The Prussian Press received the word, and for years to come did not cease to pour out its venom against the Prince.

This action of Bismarck's seemed quite to justify the apprehension with which the Prince had gone to Berlin.
It is not necessary to look for any far-fetched explanation of Bismarck's action; the simplest is the most probable.

He had not arranged the interview with any intention of entrapping Augustenburg; he had really been doubtful whether, after all, it might not be wiser to accept the Prince and make a separate treaty with him.

All depended on his personal character and the attitude he adopted towards Prussia.
Bismarck, who had great confidence in his own judgment of mankind, regarded a personal interview as the best means of coming to a conclusion; the result of it was that he felt it impossible to rely on the Prince, who, instead of being open, positive, and ready to do business, was reserved, hesitating, distrustful, and critical.

Bismarck had given him his chance; he had failed to seize it.