ia has chosen another minister. We shall try to manage the
matter as prudently as possible, and prevail upon Napoleon to leave
Hardenberg at the head of my cabinet. I cannot do any thing with a
minister who proposes to me to sacrifice the province of Silesia, and
to sell loyal subjects like cattle. I will dismiss Altenstein, and
appoint Hardenberg in his place. I have called him. If he is a good
patriot, he will come; he must write a penitent letter to the emperor,
that he may permit him to remain with us."[53]

[Footnote 53: Hardenberg complied immediately with the king's request,
and came to Potsdam, where he had a long interview with him, and
declared his readiness to resume his position at the head of the
administration. He submitted also to the galling necessity of
conciliating Napoleon by an humble letter, in which he assured the
emperor of his devotedness to France, and promised that the
war-contributions should be promptly paid. Napoleon was favorably
impressed with this letter, and ceased to object to Hardenberg's
appointment.]

"Oh, he will come, my friend, and also write the letter," exclaimed the
queen.

"And do you approve my resolution to intrust Hardenberg with
Altenstein's department?" asked the king.

"Approve it? My heart rejoices at it! Now I have hopes again of Prussia;
now I look full of confidence into the future, for Hardenberg is a true
German patriot, who has the honor and dignity of his country at heart,
who does not want us to become mere vassals of France, and who will not
propose to sacrifice provinces when we may discharge our liabilities
with money. Oh, my dear, beloved friend, how grateful I am to you for
this joyful surprise! This paper is my most precious birthday gift, and
it really makes my heart glad."

"But I have another paper which will afford you pleasure," said the
king, drawing it from his bosom. "Here, my dear, affectionate Princess
of Mecklenburg, here is my second gift!"

He placed a folded paper into the hands of the queen. She opened it, and
a joyous cry burst from her lips. "'Passenger ticket for Queen Louisa,
good for a trip to Mecklenburg-Strelitz,'" she read, laughing. "'First
travelling companion: Frederick William.' I am to go to Mecklenburg,"
cried the queen, joyously, "and you will accompany me? Oh, my beloved
husband, you have divined, then, the most secret and ardent wish of my
heart, and you grant it even before my lips have uttered it! Oh, how
shall I t