Bismarck turned towards von Heimbruch, touched his cap slightly with his hand, and looked at him inquiringly.
The colonel approached him, and said:
"His majesty the king, my most gracious master, arrived in Vienna a short time ago, and, as negotiations for peace have begun, he sends me to his majesty the King of Prussia with a letter. At the same time, Count Platen sends this note to your excellency."
He handed the Prussian minister a sealed letter.
He opened it, and read through the contents quickly.
He turned gravely to Colonel von Heimbruch.
"Will you have the goodness to wait for me here. I am going to his majesty, and I shall shortly return."
With a military salute he walked on.
In the king's ante-room there were several generals and other officers. They all rose as Count Bismarck entered and saluted the generals.
The equerry on duty, Baron von Loë, advanced towards the minister president.