I replied as follows, in the _Hannoverscher Courier_, upon information received from Bucher: “Fresh rumours of an alleged aggravation of the Imperial Chancellor’s condition are constantly circulated in the press. I am assured on good authority that the Prince’s health is by no mean worse, but on the contrary much better than it was some months ago, although in order to complete his recovery he must still rest for some time to come, and avoid the overwork which may await him in Berlin. In the meantime, as I learn from another quarter, the long absence of the Chancellor from the Ministry in the Wilhelmstrasse, and the unfavourable reports respecting his health, which are spread not only by his enemies, but also by certain friends who, whilst affecting regret are longing for his inheritance, encourages the hopes of those who desire to see a change, which, as is doubtless well known, would not be unwelcome to a certain exalted lady. I have reason to believe that this statement also comes from a trustworthy source.” At the same time the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_ denied the report of Balan’s impending return to Brussels, and of Keudell’s intended appointment in terms which were to make it appear that the question was still under consideration. The _Deutsche Zeitung_ of Vienna on the 25th of November called attention to this circumstance, observing that the language used amounted to a partial confirmation of the rumour. This was probably written by Aegidi, or suggested by him to one of his journalistic hacks. A more positive statement was now issued from Varzin. On the 21st of December I received from Bucher, through the Central Bureau, the following explanation, which was not to be published in the _Kölnische Zeitung_; and which appeared in the _Hannoverscher Courier_, whence it was copied by other papers: “Herr von Keudell has experienced in his own person the truth of the proverb respecting over-zealous friends. In the Casino (in Berlin) it is well known that he regards the next stage in his career to be the Secretaryship of State in the Foreign Office, and that he has retained his residence here. It will hardly have been in accordance with his wishes, however, that a weekly newspaper should have circulated a report, afterwards widely reproduced in usually well-informed papers, that he is to be the successor of Herr von Thile, and that Vienna papers should declare the _démenti_ of the _Norddeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung_ to be a partial confirmation of this report. In view of the trustworthy source from which that _démenti_ is understood to have come (for your information, from the Chief), the terms in which it was drafted may be held rather to indicate a desire to contradict in the friendliest form possible, a rumour, which bore the appearance of an advertisement. Outsiders are the less called upon to busy themselves with the interests of the statesman in question, as the position he