Herr von Bismarck's face, hitherto so animated, assumed an expression of calm pride; his lips were firmly compressed, and his eyes flashed like rays of light from naked swords. With the metallic vibration which at certain moments rang through his voice, he replied,
"If I deemed it possible, or could believe that a Prussian army would be beaten by Austria, I would not be the Prussian minister."
He uttered these words in a tone of inmost conviction, and Manteuffel slowly stepped backwards, and gazed with amazement at the prime minister's enthusiastic face, as though he scarcely understood him. Then he turned leisurely away, seized his hat, and bowing politely to Bismarck, he said quite in his ordinary manner:
"I believe our conversation is concluded; we have exhausted the subject, and I must no longer waste your valuable time."
The excitement faded from Bismarck's countenance, and melancholy took its place, as he answered, sadly:
"The subject is not exhausted,--say rather, you will discuss it no longer, since, as I plainly perceive, we move in eccentric circles which have not a single point in common."
"If such be the case," said Manteuffel, "any further revolutions on our separate orbits would be useless, but I think," he added, smiling slightly, "on one point we shall agree; time is too precious to be lost in useless words."
"Then farewell," said Bismarck gravely, as he pressed Manteuffel's hand; "you leave me by one hope poorer, by one support weaker."
"You need no support," returned Manteuffel, "and if your convictions prove true, my most earnest wishes for the increase and development of Prussia's greatness will be fulfilled."
He bowed slightly, and left the room.