"Count Rivero," he said, "begs for an audience, and as your majesty commanded me to announce him at once, I----"
"Is this a warning?" said the emperor, in a low tone; and he made a movement as if to decline the interview.
He then stepped back from the window, and said,--
"Let him come."
The groom of the chambers withdrew.
"I will hear him," said the emperor; "he has at least the right to candour and truth."
The door of the inner apartment was again opened, and Count Rivero entered the cabinet, looking grave and melancholy.
"You come in a heavy hour, count," said the emperor, addressing him; "the events of this day have buried many hopes."
"Just and holy hopes should never be buried, your majesty," replied the count; "yes, even if we go down to the grave, we must look with trust to the future."
The emperor gave him a scrutinizing look.