Year: 1879

the serious Pericles seemed, by the in
visible wand OF a magician, to have
been transplanted into the youthful Al
clbiades.


At this time, however, the matehless
personal charms of the Grand Duke
were enhanced by political prospects ol
the most exalted character. He was
not eventually considered an heir to the
Imperial crown Of Russia. 1t ia true,
Alexander the First, his brother, had
no children, but in case OF his death,
which could not be expected soon, the
Grand Duke Constantine was to inherit
the throne of Peter the Great, and 70
leave to Nicholas at best but the posi-
ton of Prince of the first blood. New
ertheless, Frederick William, charmed
alike by the beauty and intellect OF his
guest, and by the hope of uniting the
sovereign houses of Prussia and Russia
by the close ties of family union,
greeted the prospect Of a marriage be-
tween the Grand Duke and his daughter
with enthusiasm, especially when he
discovered that the young folks them
selves were fond Of each other.


The King then delicatsly inslnuates
to his daughter that, If she had taken
liking to the Grand Duke, and had rea-
son to believe that the Prince enter
tanned similar feelings toward her. their
marriage would meet with no objection
on his part.


But the young Princess, although Sc
cretly delighted in hope which FULLY
responded to the secret wishes OF hel
heart. was either too proud or too bash
full to confess to her father her love foI
the Grand Duke. who had not yet made
any declaration to her.


Tn this manner the day approached
on which the Grand Duke was to leave
Berlin. On the eve of his departure a
grand gala supper was given in his hon.
or, at the royal palace, and by the way
of accident or policy, the young Princess
Charlotte was seated by the side OF hel
distinguished admirsr.


The Grand Duke was uncommonlJ
taclturn during the evening. His FORE
head was clouded, and his gloomy eyes
seemed to follow IN space vague phan-
toms fitting before his imagination
Repeatedly he neglected to reply te
questions addressed to him; and when
he was asked to respond to toast which
one of the royal princes had proposed
10 his honor, he seemed to awake from
profound dream which had entirely
withdrawn him from his surroundings


Suddenly, as If by a mighty effort o.
hi, will. he turned to his fair neighboi
and whispered, SO as only to be UNDER
stood by her:


so 1 shall leave Berlin tomorrow J!
He paused abruptly and looked at the
Princess, as if he were waiting for ar
answer which expressed sorrow anc
grief on her part. But The Princess was
fully as proud as the Grand Duke ant
overcoming the violent throbblng OF hel
heart, she said politely to him:


We are all very sorry to see You
Imperial Highness leave US so soon.-
Would 1t not haye been possible for ysl
to defer your departure"


You will all be very sorry! mutter
ed the Grand Duke, not entirely salts
sed by the vagueness OF sorrow which
these words of the Princess implied
But you in particular, madam HI
added. after some hesitation, for it vii
depend on you alone whether l shal
stay here or depart


'Ahv replied Charlotte, with he
sweetest smile; and what have to d'
to keep Your Imperial Highness here ?


You must permit me to address M.
admiration and no mage to YOU
rs that alp


And you must encourage me u
please you.'


THAT is much moro difficult, said tn
Princess, with a deep blush; but at tn
same time her eyes beamed forth 81
much affection and delight that tn
Prince could see at a glance that hi
Ifondest hopes had been realized before
hand.


During my short stay at Berlin th
Grand Duke continued in the same tom
of voice, L have taken pains to stud
your character and your affections, an
this study mas satisfied me that 20


would render me happy; while, on tn
other hand, have some qualities whic


would secure your own happiness


The Princess was overcome by emo
ton. and in her confusion did not kno'


what to answer. At last she said I:
But here, in the presence OF til
whole court, at the public table, 20
put such a question to me!
I sOhv replied the Prince, you nee
! not make any verbal reply. 1t will b
sufficient for you to give me some plede
: Of vour affection. l see there, on yoS
. hand. a small ring, whose possessio


would make me very happy. Give it
I me!'
t What do you think of Here in Il
8 nrssence of hundred spectatorss'
l .Ah. il can be easily done witho'
+, being seen by anybody. Now We a
: chatting SO quietly with each other tn
= there is not one among the guests wi


suspects in the least what we are spea
d ing about press the ring into a mors
8 of bread and leave it on the table.
r will take the talisman and nobody W