Old Baron Humboldt, who was the best-known and most popular member of Berlin society, often called the court _enfant gâté_ (spoiled child), acted as Kris Kringle, and played the rôle to perfection, the King and Prince of Prussia serving as his aides and leading in the merriment his happy jokes excited. The bon-bons and fancy confections on the tree were divided among us and promptly disposed of, though the other decorations were undisturbed, the tree being intended, presumably, for use on another occasion. After the presents had been distributed the Baron, turning to the Crown Princess, said with mock humility: “Having accomplished my task, I await further orders from Your Royal Highness.” “And I,” said she, handing him a box containing a gold pen, “order you, honored Baron, to reserve this pen for the sonnets and madrigals to be henceforth indited to your lady-loves.” These words, the Baron being a confirmed old bachelor, never having been known in all his life to express a preference for any woman, caused a general titter. We were invited to partake of a collation in the state dining-room-- bouillon, _eau sucree_, cold meats, salads, ices, cakes and divers confections. The King, Queen and royal personages occupied tables at the upper end of the room and enjoyed probably a more elaborate _menu_, with Champagne and Johannisberg; we were at tables lower down, the Crown Princess, her brother and royal cousins being at one in our midst. The hilarity usual when young people, always hungry, enjoy appetizing eatables prevailed.