He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously.

'In that case,' Brühl rejoined, 'I shall still more insist that you remain.'

'Excuse me, but exactly for the same reason I must go, in order to prove to the idiots that I am not afraid of anybody.'

Brühl waved his hand.

'I am sure it came from Berlin, where the gossip about Saxony originated,' he said.

'I am going to Prague to-morrow,' said Sulkowski, for I must look at Prague from a strategical points of view, as we are going to take it. Can I take leave of your wife?'

Brühl rang the bell. The lackey entered.

'Is your mistress at home?'

'Yes, your Excellency.'

'Announce the Count Sulkowski and me.'