I never had any illusions respecting the Roumanian psychology, and was quite clear in my own mind that the sincere regret at the Archduke's death was due to egotistical motives and to the fear of being compelled now to abandon the national ambition.

The ultimatum and the danger of war threatening on the horizon completely altered the Roumanian attitude, and it was suddenly recognised that Roumania could achieve its object by other means, not by peace, but by war--not _with_, but _against_ the Monarchy.

I would never have believed it possible that such a rapid and total change could have occurred practically within a few hours.

Genuine and simulated indignation at the tone of the ultimatum was the order of the day, and the universal conclusion arrived at was: _L'Autriche est devenue folle._ Men and women with whom I had been on a perfectly friendly footing for the last year suddenly became bitter enemies.

Everywhere I noticed a mixture of indignation and growing eagerness to realise at last their heart's dearest wish.