United States or Czechia ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"It would not be the first time that I have seen you in a deshabille, my dear comrade," replied Von Crenneville, "for you cannot have forgotten the old days when we were quartered together in Hungary. As I presume you have not breakfasted, I will take the liberty of inviting myself to breakfast, for I am hungry and exhausted by travelling all night."
This pompous announcement had the desired effect; it awed the porter into civility, and he hastened to inform the footman of his excellency, that Count Spaur being in bed, he would inform the valet, and have the Austrian ambassador apprised of the visit of Count von Crenneville. "Open your door before you go, and admit his excellency into the house," cried the footman, imperiously.
This prelude appeared to cause considerable emotion. There was visible agitation throughout the assembly. Count von Crenneville felt encouraged, and was about to continue his appeal, when one of the electorals started from his seat and spoke: "I beg pardon of the imperial envoy; but I must ask permission of the imperial representative-resident to make a personal remark."
Do you know how long the Diet has been sitting at Regensburg?" "Two years, I believe." "Well: do you know what they have been doing for these two years?" "No, count; it is precisely to learn this that his majesty has sent me here," said Von Crenneville. "I will tell you then. They have been profoundly engaged in settling questions of diplomatic etiquette.
"I will betake myself to the nearest hotel to follow your example," replied Von Crenneville. "By no means. Your room is prepared, and I will conduct you thither at once, if you wish." Fifteen or twenty minutes elapsed, when the two imperial envoys met again, and drove, in the state-carriage of Count Spaur, to the hall of conference.
Count von Crenneville then resumed the broken thread of his discourse: "I earnestly request the assembly to come to a decision this very day. The country is in imminent danger, and can only be saved by unanimity and promptitude of action." Here he was interrupted by the envoy from Bremen, who rose and begged to be allowed to make his personal remark.
When they had breakfasted, Count Spaur led the way to his cabinet, and the conference began by Count von Crenneville handing a packet to his friend from the emperor. The latter received it with a profound inclination, and carefully cutting it, so as to avoid breaking the seal, he opened it, and prepared to make himself master of its contents. He shook his head dolefully.
Announce to the Diet that I require of them to be serious, and to come to the assistance of their fatherland. Count von Crenneville, who will deliver this to you, is empowered to declare the same to the assembled representatives of the Germanic Confederation." "It seems to me that the demand is a reasonable one," remarked Count von Crenneville. "But impossible of compliance.
At a signal from the latter, the other envoys took their seats, and Count von Crenneville addressed the assembly: "My lords ambassadors of the electors, princes, and imperial cities of the German empire, his majesty greets you all.
"I do not know the person of his excellency," persisted the porter, "and how do I know but some petty ducal envoy may not be playing a trick on me, and so obtain fraudulent entrance to the house of the Austrian ambassador?" "You presume to apply such language to Count von Crenneville!" cried the footman, "I shall "
Word Of The Day