"His majesty has intrusted me with a most flattering commission," continued the ambassador.
"Let us hear it," replied Potemkin, with indifference.
Count von Gortz bowed, rose, and drew from his bosom a rich velvet etui which he handed to the prince.
"His majesty, my august sovereign, in acknowledgment of your highness's great and glorious deeds, wishes to convey to you a token of his admiration and friendship," said Count von Gortz, solemnly. "He has bestowed upon your highness the order of the Black Eagle, and I have the Honor to present it to you with the insignia."
Potemkin took the etui and without opening it laid it on the table beside him. "Ah," said he, with a shrug, "his majesty sends me the Black Eagle. I am much obliged to him, but really I have so many orders that I have nowhere left to wear them, and how to dispose of this new one I scarcely know. See for yourself," continued he smiling, and pointing to his breast, which indeed was covered with crosses, "do I not look like a vender of orders, carrying about his samples?" [Footnote: All Potemkin's own words. Dohm's Memoirs. vol. i., p 4l3]
"If I may be allowed to use your excellency's words, you carry about samples, not only of your treasures, but of your heroism and statesmanship. It would be a pity if among them, you should not wear a decoration of my august sovereign."
"Very well, then, to oblige the King of Prussia, I will wear the cross, and, I beg you return him my thanks. Have you anything more to say, count?"
Count von Gortz cast a searching glance around the apartment, especially upon the heavy velvet window-curtains.
"Get up and look for yourself, if you suspect the presence of any body, "said the prince.
"Your highness's word is sufficient. Allow me then to speak openly and confidentially."