That day the spiritual exercitia took place in the Queen's little chapel and then only was the rest of the court dismissed.
Guarini was also going when the Queen called him.
'Father, how was it? The King--'
'Began to talk about Sulkowski of his own accord. He is very sorry that there are people who are against Sulkowski. As I was asked I could not be silent and I began the war.'
'But what? what?' the Queen asked inquisitively. 'I said as much as I could without wearying the King,' said Guarini. 'I told him everything I had in my heart.'
'And the King?'
'He listened in silence.'
'Do you think it will make any impression on him?'
'Undoubtedly, but we must repeat the attacks. Sulkowski will return, we must press the matter, he must find the King cool; otherwise the old friendship would assert itself, he would take his old place and nobody would be able to move him from it. We must not ask too much; we cannot ask to be allowed to act with him as with Hoym. One cannot prove much against him. It would do if he were dismissed.'
'But you know how fond the King is of him,' said the Queen, 'would he not take advantage of that? A godless man as he is would be ready to use any means. Did you ever see him in a church? And you know that he never observes Lent.'