12/21 In Austria my father was the Emperor's only personal friend. My mother was scarcely popular there--she was too completely English--but since my father died the Emperor will scarcely let me stay a week away. Yes, your information is perhaps true. I will supplement it, if you like. Since our little affair in the Cafe de Berlin, the Kaiser, who went out of his way to insist upon your removal from Berlin, has notified the Emperor that he would prefer to receive his most private dispatches either through the regular diplomatic channels or by some other messenger." Norgate's emphatic expletive was only half-stifled as she continued. |