At tea, which was served in the Princess’s room, the Prince suddenly stood up, went to his wife’s writing-table, and began to scribble away on a large sheet of paper. He then came to me, handed me the writing, and said, “There, but take care, it is still wet.” It was the letter of introduction to Schönhausen and Friedrichsruh which I had asked for on the previous afternoon, as I wished to start next morning. I was very pleased, and thanked him. “I find it very difficult to write with a pen,” he said; “but then you wished to have it in my own hand.” “All the more honour for me, your Serene Highness,” I replied. “Now I have the souvenir I desire.” “But why do you wish to leave so soon?” he said. “Stay a little longer. You are not at all in the way, and you should see a little more of Varzin.” I thanked him and said I should be delighted to remain a day or two longer, as I was only too happy to be near him. He said: “But you must allow me sometimes to go out walking or riding alone.” _Saturday, October 20th._--The snow still lies to a considerable depth about the house and grounds, but it is thawing. In the morning I took another turn through the park, going farther and in a different direction. Back to lunch early, and finding only Fräulein Fatio, had a chat with her. She said the Prince was very pleased at my visit. She related part of her own biography, and gave me some particulars of the Princess, who is very simple in her habits, dresses herself, and is a diligent housekeeper, &c. Her mother was greatly opposed to her marriage with Bismarck, and said one day she would rather see her daughter married to a swineherd than to him. She then spoke of the Countess Marie, who, according to her account, was very musical, but did not play as well as her mother. She had also other accomplishments, but was somewhat phlegmatic, and neglected many things, as, for instance, languages. But she could be extremely energetic when she took anything into her head. For example, once when they refused to let her have the carriage in which she was accustomed to drive to the future mother-in-law’s, she immediately jumped into a cab. After lunch another run through the park as far as the large pond on the edge of the big clearing. After that an excursion with Holstein beyond the clearing and into the beechwood on the Schwarzenberg. The Baron told me that at present the Chief was not on good terms with the King, but that, on the other hand, he was on an excellent footing with the Crown Prince and also with the Princess. It was desirable that this should continue, as the Prince intended to resign on the death of the Emperor. He did not believe the Chancellor’s statement that he would then return as the Leader of the Opposition was meant seriously. If he ever saw one stone after another of the structure he had raised crumbling away he would soon die of grief--_quod Deus bene vertat!_