The King was near to tears, but there was a chamberlain present, a witness and spy in one; therefore he put out his trembling hand, which the Count covered with kisses.
'Sire!' he cried, 'that hand repulses an innocent man! I repeat that I am innocent, because I could have sinned only by the excess of my love towards your Majesty.'
The uneasiness and alarm on the King's face increased.
'Enough!' he exclaimed, 'I cannot listen to you, I command you to leave.'
Sulkowski bowed in silence and withdrew--Augustus rushed to the door leading to the Queen's apartment.
The count needed a few minutes to collect his thoughts and gather strength; he leaned against the wall, pressed his forehead with his hands, and stood there for some time; he was about to go when a chamberlain entered and told him in the most impertinent tone to leave the room.
'His majesty commands you by me,' he said, 'to leave the castle at once and not to show yourself at the court. His Majesty's will is that you live at Nebigan.'
Sulkowski glanced proudly at the man, made no reply and went out.
His last effort was frustrated, and there remained nothing, but to drink the cup without shrinking. A craving for revenge arose in his heart, but he quelled it, for he knew that his enemies had the advantage.
He returned home in order to tranquillise his wife and assure her that she need fear nothing worse.