Carlyle's "History of Friedrich II of Prussia" BOOK VIII.
Page: 64

a soft and tranquil life in my new Home, and begin a happier year
than the one that had just ended." Mamma was still perverse;
but on the edge of departure Wilhelmina contrived to get a word of
her Father, and privately open her heart to him. Poor Father,
after all that has come and gone:--

"My discourse produced its effect; he melted into tears, could not
answer me for sobs; he explained his thoughts by his embracings of
me. Making an effort, at length, he said: 'I am in despair that I
did not know thee. They had told me such horrible tales, I hated
thee as much as I now love thee. If I had addressed myself direct
to thee, I should have escaped much trouble, and thou too.
But they hindered me from speaking; said thou wert ill-natured as
the Devil, and wouldst drive me to extremities I wanted to avoid.
Thy Mother, by her intriguings, is in part the cause of the
misfortunes of the family; I have been deceived and duped on every
side. But my hands are tied; and though my heart is torn in
pieces, I must leave these iniquities unpunished!'"--The Queen's
intentions were always good, urged Wilhelmina. "Let us not enter
into that detail," answered he: "what is past is past; I will try
to forget it;" and assured Wilhelmina that she was the dearest to
him of the family, and that he would do great things for her
still,--only part of which came to effect in the sequel. "I am too
sad of heart to take leave of you," concluded he: "embrace your
Husband on my part; I am so overcome that I must not see him."
[Wilhelmina, ii. 4; who dates 11th January, 1732.] And so they
rolled away.

Crown-Prince was back to Custrin again, many weeks before. Back to
Custrin; but under totally changed omens: his history, after that
first emergence in Wilhelmina's dance "23d November about six
P.M.," and appearance at Parade on the morrow (Saturday morning),
had been as follows. Monday November 26th) there was again grand
Ball, and the Prince there, not in gray this time. Next day, the
old Dessauer and all the higher Officers in Berlin petitioned,
"Let us have him in the Army again, your Majesty!" Majesty
consented: and so, Friday, 30th, there was grand dinner at