'The idea! Brühl--capital fellow, Brühl!' said the King, but lowered his head.
'Well, I do not suppose that your Majesty is craving for Sulkowski.'
The King stopped suddenly, and Guarini recognised that he had discovered the cause of the King's bad humour.
'Yes, Sulkowski,' said the King, 'just imagine, Josephine does not like him. How can anyone help liking Sulkowski? Tell me that.'
Guarini became silent. The question was straight but he did not answer it.
The King repeated:
'Father, how can one help liking Sulkowski?'
The Jesuit thought for a long time. The moment was decisive, it was necessary that the attack should be skilful, and he thought how to do it.
'Your Majesty,' said he, 'personally I have nothing against Sulkowski. As a Catholic he is indifferent, that is true. Then it seems to me that he does not show sufficient respect to our saintly Queen.'
'Oh! Oh!' broke in the King.