"Ah, they say that, do they?" cried the prince, with flashing eyes
and darkened brow; "well, I will show this credulous world that they
are mistaken. Is the king in Sans-Souci?"

"Yes, your highness."

"Well, go to him, and announce my visit; I will follow you on foot."

"We have won the day," cried Pollnitz, as he approached the king;
"the prince desires to make you a visit. He will be here
immediately."

"Do you know what my brother wishes of me?" asked the king.

"I do not know, but I suspect, sire. I think he wishes to marry, in
order to pique his faithless sweetheart."

"Go and receive the prince, and conduct him to me; then remain in
the antechamber, and await until I call."

When Pollnitz left, the king seized his flute hastily aim began to
play a soft, melting adagio. He was still playing, when the door
opened, and the prince was announced. Henry stood in the doorway,
and made the king a ceremonious bow. The king continued to play. The
low, pleading notes of the flute floated softly through the room;
they touched the heart of the prince, and quieted its wild, stormy
beating.

Was that the king's intention, or did he intend to harmonize his own
spirit before speaking to his brother? Perhaps both, for Frederick's