"Yes, the king is quite ready to go forward, but the general staff----"
"Would to heaven!" cried Count Ingelheim energetically, "that his majesty had retained his old officers; I do not believe that Tschirschnitz would have allowed these constantly retrograde marches."
"Yes," said Count Platen, with a slight shrug, "it is so difficult for me to do anything in military affairs. In Göttingen the wish seemed universal."
"The wish is universal to act and to march; do you see that knot of officers? I am sure they are of my opinion;" and he pointed out a group in which Lieutenant von Landesberg was just expressing his joy at the envoy's departure, and his hopes of speedy action.
Prince Hermann left the officers and joined Platen and Ingelheim.
"The envoy is not coming back again?" he asked.
"No, prince," cried Count Ingelheim, "I hope he is the last."
Four post-horses dashed quickly along the road, drawing a close carriage with a servant in travelling livery upon the box.
"Who is this?" cried Count Platen, with surprise, and all eyes turned upon the carriage as it drew up before the house. The servant sprang down and opened the door.
An old gentleman in travelling dress, wrapped in a large Havelock cloak, his white head covered with a black cap, got out slowly and looked around as if seeking for something.