"If you command it, your majesty," replied Count Platen, with evident reluctance, "yet surely you will wait at least a few days, until the situation is more declared, and we learn what is really taking place in Austria, and their wishes in Vienna. Count Ingelheim imparted to me this morning, that Prince Karl Solms is on his way hither, with an important charge from the emperor."
The king raised his head with an expression of astonishment.
"My brother Karl?" he cried, "what brings him here?"
"I do not know, your majesty," said Count Platen, "and Count Ingelheim did not know, or would not disclose, but we must wait to hear this mission before taking a decided step towards Prussia."
The king considered. Bacmeister shook his head in silence.
A knock was heard at the outer door. The groom of the chambers announced Herr Meding, who entered the cabinet and said:
"His royal highness Prince Karl Solms has just arrived, and requests an audience."
The king rose.
"Where is the prince?"
"He is with her majesty the queen, awaiting your majesty's commands."