… and the wish, which constitutes the Emperor’s sole and absolute aim⁠—to establish peace in Europe on firm foundations⁠—has now decided him to despatch part of the army abroad and to create a new condition for the attainment of that purpose .

“Zat, my dear sir, is vy⁠ ⁠…” he concluded, drinking a tumbler of wine with dignity and looking to the count for approval.