“It would be an immense relief to me,” he observed, “to know that I had the Kaiser’s approval in the stand which I have felt it necessary to make against this man’s interference in the affairs of the government. My own master, of course, has never been a politician, and I am sure he would pay great attention to anything which fell from his Imperial Majesty.”
“I will take care that the Kaiser is informed of the situation,” replied Von Bernerstauf. “I know that he has the highest regard both for King Maximilian and for yourself.”
“The fact is that there is another reason for my desiring to be put in possession of the Kaiser’s wishes,” went on the Count, lowering his voice, “a reason of so delicate a nature that I hardly deem it consistent with my duty to mention it to any other ear but his Majesty’s own. You will pardon my reserve, General?”
The General nodded gravely, with the air of one who understands more than is expressed.
“Your caution does you honour, my dear Count. I wish to be informed of nothing which the Emperor does not himself desire me to know. I will, if that is your meaning, endeavour to obtain for you a private audience of the Kaiser.”
“Thank you, that is what I desire,” answered Von Sigismark.
And the two Ministers passed on to topics of a lighter nature.
Later in the day the Kaiser and his Chancellor were closeted together, and the latter repeated the purport of his conversation with the Franconian Minister.
The Kaiser was at first disinclined to grant the audience requested.
“I do not think I ought to encourage this person to come to me behind his master’s back,” said he, with some haughtiness. “Anything which he has to say may be quite well said through you.”