Though these hopes were loudly expressed, no very joyful looks were to be seen on the faces of the people. It was the language of the lips rather than the heart; for deep in the breasts of the lively gesticulating speakers lurked many a doubt, which gave the lie to the words they uttered. It was a new foe whom they were to oppose--a foe untried since the Seven Years' War, and from that time traditionally feared--a foe, of whose wonderful military organization they had heard and read things that seemed almost fabulous.
But these doubts, however much they might be felt, were not openly expressed, they only served to increase the general oppression that weighed down the spirits of the people, and gave to merry, light-hearted Vienna a character of unusual earnestness.
Suddenly the conversation in the different groups was hushed, and all eyes turned towards the entrance gate of the Hofburg. Lieutenant Field-Marshal von Gablenz appeared, the general who from his brilliant valour and knightly bearing was the darling of the Viennese.
He walked firmly and gracefully into the courtyard, dressed in a grey close-fitting general's uniform, his breast adorned with numerous orders, the Cross of Maria Theresa around his neck, and a plumed hat upon the noble head, with its well-formed expressive features.
He was accompanied by Colonel von Bourguignon, the chief of his staff, two aides-de-camp, and by Lieutenant von Stielow, in the brilliant Uhlan uniform, rejoicing at the distinction of being so near to the celebrated general.
The crowd greeted von Gablenz as one whom they expected to fulfil their loudly spoken hopes, to give the lie to their hidden fears.
The general replied to their enthusiasm with a military salute, in a friendly but dignified way; he was aware of his popularity, he did not seek it, but accepted it as something which naturally belonged to him.
He passed through the courtyard with his companions, entered by the large portal, and ascended the steps which lead to the emperor's apartments.
The door of the ante-room was opened for him by the door-keeper with a low inclination. Deep silence reigned in the lofty spacious rooms, furnished with dark tables, high silken chairs, and heavy curtains hanging over enormous windows.
At the door which leads to the emperor's cabinet stood a life-guardsman in military position. The equerry on duty leant against a window-frame and looked down into the court-yard. He was a handsome young man, with short dark hair and moustache, and wore the simple dark-green uniform of the emperor's equerries, with the badge of a major; he advanced as the general entered, and saluted him.