'Ever since childhood I have been fortunate in faithfully fulfilling my duties towards your Majesty.'
The King's face depicted the greatest alarm.
'Sulkowski--' he said, '--I cannot--I do not wish to hear anything--'
'I beseech your Majesty,' rejoined the Count, 'to listen to me; I ask for nothing, except that I may go away cleared, for my conscience is clean. Sire, kindly remember the years we spent together; have I ever forgotten myself or overstepped the boundaries of respect? Those who wish to get rid of me, are afraid that someone watching over them might discover their deeds, and they send me away because I am faithful to your Majesty--Sire--'
Augustus covered his eyes with trembling hands and tapping the floor with his feet, repeated:
'I do not wish to hear--'
'I only want to justify myself.'
'Enough!' cried the King, 'my firm resolution is to part with you; that cannot be changed. Neither to yourself nor to your family shall any evil befall--be at ease, but go, go, go!'
The King said this with evident fear, afraid lest he might give way should no one come in.
'Sire,' cried the Count desperately rising from the ground, 'may it be permitted me to thank your Majesty for the favours I have received from the King, and to kiss his hand for the last time?'