near the door, but lay in his armchair, laughing until the tears
stood in his eyes, and Baron von Pollnitz stood before him, giving a
most humorous account of the scene which had just taken place in the
ante-room, imitating the voices of the different gentlemen, and
relating their conversation.

"You all believed in my rage," said the king, almost breathless with
laughing. "The joke succeeded to perfection. Yours, also, Schwerin.
Do you at last know what it is to be afraid, you who never
experienced the feeling on the field of battle?"

"Yes, sire, a shot is a small thing in comparison with the flashing
of your eye. When the cannon thunders my heart is joyful, but it is
very heavy under the thunder of your voice. I do not fear death, but
I do fear the anger and displeasure of my sovereign."

"Oh, you are a brave fellow," said the king, warmly giving the
general his hand. "And now, gentlemen, away with all constraint and
etiquette. We will suppose the king to be at the ball. I am only
your companion, Frederick William, and will now proceed to the
opening of the Tobacco Club."

He once more lighted his pipe, and threw himself into one of the
chairs, which were placed round the table; the other gentlemen
followed his example, and the Tobacco Club was now in session.




CHAPTER III.