rather than to accord me such a mean position."

"I did not mean so badly," said the king. "I mean well enough for
you; but you must not permit yourself to be arrogant or disrespectful,
otherwise you may go to Tophet! You are no common spy, you are listening
about a little because you know I am fond of hearing what the people are
saying, and what is going on in Berlin and Potsdam. But take care that
they know nothing about it, otherwise they will be careful, and you will
hear nothing. Now be off, and in order to see a cheerful face on you,
I will make you a present." The king drew from his vest-pocket a purse,
well filled with small coin, and gave it to the young man, who took it,
though he still looked angry and insolent. "Do not let your under-lip
hang down so, for I may step upon it," said the king. "Put the money in
your pocket, and hurry off to tell old Pfund to harness quickly, or I
shall not arrive in time at the park."

"There is no danger, your majesty, for the miss seems very fond of the
promenade; she remained two hours in the park yesterday, always walking
in the most quiet places, as if she were afraid to meet any one. She sat
a whole hour on the iron seat by the Carp Pond, and then she went to the
Philosopher's Walk, and skipped about like a young colt."

"You are a very cunning fellow, and know how to use your eyes well,"
said the king. "Now be off, and order the carriage."

CHAPTER II. WILHELMINE ENKE.

The Palace Park was as quiet and deserted as usual. Not a voice, not a
sound, disturbed the stillness of those silent walks. For this reason,
undoubtedly, a young lady had sought it; at least her whole being
expressed satisfaction and delight to wander unobserved through those
quiet, shady alleys. She was of slight and elegant proportions, simply
attired, without pretension, in a dark dress of some thin silk material.
Her black silk mantle was thrown aside upon the stone seat near her,
uncovering thus, in solitude, to the sun and birds, her lovely neck and
arms, the beauty of which might rival the statues of the ancients. Her
face was not of regular beauty, yet it possessed that expression of
grace, spirit, and energy, which is oftener a more powerful and more
enduring charm than regular beauty. Her large, expressive black eyes
possessed a wonderful power, and her red, pouting lips wore a sweet
smile; her fine Roman nose lent an air of decision, whilst her
high-arched forehead led one to believ