"That is an interior affair belonging to the new organization of Germany," said Benedetti, "in which the emperor has not the slightest wish to intermeddle." "So then the programme as you have just repeated it may be looked upon as a definite peace basis, with this addition, that Austria agrees to accept all the alterations in North Germany which the territorial acquisitions may necessitate, namely, the incorporation of Hanover, Hesse-Cassel, Nassau, and Frankfort." The calm face of the ambassador showed some surprise. "I do not remember that we ever spoke of Nassau and Frankfort." "They are needful for the complete adjustment of our frontier, that is to say, if we give up Saxony," said Bismarck. Benedetti was silent. "Negotiations for peace may then be begun upon this basis?" asked the Prussian minister, with an enquiring glance at the ambassador. "I see no further difficulty," said the latter, "and," he added, without any particular emphasis, "the adjustment of the interests of new Germany and of France will be easily arranged through the spirit of moderation and _prévenance_ shown by our emperor, and with which you too and your sovereign have proved you are inspired." Count Bismarck gazed deeply and searchingly into the expressionless eyes of the French diplomatist; he appeared carefully to weigh every word. "And how do you think that these interests will be affected by the new arrangements? how do you think they can be adjusted?" Benedetti leant back a little in his chair, and then said,-- "I think you will acknowledge the readiness with which the Emperor Napoleon has accepted the incorporation of the German states by Prussia, although--I must repeat this--it was not in accordance with his ideas, and perhaps might occasion serious misconceptions in other European cabinets." "What power would find anything against it," cried Bismarck, "if France agreed?" "England, perhaps, with regard to Hanover," said Benedetti. Bismarck shrugged his shoulders. "Perhaps Russia," continued the ambassador. "The Emperor Alexander, with his views on legitimacy and monarchical rights, would hardly approve of the disinheriting of dynasties." Count Bismarck was silent. "I mention this only incidentally," said Benedetti; "nevertheless I think it is greatly to your interest to act completely in accordance with France, and I believe that you will not be unwilling to acknowledge the Emperor Napoleon's friendship, nor to own that on our side certain territorial modifications are needful on our frontier, to maintain the balance of power and thus cement a lasting friendship." The slight cloud which at the ambassador's first words had appeared on Count Bismarck's brow, not unobserved by the speaker, quickly vanished; his countenance assumed calm indifference, and with obliging courtesy he asked,-- "And can you impart to me the emperor's views as to these territorial modifications?"