This money will soon be needed for
a more important object. But some changes are absolutely necessary
in the royal palace; it must be made more worthy of a king. Take,
therefore, these plans and designs; strike from them what you
consider superfluous. Let me know what additions you think it best
to adopt, and from what source we can draw the necessary funds."
[Footnote: "History of Berlin," Thiebault.]
CHAPTER III.
THE UNDECEIVED COURTIER.
At the time that the king was placing the extravagant plans, which
Baron von Pollnitz had drawn up, into the hands of his minister of
finance, the baron was waiting in the ante-room, in a state of
smiling security, entertaining his friend Fredersdorf with an
account of his own future splendor and magnificence, speaking
especially of the entertainments which he intended giving in his new
house in Jager Street. When at length the door of the royal cabinet
was opened, and the minister of finance entered the ante-room,
Pollnitz and Fredersdorf stood up, not however to greet the
minister, but to pass him with a cold, contemptuous smile on their
way to the door of the cabinet. The smile died suddenly on
Pollnitz's lips, and he stood as if transfixed before the minister.
"What are those papers which you hold?" he asked, extending his hand
as if he would tear the papers from Baron von Boden.
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