When at last the conference ended and the two mighty emperors came forth into the sight of the people of Tilsit and their waiting soldiers, their faces were glowing. Waving their hands again and again, each was rowed to his own bank of the Niemen. They had formed a friendship—Russia and France, Alexander and Napoleon—and the whole world was to profit.
When Napoleon stepped on shore the people of Tilsit were deafened by the cheers of his soldiers.
As for Alexander, he gazed up into the gloomy face of the King of Prussia and a cloud passed over the sun of his joy.
"The Emperor desires to meet your Majesty to-morrow," said he, and his eyes fell. "We can go together," he added, and then hastily deserting the subject, he proposed that they arrange about lodgings, as for the time they must remain in Tilsit.
"Very well," said Frederick William, and his heart sank.
Next day the King of Prussia was admitted to a second and very different conference, and his noble dignity under his misfortune so struck Napoleon that he spoke of it.
"I have nothing to reproach myself with," said the King very simply.
Napoleon's eyes fell, but only for a moment.
He answered with a shrug.
"Nor have I."