In every word that Wilhelmi speaks, I recognize his lofty ideality; but life in America has made him more practical than he once was.
The hospitality of the Greeks is vaunted. We possess it in a new shape; for a whole city considers itself our host.
I had to tell my friend Wilhelmi of my troubles; of my grief for Ernst, of my deep anxiety about Richard, and the thought struck me: "Must the old friend, whom we meet after long absence, have his heart saddened by the recital of our woes."
CHAPTER X.
I make no mention of the proceedings of the Reichstag; you can read all about them in the newspapers.
I did not once take the floor.
In committee, I protested energetically, when we understood that some of the states were to be rewarded for their share in our triumph, by having certain portions of Alsace assigned to them. This plan was barely alluded to in the public meetings, and I am inclined to think that the rumor was merely a piece of diplomatic finesse.
I cannot avoid repeating the words addressed to me by the Emperor, when I was presented at the palace. "I have a son and you have a grandson in the field, and they have, both of them, proved their courage."
His voice betokened sincerity; his countenance was kind and gentle.
I was surprised; even if the Emperor had informed himself beforehand, it was so kind of him to speak thus of Julius.