from her whatever she wants--a piece of Bavaria, a piece of Prussia-
-I would not care if she even gave to France a piece of Germany, for
instance the frontier of the Rhine. In the name of Heaven, I should
think that the so-called German empire is decayed enough to permit
us to break off a few of its pieces."

"You are very unmerciful toward the poor German empire," said Count
Cobenzl, with a smile, "for you are no German, and owing to that, it
seems you are much better qualified to act as Austrian
plenipotentiary in this matter. Nevertheless it is odd and funny
enough that in these negotiations in which the welfare of Germany is
principally at stake, the Emperor of Germany should be represented
by an Italian, and the French Republic by a Corsican!"

"You omit yourself, my dear count," said the marquis, politely. "You
are the real representative of the German emperor, and I perceive
that the emperor could not have intrusted the interests of Germany
to better hands. But as you have permitted me to act as your
adviser, I would beg you to remember that the welfare of Austria
should precede the welfare of Germany. And--but listen! a carriage
is approaching."

"It is General Bonaparte," said Count Cobenzl, hastening to the
window. "Just see the splendid carriage in which he is coming. Six
horses--four footmen on the box, and a whole squadron of lancers
escorting him! And you believe this republican to be insensible to
flattery? Ah, ha! we will give sweetmeats to the bear! Let us go and
receive him."

He took the arm of the marquis, and both hastened to receive the