"If Saxony joins the military league of the North German Confederation, and does its duty in earnest----no!" said the general.
"King John's word is inviolable," said the king, with a warm light in his eyes, "so let the independence of Saxony be agreed to. I am very glad in this instance to be able to lighten the heavy consequences of war for a very estimable prince."
Count Bismarck bowed.
"France," he continued, "as well as Austria, accepts all the alterations of territory in North Germany; but now begin the extraordinary negotiations for compensation."
The king's countenance clouded.
"Were their demands stated?" he asked.
"No; but Benedetti pointed out very plainly what they would be; and I had guessed them beforehand," said Count Bismarck.
"What were they?" asked the king.
Calmly and smiling Count Bismarck replied--
"The frontier of 1814--Luxembourg and Mayence."