emain here; at last we have a home, and
a resting-place for our love and our children. This house is yours--you
are mistress here, and you must welcome me as your guest."

"This house is mine!" she cried, joyfully. "Did you give it to me? How
generous, and how extravagant you are! Protect me with the gift of your
love, as if you were Jupiter and I Danae!"

"A beautiful picture, and, that it may be a reality, I will play the
role of Jupiter and open the box."

He took a roll of gold, and let it fall upon Wilhelmine's head, her
beautiful shoulders, and her arms, like a shower of gold. She shrieked
and laughed, and sought to gather up the pieces which rolled ringing
around her upon the floor. The prince seized another roll, and another
still, till she was flooded with the glistening pieces. Then another and
another, until Wilhelmine, laughing, screamed for grace, and sprang up,
the gold rolling around her like teasing goblins.

CHAPTER IX. GERMAN LITERATURE AND THE KING.

The Minister Herzberg had, in the mean time, an interview with the king,
informing him of the concluded purchase of the Schmettau villa, and of
the emotion and gratitude of the crown prince at his royal munificence.

"That affair is arranged, then," said Frederick. "If Fate wills that the
prince should not return from this campaign, then this certain person
and the two poor worms are provided for, who are destined to wander
through the world nameless and fatherless."

"Let us hope that fate will not deal so harshly with the prince, or
bring such sorrow upon your majesty."

"My dear sir, Fate is a hard-hearted creature, the tears of mankind are
of no more importance to her than the raindrops falling from the roof.
She strides with gigantic power over men, crushing them all in dust--the
great as well as the little--the king as well as the beggar. For my
part I yield to Fate without a murmur. Politicians and warriors are mere
puppets in the hands of Providence. We act without knowing why, for we
are unknowingly the tools of an invisible hand. Often the result of our
actions is the reverse of our hopes! Let all things take their course,
as it best pleases God, and let us not think to master Fate. [Footnote:
The king's words.--"Posthumous Works," vol. x., p. 256.] That is my
creed, Herzberg, and if I do not return from this infamous campaign, you
will know that I have yielded to Fate without murmuring. You understand
my wishes in all things; th