ld and precious
jewels, but also the most magnificent paintings. It is but natural that
we should pay ourselves in Hanover for the expenses of this war of which
England is the cause. You, then, will share with us these treasures. And
still this is not all. France is grateful; she offers you, therefore,
one of her colonies, the Isle of Tobago, as a pledge of friendship and
love."

"Where is this isle?" said the king, quietly.

"In the West Indies, sire."

"And where is Hanover?"

The duke looked at the king in amazement, and remained silent.

The king repeated his question.

"Well," said the duke, hesitatingly, "Hanover is in Germany."

"And for this German land which, with my aid, France is to conquer, I
am to receive as a reward the little Isle of Tobago in the West Indies!
Have you finished, dyke, or have you other propositions to make?"

"Sire, I have finished, and await your answer."

"And this answer, duke, shall be clearer and franker than your
questions. I will begin by answering the latter part of your speech.
Small and insignificant as the King of Prussia may appear in your eyes,
I would have you know he is no robber, no highwayman; he leaves these
brilliant amusements without envy to France. And now, my dear duke, I
must inform you, that since this morning it has been placed out of my
power to accept this alliance; for this morning a treaty was signed, by
which I became the ally of England!"

"It is impossible, sire," cried the duke; "this cannot be!"

"Not possible, sir!" said the king, "and still it is true. I have formed
a treaty with England--this matter is settled! I have been an ally of
Louis XV.; I have nothing to complain of in him. I love him; well, am I
now his enemy? I hope that there may be a time when I may again approach
the King of France. Pray tell him how anxiously I look forward to this
time. Tell him I am much attached to him."

"Ah, sire," said the duke, sighing, "it is a great misfortune. I dare
not go to my monarch with this sad, unexpected news; my monarch who
loves you so tenderly, whose most earnest wish it is for France to be
allied to Prussia."

"Ah, duke," said Frederick, laughing, "France wishes for ships as
allies. I have none to offer--England has. With her help I shall keep
the Russians from Prussia, and with the aid she will keep the French
from Hanover."

"We are to be enemies, then?" said the duke, sadly.

"It is a necessary evil, for which there is no reme