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Updated: May 23, 2025
A gleam of joy burst from the eyes of Herr von Kockeritz, but he quickly lowered them, in order not to betray his feelings. "As to Lombard," said the king, "you are likewise right; he is an excellent and most able man, though a little tinctured with Jacobinism. His French blood infects him with all sorts of democratic notions.
The grave affairs of life require our exclusive attention. Kockeritz, then, has been convinced, and even Kalkreuth has been shaken in his stupid belief in the French! Well, may we at length succeed in taking the fortress of this royal heart! Ah, some one raps again at the door! Come in! What, Conrad, it is you again? Do you come to tell me that my wife has again boxed your ears?"
"That resolution is highly honorable to your majesty's heart," exclaimed Herr von Kockeritz, feelingly. "As to Minister Wollner," said the king, frowning, "in respectful remembrance of my lamented father's partiality for him, I shall not at once dismiss him, but leave it to himself to send in his resignation.
Count Haugwitz exchanged a rapid glance with Baron Kockeritz, who was standing in a bay window, and then approached the king, who was pacing the room with slow steps and a gloomy air. He nodded to the minister, and silently continued his promenade across the room for some time after his arrival.
"Let me join in the request of General Kockeritz, your majesty," said Field-Marshal Kalkreuth, sighing; "I, who on the battle-field never knew fear, am afraid of a danger to which I am not even able to give a name."
He did not, however, enter the palace, but ordered Kockeritz to fetch the castellan, that he might open the vault of the royal tomb; then, wrapping his cloak closer about him, under which he seemed to conceal something, he trod the dark path leading to the mausoleum. He paced the gloomy avenue of cypress and pines with a slow step, absorbed in deep reflection.
"But he has recovered from his fright?" asked the king, in a tone of sympathy. "Yes, your majesty," said Kockeritz, "and he would not permit Timm to accompany him to Sans-Souci. He felt strong enough to return to Potsdam, and arrived here at the same time as we did." "I suppose you have ordered him to say nothing about the whole affair?" "Yes, your majesty, and he swore he would not mention it."
Public opinion should not induce us to endanger our position and our power over the king for its sake. And I tell you, I am uneasy about this matter. The king was greatly irritated; he seemed angry with us, because he felt that he is not entirely free and independent, and that he has granted us some power over his decisions." "We should yield even now," said General von Kockeritz, anxiously.
"And now, gentlemen, give me your opinion. Field-Marshal Kalkreuth, you have satisfied yourself now that the French really intended to seize and abduct me to-night?" "I have unfortunately satisfied myself that they made such an attempt," said the field-marshal. "And you, Kockeritz, believe so, too?" "I do, your majesty; I am fully convinced that such an outrage was in contemplation."
He looked earnestly and anxiously at the lieutenant-colonel and gave him his hand. "I promise it to your majesty," exclaimed Herr von Kockeritz, gravely, and grasping the king's hand. "Well," said the king, "with this solemn pledge you may enter upon your official position, and I am satisfied that my choice has been a judicious one. Remain what you are, sir, an upright, honest man!
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