“Why were you invited?” enquired his spouse. “I haven’t the slightest idea,” was his reply. “Anyway, I am afraid I made but a poor impression.” A week later von Rottenburg was again sitting in his room when Count Wilhelm Bismarck was announced. “My father wishes to see you to-morrow,” he said. “Indeed, and may I ask what for?” “That is his business, not mine. Be pleased to call at such an hour.” Perplexed as to the repetition of the invitation the young diplomat called as desired. Bismarck was sitting at his table writing. The man who held the destiny of Europe in his hands looked up and nodded. “Sit down,” he said, and went on signing letters. When he had finished blotting the last bold signature, turning to von Rottenburg, he said: “Do you wonder why I sent for you?” “To tell the truth, I do.” “I wish to make you Chief of the Chancellery.” Von Rottenburg was naturally amazed, but said nothing. “Do you understand what I say?” repeated Bismarck. “I wish to make you Chief of the Chancellery.” “Well—er—but——” “There is no _well_ or _but_ about it.” “But, you see, I am rather ambitious.” “Are you? I am glad to hear it.” “And such being the case, perhaps——” “Man!” thundered Bismarck from his seat as he thumped the table; “Do you understand the importance of what I am offering you?” “I quite realise the immense _honour_, but at the same time I am interested in my present work, and am doing so well at the Foreign Office that I should be sorry to relinquish——” “Are you married?” interrupted the Chancellor. “Yes, to an English lady.” “I congratulate you. I believe English women are the best wives and companions in the world.” Here let it be remarked that Bismarck was a great English scholar. He spoke the language fluently, he read _Tom Jones_ from cover to cover four times, and was never without his Shakespeare in the original, whole pages from which he could quote. “Go home,” said the Prince; “tell your wife what I have offered you and ask her advice. But mind, if you come to me you will have to be my slave. Where I go you must go, and it is only fair that you should ask her permission. Women should be more considered than they are. Go home, I tell you, and ask your wife.” [Illustration: ORIGINAL LETTER FROM BISMARCK WITH A TRANSLATION BY HIS INTIMATE FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE DR. VON ROTTENBURG] Still bewildered, flattered but faltering, von Rottenburg went home. He told his wife of his extraordinary interview with the Chancellor, and she at once exclaimed: “Of course, you must accept.” “Must I?” “Why, of course you must. A chance comes once to every man; let him accept it gladly when it does come.” Accordingly he accepted the post of Chief of the Chancellery, and began his ten years’ service directly under the Iron Chancellor.