"Are you content to allow your men now gathered round Thuron to join those under my standard?"
"I am content, your Majesty."
"Are you content to give up the guardianship of the Countess Tekla?"
"It has brought me little profit and some loss of prestige, so I am well rid of it. I am content, your Majesty."
The Emperor rose from his throne and descended the steps of the dais, extending his hand.
"My Lord Archbishop," he said, "I hope from this day forward to count you one of my friends."
"In truth, your Majesty," replied von Isenberg dryly, "I would rather have you my friend than my enemy."
"It is a sentiment which finds an echo in my own breast," responded the Emperor with undeniable amity, and casting a sharp glance on Count Bertrich, he added: "Is that defective memory of yours local or general, my Lord Count?"
"It is universal, your Majesty. Men whom I have met two years ago I could not recognise to-day."
"Ah! Such misfortunes, deplorable as they may seem, are not without their compensation, my Lord."