Ludovici looked at the minister with a kind of commiseration.
Sulkowski walked to and fro, laughing to himself.
'Where did you get that stupid gossip from?' asked he.
'From the best source. I gave my word that I would not reveal the name of the person who told me and ordered me to warn you. That which I say is true.'
'But how could it come to that?' asked Sulkowski a little alarmed.
'The King is weak,' said Ludovici, 'the Queen is a stubborn woman, Father Guarini is the most cunning of men, and Brühl is master of the art of using other people to achieve his aims. Your Excellency never tried to hide his aversion to priests, and such is the result of their work. Everything is arranged. They forced your dismissal upon the King. You will be banished from the court with a small pension, so that you will not hinder Brühl from making millions. They are afraid of your influence over the King and they will not permit you to see him.'
Sulkowski frowned.
'Are you sure of it?' he asked.
'Very sure! the guards at the gate have orders not to let you in; the castle is also guarded.'
'And the King does not even wish to see me!' burst out Sulkowski.