"I thank you, Count Rivero," he said coldly, "for so plainly expressing your opinion. My resolution is made, and irrevocable! I can change nothing. I hope the way I am now taking may enable me to be useful to the Church, and to serve it as my heart desires." The inspired excitement vanished from the count's face. His features resumed their accustomed calmness, and his eyes their still, clear look. He waited for a few moments; and as the emperor was silent, he said, without the least trace of emotion in his voice,-- "Has your majesty any further commands?" The emperor replied graciously: "Farewell, count; be assured of the uprightness of my intentions, and hope with me for the future,--what you desire God may bring to pass in days to come." "My hope never fails," replied the count calmly, "for the future belongs to the Ruler of the Universe!" And with a deep bow he left the cabinet. The emperor looked after him thoughtfully. "They want to renew the days of Canossa!" he said to himself; "they deceive themselves. I will not be a servant to the Church; I will struggle and fight for the power to be her protector. And now, to work!" He rang, the groom of the chambers appeared. "Let States-Chancellor Klindworth be sent for without delay!" "At your majesty's command!" The emperor seated himself at his writing-table, and looked through various papers. But this occupation was merely mechanical. His thoughts often wandered, and the paper in his hand sank slowly down, while his eyes gazed thoughtfully into space. Klindworth entered. His face, with its downcast eyes, was as unmoved and impenetrable as ever. His hands were folded on his breast, he bowed deeply, and remained standing near the door. The emperor looked up as he entered, and returned his respectful greeting by a slight inclination of the head. "Do you know what I have decided to do, my dear Klindworth?" he asked, with a piercing glance at the old man's face. "I do know it, your imperial majesty!" "And what do you say to it?" "I rejoice at your majesty's decision." The emperor appeared surprised. "You applaud me," he asked, "for sacrificing Italy?" "To keep Germany--yes," replied Klindworth; "your majesty can reconquer Italy by Germany--never Germany by Italy." "But you were against my giving up Italy before the commencement of the war," said the emperor. "Certainly, your imperial majesty," replied Klindworth, "because I learnt from the great Metternich 'that you should never give up anything that you can possibly keep; but should you be compelled by necessity to sacrifice something, always sacrifice that which you can most easily regain.'" "But," said the emperor, looking up with a quick piercing glance, "Rome will take this very ill, perhaps become my enemy."