swear
that I will never forsake you--that I will be faithful to you unto
death, and will never separate myself from you; that my friendship and
love will endure beyond the grave; that I will ever be contented and
happy so long as I may call myself your Wilhelmine Enke."

"I accept your oath, dearest," said the prince, pressing her to his
heart. "This paper is one of my choicest jewels, and I will never
separate myself from it. We have now sealed our love and fidelity with
our blood, and I hope that you will never doubt me again. Remember this
hour!"

"I will," she earnestly promised, "and I swear to you never to torment
and torture you again with my jealousy. I shall always know, and shall
hold fast to it, that you will return to me."

A violent knocking on the house door interrupted the stillness of the
night. A voice in loud, commanding tones called to the night-watch.

"Here I am!" answered the porter. "Who calls me? And what is the
matter?"

"Open the door," commanded the voice again.

"It is our house," whispered Wilhelmine, who had softly opened the
window. "It is so dark, I can only see a black shadow before the door."

"Do you belong to the house?" asked the night-watch. "I dare let no one
in who does not belong there."

"Lift up your lantern, and look at my livery. It is at the king's
order!"

Wilhelmine withdrew from the window, and hastened to the prince, who had
retired to the back part of the room.

"It is Kretzschmar, the king's footman and spy," she whispered. "Hide
yourself, that he does not discover you. Go there to the children."

"No, Wilhelmine, I will remain here. I--"

Wilhelmine pressed her hand upon his mouth, and forced him into the
side-room, bolting the door.

"Now," said she, "I will meet my fate with courage; whatever may come,
it shall find me firm and composed. My children are safe, for their
father is with them."

She took the light, and hastened into the anteroom, which was resounding
with the loud ringing.

"Who is there?" she cried. "Who rings so late at night?"

"In the name of the king, open!"

Wilhelmine shoved back the bolt, opening the door.

"Come in," she said, "and tell me who you are."

"I think you recognize me," said Kretzschmar, with an impudent smile.
"You have often seen me at Potsdam in company with the king. I saw you
this morning as the king did you the honor to speak with you, and I
believe did not compliment you."

"Did his majesty send you