“Sire, we may be forced to take that course,” replied the Count.
“If you do,” returned Karl, “I shall never ratify it.”
“Sire, we are attacked on all sides——”
“Cannot you defend yourselves?”
“Sire, the country is empty of money, men, and all resources.”
He wished to add—“drained by your ruinous, useless wars,” but checked himself.
Karl glanced towards the window-place where Müllern, Grothusen, and Poniatowski were standing.
“You hear,” he said, “how poor-spirited they become at home.”
Count Liewin flushed.
“Call us desperate, sire!” he exclaimed.