"Our interests can only be preserved, sire," said Drouyn de Lhuys, "if our attitude is decided, and our speech firm."
"They shall be so," cried the emperor; "but we must not begin with the ultimatum. Let Benedetti sound, and skilfully discover how his proposals are received."
"And what will your majesty say to Austria?" asked Drouyn de Lhuys.
"That we are taking the greatest pains to make the peace as favourable as possible, and to preserve the territorial possessions and the European position of Austria. We must," he added, "advise Vienna to be ready to continue the war in case we are unsuccessful, for who knows what turn affairs may take, and, besides, a firm attitude on the part of Austria, and an increase of the difficulties Prussia finds on that side, can only be favourable to us."
"I am quite of your majesty's opinion, and I shall write in this spirit to the Duke de Gramont immediately. I must now mention to your majesty that Herr von Beust has arrived and requests an audience."
"Beust, the Saxon minister?" asked the emperor with surprise.
"He arrived in Paris this morning, and was with me before I came here," said Drouyn de Lhuys.
"And what does he want?" enquired Napoleon.
"To call upon your majesty to protect Saxony."
"I will see him," said Napoleon after a short pause; "but without ceremonial."