'Yes, and with fear lest he might be overheard, as though he were a slave and not a king.'
'He is a slave and will remain so for ever,' sighed Sulkowski.
He became pensive.
'May God reward you,' he said presently, 'for the trouble you have taken for me, or rather for the King. How can I show you my gratitude?'
'Only by this, that your Excellency fulfils the King's will to-night.'
The Count stood as if riveted to the ground. Frohlich went out to find his sledge, while the Count still stood undecided as to what to do.
He knew enough of Brühl to understand that his wisest course was to follow the King's advice.
The next day as the King was returning from chapel, Guarini came to him to wish him good morning. To this the King would usually answer by sounds similar to those produced by clearing his throat, laughter or hiccoughs. The King's face indicated excellent health, which he inherited from his father, and as he did not abuse it, it served him admirably.
Guarini with other courtiers accompanied the King.
The King looked at him inquisitively several times, as if trying to learn something from the expression of his face; at length he said laconically: 'Cold.'