"And with me and my House," said the other quickly.
"It is a pity that my own family should not be of the same mind."
"It matters nothing," said the other. "Nothing. You shall see."
The Archduke examined the ash of his cigarette, but said nothing.
"You must realize, my great and good friend," continued the man in the hunting suit, "that I did not come to Konopisht only to see your roses."
The Archduke nodded attentively.
"The fortunes of your family are linked to mine by ties deeper than those of blood,—a community of interest and of fortune which involves the welfare, happiness and progress of many millions of people. The history of civilization in Europe has reached a new page, one which must be written by those who have in keeping the Divine destiny of the Germanic race. It is not a time to falter before the graveness of our responsibility and the magnitude of our undertakings. I spoke of these things at Eckartsau. I think you understand."
The Archduke nodded gravely.
"I will not shirk any responsibility. I hesitated once. That hour has passed. Sophie—Maximilian—Ernest——"
"They must have their heritage."