The emperor smiled, and placed his hand on the young man's shoulder.
"I rejoice that the general has chosen you, and I hope to hear of you."
Prince Liechtenstein opened the door with the words, "General Count Crenneville."
The emperor's adjutant-general entered. He wore undress uniform. His sharply-cut features of the French type, his short black moustache, and bright dark eyes, belied the fifty years which the general bore.
"Your imperial majesty sent for me," he said.
"I thank you, gentlemen," said the emperor, turning to Baron Gablenz's staff. "I hope the campaign will give you opportunities of performing fresh services to me and to the Fatherland. I beg you to remain, Baron Gablenz."
Colonel von Bourguignon, the aides-de-camp, and Herr von Stielow withdrew.
The emperor seized the dispatch, and said, "I have just received this telegram, on which I desire your opinion. The field-marshal," he continued, his voice trembling a little, "begs me to make peace, as the army is in no condition to fight."
"Impossible!" exclaimed Count Crenneville.
"What do you say, Baron Gablenz?" said the emperor to the general, who had remained silent.