In answer to the count’s loud call a huntsman in dirty, dusty uniform made his appearance from the antechamber, and, making a military salute, remained standing near the door.

“What news have you for me?” asked Count Schwarzenberg, striding toward him.  “Where are your letters and dispatches?”

“I crave pardon, your excellency, but I have no letters or dispatches.  The Commandant von Rochow sent me with a verbal message, and entreats forgiveness in that haste allowed him no time for writing.  I have only to announce that, even at the instant of my departure, the Electoral Prince was making his solemn entry into Spandow.  All ranks and conditions of people from the region round about had joined the Electoral Prince, and followed him, in carriages, on horseback, and on foot.  The commandant was greatly amazed to witness so much pomp, and hastened to array himself in parade uniform in order to go and meet the Electoral Prince with his corps of officers.”

“That is all you have to communicate to me?”

“All, your excellency.”

“Then ride back again, and return to the commandant my warmest thanks for his welcome message.”

“Yes,” repeated the count, when the courier had taken leave, “yes, this is a welcome message and by ——!  I shall derive profit from it.”

“Ho, Balthasar, Balthasar!  Is the commander of police in the antechamber?”

“Your highness, he has been there an hour already.”

“Bid him come in.  There you are, Master Brandt!  Well, listen!  Send all your secret friends and emissaries through the city, privately inform the citizens, the magistrates, the merchants, the whole inhabitants in a body, that the Electoral Prince will arrive here in from three to four hours, and that it would surely be a right great pleasure to the Elector and his wife if they would prepare him a public reception, and go a little way on the road to meet him.  Say, moreover, that it would assuredly prepare a very great joy for the Electoral Prince if they would illuminate the city this evening, and if this were done voluntarily, and without suggestion, the Electoral Prince would be forced to admit how very glad the people of Berlin are to welcome him, and how much they hope for from his return.  Excite the populace properly, that their houses be brightly illuminated, and that they may give great demonstrations of joy.  Dispatch your agents everywhere, and show me to-day for once that you know how to execute my orders punctually, and are a worthy successor of my dear, recently deceased Dietrich, your predecessor in office.”

“Your excellency, I shall do all that lies in my power, and I doubt not but that I shall succeed in deserving your honor’s approbation.  I only venture to remark, that many of the citizens will find it exceedingly difficult to procure the candles or lamps needed for the illumination, for the poverty and distress are very great, and it would perhaps be well to aid the people and furnish them with the candles for illuminating.”