"Of course I cannot be so perfectly acquainted with the opinions of the rest of Germany as I am with those of Berlin," said Benedetti; "but I have attentively perused the newspapers, and I have spoken of the feeling in Germany to persons certain to be well informed: the result of my observations is, that at this moment not a single German government would dare to side with France against Prussia, and the German people (of this I am sure) would--with some few exceptions, which are certain to be instantly suppressed,--place themselves on the side of Prussia. We should have all Germany against us." "France must fear no enemy, when her honour and her interests are at stake!" cried Drouyn de Lhuys proudly. Benedetti looked on the ground, and said, with some hesitation,-- "I must also impart to your majesty, that I hear from a source which for a long time past has supplied me with true and important intelligence, and which is known to your majesty,--I hear that a secret treaty is concluded between Prussia and the South German states, which in case of war delivers the armies of these states to the King of Prussia as their Commander-in-Chief." "Impossible!" cried the emperor vehemently as he rose, "it would make the Treaty of Peace an illusion!" "Our representatives at the South German courts tell us nothing about this," said Drouyn de Lhuys. "I believe my information is true," said Benedetti, calmly. The emperor stood up. Both the gentlemen rose at the same moment. Drouyn de Lhuys looked at his sovereign in anxious suspense. "My dear Benedetti," said Napoleon with charming kindness, "you are tired after your exhausting journey, I beg you will rest yourself thoroughly. I thank you for your communications, and for the zeal you have shown in making them to me personally. To-morrow I will see you again and will give you further instructions." And with engaging courtesy he held out his hand to Benedetti. The ambassador bowed deeply and withdrew by the door leading to Piétri's room. "Your majesty is now convinced," said Drouyn de Lhuys, "that our propositions are refused." Napoleon drew himself up proudly, his features expressed energy and determination, his eyes were widely opened, and courage flashed in his clear glance. "Now for action," said he. The minister's face shone with joy. "France will thank your majesty for this decision," he cried. The emperor rang. "General Fleury," he cried to the groom of the chambers as he entered. The general's strong lean form, with his animated, expressive countenance, large moustache, and Henri Quatre beard, appeared a moment afterwards in the cabinet. "Are the marshals assembled?" asked Napoleon. "At your majesty's command." Drouyn de Lhuys gazed with surprise at the emperor. He responded with a smile.