Lincoln knew nothing of the promise and was able to say with truth, and to prove, that he had authorised no promises and no engagements whatsoever.

"We can talk about engagements afterward.

M. de Bismarck answered that I misunderstood him, that France and Prussia united and resolved to rectify their respective countries, binding themselves by solemn engagements henceforth to regulate together these questions, need not fear any armed resistance either from England or from Russia.

In some cases marriage means merely engagement, the bride remaining at home with her parents, who do not part with her till some years later.