The conqueror of Europe wavered.
"You ask a great deal," he said dubiously, "but I will think of it."
Why not make this lovely woman happy? he tells us that he thought, and kindness for a moment entirely changed his countenance.
Now, of all men in the world, the King of Prussia was the most unlucky. There was no one who could so irritate Napoleon as he could, and at that moment his entering the room probably changed the history of Prussia; at least Napoleon himself says it did.
But he had begun to be uneasy waiting below. He thought he could help matters, and in his zeal entered, and entered at the wrong moment.
There he stood, handsome, dignified and honest-faced, wanting, as always, to do the right thing, and blundering.
For once the Queen had no smile ready for him, and her face showed her chagrin, for Napoleon, catching himself up hastily, with a relieved face turned to Frederick William.
"Sire," he said, "I admire the magnanimity and tranquillity of your soul amid such numerous and heavy misfortunes."
The King of Prussia hid his feelings. If he was conquered by the man who was complimenting his behaviour, he was a Hohenzollern, but alas, too, he was tactless.
"Greatness and tranquillity of soul," he answered shortly, "can only be acquired by the strength of a good conscience."