"I beg you to tell me what all this means?
I am dying of curiosity!" "I also," said the prince, smiling.

"Have the goodness to lead me to one of the rooms, that I may set down this box." "What does that hobgoblin contain, that it prevents your embracing me ?" "Do not ask, but hasten to assist me to relieve myself of the burden." They entered the house, and Wilhelmine opened the wide folding-doors, which led into a very tastefully-furnished room.

Frederick William set the box upon the marble table, and sank upon a divan with Wilhelmine in his arms.

"First of all, tell me what Von Kircheisen said to you ?" "He commanded me, in the name of the king, to give up my dwelling at Berlin and at Potsdam, and to avoid showing myself in public at both places, that those who had the right to the love and fidelity of the Prince of Prussia should not be annoyed at the sight of me; that I should live retired, and leave the appointed residence as little as possible, for then the king would be inclined to ignore my existence, and take no further notice of me.

But, if I attempted to play a role, his majesty would take good care that it should be forever played out." "Those were harsh, cruel words," sighed Frederick William.
"Harsh, cruel words," repeated Wilhelmine, sorrowfully.