The chasm is too deep." The old minister sighed deeply.

His fingers touched the despatch box as though by habit.

It represented power, majesty and the iron game of government.

The young man watched him eagerly.
The heavy, tremulous hands of Count von Stroebel passed back and forth over the box caressingly.

Suddenly he bent forward and spoke with a new and gentler tone and manner.
"I have given my life, my whole life, as you have said, to one service--to uphold one idea.