"And do not forget," said the emperor, in a gracious tone, repeating his minister's words, "that our language must be firm, and our attitude decided." He held out his hand to his minister. "I may then send Herr von Beust here immediately?" said Drouyn de Lhuys, preparing to go. "Do so," said the emperor; "and as soon as anything fresh arises, I expect you." With an engaging smile, he made one step towards the door, through which, with a low bow, Drouyn de Lhuys withdrew. The emperor walked thoughtfully several times up and down his cabinet. Then he went to the portière, which concealed the private stairs, and called,-- "Piétri." He appeared immediately. "Have you seen this article from the 'Journal de St.-Pétersbourg'?" asked the emperor, handing his secretary the paper he had received from Drouyn de Lhuys. "I have," replied Piétri, after glancing at it hastily; "I had it ready to present to your majesty." "All goes on excellently," said the emperor, rubbing his hands. "We must increase this difficulty arising for the victor of Königgrätz in the East as much as possible. I have ordered Talleyrand to dwell upon the identity of the French and Russian interests." Piétri bowed. The emperor slightly turned the points of his moustache. "You might write to him quite confidentially," he proceeded, "saying that there is no intention of allowing the idea to transpire hastily; but that since 1854 and 1856, the European situation has much changed, and that now an understanding between France and Russia upon the Eastern question would, perhaps, be possible and desirable. Should a common policy facilitate the arrangement of the German difficulty, a revision of the Treaty of Paris would probably not be refused here. But this must be quite private," he said, with emphasis, "engaging us to nothing, and in the strictest confidence." "Very good, it shall be done at once," said Piétri. "Sire," he said, after waiting for a moment, during which the emperor was silent, "Herr Klindworth is here, and wishes to see your majesty." "Klindworth?" cried the emperor, laughing, "that old stormy petrel could not keep out of a crisis which has raised such a tempest in European policy. What does he want?" "He comes from Vienna, and wants to impart to your majesty much that is interesting." "He is always interesting, and he often has clever ideas," cried the emperor. "Bring him here at once." Piétri ran down the steps, and returned in a few moments with States-Chancellor Klindworth, who appeared from behind the dark, heavy portière, which the private secretary closed again after his entrance. The emperor and Klindworth were alone. The latter stood in the same attitude, the same brown coat, and the same white cravat as in the cabinet of Francis Joseph. With downcast eyes he waited, after a low bow, for the emperor to speak.