"I am convinced my poor husband is ill, try to find an opportunity of persuading him to take more care of his health."
"I will do what I can, dear lady," he returned; "but you know he is difficult to persuade on this point. Besides, I do not believe he is unwell; thoughts often come to him when he hears music, probably something has occurred to him now, and he has gone to write it down at once."
Herr von Bismarck had returned to his cabinet with a firm step, and had seated himself at his writing table. All trace of indecision and emotion had left his face, the cold calm of his features was now lighted up by the clear expression of a firm unbending will.
He seized a pen and wrote, without pause or hesitation, a number of notes on some foolscap which lay ready on his table.
After writing for about half an hour he rang the hand bell beside him.
The groom of the chambers appeared.
"Is Herr von Keudell still in the house?"
"At your excellency's command."
"Request him to come to me for a moment."
A few minutes later the minister of legation entered.