"Bribery—I expected that!" he said. "No, there is nothing—nothing but the consciousness that it was I who ended war!"
"And your refusal of my first proposal is absolute?"
"Absolute. I consider it insulting."
"You will not modify the terms of your proposal?"
"Not in any essential detail."
"And if Germany refuses, you go to France?"
"That is my intention."
"Very well," and the Admiral rose, too. "The situation is, then, quite clear to us; there is no longer any shadow of uncertainty. It is for us to assent or to refuse. Our answer will be ready for you in a very short time."
Vard bowed, his face very pale, and stepped to the door. He paused with his hand on the knob.
"Remember one thing," he said; "it will be better for Germany to lead than to follow; your Emperor will find the head of the procession much more to his taste than the tail of it. And it will be for him either the one or the other! Good night!" and he opened the door and was gone.