Although Brühl was prepared, he could not answer at once and dropped his eyes.
'Sire,' he answered, 'I am sure I think the same as your Majesty.'
'And do you know what I think of him?'
'I do not know, but I am my lord's faithful servant and thus I retain those whom he likes as friends, and as foes those whom the King dislikes.'
The King's face brightened.
'Brühl! I love you!' he exclaimed.
The minister bent to kiss his lord's hand.
'Brühl, I love you very much,' added Augustus, 'and that is why I ask your advice. Listen, they frighten me about him----'
He looked into Brühl's eyes solemnly.
'Speak frankly----'