rict rules of ceremony; strangers who
formerly were, without exception, debarred of the privilege of
appearing at court, had access to it now, if they only spent a good
deal of money in the city and were presented by their ambassadors. The
Prince does this out of a pure desire for the welfare of his people,
for he called all the inhabitants of the capital "my people," even the
unyielding democrats contained in it; they had unpleasant
peculiarities, it is true; but they were still "my people."

The Prince took a special interest in Sonnenkamp, because he had been
told that the latter was intending to build a large palace for his
winter-residence in the capital in such a situation that it would be an
ornament to the castle park, having it front on an avenue which at
present led into a new part of the city. The Prince flattered himself
that this would be of great benefit to his people.

The Cabinetsrath related, besides, that Sonnenkamp's affair had taken a
particularly decisive turn in consequence of Clodwig's having, in the
expression of his opinion, said that, aside from the injudiciousness of
creating a new nobility, it appeared doubtful to him whether German
sovereigns individually possessed the right to do it. The Prince was
beside himself at this remark of the old diplomat, whom he had always
regarded as a concealed democrat; and so, partly in consequence of
Clodwig's boldness, Sonnenkamp's affair was decided hastily and without
further ado.

Sonnenkamp heard all this with delight, and the Cabinetsrath cautioned
him expressly to remember that the Prince was really very modest, and
not merely modest in words; he liked to say that he was not a man of
genius, and it was very hard to find the best bearing to use towards
him. The Prince was offended by the flattery, if any one praised him
and combated his opinion of himself, and still it would not do to
support him in his modesty. Sonnenkamp was advised to say as little as
possible; he might exaggerate the apprehension he really felt: timidity
would find favor with their gracious master, who was always secretly
pleased at inspiring awe.

Sonnenkamp was quite calm once more. When the Cabinetsrath was gone, he
rang, and ordered the newspaper. He read it entirely through, even the
advertisements; this put him upon another course of thought. Again and
again he read the official news at the head of the paper, official
appointments, military promotions, and grants of pardo