'We must overthrow Sulkowski.' said Brühl emphatically. 'I ask for nothing more, but this must be done for the King's and the country's good. Then I shall remain alone, and in me you will have the most faithful servant.'
'But that plan? That plan?' repeated Lichtenstein. 'Give it to me and I consent to everything.'
Brühl put his hand carelessly into his side pocket; seeing this, Lichtenstein drew nearer.
Brühl took out a paper and held it before the Prince's eyes. But at the moment when the paper was about to pass into Lichtenstein's hands, there was a rap at the door, and a lackey, appearing on the threshold, announced:
'The Count Sulkowski.'
In the twinkling of an eye the paper disappeared into a pocket and Brühl, sitting comfortably back in his chair, was taking snuff from a gold snuff box.
Sulkowski, standing in the doorway, looked at Brühl and Lichtenstein, but more especially at his competitor who put out his hand to him and smiled sweetly.
'What an early bird you are!' said Sulkowski. 'The very next day after your wedding you visit ambassadors in the morning. I thought you were still at your lady's feet.'
'Duties before all,' Brühl answered. 'I was told that the Prince was going to Vienna, and I came to take leave of him.'
'Prince, are you going to Vienna?' asked Sulkowski surprised. 'I did not know anything about it.'