He had never envied the king his crown or his position, but
his heart now craved the crown of the queen, for the brow of his own
beautiful wife, who seemed much better fitted to wear it than the
gentle, timid Elizabeth Christine. Princess Wilhelmina had therefore
remained at Rheinsberg, feigning sickness.
It was night! The castle of Rheinsberg glittered with the light of
the torches by which the gates were adorned, to welcome the prince
to his home. The saloons and halls were brilliantly lighted, and in
them a gay, merry crowd was assembled. All the prince's friends and
acquaintances had been invited by Princess Wilhelmina to greet his
return.
Every thing in the castle bore the appearance of happiness--all
seemed gay and cheerful. But still, there was one whose heart was
beating anxiously at the thought of the approaching hour--it was the
Princess Wilhelmina. She was gorgeously dressed; diamonds glittered
on her brow and throat, bright roses gleamed upon her breast, and a
smile was on her full, red lips. No one knew the agony this smile
cost her! No one knew that the red which burned upon her cheek was
caused, not by joy, but terror!
Yes, terror! She was afraid of this meeting, in which she was to
receive the prince as her loved husband, while, during the long
years of absence, he had become a perfect stranger to her.
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