"The poor king," cried the emperor, "he has bravely defended his rights, and he now expects from me help and protection! All those princes," he continued gloomily, "who assembled around me in the old imperial hall at Frankfort, how shall I appear before them after this shameful defeat!" And again he sank into brooding thought.
"Your majesty!" cried Count Crenneville in a low, imploring tone.
The emperor stood up.
"Bring General von Knesebeck in!"
The adjutant-general hastened to the door, and a moment afterwards returned with General von Knesebeck, and Major von Kohlrausch.
The emperor walked towards the general and held out his hand with much emotion.
"You bring sad news, my dear general; I am filled with admiration for your royal master, and I deeply deplore that such great heroism could not command a happier result. Alas! you have found little to console you here," he added with a visible effort; and then as if unwilling to pursue the painful subject, he turned a look of enquiry towards Major von Kohlrausch.
"Your majesty," said General von Knesebeck, "I mast first beg permission to introduce to you Major von Kohlrausch, equerry to my royal master. He begs the honour of presenting a letter from our sovereign."
The emperor bowed kindly to the major, who stepped forward in a soldier-like manner and placed a writing in the emperor's hand.
He opened it quickly and looked through its brief contents.