And it was not until after a long while that Frederick bent again to Guarini's ear and whispered:

'Have you seen Faustina?'

'No,' answered the Jesuit.

'Ah? No? Why? Assure her of my favour, only she must take care of her voice. I appreciate her very much. E una diva! She sings like an angel! No other can rival her. I shall be longing to hear her. Now she must sing in church, there at least I may listen to her.'

Sulkowski disliked that whispering: he moved aside, and then came near the Prince. Frederick again pointed him out to the priest.

'He will be my prime minister--my right hand.'

'I am glad to hear such good news,' said Guarini, clapping his hands softly. 'Saxony is to be congratulated at having at her head such a man and such a good Catholic as the Count.'

The Prince looked round.

'If my Saxon subjects object to having a Catholic as my prime minister, Brühl will do whatever I command.'

'I have nothing against Brühl,' said the Jesuit, 'but he is a stubborn Protestant.'