She recognized the voice, the commanding manner, and rushed through the anteroom to open the door.

The prince encircled her in his arms, pressed her to his beating heart, and, lifting her up, bore her into the room.
"Why did you leave Potsdam, Wilhelmine?
Tell me quickly, why did you do it ?" asked the prince, tenderly kissing her, as he sat her upon the divan at his side.

Overcome with her tears, she could not answer.

"What mean these tears?
Has any one dared to wound your feelings or injure you ?" "Yes, Frederick, and he who injures me hazards nothing--for it is the king! I met him in the park at Potsdam this morning.

He has crushed me with his scorn and anger.