Johann looked at him, uncertain whether to reply angrily, or to pass over his words as unworthy of notice. Before he could come to a decision Von Sigismark entered the cabinet.
“Good morning, Count,” said the King, in his most friendly manner. “Be good enough to sit down. I want your assistance.”
The Chancellor greeted the King respectfully, and obeyed, casting a severe look at the republican, and a not very friendly one at Bernal.
Maximilian at once broached the subject.
“They tell me I govern my kingdom badly,” he said; “I have made up my mind to reform. The Herr Mark, whom you see here, has devoted himself to these subjects, and he has been good enough to promise me his assistance. I want you to hear some of his ideas, in order that you may consider the best way of carrying them out.”
The Chancellor frowned sullenly as he answered—
“I am ready to hear anything which your Majesty orders me to listen to.”
This did not sound promising, and the King bit his lip as he turned to Johann.
“Tell the Count von Sigismark what you propose,” he said briefly.
The republican fidgeted uneasily before he began, and made fruitless attempts to catch the eye of the Minister, which travelled alternately between his master’s countenance and the ceiling of the room.