The banker gave me
this package for you. I believe it is from Petersburg."
"From Suhm," said the prince, with a happy smile, and hastily
breaking the seal, he drew from the package a letter and several
books. Casting a loving glance at the letter, he laid it on his
writing-table; then turning away, so as not to be seen by Ephraim,
he took up the two books, and looked carefully at their heavily-
gilded covers. Frederick smiled, and, taking a penknife, he hastily
cut off the backs of the books, and took out a number of folded
papers. As the prince saw them, a look of triumph passed over his
expressive face.
"Ten thousand dollars!" said he to himself. "The empress and the
Duke Biron have fulfilled their promise!"
Frederick took some of the papers in his hand, and walked toward
Ephraim.
"Here are your four thousand dollars, and one hundred interest. Are
you satisfied?"
"No, your royal highness, I am not satisfied! I am not satisfied
with myself. When I came to Rheinsberg I thought I had been wronged.
It now seems to me that I have wronged your highness!"
"Let that pass," said Frederick. "A prince must always be the
scapegoat for the sin-offering of the people. They make us
answerable for all their sufferings, but have no sympathy for us in
our griefs.
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