He has threatened me with a fearful punishment--no less than the house of correction at Spandau! He has told me that the spinning-wheel is in readiness for me if I excite his further contempt." A cry of fury escaped the prince.

Springing up, he paced the room with rapid strides.

Wilhelmine remained upon the divan, but her tears did not prevent her following the prince with a searching glance--to read his face, pale with rage.

"I must bear it," he cried, beating his forehead.
"I cannot protect those that I love!" A ray of joy lighted up Wilhelmine's face as she listened, but it disappeared with the tears which flowed afresh.

"I am a poor, unfortunate child," she sobbed, "whom every one despises, and fears not to injure, who has no one to counsel or protect her, and who is lost if God does not have compassion upon her." The prince rushed to her, seizing both hands.