I will give the bride a thousand thalers for a dowry, that she may not go to her rich husband penniless; the money will be paid to your daughter from the government treasury at her receipt.

As ever I remain your well-disposed king, FREDERICK.' "And here on the margin," continued the general's wife, looking over to her husband with malicious pleasure, "the king has written a few lines in his own hand: 'I have given orders that the money shall be paid to your daughter in person, with her receipt for the same, for I know you, and know that you do not play, not because you have not the money, but the gout.

If you had the cash and not the gout, you would play your daughter's dowry to the devil, and that I do not wish, for a noble maiden should not marry a rich husband as poor as a church mouse.
FREDERICK.'" A profound stillness prevailed when the reading was finished.

The general busied himself, as usual, rubbing his gouty leg with the palm of his hand.

Marie sat with her hands pressed upon her bosom, as if she would force back the sighs and sobs which would break forth.