'Your Majesty,' the Count said in a whisper, 'this is certainly a masterpiece, but--'
'But what?' muttered the King frowning.
'But,' the minister said, 'the subject is a little too mythological and if by accident her Majesty should come--'
The King became gloomy and less insistent; his face was stern and he moved his head significantly.
Sulkowski put the case in a corner; Frederick's eyes followed it. 'And who painted it?' he asked.
'The divine Titian Vecello,' said Sulkowski. 'It is not very large, but a true masterpiece.'
On hearing the name the King bowed as though greeting Titian himself, and whispered:
'Gran maestro!'
Sulkowski turned the conversation. The King looked at him as though he did not understand, became thoughtful and said to himself:
'Troppo mitologico! H'm!'