ROMANCE OF A RING.

Otago Witness, Issue 1501, 21 August 1880, Page 26

ROMANCE OF A RING.

A princess of Prussia at one time received a small and antique ring from her governess for a present. About a year after the occurrence the Court received a visit from the Grand Duke Nicholas, the brother of the \ Emporor Alexander, and who at that time | was not the heir-expectant of the crown. The Grand Duke saw the Princess, and with the quick resolve native to his disposition, immediately determined to ask her in marriage. One day, as he was seated by her side at the royal dinner-table, he spoke to her of his forthcoming departure, adding that it depended upon her whether or not his stay in Berlin should be prolonged. " What shall I do, then, to influenoe your intentions:" was the reply of the smiling princess. " You must not refuse to receive my addresses," immediately returned the outspoken Nicholas. " You ask much." "I aßk even more. You ought to give me some encouragement in my endeavours to please you." "That is still more difficult. Besides, the moment is not Well chosen for a favour." " I beg your Highness to give me a sign that I am not totally indifferent to you, You have a little riog on your finger, the possession of which would render me happy. I beseech you to give me the ring." "Whjv, ! give the ring at the dinnertable, in the pi-esence of all these people ? " "Let me see— press it into this piece of bread, and give it to me," And press the ring into a piece of bread she did, and gave it to the Emperor. Nicholas took an early opportunity to leave the hall, and on exhuming the treasure from its wheaten tomb, discovered an inscription on the inner side in French, and running to the following effect—" L'lmperatrice de la Russia." He ia said to have worn the keepsake for tho rest of his days attached to a chain round his neck, the ring being too small of course for any of his colossal fin j ere. The future Empress, it seems, had been unconsciously wearing for some time the emblem of her future greatness.