'At least people think so,' said Guarini imperturbably. 'It is certain that your Majesty's favour made him very proud.'
As the King listened he grew gloomier.
'Your Majesty,' said Guarini with ardour, 'we are alone, nobody but God hears us. Pray tell me, as on confession, did Sulkowski never lead the King into temptation?'
At this Augustus III blushed, turned his back and continued to perambulate the room. His silence was an answer in the affirmative. Guarini laughed.
'Is it not too daring? I can understand that a servant and friend might sometimes like to take something on his own conscience for his master's sake, but he might at least wait until a sign is given him to act so.'
The King went on with his walk.
'The Queen has a presentiment,' said the Padre. 'And no wonder! But satis of this. It is well known that he has some plans against Austria, against the house from which we have our Queen, and against our promises--'
Augustus sat in an arm-chair as if he were tired and looked at the priest.
'His worse fault is his pride which makes him believe that he can do anything he likes with the King. There are people who have heard him say so. A little humiliation would do him good, for it is not well that people should say he rules over Saxony and not our gracious King.'
'Eh! Eh!' said the King, 'who says so? Whoever it is, hang him!'