The minister had not seated himself but remained standing, leaning against the back of the plain wooden chair; in his rather rich civilian attire, with his full peruke and fine appointments, he was in contrast to the camp-like simplicity of the room and the austere figure of the youthful soldier.
“I have come to ask your Majesty what you intend to do,” said the Count; he knew that it was useless to try diplomacy or even tact with the King who was offended with all but the bluntest of speeches.
“You have been wishing to ask me that for some while, have you not?” smiled Karl, he was no longer brooding or thoughtful, but alert and keen.
“I think that this is a decisive moment in your career, sire, therefore in that of the history of Europe.”
This was the kind of bold compliment that pleased the King.
“I believe so,” he said calmly.
“You have, sire, achieved more than anyone could have believed possible—there only remains for you to bless your country with a lasting peace.”
“Ah!” exclaimed Karl shortly, with his disagreeable laugh.
Count Piper faced him calmly.
“Is not that your Majesty’s intention?”