"Do you believe the annexation of Hanover will really take place?" asked von Düring. "I believe it is certain," said Count Wedel; "the expressions used by the Prussian magistrates in Hanover leave us in no doubt about it, it is no use ignoring the sad fact; but," he said, "we are called!" A bell sounded from the adjoining room. A moment afterwards the king's groom of the chambers appeared. "His majesty requests you, gentlemen, to go to him." He opened the door into the king's cabinet. Count Wedel and Captain von Düring entered. The cabinet that George V. inhabited was hung with silken tartan, beautiful specimens of Scotch weapons, and masterly paintings representing scenes from Sir Walter Scott's novels, adorned the walls. Before a large table in the midst of the room stood the king; his beautiful, expressive countenance was very sad. He wore the loose grey overcoat belonging to the uniform of his Austrian regiment. "God bless you, gentlemen," said King George with a gracious smile, as he held out his hand, which Count Wedel and Captain von Düring pressed to their lips; "much has happened since we parted, my dear Alfred." "Your majesty," said Count Wedel in a trembling voice, "whatever has happened, or whatever may happen, my heart remains ever the same." "You bring me news of the queen?" asked the king. "Certainly, your majesty," replied the count, producing several letters and handing them to the king; "a letter from her majesty, notes from the princesses, and a report from Herr von Malortie upon your private estates." The king laid the letters before him on the table. "How is the queen?" he asked, "how does she bear these sorrowful times?" "Her majesty is calm and dignified," said the count, "but very unhappy, the queen desires most earnestly to join your majesty as soon as possible." A deep shadow passed over the king's brow. "Whether God will bring us together again," he said, "lies in the dark womb of the future; at present the queen must remain where she is, and represent the government; such is my will." Count Wedel was silent. "How is the countess?" asked the king. "I thank your majesty, she is arranging the house, and will soon follow me." "Follow you?" asked King George. "Your majesty," said Count Wedel with emotion, "I have not come to bring you intelligence and to return. I have come to remain, if you do not send me away!" The king looked at him inquiringly. "Your majesty," said the count, "from all I see and hear, you will not return, at least not for a long time, to Hanover. Your majesty made me your chamberlain, and I have performed my duty about your person with pride. Your majesty is now in exile," he continued, his voice almost failing him: "I beg for the great honour of sharing your exile, and retaining my office!" The king was silent for a moment. He slightly bit his moustache, a sorrowful expression appeared on his face.