before the palace of the Duke de Nivernois. These were the royal
festal carriages, intended for the members of the French embassy.
Then followed a long line of carriages, occupied by the
distinguished members of the Prussian court. Slowly and solemnly
this pompous procession moved through the streets, and was received
at the portal of the king's palace by the royal guard. Richly-
dressed pages, in advance of whom stood the grand master of
ceremonies with his golden staff, conducted the French ambassador to
the White saloon, where the king, in all his royal pomp, and
surrounded by the princes of his house, received him.

The solemn ceremony began; the duke drew near the throne, and,
bowing his knee, handed his credentials to the king, who received
them with a gracious smile.

The duke commenced his address; it was filled with flowery phrases,
suited to the great occasion. Frederick listened with the most
earnest attention, and his reply was kind, but dignified and
laconic.

The public ceremony was over, and now came the important part of the
audience, the confidential conversation. To this point the duke had
looked with lively impatience; for this, indeed, had he been sent to
Berlin.

The king descended from the throne, and laying aside all the
solemnity of court etiquette, he approached the duke in the most
gracious and genial manner, welcomed him heartily, and expressed his
sincere delight at his arrival.