"No, no," said Count Mensdorff, with a feeble smile, "I am not going out. His majesty has commanded me to remain at my post, and as a soldier I obey--as a soldier," he repeated with emphasis, "for were I a political minister of the modern school, I should not remain. But so it is. Well, the order is given, and now we must march on. How must we act to hasten the decision, to bring on the quarrel; for since we are to act, I am for acting at once; every day will give our opponent fresh strength."
"The means are simple," said Herr von Biegeleben, sitting very upright in his chair, and raising his hand as if imparting instruction; "the Holstein states must be urgently called upon to discuss the position of their country, and to decide upon the succession; let us assemble them; this will cross all the Prussian plans and oblige the gentlemen in Berlin to show their hands; at the same time we shall gain a powerful support in the sympathy of the Grand Duchies, and the great German party."
"But our rule is only conjoint in the Grand Duchies." suggested Count Mensdorff; "by the Treaty of Gastein we only exercise the sovereign rights in common with Prussia."
"That is the precise point, permit me, your excellency," interrupted von Biegeleben, "which will bring on the conflict, and it will come under the favourable circumstances of being in a national cause."
"Well, it does not seem quite right," said Mensdorff, "and I care very little for the sympathy of the beer-shop orators in the Grand Duchies and in Germany and for all the singers and rhymers. I would rather we had an army like the Prussians; but be so good as to make me a small memorial on the subject with an instruction for Gablenz, and I will lay it before the emperor."
Herr von Biegeleben bowed, and a slight smile of satisfaction passed over Herr von Meysenbug's countenance.
"What is the aspect of Germany?" asked Mensdorff; "how do things progress in Saxony? Are they ready?"
"Perfectly," replied von Biegeleben. "Herr von Beust is very impatient, and has sent me a memorandum in which he points out the necessity for immediate action. Also he considers the assembling of the Holstein states as the best means for letting light into the situation. The disposition of the people in Saxony is excellent. Would your excellency like to read Count von Beust's note on the subject?"
He opened the portfolio which lay on the table.
Count Mensdorff waved his hand.