resolved to -be no quiet silent member of this circle to-day; she would force her -husband to look upon her and admire her; she would be more beautiful -than all the other ladies of the court; more lovely than the gay and -talented coquette, Madame Brandt; more entrancing than the genial -'Tourbillon,' Madame Morien; yes, even the youthful Schwerin, with -her glancing eye and glowing cheek, should not excel her. - -She was also young and charming, might be admired, loved--yes, -adored, not only as a princess, not only as the wife of the handsome -and genial prince royal, but for her own lovely self. She had -dismissed her maid, her toilet was completed, and she waited for the -prince royal to lead her into the saloon. The princess stepped to -the glass and examined herself, not admiringly, but curiously, -searchingly. This figure in the mirror should be to her as that of a -stranger to be remarked upon, and criticised coldly, even harshly; -she must know if this woman might ever hope to enchain the handsome -prince royal. "Yes," whispered she to herself, "this form is slender -and not without grace; this white satin robe falls in full -voluptuous folds from the slender waist over the well-made form; it -contrasts well with these shoulders, of which my maids have often -said 'they were white as alabaster;' with this throat, of which -Madame Morien says 'it is white and graceful as the swan's.' This -foot, which peeps out from the silken hem of my robe, is small and -slender; this hand is fair and small and well formed. I was -constrained yesterday to promise the painter Pesne to allow him to -paint it for his goddess Aurora; and this face! is it ugly to look -upon? No, this face is not ugly; here is a high, clear forehead; the -eyebrows well formed and well placed, the eyes are large and bright, -the nose is small but nobly formed, the mouth good, the lips soft -and red: yes, this face is handsome. O my God! why can I not please -my husband?--why will he never look upon me with admiration?" - -Her head sank upon her breast, and she was lost in sad and -melancholy dreams; a few cold tears dropping slowly upon her cheeks -aroused her; with a rash movement, she raised her head, and shook -the tears from her eyes; then looked again in the glass. "Why does -not the prince love me?" whispered she again to herself with -trembling lips. "I see it, I know it! It is written in unmistakable -lines in this poor face. I know why he loves me not. These great -blue eyes have no fire, no soul; this mouth has no magical, alluring -smile. Yes, alas! yes, that is a lovely form; but the soul fails!--a -fine nature, but the power of intellect is wanting. My Father, my -heavenly Father, I sleep; my soul lies dead and stiffened in the -coffin with my secret sorrows; the prince could awaken it with his -kisses, could breathe a new life into it by a glance." - -The princess raised her arms imploringly on high, and her trembling -lips whispered, "Pygmalion, why come you not to awaken thy Galatea? -Why will you not change this marble statue into a woman of flesh and -blood, with heart and soul? These lips are ready to smile, to utter -a cry of rapture and delight, and behind the veil of my eyes lies a -soul, which one touch of thine will arouse! O Frederick! Frederick! -why do you torture me? Do you not know that your wife worships, -loves, adores you; that you are her salvation, her god? Oh, I know -these are unholy, sinful words! what then? I am a sinner! I am ready -to give my soul in exchange for thee, Frederick. Why do you not hear -me?--why have not my sighs, my tears the power to bring you to my -side?" - -The poor, young wife sank powerless into her chair, and covering her -face with her hands, wept bitterly. Gay voices and loud laughter, -sounding from beneath her window, aroused her from this trance of -grief. - -"That is Madame Brandt and the Duke of Brunswick," said Elizabeth, -hastening to the window, and peeping from behind the curtains into -the garden. Yes, there stood the duke in lively conversation with -Jordan Kaiserling Chazot, and the newly-arrived Bielfeld; but the -ladies were nowhere to be seen, and the princess concluded they were -already in the ante-room, and that the prince would soon join her. - -"He must not see that I have wept; no one must see that." She -breathed upon her handkerchief, and pressed its damp folds upon her -eyes. "No, I will smile and be gay like Madame Brandt and Morien. I -will laugh and jest, and no one shall guess that my heart is -bleeding and dying with inexplicable grief. Yes, gay will I be, and -smiling; so only can I please my husband." She gave a sad, heart- -breaking laugh, which was echoed loudly and joyously in the ante- -room. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE POEM. - - -The ladies of the court, and those who were guests at the palace of -Rheinsberg, were assembled, and waiting in the ante-room, as the -princess royal had supposed. A few of them had withdrawn to one of -the windows with Madame von Katch, the first lady of honor, and were -conversing in low voices, while Madame von Brandt and Madame von -Morien held an earnest but low-toned conversation in another part of -the room. - -Madame von Morien listened anxiously to her friend, arid the varying -emotions of her soul were clearly mirrored on her speaking -countenance. At one moment a happy smile overspread her lovely -features, but the next a cloud lay on that pure, fair brow, and -darkened those black and glorious eyes. - -"As I told you," whispered Madame von Brandt, "the empress desires -you to understand that, if you will assist in carrying out her -wishes, you may depend upon her gratitude. You must employ all your -eloquence and influence to induce the prince royal to dismiss from -his mind the idea of divorcing his wife at the death of the king." - -"I do not blame the empress," said Madame von Morien, with a roguish -smile. "It remains to be seen, however, whether the wishes of the -prince royal and those of the empress coincide. You are well aware -that Prince Frederick is not the man to be led by the will of -others." - -"Not by the will of the empress, dearest, but by yours." - -"Well how does this good empress expect to bribe me, for I hope she -does not think me so silly and childish as to consider her words -commands, merely because they fall from the lips of an empress. No, -the little Morien is at this moment a more important person to the -empress than the empress is to me, and it is, therefore, very -natural that I should make my conditions." - -"Only name them, my dear friend, and I assure you in advance that -they will be fulfilled, unless you should demand the moon and the -stars; these the empress cannot obtain for you." - -"Ah, you have divined my condition," said Madame von Morien, -smiling. "I demand a star--one that is brighter and more beautiful -than those in the sky--one that the empress can give." - -"I do not understand you," said her astonished friend. - -"You will soon understand--only listen. Have you not heard that the -Austrian empress intends to establish a new order--an order of -virtue and modesty?" - -Madame von Brandt burst into a clear, silvery laugh. "And do you -wish to belong to this order?" - -"Yes; and if the empress will not present me with the star of this -order, I shall enter into no further arrangements." - -Madame von Brandt, still laughing, replied: "This is a most edifying -idea. Le Tourbillon desires to become a member of the 'Order of -Virtue.' The beautiful Morien, whose greatest pride was to despise -the prudish, and to snap her fingers at morality, now wishes to be -in the train of modesty." - -"Dear friend," said Madame von Morien, with a bewitching smile, -which displayed two rows of the most exquisitely white teeth, "dear -friend, you should always leave open a way of retreat; even as Aesop -in descending the mountain was not happy in the easy and delightful -path, but already sighed over the difficulties of the next ascent, -so should women never be contented with the joys of the present -moment, but prepare themselves for the sorrows which most probably -await them in the future. A day must come when we will be cut off by -advancing years from the flowery paths of love and pleasure, and be -compelled to follow in the tiresome footsteps of virtue. It is wise, -therefore, to be prepared for that which must come as certainly as -old age, and, if possible, to smooth away the difficulties from this -rough path. To-day I am Le Tourbillon, and will remain so a few -years; but when the roses and lilies of my cheek are faded, I will -place the cross of the 'Order of Virtue' on my withered bosom, and -become the defender of the God-fearing and the virtuous." - -The two ladies laughed, and their laughter was as gay and silvery, -as clear and innocent as the tones of the lark, or the songs of -children. Le Tourbillon, however, quickly assumed an earnest and -pathetic expression, and said, in a snuffling, preaching voice: "Do -I not deserve to be decorated with the star of the 'Order of -Virtue?' Am I not destined to reunite with my weak but beautiful -hands two hearts which God himself has joined together? I tell you, -therefore, procure this decoration for me, or I refuse the role that -you offer me." - -"I promise that your caprice shall be gratified, and that you will -obtain the star," said Madame von Brandt, earnestly. - -"Excuse me, my dear, that is not sufficient. I demand the assurance, -in the handwriting of the Empress of Austria, the exalted aunt of -our princess royal, that this order shall be established, and that I -shall become a member. It would do no harm for the empress to add a -few words of tenderness and esteem." - -"I shall inform the empress of your conditions immediately, and she -will without doubt fulfil them, for the danger is pressing, and you -are a most powerful ally." - -"Good! thus far we are agreed, and nothing fails now but the most -important part," said Madame von Morien, with a mischievous smile; -"that is to discover whether I can accomplish your wishes--whether -the prince royal considers me any thing more than 'Le Tourbillon,' -'the pretty Morien,' or the Turkish music to which he listens when -he is gay. Nothing is wanting but that the prince royal should -really love me. It is true that he makes love to me; he secretly -presses my hand; he occasionally whispers a few loving, tender words -in my ear; and yesterday, when I met him accidentally in the dark -corridor, he embraced me so passionately, and covered my lips with -such glowing, stormy kisses, that I was almost stifled. But that is -all--that is the entire history of my love." - -"No, that is not all. This history has a sequel," said Madame von -Brandt, triumphantly, as she drew a sealed letter from her bosom, -and gave it to her companion. "Take this, it is a new chapter in -your romance." - -"This letter has no address," returned Madame von Morien, smiling. - -"It is intended for you." - -"No, it is mine," suddenly cried a voice behind them, and a small -hand darted forward, and tore the sealed paper from Madame von -Morien. - -"Mine, this letter is mine!" cried Louise von Schwerin, the little -maid of honor, who, without being remarked, had approached the two -ladies, and seized the letter at this decisive moment. "The letter -belongs to me; it is mine," repeated the presumptuous young girl, as -she danced laughingly before the two pale and terrified ladies. "Who -dares affirm that this letter, which has no address, is not intended -for me?" - -"Louise, give me the letter," implored Madame von Morien, in a -trembling voice. But Louise found a pleasure in terrifying her -beautiful friend, who invariably laughed at her, and called her a -child when she spoke of her heart, and hinted at a secret and -unhappy passion. Louise wished to revenge herself by claiming the -privileges of a child. - -"Take the letter if you can," cried the young girl, as she flew -through the room as lightly as a gazelle, waving her prize back and -forth like a banner, "take the letter!" - -Madame von Morien hurried after her, and now began a merry race -through the saloon, accompanied by the laughter of the ladies, who -looked on with the liveliest interest. And in reality it was a -charming picture to see these beautiful figures, which flew through -the hall like two Atalantas, radiant with eagerness, with glowing -cheeks and smiling lips, with fluttering locks and throbbing -breasts. - -The young girl was still in advance; she danced on, singing and -laughing, far before the beautiful Morien, who began already to be -wearied. - -"The letter is mine!" sang out this impudent little maiden, "and no -one shall take it from me." - -But fear lent wings to Madame von Morien, who now made a last -despairing effort, and flew like an arrow after Louise. Now she was -just behind her; Louise felt already her hot, panting breath upon -her cheek; saw the upraised arm, ready to seize the letter--when -suddenly the door opened, before which Louise stood, and the -princess royal appeared. The youthful maid of honor sank laughing at -her feet, and said breathlessly, "Gracious princess, protect me!" - -Madame von Morien remained motionless at the appearance of the -princess royal, breathless not only from her rapid race, but also -from fear, while Madame von Brandt, concealing, with a smile, her -own alarm, approached her friend, that she might not remain without -assistance at this critical moment. The rest of the company stood -silent at a respectful distance, and looked with curious and -inquiring glances at this singular scene. - -"Well, and from what shall I protect you, little Louise?" said the -princess royal, as she bent smilingly over the breathless child. - -Louise was silent for one instant. She felt that the princess would -reprove her for her naughtiness; she did not wish to be again -treated as a child before the whole court. She hastily resolved to -insist upon the truth of her assertion that the letter was hers. - -"Madame von Morien wished to take my letter from me," said Louise, -giving the latter a perverse look. - -"I hope your royal highness knows this impudent child well enough -not to put any faith in her words," said Madame von Morien, -evasively, not daring to claim the letter as her property. - -"Child! She calls me a child!" murmured Louise, enraged, and now -determined to revenge herself by compromising Madame von Morien. - -"Then the letter does not belong to Louise?" asked the princess -royal, turning to Madame von Morien. - -"Yes, your royal highness, it is mine," declared Louise; "your royal -highness can convince yourself of it. Here is the letter; will you -have the kindness to read the address?" - -"But this letter has no address," said the astonished princess. - -"And still Madame von Morion asserts that it is intended for her," -cried Louise, wickedly. - -"And Mademoiselle von Schwerin declares it belongs to her," said -Madame von Morien, casting a furious look on Louise. - -"I implore your royal highness to be the judge," said Louise. - -"How can I decide to whom the letter belongs, as it bears no name?" -said the princess, smiling. - -"By opening and reading it," said the young girl, with apparent -frankness. "The letter is from my mother, and I do not care to -conceal its contents from your royal highness." - -"Are you willing, Madame von Morien? shall I open this letter?" - -But before the amazed and terrified young woman found time for a -reply, Madame von Brandt approached the princess with a smiling -countenance. She had in this moment of danger conceived a desperate -resolution. The prince royal had informed her that this paper -contained a poem. Why might not this poem have been intended for the -princess as well as for Madame von Morien? It contained, without a -doubt, a declaration of love, and such declarations are suitable for -any woman, and welcome to all. - -"If your royal highness will permit me, I am ready to throw light on -this mystery," said Madame von Brandt. - -The princess bowed permission. - -"This letter belongs neither to Madame von Morien nor to -Mademoiselle von Schwerin," said Madame von Brandt. - -"You promised to enlighten us," exclaimed the princess, laughing, -"and it appears to me you have made the mystery more impenetrable. -The letter belongs neither to Madame von Morien nor to little -Louise. To whom, then, does it belong?" - -"It belongs to your royal highness." - -"To me?" asked the astonished princess, while Madame von Morien -gazed at her friend with speechless horror, and Mademoiselle von -Schwerin laughed aloud. - -"Yes, this letter belongs to your royal highness. The prince royal -gave it to me, with the command to place it upon your table, before -you went to your dressing-room; but I was too late, and understood -that your highness was occupied with your toilet. I dared not -disturb you, and retained the letter in order to hand it to you now. -As I held it in my hand, and said jestingly to Madame von Morien -that the prince royal had forgotten to write the address, -Mademoiselle von Schwerin came and tore it from me in a most -unladylike manner, and declared it was hers. That is the whole -history." - -"And you say that the letter is mine?" said the princess, -thoughtfully. - -"It is yours, and it contains a poem from his royal highness." - -"Then I can break the seal?" said the princess, tearing open the -paper. "Ah!" she cried, with a happy smile, "it is a poem from my -husband." - -"And here comes his royal highness to confirm the truth of my -statement," cried Madame von Brandt, stepping aside. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE BANQUET. - - -Madame von Brandt was right. The prince royal, surrounded by the -cavaliers of his court, entered the saloon just as the princess had -commenced reading the poem. - -On his entrance a murmur of applause arose, and the countenance of -his wife was radiant with pleasure and delight on beholding this -handsome and engaging young prince, whom she, emboldened by the -love-verses which she held in her hand, joyfully greeted as her -husband. On this day the prince did not appear as usual in the -uniform of his regiment, but was attired in a French costume of the -latest fashion. He wore a snuff-colored coat of heavy moire-antique, -ornamented at the shoulders with long bows of lace, the ends of -which were bordered with silver fringe. His trousers, of the same -color and material, reached to his knees, and were here ornamented -with rich lace, which hung far down over his silk stockings. On the -buckles of his high, red-heeled shoes, glittered immense diamonds. -These gems were, however, eclipsed by the jewelled buttons which -confined his long, silver-brocaded waistcoat. [Footnote: Bielfeld, -vol. ii., page 82.] - -The costume of the cavaliers who accompanied the prince was of the -same style, but less rich. - -As this group of handsome and richly-attired gentlemen entered the -saloon, the bright eyes of the ladies sparkled, and their cheeks -colored with pleasure. - -The princess royal's countenance was illumined with delight; never -had she seen the prince so handsome, never had he looked so loving. -And this was all for her, the chosen one, whom he now blessed with -his love. Yes, he loved her! She had only read the commencement of -the poem which he had written, but in this she had seen words of -tender and passionate love. - -While she was gazing at her husband in silent ecstasy, Madame von -Brandt approached the prince, and gracefully recounting the scene -which had just occurred, requested him to confirm her statement. - -The prince's quick glance flitted for a moment from the beautiful -Morien, who trembled with consternation and terror to his wife, and, -judging by the pleased expression of her face, he concluded that she -believed this poem had been really addressed to herself. She had, -therefore, not read it to the end; she had not yet arrived at the -verse which contained a direct appeal to the beautiful Tourbillon, -the charming Leontine. She must not be permitted to read the entire -poem. That was all! - -The prince approached his wife with a smile, to which she was -unaccustomed, and which made her heart beat high with delight. - -"I crave your indulgence," said he, "for my poor little poem, which -reached you in so noisy a manner, and is really scarcely worth -reading. Read it in some solitary hour when you are troubled with -ennui; it may then possibly amuse you for a moment. We will not -occupy ourselves with verses and poems to-day, but will laugh and be -merry; that is, if it pleases you, madame." - -The princess murmured a few low and indistinct words. As usual, she -could find no expression for her thoughts, although her heart was -full of love and delight. This modest shyness of the lips, this -poverty of words, with her rich depth of feeling, was the great -misfortune of the princess royal. It was this that made her appear -awkward, constrained, and spiritless; it was this that displeased -and estranged her husband. Her consciousness of this deficiency made -her still more timid and constrained, and deprived her of what -little power of expression she possessed. - -Had she at this moment found courage to make a ready and witty -reply, her husband would have been much pleased. Her silence, -however, excited his displeasure, and his brow darkened. - -He offered her his arm; and, exchanging glances with Madame Morien, -he conducted his wife to the dining-saloon, to the magnificently -arranged and glittering table. - -"The gardener of Rheinsberg, Frederick of Hohenzollern, invites his -friends to partake of what he has provided. For the prince royal is -fortunately not at home; we can, therefore, be altogether sans gene, -and follow our inclinations, as the mice do when the cat is not at -home." - -He seated himself between his wife and Madame Morien, whispering to -the latter: "Beautiful Tourbillon, my heart is in flames, and I rely -upon you to quench them. You must save me!" - -"Oh, this heart of yours is a phoenix, and arises from its ashes -renewed and rejuvenated." - -"But only to destroy itself again," said the prince. Then taking his -glass and surveying his guests with a rapid glance, he exclaimed: -"Our first toast shall be youth--youth of which the old are -envious!--youth and beauty, which are so brilliantly represented -here to-day, that one might well imagine Venus had sent us all her -daughters and playmates, as well as her lovers, the deposed and -discarded ones as well as those whom she still favors, and only -proposes to discard." - -The glasses rang out merrily in answer to this toast, and all betook -themselves with evident zest to the costly and savory dishes, -prepared by the master-hand of Duvall the French cook, and which the -prince seasoned with the Attic salt of his ever-ready wit. - -They all gave themselves up to gayety and merriment, and pleasure -sparkled in every eye. - -The corpulent Knobelsdorf related in a stentorian voice some amusing -anecdotes of his travels. Chazot recited portions of Voltaire's -latest work. The learned and witty Count Kaiserling recited verses -from the "Henriade," and then several of Gellert's fables, which -were becoming very popular. He conversed with his neighbor, the -artist Pesne, on the subject of the paintings which his masterly -hand had executed, and then turning to Mademoiselle von Schwerin, he -painted in glowing colors the future of Berlin--the future when they -would have a French theatre, an Italian opera, and of all things, an -Italian ballet-corps. For the latter the most celebrated dancers -would be engaged, and it should eclipse every thing of the kind that -had ever been seen or heard of in Germany. - -At the lower end of the table sat the two Vendas, the two Grauns, -and Quantz, the powerful and much-feared virtuoso of the flute and -instructor of the prince royal, whose rudeness was almost imposing, -and before whom the prince himself was somewhat shy. But to-day even -Quantz was quiet and tractable. His countenance wore the half- -pleased, half-grumbling expression of a bull-dog when stroked by a -soft and tender hand. He is inclined to be angry, but is so much at -his ease that he finds it absolutely impossible to growl. - -In their merriment the gentlemen were becoming almost boisterous. -The cheeks of the ladies glowed with pleasure, and their lovers were -becoming tender. - -The princess royal alone was silent; her heart was heavy and -sorrowful. She had carefully reconsidered the scene which had -occurred, and the result was, she was now convinced that the poem -which she had received was not intended for her, but for some other -fair lady. She was ashamed of her credulity, and blushed for her own -vanity. For how could it be possible that the handsome and brilliant -man who sat at her side, who was so witty and spirited, who was as -learned as he was intelligent, as noble as he was amiable, how could -it be possible that he should love her?--she who was only young and -pretty, who was moreover guilty of the great, unpardonable fault of -being his wife, and a wife who had been forced upon him. - -No, this poem had never been intended for her. But for whom, then? -Who was the happy one to whom the prince had given his love? Her -heart bled as she thought that another could call this bliss her -own. She was too mild and gentle to be angry. She ardently desired -to know the name of her rival, but not that she might revenge -herself. No, she wished to pray for her whom the prince royal loved, -to whom he perhaps owed a few days of happiness, of bliss. - -But who was she? The princess royal's glance rested searchingly on -all the ladies who were present. She saw many beautiful and pleasing -faces. Many of them had intelligence, vivacity, and wit, but none of -them were worthy of his love. Her husband had just turned to his -fair neighbor, and, with a fascinating smile, whispered a few words -in her ear. Madame Morien blushed, cast down her eyes, but, raising -them again and looking ardently at the prince royal, she murmured a -few words in so low a tone that no one else heard them. - -How? Could it be this one? But no, that was impossible. This giddy, -coquettish, and superficial woman could by no possibility have -captivated the noble and high-toned prince; she could not be -Elizabeth's happy rival. - -But who, then? Alas, if this long and weary feast were only at an -end! If she could but retire to her chamber and read this poem, the -riddle would then be solved, and she would know the name of his -lady-love. - -It seemed, however, that the prince had divined his wife's wish, and -had determined that it should not be gratified. - -They had taken their seats at table at a very late hour to-day, at -six o'clock. It had now become dark, and candelabras with wax -candles were brought in and placed on the table. - -"The lights are burning," exclaimed the prince; "we will not leave -the table until these lights are burned out, and our heads have -become illuminated with champagne." [Footnote: Bielfeld, vol i., -page 84. The prince's own words.] - -And amid conversation, laughter, and recitations, all went merrily -on. But the heart of the princess royal grew sadder and sadder. - -Suddenly the prince turned to her. "I feel the vanity of an author," -said he, "and beg permission to inquire if you have no curiosity to -hear the poem which I had the honor of sending you to-day by Madame -Brandt?" - -"Indeed I have, my husband," exclaimed the princess, with vivacity. -"I long to become acquainted with its contents." - -"Then permit me to satisfy this longing," said the prince, holding -out his hand for the poem. The princess hesitated, but when she -looked up and their eyes met, his glance was so cold and imperious, -that she felt as if an icy hand were at her heart. She drew the poem -from her bosom and handed it silently to her husband. - -"Now, my little maid of honor, von Schwerin," said the prince royal, -smiling, "this sagacious, highly respectable, and worthy company -shall judge between you and me, and decide whether this paper is a -letter from her dear mother, as this modest and retiring child -asserts, or a poem, written by a certain prince, who is sometimes -induced by his imaginative fancy to make indifferent verses. Listen, -therefore, ladies and gentlemen, and judge between us. But that no -one may imagine that I am reading any thing else, and substituting -the tender thoughts of a lover for the fond words of motherly -affection, Madame Morien shall look at the paper I am reading, and -bear witness to my truth." - -He read off the first verses as they were written, and then -improvising, recited a witty and humorous poem, in which he did -homage to his wife's charms. His poem was greeted with rapturous -applause. While he was reciting the improvised verses, Madame Morien -had time to read the poem. When she came to the verses which -contained a passionate declaration of love, and in which the prince -half-humbly, half-imperiously, solicited a rendezvous, her breast -heaved and her heart beat high with delight. After the prince had -finished he turned to his wife with a smile, and asked if the poem -had pleased her. - -"So much so," said she, "that I pray you to return it. I should like -to preserve it as a reminiscence of this hour." - -"Preserve it? By no means! A poem is like a flower. It is a thing of -the present, and is beautiful only when fresh. The moment gave it, -and the moment shall take it. We will sacrifice to the gods, what we -owe to the gods." - -Having thus spoken, the prince tore the paper into small pieces, -which he placed in the palm of his hand. - -"Go ye in all directions and teach unto all people that nothing is -immortal, not even the poem of a prince," said he, and blowing the -particles of paper, he sent them fluttering through the air like -snowflakes. The ladies and gentlemen amused themselves with blowing -the pieces from place to place. Each one made a little bellows of -his mouth, and endeavored to give some strip of paper a particular -direction or aim--to blow it on to some fair one's white shoulders -or into some gentleman's eye or laughing mouth. - -This caused a great deal of merriment. The princess was still sad -and silent. Now and then a scrap fell before her; these she blew no -further, but mechanically collected and gazed at them in a listless -and mournful manner. Suddenly she started and colored violently. On -one of these strips of paper she had read two words which made her -heart tremble with anger and pain. These Words were, "Bewitching -Leontine!" - -The secret was out. The prince royal's poem had been addressed to -Leontine, to a bewitching Leontine, and not to Elizabeth! But who -was this Leontine? which of the ladies bore that name? She must, she -would know! She called all her courage to her assistance. Suddenly -she took part in the general merriment, commenced to laugh and jest; -she entered gayly into a conversation with her husband, with Madame -Morien and the young Baron Bielfeld, who was her vis-a-vis. - -The princess had never been so gay, so unconstrained, and so witty. -No one suspected that these jests, this laughter, was only assumed; -that she veiled the pain which she suffered with a smiling brow. - -The candles had burnt half way down, and some of the gentlemen had -begun to light the first tapers of the champagne illumination which -the prince had prophesied. Chazot no longer recited, but was singing -some of the charming little songs which he had learned of the merry -peasants of Normandy, his fatherland. Jordan improvised a sermon -after the fashion of the fanatical and hypocritical priests who for -some time past had collected crowds in the streets of Berlin. -Kaiserling had risen from his seat and thrown himself into an -attitude in which he had seen the celebrated Lagiere in the ballet -of the Syrene at Paris. Knobelsdorf recounted his interesting -adventures in Italy; and even Quanta found courage to give the -prince's favorite dog, which was snuffling at his feet, and which he -hated as a rival, a hearty kick. The prince royal alone had -preserved his noble and dignified appearance. Amid the general -excitement he remained calm and dignified. The candles were burning -low, and the champagne illumination was becoming intense in the -heads of all the gentlemen except the prince and the Baron Bielfeld. - -"Bielfeld must also take part in this illumination," said the -prince, turning to his wife, and calling the former, he proposed to -drink with him the health of his fiancee, whom he had left in -Hamburg. - -After Bielfeld had left his seat and was advancing toward the prince -royal, the princess hurriedly and noiselessly gave her instructions -to a servant. She had observed that Bielfeld had been drinking -freely of the cold water which had been placed before him in a -decanter. The servant emptied this decanter and filled it with -sillery, which was as clear and limpid as water. Bielfeld returning -to his seat, heated by the toast he had been drinking, filled his -glass to the brim, and drank instead of water the fiery sillery. -[Footnote: Bielfeld, vol. i., page 85.] - -The princess royal, whose aim was to discover which of the ladies -was the bewitching Leontine, determined to strike a decisive blow. -With an ingratiating smile she turned to Bielfeld and said: - -"The prince royal spoke of your fiancee; I may, therefore, -congratulate you." - -Bielfeld, who did not dare to acknowledge that he was on the point -of shamefully deserting this lady, bowed in silence. - -"May I know the name of your fiancee?" asked she. - -"Mademoiselle von Randau," murmured Bielfeld, drinking another glass -of sillery to hide his confusion. - -"Mademoiselle von Randau!" repeated the princess, "how cold, how -ceremonious that sounds! To imagine how a lady looks and what she is -like, it is necessary to know her Christian name, for a given name -is to some extent an index to character. What is your fiancee's -name?" - -"Regina, royal highness." - -"Regina! That is a beautiful name. A prophecy of happiness. Then she -will always be queen of your heart. Ah, I understand the meaning of -names, and at home in my father's house I was called the Sibyl, -because my prophecies were always true. If you will give me your -first names, I will prophecy your future, ladies. Let us commence. -What is your given name, Madame von Katsch?" - -While the princess was speaking, she played carelessly with the -beautiful Venetian glass which stood before her. The prince royal -alone saw what no one else observed; he saw that the hand which -toyed with the glass trembled violently; that while she smiled her -lips quivered, and that her breathing was hurried and feverish. He -comprehended what these prophecies meant; he was convinced that the -princess had become acquainted with the contents of his poem. - -"Do not give her your name," he whispered to Madame Morien. He then -turned to his wife, who had just prophesied a long life and a happy -old age to Madame von Katsch. - -"And your name, Mademoiselle von Schwerin?" said the prince royal. - -"Louise." - -"Ah, Louise! Well, I prophecy that you will be happier than your -namesake, the beautiful La Valliere. Your conscience will never -reproach you on account of your love affairs, and you will never -enter a convent." - -"But then I will probably never have the happiness of being loved by -a king," said the little maid of honor, with a sigh. - -This naive observation was greeted with a merry peal of laughter. - -The princess continued her prophecies; she painted for each one a -pleasant and flattering future. She now turned to Madame Morien, -still smiling, still playing with the glass. - -"Well, and your name, my dear Madame Morien?" said she, looking into -the glass which she held clasped in her fingers. - -"She is called 'Le Tourbillon,'" exclaimed the prince royal, -laughing. - -"Antoinette, Louise, Albertine, are my names," said Madame Morien, -hesitatingly. - -The princess royal breathed free, and raised her eyes from the glass -to the beautiful Morien. - -"These are too many names to prophesy by," said she. "By what name -are you called?" - -Madame Morien hesitated; the other ladies, better acquainted with -the little mysteries of Tourbillon than the princess, divined that -this question of the princess and the embarrassment of Madame Morien -betokened something extraordinary, and awaited attentively the reply -of this beautiful woman. A momentary pause ensued. Suddenly -Mademoiselle Schwerin broke out in laughter. - -"Well," said she, "have you forgotten your name, Madame Morien? Do -you not know that you are called Leontine?" - -"Leontine?" exclaimed the princess, and her fingers closed so -tightly on the glass which she held in her hand, that it crushed, -and drew from her a sharp cry of pain. - -The prince royal saw the astonished and inquiring glances of all -directed to his wife, and felt that he must turn their attention in -some other direction--that he must make a jest of this accident. - -"Elizabeth, you are right!" said he, laughing. "The candles have -burnt down; the illumination has begun; the festival is at an end. -We have already sacrificed a poem to the gods, we must now do the -same with the glasses, out of which we have quaffed a few hours of -happiness, of merriment, and of forgetfulness. I sacrifice this -glass to the gods; all of you follow my example." - -He raised his glass and threw it over his shoulder to the floor, -where it broke with a crash. The others followed the example of the -prince and his wife with shouts of laughter, and in a few minutes -nothing was left of these beautiful glasses but the glittering -fragments which covered the floor. But the company, now intoxicated -with wine and delight, was not contented with this one offering to -the gods, but thirsted for a continuation of their sport; and not -satisfied with having broken the glasses, subjected the vases and -the bowls of crystal to the same treatment. In the midst of this -general confusion the door was suddenly opened, and Fredersdorf -appeared at the threshold, holding a letter in his hand. - -His uncalled-for appearance in this saloon was something so -extraordinary, so unprecedented, that it could be only justified on -the ground of some great emergency, something of paramount -importance. They all felt this, notwithstanding their excitement and -hilarity. A profound silence ensued. Every eye was fixed anxiously -upon the prince, who had received the letter from Fredersdorf's -hands and broken the seal. The prince turned pale, and the paper -trembled in his hands He hastily arose from his seat. - -"My friends," said he, solemnly, "the feast is at an end. I must -leave for Potsdam immediately. The king is dangerously ill. -Farewell!" - -And offering his arm to his wife, he hastily left the saloon. The -guests, who but now were so merry, silently arose and betook -themselves to their chambers, and nothing could be heard save now -and then a stolen whisper or a low and anxious inquiry. Soon a deep -and ominous silence reigned in the castle of Rheinsberg. All slept, -or at least seemed to sleep. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -LE ROI EST MORT. VIVE LE ROI! - - -King Frederick William's end was approaching. Past was his power and -greatness, past all his dreams of glory. Long did the spirit fight -against the body; but now, after months of secret pain and torture, -he had to acknowledge himself overpowered by death. The stiff -uniform is no longer adapted to his fallen figure. Etiquette and -ceremony had been banished by the all-powerful ruler--by death. He -is no longer a king, but a dying man--nothing more. A father taking -leave of his children, a husband embracing his wife for the last -time; pressing his last kisses upon her tearful face, and pleading -for forgiveness for his harshness and cruelty. Frederick William has -made his peace with God and the world; his proud spirit is broken; -his hard heart softened. Long he had striven in the haughtiness of -his heart before acknowledging his sins, but the brave and pious -Roloff approached his couch, and with accusations and reproaches -awakened his slumbering conscience. At first he had but one answer -to the priest's accusations, and that was proudly given: "I have -ever been true to my wife." Roloff continued to speak of his -extortions, oppressions, and inhumanity. Frederick William was at -last convinced that he must lay down his crown and approach God with -deep repentance, humbly imploring pardon and mercy. - -Now that he had made his peace with God, there remained nothing for -him to do but to arrange his earthly affairs, and take leave of his -wife, and children, and friends. They were all called to his room -that he might bid them farewell. By the side of the arm-chair, in -which the king was reclining, wrapped in his wide silk mantle, stood -his wife and the prince royal. His hands rested in theirs, and when -he raised his weary eyes, he always met their tear-stained faces, -their looks of unutterable love. Death, that would so soon separate -them forever, had at last united in love father and son. Weeping -loudly, Frederick William, folded the prince royal in his arms, and -with a voice full of tears, exclaimed: "Has not God in his great -mercy given me a noble son?" Prince Frederick bowed his head upon -his father's breast, and prayed deeply and earnestly that his life -might be spared. - -But the end was approaching; the king knew and felt it. He had the -long coffin, the same in which he had laid himself for trial a few -months before, brought into his room, and looking at it sadly, said, -with a peaceful smile: "In this bed I shall sleep well!" He then -called his secretary, Eichel, and ordered him to read the programme -of his funeral, which he had himself dictated. - -It was a strange picture to see this king, lying by the side of the -coffin, surrounded by his children and servants, his weary head -reclining on the shoulder of his wife, listening attentively to this -programme, that spoke of him a still living and thinking being, as -of a cold, dead, senseless mass. Not as for a sad festival, but for -a grand parade, had the king arranged it, and it made a fearful, -half-comic impression upon the auditors, when was added, at the -especial request of the king, that, after his laying out, a splendid -table should be set in the great hall for all who had been present -at the ceremony, and that none but the best wines from his cellar -should be served. - -After having provided for his corpse, Frederick William still wished -to leave to each of his favorites, the Prince of Dessau and Baron -Hacke, a horse. He ordered the horses to be led from their stalls to -the court. He then desired his chair to be rolled to an open window, -where he could see the entire court, and give a farewell look to -each of these animals which had so often borne him to feasts and -parades. Oh! what costly, glorious days those were, when he could -lightly swing himself upon these proud steeds, and ride out into -God's fresh, free air, to be humbly welcomed by his subjects, to be -received with the roll of drums and the sound of trumpets, and every -moment of his life be made aware of his greatness and power by the -devotion and humility of those who surrounded him! And that was all -set aside and at an end. Never again could he mount his horse, never -again could he ride through the streets of Berlin, and rejoice over -the beautiful houses and stately palaces called into life by his -royal will. Never again will he receive the humble welcome of his -subjects; and when on the morrow drums are beating and cannon -thundering, they will not salute the king, but his corpse. - -Oh! and life is so beautiful; the air is so fresh and balmy; the -heavens of so clear and transparent a blue; and he must leave it -all, and descend into the dark and lonely grave. - -The king brushed a tear from his eye, and turning his gaze from -heaven and God's beautiful earth, looked upon the horses which a -servant was leading to and fro in the court. As he did this, his -countenance brightened, he forgot for the moment that death was near -at hand, and looked with eager attention to see which of the horses -the gentlemen would choose. When he saw the selection the Prince of -Dessau had made, he smiled, with the pitying look of a connoisseur. - -"That is a bad horse, my dear prince," he exclaimed; "take the other -one, I will vouch for him." - -After the prince had chosen the horse shown him by the king, and -Baron Hacke the other, he ordered the most magnificent and costly -saddles to be placed on them; and while this was being done, he -looked on with eager interest. Behind him stood the minister -Rodewills, and the secretary of state, whom the king had summoned to -his presence to receive his resignation, by which he transferred the -kingly authority to his son the prince royal. Behind him stood -Frederick and the queen, the generals and the priests. The king was -unconscious of their presence; he had forgotten that he was dying; -he thought only of his horses, and a dark cloud settled on his face -as the groom buckled a saddle covered with blue velvet over the -yellow silk housing of Prince Anhalt's horse. - -"Oh, if I were only well, how I would beat that stupid boy!" -exclaimed the king, in a loud, menacing voice. "Hacke, have the -kindness to beat him for me." - -The horses pointed their ears and neighed loudly, and the servants -trembled at the voice of their master, who was speaking to them as -angrily as ever, but in a deep, sepulchral voice. - -But his anger was of short duration, and he sank back into his -chair, breathing heavily and brokenly. He had not the strength to -sign his resignation, and demanded to be taken from his chair and -placed upon the bed. - -There he lay motionless, with half-closed eyes, groaning and -sighing. A fearful stillness reigned in the chamber of death. All -held their breath; all wished to hear the last death-sigh of the -king; all wished to witness the mysterious and inscrutable moment -when the soul, freeing itself from its earthly tenement, should -ascend to the spring of light and life as an invisible but -indestructible atom of divinity. Pale and trembling the prince -leaned over his father; the kneeling queen prayed in a low voice. -With earnest and sorrowful faces the generals and cavaliers, -physicians and priests, looked at this pale and ghost-like being, -who but a few moments before was a king, and was now a clod of the -valley. But no, Frederick William was not yet dead; the breath that -had ceased returned to his breast. He opened his eyes once more, and -they were again full of intelligence. He ordered a glass to be given -him, and looked at himself long and attentively. - -"I don't look as badly as I thought," said he, with the last -fluttering emotion of human vanity. "Feel my pulse, doctor, and tell -me how long I have still to live." - -"Your majesty insists on knowing?" - -"I command you to tell me." - -"Well, then, your majesty is about to die," said Ellert, solemnly. - -"How do you know it?" he asked, composedly. - -"By your wavering pulse, sire." - -The king held his arm aloft, and moved his hand to and fro. - -"Oh, no," said he, "if my pulse were failing I could not move my -hand; if--" - -Suddenly he ceased speaking, and uttered a loud cry, his uplifted -arm sinking heavily to his side. - -"Jesus, Jesus!" murmured the king, "I live and die in Thee. Thou art -my trust." - -The last fearful prayer died on his lips, the spirit had flown, and -Frederick was no longer a living, thinking being, but senseless, -powerless clay. - -The prince royal conducted the weeping queen from the apartment. The -courtiers remained, but their features were no longer sad and -sympathetic, but grave and thoughtful. The tragedy here was at an -end, and all were anxious to see the drama from which the curtain -was now to be drawn in the apartments of the prince royal. Frederick -William had breathed his last, and was becoming cold and stiff; he -was only a corpse, with which one had nothing more to do. - -In unseemly haste they all crowded through the widely-opened folding -doors of the death-chamber, and hastened into the ante-room that led -to the young king's apartments. - -Who will be favored, who receive the first rays of the rising sun? -They all see a sunny future before them. A new period begins, a -period of splendor, abundance, and joy; the king is young, and fond -of display and gay festivities; he is no soldier king, but a -cavalier, a writer, and a learned man. Art and science will bloom, -gallantry and fashion reign; the corporal's baton is broken, the -flute begins her soft, melodious reign. - -Thus thought all these waiting courtiers who were assembled in the -young king's ante-chamber. Thus thought the grand chamberlain -Pollnitz, who stood next to the door that led to the chamber within. -Yes, a new period must commence for him; his would be a brilliant -future, for the prince royal had always been loving and gracious to -him, and the young king must remember that it was Pollnitz who -induced Frederick William to pay the prince's debts. The king must -remember this, and, for the services he had rendered, raise him to -honor and dignity; he must be the favorite, the envied, feared, and -powerful favorite, before whom all should bend the knee as to the -king himself. The king was young, inexperienced, and easily led; he -had a warm heart, a rich imagination, and an ardent love of pleasure -and splendor. These qualities must be cultivated in the young king; -by these reins he would control him; and while intoxicated with -pleasure and delight, he lay on his sweet-scented couch, -strengthening himself for new follies, Pollnitz would reign in his -stead, and be the real king. - -These were no chimeras, no vain dreams, but a well-considered plan, -in which Pollnitz had a powerful abettor in the person of -Fredersdorf, chamberlain of the young king, who had promised that he -should be the first that the king should call for. - -For this reason Pollnitz stood nearest the door; for this reason he -so proudly regarded the courtiers who were breathlessly awaiting the -opening of that door. - -There, the door opens, and Fredersdorf appears. - -"Baron Pollnitz!" - -"Here I am," exclaimed Pollnitz, casting a triumphant look at his -companions, and following Fredersdorf into the royal presence. - -"Well, have I not kept my promise?" said Fredersdorf, as they passed -through the first room. - -"You have kept yours, and I will keep mine; we will reign together." - -"Step in, the king is there," said Fredersdorf. - -The young king stood at the window, his forehead resting on the -sash, sighing and breathing heavily, as if oppressed. As he turned, -Pollnitz noticed that his eyes were red with weeping, and the -courtier's heart misgave him. - -A young king, just come into power, and not intoxicated by his -brilliant fortune, but weeping for his father's death! It augured -ill for the courtier's plans. - -"All hail and blessing to your majesty!" exclaimed Pollnitz, bowing -with apparent enthusiasm to kiss the king's robe. - -The king stepped aside, motioned him off, and said, with a slight -smile, "Leave these ceremonies until the coronation. I need you now -for other things. You shall be master of etiquette and ceremonies at -my court, and you will commence your duties by making the necessary -arrangements for my father's funeral. Unhappily, I must begin my -reign by disobeying my father's commands. I cannot allow this simple -and modest funeral to take place. The world would not understand it, -and would accuse me of irreverence. No, he must be interred with all -the honors due to a king. That is my desire; see that it is -accomplished." - -The grand chamberlain was dismissed, and passed out of the royal -chambers lost in contemplation of his coming greatness, when, -suddenly hearing his name, he turned and perceived the king at the -door. - -"One thing more, Pollnitz," said the king, his eye resting with a -piercing expression on the smiling countenance of the courtier; "one -thing more--above all things, no cheating, no bad jokes, no -overrating, no accounts written with double chalk. I will never -forgive any thing of this kind, remember that." - -Without awaiting an answer, the king turned and re-entered his room. - -Baron Pollnitz stared after him with widely-distended eyes; he felt -as if a thunderbolt had destroyed his future. - -This was not the extravagant, voluptuous, and confiding monarch that -Pollnitz had thought him, but a sober, earnest, and frugal king, -that even mistrusted and saw through him, the wily old courtier. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -WE ARE KING. - - -Two days and nights had passed, and still no news from the prince -royal. King Frederick William still lived, and the little court of -Rheinsberg was consumed with impatience and expectation. All means -of dissipation were exhausted. Time had laid aside its wing, and put -on shoes of lead. She flew no longer, but walked like an aged woman. -How long an hour seems, when you count the seconds! How terribly a -day stretches out when, with wakeful but wearied eyes, you long for -its close! - -Kaiserling's wit and Chazot's merry humor, where are they? Why is -Bielfeld's ringing laugh and the flute of Quantz silenced? All is -quiet, all are silent and waiting, dreaming of the happiness in -store for them, of the day of splendor, power, and magnificence that -will dawn for the favorites and friends of the prince royal when he -ascends the throne. - -Is it not a proud and delightful thing to be the confidant and -companion of a king--to spend with him his treasures and riches, to -share with him the devotion and applause of the people? - -Until now they had been forced to disguise their friendship and -devotion for the prince royal. They trembled for fear of exciting -the king's anger, and were in daily terror of being banished by him -from the presence of their prince. - -When the prince royal ascends the throne they will be his powerful -and influential favorites, and their favor will be courted by all. -They will be his co-regents, and through and with him will rule the -nation. - -It is, therefore, not astonishing that they look forward to his -accession to the throne with longing and impatience; not astonishing -that they curse these sluggish, slowly-passing hours, and would fain -have slept, slept on until the great and blessed moment when they -should be awakened with the news that their friend Prince Frederick -had ascended the throne of his fathers, and was King of Prussia. - -In the midst of this excitement the princess royal alone seemed -quiet and unconstrained. She was calm and composed; she knew that -the events of the next few days would determine her whole life; she -feared that her happiness hung on the slender thread which bound the -dying king to life. - -But Elizabeth Christine had a brave heart and a noble soul; she had -passed the night on her knees weeping and praying, and her heart was -full of misery. She had at last become quiet and composed, and was -prepared for any thing, even for a separation from her husband. If -Frederick expressed such a wish, she was determined to go. Where? -Anywhere. Far, far away. Whichever route she took, she was certain -to reach her destination, and this destination was the grave. If she -could not live with him, she would die! She knew this, and knowing -it, she was tranquil, even happy. - -"I invite all the ladies and gentlemen of the court to spend the -evening in my room," she said, on the second day of this painful -expectation; "we will endeavor to imagine that the prince royal is -in our midst, and pass the hours in the usual manner; we will first -go yachting; afterwards we will all take tea together, and Baron -Bielfeld will read us a few chapters from the 'Henriade.' We will -then play cards, and finish the evening with a dance. Does this -programme meet with your approbation?" All murmured some words of -assent and thanks, but their faces were nevertheless slightly -clouded. Perceiving this, the princess royal said: "It seems that -you are not pleased, that my suggestion does not meet with your -approbation. Even the face of my little Louise von Schwerin is -clouded, and the countenance of my good Countess Katsch no longer -wears its pleasant smile. Well, what is it? I must know. Baron -Bielfeld, I appoint you speaker of this discontented community. -Speak, sir." - -The baron smiled and sighed: "Your highness spoke a few days since -of your gift of prophecy, and in fact you are a prophetess, and have -seen through us. It is certainly a great happiness and a great honor -to spend the evening in the apartments of the princess royal. But if -your highness would allow us to ask a favor, it would be that our -exalted mistress would condescend to receive us either in the garden -saloon or music room, and not in your private apartments; for these -apartments, beautiful and magnificent as they are, have one great, -one terrible defect." - -"Well," said the princess, as Bielfeld concluded, "I am curious to -know what this defect is. I believed my rooms to be beautiful and -charming; the prince royal himself regulated their arrangement, and -Pesne and Buisson ornamented them with their most beautiful -paintings. Quick then, tell me of this great defect!" - -"Your highness, your apartments are in the right wing of the -castle." The princess looked at him inquiringly, astonishment -depicted in her countenance, and then laughed. - -"Ah, now I see, my apartments are in the right wing of the castle; -that is, from there you cannot watch the great bridge, over which -all that come from Berlin or Potsdam must pass. You are right, this -is a great defect. But the music room is in the left wing, and from -there you can see both the bridge and the road. Let us, then, -adjourn to the music room for our reading, and when it becomes too -dark to see, we will play cards in my apartments." - - They all followed the princess to the music room, where by chance -or out of mischief the princess chose the seat farthest from the -window, and thus compelled the company to assemble around her. As -they followed her, they all looked longingly through the window and -toward the bridge, over which the messenger of happiness might at -any moment pass. - -Bielfeld took the book selected by the princess, and commenced -reading. But how torturing it was to road, to listen to these -pathetic and measured Alexandrines from the "Henriade," while -perchance in this same hour a new Alexander was placing the crown -upon his young and noble head! In fact, but little was heard of -these harmonious verses. All looked stealthily toward the window, -and listened breathlessly to every sound that came from the road. -Bielfeld suddenly ceased reading, and looked toward the window. - -"Why do you not read on?" said the princess. - -"Excuse me, I thought I saw a horse's head on the bridge!" - -Forthwith, as if upon a given signal, they all flew to the windows; -the princess herself, in the general commotion, hastened to one. - -Yes! Between the trees something was seen moving. There it is coming -on the bridge now! A peal of laughter resounded through the rooms. -An ox! Count Bielfeld's courier had transformed himself into an ox! - -They all stole back to their seats in confusion, and the reading was -recommenced. But it did not last long; again Bielfeld came to a -stop. - -"Pardon me, your highness, but now there is positively a horse on -the bridge." - -Again they all rushed anxiously to the window. It certainly was a -horse, but its rider was not a royal messenger, but a common -peasant. - -"I see," said the princess, laughing, "that we must discontinue our -reading. Let us walk in the left wing of the garden, and as near the -gate as possible." - -"Will the sun never set?" whispered Bielfeld to Count Wartensleben, -as they walked up and down. "I fear another Joshua has arrested its -course." - -But it set at last; it was now evening, and still no courier had -passed the bridge. They accepted the princess' invitation, and -hastened to her apartments and to the card-tables. And on this -occasion, as heretofore, the cards exercised a magic influence over -the inhabitants of Rheinsberg, for they were striving to win that, -from the want of which, not only the prince but all his courtiers -had so often suffered--gold! Count Wartensleben had lately arrived -and brought with him a well-filled purse, which Bielfeld, -Kaiserling, and Chazot were anxious to lighten. - -The princess played with her maids of honor a game called Trisset, -in her boudoir, while the rest of the company, seated at several -tables in the adjoining room, played their beloved game of -quadrille. The door suddenly opened, and a valet appeared. In -passing the table at which Count Wartensleben, Bielfeld, and several -ladies were playing, he stealthily showed them a letter with a black -seal, which he was about to deliver to the princess. - -"The king is then dead!" murmured they, hastily throwing their cards -on the table; the counters fell together, but they looked at them in -disdain. What cared they for a few lost pennies, now that their -prince had become king? - -Count Wartensleben arose and said in a solemn voice: "I will be the -first to greet the princess as queen, and I will exert every effort -to utter the word 'majesty' in a full, resounding tone." - -"I will follow you," said Bielfeld, solemnly. - -And both advanced to the open door, through which the princess could -be seen still occupied in reading her letter. She seemed unusually -gay, and a bright, smile played upon her lips. Accidentally looking -up, she perceived the two cavaliers advancing slowly and solemnly -toward her. - -"Ah, you know, then, that a courier has at last crossed that fatal -bridge, and you come for news of the prince royal?" - -"Prince royal?" repeated Wartensleben, in amazement. "Is he still -the prince royal?" - -"You then thought he was king!" exclaimed the princess, "and came to -greet me as your queen?" - -"Yes, your highness, and the word 'majesty' was already on my lips." - -They all laughed heartily, and jested over this mistake, but were -nevertheless thankful when they were at last dismissed and were -allowed to retire to their rooms. When entirely alone, the princess -drew from her bosom the letter she had received, to read it once -more; she cast a loving and tender glance at the characters his hand -had traced, and as her eyes rested on his signature, she raised the -paper to her lips and kissed it. - -"Frederick," whispered she, "my Frederick, I love you so deeply that -I envy this paper which has been touched by your hand, and upon -which your glorious eyes have rested. No, no," said she, "he will -not cast me off. Is it not written here--'In a few days I and the -people will greet you as Queen.' No, he could not be so cruel as to -set the crown on my head, and then cover it with ashes. If he -acknowledges me as his wife and queen before his people, and before -Germany, it must be his intention never to disown me, but to let me -live on by his side. Oh, he must surely know how truly I love him, -although I have never had the courage to tell him so. My tears and -my sighs must have whispered to him the secret of my love, and he -will have compassion with a poor wife who asks but to be permitted -to adore and worship him. And who knows but that he may one day be -touched by this great love, that he will one day raise up the poor -woman who now lies trembling at his feet, and press her to his -bosom. Oh, that this may be so, my God; let it be, and then let me -die!" - -She sank back on her couch, and, pressing the letter to her lips, -whispered softly: "Good-night, Frederick, my Frederick!" She smiled -sweetly as she slept. Perhaps she was dreaming of him. - -A deep silence soon reigned throughout the castle. All the lights -were extinguished. Sleep spread its wings over all these impatient -and expectant hearts, and fanned them into forgetfulness and -peaceful rest. - -All slept, and now the long-expected courier is at last passing over -the bridge, which trembled beneath his horse's feet, but none hear -him, all are sleeping so soundly. His knocks resound through the -entire castle. It is the herald of the new era, which sheds its -first bright morning rays over the evening of the dark and gloomy -past. - -Now all are awake, and running to and fro through the halls, each -one burning with eagerness to proclaim the joyful news: "Frederick -is no longer prince royal. Frederick is king and the ruler of -Prussia!" - -Bielfeld is awakened by a loud knocking; he springs hastily out of -bed and opens the door to his friend Knobelsdorf. "Up, up, my -friend," exclaims the latter. "Dress quickly. We must go down and -congratulate the queen; we must be ready to accompany her -immediately to Berlin. Frederick William is dead, and we will now -reign in Prussia." - -"Ah, another fairy tale," said Bielfeld dressing hastily; "a fairy -tale, by which we have been too often deceived to believe in its -truth." - -"No, no, this time it is true. The king is dead, quite dead! Jordan -has received orders to embalm the corpse, and once in his hands, it -will never come to life again." - -Bielfeld being now ready, the two friends hurried to the ante- -chamber that led to the princess royal's apartments. The entire -court of the new queen had assembled in this chamber, and they were -endeavoring to suppress their joy and delight, and to look grave and -earnest in consideration of the solemnity of the occasion. They -conversed in whispers, for the bed-chamber of the princess was next -to this room, and she still slept. - -"Yes, the princess royal sleeps, but when she awakes she will be a -queen! She must be awakened, to receive her husband's letter." - -The Countess Katsch, with two of Elizabeth's maids of honor, entered -her bed-chamber, well armed with smelling-bottles and salts. -Elizabeth Christine still slept. But on so important an occasion the -sleep even of a princess was not considered sacred. The countess -drew back the curtains, and Elizabeth was awakened by the bright -glaring light. She looked inquiringly at the countess, who -approached her with a low and solemn courtesy. - -"Pardon me for waking your majesty--" - -"Majesty, why 'your majesty?'" said the princess, quickly. "Has -another ox or horse crossed the fatal bridge?" - -"Yes, your majesty, but it was Baron Villich's horse, and he brought -the news that King Frederick William expired yesterday at Potsdam. I -have a smelling-bottle here, your majesty; allow me to hold--" - -The young queen pushed back the smelling-bottle; she did not feel in -the least like fainting, and her heart beat higher. - -"And has the baron brought no letter for me?" said she, -breathlessly. - -"Here is a letter, your majesty." - -The queen hastily broke the seal. It contained but a few lines, but -they were in her husband's handwriting, and were full of -significance. To her these few lines indicated a future full of -splendor, happiness, and love. The king called her to share with him -the homage of his subjects. It is true there was not a word of -tenderness or love in the letter, but the king called her to his -side; he called her his wife. - -Away, then, away to Berlin, where her husband was awaiting her; -where the people would greet her as their queen; where a new world, -a new life would unfold itself before her; a life of proud -enjoyment! For Elizabeth will be the queen, the wife of Frederick. -Away, then, to Berlin! - -The queen received the congratulations of her court in the music- -room. And now to Berlin, where a new sun has risen, a King Frederick -the Second! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -ROYAL GRACE AND ROYAL DISPLEASURE. - - -The cannon thundered, the bells rang loudly and merrily; the -garrison in Berlin took the oath, as the garrison in Potsdam had -done the day before. - -The young king held his first great court to-day in the White -Saloon. From every province, from every State, from every -corporation, deputations had arrived to look upon the long-hoped-for -king, the liberator from oppression, servitude, and famine. Delight -and pure unqualified joy reigned in every heart, and those who -looked upon the features of Frederick, illuminated with kindliness -and intellect, felt that for Prussia it was the dawning of a new -era. - -But who was called to assist in organizing this new movement? Whom -had the king chosen from amongst his friends and servants? whom had -he set aside? upon whom would he revenge himself? Truth to tell, -there were many now standing in the White Saloon who had often, -perhaps, in obedience to the king's command, brought suffering and -bitter sorrow upon the prince royal; many were there who had humbled -him, misused his confidence, and often brought down his father's -rage and scorn upon him. - -Will the king remember these things, now that he has the power to -punish and revenge his wrongs? Many had entered the White Saloon -trembling with anxiety; timidly keeping in the distance; glad that -the eye of the king did not rest upon them; glad to slip unseen into -a corner. - -But nothing escaped the eye of Frederick; he had remarked the group -standing in the far-off window; he understood full well their -restless, disturbed, and anxious glances. A pitiful and sweet smile -spread over his noble features, an expression of infinite gentleness -illumined his face; with head erect he drew near to this group, who, -with the instinct of a common danger, pressed more closely together, -and awaited their fate silently. - -Who had so often and so heavily oppressed the prince as Colonel -Derchau? who had mocked at him and persecuted him so bitterly? who -had carried out the harsh commands of the king against him so -unrelentingly? It was Derchau and Grumbkow who presided at the first -cruel trial of "Captain Fritz," and had repeated to him the hard and -threatening words of the king. "Captain Fritz" had wept with rage, -and sworn to revenge himself upon these cruel men. Will the king -remember the oath of the captain? The king stood now near the -colonel; his clear eye was fixed upon him. This man, who had -prepared for him so many woes, now stood with bowed head and loudly- -beating heart, completely in his power. Suddenly, with a rash -movement, the king extended his hand, and said, mildly: - -"Good-day, Derchau." It was the first time in seven years that -Frederick had spoken to him, and this simple greeting touched his -heart; he bowed low, and as he kissed the outstretched hand, a hot -tear fell upon it. "Colonel Derchau," said the king, "you were a -faithful and obedient servant to my royal father; you have -punctually followed his wishes and given him unconditional -obedience. It becomes me to reward my father's faithful subject. -From to-day you are a major-general." - -As the king turned, his eye fell upon the privy councillor Von -Eckert, and the mild and conciliating expression vanished from his -features; he looked hard and stern. - -"Has the coat-of-arms been placed upon the house in Jager Street?" -said the king. - -"No, your majesty." - -"Then I counsel you not to have it done; this house is the property -of the crown, and it shall not be sacrificed by such folly. Go home, -and there you will receive my commands." - -Pale and heart-broken, Eckert glided from the group; mocking -laughter followed his steps through the saloons; no one had a word -of regret or pity for him; no one remembered their former friendship -and oft-repeated assurances of service and gratitude. He passed -tremblingly through the palace; as he reached the outer door, -Pollnitz stepped before him; a mocking smile played upon his lips, -and his glance betrayed all the hatred which he had been compelled -to veil or conceal during the life of Frederick William. - -"Now," said he, slowly, "will you send me the wine which you -promised from your cellar? You UNDERSTAND, the wine from your house -in Jager Street, for which I arranged the coat-of-arms! Ah, those -were charming days, my dear privy councillor! You have often broken -your word of honor to me, often slandered me, and brought upon me -the reproaches of the king. I have, however, reason to be thankful -to you; this house which you have built in Jager Street is stately -and handsome, and large enough for a cavalier of my pretensions. You -have, also, at the cost of the king, furnished it with such princely -elegance that it is in all things an appropriate residence for a -cavalier. Do you not remember my description of such a house? The -king called it then a Spanish air-castle. You, great-hearted man, -have made my castle in the air a splendid reality, and now that it -is finished and furnished, you will, in your magnanimity, leave that -house to me. I shall be your heir! You know, my dear Eckert, that -the privy councillor is dead, and only the chimney-builder lives; -and even the adroit chimney-builder is banished from Berlin, and -must remain twenty miles away from his splendid home. But tell me, -Eckert, when one of my chimneys smokes, may I not send a messenger -to you, will you not promise me to come and put things in order for -me?" - -Eckert muttered some confused words, and tried to force Pollnitz -from the door, before which the hard-hearted, spiteful courtier had -placed himself, like the angel with the avenging sword. - -"You wish to go," said he, with assumed kindliness. "Oh, without -doubt you wish to see the royal commands now awaiting you at your -house. I can tell you literally the sentence of the king: you have -lost your office, your income, your rank, and you are banished from -Berlin! that is all. The king, as you see, has been gracious; he -could have had you executed, or sent to Spandau for life, but he -would not desecrate his new reign with your blood. For this reason -was he gracious." - -"Let me pass," said Eckert, trembling, and pale as death. "I am -choking! let me out!" - -Pollnitz still held him back. "Do you not know, good man, that a -thousand men stand below in the courtyard? do you not hear their -shouts and rejoicings? Well, these hurrahs will be changed into -growls of rage when the people see you, my dear Eckert; in their -wild wrath they might mistake you for a good roast, with which to -quiet their hunger. You know that the people are hungry; you, who -filled the barns of the king with grain, and placed great locks and -bars upon the doors, lest the people, in their despairing hunger, -might seize upon the corn! You even swore to the king that the -people had enough, and did not need his corn or his help! Listen, -the people shout again; I will not detain you. Go and look upon this -happy people. The king has opened the granaries and scattered bread -far and wide, and the tax upon meal is removed for a month. -[Footnote: See King's "History of Berlin," vol. v. The king's own -words.] Go, dear Eckert, go and see how happy the people are!" - -With a wild curse Eckert sprang from the door; Pollnitz followed him -with a mocking glance. "Revenge is sweet," he said, drawing a long -breath; "he has often done me wrong, and now I have paid him back -with usury. Eckert is lost. Would that I had his house! I must have -it! I will have it! Oh, I will make myself absolutely necessary to -the king; I will flatter, I will praise, I will find out and fulfil -his most secret, his unspoken wishes. I will force him to give me -his confidence--to make me his maitre de plaisir. Yes, yes, the -house in Jager Street shall be mine! I have sworn it, and -Fredersdorf has promised me his influence. And now to the king; I -must see for myself if this young royal child can, like Hercules in -his cradle, destroy serpents on the day of his birth; or, if he is a -king, like all other kings, overcome by flattery, idle and vain, -knowing or acknowledging no laws over himself, but those of his own -conscience and his bon plaisir. But hark! that is the king's voice; -to whom is he speaking?" - -Pollnitz hastened into the adjoining room; the king was standing in -the midst of his ministers, and a deputation of magistrates of -Berlin, and was in the act of dismissing them. - -"I command you," said the king, in conclusion, turning to his -ministers, "as often as you think it necessary to make any changes -in my orders and regulations, to make known your opinions to me -freely, and not to be weary in so doing; I may, unhappily, sometimes -lose sight of the true interests of my subjects; I am resolved that -whenever in future my personal interest shall seem to be contrary to -the welfare of my people, their happiness shall receive the first -consideration." - -"Alas, it will be very difficult to tame this youthful Hercules!" -murmured Pollnitz, glancing toward the king, who was just leaving -the apartment; "the serpents that we will twine about him must be -strong and alluring; now happily Fredersdorf and myself are -acquainted with some such serpents, and we will take care that he -finds them in his path." - -In the mean time the king had left the reception-room, and retired -to his private apartments, where the friends and confidants from -Rheinsberg awaited him with hopeful hearts. They were all ready to -receive the showers of gold, which, without doubt, would rain down -upon them. They were all convinced that the young king would lay -upon them, at least, a corner of the mantle of ermine and purple -with which his shoulders should be adorned. They alone would be -chosen to aid in bearing the burden of his kingly crown and royal -sceptre. They were all dreaming of ambassadorships, presidencies, -and major-generals' epaulettes. - -As the king entered, they received him with loud cries of joy. The -Margrave Henry, who had often borne a part in the gay fetes at -Rheinsberg, hastened to greet the king with gay, witty words, and -both hands extended. Frederick did not respond to this greeting; he -did not smile; looking steadily at the Margrave, he stepped back and -said: - -"Monsieur, now I am the king; no longer the gardener at Rheinsberg." -The king read the pained astonishment in the faces of his friends -who, one moment before, had been so HOPEFUL, so assured; he advanced -and said, in a kindly tone, "We are no longer in Rheinsberg. The -beautiful proverb of Horace belongs to our past. 'Folly is sweet in -its season.' There I was the gardener and the friend--here I am the -king; here all must work, and each one must use his talents and his -strength in the service of the State, and thus prove to the people -that the prince had reason to choose him for a friend." - -"And may I also be a partaker of that grace and be counted amongst -the friends of the king?" said the old Prince of Anhalt Dessau, who, -with his two sons, had just entered and heard the last words of -Frederick; "will your majesty continue to me and my sons the favor -which your ever-blessed father granted to us during so many long and -happy years? Oh, your majesty, I beseech you to be gracious to us, -and grant us the position and influence which we have so long -enjoyed." So saying, the old prince bent his knee to his youthful -monarch. The king bowed his head thoughtfully, and a smile played -upon his lips; he gave his hand to the prince, and commanded him to -rise. - -"I will gladly leave you your place and income, for I am sure you -will serve me as faithfully and zealously as you did my father. As -regards the position and influence which you desire, I say to you -all, no man under my reign will have position but I myself, and not -even my best friend will exercise the slightest influence over me." - -The friends from Rheinsberg turned pale, and exchanged stolen -glances with each other. There was no more jesting; the hand of ice -had been laid upon their beating hearts, and the wings of hope were -broken. The king did not seem to remark the change; he drew near to -his friend Jordan, and taking his arm, walked to the window, and -spoke with him long and earnestly. - -The courtiers and favorites looked after their happy friend with -envious glances, and observed every shade in the countenances of the -king and Jordan. The king was calm, but an expression of painful -surprise settled like a cloud upon Jordan. Now the king left the -window, and called Bielfeld to him; spoke with him also long and -gravely, and then dismissed him, and nodded to Chazot to join him; -lastly he took the arm of the Duke of Wartensleben, and walked -backward and forward, chatting with him. The duke was radiant with -joy, but the other courtiers looked suspicious and lowering; with -none of them had he spoken so long; no other arm had he so -familiarly taken. It was clear that Wartensleben was the declared -favorite of the king; he had driven them from the field. - -The king observed all this; he had read the envy, malice, rage, and -melancholy in the faces of his friends; he knew them all too well; -had too long observed them, not to be able to read their thoughts. -It had pleased him to sport awhile with these small souls, so filled -with selfishness, envy, and every evil passion; he wished to give -them a lesson, and bring them down from their dizzy and imaginary -heights to the stern realities of life. The king had used -Wartensleben as his instrument for this purpose, and now must the -poor duke's wings be clipped. The mounting waves of his ambition -must be quieted by the oil of truth. - -"Yes," said the king, "I am the ruler of a kingdom; I have a great -army and a well-filled treasury, you cannot doubt that it is my -highest aim to make my country blossom as the rose; to uphold the -reputation of my army, and to make the best use of my riches. The -gold is there to circulate; it is there to reward those who -faithfully serve their fatherland; but above all other things it is -there for those who are truly my friends." - -The features of the young duke were radiant with expectation; as the -king saw this, a mocking smile flashed from his eye. - -"I will, however, naturally know how to distinguish between my -friends, and those who do not need gold will not receive it. You, -for example, my dear duke, are enormously rich; you will content -yourself, therefore, with my love, as you will naturally never -receive a dollar from me." So speaking, he nodded kindly to the -duke, passed into the next room, and closed the door behind him. -Grave and dumb, the friends from Rheinsberg gazed upon each other; -each one regarded the other as his successful rival, and thought to -see in him what he had not become--a powerful favorite, a minister, -or general. All felt their love growing cold, and almost hated the -friends who stood in their way. Jordan was the first who broke -silence. Reaching his hand to Bielfeld, he said: - -"It must not be thought that disappointed hopes have hardened our -hearts, and that envy blinds us to the advantages of our friends. I -love you, Bielfeld, because of your advantages and talents; and I -understand full well why the king advances you before me. Receive -also my good wishes, and be assured that from the heart I rejoice in -your success." - -Bielfeld looked amazed. "My success!" said he. "Dear friend, you -need not be envious; and as to my advancement, it is so small an -affair that I can scarcely find it. The king said he intended me for -a diplomatist, but that I needed years of instruction. With this -view he had selected me to accompany Duke Truckfess to Hanover. When -I returned from there, I would receive further orders. This is my -promotion, and you must confess I make a small beginning. But you, -dear Jordan, what important position have you received? You are the -king's dearest friend, and he has without doubt advanced you above -us all. I acknowledge that you merit this. Tell us also what are -you?" - -"Yes," cried they all eagerly, "what are you? Are you minister of -State or minister of Church affairs?" - -"What am I?" cried Jordan, laughing. "I will tell you, my friends. I -am not minister of Church affairs; I am not minister of State. I am- --ah, you will never guess what I am--I belong to the police! I must -remove the beggars from the streets of Berlin, and found a workhouse -for them. Now, dear friends, am I not enviable?" For a moment all -were silent; then every eye was fixed upon Wartensleben. - -"And you, dear duke, are you made happy? You have cut open the -golden apple; you have the longed-for portfolio." - -"I!" cried the duke, half angry, half merry. "I have nothing, and -will receive nothing. I will tell you what the king said to me. He -assured me earnestly and solemnly that I was rich enough, and would -never receive a dollar from him." - -At this announcement they all broke out in uproarious laughter. "Let -us confess," said Bielfeld, "that we have played to-day a rare -comedy--a farce which Moliere might have written, and which must -bear the title of La Journee des Dupes. Now, as we have none of us -become distinguished, let us all be joyful and love each other -dearly. But listen! the king plays the flute; how soft, how melting -is the sound!" - -Yes, the king played the flute; he cast out with those melodious -strains the evil spirit of ennui which the tiresome etiquette of the -day had brought upon him. He played the flute to recover himself--to -regain his cheerful spirit and a clear brow. Soon he laid it aside, -and his eye rested upon the unopened letters and papers with which -the table was covered. Yes, he must open all these letters, and -answer them himself, he alone. Nobody should do his work; all should -work only through him; no one should decree or command in Prussia -but the king. Every thing should flow from him. He would be the -heart and soul of his country. - -Frederick opened and read the letters, and wrote the answer on the -margin of the paper, leaving it to the secretary to copy. And now -the work was almost done; the paper with the great seal, which he -now opened, was the last. - -This was a declaration from the Church department, which announced -that, through the influence of the Catholic schools in Berlin, many -Protestants had become Catholics. Did not his majesty think it best -to close these schools? A pitiful smile played upon the lips of -Frederick as he read. "And they say they believe in one God, and -their priests and ministers preach Christian forbearance and -Christian love, while they know nothing of either. They have not -God, but the Church, always before their eyes; they are intolerant -in their hearts, imperious, and full of cunning. I will bend them, -and break down their assumed power. My whole life will be a battle -with priests; they will mock at me, and call me a heretic. Let the -Church be ever against me, if my own conscience absolves me. Now I -will begin the war, and what I now write will be a signal of alarm -in the tents of all the pious priests." - -He took up the paper again and wrote on the margin, "All religions -shall be tolerated. The magistrates must have their eyes open, and -see that no sect imposes on another. In Prussia each man shall be -saved in his own way." [Footnote: Busching. The king's words.] - - - - -BOOK II. - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE GARDEN OF MONBIJOU. - - -The excitement of the first days was quieted. The young king had -withdrawn for a short time to the palace in Charlottenburg, while -his wife remained in Berlin, anxiously expecting an invitation to -follow her husband. - -But the young monarch appeared to have no care or thought but for -his kingdom. He worked and studied without interruption; even his -beloved flute was untouched. - -Berlin was, according to etiquette, draped with mourning for a few -days; it served in this instance as a veil to the joy with which all -looked forward to the coronation of the new king. All appeared -earnest and solemn, but every heart was joyful and every eye -beaming. The palace of the king was silent and deserted; the king -was, as we have said, at Charlottenburg; the young queen was in the -palace formerly occupied by the prince royal, and the dowager queen -Sophia Dorothea had retired with the two princesses, Ulrica and -Amelia, to the palace of Monbijou. All were anxious and expectant; -all hoped for influence and honor, power and greatness. The scullion -and the maids, as well as the counts and princes, and even the queen -herself, dreamed of happy and glorious days in the future. - -Sophia Dorothea had been too long a trembling, subjugated woman; she -was rejoicing in the thought that she might at length be a queen. -Her son would doubtless grant to her all the power which had been -denied her by her husband; he would remember the days of tears and -bitterness which she had endured for his sake; and now that the -power was in his hands she would be repaid a thousandfold. The young -king would hold the sceptre in his hands, but he must allow his -mother to aid in keeping it upright; and if he found it too weighty, -the queen was ready to bear it for him, and reign in his stead, -while her dreamy son wrote poems, or played on the flute, or -philosophized with his friends. Frederick was certainly not formed -to rule; he was a poet and a philosopher; he dreamed of a Utopia; he -imagined an ideal which it was impossible to realize. The act of -ruling would be a weary trial to him, and the sounds of the trumpet -but ill accord with his harmonious dreams. - -But happily his mother was there, and was willing to reign for him, -to bear upon her shoulders the heavy burdens and cares of the -kingdom, to work with the ministers, while the king wrote poetical -epistles to Voltaire. - -Why should not Sophia Dorothea reign? Were there not examples in all -lands of noble women who governed their people well and honorably? -Was not England proud of her Elizabeth, Sweden of her Christina, -Spain of Isabella, Russia of Catharine? and even in Prussia the -queen Sophia Charlotte had occupied a great and glorious position. -Why could not Sophia Dorothea accomplish as much or even more than -her predecessor? - -These were the thoughts of the queen as she walked up and down the -shady paths of the garden of Monbijou, and listened with a proud -smile to the flattering words of Count Manteuffel, who had just -handed her a letter of condolence from the Empress of Austria. - -"Her majesty the empress has sent me a most loving and tender letter -to-day," said the dowager queen, with an ironical smile. - -"She has then only given expression to-day, to those sentiments -which she has always entertained for your majesty," said the count, -respectfully. - -The queen bowed her head smilingly, but said, "The houses of -Hohenzollern and Hapsburg have never been friendly; it is not in -their nature to love one another." - -"The great families of Capulet and Montague said the same," remarked -Count Manteuffel, "but the anger of the parents dissolved before the -love of the children." - -"But we have not arrived at the children," said the queen proudly, -as she thought how her husband had been deceived by the house of -Austria, and recalled that, on his death-bed he had commanded his -son Frederick to revenge those treacheries. - -"Pardon me, your majesty, if I dare to contradict you; we have most -surely arrived at the children, and the difficulties of the parents -are forgotten in their love. Is not the wife of the young king the -deeply-loved niece of the Austrian empress?" - -"She was already his wife, count, as my husband visited the emperor -in Bohemia, and it was not considered according to etiquette for the -emperor to offer his hand to the King of Prussia." [Footnote: -Seckendorf's Leben.] - -"She was, however, not his wife when Austria, by her repeated and -energetic representations, saved the life of the prince royal. For -your majesty knows that at one time that precious life was -threatened." - -"It was threatened, but it would have been preserved without the -assistance of Austria; for the mother of Frederick was at hand, and -that mother was sister to the King of England." And the queen cast -on the count so proud and scornful a glance that his eyes fell -involuntarily to the ground. Sophia Dorothea saw this, and smiled. -This was her triumph; she would now show herself mild and forgiving. -"We will speak no more of the past," she said, in a friendly manner. -"The death of my husband has cast a dark cloud over it, and I must -think only of the future, that my son, the young king, may not -always behold me with tears in my eyes. No, I will look forward, for -I have a great presentiment that Prussia's future will be great and -glorious." - -"Would that it might be thus for the whole of Germany!" cried the -count. "It must be so, if the houses of Hohenzollern and Hapsburg -will forget their ancient quarrels, and live together in love and -peace." - -"Let Hapsburg extend to us the hand of love and peace; show us her -sympathy, her justice, and her gratitude, in deeds, not words." - -"Austria is prepared to do so, your majesty! the question is, -whether Prussia will grasp her hand and place upon it the ring of -love." - -The queen glanced up so quickly that she perceived the dark and -threatening look of the count. "Austria is again making matrimonial -plans," she said, with a bitter smile. "She is not satisfied with -one marriage, such as that of her imperial niece, she longs for a -repetition of this master-work. But this time, count, there is no -dear one to be saved at any cost from a prison, this time the -decision can be deferred until the arrival of all the couriers." And -the queen, dismissing the count with a slight bow, recalled her -ladies of honor, who were lingering at a short distance, and passed -into one of the other walks. - -Count Manteuffel remained where the queen had left him, looking -after her with an earnest and thoughtful countenance. "She is -prouder and more determined than formerly," he murmured; "that is a -proof that she will be influential, and knows her power. What she -said of the courier was without doubt an allusion to the one who -arrived an hour too late, with the consent of England, on the -betrothal day of the prince royal. Ah! there must be other couriers -en route, and one of them was most probably sent to England. We must -see that he arrives an hour too late, as the former one did." At -this instant, and in his immediate vicinity, Manteuffel heard a soft -and melodious voice saying, "No, count, you can never make me -believe in your love. You are much too blond to love deeply." - -"Blond!" cried a manly voice, with a tone of horror. "You do not -like fair hair, and until now I have been so proud of mine. But I -will have it dyed black, if you will promise to believe in my love." -The lady replied with a light laugh, which brought an answering -smile to the countenance of Count Manteuffel. "It is my ally, Madame -von Brandt," he said to himself. "I was most anxious to see her, and -must interrupt her tender tete-a-tete with Count Voss for one -moment." So speaking, the count hurried to the spot from which he -had heard the voices of Madame von Brandt and her languishing lover. -The count approached the lady with the most delighted countenance, -and expressed his astonishment at finding his beautiful friend in -the garden of the dowager queen. - -"Her majesty did me the honor to invite me to spend a few weeks -here," said Madame von Brandt. "She knew that my physician had -ordered me to the country, as the only means to restore my health; -and as she knows of my great intimacy with Mademoiselle von -Pannewitz, one of her ladies of honor, she was so kind as to offer -me a few rooms at Monbijou. Now I have explained to you the reason -of my presence here as minutely as if you were my father confessor, -and nothing remains to be done but to present you to my escort. This -is Count Voss, a noble cavalier, a sans peur et sans reproche, ready -to sacrifice for his lady love, if not his life, at least his fair -hair." - -"Beware, my dear count," said Manteuffel, laughing, "beware that the -color of your hair is not changed by this lovely scoffer--that it -does not become a venerable gray. She is sufficiently accomplished -in the art of enchantment to do that; I assure you that Madame von -Brandt plays a most important role in the history of my gray hairs." - -"Ah! it would be delightful to become gray in the service of Madame -von Brandt," said the young count, in so pathetic a tone that his -companions both laughed. "As often as I look at my gray hair I would -think of her." And the young count gazed into the distance, like one -entranced, and his smiling lips whispered low, unintelligible words. - -"This is one of his ecstatic moments," whispered Madame von Brandt. -"He has the whim to consider himself an original; he imagines -himself a Petrarch enamored of his Laura. We will allow him to dream -awhile, and speak of our own affairs. But be brief, I beg of you, -for we must not be found together, as you are a suspicious -character, my dear count, and my innocence might be doubted if we -were seen holding a confidential conversation." - -"Ah, it is edifying to hear Madame von Brandt speak like a young -girl of sixteen, of her threatened innocence. But we will -tranquillize this timidity, and be brief. In the first place, what -of the young queen?" - -"State of barometer: cold and damp, falling weather, stormy, with -unfulfilled hopes, very little sunshine, and very heavy clouds." - -"That means that the queen is still fearful of being slighted by her -husband." - -"She is no longer fearful--he neglects her already. The king is at -Charlottenburg, and has not invited the queen to join him. As a -husband, he slights his wife; whether as king he will neglect his -queen, only time will reveal." - -"And what of Madame von Morien?" - -"The king seems to have forgotten her entirely since that unhappy -quid pro quo with the poem at Rheinsberg; his love seems to have -cooled, and he converses with her as harmlessly and as indifferently -as with any other lady. No more stolen words, secret embraces, or -amorous sighs. The miserable Morien is consumed with sorrow, for -since she has been neglected she loves passionately." - -"And that is unhappily not the means to regain that proud heart," -said Count Mantcuffel, shrugging his shoulders. "With tears and -languishing she will lose her influence, and only gain contempt. You -who are the mistress of love and coquetry should understand that, -and instruct your beautiful pupil. Now, however, comes the most -important question. What of the marriage of the Prince Augustus -William?" - -Madame von Brandt sighed. "You are really inexorable. Have you no -compassion for the noble, heartfelt love of two children, who are as -pure and innocent as the stars in heaven?" - -"And have you no compassion for the diamonds which long to repose -upon your lovely bosom?" said Count Manteuffel; "no compassion for -the charming villa which you could purchase? You positively refuse -to excite the envy of all the ladies at court by possessing the most -costly cashmere? You will--" - -"Enough, Count Devil! you are in reality more a devil than a man, -for you lead my soul into temptation. I must submit. I will become a -serpent, reposing on the bosom of my poor Laura, poisoning her love -and lacerating her heart. Ah, count, if you knew how my conscience -reproaches me when I listen to the pure and holy confession of her -love, when trembling and blushing she whispers to me the secrets of -her youthful heart, and flies to me seeking protection against her -own weakness! Remember that these two children love each other, -without ever having had the courage to acknowledge it. Laura -pretends not to understand the deep sighs and the whispered words of -the prince, and then passes the long nights in weeping." - -"If that is the case, it is most important to prevent an -understanding between these singular lovers. You must exert all your -influence with the young lady to induce her to close this romance -with an heroic act, which will make her appear a holy martyr in the -eyes of the prince." - -"But, for example, what heroic act?" - -"Her marriage." - -"But how can we find a man so suddenly to whom this poor lamb can be -sacrificed?" - -"There is one," said the count, pointing to Count Voss, who appeared -to have forgotten the whole world, and was occupied writing verses -in his portfolio. - -Madame von Brandt laughed aloud. "He marry the beautiful Laura!" - -"Yes," said the count, earnestly, "he seeks a Laura." - -"Yes, but you forget that he considers me his Laura." - -"You can, therefore, easily induce him to make this sacrifice for -you; he will be magnified in his own eyes, if, in resigning you, he -gives himself to the lady you have selected." - -"You are terrible," said Madame von Brandt. "I shudder before you, -for I believe you have no human emotions in your heart of iron." - -"There are higher and nobler considerations, to which such feelings -must yield. But see, the count has finished his poem. To work now, -my beautiful ally; today you must perfect your masterpiece; and now, -farewell," said the count, kissing her hand, as he left her side. - -Madame von Brandt approached the young count, who seemed to be again -lost in thought. She placed her hand lightly on his shoulder, and -whispered, half tenderly, half reproachfully, "Dreamer, where are -your thoughts?" - -"With you," said the count, who trembled and grew pale at her touch. -"Yes, with you, noblest and dearest of women; and as that tiresome -gossip prevented me from speaking to you, I passed the time he was -here in writing." - -"But you did not remember," said she, tenderly, "that you were -compromising me before Count Manteuffel, who will not hesitate to -declare in what intimate relationship we stand to one another. Only -think of writing without apology, while a lady and a strange -gentleman were at your side!" - -"The world will only exclaim 'What an original!'" said Count Voss, -with a foolish, but well-pleased smile. - -"But it will also say that this original shows little consideration -for Madame von Brandt; that he must, therefore, be very intimate -with her. The reputation of a woman is so easily injured; it is like -the wing of the butterfly, so soon as the finger touches it or -points at it, it loses its lustre; and we poor women have nothing -but our good name and unspotted virtue. It is the only shield--the -only weapon--that we possess against the cruelty of man, and you -seek to tear that from us, and, then dishonored and humiliated, you -tread us under foot!" - -"You are weeping!" cried the count, looking at his beloved, in whose -eyes the tears really stood--"you are weeping! I am truly a great -criminal to cause you to shed tears." - -"No, you are a noble but most thoughtless man," said Madame von -Brandt, smiling through her tears. "You betray to the world what -only God and we ourselves should know." - -"Heavens! what have I betrayed?" cried the poor frightened count. - -"You have betrayed our love," whispered Madame von Brandt, as she -glanced tenderly at the count. - -"What! our love?" he cried, beside himself with delight; "you admit -that it is not I alone who love?" - -"I admit it, but at the same time declare that we must part." - -"Never! no, never! No power on earth shall part us," said he, -seizing her hand, and covering it with kisses. - -"But there is a power which has the right to separate us--the power -of my husband. He already suspects my feelings for you, and he will -be inexorable if he discovers that his suspicions are correct." - -"Then I will call him out, and he will fall by my hand, and I shall -bear you in triumph as my wife to my castle." - -"But if you should fall?" - -"Ah! I had not thought of that," murmured the count, turning pale. -"That would be certainly a most unhappy accident. We will not tempt -fate with this trial, but seek another way out of our difficulty. -Ah, I know one already. You must elope with me." - -She said, with a sad smile, "The arm of the king extends far and -wide, and my husband would follow us with his vengeance to the end -of the world." - -"But what shall we do?" cried the count, despairingly; "we love each -other; separated, we must be consumed with grief and sorrow. Ah! ah! -shall I really suffer the fate of Petrarch, and pass my life in an -eternal dirge? Is there no way to prevent this?" - -Madame von Brandt placed her hand with a slight but tender pressure -on his. "There is one way," she whispered, "a way to reassure, not -only my husband, but the whole world, which will cast a veil over -our love, and protect us from the wickedness and calumny of man." - -"Show me this way," he exclaimed, "and if it should cost half of my -fortune I would walk in it, if I could hope to gain your love." - -She bent her head nearer to him, and, with a most fascinating and -tender glance, whispered, "You must marry, count." - -He withdrew a step, and uttered a cry of horror. "I must marry! You -desire it--you who profess to love me?" - -"Because I love you, dearest, and because your marriage will break -the bands of etiquette which divide us. You must marry a lady of my -acquaintance, perhaps one of my friends, and then no one, not even -my husband, will consider our friendship remarkable." - -"Oh! I see it; there is no other way," sighed the count. "If I were -only married now!" - -"Oh! you ungrateful, faithless man," cried Madame von Brandt, -indignantly. "You long already for your marriage with the beautiful -young woman, in whose love I shall be forgotten." - -"Oh! you are well aware that I only wish to be married because you -desire it." - -"Prove this by answering that you will not refuse to marry the lady -I shall point out to you." - -"I swear it." - -"You swear that you will marry no other than the one I name? You -swear that you will overcome all obstacles, and be withheld by no -prayers or reproaches?" - -"I swear it." - -"On the word of a count?" - -"On the word of a count. Show me the lady, and I will marry her -against the will of the whole world." - -"But if the lady should not love you?" - -"Why should I care? Do I love her? Do I not marry her for your sake -alone?" - -"Ah! my friend," cried Madame von Brandt, "I see that we understand -one another. Come, and I will show you your bride." - -She placed her arm in his, and drew him away. Her eye gleamed with a -wild, menacing light, and she said sneeringly to herself, "I have -selected a rich husband for my beautiful Laura, and have bartered my -soul for diamonds and cashmeres, and the gratitude of an empress." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE QUEEN'S MAID OF HONOR. - - -After her interview with Count Manteuffel, the queen Sophia Dorothea -left the garden, and retired to her chamber. She dismissed her maids -of honor for a few hours, requesting them to admit no one to her -presence. She wished to consider and develop her plans in -undisturbed quiet. She felt that Austria was again prepared to throw -obstacles in the way of her favorite project--an English marriage -for one of her children. She wished to sharpen her weapons, and -marshal her forces for the approaching combat. - -For a few hours, therefore, the maids of honor were free to follow -their own inclinations, to amuse themselves as they thought fit. - -Laura von Pannewitz had declined accompanying the other ladies in -their drive. Her heart required solitude and rest. For her it was a -rare and great pleasure to listen in undisturbed quiet to the sweet -voices which whispered in her heart, and suffused her whole being -with delight. - -It was so sweet to dream of him--to recall his words, his smiles, -his sighs; all those little shades and signs which seemed so -unimportant to the careless, but which convey so much to the loving -observer! - -He had written to her yesterday, and she--she had had the cruel -courage to return his letter unopened. But she had first pressed it -to her lips and to her heart with streaming eyes, and had then -fallen on her knees to pray to God, and to implore him to give her -strength and courage to overcome her heart, to renounce his love. - -Since then an entire day had passed, and she had not seen him, had -heard nothing of him. Oh, he must be sad and very angry with her; he -wished never to see her again. And because he was angry, and wished -to hold himself aloof from her, he, the loving and attentive son, -had even neglected to pay the accustomed morning visit to his royal -mother, which he had never before omitted. - -Her heart beating hurriedly, and weeping with anguish, Laura had -been standing before her window curtain awaiting him, and had prayed -to God that she might see him, or at least hear his voice in the -distance. But the prince did not arrive, and now the time had passed -at which he was accustomed to come. The queen had already retired to -her study, and would admit no one. - -Laura could, therefore, no longer hope to see the prince Augustus -William on this day. As she thought of this, she felt as if a sword -had pierced her bosom, and despair took possession of her heart. She -threw herself on her knees, wrung her hands, and prayed to God, not -for strength and courage to renounce him as before, but for a little -sunshine on her sad and sorrowful love. Terrified at her own prayer, -she had then arisen from her knees, and had hurried to the room of -Madame von Brandt, to take refuge from her own thoughts and sorrows -in the bosom of a friend. - -But her friend was not there, and she was told that Madame von -Brandt had gone down into the garden. Laura took her hat and shawl, -and sought her. As she walked down the shady avenue, her glowing -cheeks and burning eyes were cooled by the gentle breeze wafted over -from the river Spree, and she felt soothed; something like peace -stole into her heart. Laura had forgotten that she had come to the -garden to seek her friend; she felt only that the calm and peace of -nature had quieted her heart; that solitude whispered to her soul in -a voice of consolation and of hope. Hurriedly she passed on to the -denser and more solitary part of the garden, where she could give -herself up to dreams of him whose image still filled her heart, -although she had vainly endeavored to banish it. - -She now entered the conservatory at the foot of the garden, which -had been converted into a beautiful and charming saloon, for the -exclusive use of the queen and her maids of honor. There were -artificial arbors of blooming myrtle and orange, in which luxurious -little sofas invited to repose; grottoes of stone had been -constructed, in the crevices of which rare mountain plants were -growing. There were little fountains which murmured and flashed -pleasantly, and diffused an agreeable coolness throughout the -atmosphere. Laura seated herself in one of the arbors, which was -covered with myrtle, and, in a reclining position, her head resting -on the trunk of an aged laurel-tree, which formed part of the -framework of the arbor, she closed her eyes that she might see -nothing but him. - -It was a lovely picture, the beautiful and noble countenance of this -young girl, enclosed as it were in a frame of living myrtle; her -delicate but full and maidenly figure reclining against the trunk of -the tree, to which the chaste and timid love of a virgin had once -given life. She also was a Daphne, fleeing from her own desires, -fleeing from the sweetly-alluring voice of her lover, who, to her, -was the god of beauty and of grace, the god of learning and the -arts--her Apollo, whom she adored and believed in, whom she feared, -and from whom she fled like Daphne, because she loved him. For a -woman flees only from him whom she loves; she fears him only who is -dangerous, not because his words of tenderness and flattery are -alluring, but because her own heart pleads for him. - -Laura was still sitting in the arbor, in a dreamy reverie. His image -filled her thoughts; her love was prayer, her prayer love. Her hands -lay folded in her lap; a sweet, dreamy smile played about her lips, -and from under her closed eyelids a few tears were slowly rolling -down her soft, rosy cheeks. She had been praying to God to give her -strength to conquer her own heart, and to bear, without murmuring -and without betraying herself, the sorrow, the anger, and even the -indifference of the prince. Still she felt that her heart would -break if he should desert and forget her. An alluring voice -whispered that it would be a more blissful end to die, after an hour -of ecstatic and intoxicating happiness, than to renounce his love, -and still die. - -But the chaste Laura did not wish to hear this voice; she would -drown it with her prayers; and still, even while she prayed, she -thought how great and sublime a happiness it would be to kiss the -lips of her beloved, to whisper in his ear the long-concealed, long- -buried secret of her love. And then his kiss still on her lips, and -in the sunshine of his eyes, to fall down and die!--exchanging -heaven for heaven; redeeming bliss with bliss. And sweeter dreams -and more painful fantasies came over her; heavier and heavier sank -her eyelids; a weight of sorrow rested on her heart, and made it -weary unto death; until at the last, like the disciples on the -Mount, she slept for very sorrow. - -The silence was profound. Suddenly stealthy footsteps could be -heard, and the figure of a man appeared at the entrance of the -grotto. Cautiously he stepped forward, and cast an inquiring glance -through the trailing vines which overhung the grotto, to the young -girl who still slumbered, reclining on the trunk of the laurel-tree. -It was Fritz Wendel, the gardener of Rheinsberg. Queen Sophia -Dorothea had desired to have her greenhouses and flower-beds -arranged in the style of those at Rheinsberg. And, by command of the -young king, several of the most expert gardeners of Rheinsberg had -been sent to Berlin to superintend this arrangement in the garden of -Monbijou. Fortune had favored the young gardener, and had again -brought him near her he loved. For the little maid of honor, Louise -von Schwerin, was not only the favorite of Queen Elizabeth, but -Queen Sophia Dorothea also loved this saucy and sprightly young -girl, who, because she was a child, and as such was excusable, was -allowed to break in upon court etiquette with her merry laughter, -and to introduce an element of freshness and vivacity into the stiff -forms of court life. Moreover, by her thoughtless and presumptuous -behavior at Rheinsberg, she had lost favor with the young couple who -now reigned in Prussia. Queen Elizabeth could not forget that it was -through Louise she had learned the name of her happy rival. And the -king was angry with her, because, through her, the secret of his -verses to Madame von Morien had been discovered. Louise von Schwerin -was rarely with Queen Elizabeth. Sophia Dorothea, however, kept this -young girl near her person for whole days. Her childish ways amused -the queen, and her merry pranks drove the stiff and formal mistress -of ceremonies, and the grave and stately cavaliers and ladies of the -court, to despair. And the little maid of honor came to the queen -willingly, for Monbijou had for her a great charm since the handsome -gardener, Fritz Wendel, had been there. The romance with this young -man had not yet come to an end; this secret little love affair had a -peculiar charm for the young girl; and as no other admirer had been -found for the little Louise, she for the present was very well -pleased with the adoration of the young gardener, to whom she was -not the "little Louise," but the bewitching fairy, the beautiful -goddess. It was Fritz Wendel who appeared at the entrance of the -grotto, and looked anxiously toward the sleeping Laura. He had been -occupied in arranging the plants and flowers in this conservatory, -which had been confided to his especial care. As the queen never -entered the garden at this time, this hour had been set apart for -his labors. - -In the midst of his occupation he was interrupted by the entrance of -Laura von Pannewitz, and had hastily retired to the grotto, -intending to remain concealed until the lady should have left the -conservatory. From his hiding-place, concealed by the dense Indian -vines, he could see the myrtle arbor in which the beautiful Laura -reposed; and now, seeing that she slept, he advanced slowly and -cautiously from the grotto. He listened attentively to her slow and -regular breathing--yes, she really slept; he might therefore -stealthily leave the saloon. - -"Ah, if it were she!" he murmured; "if it were she! I would not -leave here so quietly. I would find courage to fall down at her feet -and to clasp her to my arms, while pressing my lips to hers, to -suppress her cry of terror. But this lady," said he, almost -disdainfully, turning to the sleeping Laura, "is so little like her- --that she is--" - -The words died on his lips, and he hastily retreated to the entrance -of the grotto. He thought he heard footsteps approaching the -conservatory. The door of the vestibule creaked on its hinges, and -again--Fritz Wendel slipped hastily into the grotto, and concealed -himself behind the dense vines. - -On the threshold of the saloon stood a young man, who looked -searchingly around. His tall and graceful figure was clad in the -uniform of the guards, which displayed his well-knit form to great -advantage. The star on his breast, and the crape which he wore on -his arm, announced a prince of the royal house; his beautifully- -formed and handsome features wore an expression of almost effeminate -tenderness. The glance of his large blue eyes was so soft and mild, -that those who observed him long, were involuntarily touched with an -inexplicable feeling of pity for this noble-looking youth. His broad -brow showed so much spirit and determination that it was evident he -was not always gentle and yielding, but had the courage and strength -to follow his own will if necessary. - -It was Prince Augustus William, the favorite of the deceased king, -on whose account the elder brother Frederick had suffered so much, -because the king had endeavored to establish the former as his -successor to the throne in the place of his first-born. [Footnote: -Dr. Fred. Busching, page 172.] - -But the prince's inclinations were not in accordance with the wishes -of his father; Augustus William desired no throne, no earthly power; -in his retiring modesty he disliked all public display; the title of -royal highness had no charm for him, and with the indifference of a -true philosopher he looked down upon the splendor and magnificence -of earthly glory. - -In his brother Frederick, the disdain of outward pomp might be -attributed to his superior mind and strength of understanding; while -Augustus William was actuated by a depth of feeling, a passionate -and ardent sensitiveness. He had come to pay the queen, his mother, -the customary morning visit, but when told she had desired that no -one should be admitted to her presence, he was not willing that an -exception should be made in his favor. "He had time to wait," he -said, "and should be announced and called up from the garden only -when the queen was again at leisure." - -After giving this order he had gone down into the garden, where a -lover's instinct had conducted him to the conservatory, in which, to -him, the most beautiful of all flowers, the lovely Laura von -Pannewitz, reposed. He did not dream of finding her there, supposing -she had accompanied the other ladies on their drive; he had sought -this building that he might pass a few moments in undisturbed quiet- --that he might think of her and the unrequited love which he had -vainly endeavored to tear from his heart. - -It was therefore not her he sought when, on entering the -conservatory, he looked searchingly around. He only wished to know -that he was alone, that no one observed him. But suddenly he -started, and a deep red suffused his countenance. He saw the -beautiful sleeper in the arbor. In the first ecstasy of his delight -he was on the point of throwing himself at her feet, and awakening -her with his kisses. He started forward--but then hesitated, and -stood still, an expression of deep melancholy pervading his -features. - -"She will not welcome me," murmured he, "she will repel me as she -did my letter yesterday. She does not love me, and would never -forgive me if I should desecrate her pure lips with mine." He bowed -his head and sighed. "But I love her," said he, after a long pause, -"and will at least look at and adore her, as the Catholics worship -the Virgin Mary." And with a beaming smile, which illumined his -whole countenance, the prince slowly and noiselessly stepped -forward. - -"Well," murmured Fritz Wendel in his hiding-place, "I have some -curiosity to know what the prince has to say to this sleeping -beauty; but, nevertheless, I would give a year of my life if I could -slip away unobserved, for if the prince discovers me here I am -lost!" - -He retired to that part of the grotto where the foliage was -thickest, still however securing a place from which he could observe -all that took place in the myrtle arbor. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -PRINCE AUGUSTUS WILLIAM. - - -The prince entered the myrtle arbor, and, perceiving the lovely -sleeper, he approached her with a joyful countenance. - -"Madonna, my Madonna, let me pray to you, let me look at you," he -murmured. "Listen to my pleadings, and let a ray of your love sink -into my heart." Laura moved in her sleep, and uttered a few -indistinct words. The prince kneeled motionless before her, and -watched all her movements. The dreams that visited her were not -bright; Laura moaned and sighed in her sleep; her countenance -assumed an expression so sad and painful that the eyes of the prince -filled with tears. "She is suffering," he murmured; "why should she -suffer? what is it that causes my beloved to sigh?" Suddenly she -opened her eyes, arose, and fastened her astonished and half-dreamy -gaze upon the prince, who with folded hands was still kneeling -before her, and gazing on her with tender, pleading eyes. A -trembling seized her whole being, as the ocean trembles when touched -by the first ray of the sun. A sweet, blissful astonishment was -painted on every feature. "Am I still dreaming?" she murmured, -passing her hand across her brow, and pushing aside her long dark -hair--"am I still dreaming?" - -"Yes, you are dreaming," murmured Prince Augustus, seizing her hands -and pressing them to his lips, "you are dreaming, Madonna, let me -dream with you, and be forever blessed. Oh! withdraw not your hand, -be not angry, let us still dream for one blessed moment." But she -hastily set her hands free and arose from her seat; grandly and -proudly she stood before him, and her flashing eyes rested with a -severe and reproachful expression upon the still kneeling prince. - -"Arise, my prince; it is not proper that the brother of the king -should kneel before me; arise, and have the kindness to inform me -what circumstances procured me the rare and unsolicited favor of -being sought by your royal highness. But no, I divine it; you owe me -no explanation; the queen has asked for me, and your highness was so -gracious as to seek for the tardy servant, who is sleeping while her -mistress calls; allow me to hasten to her." Laura, feeling her -strength failing, and suppressing with pain the tears that sprang -from her heart to her eyes, endeavored to pass the prince. - -But he held her back; the timidity that had so often made him appear -shy and embarrassed had vanished; he felt that at this moment he -faced his destiny, and that his future depended upon the result of -this interview. "No," he said earnestly, "the queen did not call -you, she does not need you; remain, therefore, mademoiselle, and -grant me a few moments of your time." His solemn voice and -determined expression made her tremble, but still entranced; her -soul bowed in humility and fear before him. She had always seen him -humble and pleading, always submissive and obedient; now his glance -was commanding, his voice imperious; and she, who had been able to -withstand the entreaties of a lover, found no courage to resist the -angry and commanding man. "Remain," he repeated; "be seated, and -allow me to speak to you honestly and truly." - -Laura seated herself obediently and tremblingly; the prince stood -before her, and looked at her with a sad smile. - -"Yesterday you returned my letter unopened, but now you must hear -me, Laura; I wish it, and no woman can withstand the strong will of -the man who loves her." - -Laura trembled and grew pale; she feared that if at this moment he -bade her forsake all, cast away, and trample under foot her honor, -her reputation, her innocence and pure conscience, she would obey -him as a true and humble slave, and follow and serve him her whole -life. - -"Yes, you shall hear me; I will know my fate--know if you really -despise my great and devoted love, if you are without pity, without -sympathy for my suffering, my struggles and despair. I should think -that true, genuine love would, like the music of Orpheus, have power -to animate stones and flowers, and my love cannot even move the -heart of a noble, feeling girl. What is the reason? why do you fly -from me? Is it, Laura, because you deem me unworthy of your love? -because your heart feels no emotion for me? are you cold and severe -because you hold me for a bold beggar, who longs for the treasure -belonging to another, whom you despise because he begs for what -should be the free gift of your heart? Or has your heart never been -touched by love? If this is so, Laura, and my love has not the power -to awaken your heart, then do not speak, but let me leave you -quietly. I will try to bear my misery or die; I shall have no one -but myself to reproach, for God has denied me the power of winning -love. But if this is not the reason of your coldness, if we are only -separated by the vain prejudices of rank and birth, O Laura, I -entreat you, if this is all that separate us, speak one single word -of comfort, of hope, one single low word, and I will conquer the -whole world, break down all prejudices and laws, and cast them from -me. I will be as great and strong as Hercules, to clear the way, and -make it smooth for our love. I will present you to the world as my -betrothed, and before God and my king call you my wife. Speak, -Laura, is it so? Do you fly from me because of this star upon my -breast--because I am called a royal prince? I implore you, tell me, -is it so? if not, if you cast me from you because you do not love -me, say nothing and I will go away for ever." - -A long, painful silence ensued. The prince watched the pained, -frightened countenance of the young girl, who sat before him with -bowed head, pale and motionless. - -"It is decided," he sighed, after a long pause; "farewell, I accept -my destiny, you have spoken my sentence; may your heart never accuse -you of cruelty!" He bowed low before her, then turned and walked -across the saloon. - -Laura had remained motionless; she now raised her head; she followed -him with a glance that, had he seen it, would have brought him back -to her--a look that spoke more than words or protestations. - -The prince had reached the door once more; he turned, their looks -met, and a trembling delight took possession of her whole being; -forgetting all danger, she longingly extended her arms toward him, -and murmured his name. - -With a cry of delight he sprang to her side, and folded her with -impassioned tenderness in his arms. Laura concealed her tear-stained -face upon his breast, and murmured, "God sees my heart, He knows how -long I have prayed and struggled; may He be more merciful, more -compassionate than man! I shall be cast off, despised; let it be, I -shall think of this hour, and be happy." - -"No one shall dare to insult you," he said proudly; "from this hour -you are my affianced, and some day I shall present you to the world -as my wife." - -Smiling sadly, she shook her head. "Let us not speak of the future; -it may be dark and sorrowful. I will not complain, I will bear my -cross joyfully, and thank God for your love." - -He kissed the tears from her eyes, and murmured sweet and holy -promises of love and faith. It was a moment of blissful joy, but -Laura suddenly trembled and raised her head from his breast to -listen. The beating of drums and quickly-rolling carriages were -heard without. "The king!" cried the young girl. "The king," -murmured Prince Augustus, sadly, and he ventured no longer to hold -the young girl in his arms. They were both awakened from their -short, blessed dream, both were reminded of the world, and the -obstacles that lay in their path. In their great happiness they had -appeared small, but now were assuming giant-like proportions. - -"I must hasten to the queen," said Laura, rising; "her majesty will -need me." - -"And I must go and meet the king," sighed the prince. - -"Go quickly; let us hasten, and take different paths to the castle." - -He took her hand and held it to his lips. "Farewell, my beloved, my -bride; trust me, and be strong in love and hope." - -"Farewell," she murmured, and endeavored to pass him. - -Once more he detained her. "Shall we meet here again? will you let -me enjoy here another hour of your dear presence? Oh, bow not your -head; do not blush; your sweet confession has made of this place a -temple of love, and here I will approach you with pure and holy -thoughts." He looked long into her beautiful, blushing face. - -"We will see each other here again," she murmured; "every day I -shall await you here at the same hour; now hasten, hasten." - -Both left the saloon; it was again silent and deserted; in a few -moments Fritz Wendel stepped out from the grotto with glowing cheeks -and sparkling eyes. - -"This is a noble secret that I have discovered--a secret that will -bring me golden fruits. Louise von Schwerin is not more widely -separated from the poor gardener, Fritz Wendel, than Mademoiselle -Pannewitz from Prince Augustus William. A gardener can rise and -become a nobleman, but Mademoiselle Pannewitz can never become a -princess, never be the wife of her lover. Louise von Schwerin shall -no longer be ashamed of the love of Fritz Wendel; I will tell her -what I have seen, I will take her into the grotto, and let her -witness the rendezvous of the prince and his beloved, and whilst he -is telling Laura of his love, I will be with my Louise." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE KING AND THE SON. - - -Laura was not mistaken. It was the king whom the castle guard were -saluting with the beat of the drum. It was the king coming to pay -his first visit to his mother at Monbijou. He came unannounced, and -the perplexed, anxious looks of the cavaliers showed that his -appearance had caused more disturbance and terror than joy. With a -slight laugh he turned to his grand chamberlain, Pollnitz. - -"Go tell her majesty that her son Frederick awaits her." And -followed by Kaiserling and the cavaliers of the queen, he entered -the garden saloon. - -Queen Sophia Dorothea received the king's message with a proud, -beaming smile. She was not then deceived, her dearest hopes were to -be fulfilled; the young king was an obedient, submissive son; she -was for him still the reigning queen, the mother entitled to -command. The son, not the king, had come, disrobed of all show of -royalty, to wait humbly as a suppliant for her appearance. She felt -proud, triumphant! A glorious future lay before her. She would be a -queen at last--a queen not only in name, but in truth. Her son was -King of Prussia, and she would be co-regent. Her entire court should -be witness to this meeting; they should see her triumph, and spread -the news far and wide. - -He came simply, without ceremony, as her son, but she would receive -him according to etiquette, as it beseemed a queen. She wore a long, -black trailing gown, a velvet ermine-bordered mantle, and caught up -the black veil that was fastened in her hair with several -brilliants. All preparations were at last finished, and the queen, -preceded by Pollnitz, arrived in the garden saloon. - -Frederick, standing by the window, was beating the glass impatiently -with his long, thin fingers. He thought his mother showed but little -impatience to see her son who had hurried with all the eagerness of -childlike love to greet her. He wondered what could be her motive, -and had just surmised it as the door opened and the chamberlain -announced in a loud voice--"Her majesty, the widowed queen." A soft, -mocking smile played upon his lips for a moment, as the queen -entered in her splendid court dress, but it disappeared quickly, and -hat in hand he advanced to meet her. - -Sophia Dorothea received him with a gracious smile, and gave him her -hand to kiss. - -"Your majesty is welcome," said she, with a trembling voice, for it -grieved her proud heart to give her son the title of majesty. The -king, perceiving something of this, said: "Continue to call me your -son, mother, for when with your majesty I am but an obedient, -grateful son." - -"Well, then, welcome, welcome my son!" cried the queen, with an -undisguised expression of rapture, and throwing her arms around him, -she kissed his forehead repeatedly. "Welcome to the modest house of -a poor, sorrowful widow." - -"My wish, dear mother, is, that you shall not think of yourself as a -sad widow, but as the mother of a king. I do not desire you to be -continually reminded of the great loss we have all sustained, and -that God sent upon us. Your majesty is not only the widowed queen, -you belong not to the past, but to the present; and I beg that you -will be called from this moment, not the widowed queen, but the -queen-mother. Grand chamberlain Pollnitz, see that this is done." - -For a moment the queen lost her proud, stately bearing; she was -deeply touched. The king's delicate attentions made her all the -mother, and for a moment love silenced all her proud, imperious -wishes. - -"Oh, my son, you know how to dry my tears, and to change the -sorrowing widow into a proud, happy mother," said she, pressing his -hand tenderly to her heart. - -The king was so overjoyed at his mother's unfeigned tenderness that -he was prepared to agree to all her demands, and humor her in every -thing. - -"Ah," said he, "I, not you, ought to render thanks that you are so -willing to enter into my views. I will put your magnanimity still -further to the test, and state a few more of my wishes." - -"Let us hear them, my son," said the queen, "but first let me ask a -favor." - -"Let us be seated." - -The king led her to an arm-chair near a window, from which there was -a beautiful view of the garden. The queen seated herself, and the -young king remained standing in front of her, still holding his hat. -Sophia Dorothea saw this, and was enraptured at this new triumph. -Turning to the king, she said: - -"Let us now hear your wishes, and I promise joyfully to fulfil -them." - -"I wish," said he, "your majesty to surround herself with a larger -and more brilliant court. Two maids of honor are not sufficient for -the queen-mother, for if by chance one were sick, and the other -fretful, there would be no one to divert and amuse your majesty. I -therefore propose that you have six instead of two maids of honor." - -The queen looked at him in tender astonishment. - -"My son," said she, "you are a veritable magician. You divine all my -wishes. Thanks--many, many thanks. But your majesty is not seated," -said she, as if just perceiving this. - -"Madame," said he, laughing, "I awaited your permission." He seated -himself, and said, "You agree to my proposal, mother?" - -"I agree to it, and beg your majesty to point out to me the ladies -you have decided upon as my six maids of honor. Your majesty has -free choice, and all I wish is, to be told when you have decided. I -only fear," said the queen, "that with my enlarged court there will -not be room for the ladies to have their separate apartments at -Monbijou." - -"Your majesty is no longer to live in this house," said the king; -"it is large enough for a passing summer visit, but it does not -answer for the residence of the queen-mother. I spoke some time -since to Knobelsdorf, and already a magnificent palace is being -built for you." - -The queen blushed with pleasure; all her wishes seemed to be -fulfilled to-day. She must know whether Sophia Dorothea was to be -queen-regent as well as queen-mother. She thanked her son tenderly -for this new proof of his love and kindness. - -"And still," said she, sighing, "perhaps I ought not to accept of -your kindness. My husband's death should remind me of the transitory -nature of life, and should lead me to pass the remainder of my days -in seclusion, devoting my time to God." - -The king looked so anxious, so shocked, that the queen repented -having given the conversation this gloomy turn. - -"It is cruel, mother," said he, "not to let me enjoy the pleasure of -being with you without a drop of wormwood. But I see by your rosy -cheeks and bright smile that you only wished to frighten me. Let the -architects and masons continue their work: God will be merciful to -me, and grant a long life to the noblest and best-beloved of -mothers!" - -He kissed her hand and rose; Sophia Dorothea was terrified. The king -was leaving, and she still did not know how far her influence was to -reach and what were to be its limits. - -"You will already leave me, my son?" said she, lovingly. - -"I must, your majesty. For from here I can hear the Government -machinery creaking and groaning; I must hasten to supply it with -oil, and set it in motion again. Ah! madame, it is no easy task to -be a king. To do justice to all his obligations, a king must rise -early and retire late; and I think truly it is much more pleasant to -be reigned over than to reign." - -The queen could scarcely suppress her delight; the king's words were -balm to her ambitious heart. - -"I can well see that it is as you say," said she, "but I think that -the king has a right to amuse himself; I think that a mother has -some claims on her son, even if he is a king. You must not leave -now, my son. You must grant me the pleasure of showing you my new -conservatory. Give me your arm, and comply with my request." - -"Madame, you now see what power you have over me," said he, as she -laughingly took his arm. "I forget that I am the servant of my -country, because I prefer being the servant of my queen." - -The large glass door was opened, and, leaning on the king's arm, the -queen entered the garden. - -At some distance the princesses with their brother and the rest of -the court followed. They were all silent, eagerly listening to the -conversation of the royal couple. But the queen did not now care to -be heard by her court. They had seen her triumph, but they should -not be witness to a possible defeat. She now spoke in a low tone, -and hurried her steps, to put a distance between herself and the -courtiers. She spoke with the king about the garden, and then asked -if he thought of passing the summer at Rheinsberg. - -"Alas," said he, "I will not have the time. For a king is but the -first officer of his State, and as I receive my salary I must -honestly fulfil the duties I have undertaken." - -"But I think your majesty does too much," said the queen. "You -should allow yourself more relaxation, and not let State matters -rest entirely upon your own shoulders. To one who is accustomed to -associate with poets, artists, and the sciences, it must be very -hard suddenly to bury himself in deeds, documents, and all sorts of -dusty papers; you should leave this occasionally to others, and not -work the State machinery yourself." - -"Madame," said the king, "this machine has secrets and peculiarities -that its architect can intrust to no workman, therefore he must lead -and govern it himself; and if at times the wheels creak and it is -not in perfect order, he has only himself to thank." - -"But you have your ministers?" - -"They are my clerks--nothing more!" - -"Ah, I see, you intend to be a rock and take counsel from no one," -said the queen, impatiently. - -"Yes, your majesty, from you always; and with your gracious -permission I will now consult you." - -"Speak, my son, speak," said the queen, in breathless expectation. - -"I wish your advice upon theatrical matters. Where must the new -opera-house be built?" - -The queen's face darkened. - -"I am not a suitable adviser for amusements," said she, pointing to -her black gown. "My mourning garments do not fit me for such -employment, and you well know I do not care for the theatre; for how -many cold, dull evenings have I passed there with your father!" - -"Ah, madame," said the king, "I was not talking of a German theatre, -which I dislike quite as much as yourself. No, we will have a French -theatre and an Italian opera. The French alone can act and only the -Italians can sing, but we Germans can play; I have therefore charged -Graun to compose a new opera for the inauguration of the new opera- -house." - -"And undoubtedly this inauguration will take place on a festive -occasion," said the queen, going directly to the point. "Perhaps at -the wedding of one of your sisters?" - -"Ah," said he, "your majesty is thinking of a wedding?" - -"Not I, but others. Yesterday I received from London a letter from -my royal brother. And a few moments ago Count Manteuffel brought me -letters of condolence from the Empress of Austria. It seems the -count was, besides this, commissioned to sound me as to a possible -marriage with Prince Augustus." - -"It is very unnecessary for the count to burden you with matters -which are happily beyond the reach of your motherly duties. For, -alas! the marrying of princes is a political affair, and is not -determined by the mother's heart, but by the necessities of the -kingdom." - -The queen bit her lip until it bled. "Your majesty is, undoubtedly, -thinking of performing this political obligation, and have chosen a -bride for the prince," said she, sharply. - -"Forgive me," said the king laughing, "I am not now thinking of -marrying, but of unmarrying." - -Sophia Dorothea looked anxiously at the king. "How, my son, are you -thinking of a divorce?" said she, tremblingly. - -"Not of one, but of many, mother. Does your majesty know that I have -abolished the torture?" - -"No," said the queen impatiently, "I did not--politics do not -concern me." - -"That is in conformity with the true womanly character of my -mother," said he. "There is nothing so insipid and tiresome as a -woman who gives up the graces and muses to excite herself with -politics." - -"And still your majesty was just initiating me into politics." - -"Ah, yes, I told you I had abolished the torture." - -"And I ask, how does that concern me?" - -"You ask why I am thinking of divorces? Well, I told you that I had -abolished the torture, and in doing this it was but natural that I -busied myself about marriage. For your majesty will grant me that -there is no severer rack, no more frightful torture, than an unhappy -marriage." - -"It seems as if with the torture you will also abolish marriage," -said the queen, terrified. - -The king laughed. "Ah, no, madame, I am not pope, and have not -received the right from God to decide over men's consciences, though -perhaps the majority would be inclined to call me holy, and to honor -me with godlike worship, if I would really abolish the torture of -matrimony. But I am not ambitious, and renounce all claim to -adoration. But while engaged in abolishing the torture, I could but -see that when the marriage chains had ceased to be garlands of -roses, and were transformed into heavy links of iron, there should -be some means found to break them. I have therefore commanded that -if two married people cannot live harmoniously, a divorce shall not -be denied them. I hope that my royal mother agrees with me." - -"Ah, there will soon be many divorce cases," said the queen, with a -contemptuous smile. "All who are not thoroughly happy will hasten to -the king for a divorce. Who knows but that the king himself will set -the people a good example?" - -"With God's help, madame," said the king, gravely. "My noble mother -will always wish me to set my people a good example. A king is but -the servant of a nation." - -"That is, indeed, an humble idea of a king, a king by the grace of -God." - -"Madame, I do not crave to be called a king by the grace of God. I -prefer being king by my own right and strength. But forgive me, -mother. You see how these politics mix themselves up with every -thing. Let them rest. You were speaking, I think, of the marriage of -one of the princes?" - -"We were speaking of the marriage of Prince Augustus William," said -the queen, who, with the obstinacy of a true woman, always returned -to the point from which she had started, and who, in the desire of -gaining her point, had lost all consideration and presence of mind. -"I was telling you that I received yesterday a letter from my royal -brother, and that King George the Second is anxious to form an -alliance between our children." - -"Another marriage with England!" said the king, dejectedly. "You -know there is no good luck in our English marriages. The courier who -brings the English consent is always too late." - -The queen was enraged. "You mean that you have decided upon a bride -for my son, that again my darling wish of intermarrying my children -with the royal house of England is not to be realized? Ah, your -father's example must have been very satisfactory to you, as you -follow so quickly in his footsteps." - -"I truly find, madame, that the king acted wisely in not regarding -in the marriage of the prince royal the wishes of his heart and his -family, but political interests, which he was bound to consider. I -will certainly follow his example, and take counsel over the -marriage of the prince royal, not with my own heart, not even with -the wishes of my royal mother, but with the interests of Prussia." - -"But Augustus William is not prince royal," cried the queen, with -trembling lips. "The prince is only your brother, and you may have -many sons who will dispute with him the succession to the throne." - -An expression of deep sorrow lay like a dark veil upon the handsome -face of the king. "I will have no children," said he, "and Prince -Augustus William will be my successor." - -The queen had not the heart to reply. She looked at her son in -amazement. Their eyes met, and the sad though sweet expression of -the usually clear, sparkling eyes of her son touched her, and awoke -the mother's heart. With a hasty movement she took his hands, -pressed them to her heart, and said: "Ah, my son, how poor is this -life! You are young, handsome, and highly gifted, you are a king, -and still you are not happy." - -The king's face was brighter, his eyes sparkled as before. - -"Life," said he, smiling, "is not a pleasure, but a duty, and if we -honestly perform this duty we will be happy in the end. It is now -time to return to my prison and be king once more," - -He embraced his mother tenderly, laughed and jested for a few -moments with his sisters Ulrica and Amelia, then left, followed by -his cavaliers. Sophia Dorothea remained in the garden, and Ulrica, -her favorite daughter, followed her. - -"Your majesty looks sad and grave," said she, "and you have every -reason to look happy. The king was remarkably kind and amiable. Only -think of it, you will have six maids of honor, and a beautiful -palace is being built for you!" - -"Oh, yes," said the queen, "I will be surrounded with outward -glory." - -"And how anxious the king seemed for you to forget the past!" said -Princess Amelia, who, with Prince Augustus William, had joined her -mother and sister, "you are not the widowed queen but the queen- -mother." - -"Yes," murmured Sophia Dorothea to herself, "I am queen-mother, but -I will never be queen-regent. Ah, my children," cried she, -passionately, "the king, your brother, was right. Princes are not -born to be happy. He is not so, and you will never be!" - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE QUEEN'S TAILOR. - - -A dreary silence had reigned for some time in the usually gay and -happy family circle of the worthy court tailor. No one dared to -speak or laugh aloud. M. Pricker, the crown and head of the house, -was sad and anxious, and the storm-cloud upon his brow threw a dark -reflection upon the faces of his wife and two children, the -beautiful Anna, and the active, merry Wilhelm, Even the assistants -in the work-room were affected by the general gloom; the gay songs -of the apprentices were silenced, and the pretty house-maids looked -discontented and dull. - -A tempest lowered over the house, and all appeared to tremble at its -approach. When Wilhelm, the son and heir of the house, returned from -his work, he hastened to his mother's room, and casting a curious -glance upon the old woman, who was seated on a sofa, grim-looking, -and supporting her head upon her hand, he said, mysteriously-- - -"Not yet!" - -Mother Pricker shook her head, sighed deeply, and replied: - -"Not yet!" - -The beautiful Anna was generally in her elegant room, painting or -singing, and did not allow herself to be disturbed; but now when the -bell rang, or a strange step was heard, she hastened to her mother, -and said: - -"Well, has it come?" - -Again Mother Pricker sighed, shook her head, and answered-- - -"Not yet!" - -M. Pricker asked nothing, demanded nothing; silent and proud he sat -in the midst of his family circle; stoically listened to the ringing -of the bell, and saw strangers enter his counting-room, too proud to -show any excitement. He wrapped himself in an Olympian silence, and -barricaded himself from the curious questions of his children by the -stern reserve of parental authority. - -"I see that he suffers," said his wife to her daughter Anna; "I see -that he looks paler every day, and eats less and less; if this -painful anxiety endures much longer, the poor man will become -dangerously ill, and the king will be answerable for the death of -one of his noblest and best subjects." - -"But why does our father attach such importance to this small -affair?" said Anna, with a lofty shrug of her shoulders. - -Mother Pricker looked at her with astonishment. - -"You call this a small affair, which concerns not only the honor of -your father, but that of your whole family; which affects the -position and calling enjoyed by the Pricker family for a hundred -years? It is a question whether your father shall be unjustly -deprived of his honorable place, or have justice done him, and his -great services acknowledged!" - -Anna gave a hearty laugh. - -"Dear mother, you look at this thing too tragically; you are making -a camel of a gnat. The great and exalted things of which you speak -have nothing to do with the matter; it is a simple question of -title. The great point is, will our father receive the title of -'court tailor' to the reigning queen, or be only the tailor of the -queen-dowager. It seems to me the difference is very small, and I -cannot imagine why so much importance is attached to it." - -"You do not understand," sighed Mother Pricker; "you do not love -your family; you care nothing for the honor of your house!" - -"Pshaw! to be the daughter of a tailor is a very poor and doubtful -honor," said Anna, drearily, "even if he is the tailor of one or -even two queens. Our father is rich enough to live without this -contemptible business; yes, to live in style. He has given his -children such an education as nobles only receive; I have had my -governess and my music-teacher; my brother his tutor; my father has -not allowed him to walk through the streets, fearing that he might -fall into the hands of the recruiting-officers. We have each our -private rooms, beautifully furnished, and are the envy of all our -friends. Why, notwithstanding all this, will he condemn us to be and -to continue to be the children of a tailor? Why does he not tear -down the sign from the door; this sign, which will be ever a -humiliation, even though 'court tailor' should be written upon it! -This title will never enable us to appear at court, and the noble -cavaliers will never think of marrying the daughter of a tailor, -though many would seek to do so if our father would give up his -needlework, buy a country seat, and live, as rich and distinguished -men do, upon his estate." - -"Child, child, what are you saying?" cried Mother Pricker, clasping -her hands with anguish. "Thy father give up his stand, his honorable -stand, which, for more than a hundred years, has been inherited by -the family! Thy father demean himself to buy with his honorably- -earned gold a son-in-law from amongst the poor nobles, who will be -ever thinking of the honor done us in accepting thee and thy sixty -thousand dollars! Thy father buy a country-seat, and spend in -idleness that fortune which his forefathers and himself have been -collecting for hundreds of years! That can never be, and never will -your father consent to your marriage with any other man than an -honest burgher; and he will never allow Wilhelm to have any other -calling than that of his father, his grandfather, and his great- -grandfather, a court tailor." - -The beautiful Anna stamped involuntarily upon the floor, and a flush -of scorn spread itself over her soft cheek. "I will not wed a -burgher," said she, tossing her head proudly back, "and my brother -Wilhelm will never carry on the business of his father." - -"Then your father will disinherit you--cast you out amongst -strangers to beg your bread," said the old woman, wringing her -hands. - -"God be thanked," said Anna proudly, "there is no necessity for -begging our bread; we have learned enough to carry us honorably -through the world, and when all else fails, I have a capital in my -voice which assures me a glittering future. The king will found an -opera-house, and splendid singers are so rare that Prussia will -thank God if I allow myself to be prevailed upon to take the place -of prima donna." - -"Oh! unhappy, wretched child!" sobbed Mother Pricker, "you will -dishonor your family, you will make us miserable, and cover us with -shame; you will become an actress, and we must live to see our -respectable, yes, celebrated name upon a play-bill, and pasted upon -every corner." - -"You will have the honor of hearing all the world speak of your -daughter, of seeing sweet flowers and wreaths thrown before her -whenever she appears, and of seeing her praises in every number of -every journal in Berlin. I shall be exalted to the skies, and the -parents called blessed who have given me life." - -"These are the NEW ideas," gasped out her mother--"the new ideas -which are now the mode, and which our new king favors. Alas! wailing -and sorrow will come over our whole city; honor and principle will -disappear, and destruction like that of Sodom and Gomorrah will fall -upon Berlin! These are the alluring temptations with which Baron -Pollnitz fills your ear and crushes in your heart the worthy and -seemly principles of your family. That,"--suddenly she stopped and -listened; it seemed to her the bell rung; truly there was a step -upon the stairs, and some one asked for M. and Madame Pricker. - -"Pollnitz," whispered Anna, and a glowing blush overspread her face, -throat, and neck. - -"The Baron Pollnitz, the master of ceremonies," said Madame Pricker, -with a mixture of joy and alarm. - -The door flew open, and with a gay, frolicsome greeting, Pollnitz -danced into the room; Anna had turned to the window, and made no -reply to his greeting. Madame Pricker stepped toward him, and -greeted him with the most profound reverence, calling him master of -ceremonies and master of the bed-chamber. - -"Not so," said Pollnitz; "why so much reverence and so many titles? -I am indeed master of ceremonies, but without the title. His -majesty, the young king, has no special fondness for renewing the -titles lent to us by his blessed father, and every prayer and every -representation to that effect has been in vain; he considers titles -ridiculous and superfluous." - -Madame Pricker turned pale, and murmured some incomprehensible -words. Anna, however, who had up to this time been turned toward the -window, suddenly looked at the two speakers, and fixed her great -eyes questioningly upon the baron. - -"Ah, at last I have the honor to see you, fair, beautiful Anna!" -said Pollnitz; "I knew well some magic was necessary to fix those -splendid eyes on me. Allow me to kiss your hand, most honored lady, -and forgive me if I have disturbed you." Ho flew with an elegant -pirouette to Anna, and took her hand, which she did not extend to -him, and, indeed, struggled to withhold; he then turned again to -Madame Pricker, and bowing to her, said, with a solemn pathos: "I am -not here to-day simply as the friend of the house, but as the -ambassador of the king; and I beseech the honored Madame Pricker to -announce to her husband that I wish to speak to him, and to deliver -a message from the queen." - -Madame Pricker uttered a cry of joy, and forgetting all other -considerations, hastened to the counting-room of her husband, to -make known to him the important information. - -Baron Pollnitz watched her till the door closed, then turned to -Anna, who still leaned immovable in the window. "Anna, dearest -Anna," whispered he tenderly, "at last we are alone! How I have -pined for you, how happy I am to see you once again!" - -He sought to press her fondly to his heart, but the maiden waved him -proudly and coldly back. "Have you forgotten our agreement?" said -she, earnestly. - -"No, I have held your cruelty in good remembrance; only, when I have -fulfilled all your commands, will you deign to listen to my glowing -wishes; when I have induced your father to employ for you another -singing-master, and arranged for your glorious and heavenly voice to -be heard by the king and the assembled court?" - -"Yes," cried Anna, with glowing eyes and burning cheeks, "that is my -aim, my ambition. Yes, I will be a singer; all Europe shall resound -with my fame; all men shall lie at my feet; and princes and queens -shall seek to draw me into their circles." - -"And I will be the happiest of the happy, when the lovely -nightingale has reached the goal. From my hand shall she first wing -her flight to fame. But, when I have fulfilled my word, when you -have sung in the royal palace before the queen and the court, then -will YOU fulfil your promise? Then Pollnitz will be the happiest of -mortals." - -"I will fulfil my word," she said, as proudly and imperiously as if -she were already the celebrated and grace-dispensing prima donna. -"On the day in which I sing for the first time before the king--the -day in which the tailor's daughter has purified herself from the -dishonor of her humble birth, and becomes a free, self-sustaining, -distinguished artist--on that day we will have no reason to be -ashamed of our love, and we can both, without humiliation, present -our hearts to each other. Baron Pollnitz can take for his wife, -without blushing, the woman ennobled by art, and Prima Donna Anna -Pricker need not be humbled by the thought that Baron Pollnitz has -forgotten his rank in his choice of a wife." - -Baron Pollnitz, courtier as he was, had not his features so -completely under control as to conceal wholly the shock conveyed by -the words of his beautiful sweetheart. He stared for a moment, -speechless, into that lovely face, glowing with enthusiasm, -ambition, and love. A mocking, demoniac smile appeared one moment on -his lips, then faded quickly, and Pollnitz was again the tender, -passionate lover of Anna Pricker. "Yes, my dearly-beloved Anna," -whispered he, clasping her in his arms, "on that blessed and happy -day you will be my wife, and the laurels entwined in your hair will -be changed into a myrtle-wreath." He embraced her passionately, and -she resisted no longer, but listened ever to his words, which, like -sweet opium, poisoned both the ear and heart of the young girl. But -Pollnitz released her suddenly, and stepped back, colder and more -self-possessed than Anna. He had heard a light, approaching step. -"Some one comes; be composed, dear one; your face betrays too much -of your inward emotion." He danced to the open piano and played a -merry strain, while Anna hid her blushes in the branches of a -geranium placed in the window, and tried to cool her glowing cheeks -on the fresh green leaves. - -Madame Pricker opened the door, and bade the master of ceremonies -enter the adjoining room, where M. Pricker awaited him. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE ILLUSTRIOUS ANCESTORS OF A TAILOR. - - -Pollnitz offered his arm to the lovely Anna, and followed Madame -Pricker, laughing and jesting, into the next room. This was a long -hall, which had an appearance of gloom and solemnity in its -arrangements and decorations. The high walls, hung with dark -tapestry, were poorly lighted by two windows. Several divans, -covered with a heavy silken material, the same color as the -tapestry, were placed against the sides of the room, and over them -hung a few oil paintings in black frames, each representing the -figure of a man with a most solemn expression and bearing. The -remarkable resemblance which these pictures bore to each other -convinced you that they must be the portraits of one family. In each -appeared the same countenance, the same short, clumsy figure, and -only the costumes served to point out by their various styles the -different periods at which they had been painted. A figure, closely -resembling the pictures, stood in the centre of the hall; it had the -same countenance, the same short, clumsy figure, and even the same -dress as that represented in one of the pictures. You might have -supposed that some galvanic experiment had given life and motion to -the painted form, and that as soon as this power was exhausted it -would become lifeless, and return to its place among the other -pictures. But this figure was certainly living, for it greeted the -grand chamberlain, without, however, leaving the round table which -stood in the centre of the room. - -"I welcome you to the house of my fathers," it said, with great -dignity. Pollnitz threw a laughing, jesting glance toward Anna, who -had left his side on entering the room, and had withdrawn to one of -the windows. - -"Why are you so earnest and solemn to-day, my dear Pricker?" said -he, turning to the old gentleman. - -"Are you not here as the ambassador of the royal court?" he replied. -"I wished to receive you with all honor, and therefore desired you -to come into this hall, that I might hear the royal message in the -midst of my ancestors. Tell me now how can I serve the house of my -sovereign." - -"You can serve it, my dear Pricker," said Pollnitz, smiling, as he -displayed a large sealed paper, "by altering the sign upon your -door. In the place of 'court tailor of the queen and princess -royal,' it should read--'court tailor of the dowager and of the -reigning queen.' Here is the patent, my dear sir." - -The old man quietly took the paper; not a feature of his cold, -solemn face moved. - -Madame Pricker, however, could not conceal her joy. With a cry of -delight she hurried to her husband, to embrace and congratulate him -on his appointment. - -Pricker waved her proudly back. - -"Why do you congratulate me?" he said. "The house of Hohenzollern -has only done justice to my house, that is all. The title of court -tailor to the reigning queen has become an inheritance in my family, -and it would be a great ingratitude in the house of Hohenzollern to -withhold it from me. For more than a century the Hohenzollerns have -been dressed by my family; we have prepared their apparel for every -ball and wedding, every baptism or burial; and if they were arrayed -with elegance, it was entirely owing to our taste and dexterity. The -proverb says, 'The tailor makes the man,' and it is true. We made -the coronation dresses of both the queens; it follows that they -could not have been crowned without our assistance, for which we, of -course, deserve their gratitude." - -"I assure you, however, my dear friend," said Pollnitz, "that it was -with much difficulty I obtained this appointment for you, and you -owe me some acknowledgments. All of my eloquence was necessary to -induce the queen to grant my prayer." - -Pricker grew pale, and his countenance lost its calm dignity. - -"Take back your patent," he said, proudly, handing the baron the -sealed paper; "I will not accept this title if it is not given -willingly." - -"No, no, keep it," cried Pollnitz; "you merit it; it is your right; -I only mentioned the difficulty with which I obtained it, that I -might win your heart, and incline you to grant a request which I -wish to make." - -"I suppose you allude to the five hundred dollars which I lent you -last month," said Pricker, smiling, "Speak of that no more--the debt -is cancelled." - -"Thank you," said Pollnitz, "but I was not thinking of that small -affair; it was quite another request I wished to make." - -"Let me hear it," said the tailor, with a most gracious inclination -of the head. - -"It concerns a young artist, who I would like to recommend to your -protection," returned the crafty Pollnitz, with a side glance at -Anna. "He is a young and talented musician, who desires to gain a -livelihood by giving instruction, but unfortunately he is a stranger -here, and has found but few patrons. I thought, therefore, that if -you, who are so well known, would interest yourself in him, and give -him your patronage, it would greatly benefit him, for doubtless many -others would hasten to follow your example. If you will allow him to -give singing-lessons to your daughter Anna, his fortune is assured." - -"I grant your request," said Pricker, solemnly, not for an instant -doubting the motive of the baron. "I will bestow my protection upon -this young artist; he can give my daughter a daily lesson, that is, -if Anna is willing to show this kindness to the poor young man." - -Anna could scarcely restrain her laughter, as she replied: - -"You have commanded it, and I will obey, as a daughter should do." - -"Very well," said her father, majestically; "that matter is -arranged. And now, baron, I beg you will inform me at what time the -coronation will take place, that I may make my preparations, and not -be the cause of any delay on that solemn occasion." - -"The day of the coronation has not been decided, but it will -certainly not be fixed before the first of August. You will have -time to make all your preparations. Later we will hold a -consultation with her majesty the queen, and decide the style, -color, and material of the costumes. I will only give you a single -word of counsel, my dear friend. Accommodate yourself to the new -era. Remember that we have a new king, who is the counterpart of his -father. The father hated and despised elegance and fashion--the son -adores them; the father was the sworn enemy of French manners--the -son has a perfect passion for them; and if you would please the son, -you must lay aside your old German habits and customs, as we have -all done, and walk in the new path. I tell you a new era is -approaching, a period of glory and splendor. Every thing will be -altered, but, above all, we will have new fashions. In the first -place, you must rid yourself of your German apprentices, and replace -them as quickly as possible with French workmen from Paris. That is -the only means of retaining the court favor." - -Pricker listened to all this with horror and astonishment. His -cheeks were white, and his voice trembled with anger, as he cried: - -"Never shall that happen! Never will I adopt the innovations which -are now the fashion. Shall I lay aside my respectable dress, to -replace it with a monkey-jacket, and become a laughing-stock to all -honest men? Shall I so far forget my God, my forefathers, and my -native land, as to call French workmen into my German work-room? -Shame on me if I ever conduct myself in such a godless and -unchristian manner! Never shall a French foot cross the threshold of -my dwelling! never shall a French word be spoken there! I was born a -German, and I will die a German. True to my fathers, and to the -commands of my sainted sovereign, who hated and despised these -frivolous French fashions, it shall be my pride to retain the good -old German customs, and never shall a dress cut in the French style -be made in my work-room." - -"If you act in this manner, the time of your good fortune is past," -said Pollnitz. - -Pricker paid no attention to him, but looking at the pictures which -hung on the wall, he bowed respectfully before one of them. - -"Look!" he said, pointing to one of the portraits, "that is my -great-great-grandfather. He was a German, and the best and ablest of -men. With him began the connection between the houses of -Hohenzollern and Pricker. For him the Prince George William created -the title of court tailor, and he would wear no garment that was not -made by his favorite. He remembered him in his will, and from that -time began the importance of the Prickers. - -"Then look at the next picture. It is the portrait of his son, who -was the court tailor of Frederick William, the great elector. He -made the suit worn by the elector at the battle of Fehrbellin; it -was, however, the unhappy duty of his son to make the burial-dress -of this great man. - -"But with this portrait begins a new era for Prussia; this was the -tailor of Frederick the Third, and he made the robe and mantle which -Frederick wore on the day of his coronation. His son succeeded him, -and now began a new era for the Prickers. - -"The son did not follow the example of his father; he was of a -softer, a more poetical nature. He loved flowers and poetry, and -adored beauty; he therefore became a lady's tailor. The princess -royal, Sophia Dorothea, appointed him her tailor. He made the -coronation robe of the queen, and the wedding-dress of the -Margravine of Baireuth. - -"When he died he was succeeded by his son, the now living Pricker. I -made the wedding-dress of the Duchess of Brunswick, and the mourning -of the present dowager-queen. And now, in the very presence of my -ancestors, you tempt me to become a traitor to them and to their -customs. No, I am a German, and I remain a German, even should it -cause my ruin!" - -He bowed to the amused and astonished baron, and walked proudly -through the hall to his work-room. His wife followed him with folded -hands and heavy sighs. - -Pollnitz and the lovely Anna were again alone. - -"What an absurd man!" said Pollnitz, laughing. "If Moliere had known -him he would have worked his character into a charming farce." - -"You forget that this absurd man may soon be your father-in-law," -said Anna, sternly, as she left his side. - -"That is true," said Pollnitz, smiling; "we will spare him. Come, -one last kiss, my beautiful Anna--one kiss as a reward for my -successful acting. To-morrow you will have a singing-master, who is -no poor wretch, but a celebrated and influential musician, who has -undertaken to instruct you out of pure kindness for me, for he is -not a teacher but a composer. Graun himself will be your instructor, -and it rests with you to crown our love with the happiest results." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -SOFFRI E TACI. - - -The most ardent desire of the young queen was about to be -accomplished; she was to have a private and unconstrained interview -with her husband. The days of resignation, of hope deferred, and of -hidden sorrow, were now over. The dearly-beloved and longed-for -husband had at last returned to her! She need no longer hide her -head in shame from her own servants, who, she imagines, are secretly -laughing at and mocking her, because the young king is so cold and -indifferent. She need no longer envy the poor woman she saw in the -street yesterday, carrying dinner to her laboring husband. She will -also have a husband, and will feel the guiding and supporting arm of -a strong man at her side. No longer will she be a poor, neglected -queen, but a proud and happy wife, envied of all the world. - -He had written that he desired to pay her a visit, and had requested -her not to lock her door, as important business would prevent his -coming until quite late. He would, however, certainly come, as he -desired to have a private interview with her on this very evening. - -How wearily the hours of this day have passed, how slowly the sun -sank to rest! It is at last evening; night is coming on. Elizabeth -can now dismiss her attendants, and retire to her private apartments -to await her husband. He shall see how joyfully she will receive -him, how happy he has made her. She will adorn herself, that he may -be pleased; she will be beautiful, that he may smile upon her. - -The queen, with the assistance of her astonished maids, attires -herself for the first time in one of the charming negligees recently -sent by the Empress of Austria; for the first time she dons her -prettily-worked and coquettish little cap, and encloses her tiny -feet in gold-embroidered white satin slippers. This neglige? is -really charming, and the queen's waiting-maids assure her that she -never looked better, and was never more becomingly attired. But the -queen desires to assure herself of this fact, and stepping forward -to the mirror, she examines her dress with the careful eye of a -connoisseur; then bending down, she regards her face attentively, -and an expression of satisfaction flits over her features. Elizabeth -sees that she is young and pretty, and for the first time rejoices -in her beauty. The maids regarded with astonishment these unusual -preparations. Why was Elizabeth now so much rejoiced at the beauty -of which she had never before seemed conscious? - -The toilet is at an end; the queen seats herself on the light blue -sofa, and dismisses her maids with a mute gesture. But when the -first maid approaches the door, and as usual drew the key from the -lock in order to secure it from the outside, Elizabeth awakes from -her dreamy state and arises from her reclining position; a glowing -color suffuses her cheek, and a happy smile plays around her lips. - -"Do not lock the door to-day," said she, with emotion; "I await the -king." - -As if astonished at her new happiness, she sinks back on the -cushions, and covers her glowing face with her handkerchief, as if -to shut out the dazzling light. The waiting-maids courtesy -respectfully, and leave the room. In the ante-chamber this -respectful expression vanishes from their features, and they turn to -each other with mocking and derisive laughter. - -"Poor queen! she wishes to make us believe that the king, while he -altogether neglects her in public, sometimes pays her a secret -visit. She wishes to make us believe that she is really the wife of -the handsome young king; and we all know--yes, we all know--" - -And all three shrugged their shoulders derisively, and hurried off -to their associates, to gossip with them about the poor, despised, -neglected queen. - -But what was that? Did they not hear a carriage driving into the -inner court, and the guard presenting arms amid the rolling of -drums? Could it be as the queen had said? was the king really coming -to his wife? The waiting-maids stood and listened; they heard steps -on the grand staircase. Yes, it was the king, who, preceded by his -pages, carrying silver candelabras with wax candles, walked hastily -down the corridor to his chambers, and from thence to those of the -queen. - -What the queen had said was therefore true. He did not despise her; -perhaps he loved her! The astonished waiting-maids hurried off to -inform their friends that the king loved his wife passionately, and -the royal pair was the happiest couple on earth. Elizabeth Christine -also heard the equipages drive in to the court. With a cry of -delight she sprang from her seat and listened. A fervent glow of -happiness shot through her veins. She pressed her hands to her heart -to still its rapid beating; her countenance was illumined with joy. -But these feelings were so novel they almost terrified her, and -filled her heart with tremulous anxiety. - -"My God," murmured she, "give me strength to bear this happiness, as -I have borne misery!" - -But her prayer died on her lips, for she heard the door of the -corridor open. She was no longer the queen, no longer the resigned -and timid wife; she was now the happy and joyful woman hurrying to -meet the husband of her love. And with uplifted head and proud -satisfaction she might now confess without shame that she loved him; -for he loved her also. He had requested a rendezvous, and was coming -as a lover-her first love meeting. She will not be shy and silent -to-day, now that she knows he loves her; her tongue will no longer -be chained; she will have courage to confess all, to tell him how -ardently she loves him, and how long and vainly she has struggled -with her heart; how the flames had ever broken out anew; how his -glances had ever renewed the ardor of her love. - -There--he knocked at the door--she could scarcely breathe; she could -scarcely bid him enter; she could not move, and stood transfixed in -the middle of the room; she could only stretch out her arms -longingly, and welcome him with her smiles and tearful glances. - -The door opened; now he entered. The light of the wax candles fell -on his face. It was handsome as ever, but his eye was cold, and his -lips uttered no loving greeting. He walked forward a few steps, -stood still, and bowed in a stiff and formal manner. A chill of -horror crept over Elizabeth; her arms sank down, and the smile -vanished from her pallid face. - -"Madame," said the king, and his voice sounded harsher and colder -than she had ever before heard it--"madame, I must first beg your -pardon for having disturbed you at so unseemly a time, and for -having robbed you of an hour's sleep. But you see that I am a -repentant sinner, and you will forgive me when I assure you that, as -this is my first, it shall also be my last violation of your -retirement!" - -The queen uttered a low cry, and pressed her hand to her heart. She -felt as if a sword had pierced her breast, as if she were dying. - -The king raised his large blue eyes with a surprised look to the -pale, trembling face of his wife. - -"You are pale, you are ill," said he, "and my presence is -undoubtedly annoying; I will retire and send your waiting-maids to -your assistance." - -While he was speaking the queen prayed to God for courage and -strength; she called her womanly pride to her assistance, and -struggled against her tears and her despair. The king, who in vain -had waited for an answer, now hastily approached the door, murmuring -a few impatient words. - -But Elizabeth's courage had now returned, she had conquered her -heart. - -"Remain, sire," she said; "I beg you to remain; I feel well again. -It was only a passing spasm from which I often suffer, and for which -I crave your indulgence." - -"If I may then remain," said the king, smiling, "permit me to -conduct you to a seat." - -She accepted the king's proffered arm and followed him to the sofa -on which she had awaited him with such blissful anticipations, and -on which he was now about to put her heart to the torture. - -The king did not seat himself by her side, but rolling an arm-chair -forward, seated himself at some distance in front of her. - -"Madame," said he, "is it credible that we two have been married for -seven long years, and still have never been as man and wife to each -other? Our lips were forced to pronounce vows of which our hearts -knew nothing. Having been forced into this marriage, you must have -hated me. You can never have forgiven me for having led you to the -altar. At the foot of the altar we did not vow eternal love to each -other, but eternal coldness and indifference; and to this hour, -madame, you, at least, have faithfully kept this vow." - -The queen sank back, murmuring a few incomprehensible words, and her -head fell wearily upon her breast. - -The king continued: "I come to-day to solicit your forgiveness for -the involuntary injustice which I committed. I have made you -unhappy, for you were forced to give your hand to an unloved man, of -whom you knew that he loved you not. Madame, it is unfortunately -true, an abyss lies between us, and this abyss is filled with the -blood of the dearest friend of my youth. Oh, madame, forgive me this -wrong, for the sake of what I have suffered! I then had a soft and -tender heart, but it was trodden under foot, and has become -hardened. I placed full confidence in the world, and it has deceived -me terribly. I have suffered more than the poorest beggar; I was -forced to regard my own father as a cruel enemy, who watched me -unceasingly, awaiting a favorable moment to give me a death-blow. It -was necessary that I should be continually on my guard, for the -smallest fault, the slightest thoughtlessness, a trifle, a mere -nothing, was sufficient to condemn me. Oh, if you knew with what -vermin I have been publicly calumniated and accused! After doing -their utmost to make me odious to the world, and fearing they might -perhaps still fail, they resorted to another expedient to compass my -ruin, and endeavored to kill me with their ridicule. Soffri e taci, -this Italian proverb was then the motto of my life. And believe me, -it is hard to obey this seemingly so dry maxim; it has a grand -significance." [Footnote: The king's own words. See Oeuvres, etc., -tom. xvi., p. 161.] - -The king, oppressed as it were by these reminiscences, leaned back -in his chair and breathed heavily. With downcast eyes and in silence -the queen still sat before him, charmed by the music of his words, -which found an echo in her heart like the dying wail of her youth. - -"I do not tell you this," continued the king, after a pause, "in -order to play the role of a martyr in your sight, but because I wish -you to understand by what means my spirit was at last broken, and my -will made subservient to that of my father. I purchased my freedom, -madam, by chaining you to myself. But in doing this, I vowed you -should no longer be bound when it should be in my power to release -you. This moment has come, and true to my vow, I am here. I know -that you do not, cannot love me, madame. The question arises, is -your aversion to me so great that you insist on a separation?" - -The queen raised her head and looked wonderingly into the mild and -sorrowful countenance of her husband. She could no longer restrain -the cry which trembled on her lips, no longer stem the tide of tears -which gushed in torrents from her eyes. - -"My God! my God!" she exclaimed, with a plaintive wail, "he asks me -if I hate him!" - -There was something in the tone of her voice, in this despairing cry -of her soul, which ought to have betrayed the long-hidden secret of -her love to the king. But perhaps he knew it already, and did not -wish to understand. Perhaps, in the nobility and native delicacy of -his soul, he wished to represent the indifference and coldness which -he experienced for his wife, as coming from herself. However, the -king did not seem to notice her tears. - -"No, madame," said he, "I did not ask if you hated me, for I well -know that your noble and womanly heart is not capable of this -passion. I merely asked if your aversion to me was so great that it -demanded a separation. I pray you to give me a short and decisive -answer." - -But Elizabeth Christine had lost the power of speech; tears rained -down her cheeks, and she could only give a mute assent. - -"You are, then, willing to be my wife before the world?" asked the -king. "You are willing to remain Queen of Prussia, and nominally the -wife of the king? You do not demand that my reign shall be -inaugurated with the exposure of our domestic misfortunes, and that -your chaste and virtuous name shall be branded about with mine -before the calumniating world?" - -"No," said the queen, with feverish haste, for she feared her -strength might fail her. "No, I do not demand it; I desire no -separation!" - -"I thank you for this word," said the king, gravely. "It is worthy -of a queen. You then feel with me that we princes have not even the -right to cast off the burden which weighs us down, but must bear it -patiently if it serve to secure the stability of our throne. -Enviable are those who dare complain of their sufferings, and show -their scars. But it becomes us to wrap ourselves in silence, and not -to show to the miserable, pitiful, and drivelling world, which -envies and abuses, even while applauding us, that a king can also -suffer. I thank you, madame, and from this hour you will find in me -a true friend, a well-meaning brother, ever ready to serve you. Give -me your hand to this contract, which shall be more lasting and -holier than that blessed by priests, to which our hearts did not say -amen." - -In his proffered hand Elizabeth laid her own slowly and solemnly. -But when he clasped it in his own with a firm pressure, Elizabeth -started and a cry escaped her lips. She hastily withdrew her hand, -and sinking back on the sofa, burst into tears. Frederick allowed -her tears to flow, regarding her with a look of deep sympathy. - -"You weep, madame," said he, after a long and painful pause. "I -honor your tears; you weep for your lost youth; you weep because you -are a queen, and because reason has conquered your heart and forbids -you to make yourself free as any other woman except a princess might -do. Weep on, madame, I cannot dry your tears, for like yourself I -have been cheated of my happiness; like yourself I am well aware of -the sacrifice which we are both making to our royal standing. Ah, -madame, if we were only private individuals, if we were not the -rulers of Prussia, but her subjects, we might now be happy. Feeling -our own unhappiness, and desiring to save our subjects from a like -misfortune, I have made a divorce more easily attainable." - -Elizabeth arose from her reclining position and regarded the king -with a mournful smile. - -"I thank your majesty," said she. "It is noble in you to alleviate -that misfortune for others, which you have determined to endure." - -"Ah, madame," exclaimed the king, smiling, "you forget that I have -in you a noble friend and sister at my side, who will help me to -bear this evil. And then we are not altogether unhappy; if we do not -love, neither do we hate each other. We are brother and sister, not -by blood, but united by the word of the priest. But never fear, -madame, I will regard you only as a sister, and I promise you never -to violate the respect due to your virtue!" - -"I believe you," murmured the queen, blushing, and inwardly ashamed -of the charming and coquettish negligee in which she had received -the king. - -"Before the world we are still married, but I promise that this -chain shall gall you as little as possible. In your private life you -will only be reminded that you are still my wife, when it is -absolutely unavoidable. At the coronation I must request your -presence at my side. When this is over you will be as free and -independent as circumstances will admit. You will have a court of -your own, a summer and a winter residence, in which I shall never -intrude." - -"I shall then never see you again!" said the queen, in the sad voice -of resignation, which is often produced by an excess of pain. - -"Oh, I pray you, madame, to permit me to meet you at times when -etiquette demands it; but I shall take care that these meetings take -place on official and neutral ground, and not in our private houses. -I will never enter your house without your permission, and then only -on particular fete days--your birthday for instance; and I trust -that you will not refuse to receive me on such occasions." - -"No, I will not refuse," replied the queen, regarding her husband -with a sad and reproachful look. But Frederick did not see this -look, or would not see it. - -"I beg," said the king, smiling, "that you will permit me to present -you with the castle of Schonhausen, as a reminiscence of the hour in -which you found a faithful brother, and I a noble sister. Accept -this little gift as an earnest of our new bond of friendship. It has -been fitted up and prepared as a summer residence for your use, and -you can retire to it immediately after the coronation, if you are so -inclined." - -"I thank you," said the queen in so low a voice that her words could -scarcely be distinguished. "I thank you, and I will go there on the -day after the coronation;" a sigh, almost a sob, escaped her breast. - -The king regarded with a clear and penetrating glance the meek woman -who sat before him, who accepted her joyless and gloomy future with -such heroic resignation. Her mute anguish excited his compassion. He -wished to throw a sunbeam into her dark future, to warm her heart -with a ray of happiness. - -"Well," said he, "I am on the point of making a little journey -incognito, in the meanwhile you can go to Schonhausen; but when I -return I desire to spend a few weeks in Rheinsberg in my family -circle, and, as a matter of course, madame, you are a member of my -family. I beg, therefore, that you will accompany me to Rheinsberg." - -Elizabeth's countenance was illumined with so beautiful and radiant -a smile that even the king saw it and admired her beauty. She held -out both her hands and greeted him with a loving glance, but her -trembling lips refused to utter the words which her heart prompted. - -The king arose. "I must no longer deprive you of your repose, and I -also need rest. We must both keep ourselves well and strong for the -sake of our country and our subjects, for we both have a grand task -to accomplish. You will administer consolation to the miserable and -suffering; you will diffuse happiness and reap blessings; you will -shine as a model of nobility and feminine virtue before all other -women, and through your example will give noble wives and mothers to -Prussia's sons! And I," continued the king, a ray of enthusiasm -lighting up his handsome face, "I will make my people great; my -country shall have a place in the counsels of mighty nations. I will -enlarge Prussia and make her strong and powerful. My name shall be -engraven in golden letters in the book of history. As fate has -destined me to be a king, and will not permit me to spend my days in -retirement and philosophic tranquillity like other and happier -mortals, I will at least endeavor to accomplish my mission with -honor to myself and advantage to my people. You will be a -ministering angel to the needy and suffering of our subjects, and I -will extend the boundaries of Prussia and diffuse prosperity -throughout the land! Farewell, Elizabeth! our paths will seldom -meet, but if I were so fortunate as to believe in a hereafter, and -your noble and gentle nature would almost persuade me to do so, I -would say: 'In heaven we will perhaps meet oftener, and understand -each other better.' Pray to God in my behalf. I believe in God and -in the efficacy of the prayers of the good and pious. Farewell!" - -He bowed deeply. He did not see the deathly pallor and convulsive -trembling of the queen. He did not see how she, after he had turned -from her and was advancing toward the door, hardly knowing what she -did, stretched out her arms after him, and whispered his name in a -plaintive and imploring tone. He hurried on, and without once -turning left the room. On the outside he stood still for a moment, -and drew a long breath of relief. - -"Poor woman! unfortunate queen!" he murmured, returning slowly to -his chambers. "But why pity her? Is not her lot mine, and that of -all princes? A glittering misery--nothing else!" - -A few minutes later and the royal equipage again drove through the -court yard. - -The king was returning to his summer residence at Charlottenburg. -The queen, who was on her knees, crying and sobbing, heard the -carriage as it drove off. "Gone! he is gone!" she exclaimed, with a -cry of anguish; "he has deserted me, and I am a poor discarded -woman! He despises me, and I--I love him!" And wringing her hands, -she sobbed aloud. For a while she was tranquil and prayed, and then -again burst into tears. Her soul, which had suffered so long in -silence, once mora rebelled. The voice of her youth made itself -heard, and demanded in heart-rending accents a little sunshine, a -little of the joy and happiness promised to mankind. - -She was at last quieted; she accepted her destiny, and bowed her -head in humility and patience. Morning was already dawning when -Elizabeth Christine arose from her knees, pale and trembling, but -resigned. "Soffri e taci!" said she, sadly. "This was the motto of -his youth, and this shall be the motto of my whole life! Soffri e -taci! how sad, and yet how grave are these words! Oh! Frederick, -Frederick! why do you condemn me to such torture; why has your heart -no pity with me, no pity with my love? But no!" she exclaimed, -firmly, "I will weep no more. He shall not despise me. I have -accepted my destiny, and will bear it as beseems a queen. Be still, -my heart, be still. Soffri e taci!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE CORONATION. - - -Berlin was resplendent; the streets were filled with happy faces and -gayly-dressed people, and the houses garlanded with flowers. To-day -was the young king's coronation festival. - -The citizens of Berlin were assembled to take the oath of -allegiance, and the nobles and officials to do homage to Frederick -as their king. Crowds were moving toward the castle; all were -anxious to see the king in his coronation uniform, to see him step -upon the balcony to greet the people with the queen at his side, the -young and lovely lady with the sweet smile and cloudless brow; all -wished to see the rich equipages of the nobility, and, if possible, -to collect some of the coins which, according to an old and time- -honored custom, were to be showered amongst the people. Thousands -were standing before the castle, gazing intently upon the balcony -where the king would soon appear. The windows of the surrounding -houses were filled with lovely women richly dressed, holding wreaths -and bouquets of fragrant flowers with which to greet their young and -worshipped king. All were gay and joyous, all were eager to greet -the new king with shouts of gladness. The people were ready to -worship him who, during a few weeks of his reign, had done so much -for them; had showered upon them so many blessings; had opened the -granaries, diminished the taxes, and abolished the torture; who had -recalled the religious sect so lately driven with derision from -Berlin, and declared that every man in Prussia should worship God -and seek his salvation in his own way. Yes, all wished to greet this -high-minded, high-souled king, who, being himself a philosopher and -a writer, knew how to reward and appreciate the scholars and poets -of his own land. Frederick had recalled the celebrated philosopher -Wolf, punished some time before by Frederick William. He had -organized the Academy of Science, and filled it with learned and -scientific men of the day. All this had been done in a few weeks. -How much could still be hoped for? - -The king loved pomp and splendor; this would promote the industry of -the people. How much money would be conveyed through him and his gay -court to the working classes! What a costly festal life would now -become the fashion in Berlin and what a rich harvest would the -manufacturers and tradesmen reap! Not only the people dreamed of a -golden era, but the noblemen and high officials, who now crowded the -palace, were hopeful and expectant, and saw a rare future of costly -feasts and intoxicating pleasures. The stupid and frugal -entertainments of Frederick William would give place to royal fetes -worthy of the Arabian Nights. - -Pollnitz, the Grand Chamberlain, was in his element; he was -commissioned with the arrangements for all the court balls, was -empowered to order every thing according to his own judgment and -taste, and he resolved to lavish money with a liberal hand. Pollnitz -wished to realize his great ideal; and he wished to see embodied in -Frederick the picture he had drawn, for the benefit of the old king, -of a true cavalier. The king had given him the power and he was -resolved to use it. He thought and dreamed of nothing, now that the -court mourning was drawing to a close, but the costly feasts which -he would give. Pollnitz was ever searching, with an experienced and -critical eye, amongst the ladies and maids of honor for the -fascinating beauty who should charm the heart of the young king, and -draw him into the golden net of pleasure--the net Pollnitz was so -anxious to secure for him. - -That the king did not love his wife was no longer a secret at court. -Who, then, would win the love of this impassioned young monarch? -This was the great question with Pollnitz. There was the lovely -Madame Wreeckie, who had shown so much kindness to the prince during -his imprisonment. Madame Wreeckie was still young, still bewitching; -perhaps it was only necessary to bring them together in order to -rekindle the old flame. There was Madame Morien, "Le Tourbillon," -who had so often charmed the prince during his minority, and for -whom he had manifested a passionate preference. To be sure, since -his coronation he had not noticed her, she had not received a single -invitation to court. Then Dorris Ritter, the poor innocent young -girl who had been flogged through the streets of Berlin, her only -fault being that she was the first love of the crown prince. Would -the king, now that he was free to act, remember poor Dorris and what -she had suffered for him; her sorrow, her shame, and her despair? -Would not Dorris Ritter now rise to power and influence, be prayed -to as a lovely saint, her shame being covered with a martyr's crown? -Pollnitz determined to keep an eye on Dorris Ritter, and if the king -showed no special interest in any other woman, to draw her from her -exile and abasement. But, alas! the coronation threw no light upon -this torturing subject. Pollnitz had hoped in vain that a round of -intoxicating pleasures would begin with this day; in vain did he -suggest to the king that a court ball should crown the solemnities -of the day. - -"No," said Frederick, "this shall be no day of thoughtless joy; it -brings me sad retrospective thoughts and the consciousness of -weighty duties. On this day my father seems to me to die anew. -Dismiss, therefore, your extravagant fancies to a more fitting time. -I cannot trust you, Pollnitz, with the decorations of the throne, -your taste is too oriental for this occasion; I will therefore place -this affair in the hands of M. Costellan, who will order the simple -decorations which I deem most fitting." - -The grand chamberlain could only shrug his shoulders contemptuously, -and rejoice that he was not compromised by these contemptible -arrangements; he grumbled to himself, and said scornfully: "This -pitiful saloon, with no gilded furniture, no paintings, no works of -art, with faded, shabby silk curtains: and that black, uncouth -structure, is that really a throne--the throne of a young king? A -long platform covered with cloth; an old arm-chair, black, worn, and -rusty; a canopy covered with black cloth; faugh! it looks like a -crow with his wings spread. Can this be the throne of a king who -receives for the first time the homage of his subjects?" A -contemptuous mocking smile was on the lips of Pollnitz as he saw the -king and his three brothers enter the room. - -Pollnitz could hardly suppress a cry of horror, as he looked at the -king. What, no embroidered coat, no ermine mantle, no crown, nothing -but the simple uniform of the guard, no decorations--not even the -star upon his breast, to distinguish him from the generals and -officials who surrounded him! Nevertheless, as Frederick stood upon -that miserable platform with the princes and generals at his side, -there was no one that could be compared with him; he seemed, indeed, -to stand alone, his bearing was right royal; his countenance beamed -with a higher majesty than was ever that lent by a kingly crown; the -fire of genius was seen in the flashes of his piercing eye; proud -and fearless thoughts were engraved upon his brow, and an -indescribable grace played around his finely-formed mouth. There -stood, indeed, "Frederick the Great;" he did not need the purple -mantle, or the star upon his breast. God had marked him with -elevated kingly thoughts, and the star which was wanting on his -breast was replaced by the lustre of his eye. - -The solemn address of the minister of state, and the reply of -President Gorner, were scarcely listened to. Frederick, though -silent, had said more than these two ministers, with all their -rounded periods; his glance had reached the heart of every one who -looked upon him, and said, "I am thy king and thy superior;" they -bowed reverently before him, not because chance had made him their -sovereign, they were subdued by the power of intellect and will. The -oath of allegiance was taken with alacrity. The king stood -motionless upon his throne, betraying no emotion, calm, impassive, -unapproachable, receiving the homage of his subjects, not haughtily -but with the composed serenity of a great spirit accepting the -tribute due to him, and not dazzled by the offering. - -The coronation was at an end. Frederick stepped from the throne, and -nodded to his brothers to follow him; the servants hastily opened -the doors which led to the balcony, and carried out the bags filled -with the gold and silver coins. The air resounded with the shouts of -the populace. The king drew near to the iron railing, and greeted -his subjects with a cordial smile. "You are my children," he said, -"you have a right to demand of your father love, sympathy, and -protection, and you shall have them." Then taking a handful of coin -he scattered it amongst the crowd. Shouts of merriment and a fearful -scuffling and scrambling was seen and heard below; each one wished -to secure a coin thrown by the king himself, and they scarcely -noticed the silver and gold which the young princes were scattering -with liberal hands; all these were worthless, as long as it was -possible to secure one piece which had been touched by Frederick. -The king saw this, and, much flattered by this disinterested mark of -love, he again scattered the coin far and wide. - -While the men were struggling roughly and angrily for this last -treasure, a weak, pallid woman sprang boldly into the thickest of -the surging crowd. Until now she had been cold and indifferent; the -coins thrown by the young princes, and which had fallen at her feet, -she had cast from her with disdain; now, however, as the king once -more cast the coins in the midst of the gaping crowd, with a power -which passion only gives she forced her way amongst the wild -multitude, and with outstretched arms she shrieked out, "Oh! give me -one of these small coins, only a silver one, give it to me as a -keepsake! Oh! for God's sake, give me one!" Suddenly strange murmurs -and whispers were heard from amongst those who now recognized this -poor outcast; they looked askance at her, they shrank from her as -from a leper; and she who a moment before had sued to them so -humbly, now stood in their midst like an enraged lioness. - -"It is she!--it is she!" they whispered; "she has come to see the -king, for whom she suffered so much; for his sake she had been -covered with shame; she has been driven from amongst the poor and -innocent, and now she dares to come amongst us!" cried a harsh and -pitiless voice. - -"We know how cruelly she was insulted and abused," said another, -"but we all know that she was innocent; my heart is full of pity for -her, and she has a right to a coin touched by the king." The last -speaker approached the poor woman, and offered both a gold and -silver coin. "Take these coins, I beg you, and may they be to you an -earnest of a better and happier future." - -She gazed with a hard and tearless eye upon the good-natured, kindly -face. "No, there is no happy future for me--nothing but want, and -misery, and despair; but I thank you for your pity, and I accept -these coins as a memento of this hour." She took them and laid them -in her tattered dress, walked erect through the circle which -gathered around, and was soon lost in the crowd. - -She was soon forgotten. The king with his brilliant suite was still -upon the balcony, they had not noticed the scene passing amongst the -people below; none of them remarked this poor creature, who, having -made her way through the crowd, now leaned against one of the -pillars of the spire, and gazed earnestly upon the king. The money -was exhausted, the king had shown himself to the people -sufficiently, and now, according to etiquette, he must leave the -balcony and make the grand tour of the saloons, greeting with kind -and gracious words the assembled nobles. He motioned, however, to -his followers to leave him, he wished to remain a few moments alone, -and look thoughtfully upon this sea of upturned faces. Frederick -gazed eagerly below. That was no inanimate and pulseless creation -moved to and fro by the wind, which he now looked upon, but a -living, thinking, immortal people; with hearts to hate or love, with -lips to bless or curse, their verdict would one day decide the great -question as to his fame and glory as a monarch, or his neglect of -holy duty, and the eternal shame which follows. They seemed to -Frederick to be pleading with him; they demanded but little--a -little shade to rest in when weary with their daily labor; prompt -justice and kindly protection, the right to live in peace, bearing -the burden and sorrow of their lives patiently; pity for their -necessities, forbearance for their weakness and folly. What did he, -their king, demand of them? That alone, which a million of people, -his people, could bestow, immortal fame!--they must give him the -laurel of the hero, and crown him with the civic wreath; he would -make his subjects strong, healthy, and happy--they must make his -greatness known to all the world, and future ages. - -Such were the thoughts of the king as he stood alone upon the -balcony. His eye often wandered across to the spire, and as often as -it did the wretched woman who was leaning against the pillar -trembled fearfully, and her lips and cheeks became deadly pale. The -king did not see her; he saw nothing of the outer world, his eye was -turned within, reading the secrets of his own heart. - -In the grand saloons the nobles stood waiting in grim and angry -silence the return of Frederick; a cloud rested upon every brow; -even Pollnitz could no longer retain his gracious and stereotyped -smile; he felt it to be a bitter grievance that the king should keep -the nobility waiting while he stood gazing at a dirty mass of -insignificant creatures called human beings! Looking around the -circle, Pollnitz saw displeasure marked upon every face but three. -"Ah," said he to himself, "there are the three Wreeckies; no doubt -they have come to be rewarded for services rendered the crown -prince; they were doubtless dangerous rivals for us all; they -suffered much for the prince, and were banished seven years from -court on his account. The king must indemnify them for all this, and -who knows, perhaps he may give them the house in Jager Street, the -house I am in the habit of calling mine! Well, I must draw near them -and hear all the king promises." So saying, Pollnitz drew quietly -near the Messieurs Wreeckie. At this moment there was a movement in -the vast assembly, and all bowed low; as the king stepped into the -saloon he commenced the grand tour of the room; he had a kind and -friendly word for all; at last he reached the Messieurs Wreeckie, -and remained standing before them. All glances were now directed to -this group; all held their breath, not wishing to lose a word which -Frederick should say to these formidable rivals. - -The king stood before them, his eye was severe, and his brow -clouded. "Gentlemen," he said, "it has been a long time since I have -seen you at the court of the King of Prussia. I suppose you seek the -prince royal; I do not think you will find him here. At this court -you will only find a king who demands, above all things, that his -majesty should be respected; that you subjugate yourselves to him in -silent obedience; even when his orders appear harsh and cruel they -must not be questioned for a moment; he who opposes the will of the -king deserves punishment; I will not bear opposition at my court. -There is but one will, but one law; that is the will and law of the -king!" And, without further greetings, he passed on. - -The Wreeckies stood pale and trembling, and the face of Pollnitz was -radiant with contentment. "Well, those poor fellows will not receive -my house in Jager Street," he said to himself, "they have fallen -into disgrace; it appears the king wants to punish all those who -rendered good service to the prince royal. Louis the Fourteenth -said: 'It is most unworthy of a French king to punish any wrong done -to the crown prince;' here the rule is reversed--the King of Prussia -deems it unworthy to reward the services rendered the prince royal. -But what is the meaning of that crowd over there?" he exclaimed, -interrupting himself, "why is the lord marshal approaching his -majesty with such an eager, joyful air? I must know what is going -on." Again Pollnitz made his way through the courtiers and arrived -safely, right behind the king, just as my lord marshal was saying in -an excited voice: "Your majesty, there is a young man in the next -room who begs your highness to allow him to throw himself at your -feet and take the oath of allegiance; he has come from America to -greet you as king. So soon as he heard of the illness of your -father, he left his asylum and has travelled night and day; he has -finished his journey at a most fortunate moment." - -The eye of the king rested coldly, unmoved on the speaker; and even -after he ceased speaking, regarded him sternly. "What is the name of -this young man, for whom you show so lively an interest?" said the -king, after a pause. - -The lord marshal looked perplexed and frightened; he thought the -king's heart should have told him who stood without; who it was that -had left his asylum in America and longed to greet the new king. -"Sire," he said, hesitatingly, "your majesty demands to know the -name of this young man?" - -"I demand it." - -The lord marshal breathed quickly. "Well, your majesty, it is my -nephew; it is Lieutenant Keith, who has come from America to throw -himself at your majesty's feet." - -Not a muscle of the king's countenance moved. "I know no Lieutenant -Keith," he said, sternly; "he who was once known to me by that name -was stricken from the officers' roll with the stigma of disgrace and -shame, and was hung by the hangman in effigy, upon the gallows. If -Mr. Keith is still living, I advise him to remain in America, where -no one knows of his crime, or of his ignominious punishment." - -"Your majesty will not receive him, then?" said the lord marshal, -with a trembling voice. - -"You may thank God, sir, that I do not receive him--above all, that -I ignore his being here; if I should know that he still lived, I -should be forced to execute the sentence to which he was condemned -by the court-martial." Slightly nodding to the lord marshal, the -king passed on and spoke a few indifferent words to some gentlemen -standing near. - -"Well, Mr. Keith will not get my house in the Jager Street," said -Pollnitz, laughing slightly. "What is the matter with this king, he -seems to have lost his memory? God grant he may not forget who it -was that induced Frederick William to pay the debts of the prince -royal, and to present him with the Trakener stud." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -DORRIS RITTER. - - -When the king had left the balcony, a poor young woman, who had been -sitting on the steps of the cathedral, arose and looked fearfully -around her. The sight of the king had carried her far away, she had -been dreaming of the blissful days of the past. His disappearance -brought her back to the present--the sad, comfortless present. The -king had left the balcony. What had she to do in this mob, that -might again mock, insult, or commiserate her! she could stand -neither their sneers nor their pity, she must flee from both. - -With a hasty movement she drew her shawl tighter around her poor -slender figure, and hurried through the crowd. She came at last to a -miserable small house. The low narrow door seemed unfriendly, -inhospitable, as if it would permit no one to pass its threshold and -enter its dreary, deserted rooms, from which no sound of life -proceeded. But this small, quiet dwelling ought to have been a house -of labor and occupation, and would not have been so poor and pitiful -looking if the large iron bell hanging over the door had been -oftener in motion, and filled the silent space with its cheerful -sound. - -Behind this door there was a shop, but the bell was generally -silent, and purchasers rarely came to buy in this miserable little -store the articles which could be purchased more reasonably in one -of the large shops belonging to wealthy merchants. The house seemed -to have seen better days. It had some claims to comfort and -respectability. In the windows were placed bright shells and -cocoanuts; there were the large blue china pots, in which the costly -ginger is brought; there were quantities of almonds, raisons, -citron, and lemons in glass shells; neat paper bags for coffee, and -small Chinese chests that had held real Chinese tea. But these bags -and chests were empty; the lemons and fruits were dried and hard; -the ginger-pots held no more of their strengthening contents; even -the dusty, faded sign over the door, which presented a wonderfully- -ornamented negro engaged in unrolling dried tobacco leaves, was but -a reminiscence of the past, for the tobacco had long since -disappeared from the chests, and the little that was left had fallen -to dust. The store contained but a few unimportant things: chicory -for the poor, who could not pay for coffee; matches, and small home- -made penny lights, with which poverty illuminated her misery and -want; on the table, in glass cans, a few hardened, broken bits of -candy; a large cask of old herring, and a smaller one of syrup. This -was the inventory of the shop, these the possessions of this family, -who alone occupied this house with their misery, their want, and -their despair; whose head and only stay was the poor young woman now -leaning wearily against the steps, dreading to enter her house of -woe and wretchedness. She arose at length and hastily entered. The -bells' hoarse creaking ring was heard, and a poor, pale boy hastened -forward to inquire the comer's wants. He stopped and looked angrily -at the poor woman who had entered. - -"Ah, it is you, mother," said he, peevishly. "I hoped it was some -one wishing to buy, then I could have bought some bread." - -"Bread!" said the mother anxiously; "did I not, before I went out, -give you the money to buy bread for you and your little sister?" - -"Yes, but when father came home he threatened to beat me if I did -not give up the money at once; I was frightened, and gave it; then -he left, and Anna and I have been crying for bread, while our father -is amusing himself at the alehouse and our mother has taken a -holiday, and has been looking at the festivities which I also would -have been glad to see, but could not, because I must stay at home -and watch the shop into which no one has entered, and take care of -my little sister, who cries for bread, which I cannot give her." As -he finished he threw an angry look at his mother, who, deeply -grieved, had fallen back on a wooden bench. She looked lovingly at -her son, and holding out her arms to him, said: - -"Come, give me a kiss, and reward me for all my pain and suffering." - -"Give us bread, then perhaps I will kiss you," said he, harshly. - -She looked terrified into his hard, cold face. She pressed her hand -to her high, pale forehead, as if she would force back the madness -that threatened her; she held the other hand to her heart, whose -wild, feverish throbbings were almost choking her. - -"My God! my God!" murmured she, "am I then already mad? Am I -dreaming? Is this my son, my Karl, who loved me so dearly--my boy, -who was the only comfort in my misery, the confidant of my tears and -wretchedness? Can I, whom he looks at with such dark glances, be his -mother--his mother, who joyfully bears for him the scorn of the -world, who has suffered and hungered for him, worked for him during -the long, cold winter nights--his mother, whose love for him was so -great that she was willing not to die, but for his sake to live on -in her woe? Karl, my son, come to your mother, for you well know how -tenderly she loves you, and that she will die if you do not love -her." - -"No, mother," said he, not moving, "you do not love me, nor my -little sister Anna; for if you loved us, you would not have left us -to-day, and joined the gay people who were making merry while your -poor children were at home groaning and crying." - -"Oh, my child! my child! I did not go, out of idle curiosity," said -she, sadly. "I went to consult the oracle of your future, and to see -if there was not to be some hope, some comfort for my children; if -this would not be the beginning of brighter days. I wished to read -all this in a man's face; I wished to see if he still had a heart, -or if, like all princes, he had become hard and pitiless." - -She had forgotten that she was speaking to her son; she was -addressing herself, and had entirely forgotten that he was present. - -"Ah," said he, sneeringly, "you thought he would now give you money -for your shame; but father told me that all the gold in the world -would not wipe out this shame, and that brandy was the only way -besides death that could make us forget that we are despised and -accursed. Father told me--" - -The boy stopped and retreated a few steps; his mother had risen from -her seat and stood before him, deadly pale, with widely-opened, -flashing eyes, with trembling lips; every muscle of her face in -play; her whole form trembling in a paroxysm of rage and frightful -torture. It was not the head of a woman, but a Medusa; not the look -of a tender, loving mother, but of a wild, angry, threatening mad -woman. - -"What did your father tell you?" cried she, wildly, to the trembling -boy before her. "What did he say? I will, I must know! You are -silent; speak, or I dash my brains out against the wall, and you -will be guilty of your mother's death." - -"You will beat me if I tell you," said he insolently. - -"No, no, I will not beat you," said she, breathlessly; and folding -her hands as if to pray, she continued: "My child, my child, have -mercy on your mother. Tell me what he said; with what words he -poisoned your heart, and made the love for your poor mother die so -quickly. Tell me all, my son; I will not beat but bless you, though -your words should cut my heart like a knife." - -She wished to press him to her heart, but he resisted passionately. - -"No," said he, "you shall not kiss me; father said you made all you -touched unhappy and despised, and that we would be well, happy, and -rich if you were not our mother." - -She shuddered; her arm fell powerless to her side, a hollow groan -escaped her, her eyes were fixed and tearless. - -"What more did he tell you?" murmured she; "with what other tales -did he amuse my child?" She looked at him with such a sad, painful -smile, that he trembled and glanced timidly down; he now saw what -torture he was preparing for her. - -"Father was drunk," said he; "when he heard that you had gone out, -he was furious; he cursed you so dreadfully that Anna and I both -cried, and I begged him not insult you so, for it hurt me, for then -I still loved you." - -"Then he still loved me!" said his mother, wringing her hands. - -"But he laughed at me, and said you did not deserve our love; that -you were the cause of all our misery and want; he had become poor -and wretched because he had married you, and taken to drink so as -not to hear or see men pointing and laughing at you when you passed. -But, mother, you look so pale, you tremble so! I will say no more; I -will forget all father said; I will love you, mother; but do not -look at me so dreadfully, and do not tremble in that way." - -The boy wept from grief and terror. His old love had awakened; he -approached his mother to kiss her, but now she pushed him back. - -"I do not tremble," said she, though her teeth were chattering. "I -do not tremble, and you must not forget what your father said; you -must tell me all again. Speak on, speak! I must hear all, know all. -What more did he say?" - -The boy looked at her sadly. His voice, which before had been -insolent and rude, was now quiet and gentle, and his eyes were full -of tears. - -"He said he married you out of pity, and because you brought him a -few thousand dollars. But this gold brought no blessing with it, but -a curse; and that since then it had gone worse with him than with -the executioner, whom all despise, and who dares not enter an honest -man's house. But that you were more despised and disgraced than the -miserable man who had stripped you in the open market and whipped -you through the streets; that the boys had pelted you with mud, and -that the streets became red with the blood that flowed down your -back." - -The poor woman gave a piercing shriek, and fell as if struck by -lightning to the floor. The boy threw himself weeping by her side; -and the little girl, who had been sleeping in another corner of the -room, awakened by the scream, came running toward them crying for -bread. - -But the mother moved not; she lay there pale, with closed eyes; she -was cold and lifeless; she did not hear her poor little girl cry; -she did not feel the hot kisses and tears of her son, who was -imploring her in anxious, tender, loving words, to open her eyes, to -tell him that she was not angry, that she had forgiven him. But he -suddenly stopped and listened eagerly; he thought he heard the well- -known sound of the bell. - -"There it was again; if it is father, he will beat me to death," -murmured he, as he went toward the shop door. "He forbade me to -repeat a word of all that to mother." - -He opened the door, and there stood not his father but a richly- -dressed gentleman, who, with a friendly gesture, pushed the boy -aside and entered the shop. - -"I want some tobacco, my little fellow," said he; "therefore call -Mr. Schommer to give me some from his best canister." - -"My father is not at home," said the boy, staring at the handsome, -friendly gentleman. - -"Well, I did not come precisely on his account," said the gentleman, -with a strange laugh. "Call your mother, Madame Schommer, and tell -her I wish to make a purchase." - -"Mother is lying in the back room on the floor, and I believe she is -dead!" said Karl, sobbing. - -The gentleman looked at him with amazement. "Did you say dead? That -would be very inconvenient, for I have greatly counted on her life. -What did she die of? Is a physician with her?" - -"No one is with her but my little sister; you can hear her crying!" - -"Yes, I can hear her; and it is in truth no edifying music. No one -else, did you say? Where, then, are your friends? where is your -father?" - -"Father is at the ale-house, and friends we have none; we live all -alone, for no one will live with us." - -"Well, if you are alone, I may go to your mother," said he, with a -careless laugh. "It is likely your mother has fainted; and as I am -learned in these feminine swoons, it is very possible I may call her -back to life. Show the way, little Cupid, and lead me to your -mother, the fainting Venus." And laughing, he followed the -astonished boy into the back room. - -She still lay without movement on the floor, and little Anna, -kneeling by her side, was praying for bread. - -"That is your mother, Madame Schommer?" asked the strange gentleman, -looking curiously at the pale woman. - -"Yes, that is my mother," said the boy. "Mother, mother, wake up!" -said he, covering her face with kisses. "Wake up, I do not believe -what father said. I will love you! He was drunk! Ah, my dear, dear -mother, only wake up!" - -"She will awake," said the stranger, who was bending over her, -laying his hand on her heart and temples, "she is, as I thought, not -dead but in a swoon." - -The boy laughed aloud with glee. "My mother is not dead," said he, -crying and laughing at once. "She will wake up and love me; we will -all be so happy!" - -"Mother, mother, give me some bread!" whimpered poor little Anna. - -"Are you then so hungry?" said the stranger, who was getting tired -of this scene. - -"Yes," said the boy, "she is hungry; we are both hungry. We have had -nothing to eat all day. Mother gave us money before she went out to -buy bread and milk, but father came and took it to buy brandy for -himself." - -"A worthy father," said the stranger, handing him something. "Here, -my son, is some money. Take your sister, go to the baker's, and get -something to eat, then seat yourselves and eat; and do not come back -here until I call you. But if you see your father coming, then come -and tell me." - -The children joyfully hurried to the door; they were not now -thinking of their poor, fainting mother, but of the bread they would -buy to satisfy their hunger. - -"But who," said the boy, turning around, "will watch the shop?" - -"Well, I will," said the stranger; "I will watch your mother and -your shop; go!" - -The children hurried away, and the stranger was alone with the -fainting woman. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -OLD AND NEW SUFFERING. - - -The cavalier stood quietly some minutes, showing no sympathy for the -poor insensible woman, and making no effort to arouse her to -consciousness; he examined her face searchingly and curiously, not -from sympathy for her sad condition, but with cold egotism, thinking -only of his own special object. - -"Hum," murmured he, "in spite of pallor and attenuation, there are -yet traces of great beauty. I am sure if well nourished and well -clothed she may yet allure the heart which must be ever touched with -pity for her mournful fate; besides, she is poor--hopelessly, -despairingly poor. The husband is a drunkard, the children cry for -bread; she is so poorly clad, so pale, so thin; hunger has been her -only lover. Under these circumstances she will readily adopt my -plans, and be my willing tool; she will acknowledge me as her -master, and by God I will teach her how to bind this headstrong fool -in chains. He has so far escaped all the pitfalls which Fredersdorf -and myself have so adroitly laid for him. Dorris shall be the -Delilah who will tame this new Samson. Truly," he continued, as he -cast a look of contempt upon the senseless form lying before him, -"truly it is a desperate attempt to transform this dirty, pale, thin -woman into a Delilah. But the past is powerfully in her favor, and -my Samson has a heart full of melting pity and sensibility; moreover -all previous efforts have failed, and it is pardonable to seek for -extraordinary means in our despair. So to work! to work!" - -He took from his pocket a small phial of English salts, held it to -her nose, and rubbed her temples with a small sponge. "Ah, she -moves," he said, resting for a moment from his work, and looking -coldly and curiously upon the poor woman, who, with a shudder of -newly-awakened life, now turned her head, and whose convulsed lips -uttered short sighs and piteous complaints. Pollnitz rubbed her -temples again with the strong salts, and then, as he saw that -consciousness was more and more restored, he raised her from the -floor, and placed her softly in a chair. "Auso armes, auso armes," -muttered he. "La battaille commencera." - -The woman opened her eyes, and they wandered with an anxious and -questioning look here and there, then fell upon the stranger, who, -with a smiling and observant glance, followed every movement. Her -eyes were fixed and staring, her features expressed terror and -scorn, her whole form was convulsed, she was still half dreaming, -half unconscious. But her eye was immovably placed upon him, and she -murmured in low tones, "I know this face--yes, I know this cold, -smiling face, I have FELT it twice! When was it? was it only in -fearful dreams, or was it a frightful reality? When, where did I see -this cold, devilish smile, this face so cold and heartless, so full -of iron egotism?" - -"Truly, she does not flatter," murmured Pollnitz, but without -changing for one moment his watchful but friendly mien. "I am -curious to see if she will at last recognize me." - -"Pollnitz!" cried she at last, with flaming eyes. "Yes, it is you! I -know you! you are Baron Pollnitz! Who gave you the right to enter -this house? what brings you here?" - -"I repeat your question," he replied, smiling, "what brought you -here, here in this gloomy, miserable room; here where hunger and -wailing have their dwelling; here where misery grins upon you with -hollow-eyed terror? What do you here, Dorris Ritter?" - -She trembled convulsively at this name, her cheeks were dyed purple, -and in another moment became ghastly pale. "Why do you call me -Dorris Ritter?" she cried, with gasping breath, "why remind me of -the past, which stands like a dark spectre ever behind me, and grins -upon me with bloody and shameful horrors?" Lost wholly in these -fearful remembrances, she stared before her, thinking no more of -Pollnitz, forgetting that his watchful and heartless eyes were ever -fixed upon her. "Dorris Ritter!" she cried, slowly, "Dorris Ritter! -where are you? why do they call you by thy name? Can they not -remember that you are a sleep walker wandering on the edge of a -precipice, into which you must fall headlong if awakened by the -sound of your name, Dorris Ritter?" she said, more loudly, fixing -her eye upon Pollnitz; "how dare you call my name, and tear me -shrieking from my grave!" - -"Now, that is exactly what I wish," said Pollnitz; "I will raise you -from this lowly and forgotten grave; you shall forget what you have -suffered; you shall be rich, happy, distinguished, and envied." - -"I!" cried she, with mocking laughter, "and you will make that of -me! You, Baron Pollnitz, you, who were partly the cause of my -misery, and who looked smilingly upon my shame! What, then, what -have I done to deserve so much shame and sorrow? My God!" cried she, -in heartrending tones, "my heart was pure and innocent; I dared -raise my head without fear, and look God and my parents in the face; -even before HIM, my prince, I needed not to cast down MY eyes; I was -innocent, and he loved me because he could also respect me. Alas! it -was so silent, so resigned a love; it asked for nothing, it had no -speech. Was it our fault that others saw and pointed out this love -without words, and which eyes of innocence only expressed? We stood -far removed from each other, and a gulf lay between us, but heavenly -music formed a golden starry bridge over this abyss, and the holy -and melodious tones whispered to our young hearts, the complaints -and longings of a speechless, self-renouncing love. Only thus, only -thus, a sweet dream, and nothing more! Then you came to awaken us, -to accuse the prince of high treason, to make of me a miserable -prostitute. You cast my love, which I had only confessed to my -Father in heaven, like a dirty libel and foul fruit in my face; you -wished to spot and stain my whole being, and you succeeded; you -crushed my existence under your feet, and left me not one blossom of -hope! Oh, I will never forget how you tore me from the arms of my -poor father! how you cast me into prison and chained my hands, -because in the anguish of my shame and my despair I tried to take -that life which you had dishonored! They came at last, and dragged -me before the king. Two men were with him, one with a common red and -swollen visage, with thick, lascivious lips, with red and watery -eyes--that was Grumbkow; the other, with the fine friendly face, -with the everlasting deceitful smile, the cold, contemptuous, -heartless glance, that was you, Baron Pollnitz. Ah, with what -horrible glances did these three men look upon me! what mockery and -contempt did their cruel voices express! I threw myself at the feet -of the king; I prayed to him for mercy and grace; he kicked me from -him, and shamed me with words and accusations which made my soul -blush. I swore that I was innocent; that no sin lay upon me; that I -had never been the beloved of the prince; that I had never spoken to -him but in the presence of my father. Then laughed they, and mocked -me, and loudest of all laughed Baron Pollnitz, and his words of -scoffing and insult pierced my heart like a poisoned arrow, and -checked my flowing tears." - -"It is true," murmured Pollnitz; "she has forgotten nothing." - -"Forgotten!" cried she, with a wild laugh, "can I forget that I was -driven through the streets like a wild beast; that I was stripped by -the rough hands of the hangman's boy; that I heard behind me the -scoffings and insults of the wild mob hired for the occasion; that I -felt upon my naked back the cruel blows of the executioner's whip? -Oh, I have borne, and I have suffered; I did not become a maniac, I -did not curse God, but I prayed to my Father in heaven as I ran like -a baited wild beast through the streets. I saw that all the houses -were closed, that no one stood at the windows; no one had the -courage to look upon my path of martyrdom, and it comforted me even -in the midst of my torture, and I blessed those men who were pitiful -to me, and who appeared to bear testimony to my innocence by -refusing to witness my cruel punishment, and I ran further, and the -hot blood flowed down my back. Suddenly I came upon a house which -was not closed, the door was open, before it stood the servants and -pointed the finger of scorn at me, and mocked and jeered at me. On -the balcony stood Baron Pollnitz, with his stony, heartless face! -Then I uttered a cry of rage and revenge, then my prayers were -hushed or changed into wild curses, and I yelled and howled in my -heart: he is guilty of my shame, he with his cruel jests, his -pitiless sneers, has poisoned the ear of the king, has destroyed the -last doubt of my guilt in the heart of his majesty. Disgrace and -shame upon Baron Pollnitz! may he be despised, lonely, and neglected -in the hour of death; may remorse, the worm of conscience, feed upon -his soul, and drive him hither and thither, restless and homeless -all his life long!" - -She uttered a wild cry, and sank back powerless and broken in her -chair. - -Baron Pollnitz was self-possessed and smiling throughout; he laid -his hand upon the nerveless arm of the sobbing woman, and said with -a soft, flattering tone: - -"It is true I have done you injustice, but I have come to make -amends for the past. You shall yet raise your head proudly, and no -one shall doubt of your innocence." - -She shook her head sadly. "How can that help me? My father died of -shame; my husband, who married me from pity and because I had a poor -two thousand crowns, could not bear that men should flee from me as -from a branded culprit; this grief drove him to drink, and when he -comes home drunk at night, he beats me and shames me; the next -morning he prays, with strong crying and tears, for forgiveness, but -goes again and begins anew the same sad existence. My children!" - -She could say no more; her words were choked with tears, as she -thought of the hard and frightful language her little boy had used -to her that morning. - -Pollnitz was weary of the complaints and sobs of this wretched -woman. - -"Weep no more," said he; "weeping makes the eyes red, and you must -henceforth be lovely and attractive; if you will follow my advice -you and your children will once more be joyful and happy. I will -send you beautiful clothing, and I know an adroit person who will -make you charmingly attractive, and at the same time arrange your -toilet with such enchanting grace that you will pass for the 'Mater -dolorosa' and the beautiful Magdalen in the same person. Then will I -lead you to the king; then will he read in your lovely and noble -face the touching and innocent story of his first love; it will then -rest with you, who have so long been covered with dust and ashes, to -kindle again the spark of your dead love, and find in his tenderness -the reward and compensation for all the bitter past." - -She looked at him with flaming eyes, and her glance was so piercing -that even Pollnitz felt a little embarrassed, and involuntarily cast -his eyes to the ground. - -"Has the king sent you here with this message?" - -"No, not the king; but I know that he thinks of you with love and -pity, and that he would be happy to find you." - -"If that is so, let him come to seek me. I will not go to him--I am -the injured and dishonored one; it is his duty to repair my wrongs. -But he will not come--I know it. I read it to-day in his face. The -world has killed his heart; it has turned to stone in his breast--a -gravestone for his dear-loved Katt and for Dorris Ritter." - -"He will come; I say to you he will! Hear me, Dorris; you will not -go to him? Well, then, expect him here, and prepare yourself in such -a way to receive him as to make an impression upon his heart; study -carefully your part; revolve every word which you will say to him; -consider every glance with which you will look upon him; put on the -clothes which I will send you, and banish your husband and your -children." - -"My children!" cried she, trembling; "no, no, only as a mother--only -under the protection of their innocent presence will I ever see him; -only for my children will I receive his sympathy and grace." - -Pollnitz stamped involuntarily with his feet upon the floor, and -muttered curses from between his tightly-pressed lips. - -"Do you not understand that our whole scheme will fail unless you do -exactly as I tell you; that you will attain nothing unless you begin -wisely and prudently? You say the king has no heart; well, then, he -has intellect, and this you must flatter; through this you may, -perhaps, warm his stony heart; you must not trust wholly to the -majesty of your misfortunes, but advance to meet him in the grace -and glory of your beauty; by your soft eyes you must work upon his -heart; not with your tears, but by enchanting smiles, he may be -won." - -She looked at him with proud and contemptuous glances. - -"Go!" said she; "go! we have nothing to do with each other. I would -curse you and seek to revenge myself upon you for the new dishonor -which you have put upon me by your shameless words, but I know I -have not the right to resent. I am a degraded, dishonored woman, and -all men believe they have the right to insult me and to mock at my -misfortunes. Go!" - -"You command me, then, to leave you; you will not heed the voice of -a well-meaning friend; you--" - -"Baron Pollnitz," said she, with a voice tremulous with scorn, "I -say go! drive me not to extremity. Shall I call upon the neighbors -to relieve me from the presence of one I abhor, who disregards the -sanctity of my poor house, and abuses and sneers at a woman who -hates him? Go, and let me never see your face or hear your voice -again!" - -"Well, then, I will go; farewell, dear Madame Schommer; but I will -come again, and perhaps I may be so happy as to find in your place -the enchanting Dorris Ritter, that sentimental young maiden of the -past, who loved the crown prince so passionately, and was so well -pleased to receive his love and his presents." - -He laughed aloud, and left the dreary room with a courtly pirouette; -with quick steps he hastened through the shop, and opening the door -which led into the street, he kicked the two children who were -sitting on the threshold to one side, and rushed into the street. - -"She is truly proud yet," murmured he, shrugging his shoulders. "The -hangman's whip did not humble her--that pleases me; and I am more -than ever convinced we will succeed with her; she must and shall be -beloved of the king; and as she will not go to him, well, then, I -will bring him to her. To-morrow the king will visit the site chosen -for the palace of the queen-mother: that will be a glorious -opportunity to induce him to enter her hut." - -Dorris Bitter had risen, and with uplifted arm and a proud glance -she had followed Pollnitz. Her whole being was in feverish -excitement. In this hour she was no more a poor, disheartened woman, -from whom all turned away with contempt, but a proud wife conscious -of her honor and her worth, who commanded her persecutor from her -presence; who asked no mercy or grace, and demanded a recognition of -her purity. - -As the steps of the baron faded away, and Dorris was again alone, -her feverish excitement subsided, and she was again a poor, pallid, -trembling, humble woman. With a cry of the most profound woe she -sank back in her chair, and stared long before her. Suddenly she -murmured from between her tightly-compressed lips: "Woe to him! woe -to him! when he forgets what I have suffered for him; woe to him, if -he does not remove the shame which crushes me! woe to him, if he -despises me as others do! Then will Dorris Eitter be his -irreconcilable enemy, and she will take vengeance so true as there -is a God over us!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE. - - -"Courage, my dear friend," said Madame von Brandt to Count Voss, who -stood before her with the most mournful expression, and seemed so -lost in grief as to be scarcely aware of the presence of his -charming and bewitching Armida. - -"I do not understand how you can laugh and be gay, if you love me," -he said, sadly. - -"I love you truly, and therefore I am gay. We have almost gained our -end; soon the suspicions of the world will be lulled, for who would -dream that the husband of the young and beautiful Laura von -Pannewitz could possibly love the old and ugly Madame von Brandt?" - -"You old! you ugly!" cried the young count, indignantly. "It is well -that it is you who utter such a blasphemy; if any other did, I -should destroy him." - -"You would do very wrong, dear count, for that would betray our love -to the world. No, no, if any one should speak so to you, you must -shrug your shoulders, and say, 'I am not acquainted with Madame von -Brandt, I am indifferent whether she is handsome or ugly. She may be -as old as Methuselah, it does not concern me." - -"Never will I say that, never will I be induced to utter so -miserable and dishonorable a falsehood. No, dearest, you cannot -demand that. You see your power over me, and treat me most cruelly. -You condemned me to be married, and I have obeyed your commands, -although my heart was breaking as I made my proposal to the queen. -Now I entreat that you will not torture me by demanding that I shall -revile and caluminate you. No, no, I pray on my knees that you will -be kind and merciful!" - -He threw himself on his knees before her, leaning his head upon the -divan on which she was sitting. - -She placed her hand upon his head and played with his fair hair. "I -am not cruel, I am only cautious," she whispered, almost tenderly. -"Trust me, Alexander, you must not doubt my boundless love." - -"No, no, you do not love me," he sighed; "you are always hard and -cruel, you have never granted me the smallest favor, you have never -accepted one of my presents." - -A slight but scornful smile played upon the lips of this beautiful -woman, while the enthusiastic and impassioned young man spake thus. -She turned aside her face, that he might not see its expression. - -But he thought she was again angry with him. "Ah," he said, -despairingly, "you will not allow me even to behold your heavenly -countenance; do you wish to drive me to distraction? What have I -done to deserve this new torture? Are you so offended because I -entreated you to accept a gift from me? Oh, it is so sweet to compel -the one we love to think of us; to place a ring upon her finger, and -bid her dream of him who loves her when she looks upon it; to bind a -chain upon her neck, and whisper, 'You are fettered, my love -enchains you. you are mine!' A man can only believe in the affection -of his beloved when she condescends to accept something from him." - -"And would that give you faith in my love?" she said, in a tender, -melting voice, as she turned smilingly toward him. - -"Yes!" he exclaimed, "it would increase my faith." - -"Well, then, give me some little thing that will remind me of you, -that I can wear, as the spaniel wears the collar which bears the -name of its master." - -She offered him her hand, which he covered with fervent kisses, and -then drew from his bosom a large and heavy etui, which he placed in -her hands. - -"But this contains not merely a ring," she said, reproachfully; "you -have deceived me, misused my kindness; instead of presenting me with -a small souvenir, with the pride of a king you wish to overwhelm me -with your rich gifts. Take back your case, count, I will not look at -its contents; I will not behold how far your extravagance and pride -have led you; take your treasures, and give me the simple ring that -I promised to accept." She stood up, and handed him the etui with -the air of an insulted queen, without once glancing at its contents, -and only divining their value by the size and weight of the case. - -Her poor lover regarded her with a truly despairing expression. "If -you desire to destroy me, do it quickly and at once, not slowly, day -by day, and hour by hour," he said, almost weeping. "I fulfil your -smallest desire, I marry at your command, and you refuse to show me -the slightest kindness." He was now really weeping, and turned aside -that she might not behold his tears. Then suddenly recovering -himself, he said with the boldness of despair: "I will learn from -you the use of the word no. If you refuse to accept this case, then -I will refuse to marry Mademoiselle von Pannewitz. If you compel me -to receive again those miserable stones, I will go at once to the -queen, and tell her that I was mistaken, that I cannot and will not -marry Mademoiselle von Pannewitz; that I have given up my plan, and -am determined to leave Berlin immediately." - -"No! no! you must not go! you shall not leave me!" she cried, with -every appearance of terror; "give me the case, I will accept it. You -must not leave Berlin!" - -The young count uttered a cry of delight, and hurried to her side. - -"I will accept this etui," she said smiling, "but will not open it -while we are together, for fear we might again disagree." - -Count Voss was beside himself with joy and gratitude, and vowed he -would marry Mademoiselle von Pannewitz that very day, to obtain the -kiss which Madame von Brandt had promised him at his wedding. - -"Love might perhaps remove mountains," she said, "but it cannot give -wings to the tongue of a queen. You have placed your proposals in -the hands of her majesty, you selected this lofty lady to sue for -you, and now you must wait until it pleases her to make your -proposals known to the lady." - -"The queen promised to do that to-day. It was necessary for me to -make my proposals to her, for the family of Mademoiselle von -Pannewitz demanded that I should obtain the consent of the queen to -my marriage before I could hope for theirs." - -"And Laura, have you obtained her consent?" - -"Oh," said the vain count, shrugging his shoulders, "I am certain of -that; she is poor and entirely dependent on the proud dowager-queen; -I will make her a countess, and insure her freedom; she will live -independently upon her estates, and be surrounded with wealth and -luxury; she will have every thing but a husband." - -"Poor Laura!" said Madame von Brandt, softly. "But you have been -with me already too long; it might be remarked, and give rise to -suspicion; go, now, I will work for you, and you must work for -yourself. Let no difficulties frighten you." - -The count left her slowly, while Madame von Brandt was scarcely able -to conceal her impatience to be alone. She looked after him with a -contemptuous smile, and murmured to herself: "Vain fool, he deserves -to be deceived. But now at last I will see what this precious etui -contains." She flew to the table and hastily lifted the cover of the -case. A cry of astonishment arose to her lips, and her eyes beamed -as clearly and brightly as the diamonds resting upon the satin -cushion within. "Ah! this is really a royal present," she whispered, -breathlessly, "more than royal, for I am confident King Frederick -would never present any woman with such diamonds; but I deserve them -for my wonderful acting. This poor count is convinced that I am the -noblest, most unselfish, and most loving of women. How well -conceived, how wise it was to decline his first gift! I knew that he -would replace it with something more costly and elegant, hoping to -move me to change my resolution. How my heart bounded with delight -when he drew forth this great case! I could scarcely withhold my -hands from grasping the costly treasure. I concealed my impatience, -and would not open the case in his presence, fearful that he might -read my delight in my eyes, and that might have undeceived the poor -fool as to my disinterestedness. Truly it was very wise and very -diplomatic in me; even Manteuffel could not have acted more -discreetly." She bent again over the flashing diamonds, and pressed -her burning lips to the cold stones. "Beautiful stones," she -whispered tenderly, "your cold kiss animates my whole frame; I love -you more than any human being, and when you are upon my neck I will -desire no warmer embrace. Welcome, then, beloved, to my house and my -bosom. You shall be well cared for, I shall exert myself to provide -you with worthy companions; many of your family are lying loosely -about in the world, and you doubtless desire the company of your -brothers and sisters. I myself share that desire, and will seek to -accomplish it by bringing together more and more of your relations; -I will invite your cousins, the pearls, and you shall be united. My -diamonds and pearls shall have a gayer and more splendid wedding -than Count Voss and beautiful Laura von Pannewitz." She laughed -aloud in the joy of her heart, then closed the case and locked it -carefully in her writing-desk. "And now to the queen-mother," she -said; "the train is laid, it is only necessary to apply the match -and await the explosion. I must point out to the queen that this -marriage of the lovely Laura with Count Voss is necessary to prevent -a difficulty in the royal family, I must--EH BIEN! NOUS VERRONS. I -hear the voice of the queen; she is taking her promenade, and I must -not fail to be present." She took her hat and shawl, and hurried to -the garden. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE QUEEN AS A MATRIMONIAL AGENT. - - -The queen-mother was taking a walk in the garden of Monbijou. She -was unusually gay today, and her countenance wore an expression of -happiness to which it had long been a stranger. And the queen had -good reason to be gay, for she seemed on the point of realizing the -proud anticipations she had indulged in for so many weary years. Her -son was carrying into execution the promises which he had made on -his first visit, and in which she had hardly dared to believe. She -had already received the first monthly payment of her income as -queen-dowager, which her son had largely increased. New appointments -had been made to her court, and it had been placed on a truly royal -footing; and yesterday the king had told her that he had already -chosen a site for her new palace. Moreover, the homage she received -from the entire court, and more especially from the king's -favorites, bore evidence to the fact that her influence was -considered great, and that much importance was attached to her grace -and favor. While Queen Elizabeth was passing her time joylessly at -the Castle of Schonhausen, to which she had retired, the entire -court was assembling at Monbijou, and hastening to do homage to the -queen-mother. Even the young king, who had not yet paid a single -visit to his wife at Schonhausen, waited on the queen his mother -daily, accompanied by a brilliant suite of cavaliers. [Footnote: -Thiebault, ii., page 84.] - -The queen Sophia Dorothea had good reason to be gay, and to -entertain the happiest anticipations in regard to the future. To-day -for the first time she could take her morning walk attended by her -brilliant suite, for the last appointments had only been made on the -preceding day. When the queen now looked around, and she did so from -time to time, she no longer saw the two maids of honor of earlier -days walking languidly behind her. Six of the most beautiful ladies, -all of the first nobility, had been appointed to the queen's -service, and were now engaged in a merry conversation with the four -cavaliers in attendance on the queen, who had been selected for this -office by the king himself. While conversing with her marshal, Count -Rhedern, she could hear the merry laughter of the newly-appointed -maid of honor Louise von Schwerin, and the soft, melodious voice of -the beautiful Laura von Pannewitz, whose grace and loveliness had -even excited the admiration of her husband the king, and for a few -weeks thrown him into a state to which he was entirely unaccustomed. -[Footnote: Memoires de Frederique Wilhelmine de Baireuth, vol. ii., -p. 308.] - -The queen, as we have said, was unusually gay, for she had just -received a new proof of her own importance, and of the influence she -was supposed to exert on the young king her son. - -Count Rhedern had solicited the assistance of the queen-mother in a -very delicate and important matter, and had requested her to -advocate his cause with King Frederick. The count desired to marry, -but the permission of the king was still wanting, and would probably -be very difficult to obtain, for the count's chosen was -unfortunately not of a noble family, but had the misfortune to be -the daughter of a Berlin merchant. - -"But," said the queen, after this confidential communication, "I do -not understand why it is that you wish to marry this girl. I should -think the nobility of our kingdom was not so poor in beautiful and -marriageable ladies that a Count Rhedern should find it necessary to -stoop so low in search of a wife. Look behind you, count, and you -will see the loveliest ladies, all of whom are of pure and -unblemished descent." - -"True, your majesty. These ladies are beautiful, of good birth, -young and amiable, but one thing is wanting to make them perfect. -Mademoiselle Orguelin is neither beautiful nor of good birth, -neither young nor amiable, but she has the one thing which those -fairies lack, and for the sake of this one thing I am forced to -marry her." - -"Count, you speak in riddles, and as it seems to me in riddles of -doubtful propriety," said the queen, almost angrily. "What is this -one thing which Mademoiselle Orguelin has, and on account of which -you are compelled to marry her?" - -"Your majesty, this one thing is money." - -"Ah, money," said the queen, smiling; "really, it well becomes a -cavalier to marry beneath him for the sake of money!" - -"Your majesty, it is because I am mindful of the duties which my -rank impose on me, and of the demands which a cavalier of my -standing should meet, that I have determined to make this -misalliance. Your majesty will be indulgent if I dare open before -you the skeleton closet, and unveil the concealed misery of my -house. The Counts Rhedern are an old and illustrious race. My -ancestors were always rich in virtues but poor in gold. Economy -seems to have been the one virtue they ever possessed; they were too -generous to reject any appeal made to them, and too proud to limit -their expenditures to their small income. Outwardly they maintained -the pomp suitable to their standing, while they gnawed secretly and -unseen at the hard crust of want. Thus from father to son the debts -were constantly increasing, and the revenues becoming smaller and -smaller. If I do not make an end of this, and sever the Gordian knot -like Alexander, instead of attempting the wearisome task of untying -it, I shall soon present to the court and nobility the sad spectacle -of a Count Rhedern who is compelled to give up his hotel, his -equipage, his furniture, and his servants, and live like a beggar." - -"Ah, this is really a sad and pressing affair!" exclaimed the queen, -sympathizingly, "but are there no heiresses among the nobility, -whose fortunes might save you?" - -"None, your majesty, who like Mademoiselle Orguelin would bring me a -fortune of three millions." - -"Three millions! That is a great deal, and I can now perfectly well -understand why you are compelled to marry this Orguelin. You have my -consent, and I think I can safely promise you that of my son the -king. Make your arrangements and fear nothing. I guarantee that the -king will not refuse your request." - -"After what your majesty has said, I feel assured on this point," -exclaimed Count Rhedern, with a sigh. - -"How, and you still sigh, count?" - -"Your majesty, I need the permission of one other person--the -acceptance of the bride. And to this acceptance is appended a -condition, the fulfilment of which again depends upon your majesty's -kindness." - -"Well, truly, this is a strange state of affairs. You speak gravely -of your approaching marriage, and as yet are not even engaged. You -speak of your bride, but Mademoiselle Orguelin has not yet accepted -you, and whether she will or not, you say, depends on me." - -"Yes, on your majesty, for this girl, who is as proud of her three -millions as if it were the oldest and most illustrious pedigree, -consents to be my wife only on the condition that she is -acknowledged at court, and has access, as Countess Rhedern, to all -court festivities." - -"Truly this is a great pretension!" exclaimed the queen, angrily. "A -pedlar's daughter who carries arrogance so far as to wish to appear -at the court of the King of Prussia! This can never be, and never -could I advocate such an innovation: it is destructive, and only -calculated to diminish the prestige of the nobility, and to deprive -it of its greatest and best privilege--that privilege which entitles -it alone to approach royalty. It was this view which prevented me -from receiving the so-called Count Neal at my court, although my son -the king admits him to his presence, and desires that I also should -recognize this count of his creation. But, as a queen and a lady, I -can never do this. There must be a rampart between royalty and the -low and common world, and a pure and unblemished nobility alone can -form this rampart. You see, therefore, my poor count, that I cannot -accede to this request." - -"Have compassion on me, your majesty. If your majesty will but -remember that I am ruined; but I am a beggar if this union does not -take place, if I do not marry the three millions of Mademoiselle -Orguelin." - -"Ah, certainly, I had forgotten that," said the queen, thoughtfully. - -"Moreover," continued the count, somewhat encouraged, "this is a -different affair altogether, and I do not believe that a principle -is here at stake, as was the case with the so-called Count Neal. A -man represents himself and his house, and no power on earth can give -him better or nobler blood than already flows in his veins. But with -a woman it is different. She receives her husband's name and his -rank; she becomes blood of his blood, and can in no manner affect -his nobility. The sons of Countess Rhedern will still be the Counts -Rhedern, although the mother is not of noble birth." - -"True," said the queen, "this case is different from that of the -adventurer Neal. The rank of her husband would be sufficient to -permit us to draw a veil over the obscure birth of this new-made -countess." - -"And your majesty would then be the noble protectrice of our -family," said the count, in a sweet and insinuating tone; "your -majesty would not only restore my house to its ancient prestige, but -you would retain the three millions of Mademoiselle Orguelin in -Prussia; for if I should not be able to fulfil the condition which -this lady has made, Mademoiselle Orguelin will marry a rich young -Hollander, who is the commercial friend of her father, and has come -here for the especial purpose of suing for the hand of his -daughter." - -"Ah, if that is the case, it becomes almost a duty to give you this -girl, in order to prevent her millions from leaving the country," -said the queen, smiling. "Be hopeful, count, your wish will be -granted, and this little millionnaire, who longs to appear at court, -shall have her desire. I will speak with my son on this subject to- -day; and you may take it for granted that your request will meet -with a favorable response." - -And the queen, who was proud and happy to have an opportunity of -showing the count how great was her influence with her royal son, -graciously permitted him to kiss her hand, and listened well pleased -to his exclamations of gratitude and devotion. - -She then dismissed him with a gracious inclination of her head, -requesting him to inform Madame von Brandt, whose laughing voice -could be heard at a short distance, that she desired to see her. - -While the count hurried off to execute the commission of his royal -mistress, the queen walked on slowly and thoughtfully. Now that she -was permitted to be a queen, her woman's nature again made itself -felt; she found it quite amusing to have a hand in the love affairs -which were going on around her, and to act the part of the -beneficent fairy in making smooth the path of true love. Two of the -first noblemen of her court had to-day solicited her kind offices in -their love affairs, and both demanded of her the reestablishment of -the prosperity and splendor of their houses. - -The queen, as before said, felt flattered by these demands, and was -in her most gracious humor when Madame von Brandt made her -appearance. Their conversation was at first on indifferent subjects, -but Madame von Brandt knew very well why the queen honored her with -this interview, and kept the match in readiness to fire the train -with which she had undermined the happiness and love of poor Laura -von Pannewitz. - -"Do you know," asked the queen suddenly, "that we have a pair of -lovers at my court?" - -"A pair of lovers!" repeated Madame von Brandt, and so apparent was -the alarm and astonishment depicted in her countenance that the -queen was startled. - -"Is this, then, so astonishing?" asked the queen, smiling. "You -express so much alarm that one might suppose we were living in a -convent, where it is a crime to speak of love and marriage. Or were -you only a little annoyed at not having heard of this love affair?" - -"Your majesty," said Madame von Brandt, "I knew all about this -affair, but had no idea that you had any knowledge of it." - -"Certainly you must have known it, as Mademoiselle von Pannewitz is -your friend, and has very naturally made you her confidant." - -"Yes, I have been her confidant in this unhappy and unfortunate -love," said Madame von Brandt, with a sigh; "but I can assure your -majesty that I have left no arguments, no prayers, and even no -threats untried to induce this poor young girl to renounce her sad -and unfortunate love." - -"Well, you might have saved yourself this trouble," said the queen, -smiling; "for this love is not, as you say, a sad and unfortunate -one, but a happy one! Count Voss came to me this morning as a suitor -for the hand of Mademoiselle von Pannewitz." - -"Poor, unhappy Laura!" sighed Madame von Brandt. - -"How!" exclaimed the queen, "you still pity her, when I assure you -that hers is not an unhappy, but a happy love, reciprocated by Count -Voss, who is a suitor for her hand?" - -"But what has Count Voss to do with Laura's love?" asked Madame von -Brandt, with such well-acted astonishment that the unsuspecting -queen might very well be deceived. - -"Truly this is a strange question," exclaimed the queen. "You have -just told me that Mademoiselle von Pannewitz entertains an -unfortunate attachment for Count Voss; and when I inform you that so -far from hers being an unfortunate attachment, it is returned by -Count Voss, who is at this moment a suitor for her hand, you ask, -with an air of astonishment, 'What has Count Voss to do with Laura's -love?'" - -"Pardon me, your majesty, I did not say that my poor friend loved -Count Voss." - -"How!" exclaimed the queen, impatiently; "it is then not Count Voss? -Pray, who has inspired her with this unfortunate love? Who is he? Do -you know his name?" - -"Your majesty, I know him; but I have vowed on the Bible never to -mention his name." - -"It was very inconsiderate in you to make such a vow," exclaimed the -queen, impatiently. - -"Your majesty, she who demanded it of me was my friend, and in view -of her sorrow and tears I could not refuse a request by the -fulfilment of which she would at least have the sad consolation of -pouring out her sorrow and anguish into the bosom of a true and -discreet friend. But the very friendship I entertain for her makes -it my bounden duty to implore your majesty to sustain the offer of -Count Voss with all the means at your command, and, if necessary, -even to compel my poor Laura to marry him." - -"How! You say she loves another, and still desire that I should -compel her to marry Count Voss?" - -"Your majesty, there is no other means of averting evil from the -head of my dear Laura; no other means of preserving two noble hearts -from the misery their unfortunate passions might produce. Laura is a -noble and virtuous girl, but she loves, and would not long be able -to withstand the passionate entreaties of her lover; she would hear -no voice but that of him she loves." - -"This love is then returned?" asked the queen. - -"Oh, your majesty, Laura's maidenly pride would preserve her from an -unrequited love." - -"And still you call this love an unfortunate one?" - -"I call it so because there are insurmountable obstacles in its way; -an abyss lies between these lovers, across which they can never -clasp hands. In order to be united they would have to precipitate -themselves into its depths! Every word of love which these -unfortunates utter is a crime--is high treason." - -"High treason!" exclaimed the queen, whose eyes sparkled with anger. -"Ah, I understand you now. This proud, arrogant girl raises her eyes -to a height to which a princess of the blood alone can aspire. In -her presumption this girl thinks to play the role of a La Valliere -or a Maintenon. Yes, I now comprehend every thing--her pallor, her -sighs, her melancholy, and her blushes, when I told her I expected -the king and his court here to-day. Yes, it must be so. Mademoiselle -von Pannewitz loves the--" - -"Your majesty," exclaimed Madame von Brandt, imploringly, "have the -goodness not to mention the name. I should have to deny it, and that -would be an offence to your majesty; but if I should acknowledge it, -I would be false to my vow and my friendship. In your penetration, -your majesty has divined what I hardly dared indicate, and my noble -queen now comprehends why an early marriage with Count Voss would be -the best means of preserving the happiness of two noble hearts." - -"Mademoiselle von Pannewitz will have to make up her mind to become -the bride of Count Voss within the hour!" exclaimed the queen, -imperiously. "Woe to her if in her arrogance she should refuse to -give up a love against which the whole force of my royal authority -shall be brought to bear." - -"May your majesty follow the suggestions of your wisdom in all -things! I only request that your majesty will graciously conceal -from poor Laura that you discovered her unhappy secret through me." - -"I promise you that," said the queen, who, forgetful of her royal -dignity, in her angry impatience turned around and advanced hastily -toward her suite, who, on her approach, remained standing in a -respectful attitude. - -At this moment a lacquey, dressed in the royal livery, was seen -advancing from the palace; he approached the maid of honor then on -duty, Mademoiselle von Pannewitz, and whispered a few words in her -ear. - -Hurrying forward, this young lady informed the queen that her -majesty the reigning queen had just arrived, and desired to know if -her majesty would receive her. The queen did not reply immediately. -She looked scornfully at the young girl who stood before her, humbly -and submissively, with downcast eyes, and although she did not look -up at the queen, she seemed to feel her withering and scornful -glances, for she blushed deeply, and an anxious expression was -depicted on her countenance. - -The queen observed that the blushing Laura was wonderfully -beautiful, and in her passionate anger could have trodden her under -foot for this presumptuous and treasonable beauty. She felt that it -was impossible longer to remain silent, longer to defer the -decision. The queen's anger fairly flamed within her, and threatened -to break forth; she was now a passionate, reckless woman, nothing -more; and she was guided by her passion and the power of her angry -pride alone. - -"I am going to receive her majesty," said Sophia Dorothea, with -trembling lips. "Her majesty has presented herself unceremoniously, -and I shall therefore receive her without ceremony. All of you will -remain here except Mademoiselle von Pannewitz, who will accompany -me." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE. - - -The greeting of the two queens was over; the inquiries of politeness -and etiquette had been exchanged; Sophia had offered Queen Elizabeth -her hand and conducted her into the small saloon, where she was in -the habit of receiving her family. - -The door leading to the conservatory was open, and the two maids of -honor could be seen within, standing with Laura, and asking -questions in a low tone, to which she replied almost inaudibly. She -felt that the decisive hour of her destiny was at hand, and she -prayed that God would strengthen her for the coming trial. She -trembled not for herself, but for her lover; for his dear sake she -was determined to bear the worst, and bravely meet the shock; she -would not yield, she would not die, for he would perish with her; in -her heart of hearts, she renewed the oath of eternal love and -eternal faith she had taken, and nerved herself for persecution and -endurance. Suddenly she heard the harsh voice of the queen calling -her name; she looked up, and saw her standing in the door. - -"I beg the maids of honor to join the ladies in the garden; you, -mademoiselle, will remain here; I have a few words to say to you." - -The ladies bowed and left the conservatory. Laura remained alone; -she stood with folded hands in the middle of the room; her cheek was -deadly pale, her lips trembled, but her eyes were bright, and filled -with a heroic and dreamy excitement. As Sophia called her name, -Laura laid her hand upon her heart, as if to suppress its stormy -beating, and with her head bowed meekly upon her breast she advanced -submissively at the call of her mistress. At the door of the second -saloon she remained standing, and awaited the further commands of -the queen. As Sophia did not speak, Laura raised her eyes and looked -timidly at the two queens, who were seated on a sofa opposite the -door; they were both gazing at her, the queen-mother severely, with -a proud and derisive smile, but Queen Elizabeth regarded with -unutterable pity this poor girl, who reminded her of a broken lily. - -"Mademoiselle von Pannewitz," said Sophia, after a long silence, "I -have a matter of great importance to communicate to you, and as it -admits of no delay, her majesty has allowed me to speak to you in -her presence. Listen attentively, and weigh well my words. I have -treated you with affectionate kindness; you have always found in me -a friend and mother. I therefore require of you unconditional and -silent obedience--an obedience that as your queen and mistress I -have a right to demand. You are of a noble but poor family, and your -parents cannot support you in the style suitable to your birth. I -have adopted you, and will now establish for you a future which will -be both splendid and happy. A rich and gallant cavalier has proposed -for your hand, and as it is a most fitting and advantageous offer, I -have accepted it for you, and promised your consent." - -The queen ceased and looked piercingly at the young girl, who was -still leaning against the door, silent and dejected. This dumb -submission, this weak resignation revolted the queen; instead of -softening her anger, she took this silence for defiance, this -humility for stubbornness. - -"You are not at all anxious, it appears, to learn the name of your -future husband," she said, sharply; "perhaps the rapture of joy -binds your tongue, and prevents you from thanking me for my motherly -care." - -"Pardon, your majesty," said Laura, raising her soft eyes to the -harsh and severe countenance of the queen; "it was not joy that -closed my lips, but reverence for your majesty; I feel no joy." - -"You feel no joy!" cried the queen, with the cruel rage of the lion -who seizes his prey and tears it in pieces when there is none to -deliver. "Well, then, you will marry without joy, that is decided; -and as you are too far above all womanly weakness to appear curious, -I shall be obliged to name the happy man whose loving bride you are -soon to be, that you make no mistakes, and perhaps, in the -tenderness of your heart, render another than your appointed husband -happy in your embraces." Laura uttered a low cry of anguish, and her -cheeks, colorless until now, were dyed red with shame. - -"Have pity, your majesty," murmured Elizabeth Christine, laying her -hand softly on the shoulder of the queen; "see how the poor girl -suffers." - -Sophia shrugged her shoulders contemptuously. "Nonsense! do we not -all suffer? have not I suffered? Is there a woman on God's earth -whose heart is not half melted away with hot and unavailing tears?" - -"It is true," said Elizabeth; "we have but one exclusive privilege-- -to weep and to endure." - -The queen-mother turned again to Laura, who had checked her tears, -but was still standing bowed down, and trembling before her. - -"Well," said Sophia, "it still does not suit you to inquire the name -of your lover, then I shall name him; mark well my words: it is -Count Voss who has chosen you for his wife, and to him alone you -have now to direct your heart and your tenderness." - -Laura now raised her eyes and fixed them steadily upon this cruel -mistress; her glance was no longer soft and pleading, but -determined. The imperious manner of the queen, instead of -intimidating the pale and gentle girl, awakened her to the -consciousness of her own dignity. "Majesty," she said, with cool -decision, "love is not given by command, it cannot be bestowed -arbitrarily." - -"By that you mean to affirm that you do not, and cannot love Count -Voss," said the queen, suppressing her fury with difficulty. - -"Yes, your majesty. I do not, I cannot love Count Voss." - -"Well, then," cried Sophia, "you will marry him without love, and -that speedily!" - -Laura raised her head passionately; her eye met the queen's, but -this time not humbly, not timidly, but decisively. From this moment, -Sophia Dorothea was to her no longer a queen, but a cruel, unfeeling -woman, who was trampling upon her soul and binding it in chains. - -"Pardon, your majesty, as I have said that I do not love Count Voss, -it follows of course that I will never marry him." - -The queen sprang from her seat as if bitten by a poisonous reptile. -"Not marry him!" she shrieked; "but I say you shall marry him! yes, -if you have to be dragged with violence to the altar!" - -"Then at the altar I will say no!" cried Laura von Pannewitz, -raising her young face, beaming with courage and enthusiasm, toward -heaven. - -The queen uttered a wild cry and sprang forward; the lion was about -to seize upon its prey and tear it to pieces, but Elizabeth -Christine laid her hand upon the raised arm of the queen and held -her back. "Majesty," she said, "what would you do? you would not -force this poor girl to marry against her will; she does not love -Count Voss, and she is right to refuse him." - -"Ha! you defend her?" cried Sophia, brought to extremities by the -resistance of the queen; "you have then no presentiment why she -refuses the hand of Count Voss; you do not comprehend that when a -poor dependent maid of honor refuses to marry a rich and noble -cavalier, it is because she believes she has secured her future in -another direction--because in the haughtiness of her vain, -infatuated heart, she hopes through her beauty and well-acted -coquetry to secure for herself a more brilliant lot. But, mark me! -however charming and alluring that prospect may appear outwardly, -even in its success there would be found nothing but infamy! She can -never have the madness to believe that any priest in this land would -dare to bind with the blessings of the Holy Church a love so boldly -impudent, so traitorous; she can never hope to set her foot where -only the lawful wife of a king can stand--where the sister of the -king of England has stood! yes, where she still stands, and from -whence she is resolved to repulse this miserable coquette, who hopes -to conquer a throne through her shameless allurements." - -Laura uttered a piercing scream, and with hands raised to heaven, -she exclaimed, "My God! my God! can I bear this and live?" - -The queen broke into a wild, mocking laugh. Elizabeth Christine -looked, questioningly, at this scene, which she did not comprehend, -but which touched her heart by its tragic power. - -"It is a hard and cruel accusation which your majesty is bringing -against this young girl; let us hope that Laura will know how to -defend herself." - -"Defend herself! look at her! look how my words have crushed her! -how her proud, aspiring soul is checked! Believe me, Elizabeth, she, -whom you so generously pity, understands my words better than your -majesty; and she knows well of what I accuse her; but you, my -daughter, shall know also; you have a right to know." - -"Mercy! your majesty, mercy!" cried Laura, falling upon her knees -and raising her arms pleadingly toward the queen; "speak no more! -humble me no further! Do not betray my secret, which in your mouth -becomes a denunciation! Let me remain even on the brink of the -precipice, where you have dragged me! that is appalling, but cast me -not down! So low and dust-trodden a creature is no longer worthy of -the honor of approaching your majesty, I see that, and beg humbly -for my dismissal, not as your majesty supposes, to lead an -independent and happy, if still a shameful life, but to flee to some -corner of the world, where alone and unseen I may weep over the -beautiful and innocent dreams of my life, from which your majesty -has awakened me so cruelly." - -She was wonderfully beautiful in this position; those raised arms, -that noble, transparently pale, tear-stained countenance. Sophia -Dorothea saw it, and it made her feel more bitter, more cruel. - -"Ah, she dares to reproach me," she cried, contemptuously; "she -still has a slight consciousness of her shame; she trembles to hear -what she did not tremble to do! Listen, my daughter, you that have -for her so warm, so pitiful a heart; you who, when I have spoken, -will detest and curse her as I do, and as you are entitled to do. -Believe me, Elizabeth, I know all your suffering, all your sorrow; I -know the secret history of your noble, proud, and silent heart. Ask -that girl there of your grief and misery; ask her the reason of your -lonely, tearful nights; demand of her your broken happiness, your -crushed hopes; demand of her your husband's love, your soul's peace. -Mademoiselle von Pannewitz can return them all to you, as she has -taken them from you, for she is the mistress of the king." - -"Mistress of the king!" said Elizabeth, with a painful cry, while -Laura let her hands glide from her face, and looked at the queen -with an astonished expression. - -"Yes," repeated Sophia Dorothea, whose hot blood rushed so violently -through her veins that her voice faltered, and she was scarcely able -to retain an appearance of self-control; "yes, she is the mistress -of the king, and therefore refuses to marry Count Voss! But -patience, patience, she shall not triumph! and if she dares to love -my son, the son of the queen, King Frederick of Prussia, I will -remind her of Dorris Ritter, who loved him, and was beloved by him! -This Dorris was flogged through the streets of Berlin, and cast out -from amongst men." - -Laura uttered so loud and fearful a cry that even the queen-mother -was startled, and for a moment touched with pity for the poor, -broken-hearted girl who lay at her feet, like a poor, wounded -gazelle in the convulsive agonies of death. - -But she would not give way to this pity; would not betray a -weakness, of which she was ashamed. Taking the hand of the young -queen and casting a look of disdain at Laura, she said, "Come, my -daughter, we will no longer bear the presence of this person, whose -tears, I hope, spring from repentance and acknowledgment of her -offence; may she obtain our pardon by resolving to-day, of her own -free will, and without forcing us to harsher measures, to accept the -hand of Count Voss; come, my daughter." - -The two queens stepped to the door. Sophia threw it open violently, -and passed immediately into the boudoir, but Elizabeth did not -follow her. She looked back at the poor sobbing girl lying upon the -floor. The pale and noble face touched her womanly heart. - -"Pardon, your majesty, if I do not follow immediately; I should like -to say a few words to Mademoiselle von Pannewitz; I think I have a -right to do so." - -The queen-mother experienced a cruel pleasure at these words. - -"Oh, my daughter, even your forbearance is exhausted, and you feel -that forgiveness is impossible; yes, speak to her, and let her feel -the whole weight of your righteous indignation. Words of reproach -and accusation from your gentle lips will have a crushing power. But -no delay--you know the king will soon be here." - -The queen closed the door. She wished to hear nothing that passed -between Elizabeth and Laura; she needed rest, in order to receive -the king with composure. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE MISUNDERSTANDING. - - -The young queen, the reigning queen, as she was called, was now -alone with Laura von Pannewitz. She was for a moment speechless; -strange, tempestuous feelings burned in the bosom of this gentle -woman; she felt all the torments of rage and jealousy, and the -humiliation of unrequited love. - -Leaning against the wall, she looked frowningly at Laura, who was -kneeling before her, wringing her hands and weeping piteously. How -could a woman weep who could call that happiness her own--to possess -which Elizabeth would cheerfully give years of her life? She had at -last found the rival for whom she was despised; the destroyer of her -happiness; the envied woman loved by Frederick! - -As she saw this woman bathed in tears at her feet, an exulting joy -for one moment filled her heart. But this violent emotion soon -disappeared. Elizabeth was too true and noble a woman to give -herself up long to such resentment. She felt, indeed, a melancholy -pleasure in knowing that it was not coldness of heart, but love for -another, which estranged the king from her; in the midst of her wild -grief she was still just; and she acknowledged that this woman, whom -the king loved, was more charming and more beautiful than herself. - -The love Elizabeth bore her husband was so unselfish, so resigned, -so magnanimous, that she felt grateful to the woman who could impart -a happiness to the king it had never been in her power to bestow. - -With a truly noble expression she approached the maid of honor, who, -unconscious of the queen's presence, was still lying on the floor -and weeping bitterly. - -"Arise, Laura," said Elizabeth, gently. "How can a woman loved by -the king be sad, or shed tears?" - -Laura's hands fell slowly from her face; she checked her tears and -looked piteously at the queen. "God, then, has heard my prayers," -she said; "He does not wish your majesty to despise and condemn me; -He permits me to clear myself before you!" - -"Clear yourself," said Elizabeth. "Oh, believe me, in my eyes you -need no justification. You are young, gay, beautiful, and witty; you -have the rare art of conversation; you are cheerful and spirited. -This has attracted Frederick; for this he loves you; in saying this, -all is said. It is impossible for a woman to resist his love. I -forgive you freely, fully. I have but one prayer to make you: -resolve all your duties into one; fill your soul with one thought, -make the king happy! This is all. I have nothing more to say; -farewell!" - -She was going, but Laura held her back. "Oh, your majesty," she -cried imploringly, "listen to me! do not leave me under this cruel -misconception--these insulting suppositions. Do not think I am so -degenerate, so base, so entirely without womanly feeling, as not to -feel myself amenable to the laws of the land and of the Church. Oh, -believe me, the husband of my queen is sacred in my eyes! and even -if I were so unhappy as to love the king, otherwise than as a true, -devoted subject, I would rather die than cast one shadow on the -happiness of your majesty. Unhappy and guilty as I am, I am no -criminal. His majesty never distinguished me by word or look. I -honored him, I revered him, and nothing more." - -"Alas!" said the queen, "you are faint-hearted enough to deny him. -You have not the courage to be proud of his love; you must, indeed, -feel guilty." - -"My God! my God!" cried Laura, passionately, "she does not believe -me!" - -"No, I do not believe you, Laura. I saw how you trembled and paled -when the queen charged you with your love to her son, hut I did not -hear you justify yourself." - -"Alas, alas!" murmured Laura, in so low a voice as not to be heard -by the queen, "I did not know her majesty was speaking of her son -Frederick." - -"Deny it no longer," said Elizabeth; "acknowledge his love, for -which all women will envy you, and for which I forgive you." - -"Do not believe what the queen-mother told you!" cried Laura, -passionately; "I have done you no wrong, I have no pardon to ask!" - -"And I," said Elizabeth--"I make no reproaches; I do not wail and -weep; I do not pass my nights, as the queen said, sleeplessly and in -tears; I do not mourn over my lost happiness. I am content; I accept -my fate--that is, if the king is happy. But if, perchance, this is -not so, if you do not make his happiness your supreme object, then, -Laura, I take back the forgiveness so freely given, and I envy you -in my heart. Farewell." - -"No, no, you must not, you shall not go! believe my words! have some -pity, some mercy on me! O Heavenly Father, I have suffered enough -without this! It needed not these frightful accusations to punish me -for a love which, though unwise, yes, mad, is not criminal. As truly -as God reigns, it is not the king I love. You turn away, you do not -believe me still! Oh, your majesty." She stopped, her whole frame -trembled--she had heard her lover's voice; God had sent him to -deliver her, to clear her from these disgraceful suspicions. - -The door opened, and Prince Augustus William entered; his -countenance was gay and careless, he had come to see the queen- -mother, and had been directed to this saloon. Already sportive and -jesting words were on his lips, when he perceived this strange -scene; Laura on her knees, pale and trembling, before the proud -queen, who left her disdainfully in her humble position. It was a -sight that the proud lover could not endure. The hot blood of the -Hohenzollerns was raging. Forgetful of all consequences, he sprung -to her side, raised her from the floor and clasped her to his heart. -Then, trembling with anger, he turned to the queen. "What does this -mean? Why were you in that position? Why were you weeping, Laura? -You on your knees, my Laura! You, who are so innocent, so pure, that -the whole world should kneel before and worship you! And you, -Madame," turning to Elizabeth, "how can you allow this angel to -throw herself in the dust before you? How dare you wound her? What -did you say to bring anguish to her heart and flood her face with -tears? Madame, I demand an answer! I demand it in the name of honor, -justice, and love. Laura is my bride, it is my right to defend her." - -"Now, now," said Laura, clinging wildly to her lover, "she will no -longer believe that I love her husband." - -"Your bride!" said the queen, with a sad sweet smile; "how young and -trusting you are, my brother, to believe in the possibility of such -a marriage." - -"She will be my wife!" cried he passionately; "I swear it, and as -truly as there is a God in Heaven I will keep my oath! I have -courage to dare all dangers, to trample under foot all obstacles. I -do not shun the world's verdict or the king's power. My love is pure -and honest, it has no need to hide and veil itself; it shall stand -out boldly before God, the king, and the whole world! Go, then--go, -Madame, and repeat my words to the king; betray a love which chance, -undoubtedly, revealed to you. It was, I suppose, the knowledge of -this love which led you to wound and outrage this noble woman." - -"It is true," said the queen, gently; "I did her injustice--I -doubted her words, her protestations; but Laura knows that this -offence was involuntary, it all arose from a mistake of the dowager- -queen." - -"How! my mother knows of our love!" said the prince, in amazement. - -"No, she is convinced that Laura von Pannewitz loves and is beloved -by the king; for this reason she heaped reproaches upon her, and -commanded her to marry Count Voss, who has just proposed for her -hand." - -The prince clasped Laura more firmly. "Ah, they would tear you from -me; but my arms will hold you and my breast will shield you, my -darling. Do not tremble, do not weep, my Laura; arm in arm we will -go to the king. I will lead you before my mother and the court, and -tell them that you are my betrothed--that I have sworn to be true to -you, and will never break my oath." - -"Stop--be silent, for God's sake!" said Elizabeth; "do not let your -mother hear you--do not let the king know your sad, perilous secret. -If he knows it you are lost." - -"Your majesty does not then intend to make known what you have -heard," said the prince. "Have you the courage to conceal a secret -from your husband?" - -"Ah!" said the queen, with a sigh, "my life, thoughts, and feelings -are a secret to him; I will but add this new mystery to the rest. -Guard this secret, which will in the end bring you pain and sorrow. -Be cautious, be prudent. Let the dowager queen still think that it -is the king whom Laura loves, she will be less watchful of you. But -now listen to my request; never speak to me of this love that chance -revealed, and which I will seek to forget from this moment; never -remind me of an engagement which in the eyes of the king and your -mother would be unpardonable and punishable, and of which it would -be my duty to inform them. As long as you are happy--that will be as -long as your love is under the protection of secrecy--I will see -nothing, know nothing. But when disaster and ruin break over you, -then come to me; then you, my brother, shall find in me a fond, -sympathizing sister, and you, poor, wretched girl, will find a -friend who will open her arms to you, and will weep with you over -your lost happiness." - -"Oh, my queen!" cried Laura, pressing her hand to her lips; "how -noble, how generous you are!" - -Elizabeth drew the poor trembling girl to her heart and kissed her -pale brow. "For those who weep and suffer there is no difference of -rank, a strong bond of human sympathy unites them. I am for you, not -the queen, but the sister who understands and shares your griefs. -When you weary of hidden agony and solitary weeping come to me at -Schonhausen; you will find there no gayeties, no worldly -distractions, but a silent shady garden, in which I sometimes seem -to hear God's voice comforting and consoling me. Here you can weep -unnoticed, and find a friend who will not weary you with questions." - -"I thank you, and I will come. Ah! I know I shall soon need this -comfort, my happiness will die an early death!" - -"And may I also come, my noble sister?" said the prince. - -"Yes," said Elizabeth, smiling, "you may also come, but only when -Laura is not with me. I now entreat you, for your own safety, to -close this conversation. Dry your eyes, Laura, and try to smile, -then go to the garden and call my maids of honor; and you, brother, -come with me to the queen-mother, who is in her boudoir." - -"No!" said the prince, fiercely; "I cannot see her now, I could not -control myself. I could not seem quiet and indifferent while I am -suffering such tortures." - -"My brother," said the queen, "we princes have not the right to show -how we suffer; it is the duty of all in our station to veil our -feelings with a smile. Come, the queen, who is indignant and angry, -will yet receive us with a smile; and we, who are so sorrowful, will -also smile. Come." - -"One word more to Laura," said the prince; and leading the young -girl, who was endeavoring to suppress her emotion, to another part -of the room, he threw his arm around her slender form, and pressed a -kiss upon her fair cheek. "Laura, my darling, do you remember your -oath? Will you be true and firm? Will my mother's threats and -commands find you strong and brave? You will not falter? You will -not accept the hand of Count Voss? You will let no earthly power -tear you from me? They can kill me, Laura, but I cannot be untrue to -myself or to you!" Augustus laid his hand upon her beautiful head; -the whole history of her pure and holy love was written in the look -and smile with which she answered him. "Do you remember that you -promised to meet me in the garden?" - -"I remember," said she, blushing. - -"Laura, in a few days we will be separated. The king wishes to make -an excursion incognito--he has ordered me to accompany him; I must -obey." - -"Oh, my God! they will take you from me! I shall never see you -again!" - -"We will meet again," said he encouragingly. "But you must grant me -the comfort of seeing you once more before my departure, otherwise I -shall not have the courage to leave you. The day for our journey is -not yet determined; when it is fixed I will come to inform my mother -of it in your presence. The evening before I will be in the -conservatory and await you; will I wait in vain?" - -"No," whispered Laura, "I will be there;" and as if fleeing from her -own words, she hurried to the garden. - -Prince Augustus William looked for his sister-in-law to accompany -her to the queen; but she had withdrawn, she did not wish to witness -their parting. Seeing this, the prince was on the point of following -Laura to the garden, when the beating of drums was heard from -without. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -SOIREE OF THE QUEEN DOWAGER. - - -"The king is coming," whispered Augustus William, and he stepped -towards the cabinet of the queen-mother. But the door was already -opened, and the two queens hastened out; they wished to reach the -garden saloon and there to welcome the king. - -The expression of both ladies was restless and anxious. Sophia -Dorothea feared the meeting with her son, who would, perhaps, in the -inflamed, eyes of his beloved, read the history of the last hours; -his kingly anger would be kindled against those who brought tears to -her eyes. The queen confessed that she had gone too far--had allowed -herself to be mastered by her scorn; she was embarrassed and -fearful. - -Elizabeth Christine was not restless, but deeply moved; her heart -beat quickly at the thought of this meeting with her husband; she -had not seen him since the day of the coronation, had not exchanged -one single word with him since the ominous interview in her chamber -at Rheinsberg. Not once on the day of the coronation had the king -addressed her; and only once had he taken her hand. After the -coronation he led her in the midst of the assembled court, and said -with a clear and earnest voice: "Behold, this is your queen." - -These ladies were so excited, so filled with their own thoughts that -they hastened through the saloons, scarcely remarking the prince, -who had stepped aside to allow them to pass. The queen-mother nodded -absently and gave him a passing greeting, then turned again to -Elizabeth, who had scarcely patience to conform her movements to the -slow and measured steps of the queen-mother; she longed to look upon -her husband's face once more. - -"If Laura von Pannewitz complains to the king, we will have a -terrific scene," said Sophia. - -"She will not complain," replied Elizabeth. - -"So much the worse, she will play the magnanimous, and I could less -readily forgive that, than a complaint." - -At this moment the door opened. The king, followed by his attendants -and those of the two queens, entered the saloon. The two ladies -greeted the king with smooth brows and thoughtless laughter. Nothing -betrayed the restless anxiety reigning in their hearts. Frederick -hastened to meet his mother, and bowing low he greeted her with -loving and respectful words, and tenderly kissed her hand; then -turning to his wife he bowed stiffly and ceremoniously; he did not -extend his hand, did not utter a word. Elizabeth bowed formally in -return, and forced back the hot tears which rushed into her eyes. - -The face of the queen-mother was again gay and triumphant. The king -knew nothing as yet; she must prevent him from speaking with Laura -alone. She glanced around at the maid of honor, and saw that the -young maiden, calm and unembarrassed, was conversing with the Prince -Augustus William; her majesty was more than happy to see her son -William entertaining the beautiful Laura. "Ah! now I know how to -prevent the king from speaking to her alone," thought she. - -Sophia was never so animated, so brilliant; her sparkling wit seemed -even to animate the king. There was a laughing contest, a war of -words, between them; piquant jests and intellectual bon mots, which -seemed to the admiring courtiers like fallen stars, were scattered -to right and left. The queen would not yield to her son, and indeed -sometimes she had the advantage. - -Queen Elizabeth stood sad and silent near them, and if by chance the -eye of the king fell upon her, she felt that his glance was -contemptuous; her pale cheeks grew paler, and it was with great -effort she forced her trembling lips to smile. - -The queen-mother proposed to her son and Elizabeth to walk in the -garden, and then to have a simple dance in the brilliant saloons. -The court mourning would not allow a regular ball at this time. - -"But why should we seek for flowers in the garden," said the king; -"can there be lovelier blossoms than those now blooming on every -side?" His eye wandered around the circle of lovely maids of honor, -who cast their eyes blushingly to the ground. - -Six eyes followed this glance of Frederick with painful interest. - -"He scarcely looked at Laura von Pannewitz," said the queen, with a -relieved expression. - -"He did not once glance toward me," thought Elizabeth, sighing -heavily. - -"His eye did not rest for more than a moment upon any woman here," -thought Pollnitz; "so it is clear he has no favorite in this circle. -I will, therefore, succeed with my beautiful Dorris." - -Frederick wished to spare his mother the fatigue of a walk in the -garden--she was lame and growing fleshy; he therefore led her to a -seat, and bowing silently, he gave his left hand to his wife and -placed her by his mother. - -Sophia, who watched every movement and every expression of her royal -son, observed the cruel silence which he maintained toward his wife, -and she felt pity for the poor, pale, neglected queen. Sophia leaned -toward the king, who stood hat in hand behind her divan, and -whispered: - -"I believe, my son, you have not spoken one word to your wife!" - -The king's face clouded. "Madame," said he, in a low but firm tone, -"Elizabeth Christine is my queen, but not my wife!" and, as if he -feared a further explanation, he nodded to the Marquis Algarotti and -Duke Chazot to come forward and take part in the conversation. - -Suddenly a lady, who had not before been seen in the court circle, -approached the two queens. This lady was of a wondrous pallor; she -was dressed in black, without flowers or ornament; her deep sunken -eyes were filled with feverish fire, and a painful smile played upon -her lips, which were tightly pressed together, as if to force back a -cry of despair. - -No one recognised in this pale, majestic, gentle lady, the -"Tourbillon," the joyous, merry, laughing Madame von Morien; no one -could have supposed that her fresh and rosy beauty could, in a few -months, assume so earnest and sad a character. This was the first -time Madame von Morien had appeared at the court of the queen- -mother; she was scarcely recovered from a long and dangerous -illness. No one knew the nature of her disease, but the witty and -ill-natured courtiers exchanged many words of mockery and double -meaning on the subject. - -It was said Madame von Morien was ill from the neglect of the king. -She suffered from a chill, which, strange to say, had attacked the -king, and not the beautiful coquette. Her disease was a new and -peculiar cold, which did not attack the lungs, but seized upon the -heart; the same disease, indeed, which prostrated Dido, upon the -departure of the cruel AEneas. - -The queen-mother received this pale, but still lovely woman, most -graciously; gave her the royal hand to kiss, and smiled kindly. - -"It is an age since we have seen you, fair baroness; it appears as -if you will make yourself invisible, and forget entirely that we -rejoice to see you." - -"Your royal highness is most gracious to remind me of that," said -Madame von Morien, in a low tone; "death had almost made me forget -it, and assuredly I had not dared to approach you with this pale, -thin face, had not your majesty's flattering command given me -courage to do so." - -There was something in the low, suffering voice of Madame von Morien -which awakened sympathy, and even disarmed the anger of the queen -Elizabeth. What bitter tears had she shed, what jealous agony -endured, because of this enchanting woman! She saw her now for the -first time since the fete at Rheinsberg. Looking into this worn and -sorrowful face, she forgave her fully. With the instinct of a loving -woman, the queen understood the malady of her rival; she felt that -Madame von Morien was suffering from unrequited affection, and that -despair was gnawing at her heart. - -The king had now no glance, no greeting for his "enchanting -Leontine;" he continued the conversation with Algarotti and Chazot -quietly, and did not consider her profound and reverential -salutation as worthy of the slightest notice. - -Elizabeth Christine was pitiful; she gave her hand to be kissed, and -spoke a few friendly, kindly words, which touched the heart of the -beautiful Morien, and brought the tears to her eyes. The king, -although standing near, did not appear even to see her. - -"I have some news to announce to your majesty," he said, turning to -the queen-mother. "We are about to make Berlin a temple of science -and art, the seat of learning and knowledge. The Muses, should they -desire to leave Olympus, shall receive a most hospitable reception. -Now listen to the great news. In autumn Voltaire will visit us; and -Maupertius, the great scholar, who first discovered the form of the -earth, will come, as President of our Academy; and Buncauson, who -understands some of the mysteries of God, will also come to Berlin. -The celebrated Eulert will soon belong to us." - -"This is indeed glorious news," said Sophia; "but I fear that your -majesty, when surrounded with so many scholars, philosophers, and -historians, will entirely forget the poor ignorant women, and banish -them from your learned court." - -"That would be to banish happiness, beauty, mirth, and the graces; -and no one would expect such barbarism from the son of my noble and -exalted mother," said Frederick. "Even the Catholic Church is wise -enough to understand that in order to draw men into their nets, the -Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is not sufficient, they have -also called a lovely woman to their assistance, whose beauty and -pure mysterious maidenhood is the finest, most piquant and -intoxicating perfume of their gaudy religion. And what would the -great painters have been without women--without their lovely, their -bewitching sweethearts, whom they changed into holy maidens? From -luxurious women were designed the modest, shrinking Magdalens, -before whose mysterious charms the wise children of men bow the knee -in adoration. Ah, how many Madonnas has Raphael painted from his -Fornarina! and Correggio had the art to change his bewitching wife -into a holy saint. I must confess, however, we owe Correggio but -small thanks; I should have been more grateful had he painted us a -glowing woman, radiant with beauty, grace, and love. I, for my part, -have a true disgust for weeping, sighing Magdalens, who, when -wearied with earthly loves and passions, turn half way to heaven, -and swear to God the same oaths they have a thousand times sworn to -men and a thousand times broken. Now, if I were in God's place, I -would not accept these wavering saints. For my part I hate these -pale, tearful, sighing, self-destroying beauties, and the farcical -exhibition of their sufferings would never soften my heart." - -While the king was speaking his eye turned for the first time toward -Madame von Morion, and his glance rested long, with a cold and -piercing expression, upon her. She had heard every word he had -spoken, and every word was like a cold poisoned dagger in her heart; -she felt, although her eyes were cast down, that his stern look -rested upon her; she was conscious of this crushing glance, although -she saw it not; she had the power not to cry out, not to burst into -passionate tears, but to reply quietly to the queen, who in fact -questioned her, only with the good-humored intention of drowning the -hard and cruel words of the king. - -The queen wished to lead the conversation from the dangerous topic -of religion and give it another direction. "My son," she said, "you -have forgotten to mention another great surprise you have prepared -for us. You say nothing of the German and French journals which you -have presented to our good city of Berlin; but I assure you I await -with true impatience the day on which these journals appear, and I -am profoundly interested in these new and charming lectures which -make of politics an amusing theme, and give us all the small events -of the day." - -"Let us hope," said Frederick, "that these journals will also tell -us in the future of great events." Then assuming a gay tone he said: -"But your majesty forgets that you promised the ladies a dance, and -see how impatiently the little princesses look toward us; my sister -Amelia is trying to pierce me with her scornful glances, because I -have forced her to sit in her arm-chair like a maid of honor, for -such a weary time, when she longs to float about like a frolicsome -zephyr. To put a stop to her reproaches I will ask her to give me -the first dance." - -The king took his sister's hand and led her into the dancing saloon. - -The queens and court followed. "Now without doubt he will seek an -opportunity to speak to Laura von Pannewitz," thought the queen- -mother; "I must take measures to prevent it." She called Prince -Augustus William to her side. "My son," said she, "I have a favor to -ask of you." - -"Oh, your majesty has only to command." - -"I know that you are a good son, willing to serve your mother. -Listen; I have important reasons for wishing that the king should -not converse to-night, at least not alone, with Laura von Pannewitz; -I will explain my reasons to you another time. I beg you, therefore, -to pay court to Laura, and not to leave her side should the king -draw near. You will appear not to see his angry glances, but without -embarrassment join in the conversation, and not turn away from Laura -until the king has taken leave. Will you do this for me, my son?" - -"I will fulfil your royal commands most willingly," said the prince, -"only it will be said that I am making love to Laura von Pannewitz." - -"Well, let them say so, Laura is young and lovely, and does credit -to your taste. Let the court say what it will, we will not make -ourselves unhappy. But hasten, my son, hasten; it appears to me the -king is even now approaching Laura." - -The prince bowed to his mother, and with joy in his heart he placed -himself by the side of his beloved. - -The queen-mother, entirely at ease, took her seat at the card-table -with her daughter-in-law and their cavaliers, while the king amused -himself in the ball-room, and danced a tour with almost every lady. -He did not dance with Leontine; not once did his eye meet hers, -though her glances followed him everywhere with a tender, -beseeching, melancholy expression. - -"So sad!" whispered Madame von Brandt, who, glowing with beauty and -merriment, having just danced with the king, now took a seat by her -side. - -Madame von Morien with a sigh held out her small hand. "Dear -friend," said she, in a low voice, "you were right. I should not -have come here; I thought myself stronger than I am; I thought my -mourning would touch him, and awaken at least his pity." - -"Pity!" laughed Madame von Brandt; "men never have pity for women: -they worship or despise them; they place us on an altar or cast us -in the dust to be trodden under foot. We must take care, dear -Leontine, to build the altar on which they place us so high, that -their arms cannot reach us to cast us down." - -"You are right; I should have been more prudent, wiser, colder. But -what would you? I loved him, and believed in his heart." - -"You believed in the heart of a man! Alas! what woman can boast that -she ever closed that abyss and always retained the keys?" - -"Yes, the heart of man is an abyss," said Madame von Morien; "in the -beginning it is covered with flowers, and we believe we are resting -in Paradise; but the blossoms wither, and will no longer support us; -we fall headlong into the abyss with wounded hearts, to suffer and -to die." - -Madame von Brandt laid her hand, glittering with jewels, upon the -shoulder of her friend, and looked derisively into the poor pale -face. "Dear Morien," said she, "we cannot justly cast all the blame -upon the men, when the day comes in which they make themselves free -from the bonds of love. The fault is often the woman's. We misuse -our power, or do not properly use it. It is not enough to love and -to be loved. With love we must also possess the policy of love. This -policy is necessary. The women who do not know how to govern the -hearts which love them will soon lose their power. So was it with -you, my dear friend; in your love you were too much the woman, too -little the politician and diplomatist; and instead of wisely making -yourself adored, by your coldness and reserve you yielded too much -to your feelings, and have fallen into that abyss in which, poor -Leontine, you have for the moment lost your health and strength. But -that must not remain the case; you shall rise from this abyss, -proud, triumphant, and happy. I offer you my hand; I will sustain -you: while you sigh I will think for you; while you weep I will see -for you." - -Madame von Morien shook her head sadly. "You will only see that he -never looks at me--that I am utterly forgotten." - -"But when I see that, I will shut my eyes that I may not see it; and -when you see it, you must laugh gayly and look the more triumphant. -Dear friend, what has love made of you? Where is your judgment and -your coquetry? My God! you are a young maiden again, and sigh like a -child for your first love. However tender we may be, we must not -sacrifice all individuality; besides, being a woman you must still -be a coquette, and in a corner of your most tender and yielding -heart you must ever conceal the tigress, who watches and has her -claws ready to tear in pieces those whom you love, if they ever seek -to escape from you. Cease, then, to be the neglected, tear-stained -Magdalen, and be again the revengeful, cruel tigress. You have, -besides, outside of your love, a glittering aim--a member of the -Female Order of Virtue. To wear the cross of modesty upon your -chaste breast, what an exalted goal! And you will reach it. I bring -you the surest evidence of it; I bring you, as you wished, a letter -from the empress, written with her own hand. You see all your -conditions are fulfilled. The empress writes to you and assures you -of her favor; she assures you that the Order of Virtue will soon be -established. The king has not separated from his wife, and for this -reason you receive a letter from the empress. Now help to bring -about the marriage of the Prince Augustus William with the Princess -of Brunswick, and you will be an honored member of the Austrian -Order of Virtue. Here, take at once this letter of the empress." - -Madame von Brandt put her hand in her pocket to get the letter, but -turned pale, and said, breathlessly: "My God! this letter is not in -my pocket, and yet I know positively that I placed it there. A short -time before I joined you I put my hand in my pocket, and distinctly -felt the imperial seal. The letter was there, I know it. What has -become of it? Who has taken it away from me? But no, it is not -possible, it cannot be lost! I must have it; it must still be in my -pocket." - -Trembling with anxiety, with breathless haste Madame von Brandt -emptied her pocket, hoping that the luckless letter might be -sticking to her gold-embroidered handkerchief, or fastened in the -folds of her fan. She did not remember that her anxiety might be -observed; and truly no one noticed her, all were occupied with their -own pleasures. All around her was movement, life, and merry-making; -who would observe her? She searched again in vain, shook her -handkerchief, unfolded the large fan; the letter could not be found. -An indescribable anxiety overpowered her; had she lost the letter? -had it been stolen from her? Suddenly she remembered that while -engaged a short time before with Pollnitz she had drawn out her fan; -perhaps at the same time the letter had fallen upon the floor, and -Pollnitz might have found it, and might now be looking for Madame -von Morien in order to restore it. She searched in every direction -for Pollnitz. - -Madame von Morien had not remarked the anguish of her friend, or had -forgotten it. She was again lost in dreams; her eyes fastened on the -face of the young king, she envied every lady whose hand he touched -in the dance, to whom he addressed a friendly word, or gave a -gracious smile. "I see him no more," said she sadly. - -"Who?" said Madame von Brandt, once more searching her pocket. - -"The king," Morien answered, surprised at the question; "he must -have left the saloon; I saw him a few moments since in conversation -with Pollnitz." - -"With Pollnitz," said she eagerly, and she searched again in every -direction for him. - -Suddenly Madame von Morien uttered a low cry, and a rosy blush -overspread her fair pale face; she had seen the king, their eyes had -met; the sharp, observant glance of the king was steadily and -sternly fixed upon her. - -The king stood in a window corner, half hidden by the long, heavy -silk curtains, and gazed ever steadily at the two ladies. - -"I see the king," murmured Madame von Morien. - -"And I see Pollnitz standing near him," said Madame von Brandt, -whose eyes had followed the direction of her friend's. She thrust -her handkerchief into her pocket and opened her fan in order to hide -her reddened face behind it; the king's piercing look filled her -with alarm. "Let us walk through the saloons, dear Morien," said -she, rising up, "the heat chokes me, and I would gladly search a -little for the letter; perhaps it may yet be found." - -"What letter?" asked Madame von Morien, indifferently. Her friend -stared at her and said: - -"My God! you have not heard one word I have said to you!" - -"Oh, yes, that you had a letter to give me from the Empress of -Austria." - -"Well, and this letter I have lost here in these saloons." - -"Some one will find it; and as it is addressed to me, will -immediately restore it." - -"Dear Morien, I pray you in God's name do not seem so quiet and -indifferent. This is a most important affair. If I did not leave -this letter in my room, and have really lost it, we are in danger of -being suspected; in fact, in the eyes of the king we will be -considered as spies of Austria." - -At the name of the king Madame von Morien was attentive and -sympathetic. - -"But no one can read this letter. Was it sealed?" - -"Yes, it was sealed; but, look you, it was sealed with the private -seal of the empress, and her name stands around the Austrian arms. -Without opening the letter it will be known that it is from the -Empress of Austria, and will awaken suspicion. Hear me further; this -letter was enveloped in a paper which had no address, but contained -some words which will compromise us both if it is known that this -letter was addressed to me." - -"What was written in this paper?" said Madame von Morien, still -looking toward the king, who still stood in the window niche, and -kept his eyes fixed upon the two ladies. - -"The paper contained only the following words: 'Have the goodness to -deliver this letter; you see the empress keeps her word; we must do -the same and forget not our promises. A happy marriage is well -pleasing in the sight of God and man; the married woman is adorned, -the man crowned with virtue.'" - -"And this letter was signed?" - -"No, it was not signed; but if it falls into the hands of the king, -he will know from whom it comes; he is acquainted with the -handwriting of Manteuffel." - -"Come! come! let us look to it!" said Madame von Morien, now full of -anxiety; "we must find this unfortunate paper; come!" - -She took the arm of her friend and walked slowly through the -saloons, searching everywhere upon the inlaid floor for something -white. - -"You are right," said the king, coming from the window and following -the ladies with his eyes; "you are right. They are both searching -anxiously, and it was surely Madame von Brandt to whom the outer -covering of this letter was directed. Let them seek; they will find -as little as the eleven thousand virgins found. But now listen, -baron, to what I say to you. This whole affair remains a secret -known to no one. Listen well, baron; known to no one! You must -forget that you found this letter and gave it to me, or you will -believe it to be a dream and nothing more." - -"Yes, your majesty," said Pollnitz, smiling; "a dream, such as -Eckert dreamed, when he supposed the house in Jager Street to be -his, and awaked and found it to belong to your highness!" - -"You are a fool!" said the king, smiling; he nodded to Pollnitz and -joined the two queens, who had now finished their game of cards and -returned to the saloon. - -The queen-mother advanced to meet her son, and extended her hand to -him; she wished now to carry out her purpose and fulfil the promise -given to Duke Rhedern. She did not doubt that the king, who received -her with so much reverence and affection, would grant her request, -and the court would be again witness to the great influence, and -indeed the unbounded power which she had over her son. She stood -with the king directly under the chandelier, in the middle of the -saloon; near them stood the reigning queen and the princes and -princesses of the royal house. It was an interesting picture. It was -curious to observe this group, illuminated by the sharp light, the -faces so alike and yet so different in expression; blossoms from one -stem, and yet so unlike in greatness, form, and feature. The -courtiers drew near, and in respectful silence regarded the royal -family, who, bathed in a sea of light, were in the midst of them but -not of them. - -"My son," said the queen, in a clear, silvery voice, "I have a -request to make of you." The king kissed his mother's hand. - -"Madame, you well know you have no need of entreaty; you have only -to command." Sophia smiled proudly. - -"I thank your majesty for this assurance! Listen, then, my -chamberlain, Duke Rhedern, wishes to marry. I have promised him to -obtain your consent." - -"If my royal mother is pleased with the choice of her chamberlain, I -am, of course, also content; always provided that, the chosen bride -of the duke belongs to a noble family. What is the rank of this -bride?" - -The queen looked embarrassed, and smiling, said: "She has no rank, -your majesty." - -The king's brow darkened, "She was not born, then, to be a duchess. -Your chamberlain would do better to be silent over this folly than -to force a refusal from me. I hate misalliances, and will not suffer -them at my court." - -These loudly spoken and harsh words produced different impressions -upon the family circle of the king; some were cast down, others -joyful; some cheeks grew pale, and others red. Sophia blushed from -pleasure; she was now convinced that the king would not seek a -divorce from his wife, in order to form a morganatic marriage with -Laura von Pannewitz; and the queen-mother was of too noble and -virtuous a nature herself to believe in the possibility of a -mistress at the court of Prussia. The love of the king for the -lovely Laura appeared now nothing more than a poetical idyl, which -would soon pass away--nothing more! The words of the king made a -painful impression upon Augustus William; his brow clouded, his -features assumed a painful but threatening expression; he was in the -act of speaking, and opposing in the name of humanity and love those -cruel words of the king, as Elizabeth Christine, who stood near him -and observed him with tender sympathy, whispered lightly: - -"Be silent, my brother; be considerate." - -The prince breathed heavily, and his glance turned for comfort -toward the maids of honor. Laura greeted him with her eyes, and then -blushed deeply over her own presumption. Strengthened by this tender -glance from his beautiful bride, Augustus was able to assume a calm -and indifferent mien. - -In the meantime the queen-mother was not silenced by the words of -the king. Her pride rebelled against this prompt denial in the face -of her family and the court. Besides, she had given her royal word -to the count, and it must be redeemed. She urged, therefore, her -request with friendly earnestness, but the king was immovable. -Sophia, angry at the opposition to her will, was even the more -resolved to carry out her purpose. She had a few reserved troops, -and she decided to bring them now into the field. - -"Your majesty should, without doubt, protect your nobles from -unworthy alliances; but there are exceptional cases, where the -interest of the nobility would be promoted by allowing such a -union." Sophia Dorothea drew nearer to her son, and whispered -lightly: "Count Rhedern is ruined, and must go to the ground if you -forbid this marriage." - -The king was now attentive and sympathetic. "Is the lady very rich?" - -"Immensely rich, sire. She will bring the duke a million dollars; -she is the daughter of the rich silk merchant Orguelin." - -"Ah, Orguelin is a brave man, and has brought much gold into Prussia -by his fabrics," said the king, who was evidently becoming more -yielding. - -"It would be a great pity if this gold should be lost to Prussia," -said the queen. - -"What do you mean, madame?" - -"This Mademoiselle Orguelin, thanks to her riches, has many lovers, -and at this time a young merchant from Holland seeks her hand; he -has the consent of her father, and will also obtain hers, unless the -count knows how to undermine him," said the queen, thus springing -her last mine. - -"This must not be," said the king; "this Orguelin shall not marry -the rich Hollander! Those millions of crowns shall not leave -Prussia!" - -"But your majesty cannot prevent this girl from marrying the man of -her choice, and you cannot forbid her father to give her a portion -of his fortune." - -The king was silent a moment, and appeared to consider. He then said -to his mother: "Madame, you are an eloquent advocate for your -client, and no man can withstand you. I give way, therefore; Count -Rhedern has my consent to marry the Orguelin." - -"But even THAT is not sufficient," said the queen; "there is yet -another condition, without the filling of which this proud -millionnaire refuses to give her hand to the duke." - -"Ah, look you, the little bourgeoise makes conditions before she -will wed a count." - -"Yes, sire, she will become the wife of the count only with the -count's assurance that she will be presented at court, and be -received according to her new rank." - -"Truly," said the king, with ironical laughter, "this little -millionnaire thinks it an important point to appear at my court." - -"It appears so, sire; it seems that this is a greater glory than to -possess a count for a husband." - -The king looked thoughtfully before him, then raised his eyes to his -mother with a mocking smile. "Mother, you know I can refuse you -nothing; and as you wish it, Mademoiselle Orguelin, when she is -married, shall be received at my court as a newly baked countess. -But petition for petition, favor for favor. I promise you to receive -this new baked countess if you will promise me to receive the Count -Neal at your court?" - -"Count Neal," said the queen, "your majesty knows--" - -"I know," said the king, bowing, "I know that Count Neal is of as -good family as the new Countess of Rhedern; that he possesses many -millions which I have secured to Prussia by granting him his title. -So we understand each other. The new baked countess will be as well -received at my court as Count Neal will at yours." - -He gave the queen his hand, she laid hers unwillingly within it, and -whispered: "Ah, my son, you have cruelly overreached me." - -"Madame, we secure in this way three millions for Prussia, and they -weigh more than a few countly ancestors. The Prussia of the future -will triumph in battle through her nobles; but she will become -greater, more powerful, through the industry of her people than by -victory on the battle-field." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -UNDER THE LINDENS. - - -Linden Street, of Berlin, which is now the most brilliant and most -beautiful thoroughfare of that great city, was, in the year 1740, a -wild and desolate region. - -Frederick the First loved pomp and splendor. His wife, when told -upon her death-bed how much the king would mourn for her, said, -smiling: "He will occupy himself in arranging a superb funeral -procession; and if this ceremony is very brilliant, he will be -comforted." - -Frederick the First planted the trees from which this street takes -its name, to render the drive to the palace of Charlottenburg more -agreeable to the queen, and to conceal as much as possible the -desolate appearance of the surroundings; for all this suburb lying -between the arsenal and the zoological garden was at that time a -desolate and barren waste. The entire region, extending from the new -gate to the far-distant Behren Street, was an immense mass of sand, -whose drear appearance had often offended Frederick while he was -still the prince royal. Nothing was to be seen, where now appear -majestic palaces and monuments, the opera house and the catholic -church, but sand and heaps of rubbish. Frederick William the First -had done much to beautify this poor deserted quarter, and to render -it more fitting its near neighborhood to the palaces, which were on -the other side of the fortifications; but the people of Berlin had -aided the king very little in this effort. None were willing to -banish themselves to this desolate and remote portion of the city, -and the few stately and palatial buildings which were erected there -were built by the special order of the king, and at his expense. -Some wealthy men of rank had also put up a few large buildings, to -please the king, but they did not reside in them, and the houses -themselves seemed almost out of place. One of these large and -stately houses had not been built by a Count Dohna, or a Baron von -Pleffen, or any other nobleman, but by the most honorable and -renowned court tailor Pricker; and for the last few days this house -had rejoiced in a new and glittering sign, on which appeared in -large gilt letters, "Court Tailor to her majesty the dowager queen, -and to her majesty the reigning queen." But this house, with its -imposing inscription, was also surrounded by dirty, miserable -cabins. In its immediate neighborhood was the small house which has -already been described as the dwelling of poor Anna Schommer. - -A deep and unbroken silence reigned in this part of Berlin, and the -equipages of the royal family and nobility were rarely seen there, -except when the king gave an entertainment at Charlottenburg. - -But to-day a royal carriage was driven rapidly from the palace -through this desolate region, and toward the Linden Avenue. Here it -stopped, and four gentlemen alighted. They were the king; the royal -architect, Major Knobelsdorf; the grand chamberlain, Von Pollnitz; -and Jordan, the head of police and guardian of the poor. - -The king stood at the beginning of the Linden Avenue, and looked -earnestly and thoughtfully at the large desolate surface spread out -before him; his clear bright glance flew like lightning here and -there. - -"You must transform this place for me, Knobelsdorf; you must show -yourself a very Hercules. You have the ability, and I will furnish -the money. Here we will erect a monument to ourselves, and make a -glorious something of the nothing of this desert. We will build -palaces and temples of art and of religion. Berlin is at present -without every thing which would make it a tempting resort for the -Muses. It is your affair, Knobelsdorf, to prepare a suitable -reception for them." - -"But the Muses are willing to come without that," said Pollnitz, -with his most, graceful bow, "for they would discover here the young -god Apollo, who, without doubt, found it too tiresome in heaven, and -has condescended to become an earthly king." - -The king shrugged his shoulders. "Pollnitz," he said, "you are just -fitted to write a book of instructions for chamberlains and court -circles; a book which would teach them the most honied phrases and -the most graceful flatteries. Why do you not compose such a work?" - -"It is absolutely necessary, your majesty, in order to write a book -to have a quiet study in your own house, Where you can arrange every -thing according to your own ideas of comfort and convenience. As I -do not at present possess a house, I cannot write this book." - -The king laughed and said: "Well, perhaps Knobelsdorf can spare a -small spot here, on which to erect your Tusculum. But we must first -build the palace of the queen-mother, and a few other temples and -halls. Do you not think, Jordan, that this is a most suitable place -on which to realize all those beautiful ideals of which we used to -dream at Rheinsberg? Could we not erect our Acropolis here, and our -temples to Jupiter and Minerva?" - -"In order to convince the world that it is correct in its -supposition," said Jordan, smiling, "that your majesty is not a -Christian, but a heathen, who places more faith in the religion of -the old Greeks than in that of the new Church fathers." - -"Do they say that? Well, they are not entirely wrong if they believe -that I have no great admiration for popery and the Church. This -Church was not built by Christ, but by a crafty priesthood. -Knobelsdorf, on this spot must stand the temple of which I have so -often dreamed. There is space to accomplish all that fancy could -suggest or talent execute." - -"Then the palace of the dowager queen must not be placed here?" -asked Knobelsdorf. - -"No, not here; this place has another destination, of which I will -speak further to you this evening, and learn if my plan has your -approval. I dare say my most quarrelsome Jordan will make some -objections. Eh bien, nous verrons. We will proceed and seek a -situation for the palace of the queen." - -"If your majesty will permit me," said Pollnitz, while the king with -his three companions passed slowly down the Linden Avenue, "I will -take the liberty of pointing out to you a spot, which appears most -suitable to me for this palace. It is at the end of the avenue, and -at the entrance to the park; it is a most beautiful site, and there -would be sufficient room to extend the buildings at will." - -"Show us the place," said the king, walking forward. - -"This is it," said Pollnitz, as they reached the end of the avenue. - -"It is true," said the king, "here is space enough to erect a -palace. What do you think, Knobelsdorf, will this place answer?" - -"We must begin by removing all those small houses, your majesty; -that would, of course, necessitate their purchase, for which we must -obtain the consent of the possessors, who would, many of them, be -left shelterless by this sudden sale." - -"Shelterless!" said the king; "since Jordan has become the father of -the poor, none are shelterless," as he glanced toward his much- -beloved friend. "This spot seems most suitable to me. The palace -might stand on this side; on that a handsome public building, -perhaps the library, and uniting the two a lofty arch in the Grecian -style. We will convert that wood into a beautiful park, with shady -avenues, tasteful parterres, marble statues, glittering lakes, and -murmuring streams." - -"Only a Frederick could dream it possible to convert this desolate -spot into such a fairy land," said Jordan, smiling. "For my part, I -see nothing here but sand, and there a wood of miserable stunted -trees." - -The king smiled. "Blessed are they who believe without having seen," -he said. "Well, Knobelsdorf, is there room here to carry out our -extensive plans?" - -"Certainly; and if your majesty will furnish me with the requisite -funds, the work can be begun without delay." - -"What amount will be required?" - -"If it is all executed as your majesty proposes, at least a -million." - -"Very well, a million is not too much to prepare a pleasure for the -queen-mother." - -"But," said Pollnitz, "will not your majesty make those poor people -acquainted with their fate, and console them by a gracious word for -being compelled to leave their homes? It has only been a short time -since I was driven by the rain to take shelter in one of those -houses, and it made me most melancholy, for I have never seen such -want and misery. There were starving children, a woman dying of -grief, and a drunken man. Truly as I saw this scene I longed to be a -king for a few moments, that I might send a ray of happiness to -brighten this gloomy house, and dry the tears of these wretched -people." - -"It must have been a most terrible sight if even Pollnitz was -distressed by it," cried the king, whose noble countenance was -overshadowed with sorrow. "Come, Jordan, we will visit this house, -and you shall assist in alleviating the misery of its inhabitants. -You, Knobelsdorf, can occupy yourself in making a drawing of this -place. Lead the way, Pollnitz." - -"My desire at last attained," thought Pollnitz, as he led the king -across the common. "It has been most difficult to bring the king -here, but I am confident my plan will succeed. Dorris Ritter -doubtless expects us; she will have considered my words, and -yielding to her natural womanly coquetry, she will have followed my -counsel, and have made use of the clothing I sent her yesterday." - -They now stood before the wretched house which Pollnitz had -indicated. - -"This house has truly a most gloomy appearance," said the king. - -"Many sad tears have been shed here," said Pollnitz, with the -appearance of deep sympathy. - -The door of the shop was merely closed; the king pushed it open, and -entered with his two companions. No one came forward to meet them; -silence reigned in the deserted room. - -"Permit me, your majesty, to go into that room and call the woman; -she probably did not hear us enter." - -"No, I will go myself," said the king; "it is well that I should -occasionally seek out poverty in its most wretched hiding-place, -that I may learn to understand its miseries and temptations." - -"Ah! my king," said Jordan, deeply touched, "from to-day your people -will no longer call you their king, but their father." - -The king stepped quickly to the door which Pollnitz had pointed out; -the two gentlemen followed, and remained standing behind him, -glancing curiously over his shoulder. - -The king crossed the threshold, and then stood motionless, gazing -into the room. "Is it possible to live in such a den?" he murmured. - -"Yes, it is possible," replied a low, scornful voice; "I live here, -with misery for my companion." - -The king was startled by this voice, and turned toward that side of -the room from which it proceeded; only then seeing the woman who sat -in the farthest corner. She remained motionless, her hands folded on -her lap; her face was deadly pail, but of a singularly beautiful -oval; the hair encircling her head in heavy braids, was of a light, -shining blond, and had almost the appearance of a halo surrounding -her clear, pale face, which seemed illumined by her wonderful eyes. - -"She has not made use of the things which I sent," thought Pollnitz; -"but I see she understands her own advantages. She is really -beautiful; she looks like a marble statue of the Virgin Mary in some -poor village church." - -The king still stood gazing, with an earnest and thoughtful -expression, at this woman, who looked fixedly at him, as if she -sought to read his thoughts. But he remained quiet, and apparently -unmoved. Did the king recognize this woman? did he hear again the -dying melodies of his early youth? was he listening to their sweet, -but melancholy tones? Neither Pollnitz nor Dorris Ritter could -discover this in his cold, proud face. - -Jordan broke this silence by saying gently, "Stand up, my good -woman, it is the king who is before you." - -She rose slowly from her seat, but her countenance did not betray -the least astonishment or pleasure. - -"The king!" she said; "what does the king desire in this den of -poverty and misery?" - -"To alleviate both poverty and misery if they are undeserved," said -the king softly. - -She approached him quickly, and made a movement as if she would -offer him her hand. "My wretchedness is undeserved," she said, "but -not even a king can alleviate it." - -"Let me, at least, attempt to do so. In what can I assist you?" - -She shook her head sadly. "If King Frederick, the son of Frederick -William the First, does not know, then I do not." - -"You are poor, perhaps in want?" - -"I do not know--it is possible," she said absently; "how can I among -so many pains and torments distinguish between despair and anguish, -and want and privation?" - -"You have children?" - -"Yes," she said, shuddering, "I have children, and they suffer from -hunger; that I know, for they often pray to me for bread, when I -have none to give them." - -"Why does not their father take care of them; perhaps he is not -living?" - -"He lives, but not for us. He is wiser than I, and forgets his grief -in drink, while I nourish the gnawing viper at my heart." - -"You have, then, nothing to ask of me?" said the king, becoming -indignant. - -She gazed at him long and searchingly, with her great piercing eyes. -"No," she said harshly. "I have nothing to ask." - -At this moment the door was thrown open, and the two children, Karl -and Anna, ran in, calling for their mother; but they became silent -on perceiving the strangers, and crept shyly to her side. Dorris -Ritter was strangely moved by the appearance of her children; her -countenance, which had borne so hard an expression, became mild and -gentle. She grasped the hands of the two children, and with them -approached the king. - -"Yes, your majesty, I have a petition to make. I implore your pity -for my children. They are pure and innocent as God's angels; let not -the shame and misery of their parents fall upon their heads. King -Frederick, have pity on my children!" - -And overcome by her emotions and her anguish, this unhappy woman -sank with her children at the feet of the king. The king regarded -her thoughtfully, then turned to Jordan. - -"Jordan," said he, "to you I intrust the care of these children." - -The wretched woman started to her feet, and pressed her children to -her arms with an expression as terrified and full of agony as that -of the noble and touching statue of the Greek Niobe. - -"Ah! you would tear my children from me! No, no, I ask nothing; we -need no mercy, no assistance; we will suffer together; do not -separate us. They would cease to love me; they would learn to -despise me, their mother, who only lives in their presence; who, in -the midst of all her sorrow and grief, thanks God daily upon her -bended knees that he gave her these children, who alone have saved -her from despair and death." - -"You have uttered very wild and godless words," said the king. "You -should pray to God to make your heart soft and humble. To be poor, -to suffer from hunger, to have a drunken husband, are great -misfortunes, but they can be borne if you have a pure conscience. -Your children shall not be parted from you. They shall be clothed -and taught, and I will also see what can be done for you. And now -farewell." - -And the king, bowing slightly, turned toward the door, and in doing -so placed a few pieces of gold on the table. Dorris had watched -every movement; she started wildly forward and seized the gold, -which she handed to the king. - -"Your majesty," she said, with flashing eyes, "I only implored mercy -for my children; I did not beg for myself. My sufferings cannot be -wiped out with a few pieces of gold." - -The countenance of the king assumed a most severe expression, and he -threw an annihilating glance on this bold woman, who dared to oppose -him. - -"I did not give the gold to you, but to your children," he said; -"you must not rob them." He then continued more gently: "If you -should ever need and desire assistance, then turn to me; I will -remember your poverty, not your pride. Tell me your name, therefore, -that I may not forget." - -The poor, pale woman glanced searchingly at him. "My name," she said -thoughtfully, as if to herself, "King Frederick wishes to know my -name. I am called--I am called Anna Schommer." - -And as she replied, she placed her hand upon the head of her little -daughter, as if she needed a support. Thus she stood trembling, but -still upright, with head erect, while the king and his suite turned -toward the door. Her son, who had kept his eyes upon the king, now -followed him and lightly touched his mantle. - -His mother saw it, and raising her arm threateningly, while with the -other she still supported herself by leaning on her child, she -cried: "Do not touch him, my son. Kings are sacred." - -Frederick, already standing on the threshold, turned once more; his -great, luminous eyes rested inquiringly on this pale, threatening -figure. An indescribably sad smile played upon his features, but he -spoke no word; and slowly turning, he passed through the door, and -hurried silently from the shop. - -Dorris Ritter uttered a low cry when she no longer saw him; her -hands slid powerless from the head of her child, and hung heavily at -her side. The child, thus set at liberty, hurried out to gaze at the -king and his escort. - -The poor woman was all alone--alone with her grief and painful -memories. She stood for a long time motionless and silent, as if -unconscious, then a dull, heavy groan escaped from her breast, and -she fell as if struck by lightning. "He did not even know me," she -cried. "For him I suffer pain and misery, and he passes by, and -throws me the crumbs of benevolence which fall from his bountiful -table." For many minutes she lay thus broken and trembling; then, -suddenly excited by pride and revenge, she arose, with a wild gleam -in her eyes. She raised her hand as if calling upon God to witness -her words, and said solemnly, "He did not recognize me to-day, but a -day will come on which he shall recognize me--the day on which I -avenge my wretched and tormented life! He is a royal king and I a -poor woman, but the sting of a venomous insect suffices to destroy -even a king. Revenge I will have; revenge for my poisoned -existence." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE POLITICIAN AND THE FRENCH TAILOR. - - -Without, the scene had changed in the meanwhile. The attention of -the people had been attracted to the king's presence by the royal -equipage which was slowly driving down the street, and one and all -hurried from their houses to see and greet their handsome young -monarch. Men and women, young and old, were running about -confusedly, each one inquiring of his neighbor why the king had -come, and where he might now be, as his carriage was apparently -awaiting him. And why was that fat man, who was seated on the -sidewalk, sketching this sandy place with its poor little houses? - -Even the proud and self-satisfied Mr. Pricker had not considered it -beneath his dignity to descend to the street door, where he took his -stand surrounded by his assistants and apprentices. - -"It is said the king has gone into the house of Schommer, the -grocer," said one of his assistants, returning from a reconnoissance -he had made among the noisy and gossiping multitude. - -Mr. Pricker shook his head gravely. "He must have been misinformed, -for he undoubtedly intended coming to this house and paying me a -visit, an intention which would be neither novel nor surprising in -my family. None of the rulers of the house of Hohenzollern have as -yet neglected to pay a visit to the house of Pricker. The present -king will not fail to observe this noble custom, for--" - -The worthy Mr. Pricker was interrupted by the shouts of the people. -The king had appeared upon the streets, and was greeted with -vociferous cheers, amid the waving of hats and handkerchiefs. - -Mr. Pricker, observing with intense satisfaction that the king had -turned and was advancing in the direction of his house, stepped -forward with a self-gratulatory smile, and placed himself -immediately at the side of the king's path. But the king passed by -without noticing him. On this occasion he did not return the -greeting of the people in quite so gracious a manner as usual; his -eye was dim, and his brow clouded. Without even favoring the smiling -and bowing Pricker with a glance, he passed on to the carriage which -awaited him in front of the court dressmaker's. The king entered -hastily, his cavaliers following him, and the carriage drove off. -The shouting of the populace continued, however, until it -disappeared in the distance. - -"Why do these poor foolish people shout for joy?" grumbled Mr. -Pricker, shrugging his shoulders. Now that the king had taken no -notice of him, this man was enraged. "What do they mean by these -ridiculous cries, and this waving of hats? The king regarded them as -discontentedly as if they were vermin, and did not even favor them -with a smile. How low-spirited he is! his not recognizing me, the -court dressmaker of his wife, shows this conclusively. It must have -been his intention to visit me, for his carriage had halted -immediately in front of my door; in his depression he must have -entirely forgotten it." - -The crowd had begun to disperse, and but a few isolated groups could -now be seen, who were still eagerly engaged in discussing the king's -appearance. - -At a short distance from Mr. Pricker were several grave and -dignified citizens, dressed in long coats ornamented with immense -ivory buttons, and wearing long cues, which looked out gravely from -the three-cornered hats covering their smooth and powdered hair. - -Mr. Pricker observed these citizens, and with a friendly greeting -beckoned to them to approach. "My worthy friends, did you also come -to see the king?" - -"No, we were only passing, but remained standing when we saw the -king." - -"A very handsome young man." - -"A very wise and learned young king." - -"And still--" - -"Yes, and still--" - -"Yes, that is my opinion also, worthy friends," sighed Mr. Pricker. - -"The many innovations and ordinances; it terrifies one to read -them." - -"Every day something new." - -"Yes, it is not as it was in the good old times, under the late -lamented king. Ah, we then led a worthy and respectable life. One -knew each day what the next would bring forth. He who hungered to- -day knew that he would also do so on the morrow; he who was rich to- -day knew that he would still be so on the morrow. Ours was an honest -and virtuous existence. Prudence and propriety reigned everywhere; -as a husband and father, the king set us an exalted example." - -"It is true, one ran the risk of being struck occasionally; and if a -man had the misfortune to be tall, he was in danger of being -enrolled among the guards," said another. "But this was all. In -other respects, however, one lived quietly enough, smoked his pipe, -and drank his pot of beer, and in these two occupations we could -also consider the king as our model and ideal." - -"But now!" - -"Yes, now! Every thing changes with the rapidity of the wind. He who -but yesterday was poor, is rich to-day; the man who was rich -yesterday, is to-day impoverished and thrown aside; this was the -fate of the Privy Counsellor von Eckert. I worked for him, and he -was a good customer, for he used a great many gloves, almost a dozen -pair every month; and now I have lost this good customer by the new -government." - -"But, then, Eckert deserved it," said the fat beer brewer. "He -oppressed the people, and was altogether an arrogant puffed-up -fellow, who greeted nobody, not even myself. It serves him right -that the king has taken the new house in Jager Street away from him; -there was justice in that." - -"But the late lamented king had given it to him, and his last will -should have been honored." - -"Yes, that is true; the last will of the late lamented monarch -should have been honored," they all exclaimed with earnest gravity. - -"Oh, we will have to undergo a great many trials," sighed Mr. -Pricker. "Could you believe, my friends, that they contemplate -depriving us of our respectable cue, and replacing it with a light, -fantastic, and truly immoral wig?" - -"That is impossible! That can never be! We will never submit to -that!" exclaimed the assembled group, with truly Grecian pathos. - -"They wish to give us French fashions," continued Pricker; "French -fashions and French manners. I can see the day coming when we will -have French glovemakers and shoemakers, French hair-dressers and -beer-brewers; yes, and even French dressmakers. I see the day coming -when a man may with impunity hang out a sign with French -inscriptions over his shop-door, and when he who intersperses his -honest German with French phrases, will no longer be well beaten. -Ah, the present king will not, like his lamented predecessor, have -two girls arrested because they have said 'charmant;' he will not, -with his own hands, belabor the young lads who have the assurance to -appear on the streets in French costumes, as the deceased king so -often did. Every thing will be different, but not better, only more -French." - -"Yes, could it be believed," exclaimed the fat beer-brewer, "that -they think of crying down beer, the favorite beverage of the late -lamented king, which, at all events, should be holy in the sight of -his son? At court no more beer will be drank, but only French wines; -and he who wishes to be modern and acceptable at court will turn up -his nose at the beer-pot, and drink mean and adulterated wines. Yes, -even coffee is coming into fashion, and the coffee-house keeper in -the pleasure-garden, who, up to the present time, was only permitted -to make coffee for the royal family and a few other rich people at -court, has not alone received permission to serve coffee to -everybody, but every innkeeper may do the same thing." - -"And have you heard," asked the glovemaker gloomily, "that the two -hotel-keepers in Berlin, Nicolai and St. Vincent, have their rivals, -and will no longer keep the only houses where a good dinner can be -had for money? Two French cooks have already arrived, and one of -them has opened a house in Frederick Street, the other one in King -Street, which they call 'Restauration.'" - -"Yes," said the shoemaker with a sigh, "I went to the French house -in Frederick Street yesterday, and ate a meal out of curiosity. Ah, -my friends, I could have cried for rage, for I am sorry to say that -it was a better meal than we could ever get at Nicolai's or St. -Vincent's; moreover I paid less for it." - -"It is a shame. A Frenchman comes here and gives a better and -cheaper dinner than a native of Berlin," said Mr. Pricker. "I tell -you we will all have much to endure; and even my title is -insufficient to protect me from insult and humiliation, for it might -happen that--" - -Mr. Pricker suddenly became silent and stared toward the centre of -the street, astonishment and curiosity depicted on his countenance -and on that of his friends, who followed the direction of his -glances. - -And in truth a very unusual spectacle presented itself to these -worthy burghers. A carriage was slowly passing along the street -drawn by two weary and smoking horses. This carriage was of the -elegant and modern French make, now becoming fashionable at court, -and was called a chaise. As the top was thrown back, its occupants -could very well be seen. - -On the front seat were three persons. The first was a man of grave -and earnest demeanor and commanding appearance. His tall and well- -made figure was clad in a black velvet coat with little silver -buttons, ornamented on the sleeves and breast with elegant lace -ruffles. His hair, which was turning gray, was twisted in a knot at -the back of his head, from which a ribbon of enormous length was -pendant. A small three-cornered hat, of extraordinary elegance, -rested on the toupet of curls which hung down on either side of his -head and shaded the forehead, which displayed the dignity and -sublimity of a Jupiter. - -At his side sat two females, the middle one an elderly, grave- -looking lady; the other a beautiful young girl, with smiling lips, -glowing black eyes, and rosy cheeks. The elegant and graceful attire -of these ladies was very different from the grave and sober costume -of the women of Berlin. Their dresses were of lively colors, with -wide sleeves bordered with lace, and with long waists, the low cut -of which in front displayed in the one the beauty and freshness of -her neck; and in the other, the richness of a guipure scarf with -which her throat was covered. Their heads were covered with immense -toupets of powdered hair, surmounted by little velvet hats, from -which long and waving ribbons hung down behind. - -On the back seat were three other young ladies dressed in the same -style, but less richly. This first carriage was followed by a -second, which contained six young men in French costumes, who were -looking around with lively curiosity, and laughed so loudly that the -worthy burgher who stood in front of Pricker's house could hear -every word they uttered, but unfortunately could understand nothing. - -"Frenchmen!" murmured Mr. Pricker, with a slight shudder. - -"Frenchmen!" echoed his friends, staring at this novel spectacle. - -But how? Who was that standing by the first carriage which had -halted in front of Mr. Pricker's house? Who was that speaking with -the young girl, who smilingly leant forward from the carriage and -was laughing and jesting with him? How? Was this young man really -the son and heir of Mr. Pricker? Was he speaking to these strangers, -and that, too, in French? Yes, Mr. Pricker could not deceive -himself, it was his son; it was William, his heir. - -"How? Does your son speak French?" asked the glovemaker, in a -reproachful tone. - -"He so much desired to do so," said Mr. Pricker, with a sigh, "that -I was forced to consent to give him a French teacher." - -William, who had observed his father, now hurried across the street. -The young man's eyes glowed; his handsome face was enlivened with -joy; his manner denoted eagerness and excitement. - -"Father," said he, "come with me quickly! These strangers are so -anxious to speak with you. Just think how fortunate! I was passing -along the Charlottenburg road when I met the travellers. They -addressed me in French, and inquired for the best hotel in Berlin. -It was lucky that I understood them, and could recommend the 'City -of Paris.' Ah, father, what a beautiful and charming girl that is; -how easy and graceful! In the whole city of Berlin there is not so -beautiful a girl as Blanche. I have been walking along by the side -of the carriage for half an hour, and we have been laughing and -talking like old friends; for when I discovered who they were, and -why they were coming to Berlin, I told them who my father was -directly, and then the old gentleman became so friendly and -condescending. Come, father, Mr. Pelissier longs to make your -acquaintance." - -"But I do not speak French," said Mr. Pricker, who, notwithstanding -his antipathy to Frenchmen, still felt flattered by this impatience -to make his acquaintance. - -"I will be your interpreter, father. Come along, for you will also -be astonished when you hear who this Mr. Pelissier is." And William -drew his father impatiently to the carriage. - -Mr. Pricker's friends stood immovable with curiosity, awaiting his -return with breathless impatience. At last he returned, but a great -change had taken place in Mr. Pricker. His step was uncertain and -reeling; his lips trembled, and a dark cloud shaded his brow. He -advanced to his friends and regarded them with a wild and vacant -stare. A pause ensued. The hearts of all beat with anxiety, and an -expression of intense interest was depicted on every countenance. At -last Mr. Pricker opened his trembling lips, and spoke in deep and -hollow tones: - -"They are Frenchmen! yes, Frenchmen!" said he. "It is the new tailor -sent for by the king. He comes with six French assistants, and will -work for the king, the princes and the cavaliers of the court. But -he is not only a tailor but also makes ladies' clothing; and his -wife and daughter are the most celebrated dressmakers of Paris; they -also are accompanied by three female assistants, and expect to work -for the queen, the princesses, and the entire court." - -"But that is impossible," exclaimed his friends. "The laws of our -guild protect us. No woman can carry on the business of a tailor." - -"Nevertheless they will do so," said Pricker; "the king has accorded -them this privilege. Yes, every thing will now be different, -handsomer and better. The king summons these French dressmakers to -Berlin, and the monsters ask my advice. They wish to know of me how -they are to demean themselves toward the members of the guild. The -new French dressmaker asks advice of me, of the court dressmaker -Pricker! Ha, ha, ha! is not that laughable?" And Mr. Pricker broke -out into a loud, wild laugh, which made his friends shudder, and -then sunk slowly into the arms of the glover. His son William, who -had been a witness of this scene, hurried to his father's -assistance, and carried him into the house. - -From his carriage Mr. Pelissier looked proudly down upon the poor -tailor. "The good master has fainted," said he with an Olympic -smile. "And he has good reason, for ruin is before him. He is a lost -man; for how could he, an unknown German tailor, dare to compete -with Pelissier, the son of the celebrated tailor of Louis the -Fourteenth? That would evince an assurance and folly with which I -could not credit even a German brain." - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE DOUBLE RENDEZVOUS. - - -The little maid of honor, Louise von Schwerin, was walking with -quick steps up and down her room; she had locked her door to secure -herself from interruption. She wished to read once more the -mysterious note found yesterday in the bunch of flowers, and once -more to meditate undisturbed upon its contents. Louise knew the note -was from the handsome gardener Fritz Wendel; from him came the -beautiful flowers she found daily upon the sill of her window, and -he only could have concealed the note amongst them. There were but a -few lines, entreating her to meet him that night at eight o'clock, -in the grotto of the conservatory, where she should learn an -important and dangerous secret. - -"What can the secret be?" asked Louise of herself, after reading the -note again and again. "Perhaps," she said, with a roguish smile, -"perhaps he thinks that his love for me is a secret. Dangerous it -certainly is for him and for me, but a secret it is not. I am -certain that he loves me, but it must be very sweet to be told so; -to hear his lips confess at last what until now I have only read in -those eloquent eyes. Alas! is it not fearful, intolerable, to wait -so long for a declaration of love? Two months so near each other, -but not one moment of sweet, unrestrained intercourse; always hemmed -in by this cold, ceremonious, stupid court life; surrounded by spies -and eavesdroppers; never alone, never free. Is it not terrible to -have a sweetheart, and never to have refused him a kiss, because he -has never had the opportunity to demand one? They say there is -rapture in the first kiss of your lover--in his first embrace. I -must know this for myself, that they may no longer laugh and say I -am a silly child without experience. I will have my experience! I -will have my love affairs as well as the other ladies of the court, -only mine shall be more extraordinary, more romantic. To be loved by -a baron or a count is indeed commonplace; but to be adored by a -gardener, who is beautiful as the god Apollo, and whose obscure -birth is his only fault--this is original, this is piquant. Ah, -Madame von Brandt laughed at me yesterday, at my stupidity and -innocence; she was merry at my expense, because I had never been -kissed, never received a stolen embrace, which she declared to be -the most charming event in a woman's life. All the ladies laughed at -me as she said this, and called me an unbaked roll left out in the -cold--which never felt the fire. They shall laugh at me no longer," -cried Louise, with spiteful tears in her eyes and stamping her -little foot. "No one shall mock at me again; and if they do, I will -tell them I too have a lover; that I have had a declaration of love, -and have received my lover's first kiss. I must be able to say this, -and therefore I will meet Fritz this evening in the grotto of the -conservatory." Even while saying this she was seized with a cold -trembling; one moment her heart stood still, and then almost -suffocated her with its rapid beating. A soft voice seemed to warn -her against this imprudence; she seemed to see the pale face of her -mother, and to hear her living counsels: "Do not go, Louise, Frit -Wendel is no lover for Louise von Schwerin." Her guardian angel -spread once more his white wings around her, longing to protect and -save. But, alas! she heard another voice, breathing flattering words -and sweet promises. She saw a beautiful youth with his soft, large, -hazel eyes fixed imploringly upon her. Louise felt the irresistible -charm of the forbidden, the disallowed, the dangerous. Louise closed -her ear to the warning voice; her good genius had no power over her. -"I will go," she said, and a rosy blush suffused her childish -cheeks; "nothing shall prevent me!" Louise was now quite resolved; -but she was not at peace with herself, and from time to time she -hoped some unexpected occurrence, some unconquerable obstacle, would -prevent her from taking this imprudent step. No difficulty arose; -chance seemed to favor her meeting with her obscure lover. - -Sophia Dorothea was to visit her daughter-in-law at Schonhausen, not -as a queen, but without pomp and splendor. The two eldest maids of -honor only would accompany her. Neither Louise von Schwerin nor -Laura von Pannewitz were to be of the party. Sophia was glad that at -least for a few hours she would not see the lovely, sad face, and -soft, melancholy eyes of Laura, nor hear the low and plaintive tones -of her accusing voice. The king had gone to Potsdam, it was -therefore unnecessary to watch Laura. Indeed, of late the queen -scarcely believed in this love, of which she had been so confident; -she had tried in vain to discover any trace of an understanding -between Laura and the king. Frederick scarcely noticed Laura, and -had spoken to her but once since that stormy day; then he had -laughingly asked her why she was so pale and languishing, and if it -was an unhappy love which made her look so mournful. Since that day -the queen no longer believed in the passion of the king for Laura, -and she reproached Madame von Brandt with having misled her. - -Madame von Brandt smiled mysteriously. "I did not say, your majesty, -that the king loved Laura; your suspicions fell upon him, and I did -not undeceive you." - -"And why not?" said the queen angrily; "why did you not make known -to me the name of Laura's lover?" - -"Because I had solemnly sworn not to disclose it," said Madame von -Brandt. - -"Is it not the king? then all the better for my poor Laura." - -"Still, I venture to implore your majesty to induce my dear young -friend to accept the hand of Count Voss; she will thus perhaps be -cured of her unhappy and hopeless passion." - -Sophia was resolved to follow this advice; she therefore drove to -Schonhausen to see the young queen, and consult with her as to the -most efficacious means of accomplishing this result. Louise von -Schwerin thought the queen might still change her mind and command -her to accompany her; she hoped and feared this at the same time. -She would have wept bitterly at this result, but she knew it would -be best for her. Between anxiety and hope, doubts and fears, the -time passed slowly. - -"There rolls a carriage from the court," said Louise; she heard the -loud cries of the guard and the beating of the drums. - -It was the queen leaving for Schonhausen. Louise was now free, now -unobserved; nothing could prevent her from going to the grotto. With -trembling steps and a quickly beating heart she slipped through the -dark alleys of the garden and entered the conservatory. All was -still and wrapped in a sweet twilight. The delightful odor of orange -blossoms filled the place; which, like the subtle vapor of opium, -intoxicated her senses. Breathless with fear and expectation she -entered the grotto; her eyes were blinded by the sudden darkness, -and she sank to the ground. - -"Thank God," she murmured softly, "I am alone, he is not here! I -shall have time to recover, and then I can return; I am so -frightened--I ought not to have come. Perhaps the ladies of the -court have arranged this practical joke at my expense. Yes, that is -it. It was folly to believe he would dare to ask me to meet him; he -is too timid--too humble. Yes, it is a trap laid for me, and I have -fallen into it." - -She rose hastily to fly back to the palace; but it was too late; a -strong arm was gently thrown around her neck, and she was drawn back -to her seat. She tried to free herself, but could not; she heard the -loud beating of his heart, which found an echo in her own; she felt -his lips pressed to hers, but her childish modesty was aroused; she -found she had the wish and courage to free herself. - -"Let me go!" she cried breathlessly; "let me go! do not hold me a -moment! I will go! I will go this instant! How dare you treat me in -this manner? How and why did you come?" and Louise, who was now -free, remained standing to hear his reply. - -"How did I come here?" said the handsome gardener, in a submissive -but pleading tone. "Every night for four weeks I have worked upon -this subterranean alley; this dark path, which should lead me here -unseen. While others slept and dreamed I worked; and also dreamed -with working eyes. Mine were happy dreams. My work was done, and I -could reach this consecrated spot unseen. I saw in my vision an -angel, whom I adore, and to whom I have consecrated every hour, -every moment of my life. Look, Mademoiselle, at the opening behind -that large orange tree, that is the way to my paradise; through that -opening I can reach a staircase, leading to a small cellar; another -pair of steps takes me to a trap-door leading directly to my room. -You can well imagine it required time, and strength, and courage to -prepare this way." - -Louise approached the opening curiously. This strange path made for -her sake affected her more than all Fritz Wendel's words. Only a -mighty love could have moved a man in the darkness and alone to such -a task. Louise wished to conquer her confusion and to hide her -embarrassment with light mockery and jesting. - -"Truly," she said, laughing, "this is a dark and mysterious passage, -but any one with a light would discover it. You know her majesty has -the saloon illuminated occasionally in the evening, and takes her -tea here." - -"No one will find this opening," said the gardener. He pushed the -wooden tub, in which the orange-tree grew, with his foot; it gave -way to a slight touch, and turned round over the opening. "Look, -Mademoiselle, the tree covers my secret." - -"Open it! open it! I pray you, I must see it!" - -"I will do so if you promise me not to leave me immediately." - -"I promise! I promise!" - -Fritz Wendel pushed back the orange-tree, then lifting Louise gently -in his arms, he carried her to the grassplot, and seating her, he -threw himself on his knees before her, and bowed, as if in -adoration. - -"You are my queen, the sovereign of my soul! I lay myself at your -feet, as your slave. You alone can decide my fate. You can raise me -to the heaven of heavens, or cast me in the dust. Say only the -little words 'I love you!' this will give me strength and power to -brave the whole world. I will acquire fame and honor, and at no -distant day before God and the whole world I will demand your hand! -If you say, 'Remain where you are, at my feet is your proper place; -I despise the poor gardener, who dares to love the high-born lady!' -then I will die; if I live I shall go mad. My brain reels at the -thought of such wretchedness. I can die now, and bless you in dying; -if I live in my madness I shall curse you for your cruelty." - -He ceased, and raised his handsome face pleadingly to hers. Louise -was speechless; she was intoxicated with the music of his voice and -impassioned words. - -"You do not answer me! Oh! before you cast me off consider my agony. -The heart you despise contains a treasure of love and tenderness. No -other man can love you as I do. You are my light and life. You are -beautiful and fascinating; many will love you and seek your hand. -Who but the poor gardener will die for you if you say no? To me you -are more than the most lovely of women, you are a goddess! Oh, you -know not what you have already made of me! what you will still make -of me! When I saw you for the first time I was a poor, ignorant -gardener, loving nothing but my flowers; knowing no language. The -great book of nature was my only study. Since that glorious day in -which I looked upon you as a radiant, heavenly vision, I have -realized my poverty; I have blushed at my ignorance. My life has -been one great effort to make myself worthy of you. Now, Louise, -command me. What shall I do? What shall I become? If you do not -despise and laugh at my love, if you love me a little in return, if -you have hope, courage, and patience to wait, I will be worthy of -you!" - -"Alas!" said Louise, "this is the dream of a madman. The king and my -noble and proud family would never consent that I should become your -wife." - -"As to the king," said Fritz, carelessly, "I would find means to -obtain his consent, and honor and distinction, at his hands." - -"I understand," said Louise, "the secret you intended to tell me-- -tell it now," she exclaimed, with a child's eager curiosity. - -"Listen," said he, rising from his knees--"listen, but do not let us -betray ourselves by loud words or exclamations." - -"I hear steps," said Louise. "Oh, if we should be discovered!" - -"Fear nothing; look there, Louise!" Her eye followed the direction -of his hand. - -Under the laurel-tree sat Laura von Pannewitz, and before her knelt -Prince Augustus William, radiant with happiness, and covering her -hands with kisses. - -"Laura, my bride, my darling, when will the day come in which I can -call you mine to all eternity?" - -"That day will come when I am dead," said Laura, with a sad smile. -"Yes, my prince, only when I am dead shall I be free to love you, -and to pray for you. My freed spirit shall hover around you as your -guardian angel, and protect you from all dangers. Oh, if I could die -now, and fulfil this noble mission!" Louise was so absorbed in this -scene that she did not notice Fritz Wendel as he drew near and again -threw his arm around her. - -"Look at them," he murmured; "he is a royal prince, and she only a -poor maid of honor; he loves her, and she accepts his love, and -fears no shame." - -Louise laid her hand impatiently upon his lips and whispered, -"Hush!" he covered her hand with kisses; they listened with subdued -breathing to the pure and ardent vows of the two lovers. - -For one moment Laura, carried away by her own feelings and the -earnest words of her lover, allowed him to press his lips to her -cheek, and returned his vows of love and constancy. But at this -moment Louise heard the soft voice of Laura entreating her lover to -leave her, and not to make her blush for herself. - -"Promise me," she cried, "never again to embrace me; our love must -remain pure, and only when we fear not God's holy eye, dare we pray -to Him for assistance. Let us retain the right to shed innocent -tears over our unhappy love, and lay it as a sacrifice at the foot -of God's throne in that day when the world shall separate and -despise us." - -"No one shall dare to do that, Laura; you are my future wife; I -shall be ever near to defend you with my life's blood! But I promise -what you ask; I will restrain my heart; only in dreams will I -embrace you; I swear this, my beloved. But the day will come when -you will cancel this vow--the day when I will claim you before God -and man as my wife!" - -Laura took his hand with a sweet, confiding smile: "I thank you, -darling, I thank you, but now we must part." - -"Part! alas, we shall not meet again for weeks. I am commanded to -accompany the king on a pleasure trip; for me there is but one -earthly pleasure, to see you--to be at your side." - -"Go," she said, smiling; "go without fear; we can never forget each -other; however widely separated, you are always before me; I am -always with you, although you see me not." - -"Yes, Laura, there is not one moment of my life in which I do not -see and hear you!" - -"Well, then, go cheerfully with the king. Our hearts understand each -other; our souls are inseparable." - -The prince took her hand and pressed it to his heart, then silently -they left the saloon. - -Louise had long since freed herself from her lover, and she now -arose, resolved to return to the palace. Fritz Wendel tried to -detain her, but the weak and foolish child had gathered courage from -the modest words and dignified example of Laura. - -"If you touch me again, you have seen me for the last time! I will -never again return to this grotto!" Fritz Wendel was encouraged by -her words; he had not asked her to return, and she had half promised -to do so. - -"I will not dare to touch you again," he said, humbly; "but will you -not promise me to come again?" - -"Well, I suppose I shall have to come again to hear the end of poor -Laura's romance." - -"This romance can be of great use to us," he said, seizing her hand -and pressing it to his lips; "if mademoiselle accepts my love and -allows me to hope I may one day become her husband, I will sell this -secret to the king, and thus obtain his consent." - -"You would not be so cruel as to betray them to the king?" - -"Yes, there is nothing I would not do to obtain your hand." - - - - -BOOK III. - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE INTRIGUING COURTIERS. - - -"You are right," said Baron Pollnitz, "yes, you are right, dear -Fredersdorf; this is not the way to vanquish our Hercules or to -influence him. He has no heart, and is not capable of love, and I -verily believe he despises women." - -"He does not despise them," said Fredersdorf, "he is wearied with -them, which is far worse. Women are always too ready to meet him; -too many hearts have been given him unasked; no woman will ever have -power over him." - -"How, what then, my dear friend?" cried Pollnitz. "There are means -to tame every living creature; the elephant and the royal lion can -be tamed, they become under skilful hands gentle, patient, and -obedient: is there no way to tame this king of beasts and hold him -in bondage? Unless we can ensnare him, we will be less than nothing, -subject to his arbitrary temper, and condemned to obey his will. -Acknowledge that this is not an enviable position; it does not -correspond with the proud and ambitious hopes we have both been for -some time encouraging." - -"Is it possible that when the king's chamberlain and a cunning old -courtier like myself unite our forces the royal game can escape our -artful and well-arranged nets?" - -"Dear Fredersdorf, this must not, this shall not be. It would be an -everlasting shame upon us both." - -"What an unheard-of enormity, a king without a powerful and -influential favorite!" - -"Frederick shall have two, and as these places are vacant, it is but -natural that we should strive to occupy them." - -"Yes," said Fredersdorf, "we will seize upon them and maintain our -position. You called the king a young Hercules--well, this Hercules -must be tamed." - -"Through love of Omphale." - -"No, not exactly, but Omphale must lead him into a life of luxury, -and put him to sleep by voluptuous feasts. Call to mind how the -Roman Emperor Heliogabalus killed the proud and ambitious senators -who wished to curtail his absolute power." - -"I am not so learned as you are, my dear friend, and I confess -without blushing that I know nothing of Heliogabalus." - -"Listen, then: Heliogabalus was weary of being but the obedient -functionary of the senate; he wished to rule, and to have that power -which the senate claimed as its own. He kept his ambitious desires -to himself, however, and showed the senators a contented and -submissive face. One day he invited them to a splendid feast at his -villa; he placed before them the most costly meats and the choicest -wines. They were sitting around this luxurious table, somewhat -excited by drink, when the emperor arose and said with a peculiar -smile: 'I must go now to prepare for you an agreeable surprise and -practical joke, which you will confess has the merit of -originality.' He left the room, and the tipsy senators did not -observe that the doors were locked and bolted from without. They -continued to drink and sing merrily; suddenly a glass door in the -ceiling was opened, and the voice of Heliogabalus was heard, saying: -'You were never satisfied with your power and glory, you were always -aspiring after new laurels; this noble thirst shall now be -satisfied.' A torrent of laurel wreaths and branches now fell upon -the senators. At first they laughed, and snatched jestingly at the -flying laurels. The most exquisite flowers were now added, and there -seemed to be no end to the pelting storm. They cried out, 'Enough, -enough,' in vain; the wreaths and bouquets still poured upon them in -unceasing streams; the floor was literally a bed of roses. At last, -terror took possession of them; they wished to escape, and rushed to -the doors, but they were immovable. Through the sea of flowers, -which already reached their knees, they waded to the window, but -they were in the second story, and below they saw the Roman legions -with their sharp weapons pointed in the air. Flight was impossible; -they pleaded wildly for mercy, but the inexorable stream of flowers -continued to flow. Higher and higher rose the walls around them; -they could no longer even plead for pity; they were literally buried -in laurels. At last nothing was to be seen but a vast bed of roses, -of which not even a fragrant leaf was stirred by a passing breeze. -Heliogabalus had not murdered his senators; he had suffocated them -with sweets, that was all. Well, what do you think of my story?" -said Fredersdorf. - -"It is full of interest, and Heliogabalus must have been poetical; -but I do not see the connection between the emperor and ourselves." - -"You do not?" said his friend impatiently; "well, let us follow his -example. We will intoxicate this mighty king with enervating -pleasures, we will tempt him with wine and women, we will stifle him -with flowers." - -"But he has no taste for them," said Pollnitz, sighing. - -"He does not care for the beauty of women, but he has other -dangerous tastes; he has no heart, but he has a palate; he does not -care for the love of women, but he enjoys good living--that will -make one link in his fetters. Then he loves pomp and splendor; he -has so long been forced to live meanly that wealth will intoxicate -him; he will wish to lavish honors and rain gold upon his people. -Frederick William has stowed away millions; we will help the son to -scatter them." - -"This will be a new and thrillingly agreeable pastime, in the -ordering of which he could not have a better adviser than yourself, -baron." - -"While Frederick and yourself are building new palaces and planning -new amusements, I will rule, and help him to bear the burden of -state affairs." - -"You will help him to scatter millions, and I will collect from the -good Prussians new millions for him to scatter. It is to be hoped -that some heavy drops from this golden shower will fall into my -purse," said Pollnitz. "My finances are in an unhealthy state, and -my landlord threatens to sell my furniture and my jewels, because -for more than a year I have not paid my rent. You see now, -Fredersdorf, that I must have that house in Jager Street. I count -upon it so surely that I have already borrowed a few thousand -dollars from some confiding noble souls, whom I have convinced that -the house is mine." - -"You shall have it," said Fredersdorf; "the king will give it to you -as a reward for the plans you have drawn for the new palaces." - -"Has he seen them?" - -"Yes, and approves them. The papers are in his desk, and need but -his royal signature." - -"Ah!" said Pollnitz, "if they were but signed! What a glorious life -would commence here! we would realize the Arabian Nights; and Europe -would gaze with dazzled eyes at the splendor and magnificence of our -court. How vexed the treasurer, Boden, will be when the king -commands him to disburse for our revels and vanities the millions -which he helped the late king to hoard together for far different -purposes! This Boden," said Pollnitz thoughtfully, "will be our most -dangerous opponent: you may believe this; I am somewhat versed in -physiognomy. I have studied his countenance; he is a bold, -determined man, who, when irritated, would even brave the king. All -the other ministers agree with our plans, and will not stand in our -way. They are not dangerous; I have made a compromise with them; -they have resolved to think all we do right. But Boden was -inflexible; he would not understand my secret signs or hints; -flattery has no power over him, and he is alike indifferent to -promises and threats. All my dexterously aimed arrows rebounded from -the rough coat-of-mail with which his honesty has clothed him." - -"Do not concern yourself about Boden," cried Fredersdorf, "he is a -lost man; he falls without any aid from us. The king hates him, and -is only waiting for an opportunity to dismiss him. Have you not -noticed how contemptuously he treats him--never speaks to him or -notices him, while he loves to chat with his other ministers? -Frederick did not dismiss him from office at once, because the old -king loved him. Boden was his treasurer and confidential friend, -from whom he had no secrets; the king has therefore been patient; -but his sun is set, of that you may be convinced. The king, though -he seems not to notice him, watches him closely; one incautious -movement and he will be instantly dismissed. This may happen this -very day." - -"How?" said Pollnitz. - -"The king has adopted the plan, which he had ordered Knobelsdorf to -sketch for him, for the new palace of the dowager-queen. It is to be -a colossal wonder--the capitol of the north! the building of which -will cost from four to five millions! These millions must come from -Boden's treasury; he must respect the royal order. If he does, he is -an unscrupulous officer, and the king can no longer put faith in -him. If he dares oppose the royal command, he is a traitor, and the -king, who demands silent and unconditional obedience from his -officers, will dismiss him. The king feels this himself, and when he -gave me these documents, he said, with a peculiar smile, 'This is a -bitter pill for Boden--we will see if he is able to swallow it.' You -see, now, that our good Boden stands between two pitfalls, from both -of which he cannot hope to escape alive." - -"Ah, if this is true," said Pollnitz, gayly, "our success is -assured. The house in Jager Street will be mine, and you will be an -influential minister. We will govern the ruler of Prussia, and be -mighty in the land. Only think how all the courtiers will bow before -us! The king will do nothing without our advice. I will make more -debts. I will be as generous as Fouquet, and as lavish and luxurious -as Lucullus; and if at last all my resources fail, I will do as -Heliogabalus did; if my creditors become troublesome, the old Roman -shall teach me how to silence them by some refinement in -hospitality." - -"And I, the lowly born," said Fredersdorf, "who have so long been a -slave, will now have power and influence. The king loves me; I will -be a true and faithful servant to him. I will be inflexible to those -who have scorned me; those proud counts and barons, who have passed -me by unnoticed, shall now sue to me in vain. The king's heart is -mine, and I will be sustained by him. This tamed lion shall be drawn -by prancing steeds in gilded chariots; we will anoint him with honey -and feed him with nightingales' tongues; he shall bathe in Lachrymae -Christi, and all that the most fantastic dream and the wildest -flights of fancy can imagine shall be set before him. Those good -epicurean Romans, who threw young maidens into their ponds for their -eels to feed upon, in order that their meat might be tender and -juicy, were sickly sentimentalists in comparison with what I shall -be--"he stopped, for the door opened, and Boden, their hated enemy, -stood before them. They looked upon him indifferently, as a doomed -adversary. Boden approached quietly, and said to Fredersdorf: - -"Have the kindness to announce me to his majesty." - -"Has his majesty sent for you?" said Fredersdorf, carelessly. - -"He has not sent for me, but please say to his majesty that I am -come to speak with him on important business." - -Fredersdorf stepped into the adjoining room, and returned quickly, -saying with a triumphant and malicious smile: "The king says he will -send for you when he wishes to speak with you. These were his exact -words; accommodate yourself to them in future." - -The minister's countenance was perfectly calm; his lip slightly -trembled; but he spoke in his usual grave, composed manner: "The -king may not desire to see me; but I, as an officer and minister of -state, have the most urgent reasons for desiring an audience. Go and -tell him this." - -"These are proud, disrespectful words," said Pollnitz, smiling -blandly. - -"Which I will faithfully report to his majesty," said Fredersdorf. - -"I fear your excellency will pay dearly for this speech," whispered -Pollnitz. - -"Fear nothing for me," said Boden, with a quiet smile. - -"His majesty awaits you," said Fredersdorf, still standing at the -door. Boden walked proudly by Fredersdorf, casting upon him a look -of contempt, who returned it with a mocking grin. - -"The fox is caught," he whispered, as the door closed upon him. - -"Do you think so?" said Pollnitz. "I am surprised and somewhat -anxious at the king's receiving him." - -"Fear nothing, he is but received to be DISMISSED. The king's eye -flamed, and his brow, usually so clear, was heavily clouded; this -betokens storms; may they break upon Boden's devoted head! Come, let -us watch the tempest; there is nothing more instructive than a royal -hurricane." - -"Let us profit by the occasion, then." - -The two courtiers slipped noiselessly to the door and pushed the -curtains carefully to one side, so as to see and hear clearly. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE KING AND SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. - - -The king received the secretary with a solemn and earnest bow. He -stood leaning upon his writing-table, his arms folded, and his -glance fixed upon Boden. Many a bold man had trembled at the eagle -glance of Frederick, but Boden looked up clear, and betrayed neither -confusion nor hesitation. - -"You insisted positively upon seeing me," said Frederick, sternly; -"let me hear now what you have to say." - -"I have much to say, and I must bespeak patience and indulgence; I -fear that my words will seem dry and tedious to your majesty." - -"Speak; I will myself determine how far I can grant you patience and -indulgence." - -"Your majesty is a fiery but noble and learned gentleman; besides -this, you are young, and youth has a daring will--can renew the old -and lumbering wheel and push the world forward in her progress. Your -majesty will, can, and must do this; God has given you not only the -power, but the intellect and strength. Your majesty will change many -things and inaugurate new measures. The old times must give way -before the new era. I saw that the first time I looked into my young -king's eye--in that bold eye in which is written a great and -glorious future for Prussia; I understood that we, who had served -the sainted king, might not appear worthy or young enough to carry -out the purposes of the royal successor of Frederick William. I -waited, also, for my dismissal; but it came not. Your majesty did -not remove me from my office, and I confess this gave me pleasure. I -said to myself, The king will not destroy, he will improve; and if -he believes that his father's old servants can help him in that, so -will we serve him and carry out his purposes with a holy zeal. I -know the secret machinery of state. The king concealed nothing from -me. I will explain all this to the young king; I will make him -acquainted with this complicated and widely spread power; I will -have the honor to make known to him my knowledge of the revenue and -its uses. I rejoiced in the hope that I may yet serve my -fatherland.'" - -"These are very friendly and perhaps well-meant propositions which -you are making me," said the king, with a light laugh. "Happily, -however, I do not need them. I know already what is necessary, and -as I have found amongst the papers of my father all the accounts of -the states-general, you can understand that I know exactly what I -receive as revenue and what I am to disburse. Besides all this, I -will not fatigue myself in minute details on this subject; I do not -deem it of sufficient importance. My time is much occupied, and I -have more important and better things to do than to weary myself -over dull questions of finance." - -"No, majesty," cried Boden, "you have nothing more important or -better to do. The finances are the blood-vessels of the State, and -the whole body would sicken and die if these vessels should be -choked or irregular in their action." - -"Then must we call the lancet to our aid," said the king. "I am the -physician of this revenue, you are the surgeon only when I need the -lancet; then will you strike the vein, and allow so much golden -blood to flow as I think good and necessary." - -"No, this will I not do!" said Boden, resolutely; "your majesty can -dismiss me, but you cannot force me to act against my conscience." - -"Boden!" cried the king in so loud and angry a tone that even the -two listening courtiers trembled and turned pale. - -"This man is already a corpse," whispered Pollnitz. "I already -smell, even here, the refreshing fragrance of his body. We will bury -him, and be his smiling heirs." - -"Look, look at the fearful glance of the king!" whispered -Fredersdorf; "his eyes crush the over-bold, even as the glance of -Jove crushed the Titans. Yes, you are right, Boden is a dead man. -The king is so filled with scorn, he has lost the power of speech." - -"No, he opens his lips, let us listen." - -"Boden," said the king, "you forget that you speak with the son, and -not with the father. You were the favorite of Frederick William, but -you are not mine; and I will not suffer this inconsiderate and self- -confident manner. Remember that, and go on." - -"So long as I am in your service," said the minister, with a slight -bow, "it is my first and my holiest duty to express my opinions -freely to your majesty, to give you counsel according to the best of -my strength and my ability. It remains with your majesty to reject -my advice and to act differently, but still according to the -constitution of the State." - -"The first duty of a servant is to give his counsel only when it is -demanded; as I did not desire yours, you might have spared yourself -this trouble." - -"Your majesty did not ask my counsel, that is true," said the -minister; "you only remembered me when you had commands to give as -to the emptying of the royal treasury. Your majesty thought you had -no use for your finance minister, as you had all the papers relating -to the states general. Every one of your majesty's ministers is -acquainted with these matters, and yet they would not feel able to -decide the question of the disbursing of the kingly revenue, to say -under what circumstances, and conformably to the powers of the -States, this revenue should be disposed of. This, my king, requires -a special knowledge, and I, as minister of finance, dare boast that -I understand this matter." - -The king's brow became more and more clouded. "That may be," said -he, impatiently, "but I am not willing to be restrained in my -operations by narrow-minded laws; I will not live meanly like my -father, and think only of gathering millions together." - -"Nor did King Frederick William live for that," said the minister -boldly; "he lived economically, but where there was want, he knew -how to give with a truly royal hand; this is proved by the -provinces, by the cities and villages which he built out of dust and -ashes; this is proved by the half million of happy men who now -inhabit them in peace and comfort. More than three millions of -dollars did the king give to Lithuania, which was a howling -wilderness, filled with famine and pestilence, until relieved by the -generosity of their monarch; and while doing this he watched with -close attention the accounts of his cook and spent but little money -on the royal table. No! The king did not only gather millions -together; he knew how to disburse them worthily." - -"This man must be crazy," whispered Pollnitz; "he dares to praise -the dead king at the expense and in the teeth of the living; that is -indeed bold folly, and must lead to his destruction. The king has -turned away from him; see, he goes to the window and looks without; -he will give himself time to master his scorn and conquer the desire -which he feels to crush this daring worm to the earth. I tell you," -said Pollnitz, "I would give Boden a hundred glasses of champagne -from my cellar in the Jager Street if I could see the king punish -him with his own hands." - -The king turned again to the minister, who looked at him like a man -who dared all and was resigned to all; he thought, with Pollnitz and -Fredersdorf, that the king would crush him in his wrath. But -Frederick's face was calm, and a strangely mild glance beamed in his -eye. - -"Well, if you praise my father for disbursing millions, so will you -also be content with me, for it is my purpose zealously to imitate -him. I will begin by putting my court upon a truly royal footing; I -will live as it becomes the King of Prussia. The necessary -preparations are already commenced, and a detailed plan lies now -upon the table; I will sign it to-day." - -"May I read it, your majesty?" said Boden. - -The king nodded, Boden took the paper and glanced hastily over it, -while the king folded his arms behind him and walked backwards and -forwards. - -"I find the king wondrously wearisome and patient," murmured -Fredersdorf; "it is not his manner generally to withhold so long his -crushing glances." - -"And with what derisive laughter that man there reads my plan!" said -Pollnitz, gnashing his teeth; "truly one might think he was making -sport of it." - -"Have you read it?" said the king, standing still before Boden, and -looking at him sharply. - -"Yes, your majesty, I have read it." - -"Well, and what think you of it?" - -"That only Pollnitz, who it is well known has no gold, and is only -acquainted with debt, could have drawn out such a plan, for the -realization of which, not only Prussian gold, but a fountain of gold -from the Arabian Nights would be necessary." - -"I swear I will break this fellow's neck!" said Pollnitz. - -A faint smile might be seen on the lips of Frederick. "You do not -approve of this plan?" said he. - -"Your majesty, we have no strong box from which this sum can be -abstracted, and if you are resolved to take from the State treasury -the sum necessary for this purpose, so will this also be exhausted -during the first year." - -"Well, let us leave this plan for the present, and tell me how you -stand as to the means necessary to build the palace of the queen- -mother. Have you received my instructions?" - -"I have received them." - -"And you have disbursed the sum necessary?" - -"No, sire, I cannot." - -"How! cannot, when I your king and lord command it?" - -Boden bowed respectfully. "Your majesty, there is a greater lord-- -that is, my conscience; my conscience forbids me to take this sum -from the strong box designated. You require four millions of -dollars, and you desire that this sum shall be taken from the money -set apart for the maintenance of the army and the assistance of -famished and suffering villages and towns. I acknowledge that the -court of his sainted majesty was somewhat niggardly, and that you, -sire, may justly find some changes necessary. If, however, it is -determined to use for this purpose the funds set apart for other -important objects, then must your majesty impose new and heavy taxes -upon your subjects, or you must diminish the army." - -"Diminish my army!" said the king; "never, never shall that be -done!" - -"Then, sire, if the building of a palace is absolutely necessary, -take the sum for this purpose from your royal treasury; it contains -now seven millions of dollars, and as there is no war in prospect, -you may well use four millions of the seven in building a castle." - -"No, this will not do!" said Frederick. "This money is set apart for -other objects; you shall take these four millions from the -designated sources." - -"I have had already the honor to show your majesty the consequence -of such a course. You declare you will not diminish the army: it -only remains then to impose a new tax." - -"Do that, then," said the king, indifferently; "write a command for -a new tax; that is your affair." - -The minister looked at the king in painful surprise, and a profound -sorrow was painted in his face. - -"If this must be so, your majesty," said he, with a deeply moved -voice, "then is the hour of my dismissal at hand, and I know what I -have to do; I am no longer young enough to bear the burden of a -portfolio; I belong to the old and cautious time, and my ideas do -not suit the young era. I ask your majesty, in all humility and -submission, to give me my dismissal. Here is the paper which -contains the plan of the palace; you will readily find another who -will obey your commands. I am not sufficiently GROWN for this post -of finance minister. I beg also for my dismissal." - -"AT LAST," said the king, with glistening eyes. - -"At last!" repeated Pollnitz; "truly it was a long time before this -cowardly man could be brought to the point." - -"Did I not tell you that the king was resolved to get rid of Boden?" -said Fredersdorf; "but let us listen! no, why should we listen? -Boden has handed in his resignation, and the king has accepted it. I -confess my back aches from this crouching position; I will go and -drink a glass of champagne to the health of the new minister of -finance." - -"You must not go. The king asked for you as Boden was announced, and -commanded that we should wait here in the ante-room until called, as -he had something of importance to communicate. Without doubt he will -present me to-day with the deed of the house in Jager Street. Look! -in the last window niche I see a pair of very inviting chairs; let -us make ourselves comfortable." - -The king had said "At last!" as Boden offered his resignation; after -a short silence he added: "It seems to me that you hesitated a long -time before resigning." - -"It is true," said Boden sadly; "I certainly had occasion to take -this step earlier, but I still hoped I might be useful to my king." - -"And this hope has not deceived you," said Frederick, drawing near -to Boden, and laying his hand on his shoulder; "I cannot accept your -resignation." - -Boden looked up amazed. The king's face was beautiful to behold--a -touching and gentle expression spoke in every noble feature; his -light-blue eye beamed with gladness and goodness. - -"How! Your majesty will not accept my resignation?" - -"No, it would be great folly in me," said Frederick, in a tone which -brought tears to the eyes of the minister; "it would be great folly -to deprive myself of so noble and faithful a servant. No, Boden, I -am not so great a spendthrift as to cast away such a treasure. Now -in order that you may understand your king, I will make you a -confession: you had been slandered to me, and my distrust awakened. -It was said of you that you filled the State treasury while the -people hungered; it was said of you that you were resolved to hold -on to your office, and therefore carried out the commands of the -king, even though unjust to the people. I wished to prove you, -Boden, to see if you had been SLANDERED or justly charged; I handled -you, therefore, contemptuously; I gave you commissions which were -oppressive; I drew upon the treasury so as to exhaust it fully; I -wished to know if you were only a submissive servant or an honest -man; I had long to wait, and your patience and forbearance were -great. To-day I put you to the extremest proof, and by God! if you -had carried out my unjust and unwise instructions, I would not only -have deprived you of your office, but I would have held you to a -strict account. You would have been a dishonest servant, who, in -order to flatter the king, was willing to sin against the people. -The welfare of my people is holy to me, and they shall not be -oppressed by new taxes. Praised be God! I can say I understand my -duties; may every ruler do the same. May they keep their eyes -steadily fixed upon their great calling; may they feel that this -exaltation, this rank of which they are so proud, so jealous, is the -gift of the people, whose happiness is intrusted to them; that -millions of men have not been created to be the slaves of one man, -to make him more terrible and more powerful. The people do not place -themselves under the yoke of a fellow-man to be the martyrs of his -humor and the playthings of his pleasure. No, they choose from -amongst them the one they consider the most just, in order that he -may govern them; THE BEST, to be their father; the most humane, that -he may sympathize and assist them; the bravest, to defend them from -their enemies; the wisest, that they may not be dragged without -cause into destructive wars--the man, in short, who seems to them -the best suited to govern himself and them; to use the sovereign -power, to sustain justice and the laws, and not to play the tyrant. -These are my views of what a king should be, and I will fulfil my -calling, so help me God! You, Boden, must stand by and give me -honest help." - -In the eyes of the minister might be seen joyful tears and a noble -ambition; he bowed low and kissed the extended hand of the king. - -"How gracious has God been to my fatherland in giving it such a -prince!" - -"You will not, then, insist upon your resignation?" said the king. -"You are content to serve me, provided I do not diminish my army, -and do not impose new taxes upon the people?" - -"I will be proud and happy to serve my king," said Boden, deeply -moved. - -"I must tell you, Boden, this will be no light service, and my -ministers will be hereafter less important personages than they have -supposed themselves to be; I shall closely observe them all, and -shall require much work of them, but I myself will be diligent. It -seems to me an idle prince is a poor creature, that the world has -little use for. I am resolved to serve my country with all my -powers; but I will stand alone, independent, self-sustaining. My -ministers will only be my instruments to carry out my purposes; they -will have much to do, and have no influence. I will have no -favorite, and never consult any other will than my own; but I shall -require of them to express their opinions frankly and without fear -in answer to my questions, and that they shall not fail to call my -attention to any errors I may commit, either through haste or want -of judgment." - -"All this I will do," said Boden, deeply moved. "So truly as God -will give me strength, I will serve my king and my fatherland -faithfully to the end." - -"We are agreed, then," said Frederick; "you will remain my minister. -If you had not demanded your dismissal, I should have given it to -you. I should have seen that you were justly accused, and were -determined to remain minister at any price. Thank God, you have -proved to me that you are an honest man! But," said the king, "you -are not only an honest man, but a bold, unterrified, truthful man; a -true friend, grateful for benefits received, you do not cease to -love your king and benefactor, even after his death. You have had -the courage to defend the dead king, and to reproach his successor. -The king cannot thank you for this; but as a son, I thank you--I -say, 'Come to my heart, true and faithful servant.' We kings are too -poor to reward our servants in any other way than by confiding -love." The king opened his arms and pressed Boden to his heart, who -wept aloud. "And now," cried the king, "we understand each other, -and know what we have to expect, and that is always a great gain in -this world, full of disappointment, hypocrisy, and cunning. I will -now give you a proof that I do not close my ear to the reasonable -counsels of my minister, and that I am ready to offer up my personal -wishes; I will not build this palace for my mother; you have -convinced me that I have not the income to do so. I cannot take four -millions from the State treasury. This money will soon be needed for -a more important object. But some changes are absolutely necessary -in the royal palace; it must be made more worthy of a king. Take, -therefore, these plans and designs; strike from them what you -consider superfluous. Let me know what additions you think it best -to adopt, and from what source we can draw the necessary funds." -[Footnote: "History of Berlin," Thiebault.] - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -THE UNDECEIVED COURTIER. - - -At the time that the king was placing the extravagant plans, which -Baron von Pollnitz had drawn up, into the hands of his minister of -finance, the baron was waiting in the ante-room, in a state of -smiling security, entertaining his friend Fredersdorf with an -account of his own future splendor and magnificence, speaking -especially of the entertainments which he intended giving in his new -house in Jager Street. When at length the door of the royal cabinet -was opened, and the minister of finance entered the ante-room, -Pollnitz and Fredersdorf stood up, not however to greet the -minister, but to pass him with a cold, contemptuous smile on their -way to the door of the cabinet. The smile died suddenly on -Pollnitz's lips, and he stood as if transfixed before the minister. - -"What are those papers which you hold?" he asked, extending his hand -as if he would tear the papers from Baron von Boden. - -The minister pushed him back, as he carelessly shrugged his -shoulders. "These are papers which his majesty handed me, that I -might examine their contents, and see if they contained any thing -but folly." - -"Sir," said Pollnitz, beside himself with rage, "these papers--" but -he became suddenly silent, for the door of the cabinet was opened -again, and the king entered the room. - -He glanced scornfully at Pollnitz, who was scarcely able to conceal -his anger, and approached Baron von Boden. "One thing more, -minister," said the king, "I had forgotten that I had prepared a -little surprise for you; I am aware that you are not rich, although -you are the minister of finance, and I understand that you live in a -limited way, scarcely worthy of your rank. We must alter this, and -happily I know a house which even Baron von Pollnitz declares is -worthy a nobleman. I present this house to you, with its entire -contents. From this moment it is yours, and Baron von Pollnitz must -go with you, and show it to you; he can point out to you all the -advantages and conveniences which he has so often praised to me." - -Pollnitz stood pale, trembling, and confused. "I do not know of what -house your majesty speaks," he stammered, "of what house I can have -said that it was worthy of the minister of finance." - -"Not of the minister of finance, but of a nobleman, and Boden is a -nobleman, not only in name but in reality; and is entirely worthy to -possess the house which I have presented to him. You are well -acquainted with it, Pollnitz; it is the house which my father had -built for Eckert, the beautiful house in Jager Street." - -"The house in Jager Street!" cried Pollnitz, forgetting the -restraint which the presence of the king usually imposed. "No, no, -your majesty is pleased to jest. You do not mean the house in Jager -Street, that house which--" - -"That house," interrupted the king, in a stern voice, "that house -which pleased you so well, that you, as foolish children sometimes -do, confused reality with your dreams, and imagined that this house -already belonged to you, merely because you desired that it should -do so. I would have smiled at this childish folly, if it had -remained an amusement for your unemployed fancy; but you have -deceived others as well as yourself, and that is an unpardonable -fault, and one which you must repair immediately, if you do not wish -to be dismissed from my service." - -"I do not understand your majesty; I do not know how I have -forfeited the favor of my king." - -The king glanced angrily at the pale, trembling courtier. "You -understand perfectly, Baron von Pollnitz, of which fault, amongst -the many that you daily and hourly commit, I speak. You know that it -has pleased you to declare the house, which I have just presented to -Boden, to be yours, and that you have found credulous people who -have lent you money on that representation." - -"Will your majesty grant me a favor?" said Minister von Boden, -glancing kindly at Pollnitz, who stood near him crushed and -trembling. - -The king consented by bowing silently, and the minister proceeded: - -"Your majesty has just made me most rich and happy, and I consider -it my duty, as it is my pleasure, to share both riches and happiness -with my fellow-creatures. Baron von Pollnitz, by the commands of the -late king, executed the plans for the house which your majesty has -so kindly presented to me; he also selected the decorations and -furniture, and this may have led him to believe that the house, -which had been built and furnished according to his taste, might -become his own. I am much indebted to Pollnitz, for a man so plain -and simple as I am would never have been able to make this house so -tasteful and elegant. Permit me, therefore, your majesty, to -liquidate this debt by considering the small mortgage which Baron -von Pollnitz has put upon this house, as my affair." - -"What reply do you make to this proposition?" said the king, turning -to Pollnitz. - -"That if your majesty allows me I will accept it with pleasure, and -I merely wish to ask the minister whether he will only take up those -mortgages which I have already put upon the house, or the others -which I intended putting?" - -"Ah!" cried the king, laughing, "you are incorrigible. If poor Boden -is to satisfy not only your old creditors but your new ones, the -present I have made him would probably reduce him to beggary in a -few months. No, no, this one mortgage is sufficient, and as it -amounts to only a few thousand dollars, it shall be paid from my -purse; and that my gift to you, Boden, may have no drawback, -Pollnitz may consider himself thus repaid for his trouble about the -plans and arrangements of your house. But woe to you, Pollnitz, if I -should again hear of such folly and deceit; and if you do not give -up such disgraceful conduct, and act in a manner becoming your rank -and office, this is the last time that I will show any mercy for -your folly. If there is a repetition of it, I will be inexorable, -only a stern judge and king." - -"Your majesty plunges me into an abyss of despair," said Pollnitz, -swinging his hands. "You demand that I shall create no new debts; -and how is it possible to avoid that, when I have not even the money -to pay the old ones? If your majesty desires that I should lead a -new life, you should have the kindness to pay my old debts." - -The king paced the room silently for a short time, and then stood -before Pollnitz, and said: - -"You are so shameless and absurd that I must either drive you away -or content myself with laughing at you. I will, however, remember -that my father and grandfather laughed at you, and for the present I -will also laugh, as I laugh at the silly pranks of merry Mr. Raths, -my monkey. But even Mr. Raths was punished yesterday because he was -too daring with his monkey tricks. Mark this, Baron von Pollnitz, I -will pay your debts this time; but if it should occur to you to make -new ones, I will forget that you were the jester of my father and -grandfather, and only remember that so reckless an individual cannot -remain in my service. Now accompany the minister to the Jager -Street, and show him his house. Your audience is at an end, -gentlemen." - -After these gentlemen had left the room, the king stood for a long -time as if lost in thought. He did not appear to be aware that he -was not alone, that Fredersdorf was standing in the window, to which -he had withdrawn on the appearance of the king, and had been a -trembling, despairing witness to this scene, which had disturbed his -plans and hopes. Suddenly the king walked rapidly through the room, -and stood before Fredersdorf--his eyes, usually so clear and bright, -veiled as with a cloud, and an expression of deep melancholy upon -his noble face. - -"Fredersdorf," he said, with a voice so mild and gentle that his -hearer trembled, and a deadly pallor overspread his countenance-- -"Fredersdorf, is it really true that you all think of me only as -your king, never as your fellow-man? that you have no love for your -sovereign, only envy and hatred, only malice and cunning? And you, -also, Fredersdorf, you whom I have loved, not as a master loves his -servant, but as a dear friend, with whom I have often forgotten that -I was a prince, and only remembered that I was with a friend, who -had a feeling heart for my cares and sorrows, and entertained a -little love not for the prince but for the man. Are you all -determined to make me cold-hearted and distrustful? are you laboring -to turn my heart to stone--to cut off my soul from faith and love? A -day will come when you will call me cold and relentless, and no one -will say that it was those I loved and trusted who made me thus." - -"Mercy! mercy! my king," prayed Fredersdorf, sinking to the feet of -the king. "Kill me! destroy me with your anger! only do not show me -such kindness and love. Oh! your majesty does not know how I love -you, how my heart is bound up in yours; but I have a wild and -ambitious heart, and in the thirst of my ambition I was not -satisfied to remain the servant of my king. I wished to become -powerful and influential. I longed to mount high above those who now -look down upon and despise me because I am a servant. This, my king, -is my whole crime, the remorseful confession of my guilt." - -"You did not wish to betray your king, you only desired to be the -lord of your lord. You wished to reign through me. Poor Fredersdorf, -do you think it such happiness to be a king? Do you not know that -this royal crown, which seems so bright to you, is only a crown of -thorns, which is concealed with a little tinsel and a few spangles? -Poor Fredersdorf, you are ambitious; I will gratify you in this as -far as possible, but you must conquer the desire to control my will, -and influence my resolutions. A king is only answerable to God," -proceeded the king, "and only from God can he receive control or -commands. I am the servant of God, but the master of men. I will -gratify your ambition, Fredersdorf, I will give you a title. You -shall no longer be a mere servant, but a private secretary; and that -you may be a master as well as a servant, I present you the estate -Czernihon, near Rheinsberg. There you will be lord of your peasants -and workmen, and learn if it is not a thankless office to rule. Are -you satisfied, my poor Fredersdorf?" - -Fredersdorf could not answer; he pressed his lips to the hand of the -king, and wept aloud. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -THE BRIDAL PAIR. - - -Joy and exultation reigned in the house of the rich manufacturer -Orguelin. The proud daughter had consented to become the wife of -Count Rhedern; she had at last accepted him, and the happy father, -delighted at the prospect of soon becoming father-in-law to a count, -busied himself with the preparations for the approaching wedding -festivities, which were destined to excite the admiration and -astonishment of the entire city by their magnificence and prodigal -splendor. At this festival the future Countess Rhedern was to appear -for the last time in the circle of her old friends, and then to take -leave of them forever; for as a matter of course the Countess -Rhedern would have to form new friendships and seek other society -than that to which she had been accustomed as Mademoiselle Orguelin. -But M. Orguelin desired to exhibit to his associates, the -manufacturers and merchants, this splendid nobleman who had now -become his son; he wished to excite the envy and admiration of his -friends by the princely magnificence of his house. - -But all this was far from being agreeable to Count Rhedern, who had -other plans. His creditors and his poverty compelled him to marry -this rich merchant's daughter, but he had no desire or intention of -entering into any association or connection with the friends and -relations of his wife; and even if it should be necessary to -recognize his rich father-in-law, it did not follow that he would -appear at his fetes to add lustre to the entertainment and be shown -off as a highly ornamented acquisition. He trembled when he thought -of the ridicule of the court cavaliers, to whom it would be an -inexhaustible subject of jest, that he, the marshal of the queen, -and a cavalier of old nobility, had played this role at a fete of -the bourgeoisie, and had conversed, eaten, and danced with -manufacturers and tradespeople. That could not and should not be. To -preserve the prestige of his house, a nobleman might marry the -daughter of a merchant, if she possessed a million, but he could not -stoop so low as to consider himself a member of her family, and to -recognize this or that relative. Count Rhedern thought of some plan -by which he could frustrate this scheme of his father-in-law in -regard to the wedding festivities, which would bring him into such -undesirable and disagreeable association with persons beneath his -rank, as he desired to avoid as far as possible all eclat in this -misalliance. With a smiling countenance he entered one morning into -the magnificent parlor of his affianced, who with her father's -assistance was engaged in making out a list of the wedding guests. -The count seated himself near his future bride, and listened with -inward horror to the terrible and barbarous names which were placed -on the list, the possessors of which could never appear at a -knightly tournament or court festival, and were consequently -excluded from all the joys and honors of the world. - -"Well," said the father exultingly, "what do you think of our fete? -It will be perfectly magnificent, will it not? The richest merchants -of Berlin will be present; and if one were to estimate us by our -wealth, it would be found that more millions would be assembled -there than Germany has inhabitants. You will readily understand, my -dear son, that in order to do honor to such guests, great -preparations are necessary, for it is not easy to excite the -astonishment and admiration of these proud merchants. It is quite -easy to surprise one of your barons or counts; you are delighted -when entertained with champagne or fine Holstein oysters, but a rich -merchant turns scornfully from turtle-soup and Indian birds'-nests. -Nevertheless, my proud guests shall be surprised; they shall have a -fine dinner, the like of which they have never seen. For this -purpose I have ordered two of the best cooks from Paris, who will -arrive in a few days. They have written that they will need at least -two weeks to make the necessary preparations for the wedding-dinner. -For their services I will pay them a salary which is perhaps equal -to the half-yearly pay of a marshal or chamberlain. Moreover, we -will have fireworks, illuminations, splendid music; yes, I have even -thought of having a stage erected, and of engaging a French company -to amuse our guests with a few comedies." - -"I am only afraid that but few of our guests will understand a word -of these French plays," exclaimed his daughter, laughing. - -"That is quite possible; nevertheless French is now the rage, and it -will attract attention if we have a French play. And you, my dear -son, what do you say to all this? You look almost vexed." - -"I sigh because you wish to defer the wedding for so long a time." - -"Ah, that is a compliment for you, my daughter. Lovers are always -impatient." - -"But I did not sigh only because I would so long be deprived of the -happiness of leading my dear Caroline to the altar, but because I -should thereby lose the pleasure of presenting her to the court as -my wife on the occasion of the large and most magnificent court ball -with which the season will be opened." - -"A court ball is to take place?" asked Caroline Orguelin, with -vivacity. "The king has, I believe, not yet returned from his -journey." - -"But will do so in a few days, and as the court mourning is now at -an end, the king will give a brilliant masquerade ball, which will -probably be the only one given this winter." - -"A masquerade ball!" exclaimed his bride; "and I have never seen -one!" - -"And this is to be a most magnificent one. Moreover, the queen- -mother has already promised me an invitation for my wife, and -requested me to present her to the entire court on this occasion." - -"And is it impossible to have the wedding any sooner?" asked -Caroline, impatiently. - -"Quite impossible," said M. Orguelin. - -"And why impossible?" said the count. "Could we not have the wedding -at an early day, and the festival later? Could we not, as is now -customary in high circles, be married quietly, and have the festival -at a later day? These noisy weddings are a little out of fashion at -the present day, and it would be said at court that the wealthy and -highly cultivated M. Orguelin showed his disregard for the customs -of our young and modern court by adhering to those of the old -regime." - -"God forbid that I should do that!" exclaimed M. Orguelin, in a -terrified voice. - -"Father, I detest noisy merry-makings, and insist on a quiet -marriage. It shall not be said at court that Mademoiselle Orguelin, -with all her acquaintances, had rejoiced over the inestimable -happiness of becoming the wife of a count. I will be married -quietly; afterwards the count may give a fete in honor of our -marriage, which you, my father, can return." - -As usual, M. Orguelin submitted to his daughter's will, and it was -determined that a quiet wedding should take place in a few days, to -be followed on a later day by a magnificent fete in the house of the -father-in-law. - -"At which I shall certainly not be present," thought Count Rhedern, -while he expressed his entire satisfaction with this arrangement. - -Mademoiselle Orguelin's proudest wishes were about to be -accomplished. She was to be introduced at court, and the queen- -mother had graciously declared her intention of presenting her to -the king at the approaching masquerade. There was now wanting but -one thing, and that was a suitable costume for this important -occasion, and Count Rhedern assured her, with a sigh, that it would -be very difficult to prepare it, as it would be almost impossible to -find a tailor who would undertake to make, in so short a time, the -gold-brocaded train which was necessary. - -"Pelissier, the new French tailor, has even refused to make a little -cloak for me," said Count Rhedern, "and his female assistants,--who -are the most fashionable dress-makers, have been deaf to all -entreaties for the last week. They take no more orders for the -masquerade, and it was only yesterday that I met Countess Hake, who -had been with the pretty Blanche while I was with her father, -descending the steps, wringing her hands and bathed in tears, -because the proud dressmakers had replied to her prayers and -entreaties with a cruel 'Impossible!'" - -"I know, however, that M. Pricker, the court dressmaker of the two -queens, would not make me this reply," said Caroline Orguelin, -proudly, "but that he would make whatever is necessary even if he -should be forced to take several additional assistants." - -"Then let us drive to M. Pricker's," said her affianced, smiling; -"but we must go at once, for we have no time to lose, and you can -well imagine that I would be inconsolable if, after our marriage, I -could not present you to the court as my wife on the first suitable -occasion." - -"Yes, we have no time to lose," repeated Caroline, ringing a bell -and ordering her carriage. When, after a few minutes, Caroline -Orguelin and the count were alone in the carriage, she turned to him -with a mocking smile, and remarked: "The wedding is, then, to take -place the day after to-morrow." - -"Yes, my dearest Caroline, and on that day I will be the happiest of -men." - -"Your creditors," said she, shrugging her shoulders, "were then -becoming so pressing that you suddenly experienced an ardent longing -for my dowry." - -"My creditors?" asked the count; "I do not understand you, dearest -Caroline." - -"You understand me very well," said she, with cutting coldness; "it -is, moreover, time that we understand each other, once for all. -Know, therefore, my dear sir, that I have not allowed myself to be -deceived either by your tender protestations or by the role of an -impatient lover, which you have acted so well. I am neither young -nor pretty enough to awaken a passion in the breast of so noble and -excellent a cavalier as Count Rhedern. You are poor, but rich in -debts, and you needed therefore a rich wife; and as I happened to -have more money than any of the beautiful and noble ladies of the -court, you determined to marry me, deeming my rich dowry a -sufficient compensation for the disgrace inflicted on your noble -house. In a word, you chose me because you were tired of being -dunned by your creditors, and of living in a state of secret misery; -and I--I bought Count Rhedern with my millions, in order that I -might appear at court." - -"Well, truly, these confessions are very curious, highly original," -said Count Rhedern, with a forced smile. - -"They are, however, necessary. We need no longer trouble ourselves -with this useless acting and hypocrisy. It is also but just that I -should inform you why I so ardently desire to become a lady of -quality, that is, why I wish to be able to appear at court, for I -hope you do not consider me silly enough to buy a count for the mere -sake of being called countess?" - -"I should consider this wish by no means a silly one," murmured the -count. - -"No," continued his bride. "I desired to become a countess that I -might obtain access to court and enjoy a happiness of which -thousands would be envious, although like the moth I could only -flutter round the brilliant and dazzling light until it burned me to -death. I told you I was no longer young. I, however, still have a -young heart, a fresher heart perhaps than all your proud and -beautiful ladies of the court, for mine was as hard and clear as -crystal, until--" - -"Well, conclude," said the count, as she hesitated; "continue these -little confessions, which are certainly rarely made before, but -generally after marriage. You spoke of your heart having been as -hard and clear as crystal, until--" - -"Until I had seen the king," continued his bride, blushing, "until I -had gazed in those wondrous eyes, until I had seen the smile, so -proud, and yet so mild and gentle, with which he greeted his people -from the balcony." - -"It was then at the coronation that you formed the genial resolution -of loving the king." - -"Yes, it was on the coronation day that I for the first time -comprehended how grand, how noble and sublime a true man could be. -And my soul bowed in humility and obedience before the commanding -glance of this Titan, and my heart bowed in adoration at the feet of -this man, whose smile was so wondrous, and whose eyes spoke such -great things. Oh! had I been near him as you were, I would have -fallen at his feet and have said to him: 'I accept you as my master -and my divinity; you are my ideal, and I will adore you as such with -a pure and noble worship.' But I was far off, and could only pray to -him in thought. I determined that I would be near him at some day; -and I, who had wished to remain single, determined at this moment to -marry--but to marry only a cavalier of the court. I inquired of my -companion the names of the cavaliers who stood behind the king, and -the most of them were married, but you were not, and I was told that -you possessed a great many debts and very small means of paying -them. On this day I told my father: 'I wish to marry Count Rhedern, -I desire that you should purchase him for me, as you recently -purchased the handsome set of Nuremburg jewelry.'" - -"Really, a very flattering and ingenious view of the matter," said -the count, with a forced laugh. - -Caroline continued: "My father intrusted this affair to a broker who -had frequently done business for him before, and who proved to be an -apt trader on this occasion, for you see he purchased the goods we -desired, and the business transaction has been concluded. Count, you -will now understand why I made the condition that I should be -admitted at court, and recognized as your countess, before I -determined to become your wife." - -"I understand perfectly well," said the count, peevishly; "you made -use of me as a bridge over which you might pass from your father's -shop to the royal palace, as I will make use of you to pay my debts, -and to enable me to live a life worthy of a count. Ah, now that we -understand one another so well, we will be perfectly at ease, and -live a free and unconstrained life without annoying each other." - -"Still, my dear count, you will sometimes experience a slight -annoyance at my hands," said the millionnairess, gently placing her -hand on the count's shoulder. "It was not only on account of your -creditors that you desired so early a marriage, but mainly because -the count considered it beneath his dignity to take part in the -festivities of manufacturers and merchants. But I must inform you, -dear sir, that I shall never forget that my father is a merchant, -and that all my friends are the daughters of manufacturers and -merchants. I will be a grateful daughter and a true friend, and I -will compel you to show the same respect to my father and friends -that I will show to yours." - -"Compel!" exclaimed the count, "you will compel me?" - -"I said compel, and you will soon perceive that it is in my power to -do so. Listen: my father promised you that my dowry should be a -million, out of which, however, your debts, and the expense of my -trousseau, are to be defrayed. Your debts, including the mortgage on -your estates, amount to two hundred thousand, and my trousseau, -diamonds, and the furnishing of my house will cost about the same -sum. There will remain, therefore, but six hundred thousand, of -which you will enjoy the benefit, according to our marriage -contract. But you will readily understand that the interest of this -small capital will not support the daughter of a rich merchant -respectably, and that if I should desire to entertain the king in my -house, I would perhaps expend in one evening the half of my income." - -The count regarded his bride with admiration, almost with reverence. -"You then think that we could not live on the interest of six -hundred thousand dollars?" asked he. - -"I do not only think so, but I am sure of it, for I needed as much -when a girl. Ah, my dear count, a great deal of money is necessary -to gratify one's humors and caprices. My father is well aware of -this fact, and has, therefore, given me as pin money a second -million; this will, however, remain in his business, and I shall -only receive the interest in monthly payments. I must, however, -remark that this interest is not a part of my dowry, but is my -personal property, with which I can do as I see fit. I can, if I -wish, give fetes with this money, pay your debts, purchase horses -and equipages for you, or I can give it to my father, who can make -very good use of it in his business. And now pay attention: whenever -you choose to neglect the proper and dutiful attention due to your -wife, her father, or her friends, I will relinquish my pin money to -my father, and you must look to some other source for the necessary -funds." - -"But I shall always be an attentive and grateful husband, and a -dutiful son to your father," exclaimed the count, charmed with the -prospect of a second million. - -"Then you will do well," said his bride, gravely, "for your monthly -income will thereby be increased by four thousand dollars. You see I -am a true merchant's daughter, and understand accounts. I have -bought you, and know your worth, but I also desire to be properly -esteemed and respected by you. You must never think you have honored -me by making me a countess, but must always remember that my father -is a millionnaire, whose only daughter and heiress pays you for your -amiability, your title, and her admission to court. And now enough -of these tedious affairs. The carriage has stopped, and we have -arrived at our destination; let us put on our masks again, and be -the fond lovers who marry for pure love and tenderness." - -"And in truth you deserve to be loved," exclaimed the count, -pressing her hand to his lips. "You are the most discreet and -charming of women, and I have no doubt that I will love you ardently -some day." - -"Poor count," said she, laughing, "on that day you will deserve -commiseration, for I shall certainly never fall in love with you. A -heart like mine loves but once, and dies of that love." - -"I hope that this death will at least be a very slow one," said the -count, jumping out of the carriage, and assisting his bride elect to -descend. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE FRENCH AND GERMAN TAILORS, OR THE MONTAGUES AND CAPULETS OF -BERLIN. - - -M. Pricker stood at his window; his face was sad, and he looked with -a troubled gaze at the house on the other side of the street. This -was the house of the new French tailor, Pelissier. Many splendid -equipages were drawn up before the door, and crowds of gayly dressed -men and women were passing in and out. Alas for earthly grandeur! -alas for popular applause! Pricker stood at his window, no one rang -his bell, not a carriage was to be seen at his door, since the -arrival of the French tailor. Pricker was a lost man, wounded in his -ambition, his most sacred feelings trampled upon, and his just claim -to the gratitude of his generation disallowed. What advantage was it -to him to be the acknowledged tailor of two queens? Since, in the -ardor of his patriotism, he had refused to employ French hands, not -one of all those ladies who had formerly confided to him the secrets -of their toilets remembered his discretion, or his ability to hide -their defects, or supply their wants. The fickle and ungrateful -world had forsaken him. Even the Hohenzollerns had forgotten the -great deeds and still greater services of the Prickers, and no -longer knew how to reward true merit. Since Pelissier took the -opposite house, Pricker's heart was broken; night and day he was -consumed with anguish; but he made no complaint, he suffered in -Spartan silence, and like a hero covered his bleeding wounds. One -soft eye, one kindred heart discovered his silent sorrow; she, too, -sorrowed as those without hope; she had not even the courage to -offer consolation. In this hour of extremity poor Pricker sometimes -thought of selling his house, but the next moment he would blush at -his weakness and cowardice in thus abandoning the field to his foe. - -In spiteful arrogance the French tailor had settled himself in the -opposite house. It was a struggle for life or death offered by -Pelissier, and it should not be said that a Pricker ignominiously -declined the contest. Pricker must remain, he must defy his -adversary, and yield only in death to this dandy Frenchman; he would -therefore remain in those ancestral halls, which had so long -sheltered the tailor of the two queens. He remained, but the death- -worm was gnawing at his heart. Pricker still gazed across the -street, and with an added pang he saw another carriage rolling in -that direction; but no, this time the carriage turned to his side of -the street. In the first joy of his heart he sprang forward to open -the door and aid the ladies in descending; he checked himself in -time, however, remembering that this would compromise the dignity of -his house. - -In a few moments Madame Pricker announced the rich Mademoiselle -Orguelin and her future husband. Pricker advanced to meet them with -calm composure, but there was tumultuous joy in his heart. - -"You will be surprised, my dear Pricker, that we did not send for -you, but we should have lost time by that, and our affairs demand -the greatest haste." - -Pricker bowed proudly. "My house is accustomed to receive noble -persons; my grandfather had once the happiness to welcome a prince. -In what can I serve you?" - -"I need two complete court toilets," said Mademoiselle Orguelin-- -"the robes for a first presentation, and then for a great court -ball." - -"Then you wish a robe with a brocade train; I would choose blue -velvet, it is most becoming to blondes, and throws a heavenly light -upon their complexions." - -"Then we will take sky blue," said the millionnaire, "with a train -of silver. For the ball dress, my father has given me a dress woven -in velvet and gold." - -"Your toilets will be superb, and the appearance of the Countess -Rhedern will do honor to the house of Pricker." - -"You must promise to be ready in eight days." - -"In four, if necessary," said Pricker, taking the long measure from -his wife and approaching the lady. - -"I leave the trimmings entirely to your taste, but of course my -dress must be of the newest French cut." - -Pricker had laid the measure around the slender waist of -Mademoiselle Orguelin; he now removed it violently. "You desire your -dresses made after the latest French style?" he said, harshly. - -"Of course; that is surely understood; no decent tailor would work -in any other style. I should indeed be ridiculous to appear at court -in a stiff old German costume. You must make me the tight-fitting -French waist, the long points in front, the narrow sleeves reaching -to the elbow and trimmed with rich lace." - -Pricker folded his measure with heroic determination and laid it -upon the table. - -"Your dress cannot be made in the house of Pricker, mademoiselle." - -"What, you refuse to work for me?" - -"I will not adopt the French fashions! that would be an insult to my -ancestors. I will remain true to the good old German customs." - -"Reflect," said Count Rhedern, "how much this obstinacy will cost -you. You will lose all the patronage of the court; all the world -adopts the new French fashions." - -"That is true," said the sorrowful Pricker; he approached and -pointed through the window to the house opposite. "Once all those -carriages stood before my door; once I dressed all those noble -people; a wink would be sufficient to recall them. Would I be untrue -to the customs of my fathers, would I employ French workmen, all -those carriages would be arrayed before my door. I hold the destiny -of that contemptible Frenchman in my hands; a word from me, and he -would be ruined; but I will not speak that word. Let him live to the -disgrace and shame of the Germans who abandoned the time-honored -customs of their fatherland." - -The count offered his arm to his bride, and said, mockingly: - -"I thank you for your address. I see that a German tailor may be a -consummate fool! Come, my dear Caroline, we will go to M. -Pelissier." - -Pricker remained alone; grand and proud he stood in the middle of -the saloon, and looked up, like a conquering hero, at the grim -portraits of his ancestors. - -"Be satisfied with me," he murmured; "I have made a new sacrifice to -your names. My house is German, and German it shall remain." - -At this moment there arose on the air the clear, full voice of his -daughter, who was practising with Quantz a favorite Italian air of -the king. "Nel tue giorni felice ricordati da me," sang the -beautiful Anna, while Father Pricker ran, like a madman, up and down -the room, and stopped his ears, that he might not hear the hateful -sound. He cursed himself for allowing the monster Quantz to come to -the house. - -"Alas! alas! I have closed my heart to the new era and its horrors, -hut I shall lose my children; they will not wish to wander in my -ways." - -At this moment Anna entered the room, with sparkling eyes and rosy -cheeks. - -"Father," she said, hastily, "the supreme desire of my heart will -now be fulfilled. Quantz has at last promised that I shall sing at -the next court concert. In eight days the king returns, and a -concert will be arranged, at which I, your happy daughter, will sing -an Italian song." - -"Italian!" - -"She will sing Italian," murmured Quantz, who was listening at the -door. "She will give all the world an opportunity to laugh and -ridicule her; and I shall be held responsible; I would rather die!" - -Anna was greatly excited, and did not notice her teacher; and, as -her mother entered the room, she embraced her warmly. - -"Mother, mother, Quantz has pronounced me worthy to sing at the -court. I shall cover myself with glory, and the daughter of the -tailor will fill all Germany with her fame!" - -"Unhappy child, do you not know that your father is present?" - -"Oh, my father shall be proud of me!" cried Anna. - -Mother Pricker was frightened at the looks of her husband. Anna -scarcely noticed her parents; she said: - -"Father, it is high time to think of my dress; it must be new and -elegant." - -"You shall have it," said her father, solemnly; "it is an honor to -sing before the king. I will make you a magnificent dress out of -your mother's bridal robe." - -Anna laughed contemptuously. "No, no, father; the time is past when -we dared to wear the clothes of our great-grandmothers. The day is -gone by for family relics. How the ladies of the court would laugh -at my mother's old flowered robe! Besides, the dress is too narrow -for a modern hoop robe, the only style now tolerated." - -"A hoop robe!" cried the father, in tones of horror; "she wishes to -wear a hoop robe!" - -"Yes, and why not?" said Anna. "Does not the beautiful Blanche wear -one? and have not all the court ladies adopted them? No fashionable -lady would dare now appear without a hoop robe." - -"Who is Blanche?" cried M. Pricker, rising from his chair and -looking threateningly at Anna, "who is Blanche?" - -"Do you not know, father? Oh, you are only pretending not to know! -Dearest Blanche, whom I love like a sister, and to whom I can only -pay stolen visits, for her father is furious that you have not -returned his visit, and has forbidden any of his family to enter our -house." - -"He did right; and I also forbid you to cross his threshold. I -thought, Anna, you had too much pride to enter the house of your -father's enemy, or speak to his daughter." - -Anna shrugged her shoulders silently, and now quick steps were heard -approaching. - -"Oh, quel pleusir d'etre amoreuse," sang a fresh, manly voice. - -"French!" cried Father Pricker, wild with rage. "William singing -French!" - -The door was hastily opened, and William, heir to the house of -Pricker, stood upon the sill. He was arrayed in a most charming -costume. A tight-fitting coat, short-waisted and long-tailed, wide -sleeves, and large mother-of-pearl buttons; the cuffs and high- -standing collar were richly embroidered in silver; his vest was -"coleur de chair," and instead of a long plait, William had covered -his hair with a powdered wig. A small three-cornered hat, worn -jauntily to one side, was embroidered with silver, and ornamented -with a black feather; in his hand he held a slight, graceful cane. -William appeared before his father a complete model of a new- -fashioned French dandy; rage and horror choked the old man's -utterance. - -"Well, father, do I please you? is not this attire worthy of a -nobleman? only I cannot wear the white feather, which they say -belongs exclusively to the nobility." - -"Where did you get these clothes, William?" said his father, -approaching him slowly; "who gave you the money to pay for them? It -is a fool's costume! Who made it for you?" - -"Well, you gave me the money, dear father," said William, laughing; -"that is, you will give it to me. This handsome suit has not yet -been paid for. The name of Pricker has a silvery sound; Pelissier -knows that, and credited me willingly; though at first he refused to -work for me, and I thank Blanche that I have a costume from the -celebrated shop of Pelissier." - -Old Pricker uttered a cry of rage, and seizing, with feverish -violence, the long tails of his son's coat, he dragged him to and -fro. - -"So Pelissier made this! he has dared to array my son, the son and -heir of the house of Pricker, in this ridiculous manner! And you, -William, you were shameless enough to receive this suit from your -father's enemy. Alas! alas! are you not afraid that your ancestors -will rise from their graves to punish you?" - -"Dear father," said William, "it is only a costume, and has nothing -to do with character or principle." - -"Never will I allow my son to be lost to me in this manner," cried -Pricker; "and if in the blindness of his folly he has lost himself, -I will bring him back with violence, if necessary, to the right -path. Off, then, with this absurd coat! off with this fool's cap! -off with all this livery!" - -Pricker now began to pull and tear madly at his son's clothes; he -knocked his hat off, and trampled it under his feet; he seized with -both hands the lace collar, and laughed when the shreds remained in -his hands. William was at first dumb with terror, but the loud laugh -of his sister, who found this scene amusing, restored his presence -of mind; with mad violence he pushed his father from him. - -"Father," he cried, "I am no longer a boy! I will not bear this -treatment; I will dress as I like, and as the fashions demand." - -"Well spoken, my brother," said Anna, laughingly, springing to his -side; "we are children of the new era, and will dress as it demands. -Why did our parents give us modern educations if they wished us to -conform to old-fashioned prejudice?" - -"'Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the -land which the Lord thy God giveth thee,'" said Pricker, solemnly. - -"Another Bible verse," said Anna, mockingly. "The book is no longer -fashionable; and it is not half so amusing as Voltaire." - -"Enough, enough," said Pricker; "now listen to my last -determination. I command you to live and dress as your father and -mother have dressed before you! Woe to you if you despise my -commands! woe to you if you defy my authority! I will disown you-- -and my curse shall be your inheritance; remember this. If you ever -enter that house again, or speak to any of its inhabitants--if I -ever see you in this French livery again, or if you, Anna, ever -appear before me in a hoop robe and toupe, from that moment you -cease to be my children." - -Father and mother left the room; the brother and sister remained -alone. - -"Well," said Anna, "do you intend to obey these commands? Will you -wear the queue and the narrow, coarse frock coat?" - -"Nonsense," said William, "that Blanche may ridicule me, and all the -world may laugh at me. You do not know, Anna, how much Blanche and -myself love each other; we have vowed eternal love and faith, and -she is to be my wife!" - -"You will then become an honorable tailor, as your fathers were." - -William laughed. "I follow a trade! I who have received the -education of a nobleman! no, no, Anna, you are not in earnest; you -cannot believe that." - -"Take care, William, you will be disinherited; father is in -earnest." - -"Oh, he will have to submit, as old Pelissier must do; he will also -be furious when he first learns that I am the husband of Blanche; he -has threatened her with his curse if she marries me. But in spite of -all this we intend to marry; they must at last be reconciled. Oh, -Blanche is beautiful as an angel!" - -"Nevertheless she is a tailor's daughter," said Anna. - -"Yes, like my beautiful and amiable sister Anna." - -"But I shall become a celebrated singer, and the wife of a -nobleman." - -"Well, and who says that Blanche will not be the wife of a -celebrated man, and that you will not be proud of me?" - -"Will you be a man or a woman dressmaker?" - -"Neither one nor the other! I shall be an actor; but silence, this -is my secret and I must keep it!" - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -IN RHEINSBERG. - - -The quiet castle of Rheinsberg was again alive with noise. Its halls -resounded with music and laughter; gay and happy faces were -everywhere to be seen; bright jests to be heard on every side. The -charming days of the past, when Frederick was prince royal, seemed -to have returned; the same company now filled the castle; the same -sports and amusements were enjoyed. All was the same, yet still, -every thing was changed, transformed. Almost all of those who had -left Rheinsberg with such proud hopes, such great desires, were -again there, but with annihilated hopes. They had all expected to -reign; they had claimed for themselves honor and power, but the -young king had allowed to none the privilege of mounting the throne -by his side. They were all welcome companions, loved friends. But -none dared overstep the boundary of dependence and submission which -he had drawn around them, and in the centre of which he stood alone, -trusting to his own strength and will. They had gained nothing from -the crown which rested upon Frederick's noble head; but they had -lost nothing. They returned to Rheinsberg not exalted, though not -humbled. - -But one heart was broken, one heart was bleeding from unseen pain. -It was the heart of Elizabeth, the heart of that poor rejected woman -who was called the reigning queen, the wife of Frederick. - -The king, on returning from his excursion to Strasburg, had reminded -her of her promise to follow him with her court to Rheinsberg. And -the poor sufferer, though she knew that the presence of the king -would be for her a continual torment, an hourly renunciation, could -not find strength to resist the desire of her own heart. She had -followed her husband, saying to herself with a painful smile: "I -will at least see him, and if he does not speak to me I will still -hear his voice. My sufferings will be greater, but I shall be near -him. The joy will help me to bear the pain. Soffri e taci!" -Elizabeth Christine was right; the king never spoke to her, never -fixed those brilliant blue eyes, which possessed for her the depth -and immensity of the skies, upon her pale countenance. With a silent -bow he welcomed her daily at their meals, but he did not now lead -her to the table and sit beside her. The presence of the Margrave -and Margravine of Baireuth seemed to impose upon him the duty of -honoring his favorite sister, who was his guest more than his wife -the queen. He sat, therefore, between his sister and her husband the -count, at whose side the queen was placed. He did not speak to her -but she saw him, and strengthened her heart by the sight of his -proud and noble countenance. - -She suffered and was silent. She veiled her pain by a soft smile, -she concealed the paleness of her cheek with artificial bloom, she -covered the furrows that care already showed in her lovely and -youthful face, with black, beauty-spots which were then the fashion. -No one should think that she suffered. No one should pity her, not -even the king. Elizabeth Christine joined in all the pleasures and -amusements at Rheinsberg. She laughed at Bielfeld's jests, at -Pollnitz's bright anecdotes; she listened with beaming eyes to -Knobelsdorf's plans for beautifying the king's residence; she took -part in the preparations for a drama that was to be performed. -Voltaire's "Death of Caesar," and "The Frenchman in London," by -Boissy, had been chosen by the king to be played at Rheinsberg, and -in each piece she played a prominent role. The young queen, as it -seemed, had become an enthusiastic admirer of the theatre; she was -never missing at any of the rehearsals, and aided her beautiful -maids of honor in the arrangements of their costumes. - -The king was now seldom to be seen in the circle of his friends and -companions, and the tones of his flute were rarely to be heard. He -passed the day in his library, no one dared disturb him, not even -Guentz. Madame von Brandt, who had accompanied the court to -Rheinsberg, said, in one of her secret meetings with Count -Manteuffel: "The king is unfaithful to his last sweetheart, he has -abandoned and rejected his flute." - -"But with what does the king occupy himself the entire day?" asked -the count. "What is it that takes him from his friends and fills up -all his time?" - -"Nothing but scientific studies," said Madame von Brandt, shrugging -her shoulders. "Fredersdorf told me that he busies himself with maps -and plans, is surrounded by his military books, and is occupied like -an engineer with astrolabes and land surveyors. You now see that -these are very innocent occupations, and that they can have no -influence upon our affairs. The king, I promise you, will never be -more divorced from his wife than he now is; and concerning the -marriage of Prince Augustus William, my plans are so skilfully laid -that there is no danger of failure, and poor Laura von Pannewitz -will surely be sacrificed. All is well, and we have nothing to fear -from the king's innocent studies." - -"Ah, you call these innocent studies?" said the count; "I assure you -that these studies will greatly disturb the Austrian court, and I -must at once notify my friend Seckendorf of them." - -"You are making a mountain of a mole hill," said Madame von Brandt, -laughing. "I assure you, you have nothing to fear. It is true the -king passes the day in his study, but he passes his evenings with -us, and he is then as gay, as unconstrained, as full of wit and -humor as ever. Perhaps he makes use of the solitude of his study to -learn his role, for to-morrow, you know, we act the 'Death of -Caesar,' and the king is 'Brutus.'" - -"Yes, yes," said Count Manteuffel, thoughtfully, "it strikes me the -king is playing the part of Brutus; to the eye he seems harmless and -gay, but who knows what dark thoughts pregnant with mischief are hid -in his soul?" - -"You are always seeing ghosts," said Madame von Brandt, impatiently. -"But hear! the court clock is striking six; it is high time for me -to return to the castle, for at seven the last rehearsal commences, -and I have still to dress." And Madame von Brandt hastily took leave -of her ally, and ran gayly to the castle. - -But she had no need to dress for the rehearsal. The king was not -able to act; the strong will was to-day conquered by an enemy who -stands in awe of no one, not even of a king--an enemy who can -vanquish the most victorious commander. Frederick was ill of a -fever, which had tormented him the whole summer, which had kept him -from visiting Amsterdam, and which confined him to his bed in the -castle of Moyland, while Orttaire was paying his long expected -visit, had again taken a powerful hold upon him and made of the king -a pale, trembling man, who lay shivering and groaning upon his bed, -scoffing at Ellart, his physician, because he could not cure him. - -"There is a remedy," said Ellart, "but I dare not give it to your -majesty." - -"And why not?" said the king. - -"Because its strength must first be tested, to see if it can be used -without danger; it must first be tried by a patient upon whose life -the happiness of millions does not depend." - -"A human life is always sacred, and if not certain of your remedy, -it is as vicious to give it to a beggar as to a king." - -"I believe," said Ellart, "as entirely in this remedy as Louis the -Fourteenth, who bought it secretly from Talbot, the Englishman, and -paid him a hundred Napoleons for a pound. The wife of the King of -Spain was cured by it." - -"Give me this remedy," said the king, with chattering teeth. - -"Pardon me, your majesty, but I dare not, though I have a small -quantity with me which was sent by a friend from Paris, and which I -brought to show you as a great curiosity. This tiny brown powder is -a medicine which was not distilled by the apothecary, but by -Nature." - -"Then I have confidence in it," said the king; "Nature is the best -physician, the best apothecary, and what she brews is full of divine -healing power. How is this remedy called?" - -"It is the Peruvian bark, or quinine, the bark above all barks -which, by a divine Providence, grows in Peru, the land of fevers." - -But the king had not the strength to listen to him. He now lay -burning with fever; a dark purple covered his cheek, and his eyes, -which, but a few moments before, were dull and lustreless, now -sparkled with fire. The king, overpowered by the disease, closed his -eyes, and occasionally unconnected, senseless words escaped his dry, -burning lips. - -Fredersdorf now entered, and through the open door the anxious, -inquiring faces of Pollnitz, Bielfeld, Jordan, and Kaiserling could -be seen. - -On tip-toe Ellart approached the private chamberlain. - -"How is the king?" said he, hastily. "Is he in a condition to hear -some important news?" - -"Not now. Wait an hour; he will then be free from fever." - -"We will wait," said Fredersdorf to the four courtiers who had -entered the room, and were now standing around the royal bed. - -"Is it bad news? If so, I advise you to wait until tomorrow." - -"Well, I do not believe the king will think it bad," said -Kaiserling, laughing. - -"And I am convinced the king will be well pleased with our news," -said Bielfeld. "I think so, because the king is a sleeping hero -waiting to be roused." - -"If you speak so loud," whispered Pollnitz, "it will be you who will -wake this hero, and the thunder of his anger will fall upon you." - -"Pollnitz is right," said Jordan; "be quiet, and let us await his -majesty's waking." And the group stood in silence around the couch, -with eyes fixed upon the king. He at last awoke, and a smile played -upon his lip as he perceived the six cavaliers. - -"You stand there like mourners," said he; "and to look at you one -would think you were undertakers!" - -"Ah, sire, fever does not kill like apoplexy," said Jordan, -approaching his friend and pressing his hand tenderly. - -"Your majesty called us undertakers," said Pollnitz, laughing. "As -usual, the divine prophetic mind of our king is in the right. There -is certainly a funeral odor about us." - -"But God forbid that we should mourn," said Bielfeld, "we are much -better prepared to sound the battlesong." - -All this passed while the physician was feeling the king's pulse, -and Fredersdorf was tenderly arranging his pillows. The king looked -at him inquiringly. "Listen, Fredersdorf," said he, "what meaning -have all these mysterious words and looks; why are you all so grave? -Is one of my dogs dead? or are you only peevish because this -abominable fever has cheated you of the rehearsal?" - -"No, your majesty. The dogs are in excellent health." - -"The king's pulse is perfectly quiet," said Ellart, "you can -communicate your news to him." Baron Pollnitz approached the king's -couch. - -"Sire, one hour ago a courier arrived who was the bearer of -important information." - -"Whence came he?" said the king, calmly. - -"From your majesty's ambassador in Vienna, Count Borche." - -"Ah!" said the king, "is the empress, our noble aunt, suffering?" - -"The empress is perfectly well, but her husband, the emperor--" - -"Well, why do you not continue?" said the king, impatiently. - -"Would your majesty not wish some restorative first?" said -Fredersdorf; but the king pushed him angrily away. - -"I wish your phrase, Pollnitz. What of the Emperor of Austria?" - -"Sire, Emperor Charles the Sixth is no more, he died the twentieth -of October." - -"Truly," said Frederick, leaning back, "it was worth the trouble to -make so much to do about such insignificant news. If the emperor is -dead, Maria Theresa will be Empress of Germany, that is all. It does -not concern us." He stopped and closed his eyes. - -The physician again felt his pulse. "It is perfectly quiet," said -he; "this prodigious news has not occasioned the slightest commotion -or irregularity." - -"You are right," said the king, looking up. "Neither is the death of -the Emperor Charles to make the slightest change in our plans, but -to execute them I must be perfectly well. It must not be said that a -miserable fever changed my intentions and condemned me to idleness; -I must have no fever on the day the news of the emperor's death -arrives, or the good people of Vienna will believe that I was made -ill with fright. Give me that powder, Ellart, I will take it." - -"But I told your majesty that I cannot, dare not give it to you, for -I have not tried its effect yet." - -"Then try it on me," said the king, positively. "Give me the -powder." - -It was in vain that Ellart called upon the cavaliers to support his -opinion; in vain that they begged and implored the king not to take -the powder, not to put his life in danger. - -"My life is in God's hands," said the king, earnestly; "and God, who -created me, created also this bark. I trust more in God's medicine -than in that of man. Quick, give me the powder!" And as Ellart still -hesitated, he continued in a stern voice: "I command you, as your -king and master, to give it to me. On my head rests the -responsibility." - -"If your majesty commands I must obey, but I take these gentlemen to -witness that I but do it on compulsion." - -And amid the breathless silence of the room, the king took the -medicine. - -"Now your majesty must rest," said Ellart; "you must, by no means, -return to Berlin; by my holy right of physician, I forbid it." - -"And why should I return to Berlin?" said the king, laughingly. "Why -should our harmless pleasure and amusements be given up? Are we not -to act Voltaire's 'Death of Caesar?' No, I will not return to -Berlin. A trifle such as the emperor's death should not create such -great disturbances. We will remain here and renew our former happy -days, and forget that we have any duty but our enjoyment. Now, -gentlemen, leave me, I am well. You see, Ellart, I did well to take -that medicine; I will dress. Fredersdorf, remain here. Jordan, send -me Secretary Eichel. I must dictate a few necessary letters, and -then, gentlemen, we will meet in the music room, where I am to play -a duet with Quantz. I invite you as audience." - -The king dismissed his friends with a gracious smile, jested gayly -with Fredersdorf, and then dictated three letters to his secretary. -One was to Marshal von Schwerin, the other to the Prince of Anhalt -Dessau, and the third to Ambassador Podrilse. The three held the -same words, the same command, telling them to come immediately to -Rheinsberg. He then entered the music room, and never was Frederick -so gay, so witty, and unconstrained; never did he play on his flute -more beautifully than on the day he heard of the death of the -Emperor of Germany. The following morning the three gentlemen -arrived from Berlin and were at once admitted into the king's -library. Frederick met them with a proud, happy smile; his eye -beamed with an unusual light; his forehead was smooth and free from -care; he seemed inspired. - -"The Emperor of Germany is dead," said he, after the gentlemen were -seated. "The emperor is dead, and I have sent for you to see what -benefit we can derive from his death!" - -"Oh, your majesty would not think of benefiting by a death which -throws a royal house, nearly connected with you, into deep sorrow, -and robs the reigning queen of Prussia of an uncle!" cried the old -Prince of Dessau, solemnly. - -"Oh, it is well known that you are an imperialist," said the king, -laughing. - -"No, your majesty, but a difficulty with Austria would be a great -misfortune for us." - -Frederick shrugged his shoulders, and turned to the other two. - -"I also wish for your opinion, gentlemen," said he; "you are all men -of experience, soldiers, and statesmen, and you must not refuse to -advise one of my youth and inexperience." - -With a quiet smile he listened to their wise, peaceful propositions. - -"You then doubt my right to Silesia?" said he, after a pause. "You -do not think I am justified in demanding this Silesia, which was -dishonestly torn from my ancestors by the Hapsburger?" - -"But your ancestors still kept the peace," said the Prince of -Dessau; "they left Silesia in the undisturbed possession of the -Austrians." - -"Yes," said the king, in a firm voice,--"and when my ancestors, -outwitted by the cunning intrigues of the Austrian court, -accommodated themselves to this necessity,--when for rendered -services they were rewarded with base ingratitude, with idle, -unmeaning promises, then they called upon their descendants to -revenge such injustice, such insults to their honor and rights. -Frederick William, the great Elector, cried prophetically when the -Austrian house deserted him and denied her sworn promises--'A -revenger will rise from my ashes;' and my father, when he had -witnessed to the full the ingratitude of the Austrian court, felt -that there could be no peace between the houses of Austria and -Brandenburg, and he intrusted to me the holy mission of punishing -and humiliating this proud, conceited court; he pointed me out to -his ministers, and said: 'There stands one who will revenge me!' You -see that my ancestors call me, my grandfather and father chose me -for their champion and revenger; they call upon me to perform that -which they, prevented by circumstances, could not accomplish; the -hour which my ancestors designated has arrived--the hour of -retribution! The time has come when the old political system must -undergo an entire change. The stone has broken loose which is to -roll upon Nebuchadnezzar's image and crush it. It is time to open -the eyes of the Austrians, and to show them that the little Marquis -of Brandenburg, whose duty they said it was to hand the emperor -after meals the napkin and finger-bowl, has become a king, who will -not be humbled by the Austrians, and who acknowledges none but God -as his master. Will you help me; will you stand by me in this work -with your experience and your advice?" - -"We will!" cried the three, with animation, borne away by the king's -noble ardor. "Our life, our blood, belong to our king, our country." - -Frederick laughingly shook hands with them. "I counted upon you," -said he, "nor will Zithen and Vinterfeldt fail us; we will not go to -battle hastily and unprepared. All was foreseen, all prepared, and -we have now but to put in execution the plans that have for some -time been agitating my brain. Here is the map for our campaign; here -are the routes and the plan of attack. We shall at last stand before -these Austrians in battle array; and as they dared say of my father, -that his gun was ever cocked but the trigger never pulled, we will -show them that we are ready to discharge, and thrust down the double -eagle from its proud pinnacle. The combat is determined and -unalterable; let us be silent and prudent, no one must discover our -plans; we will surprise the Austrians. And now, gentlemen, examine -these plans, and tell me if there are any changes to be made in -them." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -THE KING AND HIS FRIEND. - - -For several hours the king remained in earnest council with his -advisers. As they left him he called Jordan, and advanced to meet -him with both hands extended. - -"Well, Jordan, rejoice with me; my days of illness are over, and -there will be life and movement in this rusty and creaking machine -of state. You have often called me a bold eagle, now we shall see if -my wings have strength to bear me to great deeds, and if my claws -are sharp enough to pluck out the feathers of the double eagle." -"So my suspicions are correct, and it is against Austria that my -king will make his first warlike movement?" - -"Yes, against Austria; against this proud adversary, who, with -envious and jealous eyes, watches my every step; who is pleased to -look upon Prussia as her vassal; whose emperor considered it beneath -his dignity to extend his hand to my father, or offer him a seat; -and now I will refuse the hand to Austria, and force her from her -comfortable rest." - -"For you, also, my king, will the days of quiet be over; your holy -and happy hours with poetry, philosophy, and the arts, must be given -up. The favorite of Apollo will become the son of Mars; we who are -left behind can only look after you, we can do nothing for you, not -even offer our breasts as a shield against danger and death." - -"Away with such thoughts," said Frederick, smiling; "death awaits us -all, and if he finds me on the field of battle, my friends, my -subjects, and history will not forget me. That is a comfort and a -hope; and you, Jordan, you know that I believe in a great, exalted, -and almighty Being, who governs the world. I believe in God, and I -leave my fate confidently in His hands. The ball which strikes me -comes from Him; and if I escape the battle-field, a murderous hand -can reach me, even in my bed-chamber; and surely that would be a -less honorable, less famous death. I must do something great, -decisive, and worthy of renown, that my people may love me, and look -up to me with confidence and trust. It is not enough to be a king by -inheritance and birth, I must prove by my deeds that I merit it. -Silesia offers me a splendid opportunity, and truly I think the -circumstances afford me a solid and sure basis for fame." - -"Alas! I see," sighed Jordan, that the love of your subjects, and -the enthusiastic tenderness of your friends, is not sufficient for -you; you would seek renown." - -"Yes, you are right; this glittering phantom, Fame, is ever before -my eyes. I know this is folly, but when once you have listened to -her intoxicating whispers, you cannot cast her off. Speak not, then, -of exposure, or care, or danger; these are as dust of the balance; I -am amazed that this wild passion does not turn every man's head." - -"Alas! your majesty, the thirst for fame has cost thousands of men -their reasons and their lives. The field of battle is truly the -golden book of heroes, but their names must be written therein in -blood." - -"It is true," said the king, thoughtfully, "a field of battle is a -sad picture for a poet and a philosopher; but every man in this -world must pursue his calling, and I will not do my work half way. I -love war for the sake of fame. Pity me not, Jordan, because these -days of illness and peace and gayety are over; because I must go -into the rough field, while you amuse yourself with Horace, study -Pausanias, and laugh and make merry with Anacreon. I envy you not. -Fame beckons me with her alluring glance. My youth, the fire of -passion, the thirst for renown, and a mysterious and unconquerable -power, tears me from this life of indolence. The glowing desire to -see my name connected with great deeds in the journals and histories -of the times drives me out into the battle-field. [Footnote: The -king's own words.] There will I earn the laurel-wreaths which kings -do not find in their cradles, or upon their throne, but which as -men, and as heroes, they must conquer for themselves." - -"The laurel will deck the brow of my hero, my Frederick, in all -time," said Jordan, with tears in his eyes. "Oh! I see before you a -glorious future; it may be I shall have passed away--but where will -my spirit be? When I stand near you and look upon you, I know that -the spirit is immortal. The soul, noble and god-like, will be ever -near you; so whether living or dead I am thine, to love you as my -friend, to honor you as my sovereign, to admire you as a gifted -genius, glowing with godly fire." - -"Oh, speak not of death," said the king, "speak not of death; I have -need of you, and it seems to me that true friendship must be strong -enough even to conquer death! Yes, Jordan, we have need of each -other, we belong to each other; and it would be cruel, indeed, to -rob me of a treasure which we, poor kings, so rarely possess, a -faithful and sincere friend. No, Jordan, you will be my Cicero to -defend the justice of my cause, and I will be your Caesar to carry -out the cause happily and triumphantly." - -Jordan was speechless; he shook his head sadly. The king observed -him anxiously, and saw the deep, feverish purple spots, those roses -of the grave, upon the hollow cheeks of his friend; he saw that he -grew daily weaker; he heard the hot, quick breathing which came -panting from his breast. A sad presentiment took possession of his -heart, the smile vanished from his lips, he could not conceal his -emotion, and walking to the window he leaned his hot brow upon the -glass and shed tears which none but God should see. "My God! my God! -how poor is a prince! I have so few friends, and these will soon -pass away. Suhm lies ill in Marschau; perhaps I shall never see him -again. Jordan is near me, but I see death in his face and he will -soon be torn from my side." - -Jordan stood immovable and looked toward the king, who still leaned -his head upon the window; he did not dare to disturb him, and yet he -had important and sad news to announce. At last Jordan laid his hand -upon his shoulder. - -"Pardon, my king," said he, in trembling tones, "pardon that I dare -to interrupt you; but a hero dare not give himself up to sad -thoughts before the battle, and when he thinks of death he must -greet him with laughter, for death is his ally and his adjutant; and -even if his ally grasps his nearest and best beloved friend, the -hero and the conqueror must yield him up as an offering to victory." - -The king turned quickly toward the speaker. "You have death news to -give me," said he curtly, leaning against the back of his chair. -"You have death news for me, Jordan." - -"Yes, news of death, my prince," said he, deeply moved; "fate will -accustom your majesty to such trials, that your heart may not falter -when your friends fall around you in the day of battle." - -"It is, then, a friend who is dead," said Frederick, turning pale. - -"Yes, sire, your best beloved." - -The king said nothing; sinking in the chair, and grasping the arms -convulsively, he leaned his head back, and in a low voice asked, "Is -it Suhm?" - -"Yes, it is Suhm; he died in Marschau. Here is his last letter to -your highness; his brother sent it to me, that I might hand it to -your majesty." - -The king uttered a cry of anguish, and clasped his hands before his -pallid face. Great tears ran down his cheeks; with a hasty movement -he shook them from his eyes, opened and read the letter. As he read -it he sighed and sobbed aloud: "Suhm is dead! Suhm is dead! the -friend who loved me so sincerely, even as I loved him. That noble -man, who combined intellect, sincerity, and sensibility. My heart is -in mourning for him; so long as a drop of blood flows in my veins I -will remember him, and his family shall be mine. Ah, my heart -bleeds, and the wound is deep." - -The king, mastered by his grief, laid his head in his hand and wept -aloud. Then, after a long pause, he raised himself; he was calm and -stern. "Jordan," said he, firmly, "death hath no more power over me, -never again can he wring my heart; he has laid an iron shield upon -me, and when I go to battle I must be triumphant; my friend has been -offered up as a victim. Jordan, Jordan, my wound bleeds, but I will -bind it up, and no man shall see even the blood-stained cloth with -which I cover it. I have overcome death, and now will I offer battle -and conquer as become a hero, and a king. What cares the world that -I suffer? The world shall know nothing of it; a mask before my face, -and silence as to my agony. We will laugh and jest while we sorrow -for our friend, and while we prepare to meet the enemy. We will PLAY -Caesar and Antonius now; hereafter we may really imitate them. Come, -Jordan, come, we will try 'The Death of Caesar.'" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE FAREWELL AUDIENCE OF MARQUIS VON HOTTER, THE AUSTRIAN -AMBASSADOR. - - -This was to be a fete day in the royal palace of Berlin. The king -intended giving a splendid dinner, after which the court would take -coffee in the newly furnished rooms of the dowager queen, and a mask -ball was prepared for the evening, to which the court, the nobility, -and higher officials were invited. - -The court mourning for the emperor was at an end, and every one was -determined to enjoy the pleasures of the carnival. Never had the -court led so gay, so luxurious a life. Even the good old citizens of -Berlin seemed to appreciate this new administration, which brought -so much money to the poorer classes, such heavy profits to -tradesmen. They believed that this extravagant court brought them -greater gains than an economical one, and were therefore contented -with this new order of things. - -The king had refurnished the palace with an unheard of splendor. In -the apartment of the queen-mother there was a room in which all the -ornaments and decorations were of massive gold. Even the French and -English ambassadors were astonished at this "Golden Cabinet," and -declared that such splendor and magnificence could not be found in -the palaces of Paris or London. The people of Berlin, as we have -said, were becoming proud of their court and their king, and they -thought it quite natural that this young ruler, who was only twenty- -eight years old, should interest himself very little in the affairs -of State, and should give his time to pleasure and amusement. - -The king had accomplished his desire. No one suspected the deep -seriousness that he concealed under this idle play. No one dreamed -that this gay, smiling prince, on whose lips there was always a -witty jest or bon mot; who proposed a concert every evening, in -which he himself took part; who surrounded himself with artists, -poets, and gay cavaliers, with whom he passed many nights of wild -mirth and gayety--no one dreamed that this harmless, ingenuous young -prince, was on the point of overthrowing the existing politics of -the European states, and of giving an entirely new form to the whole -of Germany. - -The king had not raised his mask for a moment; he had matured his -plans under the veil of inviolate secrecy. The moment of their -accomplishment had now arrived; this evening, during the mask ball -which had been prepared with such pomp and splendor, the king with -his regiments would leave Berlin and proceed to Silesia. But even -the troops did not know their destination. The journals had -announced that the army would leave Berlin to go into new winter -quarters, and this account was generally believed. Only a few -confidants, and the generals who were to accompany the king, were -acquainted with this secret. The king, after a final conference, in -which he gave the last instructions and orders, said: - -"Now, gentlemen, that we have arranged our business, we will think -of our pleasure. I will see you this evening at the ball; we will -dance once more with the ladies before we begin our war-dance." - -As the generals left him, his servant entered to assist at his -toilet. Pelissier, the French tailor, had prepared a new and -magnificent costume for this evening, made in the latest Parisian -style. The king desired to appear once more in great splendor before -exchanging the saloon for the camp. Never had he bestowed such care -upon his toilet; never had he remained so patiently under the hands -of the barber; he even went to the large mirror when his toilet was -completed, and carefully examined his appearance and costly dress. - -"Well," he said, smiling, "if the Marquis von Botter is not deceived -by this dandy that I see before me, it is not my fault. The good -Austrian ambassador must be very cunning indeed if he discovers a -warrior in this perfumed fop. I think he will be able to tell my -cousin, Maria Theresa, nothing more than that the King of Prussia -knows how to dress himself, and is the model of fashion." - -The king passed into the rooms of the queen-mother, where the court -was assembled, and where he had granted a farewell audience to the -Marquis von Botter, the ambassador of the youthful Empress of -Austria. Frederick was right: the marquis had been deceived by the -mask of harmless gayety and thoughtless happiness assumed by the -king and court. He had been sent by the empress with private -instructions to sound the intentions of the Prussian king, while his -apparent business was to return her acknowledgments for the -congratulations of the King of Prussia on her ascension to the -throne. - -The Marquis von Botter, as we have said, had been deceived by the -gay and thoughtless manner of the king, and Manteuffel's warnings -and advice had been thrown away. - -The marquis had withdrawn with Manteuffel to one of the windows, to -await the entrance of the king; the ladies and gentlemen of the -court were scattered through the rooms of the queen-mother, who was -playing cards with Queen Christine in the golden cabinet. - -"I leave Berlin," said the marquis, "with the firm conviction that -the king has the most peaceful intentions." - -"As early as to-morrow your convictions will be somewhat shaken," -replied Manteuffel, "for this night the king and his army depart for -Silesia." - -At this moment the king appeared at the door of the golden cabinet. -There was a sudden silence, and all bent low, bowing before the -brilliant young monarch. - -Frederick bowed graciously, but remained in the doorway, glancing -over the saloon; it appeared to afford him a certain pleasure to -exhibit himself to the admiring gaze of those present. He stood a -living picture of youth, beauty, and manliness. - -"Only look at this richly-dressed, elegant young man," whispered -Marquis von Botter; "look at his youthful countenance, beaming with -pleasure and delight; at his hands, adorned with costly rings, so -white and soft, that they would do honor to the most high-bred lady; -at that slender foot, in its glittering shoe. Do you wish to -convince me that this small foot will march to battle; that this -delicate hand, which is only fitted to hold a smelling-bottle or a -pen, will wield a sword? Oh! my dear count, you make me merry with -your gloomy prophecies." - -"Still I entreat you to believe me. As soon as your audience is -over, hasten to your hotel, and return to Vienna with all possible -speed; allow yourself no hour of sleep, no moment for refreshment, -until you have induced your empress to send her army to Silesia. If -you do not, if you despise my advice, the King of Prussia will reach -Silesia before you are in Vienna, and the empress will receive this -intelligence which you do not credit from the fleeing inhabitants of -her province, which will have been conquered without a blow." - -The deep earnestness of the count had in it something so impressive, -so convincing, that the marquis felt his confidence somewhat shaken, -and looked doubtfully at the young monarch, who was now smiling and -conversing with some of the ladies. - -But even in speaking the king had not lost sight of these two -gentlemen who were leaning against the window, and whose thoughts he -read in their countenances. He now met the eye of the marquis, and -motioned to him to come forward. The marquis immediately approached -the king, who stood in the centre of the saloon, surrounded by his -generals. - -Every eye was turned toward the glittering group, in which the young -king was prominent: for those to whom the intentions of the king -were known, this was an interesting piece of acting; while for the -uninitiated, who had only an uncertain suspicion of what was about -to happen, this was a favorable moment for observation. - -The Austrian ambassador now stood before the king, making a deep and -ceremonious bow. The king returned this salutation, and said: - -"You have really come to take leave, marquis?" - -"Sire, her majesty, my honored empress, recalls me, and I must obey -her commands, happy as I should be, if I were privileged, to sun -myself still longer in your noble presence." - -"It is true, a little sunshine would be most beneficial to you, -marquis. You will have a cold journey." - -"Ah! your majesty, the cold is an evil that could easily be -endured." - -"There are, then, other evils which will harass you on your -journey?" - -"Yes, sire, there is the fearful road through Silesia, that -lamentable Austrian province. Ah! your majesty, this is a road of -which in your blessed land you have no idea, and which is happily -unknown in the other Austrian provinces. This poor Silesia has given -only care and sorrow to the empress; but, perhaps, for that reason, -she loves it so well, and would so gladly assist it. But even Nature -seems to prevent the accomplishment of her noble intentions. Heavy -rains have destroyed the roads which had, with great expense, been -rendered passable, and I learn, to my horror, that it is scarcely -possible for a traveller to pass them without running the greatest -danger." - -"Well," said the king, quietly, "I imagine that nothing could happen -to the traveller that could not be remedied by a bath and a change -of dress." - -"Excuse me, sire," cried the marquis, eagerly, "he would risk his -health, yes, even his life, in crossing the deep marshes, covered -with standing water, which are common in that country. Oh! those are -to be envied who need not expose themselves to this danger." - -The king was wearied with this crafty diplomatic play; he was tired -of the piercing glances with which the ambassador examined his -countenance. In the firm conviction of his success, and the noble -pride of his open and truth-loving nature, it pleased him to allow -the mask to fall, which had concealed his heroic and warlike -intentions from the marquis. The moment of action had arrived; it -was, therefore no longer necessary to wear the veil of secrecy. - -"Well, sir," said the king, in a loud, firm voice, "if you feel so -great a dread of this journey, I advise you to remain in Berlin. I -will go in your place into Silesia, and inform my honored cousin, -Maria Theresa, with the voice of my cannon, that the Silesian roads -are too dangerous for an Austrian, but are most convenient for the -King of Prussia to traverse on his way to Breslau." "Your majesty -intends marching to Breslau?" asked the horrified marquis. - -"Yes, sir, to Breslau; and as you remarked, the roads are too -dangerous for a single traveller, and I intend taking my army with -me to protect my carriage." - -"Oh!" exclaimed the marquis, "your majesty intends making a descent -on the lands of my exalted sovereign?" - -The king glanced proudly and scornfully at this daring man. An -involuntary murmur arose among the courtiers; the hands of the -generals sought their swords, as if they would challenge this -presumptuous Austrian, who dared to reproach the King of Prussia. - -The king quieted his generals with a slight motion of his hand, and -turning again to the marquis, he said, composedly, "You express -yourself falsely, marquis. I will make no descent upon the lands of -the Empress of Austria; I will only reclaim what is mine--mine by -acknowledged right, by inheritance, and by solemn contract. The -records of this claim are in the state department of Austria, and -the empress need only read these documents to convince herself of my -right to the province of Silesia." - -"Your majesty, by this undertaking, may, perhaps, ruin the house of -Austria, but you will most certainly destroy your own." - -"It depends upon the empress to accept or reject the propositions -which I have made to her through my ambassador in Vienna." - -The marquis glanced ironically at the king, and said, "Sire, your -troops are fair to see; the Austrian army has not that glittering -exterior, but they are veterans who have already stood fire." - -"You think my troops are showy," he said, impetuously; "eh bien, I -will convince you that they are equally brave." - -Thus speaking, the king gave the Austrian ambassador a bow of -dismissal. The audience was at an end. The ambassador made a -ceremonious bow, and left the room, amid profound silence. - -Scarcely had the door closed behind him before the noble countenance -of the king had recovered its usual calm and lofty expression. - -He said gayly: "Mesdames ei messieurs, it is time to prepare for the -mask ball; I have thrown aside my mask for a moment, but you, -doubtless, think it time to assume yours. Farewell until then." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE MASQUERADE. - - -The saloons were brilliantly illuminated, and a train of gayly -intermingled, fantastically attired figures were moving to and fro -in the royal palace. It seemed as if the representatives of all -nations had come together to greet the heroic young king. Greeks and -Turks were there in gold-embroidered, bejewelled apparel. Odalisks, -Spanish, Russian, and German peasant women in every variety of -costume; glittering fairies, sorceresses, and fortune-telling -gypsies; grave monks, ancient knights in silver armor, castle dames, -and veiled nuns. It was a magnificent spectacle to behold, these -splendidly decorated saloons, filled with so great a variety of -elegant costumes; and had it not been for the lifeless, grinning, -and distorted faces, one might have imagined himself transported to -Elysium, where all nations and all races are united in unclouded -bliss. But the cold, glittering masks which concealed the bright -faces, sparkling with animation and pleasure, somewhat marred the -effect of this spectacle, and recalled the enraptured spectator to -the present, and to the stern reality. - -Only in the last of these saloons was there an unmasked group. In -this room sat the two queens, glittering with gems, for it was no -longer necessary for Sophia Dorothea to conceal her jewels; without -fear she could now appear before her court in her magnificent -diamonds; and Elizabeth Christine, who knew well that her husband -loved to see his queen appear in a magnificence befitting her -dignity on festive occasions, had adorned herself with the exquisite -jewelry which excited the admiration of the entire court, and which -Baron Bielfeld declared to be a perfect miracle of beauty. Next to -the two queens and the princesses Ulrica and Amelia, stood the king -in his magnificent ball costume. Behind the royal family stood their -suite, holding their masks in their hands, for all were required to -uncover their faces on entering the room in which the royal family -were seated. - -The king and the queen were about to fulfil the promises they had -made each other; Sophia Dorothea was about to receive Count Neal, -while the king was to welcome the recently married Countess Rhedern -to court. - -The loud and ironical voice of the master of ceremonies, Baron -Pollnitz, had just announced to the royal family the arrival of -Count and Countess Rhedern and Count Neal, and they were now -entering the saloon, the sanctuary which was only open to the -favored and privileged, only to those of high birth, or those whose -offices required them to be near the king's person. No one else -could enter this saloon without special invitation. - -The newly-made Countess Rhedern made her entrance on the arm of her -husband. Her face was perfectly tranquil and grave; an expression of -determination rested on her features, which, although no longer -possessing the charm of youth and beauty, were still interesting. -Her countenance was indicative of energy and decision. An expression -of benevolence played around her large but well-formed mouth; and -her dark eyes, which were not cast down, but rested quietly on the -royal family, expressed so much spirit and intelligence that it was -evident she was no ordinary woman, but a firm and resolute one, who -had courage to challenge fate, and, if necessary, to shape her own -destiny. - -But the proud and imperious Queen Sophia Dorothea felt disagreeably -impressed by the earnest glances with which the countess regarded -her. If she had approached her tremblingly, and with downcast eyes, -crushed, as it were, by the weight of this unheard-of condescension -on the part of royalty, the queen would have been inclined to pardon -her want of birth, and to forget her nameless descent: but the quiet -and unconstrained bearing of the newly created countess enraged her. -Moreover, she felt offended by the elegant and costly toilet of the -countess. The long silver-embroidered train, fastened to her -shoulders with jewelled clasps, was of a rarer and more costly -material than even the robe of the queen; the diadem, necklace, and -jewelled bracelets could rival the parure of the queen, and the -latter experienced almost a sensation of envy at the sight of the -large fan which the countess held half open in her hand, and with -which the queen had nothing that could compare. The fan was of real -Chinese workmanship, and ornamented with incomparable carvings in -ivory, and beautiful paintings. - -The queen acknowledged the thrice-repeated courtesy of Countess -Rhedern, with a slight inclination of the head only, while Queen -Elizabeth Christine greeted her with a gracious smile. - -The king, who noticed the cloud gathering on his mother's brow, and -very well knew its cause, was amused to see the queen-mother, who -had so warmly advocated the reception of Countess Rhedern at court, -now receive her so coldly; and wishing to jest with his mother on -the subject of this short-lived fancy, he greeted the countess very -graciously, and turning to his mother, said: - -"You have done well, madame, to invite this beautiful countess to -court; she will be a great acquisition, a great ornament." - -"A great ornament," repeated Sophia Dorothea, who now considered the -quiet and unconstrained bearing of the countess as disrespectful to -herself; and fixing her proud and scornful glances upon her as she -contemptuously repeated the king's words, she said: "What a singular -train you wear!" - -"It is of Indian manufacture," said the countess, quietly; "my -father is connected with several mercantile houses in Holland, and -from one of these I obtained the curious cloth which has attracted -your majesty's attention." - -Sophia Dorothea reddened with shame and indignation. This woman had -the audacity not only not to be ashamed of her past life, over which -she should have drawn a veil, but she dared in this brilliant -company, in the presence of two queens, to speak of her father's -business relations--even while the queen magnanimously wished to -forget, and veil the obscurity of her birth. - -"Ah!" said the queen-mother, "you wear an article from your father's -shop! Truly, a convenient and ingenious mode of advertising your -father's goods; and hereafter when we regard Countess Rhedern, we -will know what is her father's latest article of trade." - -The smile which the queen perceived upon the lips of her suite was a -sufficient reward for her cruel jest. The eyes of all were -scornfully fixed upon the countess, whose husband stood at her side, -pale and trembling, and with downcast eyes. But the young countess -remained perfectly composed. - -"Pardon me, your majesty," said she, in a full, clear voice, "for -daring to contradict you, but my father's business is too well known -to need any such advertisement." - -"Well, then, in what does he deal?" said the queen, angrily. - -"Your majesty," said the countess, bowing respectfully, "my father's -dealings are characterized by wisdom, honor, generosity, and -discretion." - -The queen's eyes flashed; a shopkeeper's daughter had dared to -justify herself before the queen, and to defy and scoff at her -anger. - -She arose proudly. She wished to annihilate this newly-created -countess with her withering contempt. But the king, who perceived -the signs of a coming storm upon his mother's brow, determined to -prevent this outbreak. It wounded his noble and generous soul to see -a poor, defenceless woman tormented in this manner. He was too -noble-minded to take offence at the quiet and composed bearing of -the countess, which had excited his mother's anger. In her display -of spirit and intelligence, he forgot her lowly birth, and laying -his hand gently upon his mother's shoulder he said, with a smile: - -"Does not your majesty think that Countess Rhedern does honor to her -birth? Her father deals in wisdom, honor, and generosity. Well, it -seems to me that Countess Rhedern has inherited these noble -qualities. My dear countess, I promise you my patronage, and will -ever be a devoted customer of your house if you prove worthy of your -father." - -"That I can promise your majesty," said the countess, an expression -of proud delight flitting over her countenance, and almost rendering -it beautiful; "and will your majesty have the kindness, at some -future time," said she, taking her husband's arm, "to convince -yourself that the house of Rhedern and Company, to which your -majesty has so graciously promised his patronage, is in a condition -to satisfy his requirements?" - -The queen-mother could hardly suppress a cry of anger and -indignation. The countess had dared to give the king an invitation. -She had committed a breach of etiquette which could only be -accounted for by the most absolute ignorance, or the greatest -impertinence, and one which the king would assuredly punish. - -But Sophia Dorothea was mistaken. Bowing low, the king said, with -that kindliness of manner which was peculiar to himself: "I will -take the very first opportunity of paying your establishment a -visit." - -Sophia Dorothea was very near fainting; she could stand this scene -no longer; and giving herself up entirely to her anger, she was -guilty of the same fault which the countess had committed through -ignorance. Forgetful of etiquette, she assumed a right which -belonged to the reigning king and queen alone. Arising hastily from -her seat, she said, impatiently: - -"I think it is time we should join the dancers. Do you not find the -music very beautiful and enticing? Let us go." - -The king smilingly laid his hand on her arm. "You forget, madame, -that there is another happy man who longs to bask in the sunshine of -your countenance. You forget, madame, that Count Neal is to have the -honor of an introduction." - -The queen gave her son one of those proud, resigned, and reproachful -looks which she had been in the habit of directing toward Frederick -William during her wedded life. She felt conquered, humbled, and -powerless. - -The imperious expression fled from her brow, and found refuge in her -eyes only. "And this, too!" murmured she, sinking back on her seat. -She barely heard Count Neal's introduction. She acknowledged his -respectful greeting with a slight inclination of the head, and -remained silent. - -The king, who to-day seemed to be in a conciliatory mood, again came -to the rescue. - -"Madame," said he, "Count Neal is indeed an enviable man; he has -seen what we will probably never see. He has been in the lovely, -luxurious, and dreamy South; he has seen the sun of India; he was -governor of Surinam." - -"Pardon me, your majesty," said the count, proudly; "I was not only -governor, but vice-regent." - -"Ah," said the king, "and what are the prerogatives of a vice- -regent?" - -"I was there esteemed as your majesty is here. The governor of -Surinam is approached with the same submission, humility, and -devotion, he enjoys the same homage as the King of Prussia." - -"Ah, you are then an equal of the King of Prussia? Baron Pollnitz, -you have been guilty of a great oversight; you have forgotten to -provide a seat for my brother, the King of Surinam. You must be -indulgent this time, my dear brother, but at the next ball we will -not forget that you are a vice-regent of Surinam, and woe to the -baron if he does not then provide a chair!" - -He then took his mother's arm, and signing to Prince Augustus -William to follow him with the reigning queen, proceeded to the -ball-room. - -On arriving there he released his mother's arm and said: "If -agreeable to you, we will lay aside etiquette for a short time and -mingle with the dancers." And without awaiting an answer, the king -bowed and hurried off into the adjoining room, followed by Pollnitz. -He there assumed a domino and mask. - -The entire court followed the king's example. The prince, and even -the reigning queen, took advantage of his permission. - -The queen was deserted by her suite, and left almost entirely alone -in the large saloon. Her marshal, Count Rhedern, his wife, and the -page who held her train, were the only persons who remained. Sophia -Dorothea heaved a deep sigh; she felt that she was no longer a -queen, but a poor widow who had vacated the throne. Happily, -Countess Rhedern, the wife of her marshal, was still there; upon her -she could at least vent her rage. - -"Madame," said she, looking angrily at the countess "your train is -too long; you should have brought some of the lads from your -father's store to carry this train for you, in order that it might -be more minutely examined." - -The countess bowed. "Your majesty must pardon me for not having done -so, but my father's assistants are not at my disposal. But perhaps -we can find a remedy if your majesty really thinks I need a train- -bearer. I suggest that some of my father's principal debtors should -fill this place. I believe these gentlemen would willingly carry my -train if my father would grant them a respite. If your majesty -agrees to this proposition, I shall at once select two of your -noblest cavaliers for my train-bearers, and will then no longer put -your brilliant court to shame." - -The queen did not reply; she cast an angry glance at the quiet and -composed countess, and then walked quietly toward the throne, around -which the royal family had now assembled. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE MASKERS. - - -The king, with the assistance of Pollnitz, had now completed his -toilet; he did not wish to be recognized, and his dress was similar -to hundreds of others who were wandering through the rooms. - -"Do you think I will be known?" - -"No, sire, it is not possible. Now have the goodness to push your -mask slightly over your eyes; they might perhaps betray you." - -"Well, these eyes will soon see some curious things. Did you ever -stand upon a battle-field as a conqueror, surrounded by corpses, all -your living enemies having fled before you?" - -"Heaven in its mercy preserve me from such a sight! My enemies, -sire, have never fled from me; they chase me and threaten me, and it -is of God's great mercy that I have always escaped them." - -"Who are these pursuing enemies of yours?" - -"They are my creditors, your majesty, and you may well believe that -they are more terrible to me than a battle-field of corpses. -Unhappily, they still live, and the fiends torment me." - -"Well, Pollnitz, after I have seen my first battle-field, in the -condition I have just described to you, and returned home -victorious, I will assist you to kill off your rapacious enemies. -Until then keep bravely on the defensive. Come, let us go, I have -only half an hour left for pleasure." - -The king opened the door of the cabinet, and, jesting merrily, he -mingled with the crowd, while Pollnitz remained near the door, and -cast a searching glance around the room. Presently a mocking smile -flitted over his face, and he said to himself: "There, there are all -three of them. There is the modestly dressed nun who would not be -recognized as Madame von Morien. There is the king of cards, -Manteuffel, who is not yet aware that a quick eye has seen his hand, -and his trumps are all in vain. There at last is Madame von Brandt, -'The Gypsy,' telling fortunes, and having no presentiment of the -fate awaiting herself. A little scrap of paper carelessly lost and -judiciously used by the lucky finder is quite sufficient to unmask -three of the worldly wise." - -"Well, baron," whispered the nun, "will you fulfil your promise?" - -"Dear Madame von Morien," replied Pollnitz, shrugging his shoulders, -"the king expressly commanded me not to betray him." - -"Pollnitz," said the nun, with a tearful voice, "have pity upon me; -tell me the disguise of the king; you shall not only have my eternal -gratitude--but look, I know you love diamonds; see this costly pin, -which I will give for the news I crave." - -"It is impossible for poor, weak human nature to resist you," said -Pollnitz, stretching out his hand eagerly for the pin; "diamonds -have a convincing eloquence, and I must submit; the king has a blue -domino embroidered with silver cord, a white feather is fastened in -his hat with a ruby pin, and his shoe-buckles are of rubies and -diamonds." - -"Thank you," said the nun, handing the pin and mingling hastily with -the crowd. - -While Pollnitz was fastening the pin in his bosom, the king of cards -approached, and laid his hand on his shoulder. - -"Well, baron, you see I am punctual; answer the questions of -yesterday, and I will give you all the information necessary to -secure you a rich and lovely wife." - -"I accept the terms. You wish to know what route the king will take -and the number of his troops: this paper contains the information -you desire; I obtained it from a powerful friend, one of the -confidential servants of the king. I had to pay a thousand crowns -for it; you see I did not forget you." - -"Well, here is a draft for four thousand crowns," said Manteuffel; -"you see I did not forget your price." - -"And now for the rich and lovely wife." - -"Listen. In Nuremberg I am acquainted with a rich family, who have -but one fair daughter; she will inherit a million. The family is not -noble, but they wish to marry their daughter to a Prussian cavalier. -I have proposed you, and you are accepted; you have only to go to -Nuremberg and deliver these letters; you will be received as a son, -and immediately after the wedding you will come into possession of a -million." - -"A million is not such a large sum after all," said Pollnitz. "If I -must marry a citizen in order to obtain a fortune I know a girl here -who is young, lovely, and much in love with me, and I think she has -not less than a million." - -"Well, take the letters; you can consider the subject. Au revoir, my -dear baron. Oh, I forgot one other small stipulation connected with -your marriage with the Nuremberger; the family is Protestant, and -will not accept a Catholic for their rich daughter; so you will have -to become a Protestant." - -"Well, that is a small affair. I was once a Protestant, and I think -I was just as good as I am now." - -Manteuffel laughed heartily, and withdrew. - -Pollnitz looked thoughtfully at the letters, and considered the -question of the Nuremberg bride. "I believe Anna Pricker has at -least a million, and old Pricker lies very ill from the shock of his -wife's sudden death. If our plan succeeds, and Anna becomes a great -singer, she will have powerful influence with the king; and it will -be forgotten that she is a tailor's daughter. I believe I would -rather have Anna than the Nuremberger, but I will keep the latter in -reserve." - -Pollnitz had reached this point in his meditations, when the gypsy -stood before him; she greeted him with roguish words, and he was -again the thoughtless and giddy cavalier. Madame von Brandt, -however, had but little time for jesting. - -"You promised to give me information of the letter I lost at the -last court festival," she said, anxiously. - -"Yes, that very important letter, ruinously compromising two ladies -and a nobleman. I suppose you would obtain the letter at any -sacrifice?" - -"Yes, at any sacrifice," said Madame von Brandt. "You asked a -hundred Louis d'ors for the letter; I have brought them with me; -take them--now give me the letter." - -The baron took the money and put it in his pocket. - -"Well, the letter, let me have it quickly," said Madame von Brandt. - -Pollnitz hunted through his pockets anxiously. "My God!" he cried, -"this letter has wings. I know I put it in my pocket, and it has -disappeared; perhaps like yourself I lost it in the saloon; I must -hasten to seek it." He wished to go immediately, but Madame von -Brandt held him back. - -"Have the goodness to give me my money until you have found the -letter," she cried, trembling with rage. - -"Your money?" cried Pollnitz; "you gave me no money. Why do you keep -me? allow me to go and seek this important letter." He tore himself -from her and mingled with the crowd. - -Madame von Brandt looked after him in speechless rage; she leaned -against the wall, to prevent herself from falling. - -Pollnitz laughed triumphantly. "This evening has brought me a -thousand crowns, two hundred Louis d'ors, a splendid diamond pin, -and the promise of a rich wife. I think I may be content. Through -these intrigues I have enough to live on for months. I stand now -high in the king's favor, and who knows, perhaps he may now give me -a house, not the house in the Jager Street--that is, alas, no longer -vacant. I see the king--I must hasten to him." Suddenly he heard his -name called, and turning he saw a lady in a black domino, the hood -drawn over her head, and her face covered with an impenetrable veil. - -"Baron Pollnitz, a word with you, if you please," and slightly -motioning with her hand, she passed before him. Pollnitz followed -her, curious to know his last petitioner, but the dark domino -covered her completely. They had now reached a quiet window; the -lady turned and said: - -"Baron Pollnitz, you are said to be a noble and gallant cavalier, -and I am sure you will not refuse a lady a favor." - -"Command me, madame," said Pollnitz, with his eternal smile. "I will -do all in my power." - -"Make known to me the costume of the king." - -The baron stepped back in angry astonishment. "So, my beautiful -mask, you call that a favor; I must betray his majesty to you. He -has forbidden me positively to make known his costume to any one; -you cannot desire me to be guilty of such a crime!" - -"I implore you to tell me," cried the mask; "it is not from idle -curiosity that I desire to know: I have an ardent but innocent -desire to say a few words to the king before he leaves for the wars, -from which he may never return." - -In the excitement of deep feeling, the mask spoke in her natural -voice, and there were certain tones which Pollnitz thought he -recognized; he must be certain, however, before speaking; he drew -nearer, and gazing piercingly at the lady, he said. "You say, -madame, that it is not in idle curiosity that you desire to know the -costume of the king. How do I know that you do not entertain -dangerous designs? how do I know but you are an enemy, corrupted by -Austria, and wish to lead the king to his destruction?" - -"The only security I can offer is the word of a noble lady who never -told an untruth. God omnipotent, God omnipresent knows that my heart -beats with admiration, reverence, and love for the king. I would -rather die than bring him into danger." - -"Will you swear that?" - -"I swear!" cried the lady, raising her arm solemnly toward heaven. - -Pollnitz followed all her movements watchfully, and as the long -sleeve of the domino fell back, he saw a bracelet of emeralds and -diamonds, which he recognized; there was but one lady at the -Prussian court who possessed such a bracelet, and that was the -reigning queen. Pollnitz was too old a courtier to betray the -discovery he had made; he bowed quietly to the lady, who, -discovering her imprudence, lowered her arm, and drew her sleeve -tightly over it. - -"Madame," said the baron, "you have taken a solemn oath and I am -satisfied; I will grant your request, but, as I gave my word of -honor to tell no one the costume of his majesty, I must show it to -you. I am now going to seek the king; I shall speak with no one but -him; therefore the domino before whom I bow and whom I address will -be the king; follow me." - -"I thank you," said the lady, drawing her domino closely over her; -"I shall remember this hour gratefully, and if it is ever in my -power to serve you, I shall do so." - -"This is indeed a most fortunate evening! I have earned money and -diamonds and the favor of the queen, who up to this time has looked -upon me with cold dislike." - -Pollnitz approached the king and bowed low; the lady stood behind, -marking well the costume of his majesty. - -"I have waited a long time for Pollnitz," said the king. - -"Sire, I had to wait for three masks; I have seen them all--Madame -von Morien, Madame von Brandt, and Baron von Manteuffel. The baron -remains true to his character; he is in the costume of the king of -cards." - -"And Madame von Morien?" asked the king. - -"She is here as a nun, and burns with desire to speak with your -majesty; and if you will step into the dark saloon, I do not doubt -the repentant nun will quickly follow you." - -"Well, what is the costume of Madame von Brandt?" - -"A gypsy, sire; a yellow skirt, with a red bodice embroidered in -gold; a little hat studded with diamonds and a beauty spot on the -left temple. She wished me to give her the letter I found, and I -sold it to her for two hundred Louis d'ors." - -"You had not the letter, however, and could not receive the money?" - -"Pardon, your majesty, I took the Louis d'ors, and then discovered -that I had lost the letter, I came to seek it." - -The king laughed heartily, and said: "Pollnitz, Pollnitz, it is a -blessed thing for the world that you are not married; your boys -would be consummate rascals! Did you give Manteuffel the plan of the -campaign and the number of the troops?" - -"Yes, sire, I did; and the baron was so charmed that he made me a -present of four thousand crowns! I took them, for appearance' sake; -your majesty must decide what I must do with them." - -"Keep the reward of your iniquity, baron. You hare a superb talent -for thieving, and I would prefer you should practise it on the -Austrians to practising it on myself. Go now, and see that I find my -uniform in the cabinet." - -The king mingled again with the crowd, and was not recognized, but -laughed and jested with them merrily as man to man. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -REWARD AND PUNISHMENT. - - -Suddenly the king ceased his cheerful laughter and merry jests: he -had for the moment forgotten that he had any thing to do but amuse -himself; he had forgotten that he was here to judge and to punish. -Frederick was standing by the once dearly loved Count Manteuffel, -and as his eye fell upon him he was recalled to himself. - -"Ah! I was looking for you," said the king, laying his hand upon the -count's shoulder; "you were missing from my game, dear king of -cards, but now that I have you, I shall win." - -The count had too good an ear not to recognize the king's voice in -spite of its disguise; but he was too nice a diplomatist to betray -his discovery by word or look. - -"What game do you wish to play with me, mask?" Said he, following -the king into an adjoining and unoccupied room. - -"A new game, the game of war!" said the king, harshly. - -"The game of war," repeated the count; "I have never heard of that -game." - -The king did not answer at once; he was walking hastily up and down -the room. - -"Count," said he, stopping before Manteuffel, "I am your friend. I -wish to give you some good advice. Leave Berlin to-night, and never -return to it!" - -"Why do you advise this?" said the count, coolly. - -"Because otherwise you are in danger of being imprisoned as a -traitor and hung as a spy! Make no answer; attempt no defence. I am -your friend, but I am also the friend of the king. I would guard you -from a punishment, though a just one; and I would also guard him -from embarrassment and vexation. The king does not know that you are -an Austrian spy, in the pay of the imperial court. May he never know -it! He once loved you; and his anger would be terrible if informed -of your perfidy. Yes, Count Manteuffel, this prince was young, -inexperienced and trusting; he believed in your love and gave you -his heart. Let us spare his youth; let us spare him the humiliation -of despising and punishing the man he once loved. Oh, my God! it is -hard to trample a being contemptuously under foot whom you once -pressed lovingly to your heart. The king is gentle and affectionate: -he is not yet sufficiently hardened to bear without pain the blows -inflicted by a faithless friend. A day may come when the work of -such friends, when your work, may be accomplished, when King -Frederick will wear about his heart a coat-of-mail woven of -distrust; but, as I said, that time has not come. Do not await it, -count, for then the king would be inexorable toward you; he would -look upon you only as a spy and a traitor! Hasten, then, with flying -steps from Berlin." - -"But how, if I remain and attempt to defend myself?" said the count, -timidly. - -"Do not attempt it; it would be in vain. For in the same moment that -you attempted to excuse yourself, the king would hear of your -cunning, your intrigues, your bribery, and your treachery; he would -know that you corresponded with his cook; that Madame von Brandt -kept a journal for you, which you sent to the Austrian court, and -for which you paid her a settled sum; he would know that you watched -his every word and step, and sold your information for Austrian -gold! No, no, dare not approach the king. A justification is -impossible. Leave here to-night, and never dare to tread again on -Prussian soil! Remember I am your friend; as such I address you." - -"You then advise me to go at once, without taking leave of the -king?" said the count, who could not now conceal his embarrassment. - -"I do! I command you," said the king; "I command you to leave this -castle on the spot! silently, without a word or sign, as beseems a -convicted criminal! I command you to leave Berlin to-night. It -matters not to me where yon go--to hell, if it suits your fancy." - -The count obeyed silently, without a word; to the king he bowed and -left the room. - -The king gazed after him till he was lost in the crowd. "And through -such men as that we lose our trust and confidence in our race; such -men harden our hearts," said he to himself. "Is that then true which -has been said by sages of all times, that princes are condemned to -live solitary and joyless lives; that they can never possess a -friend disinterested and magnanimous enough to love them for -themselves, and not for their power and glory? If so, why give our -hearts to men? Let us love and cherish our dogs, who are true and -honest, and love their masters whether they are princes or beggars. -Ah, there is Manteuffel's noble friend, that coquettish little -gypsy; we will for once change the usual order of things: I will -prophesy to her, instead of receiving her prophecies." The king -approached and whispered: "Pollnitz has found the precious letter, -and is anxious to return it to you." - -"Where is he?" said the gypsy, joyously. - -"Follow me," said Frederick, leading her to the same room where he -had dismissed Manteuffel. "Here we are, alone and unnoticed," said -the king, "and we can gossip to our heart's content." - -Madame von Brandt laughed: "Two are needed for a gossip," said she; -"and how do you know that I am in the humor for that? You led me -here by speaking of a letter which Baron Pollnitz was to give me, -but I see neither Pollnitz nor the letter!" - -"Pollnitz gave it to me to hand to you; but before I give it up I -will see if I have not already learned something of your art, and if -I cannot prophesy as well as yourself. Give me your hand: I will -tell your fortune." - -Madame von Brandt silently held out her trembling hand; she had -recognized the voice; she knew it was the king who stood by her -side. - -The king studied her hand without touching it. "I see wonderful -things in this small hand. In this line it is written that you are a -dangerous friend, a treacherous subject, and a cruel flirt." - -"Can you believe this?" said she, with a forced laugh. - -"I do not only believe it, I know it. It is written in bold, -imperishable characters upon your hand and brow. Look! I see here, -that from a foreign land, for treacherous service, you receive large -sums of gold; here I see splendid diamonds, and there I read that -twenty thousand crowns are promised you if you prevent a certain -divorce. You tremble, and your hand shakes so I can scarcely read. -Keep your hand steady, madame; I wish to read not only your past but -your future life." - -"I shall obey," whispered Madame von Brandt. - -"Here I read of a dangerous letter, which fell, through your own -carelessness, into the wrong hands. If the king should read that -letter, your ruin would be unavoidable; he would punish you as a -traitor; you would not only be banished from court, but confined in -some strong fortress. When a subject conspires with the enemy during -time of war, this is the universal punishment. Be cautious, be -prudent, and the king will learn nothing of this, and you may be -saved." - -"What must I do to avert my ruin?" she said, breathlessly. - -"Banish yourself, madame; make some excuse to withdraw immediately -from Berlin; retire to your husband's estate, and there, in quiet -and solitude, think over and repent your crimes. When like Mary -Magdalene you have loved, and deceived, and betrayed, like her you -must repent, and see if God is as trusting as man; if you can -deceive Him with your tears as you once deceived us with your well- -acted friendship. Go try repentance with God; here it is of no -avail. This reformation, madame, must commence at once. You will -leave Berlin to-morrow, and will not return till the king himself -sends for you." - -"I go!" said Madame von Brandt, weeping bitterly; "I go! but I carry -death in my heart, not because I am banished, but because I deserve -my punishment; because I have wounded the heart of my king, and my -soul withers under his contempt." - -"Mary Magdalene," said Frederick, "truly you have a wondrous talent -for acting; a hint is enough for you, and you master your part at -once. But, madame, it is useless to act before the king; he will -neither credit your tears nor your repentance; he would remember -your crimes and pronounce your sentence. Hasten, then, to your place -of atonement. There you may turn saint, and curse the vain and giddy -world. Here is your letter--farewell!" - -The king hastened away, and Madame von Brandt, weeping from shame -and humiliation, remained alone. The king passed rapidly through the -crowded saloon and stepped on the balcony; he had seen the nun -following him, and she came upon the balcony; he tore off his mask, -and confronting the trembling woman, he said, in a harsh voice. - -"What do you want with me?" - -"Your love," cried the nun, sinking upon her knees and raising her -hands imploringly to the king; "I want the love you once promised -me--the love which is my earthly happiness and my salvation--your -love, without which I must die; wanting which, I suffer the tortures -of purgatory!" - -"Then suffer," said the king, harshly; retreating a few steps--"go -and suffer; endure the torments of purgatory, you deserve them; God -will not deliver you, nor will I." - -"Alas! alas! I hear this, and I live," cried Madame von Morien, -despairingly. "Oh, my king, take pity on me; think of the heavenly -past; think of the intoxicating poison your words and looks poured -into my veins, and do not scorn and punish me because I am brought -almost to madness and death by your neglect. See what you have made -of me! see how poor Leontine has changed!" She threw back her veil, -and showed her pale and sorrowful countenance to the king. - -He gazed at her sternly: "You have become old, madame," he said, -coldly--"old enough to tread in the new path you have so wisely -prepared for yourself. You who have so long been the votary of love, -are now old enough and plain enough to become a model of virtue. -Accept this order of virtue and modesty, promised you by the Empress -of Austria. The king will not divorce his wife, and as this is -supposed to be solely your work, the empress will not withhold the -promised order." - -"My God! he knows all, and he despises me!" cried Madame von Morien, -passionately. - -"Yes, he despises you," repeated the king; "he despises and he has -no pity on you! Farewell!" - -Without again looking toward the broken-hearted woman, he turned -toward the dancing-saloon. Suddenly he felt a hand laid softly upon -his shoulder; he turned and saw at his side a woman in black, and -thickly veiled. - -"One word, King Frederick," whispered the lady. - -"Speak, what do you wish?" said the king, kindly. - -"What do I wish?" said she, with a trembling voice; "I wish to see -you; to hear your voice once more before you go to the battle-field, -to danger, perhaps to death. I come to entreat you to be careful of -your life! remember it is a precious jewel, for which you are not -only answerable to God, but to millions of your subjects. Oh, my -king, do not plunge wantonly into danger; preserve yourself for your -country, your people, and your family; to all of whom you are -indispensable." - -The king shook his head, smilingly. "No one is indispensable. A man -lost is like a stone thrown into the water; for a moment there is a -slight eddy, the waters whirl, then all trace disappears, and the -stream flows quietly and smoothly on. But not thus will I disappear. -If I am destined to fall in this combat to which I am now hastening, -my death shall be glorious, and my grave shall be known; it must, at -least, be crowned with laurels, as no one will consecrate it with -the tribute of love and tears. A king, you know, is never loved, and -no one weeps for his death; the whole world is too busily engaged in -welcoming his successor." - -"Not so; not so with you, my king! you are deeply, fondly loved. I -know a woman who lives but in your presence--a woman who would die -of joy if she were loved by you; she would die of despair if death -should claim you; you, her youthful hero, her ideal, her god! For -this woman's sake who worships you; whose only joy you are; who -humbly lays her love at your feet, and only asks to die there; for -her sake I implore you to be careful of yourself; do not plunge -wantonly into danger, and thus rob Prussia of her king; your queen -of the husband whom she adores, and for whom she is ready at any -hour to give her heart's blood." - -The king clasped gently the folded hands of the veiled lady within -his own; he knew her but too well. - -"Are you so well acquainted with the queen that you know all the -secrets of her heart?" - -"Yes, I know the queen," whispered she; "I am the only confidant of -her sorrows. I only know how much she loves, how much she suffers." - -"I pray you, then, go to the queen and bid her farewell for me. Tell -her that the king honors no other woman as he honors her; that he -thinks she is exalted enough to be placed among the noble women of -the olden times. He is convinced she would say to her warrior -husband, as the Roman wives said to their fathers, husbands, and -sons, when handing their shields, 'Return with them or upon them!' -Tell Elizabeth Christine that the King of Prussia will return from -this combat with his hereditary foe as a conqueror, or as a corpse. -He cares little for life, but much for honor; he must make his name -glorious, perchance by the shedding of his blood. Tell Elizabeth -Christine this, and tell her also that on the day of battle her -friend and brother will think of her; not to spare himself, but to -remember gratefully that, in that hour, a noble and pure woman is -praying to God for him. And now adieu: I go to my soldiers--you to -the queen." - -He bowed respectfully, and hurried to the music-room. The queen -followed him with tearful eyes, and then drawing her hood tightly -over her face, she hurried through a secret door into her -apartments. While the queen was weeping and praying in her room, the -king was putting on his uniform, and commanding the officers to -assemble in the court-yard. - -Prince Augustus William was still tarrying in the dancing-saloon: he -did not dance; no one knew he was there. He had shown himself for a -few hours in a magnificent fancy suit, but unmasked; he then left -the ballroom, saying he still had some few preparations to make for -his journey. Soon, however, he returned in a common domino and -closely masked; no one but Laura von Pannewitz was aware of his -presence; they were now standing together in a window, whose heavy -curtains hid them from view. It was a sad pleasure to look once more -into each other's eyes, to feel the warm pressure of loving hands, -to repeat those pure and holy vows which their trembling lips had so -often spoken; every fond word fell like glorious music upon their -young hearts. The moment of separation had come; the officers were -assembled, and the solemn beating of drums was heard. - -"I must leave you, my beloved, my darling," whispered the prince, -pressing the weeping girl to his heart. Laura sobbed convulsively. - -"Leave me, alas, perhaps never to return!" - -"I shall return, my Laura," said he, with a forced smile. "I am no -hero; I shall not fall upon the battlefield. I know this; I feel it. -I feel also that if this was to be my fate, I should be spared many -sorrowful and agonizing hours; how much better a quick, glorious -death, than this slow torture, this daily death of wretchedness! Oh, -Laura, I have presentiments, in which my whole future is covered -with clouds and thick darkness, through which even your lovely form -is not to be seen; I am alone, all alone!" - -"You picture my own sufferings, my own fears," whispered Laura. -"Alas! I forget the rapture of the present in the dim and gloomy -future. Oh, my beloved, my heart does not beat with joy when I look -at you; it overflows with despair. I am never to see you again, my -prince; our fond farewell is to be our last! Oh, believe me, this -sad presentiment is the voice of Fate, warning us to escape from -this enchanting vision, with which we have, lulled our souls to -sleep. We have forgotten our duty, and we are warned that a cruel -necessity will one day separate us!" - -"Nothing shall separate us!" said the prince; "no earthly power -shall come between us. The separation of to-day, which honor demands -of me, shall be the last. When I return, I will remind you of your -oath; I will claim your promise, which God heard and accepted. Our -love is from God, and no stain rests upon it; God, therefore, will -watch over it, and will not withhold His blessing; with His help, we -will conquer all difficulties, and we can dispense with the -approbation of the world." - -Laura shook her head sadly: "I have not this happy confidence; and I -have not the strength to bear this painful separation. At times when -I have been praying fervently for help, it seems to me that God is -standing by and strengthening me to obey the command of the dowager- -queen and give my hand to Count Voss. But when I wish to speak the -decisive word my lips are closed as with a band of iron; it seems to -me that, could I open them, the only sound I should utter would be a -cry so despairing as to drive me to madness." - -The prince pressed her fondly to his heart: "Swear to me, Laura, -that you will never be so faithless, so cowardly, as to yield to the -threats of my mother," said he, passionately; "swear that you will -be true to your oath; that oath by which you are mine--mine to all -eternity; my wedded wife!" - -"I swear it," said she, solemnly, fixing her eyes steadily upon his -agitated countenance. - -"They will take advantage of my absence to torture you. My mother -will overwhelm you with reproaches, threats, and entreaties; but, if -you love me, Laura, you will find strength to resist all this. As -yet my mother does not know that it is I whom you love; I who -worship you; she suspects that the king or the young Prince of -Brunswick possesses your heart. But chance may betray our love, and -then her anger would be terrible. She would lose no time in -separating us; would stop at nothing. Then, Laura, be firm and -faithful; believe no reports, no message, no letter; trust only in -me and in my word. I will not write to you, for my letters might be -intercepted. I will send no messenger to you; he might be bribed. If -I fall in battle, and God grants me strength in dying, I will send -you a last embrace and a last loving word, by some pitying friend. -In that last hour our love will have nothing to fear from the world, -the king, or my mother. You will always be in my thoughts, darling, -and my spirit will be with you." - -"And if you fall, God will have mercy on me and take me from this -cruel world; it will be but a grave for me when no longer gladdened -by your presence." - -The prince kissed her fondly, and slipped a ring on her finger. -"That is our engagement ring," said he. "Now you are mine; you wear -my ring; this is the first link of that chain with which I will bind -your whole life to mine! You are my prisoner; nothing can release -you. But listen! what is that noise? The king has descended to the -court; he will be looking for me. Farewell, my precious one; God and -His holy angels guard you!" - -He stepped slowly from behind the curtains and closed them carefully -after him, so as to conceal Laura; he passed hastily through the -rooms to his apartment, threw off the domino which concealed his -uniform, and seizing his sword he hastened to the court. The king -was surrounded by his generals and officers; all eyes were fixed -upon him; he had silenced every objection. There was amongst them -but one opinion and one will, the will and opinion of the king, whom -all felt to be their master, not only by divine right, but by his -mighty intellect and great soul. Frederick stood amongst them, his -countenance beaming with inspiration, his eagle eye sparkling and -glowing with the fire of thought, and a smile was on his lips which -won all hearts. Behind him stood the Prince of Anhault Dessau, old -Zeithen, General Vinterfeldt, and the adjutant-generals. Above them -floated a magnificent banner, whose motto, "Pro gloria et patria," -was woven in gold. Frederick raised his naked sword and greeted the -waving colors; he spoke, and his full, rich voice filled the immense -square: - -"Gentlemen, I undertake this war with no other ally than your stout -hearts; my cause is just; I dare ask God's help! Remember the renown -our great ancestors gained on the battle-field of Ferbellin! Your -future is in your own hands; distinction must be won by gallant and -daring deeds. We are to attack soldiers who gained imperishable -names under Prince Eugene. How great will be our glory if we -vanquish such warriors! Farewell! Go! I follow without delay!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE RETURN. - - -The first campaign of the young King of Prussia had been a bloodless -one. Not one drop of blood had been shed. A sentinel at the gate of -Breslau had refused to allow the Prussian general to enter, and -received for his daring a sounding box on the ear, which sent him -reeling backward. The general with his staff entered the conquered -capital of Silesia, without further opposition. Breslau was the -capital of a province which for more than a hundred years had not -been visited by any member of the royal house of Austria. The heavy -taxes imposed upon her were the only evidence that she belonged to -the Austrian dominions. Breslau did not hesitate to receive this -young and handsome king, who as he marched into the city gave a -kindly, gracious greeting to all; who had a winning smile for all -those richly-dressed ladies at the windows; who had written with his -own hand a proclamation in which he assured the Silesians that he -came not as an enemy, and that every inhabitant would be secured in -their rights, privileges, and freedom in their religion, worth, and -service. The ties which bound the beautiful province of Silesia to -Austria had long ago been shattered, and the prophecy of the king -had already been fulfilled--that prophecy made in Krossen. As the -king entered Krossen with his army, the clock of the great church -tower fell with a thundering noise, and carried with it a portion of -the old church. A superstitious fear fell upon the whole Prussian -army; even the old battle-stained warriors looked grim and -thoughtful. The king alone smiled, and said: - -"The fall of this clock signifies that the pride of the house of -Austria will be humbled. Caesar fell when landing in Africa, and -exclaimed: 'I hold thee, Africa!'" - -Those great men would not allow themselves to be influenced by evil -omens. Quickly, indeed, was Frederick's prophecy fulfilled. The -house of Austria was suddenly humbled, and the Prussian army was -quietly in possession of one of her capitals. Frederick had been -joyfully received, not only by the Protestants, who had so long -suffered from the bitterest religious persecution, and to whom the -king now promised absolute freedom of conscience and unconditional -exercise of their religious worship, but by the Catholics, even the -priests and Jesuits, who were completely fascinated by the intellect -and amiability of Frederick. No man mourned for the Austrian yoke, -and the Prussians became great favorites with the Silesians, -particularly with the women, who, heart in hand, advanced to meet -them; received the handsome and well-made soldiers as lovers, and -hastened to have these tender ties made irrevocable by the blessing -of the priest. Hundreds of marriages between the Prussians and the -maidens of the land were solemnized during the six weeks Frederick -remained in Silesia. These men, who, but a few weeks before, came as -enemies and conquerors, were now adopted citizens, thus giving their -king a double right to the possession of these provinces. - -It soon became the mode for the Silesian girl to claim a Prussian -lover, and the taller and larger the lover, the prouder and more -happy was the lucky possessor. Baron Bielfeld, who accompanied the -king to Breslau, met in the street one day a beautiful bourgeoise, -who was weeping bitterly and wringing her hands; Bielfeld inquired -the cause of her tears, and she replied naively: - -"Alas! I am indeed an object of pity; eight days ago I was betrothed -to a Prussian grenadier, who measured five feet and nine inches; I -was very happy and very proud of him. To-day one of the guard, who -measured six feet and two inches, proposed to me; and I weep now -because so majestic and handsome a giant is offered me, and I cannot -accept him." - -The king won the women through his gallant soldiers, the ladies of -the aristocracy, through his own beauty, grace, and eminent -intellect. Frederick gave a ball to the aristocracy of Breslau, and -all the most distinguished and noble families, who had been before -closely bound to the house of Austria, eagerly accepted the -invitation; they wished to behold the man who was a hero and a poet, -a cavalier and a warrior, a youth and a philosopher; who was young -and handsome, and full of life; who did not wrap himself in stiff, -ceremonious forms, and appeared in the presence of ladies to forget -that he was a king. He worshipped the ladies as a cavalier, and when -they accepted the invitation to dance, considered it a flattering -favor. While winning the hearts of the women through his gallantry -and beauty, he gained the voices of men by the orders and titles -which he scattered broadcast through the province. - -"I dreamed last night," said he to Pollnitz, laughing, "that I -created princes, dukes, and barons in Breslau; help me to make my -dream a reality by naming to me some of the most prominent -families." - -Pollnitz selected the names, and Prince von Pless, Duke Hockburg, -and many others rose up proudly from this creative process of the -king. - -Silesia belonged, at this moment, unconditionally to Prussia. The -king could now return to Berlin and devote himself to study, to -friendship, and his family. The first act of that great drama called -the Seven Years' War was now finished. The king should now, between -the acts, give himself up to the arts and sciences, and strengthen -himself for that deep tragedy of which he was resolved to be the -hero. Berlin received her king with shouts of joy, and greeted him -as a demigod. He was no longer, in the eyes of the imperious -Austrians, the little Margrave of Brandenburg, who must hold the -wash-basin for the emperor; he was a proud, self-sustaining king, no -longer receiving commands from Austria, but giving laws to the proud -daughter of the Caesars. - -The queen-mother and the young princesses met the king at the outer -gates. The queen Elizabeth Christine, her eyes veiled with rapturous -tears, received her husband tremblingly. Alas! he had for her only a -silent greeting, a cold, ceremonious bow. But she saw him once more; -she could lose her whole soul in those melting eyes, in which she -was ever reading the most enchanting magical fairy tales. In these -days of ceremony he could not refuse her a place by his side; to sit -near him at table, and at the concerts with which the royal chapel -and the newly-arrived Italian singers would celebrate the return of -the king. Graun had composed a piece of music in honor of this -occasion, and not only the Italian singer, Laura Farinelli, but a -scholar of Graun and Quantz, a German singer, Anna Prickerin, would -then be heard for the first time. This would be for Anna an eventful -and decisive day; she stood on the brink of a new existence--an -existence made glorious by renown, honor, and distinction. - -It was nothing to her that her father lay agonizing upon his death- -bed; it was nothing to her that her brother William had left his -home three days before, and no one knew what had become of him. She -asked no questions about father or brother; she sorrowed not for the -mother lately dead and buried. She had but one thought, one desire, -one aim--to be a celebrated singer, to obtain the hand of a man whom -she neither loved nor esteemed, but who was a baron and an -influential lord of the court. The object of Anna's life was to -become the wife of the baron, not for love. She wished to hide her -ignoble birth under the glitter of his proud name; it was better to -be the wife of a poor baron than the daughter of a tailor, even -though he should be the court tailor, and a millionnaire. - -The king had been in Berlin but two days, and Pollnitz had already -made a visit to his beautiful Anna. Never had he been so -demonstrative and so tender; never before had he been seriously -occupied with the thought of making her his wife; never had he -looked upon it as possible. The example of Count Rhedern gave him -courage; what the king had granted to the daughter of the merchant, -he could not refuse to the daughter of the court tailor, more -particularly when the latter, by her own gifts and talents, had -opened the doors of the palace for herself; when by the power of her -siren voice she had made the barriers tremble and fall which -separated the tailor's daughter from the court circle. If the lovely -Anna became a celebrated singer, if she succeeded in winning the -applause of the king, she would be ennobled; and no one could -reproach the baron for making the beautiful prima donna his wife. -If, therefore, she pleased the king, Pollnitz was resolved to -confess himself her knight, and to marry her as soon as possible-- -yes, as soon as possible, for his creditors followed him, persecuted -him at every step, even threatened him with judgment and a prison. -Pollnitz reminded the king that he had promised, after his return -from Silesia, to assist him. Frederick replied that he had not yet -seen a battle-field, and was at the beginning and not the end of a -war, for which he would require more gold than his treasuries -contained; "wait patiently, also," he said, "for the promised day, -for only then can I fulfil my promise." It was, therefore, a -necessity with Pollnitz to find some way of escape from this -terrible labyrinth; and with an anxiously-beating heart he stood on -the evening of the concert behind the king's chair, to watch every -movement and every word, and above all to notice the effect produced -by the voice of his Anna. - -The king was uncommonly gay and gracious; these two days in his -beloved Berlin, after weeks of fatigue and weariness in Silesia, had -filled his heart with gladness. He had given almost a lover's -greeting to his books and his flute, and his library seemed to him a -sanctified home; with joy he exchanged his sword for a pen, and -instead of drawing plans of battle, he wrote verses or witty letters -to Voltaire, whom he still honored, and in a certain sense admired, -although the six days which Voltaire had spent in Rheinsberg, just -before the Silesian campaign, had somewhat diminished his admiration -for the French author. After Frederick's first meeting with Voltaire -at the castle of Moyland, he said of him, "He is as eloquent as -Cicero, as charming as Plinius, and as wise as Agrippa; he combines -in himself all the virtues and all the talents of the three greatest -men of the ancients." He now called the author of the "Henriade" a -FOOL; it excited and troubled his spirit to see that this great -author was mean and contemptible in character, cold and cunning in -heart. He had loved Voltaire as a friend, and now he confessed with -pain that Voltaire's friendship was a possession which must be -cemented with gold, if you did not wish to lose it. The king who, a -few months before, had compared him to Cicero, Plinius, and Agrippa, -now said to Jordan, "The miser, Voltaire, has still an unsatisfied -longing for gold, and asks still thirteen hundred dollars! Every one -of the six days which he spent with me cost me five hundred and -fifty dollars! I call that paying dear for a fool! Never before was -a court fool so generously rewarded." - -To-day Frederick was expecting a new enjoyment; to-day, for the -first time, he was to hear the new Italian singer. This court -concert promised him, therefore, a special enjoyment, and he awaited -it with youthful impatience. - -At last Graun gave the signal for the introduction; Frederick had no -ear for this simple, beautiful, and touching music; and the masterly -solo of Quantz upon the flute drew from him a single bravo; he -thought only of the singers, and at last the chorus began. - -The heart of Pollnitz beat loud and quick as he glanced at Anna, who -stood proud and grave, in costly French toilet, far removed from the -Farinelli. Anna examined the court circles quietly, and looked as -unembarrassed as if she had been long accustomed to such society. - -The chorus was at an end, and Laura Farinelli had the first aria to -sing. Anna Prickerin could have murdered her for this. The Italian, -in the full consciousness of her power, returned Anna's scorn with a -half-mocking, half-contemptuous smile; she then fixed her great, -piercing eyes upon the music, and began to sing. - -Anna could have cried aloud in her rage, for she saw that the king -was well pleased: he nodded his head, and a gay smile overspread his -features; she saw that the whole court circle made up enchanted -faces immediately, and that even Pollnitz assumed an entirely happy -and enthusiastic mien. The Farinelli saw all this, and the royal -applause stimulated her; her full, glorious voice floated and -warbled in the artistic "Fioritures" and "Roulades," then dreamed -itself away in soft, melodious tones; again it rose into the -loftiest regions of sound, and was again almost lost in the simple, -touching melodies of love. - -"Delicious! superb!" said the king, aloud, as Farinelli concluded. - -"Exalted! godlike!" cried Pollnitz; and now, as the royal sign had -been given, the whole court dared to follow the example, and to -utter light and repressed murmurs of wonder and applause. - -Anna felt that she turned pale; her feet trembled; she could have -murdered the Italian with her own hands! this proud Farinelli, who -at this moment looked toward her with a questioning and derisive -glance; and her eyes seemed to say, "Will you yet dare to sing?" - -But Anna had the proud courage to dare. She said to herself, "I -shall triumph over her; her voice is as thin as a thread, and as -sharp as a fine needle, while mine is full and powerful, and rolls -like an organ; and as for her 'Fioritures,' I understand them as -well as she." - -With this conviction she took the notes in her hand, and waited for -the moment when the "Ritornelle" should be ended; she returned with -a quiet smile the anxious look which her teacher, Quantz, fixed upon -her. - -The "Ritornelle" was ended. Anna began her song; her voice swelled -loudly and powerfully, far above the orchestra, but the king was -dull and immovable; he gave not the slightest token of applause. -Anna saw this, and her voice, which had not trembled with fear, now -trembled with rage; she was resolved to awake the astonishment of -the king by the strength and power of her voice; she would compel -him to applaud! She gathered together the whole strength of her -voice and made so powerful an effort that her poor chest seemed -about to burst asunder; a wild, discordant strain rose stunningly -upon the air, and now she had indeed the triumph to see that the -king laughed! Yes, the king laughed! but not with the same smile -with which he greeted Farinelli, but in mockery and contempt. He -turned to Pollnitz, and said: - -"What is the name of this woman who roars so horribly?" - -Pollnitz shrugged his shoulders; he had a kind of feeling as if that -moment his creditors had seized him by the throat. - -"Sire," whispered he, "I believe it is Anna Prickerin." The king -laughed; yes, in spite of the "Fioritures" of the raging singer, who -had seen Pollnitz's shrug of the shoulders, and had vowed in the -spirit to take a bloody vengeance. - -Louder and louder the fair Anna shrieked, but the king did not -applaud. She had now finished the last note of her aria, and -breathlessly with loudly-beating heart she waited for the applause -of the king. It came not! perfect stillness reigned; even Pollnitz -was speechless. - -"Do you know, certainly, that this roaring woman is the daughter of -our tailor?" said the king. - -Pollnitz answered, "Yes," with a bleeding heart. - -"I have often heard that a tailor was called a goat, but his -children are nevertheless not nightingales, and poor Pricker can -sooner force a camel through the eye of his needle than make a -songstress of his daughter. The Germans cannot sing, and it is an -incomprehensible mistake of Graun to bring such a singer before us." - -"She is a pupil of Quantz," said Pollnitz, "and he has often assured -me she would make a great singer." - -"Ah, she is a pupil of Quantz," repeated the king, and his eye -glanced around in search of him. Quantz, with an angry face, and his -eyebrows drawn together, was seated at his desk. "Alas!" said -Frederick, "when he makes such a face as that, he grumbles with me -for two days, and is never pleased with my flute. I must seek to -mollify him, therefore, and when this Mademoiselle Prickerin sings -again I will give a slight sign of applause." - -But Anna Prickerin sang no more; angry scorn shot like a stream of -fire through her veins, she felt suffocated; tears rushed to her -eyes; every thing about her seemed to be wavering and unsteady; and -as her listless, half-unconscious glances wandered around, she met -the gay, triumphant eyes of the Farinelli fixed derisively upon her. -Anna felt as if a sword had pierced her heart; she uttered a fearful -cry, and sank unconscious to the floor. - -"What cry was that?" said the king, "and what signifies this strange -movement among the singers?" - -"Sire, it appears that the Prickerin has fallen into a fainting- -fit," said Pollnitz. - -The king thought this a good opportunity to pacify Quantz by showing -an interest in his pupil. "That is indeed a most unhappy -circumstance," said the king, aloud. "Hasten, Pollnitz, to inquire -in my name after the health of this gifted young singer. If she is -still suffering, take one of my carriages and conduct her yourself -to her home, and do not leave her till you can bring me satisfactory -intelligence as to her recovery." So saying, the king cast a stolen -glance toward the much-dreaded Quantz, whose brow had become -somewhat clearer, and his expression less threatening. "We will, -perhaps," whispered the king, "escape this time with one day's -growling; I think I have softened him." Frederick seated himself, -and gave the signal for the concert to proceed; he saw that, with -the assistance of the baron, the unconscious songstress had been -removed. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE DEATH OF THE OLD TIME. - - -The music continued, while Pollnitz, filled with secret dread, -ordered a court carriage, according to the command of the king, and -entered it with the still insensible songstress. - -"The king does not know what a fearful commission he has given me," -thought Pollnitz, as he drove through the streets with Anna -Prickerin, and examined her countenance with terror. "Should she now -awake, she would overwhelm me with her rage. She is capable of -scratching out my eyes, or even of strangling me." - -But his fear was groundless. Anna did not stir; she was still -unconscious, as the carriage stopped before the house of her father. -No one came to meet them, although Pollnitz ordered the servant to -open the door, and the loud ringing of the bell sounded throughout -the house. No one appeared as Pollnitz, with the assistance of the -servants, lifted the insensible Anna from the carriage and bore her -into the house to her own room. As the baron placed her carefully -upon the sofa, she made a slight movement and heaved a deep sigh. - -"Now the storm will break forth," thought Pollnitz, anxiously, and -he ordered the servants to return to the carriage and await his -return. He desired no witnesses of the scene which he expected, and -in which he had good reason to believe that he would play but a -pitiful role. - -Anna Prickerin now opened her eyes; her first glance fell upon -Pollnitz, who was bending over her with a tender smile. - -"What happiness, dearest," he whispered, "that you at last open your -eyes! I was dying with anxiety." - -Anna did not answer at once; her eyes were directed with a dreamy -expression to the smiling countenance of Pollnitz, and while he -recounted his own tender care, and the gracious sympathy of the -king, Anna appeared to be slowly waking out of her dream. Now a ray -of consciousness and recollection overspread her features, and -throwing up her arm with a rapid movement she administered a -powerful blow on the cheek of her tender, smiling lover, who fell -back with his hand to his face, whimpering with pain. - -"Why did you shrug your shoulders?" she said, her lips trembling -with anger, and, springing up from the sofa, she approached Pollnitz -with a threatening expression, who, expecting a second explosion, -drew back, "Why did you shrug your shoulders?" repeated Anna. - -"I am not aware that I did so, my Anna," stammered Pollnitz. - -She stamped impatiently on the floor. "I am not your Anna. You are a -faithless, treacherous man, and I despise you; you are a coward, you -have not the courage to defend the woman you have sworn to love and -protect. When I ceased singing, why did you not applaud?" - -"Dearest Anna," said Pollnitz, "you are not acquainted with court -etiquette; you do not know that at court it is only the king who -expresses approval." - -"You all broke out into a storm of applause as Farinelli finished -singing." - -"Because the king gave the sign." - -Anna shrugged her shoulders contemptuously, and paced the floor with -rapid steps. "You think that all my hopes, all my proud dreams for -the future are destroyed," she murmured, with trembling lips, while -the tears rolled slowly down her cheeks. "To think that the king and -the whole court laughed while I sang, and that presumptuous Italian -heard and saw it all--I shall die of this shame and disgrace. My -future is annihilated, my hopes trodden under foot." She covered her -face with her hands, and wept and sobbed aloud. - -Pollnitz had no pity for her sufferings, but he remembered his -creditors, and this thought rekindled his extinguished tenderness. -He approached her, and gently placed his arm around her neck. -"Dearest," he murmured, "why do you weep, how can this little -mischance make you so wretched? Do we not love each other? are you -not still my best beloved, my beautiful, my adored Anna? Have you -not sworn that you love me, and that you ask no greater happiness -than to be united to me?" - -Anna raised her head that she might see this tender lover. - -"It is true," proceeded Pollnitz, "that you did not receive the -applause this evening which your glorious talent deserves; Farinelli -was in your way. The king has a prejudice against German singers; he -says, 'The Germans can compose music, but they cannot sing.' That -prejudice is a great advantage for the Italian. If you had borne an -Italian name, the king would have been charmed with your wonderful -voice; but you are a German, and he refuses you his approval. But -what has been denied you here, you will easily obtain elsewhere. We -will leave this cold, ungrateful Berlin, my beloved. You shall take -an Italian name, and through my various connections I can make -arrangements for you to sing at many courts. You will win fame and -gold, and we will live a blessed and happy life." - -"I care nothing for the gold; I am rich, richer than I even dreamed. -My father told me to-day that he possessed nearly seven hundred -thousand dollars, and that he would disinherit my brother, who is -now absent from Berlin. I will be his heiress, and very soon, for -the physicians say he can only live a few days." - -The eyes of the baron gleamed. "Has your father made his will? has -he declared you his heiress?" - -"He intended doing so to-day. He ordered the lawyers to come to him, -and I believe they were here when I started to this miserable -concert. It was not on account of the money, but for fame, that I -desired to become a prima donna. But I renounce my intention; this -evening has shown me many thorns where I thought to find only roses. -I renounce honor and renown, and desire only to be happy, happy in -your love and companionship." - -"You are right; we will fly from this cold, faithless Berlin to -happier regions. The world will know no happier couple than the -Baron and Baroness von Pollnitz." - -Pollnitz now felt no repugnance at the thought that the tailor's -daughter had the presumptuous idea of becoming his wife. He forgave -her low origin for the sake of her immense fortune, and thought it -not a despicable lot to be the husband of the beautiful Anna -Prickerin. He assured her of his love in impassioned words, and Anna -listened with beaming eyes and a happy smile. Suddenly a loud -weeping and crying, proceeding from the next room, interrupted this -charming scene. - -"My father, it is my father!" cried Anna, as she hastened to the -door of the adjoining room, which, as we know, contained the -ancestral portraits of the Prickers. Pollnitz followed her. In this -room, surrounded by his ancestors, the worthy tailor lay upon his -death-bed. Pale and colorless as the portraits was the face of the -poor man; but his eyes were gleaming with a wild, feverish glitter. -As he perceived Anna in her splendid French costume, so wild and -fearful a laugh burst from his lips, that even Pollnitz trembled. - -"Come to me," said the old man, with a stammering voice, as he -motioned to his daughter to approach his couch. "You and your -brother have broken my heart; you have given me daily a drop of -poison, of which I have been slowly dying. Your brother left my -house as the prodigal son, but he has not returned a penitent; he -glories in his crime; he is proud of his shame. Here is a letter -which I received from him to-day, in which he informs me that he has -eloped with the daughter of my second murderer, this French -Pelissier; and that he intends to become an actor, and thus drag -through the dust the old and respectable name of his fathers. For -this noble work he demands his mother's fortune. He shall have it-- -yes, he shall have it; it is five thousand dollars, but from me he -receives nothing but my curse, and I pray to God that it may ring -forever in his ears!" - -The old man lay back exhausted, and groaned aloud. Anna stood with -tearless eyes by the death-bed of her father, and thought only of -the splendid future which each passing moment brought nearer. -Pollnitz had withdrawn to one of the windows, and was considering -whether he should await the death of the old man or return -immediately to the king. - -Suddenly Pricker opened his eyes, and turned them with an angry and -malicious expression toward his daughter. - -"What a great lady you are!" he said, with a fearful grin; "dressed -in the latest fashion, and a wonderful songstress, who sings before -the king and his court. Such a great lady must be ashamed that her -father is a tailor. I appreciate that, and I am going to my grave, -that I may not trouble my daughter. Yes, I am going, and nothing -shall remind the proud songstress of me, neither my presence nor any -of my possessions. A prima donna would not be the heiress of a -tailor." - -The old man broke out into a wild laugh, while Anna stared at him, -and Pollnitz came forward to hear and observe. - -"I do not understand you, my father," said Anna, trembling and -disturbed. - -"You will soon understand me," stammered the old man, with a hoarse -laugh. "When I am dead, and the lawyers come and read my will, which -I gave them to-day, then you will know that I have left my fortune -to the poor of the city, and not to this great songstress, who does -not need it, as she has a million in her throat. My son an actor, my -daughter a prima donna--it is well. I go joyfully to my grave, and -thank God for my release. Ah! you shall remember your old father; -you shall curse me, as I have cursed you; and as you will shed no -tears at my death, it shall, at least, be a heavy blow to you. You -are disinherited! both disinherited! the poor are my heirs, and you -and your brother will receive nothing but the fortune of your -mother, of which I, unfortunately, cannot deprive you." - -"Father, father, this is not possible--this cannot be your -determination!" cried Anna. "It is not possible for a father to be -so cruel, so unnatural, as to disinherit his children!" - -"Have you not acted cruelly and unnaturally to me?" asked the old -man; "have you not tortured me? have you not murdered me, with a -smile upon your lips, as you did your poor mother, who died of -grief? No, no, no pity for unnatural children. You are -disinherited!" - -The old man fell back with a loud shriek upon his couch, and his -features assumed that fixed expression which is death's herald. - -"He is dying!" cried Anna, throwing herself beside her father; "he -is dying, and he has disinherited me!" - -"Yes, disinherited!" stammered the heavy tongue of the dying man. - -Pollnitz trembled at the fearful scene; he fled with hasty steps -from this gloomy room, and only recovered his composure when once -more seated in his carriage. After some moments of reflection, he -said: - -"I will ask the king for my release from his service, and I will -become a Protestant, and hasten to Nuremberg, and marry the rich -patrician." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE DISCOVERY. - - -They sat hand in hand in the quiet and fragrant conservatory; after -a long separation they gazed once more in each other's eyes, -doubting the reality of their happiness, and asking if it were not a -dream, a delightful dream. - -This was the first time since his return from Silesia that Prince -Augustus William had seen his Laura alone; the first time he could -tell her of his longing and his suffering; the first time she could -whisper in his ear the sweet and holy confession of her love--a -confession that none should hear but her lover and her God. - -But there were four ears which heard every thing; four eyes which -saw all that took place in the myrtle arbor. Louise von Schwerin and -her lover, the handsome Fritz Wendel, sat arm in arm in the grotto, -and listened attentively to the conversation of the prince and his -bride. - -"How happy they are!" whispered Louise, with a sigh. - -"Are we not also happy?" asked Fritz Wendel, tenderly, clasping his -arm more firmly around her. "Is not our love as ardent, as -passionate, and as pure as theirs?" - -"And yet the world would shed tears of pity for them, while we would -be mocked and laughed at," said Louise, sighing. - -"It is true that the love of the poor gardener for the beautiful -Mademoiselle von Schwerin is only calculated to excite ridicule," -murmured Fritz Wendel; "but that shall and will be changed; I shall -soon begin the new career which I have planned for myself; my Louise -need then no longer blush for her lover, and my adoration for her -shall no longer be a cause of shame and humiliation. I have a means -by which I can purchase rank and position, and I intend to employ -this means." - -"Pray tell me how; let me know your plans," said Louise. He pointed -with a cruel smile to the lovers in the myrtle arbor. - -"This secret is my purchase money," said he, whispering; "I shall -betray them to the king; and he will give me rank and wealth for -this disclosure; for upon this secret depends the future of Prussia. -Let us, therefore, listen attentively to what they say, that--" - -"No," said Louise, interrupting him with vivacity, "we will not -listen. It is cruel and ignoble to desire to purchase our own -happiness with the misery of others; it is--" - -"For Heaven's sake be quiet and listen!" said Fritz Wendel, softly, -laying his hand on her angry lips. - -The conversation of the lovers in the myrtle arbor had now taken -another direction. Their eyes no longer sparkled with delight, but -had lost their lustre, and an expression of deep sadness rested on -their features. - -"Is it then really true?" said Laura, mournfully; "you are affianced -to the Princess of Brunswick?" - -"It is true," said the prince, in a low voice. "There was no other -means of securing and preserving our secret than to seem to yield to -the king's command, and to consent to this alliance with a good -grace. This cloak will shield our love until we can acknowledge it -before the whole world; and that depends, my beloved, upon you -alone. Think of the vows of eternal love and fidelity we have made -to each other; remember that you have promised to be mine for all -eternity, and to devote your whole life to me; remember that you -wear my engagement-ring on your finger, and are my bride." - -"And yet you are affianced to another, and wear another engagement -ring!" - -"But this princess, to whom I have been affianced, knows that I do -not love her. I have opened my heart to her; I told her that I loved -you alone, and could never love another; that no woman but Laura von -Pannewitz should ever be my wife; and she was generous enough to -give her assistance and consent to be considered my bride until our -union should no longer need this protection. And now, my dear Laura, -I conjure you, by our love and the happiness of our lives, yield to -my ardent entreaties and my fervent prayers; have the courage to -defy the world and its prejudices. Follow me, my beloved; flee with -me and consent to be my wife!" - -The glances with which he regarded her were so loving, so imploring, -that Laura could not find in her heart to offer decided resistance. -Her own heart pleaded for him; and now when she might altogether -lose him if she refused his request, now that he was affianced to -another, she was filled with a torturing jealousy; she was now -conscious that it would be easier to die than renounce her lover. - -But she still had the strength to battle with her own weak heart, to -desire to shut out the alluring voices which resounded in her own -breast. Like Odysseus, she tried to be deaf to the sirens' voices -which tempted her. But she still heard them, and although she had -found strength to refuse her lover's prayers and entreaties to flee -with him, yet she could not repel his passionate appeals to her to -be his wife. - -It was so sweet to listen to the music of his voice; such bliss to -lean her head on his shoulder, to look up into his handsome -countenance and to drink in the words of ardent and devoted love -which fell from his lips; to know what he suffers is for your sake! -It rests with you to give him happiness or despair. She knew not -that the words which she drank in were coursing like fire through -her own veins, destroying her resolution and turning her strength to -ashes. - -As he, at last, brought to despair by her silence and resistance, -burst into tears, and accused her of cruelty and indifference, as -she saw his noble countenance shadowed with pain and sorrow, she no -longer found courage to offer resistance, and throwing herself into -his arms, with a happy blush, she whispered: - -"Take me; I am yours forever! I accept you as my master and husband. -Your will shall be mine; what you command I will obey; where you -call me there will I go; I will follow you to the ends of the earth, -and nothing but death shall hereafter separate us!" - -The prince pressed her closely and fervently to his heart, and -kissed her pure brow. - -"God bless you, my darling; God bless you for this resolution." His -voice was now firm and full, and his countenance had assumed an -expression of tranquillity and energy. He was no longer the sighing, -despairing lover, but a determined man, who knew what his wishes -were, and had the courage and energy to carry them into execution. - -Fritz Wendel pressed Louise more closely to his side, and whispered: - -"You say that Laura is an angel of virtue and modesty, and yet she -has not the cruel courage to resist her lover; she yields to his -entreaties, and is determined to flee with him. Will you be less -kind and humane than this tender, modest Laura? Oh, Louise, you -should also follow your tender, womanly heart; flee with me and -become my wife. I will conceal you, and then go to those who would -now reject my suit scornfully, and dictate terms to them." - -"I will do as she does," whispered Louise, with glowing cheeks. -"What Laura can do, I may also do; if she flies with her lover, I -will fly with you; if she becomes his wife, I will be yours. But let -us be quiet, and listen." - -"And now, my Laura, listen attentively to every word I utter," said -Prince Augustus William, gravely. "I have made all the necessary -preparations, and in a week you will be my wife. There is a good and -pious divine on one of my estates who is devoted to me. He has -promised to perform the marriage ceremony. On leaving Berlin we will -first flee to him, and our union will receive his blessing in the -village church at night; a carriage will await us at the door, -which, with fresh relays of horses, will rapidly conduct us to the -Prussian boundary. I have already obtained from my friend the -English ambassador a passport, which will carry us safely to England -under assumed names; once there, my uncle, the King of England, will -not refuse his protection and assistance; and by his intercession we -will be reconciled to the king my brother. When he sees that our -union has been accomplished, he will give up all useless attempts to -separate us." - -"But he can and will punish you for this; you will thereby forfeit -your right of succession to the throne, and for my sake you will be -forced to renounce your proud and brilliant future." - -"I shall not regret it," said the prince, smiling. "I do not long -for a crown, and will not purchase this bauble of earthly -magnifisence at the expense of my happiness and my love. And perhaps -I have not the strength, the talent, or the power of intellect to be -a ruler. It suffices me to rule in your heart, and be a monarch in -the kingdom of your love. If I can therefore purchase the -uncontested possession of my beloved by renouncing all claims to the -throne, I shall do so with joy and without the slightest regret." - -"But I, poor, humble, weak girl that I am, how can I make good the -loss you will sustain for my sake?" asked Laura. - -"Your love will be more than a compensation. You must now lay aside -all doubt and indecision. You know our plans for the future. On my -part all the preliminary measures have been taken; you should also -make whatever preparations are necessary. It is Hartwig, the curate -of Oranienburg, who is to marry us. Send the necessary apparel and -whatever you most need to him, without a word or message. The curate -has already been advised of their arrival, and will retain the -trunks unopened. On next Tuesday, a week from to-day, the king will -give a ball. For two days previous to this ball you will keep your -room on the plea of sickness; this will be a sufficient excuse for -your not accompanying the queen. I shall accept the invitation, but -will not appear at the ball, and will await you at the castle gate -of Monbijou. At eight o'clock the ball commences; at nine you will -leave your room and the castle, at the gate of which I will receive -you. At a short distance from the gate a carriage will be in -readiness to convey us to Oranienburg, where we will stop before the -village church. There we will find a preacher standing before the -altar, ready to perform the ceremony, and when this is accomplished -we will enter another carriage which will rapidly convey us to -Hamburg, where we will find a ship, hired by the English ambassador, -ready to take us to England. You see, dear Laura, that every thing -has been well considered, and nothing can interfere with our plans, -now that we understand each other. In a week, therefore, remember, -Laura." - -"In a week," she whispered. "I have no will but yours." - -"Until then we will neither see nor speak with each other, that no -thoughtless word may excite suspicion in the breasts of the spies -who surround us. We must give each other no word, no message, no -letter, or sign; but I will await you at the castle gate at nine -o'clock on next Tuesday, and you will not let me wait in vain." - -"No, you shall not wait in vain," whispered Laura, with a happy -smile, hiding her blushing face on the breast of her lover. - -"And you, will you let me wait in vain?" asked Fritz Wendel, raising -Louise's head from his breast, and gazing on her glowing and dreamy -countenance. - -"No, I shall not let you wait in vain," said Louise von Schwerin. -"We will also have our carriage, only we will leave a little sooner -than the prince and Laura. We will also drive to Oranienburg, and -await the prince before the door of the church. We will tell him we -knew his secret and did not betray him. We will acknowledge our -love, Laura will intercede for us, and the preacher will have to -perform the ceremony for two couples instead of one. We will then -accompany the prince and his wife in their flight to England; from -there the prince will obtain pardon of the king, and we the -forgiveness of my family. Oh, this is a splendid, a magnificent -plan!--a flight, a secret marriage at night, and a long journey. -This will be quite like the charming romances which I am so fond of, -and mine will be a fantastic and adventurous life. But what is -that?" said she. "Did you hear nothing? It seems to me I heard a -noise as of some one opening the outer door of the conservatory." - -"Be still," murmured Fritz Wendel, "I heard it also; let us -therefore be on our guard." - -The prince and Laura had also heard this noise, and were listening -in breathless terror, their glances fastened on the door. Perhaps it -was only the wind which had moved the outer door; perhaps--but no, -the door opened noiselessly, and a tall female figure cautiously -entered the saloon. - -"The queen!" whispered Laura, trembling. - -"My mother!" murmured the prince, anxiously looking around for some -means of escape. He now perceived the dark grotto, and pointing -rapidly toward it, he whispered: "Quick, quick, conceal yourself -there. I will remain and await my mother." - -The stately figure of the queen could already be seen rapidly -advancing through the flowers and shrubbery, and now her sparkling -eye and proud and angry face were visible. - -"Quick," whispered the prince, "conceal yourself, or we are lost!" - -Laura slipped hastily behind the myrtle and laurel foliage and -attained the asylum of the grotto, unobserved by the queen; she -entered and leaned tremblingly against the inner wall. Blinded by -the sudden darkness, she could see nothing, and she was almost -benumbed with terror. - -Suddenly she heard a low, whispering voice at her side: "Laura, dear -Laura, fear nothing. We are true friends, who know your secret, and -desire to assist you." - -"Follow me, mademoiselle," whispered another voice; "confide in us -as we confide in you. We know your secret; you shall learn ours. -Give me your hand; I will conduct you from this place noiselessly -and unobserved, and you can then return to the castle." - -Laura hardly knew what she was doing. She was gently drawn forward, -and saw at her side a smiling girlish face, and now she recognized -the little maid of honor, Louise von Schwerin. - -"Louise," said she, in a low voice, "what does all this mean?" - -"Be still," she whispered: "follow him down the stairway. Farewell! -I will remain and cover the retreat." - -Louise now hastily concealed the opening through which Fritz Wendel -and Laura had disappeared, and then slipped noiselessly back to the -grotto, and concealed herself behind the shrubbery at its entrance, -so that she could see and hear every thing that took place. - -It was in truth Queen Sophia Dorothea, who had dismissed her -attendants and come alone to the conservatory at this unusual hour. - -This was the time at which the queen's maids of honor were not on -service, and were at liberty to do as they pleased. The queen had -been in the habit of reposing at this time, but to-day she could not -find rest; annoyed at her sleeplessness, she had arisen, and in -walking up and down had stepped to the window and looked dreamily -down into the still and desolate garden. Then it was that she -thought she saw a female figure passing hurriedly down the avenue. -It must have been one of her maids of honor; and although the queen -had not recognized her, she was convinced that it was none other -than Laura von Pannewitz, and that she was now going to a rendezvous -with her unknown lover, whom the queen had hitherto vainly -endeavored to discover. The queen called her waiting-maids to her -assistance, and putting on her furs and hood, she told them she felt -a desire to take a solitary walk in the garden, and that none of her -attendants should be called, with which she hurried into the garden, -following the same path which the veiled lady had taken. She -followed the foot-tracks in the snow to the conservatory, and -entered without hesitation, determined to discover the secret of her -maid of honor, and to punish her. - -It was fortunate for the poor lovers that the increasing corpulence -of the queen and her swollen right foot rendered her advance rather -slow, so that when she at last reached the lower end of the -conservatory she found no one there but her son Augustus William, -whose embarrassed and constrained reception of herself convinced the -queen that her appearance was not only a surprise, but also a -disagreeable one. She therefore demanded of him with severity the -cause of his unexpected and unusual visit to her conservatory; and -when Augustus William smilingly replied-- - -"That he had awaited here the queen's awakening, in order that he -might pay his visit--" - -The queen asked abruptly: "And who, my son, helped to dispel the -ennui of this tedious waiting?" - -"No one, my dear mother," said the prince; but he did not dare to -meet his mother's penetrating glance. - -"No one?" repeated she; "but I heard you speaking on entering the -conservatory." - -"You know, your majesty, that I have inherited the habit of speaking -aloud to myself from my father," replied the prince, with a -constrained smile. - -"The king my husband did not cease speaking when I made his -appearance," exclaimed the queen, angrily; "he had no secrets to -hide from me." - -"The thoughts of my royal father were grand, and worthy of the -sympathy of Queen Sophia Dorothea," said the prince, bowing low. - -"God forbid that the thoughts of his son should be of another and -less worthy character!" exclaimed the queen. "My sons should, at -least, be too proud to soil their lips with an untruth; and if they -have the courage to do wrong, they should also find courage to -acknowledge it." - -"I do not understand you, my dear mother;" and meeting her -penetrating glance with quiet composure, he continued, "I am -conscious of no wrong, and consequently have none to acknowledge." - -"This is an assurance which deserves to be unmasked," exclaimed the -queen, who could no longer suppress her anger. "You must know, -prince, that I am not to be deceived by your seeming candor and -youthful arrogance. I know that you were not alone, for I myself saw -the lady coming here who kept you company while awaiting me, and I -followed her to this house." - -"Then it seems that your majesty has followed a fata morgana" said -the prince, with a forced smile; "for, as you see, I am alone, and -no one else is present in the conservatory." - -But even while speaking, the prince glanced involuntarily toward the -grotto which concealed his secret. - -The Queen Sophia Dorothea caught this glance, and divined its -meaning. - -"There is no one in the saloon, and it now remains to examine the -grotto," said she, stepping forward hastily. - -The prince seized her hand, and endeavored to hold her back. - -"I conjure you, mother, do not go too far in your suspicion and your -examinations. Remember that your suspicion wounds me." - -The queen gave him a proud, angry glance. - -"I am here on my own property," said she, withdrawing her hand, "and -no one shall oppose my will." - -"Well, then, madame, follow your inclination," said the prince, with -a resolute air; "I wished to spare you an annoyance. Let discord and -sorrow come over us, if your majesty will have it so; and as you are -inexorable, you will also find me firm and resolute. Examine the -grotto, if you will." - -He offered her his arm and conducted her to the grotto. Sophia -Dorothea felt disarmed by her son's resolute bearing, and she was -almost convinced that she had done him injustice, and that no one -was concealed in the grotto. With a benignant smile she had turned -to her son, to say a few soothing words, when she heard a low rustle -among the shrubbery, and saw something white flitting through the -foliage. - -"And you say, my son, that I was deceived by a fata morgana" -exclaimed the queen, hurrying forward with outstretched arm. "Come, -my young lady, and save us and yourself the shame of drawing you -forcibly from your hiding-place." - -The queen had not been mistaken. Something moved among the -shrubbery, and now a female figure stepped forth and threw herself -at the feet of the queen. - -"Pardon, your majesty, pardon! I am innocent of any intention to -intrude on your majesty's privacy. I had fallen asleep in this -grotto, and awoke when it was too late to escape, as your majesty -was already at the entrance of the conservatory. In this manner I -have been an involuntary witness of your conversation. This is my -whole fault." - -The queen listened with astonishment, while the prince regarded with -consternation the kneeling girl who had been found here in the place -of his Laura. - -"This is not the voice of Mademoiselle von Pannewitz," said the -queen, as she passed out into the light, and commanded the kneeling -figure to follow her, that she might see her face. The lady arose -and stepped forward. "Louise von Schwerin!" exclaimed the queen and -the prince at the same time, while the little maid of honor folded -her hands imploringly, and said, with an expression of childish -innocence: - -"O your majesty, have compassion with me! Yesterday's ball made me -so very tired; and as your majesty was sleeping, I thought I would -come here and sleep a little too, although I had not forgotten that -your majesty was not pleased to have us visit this conservatory -alone." - -Sophia Dorothea did not honor her with a glance; her eyes rested on -her son with an expression of severity and scorn. - -"Really, I had a better opinion of you," said she. "It is no great -achievement to mislead a child, and one that is altogether unworthy -of a royal prince." - -"My mother," exclaimed the prince, indignantly, "you do not believe- --" - -"I believe what I see," said the queen, interrupting him. "Have done -with your assurances of innocence, and bow to the truth, which has -judged you in spite of your denial. And you, my young lady, will -accompany me, and submit to my commands in silence, and without -excuses. Come, and assume a cheerful and unconstrained air, if you -please. I do not wish my court to hear of this scandal, and to read -your guilt in your terrified countenance. I shall take care that you -do not betray your guilt in words. Come." - -The prince looked after them with an expression of confusion and -astonishment. "Well, no matter how this riddle is solved," murmured -he, after the queen had left the conservatory with her maid of -honor, "Laura is safe at all events, and in a week we will flee." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE COUNTERMINE. - - -Three days had slowly passed by, and Fritz Wendel waited in vain for -a sign or message from his beloved. He groped his way every day -through the subterranean alley to the grotto, and stood every night -under her window, hoping in vain for a signal or soft whisper from -her. - -The windows were always curtained and motionless, and no one could -give the unhappy gardener any news of the poor Louise von Schwerin, -who was closely confined in her room, and confided to the special -guard of a faithful chambermaid. - -The queen told her ladies that Louise was suffering from an -infectious disease; the queen's physician confirmed this opinion, -and cautioned the ladies of the court against any communication with -the poor invalid. No special command was therefore necessary to keep -the maids of honor away from the prisoner; she was utterly -neglected, and her old companions passed her door with flying steps. -But the queen, as it appeared, did not fear this contagion; she was -seen to enter the sick girl's room every day, and to remain a long -time. The tender sympathy of the queen excited the admiration of the -whole court, and no one guessed what torturing anxiety oppressed the -heart of the poor prisoner whenever the queen entered the room; no -one heard the stern, hard, threatening words of Sophia; no one -supposed that she came, not to nurse the sick girl, but to overwhelm -her with reproaches. - -Louise withstood all the menaces and upbraidings of the queen -bravely; she had the courage to appear unembarrassed, and, except to -reiterate her innocence, to remain perfectly silent. She knew well -that she could not betray Laura without compromising herself; she -knew that if the queen discovered the mysterious flight of Laura, -she would, at the same time, be informed of her love affair with the -poor gardener, and of their secret assignations. Louise feared that -she would be made laughable and ridiculous by this exposure, and -this fear made her resolute and decided, and enabled her to bear her -weary imprisonment patiently. "I cannot be held a prisoner for -ever," she said to herself. "If I confess nothing, the queen must at -last be convinced of my innocence, and set me at liberty." - -But Fritz Wendel was less patient than his cunning Louise. He could -no longer support this torture; and as the fourth day brought no -intelligence, and no trace of Louise, he was determined to dare the -worst, and, like Alexander, to cut the gordian knot which he could -not untie. With bold decision he entered the castle and demanded to -speak with the king, stating that he had important discoveries to -make known. - -The king received him instantly, and at Fritz Wendel's request -dismissed his adjutants. - -"Now we are without witnesses, speak," said the king. - -"I know a secret, your majesty, which concerns the honour and the -future of the royal family; and you will graciously pardon me when I -say I will not sell this secret except for a great price." - -The king's eyes rested upon the impudent face of Fritz Wendel with a -dangerous expression. "Name your price," said he, "but think well. -If your secret is not worth the price you demand, you may perhaps -pay for it with your head, certainly with your liberty." - -"My secret is of the greatest value, for it will save the dynasty of -the Hohenzollerns," said Fritz Wendel, boldly; "but I will sell it -to your majesty--I will disclose it only after you have graciously -promised me my price." - -"Before I do that I must know your conditions," said the king, with -difficulty subduing his rage. - -"I demand for myself a major's commission, and the hand of -Mademoiselle von Schwerin." - -In the beginning the king looked at the bold speaker with angry -amazement; soon, however, his glance became kind and pitiful. "I -have to do with a madman," thought he; "I will be patient, and give -way to his humor. I grant you your price," said he; "speak on." - -So Fritz Wendel began. He made known the engagement of the prince; -he explained the plan of flight; he was so clear, so exact in all -his statements, that Frederick soon saw he was no maniac; that these -were no pictures of a disordered brain, but a threatening, frightful -reality. - -When the gardener had closed, the king, his arms folded across his -back, walked several times backward and forward through the room; -then suddenly stopped before Fritz Wendel, and seemed, with his -sharp glance, to probe the bottom of his soul. - -"Can you write?" said the king. - -"I can write German, French, English, and Latin," said he, proudly. - -"Seat yourself there, and write what I shall dictate in German. Does -Mademoiselle von Schwerin know your hand?" - -"Sire, she has received at least twenty letters from me." - -"Then write now, as I shall dictate, the one-and-twentieth." - -It was a short, laconic, but tender and impressive love-letter, -which Frederick dictated. Fritz Wendel implored his beloved to keep -her promise, and on the same day in which the prince would fly with -Laura to escape with him to Oranienburg, to entreat the protection -of the prince, and through his influence to induce the priest to -perform the marriage ceremony; he fixed the time and hour of flight, -and besought her to leave the castle punctually, and follow him, -without fear, who would be found waiting for her at the castle gate. - -Now, sign it," said the king," and fold it as you are accustomed to -do. Give me the letter; I will see that it is delivered." - -"And my price, majesty," said Fritz, for the first time trembling. - -The king's clouded brow threatened a fearful storm. "You shall have -the price which your treachery and your madness has earned," said -Frederick, in that tone which made all who heard it tremble. "Yes, -you shall have what you have earned, and what your daring insolence -deserves. Were all these things true which you have related with so -bold a brow, you would deserve to be hung; you would have committed -a twofold crime!--have been the betrayer of a royal prince--have -watched him like a base spy, and listened to his secrets, in order -to sell them, and sought to secure your own happiness by the misery -of two noble souls! You would have committed the shameful and -unpardonable crime of misleading an innocent child, who, by birth, -rank, and education, is eternally separated from you. Happily for -you, all this romance is the birth of your sick fancy. I will not, -therefore, punish you, but I will cure you, as fools and madmen are -cured; I will send you to a madhouse until your senses are restored, -and you confess that this wild story is the picture of your -disordered brain--until you swear that these are bold lies with -which you have abused my patience. The restored invalid will receive -my forgiveness--the obstinate culprit, never!" - -The king rang the bell, and said to his adjutants, "Take this man -out, and deliver him to the nearest sentinels; command them to place -him at once in the military hospital; he is to be secured in the -wards prepared for madmen--no man shall speak with him; and if he -utters any wild and senseless tales, I am to be informed of it." - -"Oh, sire! pardon, pardon! Send me not into the insane asylum. I -will retract all; I will believe that all this is false; that I have -only dreamed--that--" - -The king nodded to his adjutants, and they dragged the sobbing, -praying gardener from the room, and gave him to the watch. - -The king looked after him sadly. "And Providence makes use of such -pitiful men to control the fate of nations," said he. "A miserable -garden-boy and a shameless maid of honor are the chosen instruments -to serve the dynasty of the Hohenzollerns, and to rob the prince -royal of Prussia of his earthly happiness! Upon what weak, fine -threads hang the majesty and worth of kings! Alas, how often -wretched and powerless man looks out from under the purple! In spite -of all my power and greatness--in spite of my army, the prince would -have flown, and committed a crime, that perhaps God and his -conscience might have pardoned, but his king never! Poor William, -you will pay dearly for this short, sweet dream of love, and your -heart and its illusions will be trodden under foot, even as mine -have been. Yes, alas! it is scarcely nine years, and it seems to me -I am a hundred years older--that heavy blocks of ice are encamped -about my heart, and I know that, day by day this ice will become -harder. The world will do its part--this poor race of men, whom I -would so gladly love, and whom I am learning daily to despise more -and more!" - -He walked slowly to and fro; his face was shadowed by melancholy. In -a short time he assumed his wonted expression, and, raising his -head, his eyes beamed with a noble fire. - -"I will not be cruel! If I must destroy his happiness, it shall not -be trodden under foot as common dust and ashes. Alas, alas! how did -they deal with me? My friend was led to execution, and a poor -innocent child was stripped and horsewhipped through the streets, -because she dared to love the crown prince! No, no; Laura von -Pannewitz shall not share the fate of Dorris Ritter. I must destroy -the happiness of my brother, but I will not cover his love with -shame!" - -So saying, the king rang, and ordered his carriage to be brought -round. He placed the letter, which he had dictated to Fritz Wendel, -in his pocket, and drove rapidly to the queen-mother's palace. - -Frederick had a long and secret interview with his mother. The -ladies in the next room heard the loud and angry voice of the queen, -but they could not distinguish her words. It seemed to them that she -was weeping, not from sorrow or pain, but from rage and scorn, for -now and then they heard words of menace, and her voice was harsh. At -last, a servant was directed to summon Mademoiselle von Pannewitz to -the presence of the queen. - -He soon returned, stating that Mademoiselle Laura's room was empty, -and that she had gone to Schonhausen to visit Queen Elizabeth -Christine. - -"I will follow her there myself," said the king, "and your majesty -may rest assured that Queen Elizabeth will assist us to separate -these unhappy lovers as gently as possible." - -"Ah, you pity them still, my son?" said the queen, shrugging her -shoulders. - -"Yes, madame, I pity all those who are forced to sacrifice their -noblest, purest feelings to princely rank. I pity them; but I cannot -allow them to forget their duty." - -Laura von Pannewitz had lived through sad and weary days since her -last interview with the prince. The enthusiasm and exaltation of her -passion had soon been followed by repentance. The prince's eloquent -words had lost their power of conviction, now that she was no more -subject to the magic of his glance and his imposing beauty. He stood -no longer before her, in the confidence of youth, to banish doubts -and despair from her soul, and convince her of the justification of -their love. - -Laura was now fully conscious that she was about to commit a great -crime--that, in the weakness of her love, she was about to rob the -prince of his future, of his glory and power. She said to herself -that it would be a greater and nobler proof of her love to offer up -herself and her happiness to the prince, than to accept from him the -sacrifice of his birthright. But in the midst of these reproaches -and this repentance she saw ever before her the sorrowful face of -her beloved--she heard his dear voice imploring her to follow him-- -to be his. - -Laura, in the anguish of her soul and the remorse of conscience, had -flown for refuge to the gentle, noble Queen Elizabeth, who had -promised her help and consolation when the day of her trial should -come. She had hastened, therefore, to Schonhausen, sure of the -tender sympathy of her royal friend. - -As Laura's carriage entered the castle court, the carriage of the -king drew up at the garden gate. He commanded the coachman to drive -slowly away, and then stepped alone into the garden. He walked -hastily through the park, and drew near to the little side door of -the palace, which led through lonely corridors and unoccupied rooms, -to the chamber of the queen. He knew that Elizabeth only used this -door when she wished to take her solitary walk in the park. The king -wished to escape the curious and wondering observations of the -attendants, and to surprise the queen and Laura von Pannewitz. He -stepped on quietly, and, without being seen, reached the queen's -rooms, convinced that he would find them in the boudoir. He was -about to raise the portiere which separated it from the ante-room, -when he was arrested by the voices of women; one piteous and full of -tears, the other sorrowful but comforting. The king let the portiere -fall, and seated himself noiselessly near the door. - -"Let us listen awhile," said the king; "the women are always -coquetting when in the presence of men. We will listen to them when -they think themselves alone. I will in this way become acquainted -with this dangerous Laura, and learn better, than by a long -interview, how I can influence her." - -The king leaned his head upon his stick, and fixed his piercing eyes -upon the heavy velvet portiere, behind which two weak women were now -perhaps deciding the fate of the dynasty of Hohenzollern. - -"Madame," said Laura, "the blossoms of our happiness are already -faded and withered, and our love is on the brink of the grave." - -"Poor Laura!" said the queen, with a weary smile, "it needed no gift -of prophecy to foretell that. No flowers bloom around a throne; -thorns only grow in that fatal soil! Your young eyes were blinded by -magic; you mistook these thorns for blossoms. Alas! I have wounded -my heart with them, and I hope that it will bleed to death!" - -"O queen, if you knew my doubts and my despair, you would have pity -with me; you would not be so cruel as to command me to sacrifice my -love and my happiness! My happiness is his, and my love is but the -echo of his own. If it was only a question of trampling upon my own -foolish wishes, I would not listen to the cry of my soul. But the -prince loves me. Oh, madame, think how great and strong this love -must be, when I have the courage to boast of it! yes, he loves me; -and when I forsake him, I will not suffer alone. He will also be -wretched, and his tears and his despair will torture my heart. How -can I deceive him? Oh, madame, I cannot bear that his lips should -curse me!" - -"Yield him up now," said the queen, "and a day will come when he -will bless you for it; a day in which he will confess that your love -was great, was holy, that you sacrificed yourself and all earthly -happiness freely, in order to spare him the wretchedness of future -days. He loves you now, dearly, fondly, but a day will come in which -he will demand of you his future, his greatness, his royal crown, -all of which he gave up for you. He will reproach you for then -having accepted this great sacrifice, and he will never forgive you -for your weakness in yielding to his wishes. Believe me, Laura, in -the hearts of men there lives but one eternal passion, and that is -ambition. Love to them is only the amusement of the passing hour, -nothing more." - -"Oh, madame, if that is so, would God that I might die; life is not -worth the trouble of living!" cried Laura, weeping bitterly. - -"Life, my poor child, is not a joy which we can set aside, but a -duty which we must bear patiently. You cannot trample upon this -duty; and if your grief is strong, so must your will be stronger." - -"What shall I do? What name do you give the duty which I must take -upon myself?" cried Laura, with trembling lips. "I put my fate in -your hands. What shall I do?" - -"You must overcome yourself; you must conquer your love; you must -follow the voice of conscience, which brought you to me for -counsel." - -"Oh, my queen, you know not what you ask! Your calm, pure heart -knows nothing of love." - -"You say that I know nothing of love?" cried the queen, -passionately. "You know not that my life is one great anguish, a -never-ceasing self-sacrifice! Yes, I am the victim of love--a -sadder, more helpless, more torturing love than you, Laura, can ever -know. I love, and am not beloved. What I now confess to you is known -only to God, and I tell you in order to console you, and give you -strength to accept your fate bravely. I suffer, I am wretched, -although I am a queen! I love my husband; I love him with the -absorbing passion of a young girl, with the anguish which the damned -must feel when they stand at the gates of Paradise, and dare not -enter in. My thoughts, my heart, my soul belong to him; but he is -not mine. He stands with a cold heart near my glowing bosom, and -while with rapture of love I would throw myself upon his breast, I -must clasp my arms together and hold them still, and must seek and -find an icy glance with which to answer his. Look you, there was a -time when I believed it impossible to bear all this torture; a time -in which my youth struggled like Tantalus; a time in which my pride -revolted at this love, with its shame and humiliation; in which I -would have given my crown to buy the right to fly into some lonely -desert, and give myself up to tears. The king demanded that I should -remain at his side, not as his wife, but as his queen; ever near -him, but forever separated from him; unpitied and misunderstood; -envied by fools, and thought happy by the world! And, Laura, oh, I -loved him so dearly that I found strength to bear even this torture, -and he knows not that my heart is being hourly crushed at the foot -of his throne. I draw the royal purple over my wounded bosom, and it -sometimes seems to me that my heart's blood gives this ruddy color -to my mantle. Now, Laura, do I know nothing of love? do I not -understand the greatness of the sacrifice which I demand of you?" - -The queen, her face bathed in tears, opened her arms, and Laura -threw herself upon her bosom; their sighs and tears were mingled. - -The king sat in the ante-room, with pale face and clouded eyes. He -bowed his head, as if in adoration, and suddenly a glittering -brilliant, bright as a star, and nobler and more precious than all -the jewels of this sorrowful world, fell upon his pallid cheek. -"Truly," said he to himself, "there is something great and exalted -in a woman's nature. I bow down in humility before this great soul, -but my heart, alas! cannot be forced to love. The dead cannot be -awakened, and that which is shrouded and buried can never more be -brought to life and light!" - -"You have conquered, my queen," said Laura, after a long pause; "I -will be worthy of your esteem and friendship. That day shall never -come in which my lover shall reproach me with selfishness and -weakness! 'I am ready to be offered up!' I will not listen to him; I -will not flee with him; and while I know that he is waiting for me. -I will cast myself in your arms, and beseech you to pray to God for -me, that He would send Death, his messenger of love and mercy, to -relieve me from my torments." - -"Not so, my Laura," said the queen; "you must make no half offering; -it is not enough to renounce your lover, you must build up between -yourselves an everlasting wall of separation; you must make this -separation eternal! You must marry, and thus set the prince a noble -example of self-control." - -"Marry!" cried Laura; "can you demand this of me? Marry without -love! Alas, alas! The prince will charge me with inconstancy and -treachery to him, and I must bear that in silence." - -"But I will not be silent," said the queen, "I will tell him of your -grief and of the greatness of your soul; and when he ceases, as he -must do, to look upon you as his beloved, he will honor you as the -protecting angel of his existence." - -"You promise me that. You will say to him that I was not faithless-- -that I gave him up because I loved him more than I did myself; I -seemed faithless only to secure his happiness!" - -"I promise you that, Laura." - -"Well, then, I bow my head under the yoke--I yield to my fate--I -accept the hand which Count Voss offers me. I ask that you will go -to the queen-mother and say I submit to her commands--I will become -the wife of Count Voss!" - -"And I will lead you to the queen and to the altar," said the king, -raising the portiere, and showing himself to the ladies, who stared -at him in breathless silence. The king drew nearer to Laura, and -bowing low, he said: "Truly my brother is to be pitied, that he is -only a prince, and not a freeman; for a pitiful throne, he must give -up the holiest and noblest possession, the pure heart of a fair -woman, glowing with love for him! And yet men think that we, the -princes of the world, are to be envied! They are dazzled by the -crown, but they see not the thorns with which our brows are beset! -You, Laura, will never envy us; but on that day when you see my -brother in his royal mantle and his crown--when his subjects shout -for joy and call him their king--then can you say to yourself, 'It -was I who made him king--I anointed him with my tears!' and when his -people honor and bless him, you can rejoice also in the thought, -This is the fruit of the strength of my love!' Come, I will myself -conduct you to my mother, and I will say to her that I would -consider myself happy to call you sister." Turning to Queen -Elizabeth, he said: "I will say to my mother that Mademoiselle von -Pannewitz has not yielded to my power or my commands, but to the -persuasive eloquence of your majesty, when the people of Prussia -have for years considered their protecting angel, and who from this -time onward must be regarded as the guardian spirit of our royal -house!" - -He reached his hand to the queen, but she took it not. Trembling -fearfully, with the paleness of death in her face, she pointed to -the portiere and said, "You were there--you heard all!" - -The king, his countenance beaming with respectful admiration, drew -near the queen, and placing his arm around her neck, he whispered, -"Yes, I was there--I heard all. I heard, and I know that I am a -poor, blind man, to whom a kingdom is offered, a treasure-house of -love and all good gifts, and I cannot, alas! cannot, accept it!" - -The queen uttered a loud cry, and her weary head dropped upon his -shoulder. The king gazed silently into the pale and sorrowful face, -and a ray of infinite pity beamed in his eyes. "I have discovered -to-day a noble secret--a secret that God alone was worthy to know. -From this day I consider myself as the high priest of the holiest of -holies, and I will guard this secret as my greatest treasure. I -swear this to you, and I seal my oath with this kiss pressed upon -your lips by one who will never again embrace a woman!" He bowed -low, and pressed a fervent, kiss upon the lips of the queen. -Elizabeth, who had borne her misfortunes bravely, had not the power -to withstand the sweet joy of this moment; she uttered a loud cry, -and sank insensible to the floor. When she awoke she was alone; the -king had called her maids--had conducted Laura von Pannewitz to the -carriage, and returned to Berlin. Elizabeth was again alone--alone -with her thoughts--with her sorrows and her love. But a holy fire -was in her eyes, and raising them toward Heaven, she whispered: "I -thank thee, O heavenly Father, for the happiness of this hour! I -feel his kiss upon my lips! by that kiss they are consecrated! -Never, never will they utter one murmuring word!" She arose and -entered her cabinet, with a soft smile; she drew near to a table -which stood by the window, and gazed at a beautiful landscape, and -the crayons, etc., etc., which lay upon it. "He shall think of me -from time to time," whispered she. "For his sake I will become an -artist and a writer; I will be something more than a neglected -queen. He shall see my books upon his table and my paintings on his -wall. Will I not then compel him sometimes to think of me with -pride?" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -THE SURPRISE. - - -The day after the queen-mother's interview with the king, the court -was surprised by the intelligence that the physician had mistaken -the malady of Louise von Schwerin; that it was not scarlet fever, as -had been supposed, but some simple eruption, from which she was now -entirely restored. - -The little maiden appeared again amongst her companions, and there -was no change in her appearance, except a slight pallor. No one was -more amazed at her sudden recovery than Louise. With watchful -suspicion, she remarked that the queen-mother had resumed her -gracious and amiable manner toward her, and seemed entirely to have -forgotten the events of the last few days; her accusations and -suspicions seemed quieted as if by a stroke of magic. In the -beginning, Louise believed that this was a trap laid for her, she -was therefore perpetually on her guard; she did not enter the -garden, and was well pleased that Fritz Wendel had the prudence and -forbearance never to walk to and fro by her chamber, and never to -place in her window the beautiful flowers which she had been wont to -find there every morning. In a short time Louise became convinced -that she was not watched, that there were no spies about her path; -that she was, in fact, perfectly at liberty to come and go as she -pleased. She resumed her thoughtless manner and childish dreamings, -walked daily in the garden, and took refuge in the green-house. -Strange to say, she never found her beautiful Fritz, never met his -glowing, eloquent eyes, never caught even a distant view of his -handsome figure. This sudden disappearance of her lover made her -restless and unhappy, and kindled the flame of love anew. Louise, -who in the loneliness and neglect of her few days of confinement, -had become almost ashamed of her affair with Fritz Wendel, and begun -to repent of her foolish love, now excited by the obstacles in her -path, felt the whole strength of her passion revive, and was assured -of her eternal constancy. - -"I will overcome all impediments," said this young girl, "and -nothing shall prevent me from playing my romance to the end. Fritz -Wendel loves me more passionately than any duke or baron will ever -love me; he has been made a prisoner because of his love for me, and -that is the reason I see him no more. But I will save him; I will -set him at liberty, and then I will flee with him, far, far away -into the wide, wide world where no one shall mock at our love." - -With such thoughts as these she returned from her anxious search in -the garden. As she entered her room, she saw upon her table a superb -bouquet, just such a tribute as her loved Fritz had offered daily at -her shrine before the queen's unfortunate discovery. With a loud cry -of joy, she rushed to the table, seized the flowers, and pressed -them to her lips; she then sought in the heart of her bouquet for -the little note which she had ever before found concealed there. - -Truly this bouquet contained also a love-letter, a very tender, -glowing love-letter, in which Fritz Wendel implored her to fly with -him; to carry out their original plan, and flee with him to -Oranienburg, where they would be married by the priest who had been -won over by the Prince Augustus William. To-day, yes, this evening -at nine o'clock must the flight take place. - -Louise did not hesitate an instant; she was resolved to follow the -call of her beloved. A court ball was to take place this evening, -and Louise von Schwerin must appear in the suite of the queen; she -must find some plausible excuse and remain at home. As the hour for -the queen's morning promenade approached, Louise became so suddenly -ill that she was forced to ask one of the maids of honor to make her -excuses, to return to her room, and lay herself upon the bed. - -The queen came herself to inquire after her health, and manifested -so much sympathy, so much pity, that Louise was fully assured, and -accepted without suspicion the queen's proposal that she should give -up the ball, and remain quietly in her room. Louise had now no -obstacle to fear; she could make her preparations for flight without -interruption. - -The evening came. She heard the carriages rolling away with the -queen and her suite. An indescribable anxiety oppressed this young -girl. The hour of decision was at hand. She felt a maidenly -trembling at the thought of her rash imprudence, but the hour was -striking--the hour of romantic flight, the hour of meeting with her -fond lover. - -It seemed to her as if she saw the imploring eyes of Fritz ever -before her--as if she heard his loving, persuasive voice. Forgetting -all consideration and all modesty, she wrapped herself in her -mantle, and drawing the hood tightly over her head, she hastened -with flying feet through the corridors and down the steps to the -front door of the palace. With a trembling heart she stepped into -the street. - -Unspeakable terror took possession of her. "What if he was not -there? What if this was a plot, a snare laid for her feet? But no, -no!" She saw a tall and closely-muffled figure crossing the open -square, and coming directly to her. She could not see his face, but -it was surely him. Now he was near her. He whispered the signal word -in a low, soft tone. With a quaking heart, she gave the answer. - -The young man took her cold little hand, and hurried her forward to -the corner of the square. There stood the carriage. The stranger -lifted her in his arms, and carried her to the carriage, sprang in, -and slammed the door. Forward! The carriage seemed forced onward by -the wings of the wind. In a few moments the city lay far behind -them. In wild haste they flew onward, ever onward. The young man, -still closely muffled, sat near to Louise--her lover, soon to be her -husband! Neither spoke a word. They were near to each other, with -quickly-beating hearts, but silent, still silent. - -Louise found this conduct of her lover mysterious and painful. She -understood not why he who had been so tender, so passionate, should -remain so cold and still by her side. She felt that she must fly -far, far away from this unsympathizing lover, who had no longer a -word for her, no further assurances of love. Yes, he despised her -because she had followed him, no longer thought her worthy of his -tenderness. As this thought took possession of her, she gave a -fearful shriek, and springing up from her seat, she seized the door, -and tried to open it and jump out. The strong hand of her silent -lover held her back. - -"We have not yet arrived, mademoiselle," whispered he. - -Louise felt a cold shudder pass over her. Fritz Wendel call her -mademoiselle! and the voice sounded cold and strange. Anxiously, -silently, she sank back in the carriage. Her searching glance was -fixed upon her companion, but the night was dark. She could see -nothing but the mysteriously muffled figure. She stretched out her -small hands toward him, as if praying for help. He seized them, and -pressed them to his heart and lips, but he remained silent. He did -not clasp her in his arms as heretofore; he whispered no tender, -passionate assurances in her ear. The terror of death overcame -Louise. She clasped her hands over her face, and wept aloud. He -heard her piteous sobs, and was still silent, and did not seek to -comfort her. - -Onward went the flying wheels. The horses had been twice changed in -order to reach the goal more quickly. Louise wept without ceasing. -Exhausted by terror, she thought her death was near. Twice tortured -by this ominous silence, she had dared to say a few low, sobbing -words to her companion, but he made no reply. - -At last the carriage stopped. "We have arrived," he whispered to -Louise, sprang from the carriage, and lifted her out. - -"Where are we?" she said, convinced that she had been brought to a -prison, or some secret place of banishment. - -"We are in Oranienburg, and there is the church where the preacher -awaits us." He took her arm hastily, and led her into the church. -The door was opened, and as Louise stepped upon the threshold, she -felt her eyes blinded by the flood of light upon the altar. She saw -the priest with his open book, and heard the solemn sounds of the -organ. The young man led Louise forward, but not to the altar; he -entered first into the sacristy. There also wax lights were burning, -and on the table lay a myrtle wreath and a lace veil. - -"This is your bridal wreath and veil," said the young man, who still -kept the hood of his cloak drawn tightly over his face. He -unfastened and removed Louise's mantle, and handed her the veil and -wreath. Then he threw back his hood, and removed his cloak. Louise -uttered a cry of amazement and horror. He who stood before her was -not her lover, was not the gardener Fritz Wendel, but a strange -young officer in full-dress uniform! - -"Forgive me," said he, "that I have caused you so much suffering to- -day, but the king commanded me to remain silent, and I did so. We -are here in obedience to the king, and he commanded me to hand you -this letter before our marriage. It was written by his own hand." -Louise seized the royal letter hastily. It was laconic, but the few -words it contained filled the heart of the little maiden with shame. -The letter contained these lines: - -"As you are resolved, without regard to circumstances, to marry, out -of consideration for your family I will fulfil your wish. The -handsome gardener-boy is not in a condition to become your husband, -he being now confined in a madhouse. I have chosen for you a gallant -young officer, of good family and respectable fortune, and I have -commanded him to marry you. If he pleases you, the priest will -immediately perform the marriage ceremony, and you will follow your -husband into his garrison at Brandenburg. If you refuse him, the -young officer, Von Cleist, has my command to place you again in the -carriage, and take you to your mother. There you will have time to -meditate upon your inconsiderate boldness. FREDERICK II." - -Louise read the letter of the king again and again; she then fixed -her eyes upon the young man who stood before her, and who gazed at -her with a questioning and smiling face. She saw that he was -handsome, young, and charming, and she confessed that this rich -uniform was more attractive than the plain, dark coat of the -gardener-boy Fritz Wendel. She felt that the eyes of the young -cavalier were as glowing and as eloquent as those of her old love. - -"Well," said he, laughing, "have you decided, mademoiselle? Do you -consider me worthy to be the envied and blessed husband of the -enchanting and lovely Louise von Schwerin, or will you cruelly -banish me and rob me of this precious boon?" - -She gazed down deep into his eyes and listened to his words -breathlessly. His voice was so soft and persuasive, not harsh and -rough like that of Fritz Wendel, it fell like music on her ear. - -"Well," repeated the young Von Cleist, "will you be gracious, and -accept me for your husband?" - -"Would you still wish to marry me, even if the king had not -commanded it?" - -"I would marry you in spite of the king and the whole world," said -Von Cleist. "Since I have seen you, I love you dearly." - -Louise reached him her hand. - -"Well, then," she said, "let us fulfil the commands of the king. He -commands us to marry. We will commence with that: afterwards we will -see if we can love each other without a royal command." - -The young captain kissed her hand, and placed the myrtle wreath upon -her brow. - -"Come, the priest is waiting, and I long to call you my bride." - -He led the young girl of fourteen to the altar. The priest opened -the holy book, and performed the marriage ceremony. - -At the same hour, in the chapel of the king's palace, another -wedding took place. Laura von Pannewitz and Count Voss stood before -the altar. The king himself conducted Laura, and Queen Elizabeth -gave her hand to Count Voss. The entire court had followed the -bridal pair, and all were witnesses to this solemn contract. Only -one was absent--the Prince Augustus William was not there. - -While Laura von Pannewitz stood above in the palace chapel, swearing -eternal constancy to Count Voss, the prince stood below at the -castle gate, waiting for her descent. But the hour had long passed, -and she came not. A dark fear and torturing anguish came over him. - -Had the king discovered their plan? Was it he who held Laura back, -or had she herself forgotten her promise? Was she unfaithful to her -oath? - -The time still flew, and she came not. Trembling with scorn, -anguish, and doubt, he mounted the castle steps, determined to -search through the saloons, and, at all risks, to draw near his -beloved. Driven by the violence of his love, he had almost -determined to carry her off by force. - -Throwing off his mantle, he stepped into the anteroom. No man -regarded him. Every eye was turned toward the great saloon. The -prince entered. The whole court circle, which were generally -scattered through the adjoining rooms, now forced themselves into -this saloon--it glittered and shimmered with diamonds, orders, and -gold and silver embroidery. - -The prince saw nothing of all this. He saw only the tall, pallid -girl, who stood in the middle of the room with the sweeping bridal -veil and the myrtle wreath in her hair. - -Yes, it was her--Laura von Pannewitz--and near her stood the young, -smiling Count Voss. What did all this mean? Why was his beloved so -splendidly attired? Why was the royal family gathered around her? -Why was the queen kissing even now his beautiful Laura, and handing -her this splendid diamond diadem? Why did Count Voss press the -king's hand, which was that moment graciously extended to him, to -his lips? - -Prince Augustus William understood nothing of all this. He felt as -if bewildered by strange and fantastic dreams. With distended, -glassy eyes he stared upon the newly wedded pair who were now -receiving the congratulations of the court. - -But the king's sharp glance had observed him, and rapidly forcing -his way through the crowd of courtiers, he drew near to the prince. -"A word with you, brother," said the king; "come, let us go into my -cabinet." The prince followed him, bewildered--scarcely conscious. -"And now, my brother," said the king, as the door closed behind him, -"show yourself worthy of your kingly calling and of your ancestors; -show that you deserve to be the ruler of a great people; show that -you know how to govern yourself! Laura von Pannewitz can never be -yours; she is the wife of Count Voss!" The prince uttered so -piercing, so heartrending a cry, that the king turned pale, and an -unspeakable pity took possession of his soul. "Be brave, my poor -brother; what you suffer, that have I also suffered, and almost -every one who is called by Fate to fill an exalted position has the -same anguish to endure. A prince has not the right to please -himself--he belongs to the people and to the world's history, and to -both these he must be ever secondary," - -"It is not true, it is not possible!" stammered the prince. "Laura -can never belong to another! she is mine! betrothed to me by the -holiest of oaths, and she shall be mine in spite of you and of the -whole world! I desire no crown, no princely title; I wish only -Laura, only my Laura! I say it is not true that she is the wife of -Count Voss!" - -"It is true," whispered a soft, tearful, choking voice, just behind -him. The prince turned hastily; the sad eye of Laura, full of -unspeakable love, met his wild glance. Queen Elizabeth, according to -an understanding with the king, had led the young Countess Voss into -this apartment, and then returned with a light step to the adjoining -room. - -"I will grant to your unhappy love, my brother, one last evening -glow," said the king. "Take a last, sad farewell of your declining -sun; but forget not that when the sun has disappeared, we have still -the stars to shine upon us, though, alas! they have no warmth and -kindle no flowers into life." The king bowed, and followed his wife -into the next room. The prince remained alone with Laura. - -What was spoken and sworn in this last sad interview no man ever -knew. In the beginning, the king, who remained in the next room, -heard the raging voice of the prince uttering wild curses and bitter -complaints; then his tones were softer and milder, and touchingly -mournful. In half an hour the king entered the cabinet. The prince -stood in the middle of the room, and Laura opposite to him. They -gazed into each other's wan and stricken faces with steady, tearless -eyes; their hands were clasped. "Farewell, my prince," said Laura, -with a firm voice; "I depart IMMEDIATELY with my husband; we will -never meet again!" - -"Yes, we will meet again," said the prince, with a weary smile; "we -will meet again in another and a better world: I will be there -awaiting you, Laura!" They pressed each other's hands, then turned -away. - -Laura stepped into the room where Count Voss was expecting her. -"Come, my husband," she said; "I am ready to follow you, and be -assured I will make you a faithful and submissive wife." - -"Brother," said Prince Augustus William, extending his hand to the -king, "I struggle no more. I will conform myself to your wishes, and -marry the Princess of Brunswick." - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE RESIGNATION OF BARON POLLNITZ. - - -The morning after the ball, Pollnitz entered the cabinet of the -king; he was confused and sat down, and that happened to him which -had never before happened--he was speechless. The king's eyes rested -upon him with an ironical and contemptuous expression. - -"I believe you are about to confess your sins, Pollnitz, and make me -your father confessor. You have the pitiful physiognomy of a poor -sinner." - -"Sire, I would consent to be a sinner, but I am bitterly opposed to -being a poor sinner." - -"Ah! debts again; again in want!" cried the king. "I am weary of -this everlasting litany, and I forbid you to come whining to me -again with your never-ending necessities; the evil a man brings upon -himself he must bear; the dangers which he involuntary incurs, he -must conquer himself." - -"Will not your majesty have the goodness to assist me, to reach me a -helping hand and raise me from the abyss into which my creditors -have cast me?" - -"God forbid that I should waste the gold upon a Pollnitz which I -need for my brave soldiers and for cannon!" said the king, -earnestly. - -"Then, sire," said Pollnitz, in a low and hesitating tone, "I must -beg you to give me my dismissal." - -"Your dismissal! Have you discovered in the moon a foolish prince -who will pay a larger sum for your miserable jests and malicious -scandals and railings than the King of Prussia?" - -"Not in the moon, sire, is such a mad individual to be found, but in -a Dutch realm; however, I have found no such prince, but a beautiful -young maiden, who will be only too happy to be the Baroness -Pollnitz, and pay the baron's debts." - -"And this young girl is not sent to a mad-house?" said the king; -"perhaps the house of the Baron von Pollnitz is considered a house -of correction, and she is sent there to be punished for her follies. -Has the girl who is rich enough to pay the debts of a Pollnitz no -guardian?" - -"Father and mother both live, sire; and both receive me joyfully as -their son. My bride dwells in Nuremberg, and is the daughter of a -distinguished patrician family." - -"And she buys you," said the king, "because she considers you the -most enchanting of all Nuremberger toys! As for your dismissal, I -grant it to you with all my heart. Seat yourself and write as I -shall dictate." - -He looked toward the writing-table, and Pollnitz, obeying his -command, took his seat and arranged his pen and paper. The king, -with his arms folded across his back, walked slowly up and down the -room. - -"Write! I will give you a dismissal, and also a certificate of -character and conduct." - -The king dictated to the trembling and secretly enraged baron the -following words: - -"We, Frederick II., make known, that Baron Pollnitz, born in Berlin, -and, so far as we believe, of an honorable family, page to our -sainted grandfather, of blessed memory, also in the service of the -Duke of Orleans, colonel in the Spanish service, cavalry captain in -the army of the deceased Emperor, gentleman-in-waiting to the Pope, -gentlemen-in-waiting to the Duke of Brunswick, color-bearer in the -service of the Duke of Weimar, gentleman-in-waiting to our sainted -father, of ever-blessed memory; lastly, and at last, master of -ceremonies in our service;--said Baron Pollnitz, overwhelmed by this -stream of military and courtly honors which had been thrust upon -him, and thereby weary of the vanities of this wicked world; misled, -also, by the evil example of Monteulieu, who, a short time ago, left -the court, now entreats of us to grant him his dismissal, and an -honorable testimony as to his good name and service. After -thoughtful consideration, we do not find it best to refuse him the -testimony he has asked for. As to the most important service which -he rendered to the court by his foolish jests and INCONSISTENCIES, -and the pastimes and distractions which he prepared for nine years -for the amusement of our ever-blessed father, we do not hesitate to -declare that, during the whole time of his service at court, he was -not a street-robber nor a cut-purse, nor a poisoner; that he did not -rob young women nor do them any violence; that he has not roughly -attacked the honor of any man, but, consistently with his birth and -lineage, behaved like a man of gallantry; that he has consistently -made use of the talents lent to him by Heaven, and brought before -the public, in a merry and amusing way, that which is ridiculous and -laughable amongst men, no doubt with the same object which lies at -the bottom of all theatrical representations, that is, to improve -the race. Said baron has also steadily followed the counsel of -Bacchus with regard to frugality and temperance, and he has carried -his Christian love so far, that he has left wholly to the PEASANTS -that part of the Evangelists which teaches that 'To give is more -blessed than to receive.' He knows all the anecdotes concerning our -castles and pleasure resorts, and has indelibly imprinted upon his -memory a full list of all our old furniture and silver; above all -things, he understands how to make himself indispensable and -agreeable to those who know the malignity of his spirit and his cold -heart." - -"As, however, in the most fruitful regions waste and desert spots -are to be found, as the most beautiful bodies have their -deformities, and the greatest painters are not without faults, so -will we deal gently and considerately with the follies and sins of -this much-talked-of baron; we grant him, therefore, though -unwillingly, the desired dismissal. In addition to this, we abolish -entirely this office so worthily filled by said baron, and wish to -blot out the remembrance of it from the memory of man; holding that -no other man can ever fill it satisfactorily." "FREDERICK II." - -THE END. - - -End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Frederick the Great and His Court -by L. Muhlbach - diff --git a/old/frdrc10.zip b/old/frdrc10.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6523325..0000000 --- a/old/frdrc10.zip +++ /dev/null |