"Who can understand them?" cried Count Wedel with bitterness, "least of all, I believe, those who conceived them."
"Do you believe the annexation of Hanover will really take place?" asked von Düring.
"I believe it is certain," said Count Wedel; "the expressions used by the Prussian magistrates in Hanover leave us in no doubt about it, it is no use ignoring the sad fact; but," he said, "we are called!"
A bell sounded from the adjoining room.
A moment afterwards the king's groom of the chambers appeared.
"His majesty requests you, gentlemen, to go to him."
He opened the door into the king's cabinet.
Count Wedel and Captain von Düring entered.
The cabinet that George V. inhabited was hung with silken tartan, beautiful specimens of Scotch weapons, and masterly paintings representing scenes from Sir Walter Scott's novels, adorned the walls. Before a large table in the midst of the room stood the king; his beautiful, expressive countenance was very sad. He wore the loose grey overcoat belonging to the uniform of his Austrian regiment.
"God bless you, gentlemen," said King George with a gracious smile, as he held out his hand, which Count Wedel and Captain von Düring pressed to their lips; "much has happened since we parted, my dear Alfred."