He now rose, which was a sign to the duke that the audience was at
an end.

"I must now send a courier at once to my court," said the duke, "and
I will not fail to state that your majesty advises us to unite with
Austria."

"You will do well; that is," said the king, with a meaning smile--
"that is, if you think your court is in need of such advice, and has
not already acted without it. When do you leave, duke?"

"To-morrow morning, sire."

"Farewell, duke, and do not forget that in my heart I am the friend
of France, though we meet as enemies on the battle-field."

The duke bowed reverentially, and, sighing deeply, left the royal
library, "the republic of letters," to hasten to Berlin.

The king looked after him thoughtfully.

"The die is cast," said he, softly. "There will be war. Our days of
peace and quietude are over, and the days of danger are
approaching!"




CHAPTER VII.