Count Brühl

by Józef Ignacy Kraszewski

'And send him to Königstein as you did Watzdorf?' the woman rejoined frowning.

The name fell as a stone between them; the minister grew confused.

'I give you my word, that it was not I, but Sulkowski, who sent Watzdorf to Königstein.'

'The word of a diplomatist?'

'No, of an honest man,' said Brühl, putting his hand on his breast. 'You could not say that I got rid of him on account of jealousy. Till now I have had no right to be jealous--'

'What do you mean by till now? Do you expect to have the right?'

'It seems to me,' said Brühl gallantly, 'if not today then to-morrow you may tire of this, who knows? Perchance you might deign to look at your servant.'

'It seems to me that you will have to wait a long time for that,' the woman whispered.

'I shall be patient,' said Brühl.

'Croyez et buvez de l'eau,' rejoined the woman.