hultz appeared to announce the equerry Von Schwerin.

"Bid him enter," nodded the king.

Von Schwerin entered, with a smiling face. "Have you accomplished what I
confided to you?"

With a profound bow Von Schwerin drew a roll of paper from his
breast-pocket, and handed it to the king, saying, "I am so fortunate as
to have accomplished your commands."

"Will Count Schmettau give up the villa at once?"

"Yes, your majesty, the new occupant could take possession to-day,
with all the furniture and house arrangements, for seven thousand five
hundred dollars. Here is the bill of sale, only the purchaser's name is
wanting. I have obeyed your majesty's commands, and acted as if I were
the purchaser."

"Schmettau is not such a stupid fellow as to believe that, for he knows
that you cannot keep your money. You say the contract is ready, only the
signature of the purchaser is wanting and the money?"

"Pardon me, your majesty, the name of the present possessor has not been
inserted. I did not presume to write it without the unmistakable command
of your majesty."

"Do you know the name?" asked the king.

"I do not, but the generosity of my most gracious king and master allows
me to divine it, and my heart is filled to bursting with thankfulness
and joy. My whole life will not be long enough to prove to you my
gratitude."

"What for?" asked the king, staring at Von Schwerin, quite surprised;
"you cannot suppose that I have purchased the villa for you?"

Herr von Schwerin smilingly nodded. "I think so, your majesty."

Frederick laughed aloud. "Schwerin, you are an uncommonly cunning
fellow. You see the grass grow before the seed is sown. This time you
deceived yourself--the grass has not grown. What good would it do
you? You do not need grass, but thistles, and they do not grow at
Charlottenburg. Take the contract to my minister Von Herzberg, whom you
will find in the audience-room, and then walk a little upon the terrace
to enjoy the fresh air. I promised you the privilege. First go to Von
Herzberg, and say to him to send the Prince of Prussia to me immediately
upon his arrival. Why do you wear so mournful a face all of a sudden?
Can it be possible that my chief equerry has so lowered himself as to go
among the mechanics, and build chateaux en Espagne? You know such houses
are not suitable for our northern climate, and fall down. Now, do what I
told you, and then go upon the terrace."

The equerry glided away with sor