"I have heard nothing; what should they say about him?"
"There are people," returned the emperor, in a low tone, "who pronounce my brother's name in conjunction with this unhappy catastrophe." And again he was silent, a dark cloud gathering on his brow.
"The best means for making Vienna pronounce one name," said Klindworth, "is for your majesty to show yourself."
"How? Would you have me drive in the Prater?" asked the emperor, with the same gloomy look.
"Your majesty," said Klindworth, "a number of Austrian and Saxon officers, who have been wounded, have just arrived, and have come to the Golden Lamb in the Leopoldstadt. May I humbly suggest that your majesty should visit these wounded soldiers? It would make an excellent impression."
"Immediately," cried the emperor; "and not to make an impression. My heart urges me at once to welcome these brave men, and to thank them."
He rose.
"Does your imperial majesty," said Klindworth, in a humble voice, "wish that the money for my journey should be paid by the government?"
"No," said the emperor. He opened a small casket standing upon the table, and took out two rouleaux, which he gave to Klindworth.
"Is it enough?" he asked.