¶ It was a sharp, short, painful scene; by no means a ceremonious discussion of constitutional prerogatives, or the amicable rearrangement of methods of transacting state business. Instead, it was the parting of the ways, the breaking of old ties;—and after all these long years!
¶ “Then I understand, Your Majesty, that I am in your way?”
¶ “Yes!”
¶ “Enough!”
¶ “Haste!” rejoined the Kaiser; and thus, in few words, the celebrated interview came to an end.
¶ In parting with the Chancellor, the Kaiser made Bismarck Prince of Lauenburg and gave him a very valuable country estate, and added also the rank of Field Marshal. The princes of Germany joined in good wishes for the old man’s peace and happiness, for his declining days.
¶ Peace and happiness—what a satire!
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And Bismarck was intensely human! “Who made United Germany?” is his question.
¶ The women of his household did not take the news quietly.