"Fritz!" said he, in a light tone. "Fritz!" repeated he more
sternly, and already the sound of a coming storm was perceptible in
his voice.
"I come from Ruppin," said the prince, in a quiet, kindly voice,
"where I was reviewing my regiment, and I beg pardon for my
unexpected appearance."
The king made no reply; his mistrust was scornfully exhibited. He
thought that the queen believed him to be suffering and confined to
his room. He did not doubt for a moment that she had sent for the
prince, and Frederick was there to see if the life of the king was
not in danger; if the throne of Prussia would not soon be empty, and
ready for its successor.
These dark suspicions excited the king's ire, and filled his heart
with bitter distrust. With a hasty movement he dashed back the hand
of the prince royal, and arose from his chair. His scornful eye took
in at a glance the whole circle, still standing in awe-struck
silence around the table.
"Why have you arisen from your chairs?" cried the king, with
trembling voice. "How dare you arise contrary to my command, and
thus set yourselves in opposition to my kingly power? Do you no
longer know the laws of the Tobacco Club? Do you not know that these
laws positively forbid you to arise from your seats to greet any
one? You are all silent, miserable cowards that you are, who do not
attempt to defend yourselves, who go always with wind and tide, and
deceive and flatter in every direction.
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