then a twenty or a thirty
shillings (PAR DIX OU DOUZE FLORINS), as my affairs permit: it will
always be something to assuage your want. And you, Madam," said he,
turning to the Queen, "you will sometimes give her an old dress; for
the poor child has n't a shift to her back." [Wilhelmina, ii. 85.] This
rugged paternal banter was taken too literally by Wilhelmina, in her
weak state; and she was like "to burst in her skin," poor Princess.

So that,--except her own good Hereditary Prince, who was here "over from
Pasewalk" and his regimental duties, waiting to welcome her; in whose
true heart, full of honest human sunshine towards her, she could always
find shelter and defence,--native Country and Court offer little to the
brave Wilhelmina. Chagrins enough are here: chagrins also were there. At
Baireuth our old Father Margraf has his crotchets, his infirmities
and outbreaks; takes more and more to liquor; and does always keep
us frightfully bare in money. No help from Papa here, either, on the
finance side; no real hope anywhere (thinks Seckendorf, when we consult
him), except only in the Margraf's death: "old Margraf will soon drink
himself dead," thinks Seckendorf; "and in the mean while there
is Vienna, and a noble Kaiserinn who knows her friends in case of
extremity!" thinks he. [Wilhelmina, ii. 81-111.] Poor Princess, in her
weak shattered state, she has a heavy time of it; but there is a tough
spirit in her; bright, sharp, like a swift sabre, not to be quenched in
any coil; but always cutting its way, and emerging unsubdued.

One of the blessings reserved for her here, which most of all concerns
us, was the occasional sight of her Brother. Brother in a day or two
["18th November," she says; which date is wrong, if it were of moment
(see _OEuvres de Frederic,_ xxvii. part 1st, where their CORRESPONDENCE
is).] ran over from Ruppin, on short leave, and had his first interview.
Very kind and affectionate; quite the old Brother again; and "blushed"
when, at supper, Mamma and the Princesses, especially that wicked
Charlotte (Papa not present), tore up his poor Bride at such a rate.
"Has not a word to answer you, but YES or NO," said they; "stupid as a
block." "But were you ever at her toilette?" said the wicked Charlotte:
"Out of shape, completely: considerable waddings, I promise you: and
then"--still worse features, from that wicked Charlotte, in presence
of the domestics here. Wicked Charlotte; who is to be her Sister-in-