'I was at the door,' answered the Queen, 'and I am glad I was there though it was by an accident. You are as kind as an angel and a King cannot be kind. That audacious fellow offended the King's majesty, he has offended you and me; he dared to advise you to lead a bad life. Augustus, if this man remains in the court, God's punishment will descend upon us. How could you suffer--'
'Well? What?' said the King. 'It worries me. I need rest. Drive him away then.'
'Give orders!'
Augustus nodded in the affirmative. But mistrusting him the Queen sent for Guarini and told him to act immediately.
Apprehensive and confused Brühl waited for the King. Seeing him Augustus did not say a word and sat down in an arm-chair. Almost at the same moment Guarini entered laughing.
'Sire, we have at last found what we lost. Sulkowski has come back; evidently he must have come to the conclusion that it is useless to hunt after happiness. Chi sta bene, non si muove. Evidently he was not satisfied here, but he has come back just the same, for elsewhere must have been worse.'
Augustus began to smoke and pointed at Brühl with his pipe.
'He is at fault,' he said. 'Why did they let him in? The Queen listened--he talked nonsense--phew!'
'Sire, I am not guilty, somebody betrayed our secret,' said Brühl.
'Do what you please,' said the King with asperity. 'I do not wish to know anything. Write a warrant, I will sign it--'