'We need not restrain him from that,' said Guarini, 'his natural disposition will not allow him to create a public scandal, but it would be impossible to put a bridle on his passions. They will be secret but stubborn. We must overlook many things in order to make him remain a Catholic.'
The stranger became sad.
'What an awful thing it is to be obliged to soil oneself for the sake of the holy truth!'
'Well, there must be some scapegoat, such as I,' said Guarini jocosely. 'The people envy me--'
'Not I,' interrupted the visitor, 'not I!'
'What are your orders?' asked Guarini.
'Your plans shall be considered by our council,' answered the stranger. 'In the meanwhile you must act. We shall send you our instructions soon.'
'Brühl shall remain. The Prince, with tears, has promised his wife to fulfil his father's last wish. Sulkowski shall only be the apparent ruler, Brühl shall be the true one, and then--'
'You think you will be able to overthrow him?'
'We are certain; we all act against the man, who has not the slightest idea of danger, and Brühl's ambition is the best weapon in our hands.'