"Oh, I know him; he has often served me, and is very adroit, indeed.
But do not forget to pay him well in order to be sure of his
fidelity, for fortunately he has a failing which renders it easy for
us to control him. He is exceedingly covetous, and has a pretty wife
who spends a great deal of money. Pay him well, therefore, and he
will do us good service. And now, farewell, my dear count. I believe
we understand each other perfectly, and know what we have to do."

"I have found out once more that the Austrian ship of state is in
the hands of a man who knows how to steer and guide her, as no other
ruler does," said Count Saurau, who rose and took his hat.

"I have inherited this talent, perhaps, my dear count. My father,
the ship-builder, taught me all about the management of ships.
Addio, caro amico mio."

They cordially shook hands, and Count Saurau, with a face radiant
with admiration and affection, withdrew from the cabinet of the
prime minister. A smile still played on his features when the
footman in the anteroom assisted him in putting on his cloak,
whereupon he rapidly descended the magnificent marble staircase
which an hour ago had been desecrated by the broad and clumsy feet
of the populace. But when the door of his carriage had closed behind
him, and no prying eyes, no listening ears were watching him any
longer, his smile disappeared as if by magic, and savage
imprecations burst from his lips.

"Intolerable arrogance! Revolting insolence!" said he, angrily. "He
thinks he can play the despot, and treat all of us--even myself--