to give him the opportunity to relieve his temper. The king did
not appear. The marquis at last proposed to the citizens to get torches,
and thus in spite of the darkness give to their king a glittering
reception. They agreed cheerfully, and the most of them dashed off to
the city to make the necessary preparations.

The streets were soon brilliantly lighted, and now in the distance the
king's carriage was seen approaching. Throughout the vast train shouts
and vivats were heard, and the proud voices of this happy people filled
the air as with the thunder of artillery.

"Long life to the king! Long life to Frederick the Great!"

The carriage came nearer and nearer, and now myriads of lights danced
around it. The citizens had returned with their torches, and the
carriage of Frederick rolled on as if in a sea of fire. It drew up
at the arch of triumph. The king rose and turned his face toward his
people, who were shouting their glad welcome. The light from the torches
fell upon his countenance, and their red lustre gave his cheek a fresh
and youthful appearance.

His subjects saw once more his sparkling, speaking eye, in which shone
the same energy, the same imperial power, as in days gone by. They saw
the soft, sympathetic smile which played around his eloquent lips--they
saw him, their king, their hero, and were glad. They laughed and shouted
with rapture. They stretched out their arms as if to clasp in one
universal embrace their dear-loved king, who was so great, so beautiful,
so far above them in his bright radiance. They threw him fond kisses,
and every utterance of his name seemed a prayer to God for his
happiness.

But one stood by the carriage who could not speak--whose silent,
trembling lips were more eloquent than words. No language could express
the delight of D'Argent--no words could paint the emotion which moved
his soul and filled his eyes with tears.

The king recognized him, and holding out his hand invited him to take
a seat in the carriage. Then giving one more greeting to his people, he
said, "Onward--onward to Charlottenburg."

At a quick pace the carriage drove through Berlin. Those who had not had
the courage and strength to await the king at the Frankfort gate, were
now crowding the streets to welcome him.

Frederick did not raise himself again from the dark corner of the
carriage. He left it to the Duke of Brunswick to return the salutations
of the people. He remained motionless, and did n