Having listened to this, Frederick became gloomy, and looked askance at his minister, who continued:
'The matter is pressing; Brühl and I and even your Majesty are exposed to the ridicule of the whole of Europe: I did not speak before, wishing to spare your Majesty's feelings.--In Holland an abominable medal has been struck--'
Frederick stopped; his face grew as pale as his father's used to do when extremely angry, and he lost control of himself.
'I did not wish to mention it, until we had found the culprit,' Sulkowski wound up. 'I and Brühl would forgive the offence to ourselves, but we cannot forgive the insult to your Majesty.'
'But who? Who?' asked Frederick.
'The man whose whole family including himself, owes everything to your Majesty's father. It is unheard of gratitude and daring--'
'Who? Who?' exclaimed Frederick,
'The Chamberlain Watzdorf.'
'Have you proofs?'
'I have a letter found in his rooms and several medals.'