n of life, and are going
rapidly down-hill, the surroundings become ever duller and more drear;
for us there are no more great and agreeable surprises; the farther they
advance, the more lonely and desolate it appears; life has no more to
offer, and they are glad at last to reach the valley and lie down in
quiet graves. But while we live and are still wanderers, Amelia, we must
not fold our hands in idleness; we must work and achieve. You also,
my sister, must be active and energetic; an unusual opportunity is now
offered you. The Abbess of Quedlinberg is dead, and you can now enter
upon her duties."

"And your majesty thinks it is really a worthy vocation for me to go
to Quedlinberg and become the shepherdess of that fearful flock of old
maids who took refuge in a nunnery because no man desired them? No, your
majesty, do not send me to Quedlinberg; it is not my calling to build
up the worthy nuns into saints of the Most High. I am too unsanctifled
myself to be an example to them, and, in fact, I feel no inclination to
purify them from their sins."

"Well, that might be found a difficult task," said the king, laughing,
"and it would not make you beloved. Men love nothing so much as their
vices, and they hate those who would free them from their cherished
yoke. You can, however, remain in Berlin and still accept this office,
once so worthily rilled by the lovely Aurora of Konigsmark. King
Augustus gave her, at least, with this refuge, provided by his love, a
rich widow's income; and you can now, Amelia, enjoy the fruit of that
love which at one time filled all Europe with admiration. The salary
of the abbess amounts to seventeen thousand thalers, and I think this
addition to your fortune will be welcome. Your income will now be forty
thousand thalers."

"Lodging and fuel included," said Amelia, with a sarcastic laugh. "Look
you, sire, I see that I have nothing to complain of. My hospital is
splendidly endowed, and if I should ever become miserly, I may be able
to lay aside a few thalers yearly."

"I will gladly put it in your power to lay aside a larger sum, if you
become covetous," said the king; "and I beg you, therefore, to allow me
the pleasure of raising your salary as princess, six thousand thalers."
[Footnote: History of Berlin and Court.]

Amelia looked at him distrustfully. "You are very gracious to me to-day,
my brother. You grant favors before I ask them. I confess to you this
alarms and agitates me. You