WIFE OF FREDERICK THE GREAT. 283 less pleasing than she really was, so that when he saw her he might have an agreeable surprise. These tactics had some success. He afterwards confessed that he was somewhat agreeably disappointed in her appearance, and only pretended to dislike her very much in order to make a merit with his father of his obedience in marrying her. The betrothal, in March, 1782, was a brilliant scene. All the lords and ladies of the court of Prussia were assembled in a magnificent apartment, where they formed a large semicircle, in the midst of which stood the King and Queen of Prussia, and the youthful pair who were to pledge their word of betrothal. The usual question was proposed, whether they were of the same mind as their parents in wishing to be engaged to one another. Both answered, Yes. " Pledge yourselves then by exchange of rings," said the bluff and red-faced Prussian King. The rings were exchanged. The King kissed them both. Then the Queen kissed them, and there was the usual kissing all about the circle. A few months after this the marriage took place ; the Prince pretending to the last to hold his bride in utter detestation. A cruel scene which occurred in the palace two clays after, when the Prince introduced his bride to his favorite sister, Wilhelmina, will serve to show what sort of a marriage this was. When the three were alone together Frederick said to his wife : " This is a sister I adore, and am obliged to beyond measure. She has had the goodness to promise me that she will take care of you and help you with her good counsel. I wish you to respect her beyond even the King and Queen, and not to take the least step without her advice. Do you understand ? " Wilhelmina embraced the timid and anxious bride, still very immature and scarcely eighteen years of age. She
