"Would you have me resemble him?" cried Charles.
"Yes, in that particular, my liege. He would not be where he now is if he were not absolute. At your next council explain your plans, but do not allow them to be discussed."
"Why summon a council at all, if those composing it are not to deliberate?"
"Merely that your generals may hear the expression of your will."
"Well, thy notion is not a bad one," replied Charles, smiling for the first time.
"Let no one speak but yourself, my liege, and there can be no wrangling, no contention."
"That is indisputable," said Charles.
At this moment a sound was heard in the passage.
"Some one is without!" exclaimed the king. "But be it whom it may, I will not be disturbed."
Thereupon Careless left the chamber, but almost immediately returned.