"The flowers are all broken," replied the groom of the chambers, as he picked up the pieces of the pot, and pushed the scattered earth aside.
The king shuddered slightly.
"The flowers are all broken," he repeated half to himself, lifting his head and raising his enquiring eyes to heaven.
"Who is in the ante-room?" he asked.
"General von Tschirschnitz, Count Platen, General von Brandis, and the minister Bacmeister."
"Call all these gentlemen," commanded the king.
The groom of the chambers placed four chairs near the writing table and withdrew.
After a few moments the four gentlemen entered the cabinet, the attendant announcing them by name.
"Good morning, gentlemen," cried the king as they came in; "seat yourselves."
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Count Platen zu Hallermund, a descendant of the well-known Count Platen so frequently spoken of in connexion with the Königsmark mystery, took the chair nearest the king.