midnight
Although he took no part in the diplomatic proceedings and simply occupied himself with military affairs , not only every minute of the day , but a good part of the night , was spent by him in work and discussions with his staff officers , with the chief officers of the land forces , and with the chief commanders of the allied Franco-Russian army . Everyone was full of admiration for the Prince 's never-failing vigour and indefatigable power of work ; his tall , slender , Teutonic form , and fair-bearded face , with the quiet , clear sailor 's eyes , never failed to impress all who came in contact with him . Only his imperial brother , who held in his hand all the threads of political action , could rival the Prince in the traditional Hohenzollern capacity for work at this important time . It was close on midnight when , after a long and lively consultation , the French general , Jeannerod , left the Prince 's study . No sooner had the door closed behind him than the adjutant on duty , with an evident expression of astonishment in the sound of his voice , announced : `` His Excellency the Imperial Chancellor , Frieherr von Grubenhagen . '' The Prince advanced to the middle of the room to meet his visitor and shook him heartily by the hand . `` I thank Your Excellency for granting me an interview with you to-day , although it is so late and you are overwhelmed with work .