"I must, however, direct your majesty's attention," he said, "to another subject. The disposition of the Russian court is unfavourable, and I fear our new acquisitions will cause increased displeasure." "I feared this," said the king. "It is important," proceeded Count Bismarck, "that the sky should be clear in that quarter. We must paralyze the influence exerted against us, and call Russia's attention to the interest she has in preserving the friendship of Prussia and Germany, both now and in the future. It will be needful to send a skilful person to St. Petersburg. I will lay before your majesty a sketch of my views in this direction, and if you graciously approve, it will serve as the ambassador's instructions." "Do so," said the king, with animation, "not only politically but personally I am most anxious to preserve the undisturbed friendship of Russia. I will send Manteuffel," he said after a little consideration, "he is quite the man for it, as soon as the war in Bavaria is ended." Count Bismarck bowed in silence. He then said: "Your majesty, a Hanoverian equerry has just arrived here with a letter from the king. He has brought me a note from Count Platen." A sorrowful expression came into the king's face. "What does he write?" he asked. "The king acknowledges your majesty as the victor in Germany, and is ready to accept such terms of peace as your majesty will grant." For a long time the king was silent. "Oh!" he cried, "if I could but help him. Poor George! Could not a curtailed Hanover without military independence be permitted?" Count Bismarck's eyes looked with icy calmness and complete firmness on the king's excited face. "Your majesty has decided that the incorporation of Hanover is necessary for the safety and power of Prussia. What good would a sham monarchy, a simple principality do to the Guelphs? But to us, such a hiatus inhabited by a hostile population would be dangerous. Your majesty must remember what mischief the Hanoverians would have done us, had they retained Gablenz, or had the general staff ordered less incomprehensible marches. Such a danger must be rendered impossible for the future!" "Queen Frederika was the sister of my mother," said the king in a voice that trembled slightly. "I venerate the ties of royal blood that unite your majesty to King George," said Count Bismarck, "and I have personally the highest sympathy for that unhappy prince; but," he said, raising his voice, "your majesty's nearest and dearest relation is the Prussian people, whose blood has flowed on these battle-fields--the people of Frederick the Great, the people of 1813. Your majesty must pay them the price of their blood. Forgive me, your majesty, if I am bold when speaking in the name of your people. I know my words only express feelings your royal heart deeply and loudly echoes. If your majesty receives the king's letter," he added, "you bind your hands, you commence negotiations, which ought not to be begun!"