"In the name of your sovereign?"
"Yes, your highness. You know that the treaty, which for eight years has allied Russia and Prussia is about to expire."
"Is it?" said Potemkin, carelessly. "I was not aware of it, for I take no interest in minor politics."
"Your highness has in view the great whole only of the field of diplomacy," replied the complaisant minister. "But for Prussia this alliance is a most important one, and my sovereign has nothing more at heart than the renewal of his alliance with Russia. He knows how much his interests here are threatened by the visit of the Emperor Joseph; and he desired me to ask of your highness whether it would be advisable for him to send Prince Henry to counteract it."
Potemkin replied to this question by a loud laugh. "What a set of timid people you are!" said he. "What formalities about nothing! When the emperor was about to visit us, the czarina must know whether it was agreeable to the King of Prussia: now the king wishes to know from me whether the visit of Prince Henry is expedient."
"Yes. His majesty wishes advice from your highness alone, although there are others who would gladly be consulted by him."
"Others? you mean Panin—have you, then, asked counsel of no one, count?"
"Of no one. My sovereign wishes to consult with no one excepting your highness."
For the first time Potemkin betrayed his satisfaction by a triumphant smile. "If your king comes to me exclusively—mark me well, EXCLUSIVELY—for advice, I am willing to serve him."
"Your highness may see that my sovereign addresses himself to you alone," replied the minister, handing him a letter in Frederick's own handwriting.