'Cut it short,' cried Sulkowski. 'Someone might tell the Prince that you have arrived.'
Brühl came near to him.
'Count,' said he, 'I--we should come to some understanding before we venture to do anything. The Prince loved his father dearly, the shock he will receive--will it not be necessary to prepare him for the news?'
'Yes, but how?'
'My advice is,' said Brühl, 'that we should do nothing without first consulting Padre Guarini and the Princess.'
Sulkowski looked at him with ill-disguised discontent.
'But it seems to me,' said he, 'that the Prince needs neither the Princess's help nor the spiritual consolation of his confessor.'
'I should think--' said Brühl, and suddenly confused he looked towards the door which opened and Padre Guarini appeared. It was difficult to guess how he could have learned so quickly of Brühl's arrival. He walked straight to him; his face was sad although it was difficult for him to change its naturally cheerful expression; he opened his arms as though he would like to embrace him. Brühl would probably have kissed his hand had there not been a witness. Therefore he only advanced and drooping his head said:
'The King is dead.'
'Eviva il re!' answered the Jesuit quietly, raising his eyes. 'God's designs are impenetrable. Does the Prince know it?'