Behind the far-sighted plotter and the keen intriguer there always remained the primitive honesty of his younger years.

He may at times have complained of the difficulties which arose from the reluctance of the King to follow his advice, but he himself felt that it was a source of strength to him that he had to explain, justify, and recommend his policy to the King.
All anxiety was, however, removed by news which came the next day.

A report was spread throughout the papers that Italy had begun to mobilise, and that a band of Garibaldians had crossed the frontier.

The report seems to have been untrue.

How it originated we know not; when Roon heard of it he exclaimed, "Now the Italians are arming, the Austrians cannot disarm." He was right.