"How could I!" exclaimed His Excellency. "I hope, indeed, to have a chance before the day is over to mention the matter. Of course they won't do it without a little _baksheesh_--they don't do anything there for the love of God; fortunately we always have such stuff on hand. The promise to drive the screw one turn less tight in Alsace-Lorraine and not to disturb rudely the childish pleasure of the old Catholic gentlemen in Cologne, and not to beat the drum quite so loudly in the coming discussion about the brave Bishop of Ermeland--every single one of these kindnesses is worth a General, especially if he has such antediluvian, unpractical ideas concerning the state, society and the family." "And such a thing passes without _éclat_?" "Absolutely without _éclat_. Oh, my honored friend, you must not consider us any longer the honest barbarians of Tacitus; we really have learned something since that time!--God help you!" "Will Your Excellency permit me to accompany you to your carriage?" "Under no circumstances; my body-servant is waiting for me in the hall; have him come in, please." "Grant, Your Excellency, that now, as ever, I be your humble servant." Giraldi was about to offer his arm to the half-blinded man, when a new caller was announced. "Who is it?" asked His Excellency with some anxiety; "you know I must not be seen here by every one." "It is Privy Councilor Schieler, Your Excellency." "Oh, he!--By the way, don't trust that old sneak any more than is necessary! He is a box that contains many good wares, but is to be handled with care. Above all things, don't trust him in the matter in question; it is quite unnecessary; his high protector can do nothing about it." "That is why I took the liberty to turn to Your Excellency." "One is always too late with his advice to you. Another thing: In this little clan war, as you have to carry it on here with the North German centaurs, you need what is known to be thrice necessary in real war. Are you sufficiently provided with that?" "I was ever of the opinion that war must sustain war. Besides, I can draw on Brussels at any time for any amount, if it should be necessary." "Perhaps it will be necessary. In any case, keep the party in hand. There is, in spite of your sanguine hopes for the future, which I, by the way, share fully, a period of lean years ahead of us first. We shall have to lead the life of a church mouse, and church-mouse precaution behooves us now more than ever. You will keep me _au courant_?" "In my own interest, Your Excellency."