"If my views," he said, as if simply continuing the conversation, "do not accord with yours, we----"
Bismarck had turned his face to the window for a moment, and had pressed his lips together as if with a violent struggle.
"We shall certainly understand one another perfectly if we discuss the subject more fully," he said, in his calmest and most courteous tone, as he turned again towards Benedetti with completely regained self-command. His face expressed only politeness and friendship.
"But we should not anticipate these discussions just now," he continued. "Have you instructions to express these wishes in the emperor's name, and to demand an answer, or do they in any way bear upon our negotiations for peace with Austria?"
"I had the honour," said Monsieur Benedetti, "of remarking at the beginning of this conversation that I was expressing my own ideas; I have no instructions to demand anything, nor to request a distinct answer; still less does this conversation in any way affect the negotiations for peace."
"Let us agree then," replied Bismarck, "to defer this conversation until we have finished what lies immediately before us, and until after the peace with Austria is signed. You fully comprehend that deep and calm reflection is needed completely to satisfy the interests of both sides; and then," he added, smiling, "it is not easy to discuss the equivalent compensation of objects not yet in our hands. I do not doubt that we shall perfectly understand each other when we discuss the matter in earnest, and when you have received definite instructions. You know how much I desire, not only the present friendship of France, but that the feeling should be enduring, and so firmly consolidated that the relations between France and Prussia may form the basis of a European peace. Everything then to be done at present is arranged?" he asked, after a short pause.
"Completely," replied Monsieur Benedetti.
"The Austrian plenipotentiaries--?"
"Will arrive to-morrow or the day after. I will rest a little after my fatiguing journey." And he seized his hat.
Count Bismarck held out his hand to him, and accompanied him to the door of the room.