The first glimmer of dawn entered the open window, and through the tops of the venerable trees of Hampton Court Park was heard a mysterious rustling and whispering, as if they were talking of the wonderful changes of fortune, of which they had been the mute witnesses since the remote days of their youth.

The blue eyes of the Hohenzollern Prince were shining proudly, while they scanned the imperial missive.  For a few moments a deep silence prevailed.  Then the Prince turned to the Imperial Chancellor—­

“It will be a great day for us, Your Excellency!  His Majesty the Emperor will enter London at the head of the allied armies.  Peace is assured.  God grant that it may be the last war which we shall have to wage for the future happiness of the German nation!”