"A second centre of gravity will remain in Vienna," returned the King of Saxony, "and the balance of power between the two will create the future strength of Austria." "But the Church," asked the King of Hanover, "will she regard Beust favourably?" "I avoid speaking upon Church questions," said King John gravely, "happily, from the constitution of Saxony, I have never been placed in the painful position of deciding between political necessity and my religions convictions. Have you good news of the queen?" he said, changing the subject. "I thank you," replied King George, "she is as well as painful circumstances permit." "I admire her heroic courage and her dignified bearing," said the King of Saxony; after a short pause he added-- "Shall you remain here, or go to England?" "To England?" cried King George, "to England, who moved not a finger to assist me, or to defend the country that had given her a glorious race of kings, the country whose sons had shed their blood in England's wars? No! I will remain here, here in the house my cousin has so kindly placed at my disposal. Here, at least, I am upon Guelphic soil," he tapped his foot on the ground, "here I will remain until the tide of misfortune turns." "You believe a change is possible in our present fate?" asked King John with some surprise. "I do believe it," said the King of Hanover firmly. "But," said King John, "we shall embarrass Austria, about whose power we were so much deceived, if we stay here; our position will be painful." "Here in quiet Hietzing," replied King George, "I shall not embarrass the political world of Vienna, though perhaps," he added with dignity, "I may be a living reminiscence of duties that cannot be stripped off." The King of Saxony stood up. King George also rose. "I expect my son," said King John, "he will pay his respects to you." "I shall be delighted to see the crown prince," said King George. The King of Saxony pressed the King of Hanover's hand,--he rang, the folding doors were thrown open, and arm in arm the two princes walked through the reception room. King George accompanied his guest to the door of the house, and then returned, guided by Count Wedel who had followed him, to his cabinet. Count Platen and Herr Meding had in the meantime arrived in the ante-room. The groom of the chambers announced them to the king. "Call the crown prince and the privy councillor," said King George. After a few minutes Prince Ernest Augustus and Herr Lex entered the king's cabinet, Count Platen and Herr Meding followed them. At a sign from the king they all seated themselves around the table. The king began in a grave voice: