"As to Saxony," added Benedetti.
The Prussian minister looked at him anxiously and expectantly.
"With regard to Saxony," said the ambassador, "I found a strong determination in Austria to maintain its territorial integrity; it is held to be a duty to a confederate who has fought with Austria on the same battlefields."
Bismarck bit his lip.
"I believe," added Benedetti, "that the Emperor Francis Joseph is resolved to carry on the war to the last gasp rather than yield to this condition."
Count Bismarck was silent for a moment.
"And how does France, how does the emperor Napoleon regard this resolution on the part of--Austria?" he asked, with a firm look and a slight smile.
"I believe I may affirm that the emperor entirely shares the wishes of Austria with regard to Saxony," said Benedetti.
"Seriously?" asked Count Bismarck.
"Most seriously," replied the ambassador calmly.