For two long weeks has your majesty kept me fasting and longing for
this precious soup," said the duke, reproachfully.

"My broth was not ready," said the king, gayly; "it was still bubbling
in the pot. It is now done, and we will consume it together. Let us be
seated, duke."

If Frederick had turned at this moment, he would have seen the grand
chamberlain Pollnitz advancing on tiptoe to the open door, in order to
listen to the conversation. But the king was looking earnestly at the
ambassador. After a few moments of silence, he turned to the duke.

"Is my soup still too hot for you?" said he, laughingly.

"No, sire," said the duke, bowing. "But I waited for your majesty to
take the first spoonful. Would it not be better to close that door?"

"No," said the king, hastily; "I left it open, intentionally, so that
your eyes, when wearied with the gloom of my republic, could refresh
themselves on the glittering costumes of my courtiers."

"He left it open," thought the duke, "for these courtiers to hear all
that is said. He wishes the whole world to know how he rejected the
friendship of France."

"Well," said the king, "I will take my spoonful. We will commence
without further delay. Duke de Nivernois, you are here because the
contract made between France and Prussia is at an end, and because
France wishes me to fancy that she is anxious for a renewal of this
treaty, and for the friendship of Prussia."

"France wishes to convince you of this, sire," said the duke.

"Convince me?" said the king, ironically. "And how?"

"King Louis of France not only proposes to renew this contract, she, who
he wishes to draw the bonds of friendship much closer between France and
Prussia."

"And to what end?" said the king. "For you well know, duke, that in
politics personal inclinations must not be considered. Were it not so, I
would, without further delay, grasp the friendly hand that my brother of
France extends toward me, for the whole world knows that I love
France, and am proud of the friendship of her great spirits. But as,
unfortunately, there is no talk here of personal inclinations but of
politics, I repeat my question. To what end does France desire the
friendship of Prussia? What am I to pay for it? You see, duke, I am a
bad diplomatist--I make no digression, but go to the point at once."

"And that, perhaps, is the nicest diplomacy," said the duke, sighing.

"But, duke, do tell me, why is France so anxious for the