Herr Moritz instantly became grave.
“I believe, seventy-one or two.”
“Exactly; the older a man is the more difficult it is for him to receive new ideas. It has occurred to me once or twice lately that I have been rather unreasonable in expecting Von Sigismark to appreciate my views on the subject of social reform. Possibly if I had discussed them with you in the first place we should have been more likely to understand each other.”
“I should esteem it an honour to listen to your views at any time, Sire. At the same time, of course my position forbids me to initiate any practical steps which are not sanctioned by my chief.”
The King caught at what looked like a hint in these words.
“If that means that in order to secure your active assistance I must alter existing arrangements, I see no reason why that should not be done. The Count has been Chancellor a good many years, but it is time that he thought of making way for a younger man.”
Herr Moritz raised his hand deprecatingly.
“I fear I have misled you, Sire. I could not willingly accept any arrangements which included the dismissal of the Count von Sigismark.”
“Why?”
“Because, but for the Count, I should now be a government clerk at a thousand florins a-year. He has made me what I am; I owe everything to him.”