The lackey left the room; there was silence; then he returned and said:
'My lady is ready to receive your Excellencies.'
Sulkowski rose from the sofa and went to the drawing-room; Brühl followed him, smiling notwithstanding the emotions he had just experienced.
In the drawing-room Brühl's beautiful wife was waiting for them. She had just returned from the Queen's cercle, which was usually held from four to six o'clock. She was dressed and radiant in her beauty which astonished more than attracted. There was something wild in her eyes, something cruel in her mouth, those who looked at her became uneasy. It was the reflection of the disquiet raging in her soul.
She looked at Sulkowski.
'I have come to take leave of you.' said Sulkowski with indifference, bowing slightly. 'I am sure you know I am going away. I am sorry to leave such a charming court, but there are duties--'
'Ah, yes,' said the beautiful Frances, 'I heard at her Majesty's cercle that you are leaving us. I was very much surprised.'
'Did your husband not tell you about it?' asked Sulkowski.
'My husband!' said Frau Brühl, making a funny face, 'he is so busy that sometimes I do not see him for a month. I have to learn his whereabouts from other people.'
'You ought to scold him for it.'