The king remained silent for some time; then he rose, and, supporting his hand on the back of his chair, he turned to the side of the room where the portraits were hung of King Ernest Augustus and Queen Frederica, and he sank slowly on his knees.
"Oh! Thou almighty, triune God!" he said, in a voice low indeed, but so fervent that it filled the room; "Thou seest my heart, Thou knowest how I have wrestled in prayer to Thee in the dark hours of my life; Thou gavest strength to my soul, to bear my heavy fate, never to look upon the face of wife or child; Thou gavest me light and strength in those troublous times when I first governed this land: bless me now, grant me wisdom, enlighten my understanding, that I may know how to save my country, and lead me graciously through the storms of this day! Yet not my will, but Thine be done; and if it is decreed that care and sorrow must be my lot, give me strength to bear, courage to endure!"
The king's prayer ceased, and deep silence prevailed. Suddenly a gust of wind slammed-to the open window, something heavy fell to the ground, and the sound of shattered glass was heard.
The small King Charles spaniel barked.
The king started, rose quickly, and returned to his chair. Then he pressed the knob of his electric bell.
The groom of the chambers entered.
"What fell on the ground near the window?" asked the king quickly.
The attendant hastened to look.
"It is the rose, that her majesty the queen had had forced, and that she placed here."
"Is the flower hurt?"