Brühl smiled and said:
'Naturally, we cannot toil for nothing.'
'And endure so many curses.'
'Well, when it is a matter of duty, one cannot pay attention to cursing. The King must have that which he needs.'
'And we, what is due to us,' Henniche added.
Brühl stepped before him and said after careful thought:--
'Then keep your eyes and ears open; inform me about everything, work for me and for yourself; I have already so much to do, that I can undertake no more without you.'
'Rely on me,' said Henniche. 'I quite understand, that while working for you, I work for myself. I don't promise you Platonic love; for thus if I mistake not, they call kissing the gloves, having no respect for the hands. One must clearly define the business. I shall remember my own interests; you and I will not forget the King.'
He bowed. Brühl clapped him on the shoulder.
'Henniche, I shall help you to rise.'