incess Amelia.

"Not so, my sister," said he, softly and gently; "I not only see those
who have been torn from us by death. I look upon and welcome gladly
those who have been spared to me. I am happy to see you here to-day, my
sister."

Frederick offered Amelia his hand, and bowing silently to those who
were present, he entered his apartment, followed only by the Marquis
d'Argens.

Frederick stepped rapidly through the first room, scarcely looking at
the new paintings which adorned the walls; he entered his study and
threw a long, thoughtful glance around this dear room. Every piece of
furniture, every book, recalled charming memories of the past--every
thing stood as he had left it seven years ago. He now for the first time
realized the joy of being again at home; his country had received him
and embraced him with loving arms.

With glowing cheeks he turned toward the marquis, who was leaning
against the door behind him.

"Oh, D'Argens! it is sweet to be again in one's own native land--the
peace of home is sweet. The old furniture appears to welcome me; that
old chair stretches its arms wooingly toward me, as if to lure me to its
bosom, and give me soft sleep and sweet dreams in its embrace. Marquis,
I feel a longing to gratify my old friend; I yield to its gentle, silent
pleadings."

Frederick stepped to the arm-chair and sank into it with an expression
of indescribable comfort.

"Ah, now I feel that I am indeed at home."

"Allow me," said D'Argens, "to say, your majesty, what the dear old
arm-chair, in spite of its eloquence, cannot express. I, also, am a
piece of the old furniture of this dear room, and in the name of all my
voiceless companions, I cry 'Welcome to my king!' We welcome you to your
country and your home. You return greater even than when you left us.
Your noble brow is adorned with imperishable laurels; your fame resounds
throughout the earth, and every nation sings to you a hymn of victory."

"Well, well," said Frederick, smilingly, "do not look too sharply at my
claims to such world-wide renown, or my fame will lose a portion of
its lustre. You will see that chance has done almost every thing for
me--more than my own valor and wisdom, and the bravery of my troops
combined. Chance has been my best ally during this entire war.
[Footnote: The king's own words.] Chance enabled me to escape the famine
camp of Bunzelwitz--chance gave me the victory over my enemies. Speak
no more of my fame, ma