Round Augustus the Strong's table a more joyful company was gathered. Bare-shouldered women tried to attract the attention of the King, who looked on their charms with indifference.
Brühl entered, as it seemed to him, without being noticed; he did not speak and seemed to be looking for someone. As he passed through the refreshment rooms he did not notice that the bandit was following him. His beautiful figure attracted the women and several of them tried to stop him, but he looked at them indifferently, and passed on. One or two tried to intrigue him but laughing he whispered their names and they let him alone.
The King looked at him and said to Frisen:
'If a Prussian prince were here, he would steal that man for his guard. Who is he?'
No one could answer the question for certain. The bandit disappeared behind the columns.
In the meantime Brühl was stopped by a gipsy. She was old, tall, leaning on a stick, and covered with a long silk cloak. Through the small mask could be seen the yellowish wrinkled face of the woman. She put out her hand and paling asked him to give her his that she might tell his fortune.
Brühl had no wish to look into the future and wanted to pass the gipsy, but she insisted.
'Non abiate paura!' whispered she. 'I will tell you of good fortune.'
Brühl put out his hand. The gipsy lifted it and having examined it, shook her head.
'A splendid future!' she said. 'You will be marvellously successful, but I cannot promise you much happiness.'