Their newspapers tell them that the Neutral Powers are forcing Prussia to be reasonable, and that Bismarck is struck with awe at the sight of our "heroic attitude." As for his not accepting any terms which we may put forward, the idea does not enter the mind of any one.

I must say, however, that there is a vague feeling that perhaps we are not quite so very sublime as we imagine.

Even to pay a war indemnity seems to be a concession which no one anticipated.

For the first time since I have known the Parisians, they are out of conceit with themselves.

"If Prussia forces us to make peace now, in five years we will crush her," is the somewhat vague threat with which many console themselves.