The news I bring is far more important.

His majesty emphatically declines any alliance with the House of Ehrenstein." The ambassador stumbled into a chair, his mind dulled, his shoulders inert.

This was a blow.
"Declines ?" he murmured.
"He repudiates his uncle's negotiations absolutely." "Damnation!" swore the ambassador, coming to life once more.
"The exact word used by the prince; in fact, the word has become common property in the last forty-eight hours.

Now then, what's to be done?
What do you suggest ?" "This means war.

The duke will never swallow such an insult." "War! It looks as if you and I, Baron, shall not accompany the king of Prussia into Alsace-Lorraine.