was therefore possible to reap some advantages from this point. With
this view, France sent the Duke de Nivernois as special ambassador
to Berlin, to treat with the king as to the renewal of the old
alliance.

The Duke de Nivernois came with a glittering suite to Berlin, and
was received at the Prussian court with all the consideration which
his rank and official character demanded. The grand master of
ceremonies, Baron von Pollnitz, was sent forward to meet him, and to
invite him, in the name of the king, to occupy one of the royal
palaces in Berlin.

Every room of the palace was splendidly decorated for the reception
of the duke, and as soon as he arrived, two guards were placed
before the house--a mark of consideration which the king had only
heretofore given to reigning princes.

The duke accepted these distinguished attentions with lively
gratitude, and pleaded for an immediate audience, in order to
present his credentials.

Pollnitz was commissioned to make all necessary arrangements, and
agree with the duke as to the day and hour of the ceremony.

The king, who wished to give the French duke a proof of his
consideration, intended that the presentation should be as imposing
as possible, and all Berlin was to be witness of the friendship
existing between the French and Prussian courts.

Upon the appointed day, a dazzling assemblage of equipages stood