'I am a fork, with which every minister must eat; it's quite different.'
Brühl quieted down.
'Well, tell me, what news?'
'Instead of thanking me, your Excellency scolds me. It is true that Henniche was a lackey, but precisely for that reason, he does not like to be reminded of the fact.'
Saying this he unfolded some papers.
'Here is what I have brought; I made Ludovici drunk, I have assured him that we shall appoint him a councillor in the secret department, and I guarantee that he shall keep it in such secrecy that nobody shall learn about it! I have already some accusations. There are sums taken from the custom house, there are receipts of money not paid to the army. Ho! ho! plenty to accuse him of. How could he buy estates otherwise?'
'You must have proofs,' said Brühl.
'Black and white,' Henniche returned.
'When could you have them ready?'
'In a few days.'