"Give me the second," said the emperor, "let Herr von Bismarck unite Germany as well as he can, and let us strengthen the power of France as much as possible. Write to Benedetti at once, order him to go to head-quarters and to negotiate at first a simple suspension of arms; let us first quiet those cannon and make room for calm diplomacy. Let him then raise the question of compensation in a confidential conversation with Herr von Bismarck, and suggest Luxembourg and Mayence." Drouyn de Lhuys bowed. "But without engaging himself too much, without stating any ultimatum. I will keep my hand free," said the emperor with animation. "Our interests can only be preserved, sire," said Drouyn de Lhuys, "if our attitude is decided, and our speech firm." "They shall be so," cried the emperor; "but we must not begin with the ultimatum. Let Benedetti sound, and skilfully discover how his proposals are received." "And what will your majesty say to Austria?" asked Drouyn de Lhuys. "That we are taking the greatest pains to make the peace as favourable as possible, and to preserve the territorial possessions and the European position of Austria. We must," he added, "advise Vienna to be ready to continue the war in case we are unsuccessful, for who knows what turn affairs may take, and, besides, a firm attitude on the part of Austria, and an increase of the difficulties Prussia finds on that side, can only be favourable to us." "I am quite of your majesty's opinion, and I shall write in this spirit to the Duke de Gramont immediately. I must now mention to your majesty that Herr von Beust has arrived and requests an audience." "Beust, the Saxon minister?" asked the emperor with surprise. "He arrived in Paris this morning, and was with me before I came here," said Drouyn de Lhuys. "And what does he want?" enquired Napoleon. "To call upon your majesty to protect Saxony." "I will see him," said Napoleon after a short pause; "but without ceremonial." "That is also the wish of Herr von Beust, your majesty." "Beg him to announce himself through Colonel Favé, who is on duty. I will instruct the colonel to bring him without exciting observation." "Very well, sire. To-day or to-morrow I expect Prince Reuss, who is sent by the King of Prussia with letters to your majesty from head-quarters at Pardubitz." "From where?" asked the emperor. "Pardubitz, sire," repeated Drouyn de Lhuys, pronouncing the word very distinctly. "What a name!" cried Napoleon. "And do you know what he brings?" "The conditions of peace," said Drouyn de Lhuys; "without their previous acceptance the King of Prussia will conclude no armistice. So says Count Goltz, who informed me of the prince's coming by a telegram." "And were these conditions known to Count Goltz?" asked the emperor further.