with a quiet
conscience upon this point."

"Permit me to extend to you the means to do so," replied the king,
graciously smiling. "Take this little box; it contains a wonderful
elixir, proof against all the infirmities and weaknesses of humanity,
of one of the greatest philosophers of human nature. By the right use
of it, tears of sorrow are changed to tears of joy, and a Megerea into a
smiling angel, as by enchantment. Before going to the war, I pray you
to prove the miraculous elixir upon one of the angry beauties. For, I
repeat, we must put our house in order, and leave no debts behind us.
The debts of gratitude must not be forgotten. Let us say 'Gesegnete
Mahlzeit' when we have been well feasted."

The king handed the prince a little box, of beautiful workmanship, and
smiled as he rather vehemently thanked him, and at the same time tried
to open it.

"I remark with pleasure that you have a tolerably innocent heart, as
you betray curiosity about the wonderful elixir. I supposed men, to say
nothing of beautiful women, had long since instructed you that it was
the only balsam for all the evils of life. My minister Herzberg will
give you the key of the little box, and advise you as to the right use
of the elixir. Farewell, with the hope of soon seeing you again, my
nephew. I start for Silesia to-morrow, as I must travel slower than you
young people. You will follow me in a few days. Again farewell!"

Extending his meagre white hand to the prince, he withdrew it quickly,
as the latter was about to press it to his lips, and motioned to the
door kindly.

CHAPTER VIII. THE GOLDEN RAIN.

Prince Frederick William betook himself, with painful curiosity, to the
audience-room, where the Minister von Herzberg awaited him.

"Your excellency," said he, "his majesty refers me to you, for the true
explanation of the miraculous elixir contained in this little box, and
about which I am naturally very curious, and beg of you the key to open
it."

"Will your royal highness," said the minister, smiling, "have the
grace to grant me a few moments' conversation, which may serve as an
explanation, for his majesty has not in reality given me a key?"

"I pray you, my dear excellency, to explain it," cried the prince,
impatiently.

"Pardon me if I probe the tenderest feelings of your heart, my prince.
The command of the king imposes this duty upon me. He has known for a
long time of your connection with a certain person, to