The emperor was conversing gayly with two Polish noblemen, whose cheerful demeanor bore evidence to the transitory nature of their national grief, when he observed this old man.
"Can you tell me," said he, "the name of yonder proud and angry nobleman?"
The faces of the two grew scarlet, as following the direction of the emperor's finger, they saw the eyes of the old man fixed, with scorn, upon their smiling countenances.
"That," said one of them, uneasily, "is Count Kannienski."
"Ah, the old partisan leader!" exclaimed the emperor. "As he does not seem inclined to come to me, I will go forward and greet him myself."
So saying, Joseph crossed over to the window where, the old count was standing. He received him with a cold, solemn bow.
"I rejoice to meet Count Kannienski, and to express to him my esteem for his character," began the emperor, reaching out his hand.
The count did not appear to perceive the gesture, and merely made a silent bow. But Joseph would not be deterred from his purpose by a hauteur which he knew very well how to excuse.
"Is this your first visit to Vienna?" asked he.
"My first and last visit, sire."