"Impossible!" cried Persiany.
Count Ingelheim shrugged his shoulders.
"What would you have?" said he; "you cannot expect good dinners in the midst of war; besides, we sportsmen are accustomed----"
"But I am not a sportsman!" cried Persiany.
"Here comes Count Platen," exclaimed the Austrian ambassador; "perhaps he will bring us some news."
Count Platen came and begged the Russian ambassador, who was greatly shaken by Count Ingelheim's descriptions, to accompany him to the king.
"You do not believe further negotiations are possible?" asked Persiany, as he ascended the steps.
"I do not think the king will permit anything to be attempted," replied Count Platen, after a short hesitation.
"Then----" said M. de Persiany--but he could not express his thoughts, for they had reached the door of the king's room.
"My dear Monsieur de Persiany," said George V., "I sent for you in order----I hope, though, you are somewhat rested."