rowful mien to Von Herzberg, and
communicated the king's commands to him.

"You have made a good purchase," said the minister, in a friendly
manner. "His majesty will be very much pleased with the extraordinary
zeal and the great dexterity with which you have arranged the matter.
Count Schmettau has just been here, and he could not sufficiently
commend your zeal and prudence, and the sympathy and interest which you
showed in the smallest matters, as if the purchase were for yourself.
The count wishes to reserve two oil paintings in the saloon, which are
an heirloom from his father. We cannot but let the count retain them."

"Arrange it as you will," answered the equerry, fretfully; "I have
nothing more to do with the affair--it lies in your hands."

"But where are you going in such haste?" said Herzberg, as the equerry
bowed hastily, and strode through the room toward the door.

"His majesty commanded me to go upon the terrace," he replied, morosely.

Herr von Herzberg looked after him surprised. "Something must have
occurred, otherwise he is very tractable. Ah! there comes the prince. I
will go to meet him, and communicate to him the king's command--I will
await your royal highness here until you have spoken with the king, if
you will have the grace to seek me."

"I will return by all means, if you will have the kindness to wait for
me," replied the prince, smiling, and hastened to the interview with his
royal uncle.

Frederick was seated in his arm-chair, upon his lap Alkmene, when the
crown prince entered. "Bon jour, mon neveu! pardon me," said he, with a
friendly nod, "that I remain seated, and do not rise to greet the future
King of Prussia."

"Sire, Heaven grant that many years pass before I succeed to the title
which my great and unapproachable predecessor has borne with so much
wisdom and fame, that one can well doubt the being able to emulate
his example, and must content himself to live under the shadow of his
intelligence and fame!"

Frederick slowly shook his head. "The people will not be satisfied, nor
the coffers filled by fame. No one can live upon the great deeds of his
ancestors; he must be self-sustaining, not seek for the laurels in the
past, but upon the naked field of the future, which lies before him. Sow
the seeds of future laurels; fame troubles me but little, and I advise
you, my nephew, not to rely upon it. One must begin anew each day, and
make fresh efforts for vigorous deeds."

T