If Prussia and
Austria were to take up arms against each other, the balance of
power in Europe would be destroyed, and a war would be inaugurated
which, perhaps, for years would deluge Germany with blood and tears!
Austria will do all that lies in her power to avoid this; and we, my
dear friend, will be Austria's allies, and will assist her to the
best of our ability. Russia has given Prussia money, it is true, but
an indebtedness of this kind ceases the moment the money is
returned. When the prince royal ascends the throne, he will pay to
Russia what he owes her, and with that all obligations will be at an
end. Then another tie must be found to bind Austria more firmly to
Prussia. And you must help to weave this tie. The prince royal must
never be separated from his wife! The future queen of Prussia will
then be the niece of the empress. The duties of a nephew will
consequently devolve on the king. To unite the two houses more
closely, another marriage must be brought about. The Prince Augustus
William, the presumptive heir of the prince royal, must, like the
latter, espouse a princess of the house of Brunswick--a sister of
the princess royal."
"That is impossible!" exclaimed Madame Brandt, with vivacity.
"Impossible? Why impossible?"
"Because the heart of the Prince Augustus William is already filled
with a deep and passionate love--a love which would even touch you,
that is, if you are susceptible to pity.
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