After she had reached Mecklenburg the King had joined her.
Never had he seen her look happier.
Like a girl, she told him of how she had been met at Fürstenburg by her sister, Frederika, her father and her brothers. Her grandmother, being old, welcomed her at the door of the Duke's palace, and for the first time in many years she found herself alone with her own people.
When the King came they were given a public reception.
"But only one, let it be, dear father," begged Queen Louisa. "I feel that this happiness cannot last. Something oppresses me, so please let us make the most of seeing each other in quiet."
When she dressed herself for this one reception, her ladies noticed that she had only pearls for jewels.
"I have sold the rest," she said with a smile, "but, never mind, pearls are suitable for me, for they signify tears, and I have shed many. Moreover," and she took out a miniature worn about her neck, "I have my best treasure."
It was a picture of the King, and the Queen gazed at it lovingly.
"After all these years, my good Fritz loves me quite the same," she said, and looked as happy as a girl.
"Come, Fritz," she cried to her husband, and led him about, showing him this and that and telling stories of her childhood. Never had she seemed so happy.