You will always be in my thoughts, darling,
and my spirit will be with you."
"And if you fall, God will have mercy on me and take me from this
cruel world; it will be but a grave for me when no longer gladdened
by your presence."
The prince kissed her fondly, and slipped a ring on her finger.
"That is our engagement ring," said he. "Now you are mine; you wear
my ring; this is the first link of that chain with which I will bind
your whole life to mine! You are my prisoner; nothing can release
you. But listen! what is that noise? The king has descended to the
court; he will be looking for me. Farewell, my precious one; God and
His holy angels guard you!"
He stepped slowly from behind the curtains and closed them carefully
after him, so as to conceal Laura; he passed hastily through the
rooms to his apartment, threw off the domino which concealed his
uniform, and seizing his sword he hastened to the court. The king
was surrounded by his generals and officers; all eyes were fixed
upon him; he had silenced every objection. There was amongst them
but one opinion and one will, the will and opinion of the king, whom
all felt to be their master, not only by divine right, but by his
mighty intellect and great soul. Frederick stood amongst them, his
countenance beaming with inspiration, his eagle eye sparkling and
glowing with the fire of thought, and a smile was on his lips which
won all hearts.
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