'Ask the Queen,' impatiently said the King.
'Adelaida Stein is an orphan: her only relation is my wife. We should like to do something for her future. If she were to win your Majesty's favour, here in the court, she might find a husband, and I know that she would like to stay here.'
Again he was silent, waiting for a word in reply. The King's reticence led him into an error: he thought he must be more explicit. Therefore he continued:
'If your Majesty should care for Adelaida Stein, nobody would guess your fancy.'
He looked at the King, whose face grew pale, his hands trembled and his eyes fell. Sulkowski became frightened and ceased speaking. Augustus III rose.
'Sulkowski,' he said in a suppressed voice. 'I do not wish to be angry with you--but you forget yourself.'
He paced up and down, his face flushed; evidently he was struggling with himself, trying to prevent his anger from bursting forth.
Never had his favourite seen him so angry with him. He was alarmed and kneeling on one knee put out his hand for the King's hand. Augustus III hesitated, but at length he gave it to him.
'Not a word more; everything is forgotten. Stein must leave Dresden at once.'
Thus saying, he turned away.