600 IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE-VII 



The most curious example of the eloquence of silence in 

 Bismarck's case, which I noted, was when his strongest 

 opponent, Windthorst, as the representative of the com- 

 bination of Roman Catholics and others generally in op- 

 position, but who, at that particular time, seemed to have 

 made a sort of agreement to support some of Bismarck 's 

 measures, went to the tribune and began a long and very 

 earnest speech. Windthorst was a man of diminutive 

 stature, smaller even than Thiers, almost a dwarf, and 

 his first words on this occasion had a comical effect. He 

 said, in substance, "I am told that if we enter into a 

 combination with the chancellor in this matter, we are 

 sure to come out second best." At this Bismarck raised 

 his head, turned and looked at the orator, the attention of 

 the whole audience being fastened upon both. "But," 

 continued Windthorst, "the chancellor will have to get 

 up very early in the morning to outwit us in this matter. ' r 

 There was a general outburst of laughter as the two 

 leaders eyed each other. It reminded one of nothing so 

 much as a sturdy mastiff contemplating a snappish terrier. 



As to his relations with his family, which, to some little 

 extent, I noticed when with them, nothing could be more 

 hearty, simple, and kindly. He was beautifully devoted 

 to his wife, and evidently gloried in his two stalwart sons, 

 Prince Herbert and "Count Bill," and in his daughter, 

 Countess von Rantzau; and they, in return, showed a 

 devotion to him not less touching. No matter how severe 

 the conflicts which raged outside, within his family the 

 stern chancellor of "blood and iron" seemed to disappear; 

 and in his place came the kindly, genial husband, father, 

 and host. 



The last time I ever saw him was at the Schonhausen 

 station on my way to Bremen. He walked slowly from the 

 train to his carriage, leaning heavily on his stick. He 

 seemed not likely to last long; but Dr. Schweninger 's 

 treatment gave him a new lease of life, so that, on my 

 return to Berlin eighteen years later, he was still living. 



