This precious tribute he was called upon to receive. He was to speak himself with the Empress of Austria. So excited was he by the thought, that the strong man trembled from head to foot; he was even more agitated than he had been twenty years before, when he had received his diploma as doctor of laws. Pale, but inexpressibly happy, he stood upon the threshold of the empress's cabinet, and awaited her permission to approach and kiss her beloved and honored hand.
Maria Theresa saw him and spoke not a word. She sat immovable in her arm-chair, darting lightning glances upon the unconscious counsellor, and growing every moment more enraged at the thought of his impertinent researches, until the storm burst with all its fury upon his head. The empress clutched the pamphlets which lay near her upon the table, and rising from her chair, strode through the room to the door where the unhappy author stood.
"Did you write these brochures?" asked she.
"Yes, your majesty," said Von Schrotter with a happy smile.
"Read the title-page."
Von Schrotter read: "The rights and measures of her imperial, royal, and apostolic majesty in reference to the Bavarian succession."
"Now read the title of your first pamphlet."
"Impartial thoughts on the various questions arising from the succession of Maximilian Joseph."
"You acknowledge the authorship of these two brochures?"
"I am proud to acknowledge them, your majesty."