The
king did not see her; he saw nothing of the outer world, his eye was
turned within, reading the secrets of his own heart.
In the grand saloons the nobles stood waiting in grim and angry
silence the return of Frederick; a cloud rested upon every brow;
even Pollnitz could no longer retain his gracious and stereotyped
smile; he felt it to be a bitter grievance that the king should keep
the nobility waiting while he stood gazing at a dirty mass of
insignificant creatures called human beings! Looking around the
circle, Pollnitz saw displeasure marked upon every face but three.
"Ah," said he to himself, "there are the three Wreeckies; no doubt
they have come to be rewarded for services rendered the crown
prince; they were doubtless dangerous rivals for us all; they
suffered much for the prince, and were banished seven years from
court on his account. The king must indemnify them for all this, and
who knows, perhaps he may give them the house in Jager Street, the
house I am in the habit of calling mine! Well, I must draw near them
and hear all the king promises." So saying, Pollnitz drew quietly
near the Messieurs Wreeckie. At this moment there was a movement in
the vast assembly, and all bowed low; as the king stepped into the
saloon he commenced the grand tour of the room; he had a kind and
friendly word for all; at last he reached the Messieurs Wreeckie,
and remained standing before them.
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