General von Manteuffel bowed.
"I hope," he said, "that my devotion to my country, and my honest love to Russia, will give my words clearness and conviction."
Prince Gortschakoff rang.
"Order the carriage," he said to the groom of the chambers.
"Will you excuse me for a moment," said he to General von Manteuffel, "I shall be ready to accompany you immediately."
He withdrew by a side door. Manteuffel walked to the window and looked thoughtfully through the panes.
After five minutes the prince returned. He wore his ministerial undress uniform, the broad orange ribbon of the Black Eagle beneath his coat, and upon his breast the star of this highest Prussian Order, above the star of the Order of Andreas.
The groom of the chambers opened the door.
"Precede me, I beg," said the minister, with a courteous movement, "I am at home."
General von Manteuffel left the room and awaited the prince who followed him.