If the contrary should turn out to be
the case, I can only say that in a quarrel which concerns Russia and
England alone, France would remain benevolently neutral. As you have
remarked, the obligations of our treaty do not apply to such a case."
The Prince played nervously with the star at his chest. Both men were
well aware that up to now they had been merely playing with words.
"There is another contingency," the Russian remarked, "which, now we are
upon the subject, it would perhaps be as well to allude to. The
relations between Germany and England, as you know, just now are very
sorely strained. If Germany should take advantage of the present
situation to make a demonstration against England, that, of course,
would not, from your point of view, affect the situation?"
Monsieur Grisson looked like a man who sees before him amazing things.
"My dear Prince," he said, "do not let us misunderstand one another. You
cannot by any possibility be suggesting that Germany might associate
herself with you in your resistance to possible English demands?"
The Russian leaned back in his chair.
"Germany is on the spot," he remarked, "and knows the fact of the case.
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