But it was necessary to be overwhelmingly polite to such a dangerous-looking messenger from the capital. Therefore he placed a chair near the fireplace and asked the stranger, who received all civilities very indifferently, to sit down. Several times when the host ventured some remark he received no answer. He brought a glass of hot wine and handed it to the traveller, who accepted it, but did not even thank him for it.
'This must be a man of some importance,' said Hender to himself.
He became even more civil, and told his two children to keep away; at that moment a trumpet resounded, Sulkowski was coming. The innkeeper rushed out to receive him.
The stranger remained motionless, deep in thought. The minister was brought triumphantly to the room assigned to him; the servants brought the boxes, Hender returned to his room and found the stranger sitting before the fire and drinking the wine. He did not appear to hear the host, who felt it his duty to say aloud:
'His Excellency has arrived!'
The guest made a grimace; he finished his wine, shook his head, took his cap and went out.
Had Jonas Hender been acquainted with Dresden and had to do with higher officials, he would have recognised in his guest, Ludovici.
The councillor slowly opened the door and entered the room in which Sulkowski was resting.
The table was set, the servants were busy, a young aide-de-camp stood in the window, Sulkowski was lying on the sofa.
When he perceived Ludovici, he sprang up, beaming with joy.