Friedrich Wilhelm was overjoyed; Queen Sophie Dorothee was in
despair. With his Majesty, who "wept" like a paternal bear, on
re-embracing Wilhelmina the obedient some days hence, it became a
settled point, and was indicated to Wilhelmina as such, That the
Crown-Prince would, on her actual wedding, probably get back from
Custrin. But her Majesty's reconcilement,--this was very slow to
follow. Her Majesty was still in flames of ire at their next
interview; and poor Wilhelmina fainted, on approaching to kiss her
hand. "Disgraced, vanquished, and my enemies triumphing!" said her
Majesty; and vented her wrath on Wilhelmina; and fell ill (so soon
as there was leisure), ill, like to die, and said, "Why pretend to
weep, when it is you that have killed me!"--and indeed was
altogether hard, bitter, upon the poor Princess; a chief sorrow to
her in these trying months. Can there be such wrath in celestial
minds, venting itself so unreasonably?--At present there is no
leisure for illness; grand visitors in quantity have come and are
coming; and the Court is brilliant exceedingly;--his Majesty
blazing out into the due magnificence, which was very great on
this occasion, domestic matters looking up with him again.
The Serenities of Brunswick are here, young and old; much liked by
Friedrich Wilhelm; and almost reckoned family people,--ever since
their Eldest Son was affianced to the Princess Charlotte here,
last visit they made. To Princess Charlotte, Wilhelmina's second
junior,--mischievous, coquettish creature she, though very pretty
and insinuating, who seems to think her Intended rather a
phlegmatic young gentleman, as Wilhelmina gradually discovers.
Then there is old Duke Eberhard Ludwig, of Wurtemberg, whom we saw
at Ludwigsburg last year, in an intricate condition with his
female world and otherwise, he too announces himself,--according
to promise then given. Old Duke Eberhard Ludwig comes, stays three