The Prime Minister yielded the point readily, seeing in it the effort of dull obstinacy to score a nominal triumph. "There is, however, the accompanying condition," said he, "necessary for the success of our scheme; and to that I must once more refer. In order to pass our bill we shall need the consecration of at least fifty new Bishops, nominated by the Government; to that, also, your Majesty has hitherto been opposed."
"Oh, you mean the Free Churchmen?" queried the King. "Ah, yes, and the Archimandrite."
"In that matter," replied the Prime Minister, "I have some reason to believe that the Bishops will eventually give way."
The King felt himself a little more alone. "Yes," he said, "I daresay they will; I shouldn't wonder at all."
"Then over that, too, I may look for your Majesty's consent?"
The King repeated his former word. "I shall not stand in your way," he said; and again the Prime Minister bowed low.
"I have to thank your Majesty for relieving me of a great difficulty."
"Oh, no, why should you? You have not persuaded me in the least; you have merely forced me to a certain course, in which I still cannot pretend that I agree."
"I shall always recognize that your Majesty has acted on the highest motives, both in opposing and in ceasing to oppose."
"I shall ask you to remember that," said the King.