"Not another word, Binder. Step behind that screen and listen to our discussion. It will save me the trouble of repeating it to you."
While Binder was concealing himself, Kaunitz was composing his visage before a looking-glass. It soon reached its accustomed serenity, and not a lock of the peruke was out of place.
In five minutes the page reopened the door and announced the entrance of the Russian ambassador.
CHAPTER LXXVI.
RUSSIA SPEAKS.
Prince Kaunitz stood in the centre of the room when the Russian minister made his appearance. He raised his cold blue eyes with perfect indifference to the smiling face of the Russian, who bowed low, while his host vouchsafed him a slight inclination of the head. Prince Gallitzin seemed to be as unconscious of this haughty reception as of the fact that Kaunitz had not moved forward a singe step to greet him. He traversed with unruffled courtesy the distance that separated him from Austria, and offered his hand with the grace of a finished courtier.
Kaunitz raised his languidly, and allowed it to rest for a moment in the palm of his cordial visitor.
"See, what a propitious incident," said Prince Gallitzin; "Austria and
Russia have given each other the hand. "
"Pardon me, your highness," replied Kaunitz gravely, "Russia has offered her hand, and Austria takes it."
"But without returning my cordial pressure," said the Russian.