'Who could be, if not a courtier, who is confident that his position will protect him? A man of small importance would not dare, for he would know that it would bring him in contact with the executioner and the pillory.'
'Yes, but as he attacked our august lord, he might meet with something worse, because we could not overlook that.'
'I think likewise!' said Brühl. 'They are already too daring and the good-heartedness of our Prince and your magnanimity give them still more courage. Have you noticed how daring Watzdorf junior is?'
Sulkowski looked at Brühl with pity.
'You don't like Watzdorf,' he said. 'He is a buffoon like his father, but not dangerous.'
'Excuse me,' said Brühl with animation. 'The one who trifles with everything, will not respect anything. He will harm me, and you, my dear Count, and at length, our gracious lord.'
'He would not dare.'
Then taking hold of Brühl's button, he said confidentially:
'Tell me frankly, why do you dislike him?'
'He annoys me,' said Brühl, 'by his jokes.'