Part 13 (2/2)
The conversation that ensued between him and such an intimate friend as Furstenberg was different.
”The woman is enchanting,” said the King, ”but at the same time she repels, and is cold as an icicle.”
”Your Majesty, women are of different temperaments; it is no wonder that she protects herself.”
”But she speaks frankly about marriage.”
”Every woman thinks that love for her must be everlasting, and one can promise that to every one.”
”It will not be done very easily with this one,” added Augustus, ”Teschen was much easier.”
”But there is no comparison between them.”
”Alas! that is only too true. She is far superior to Teschen. Send Hoym an order that he is not to dare to return.”
”But what is he to do there?” laughed the Prince.
”Let him do what he pleases,” said the King. ”Before all things, he must collect as much money as possible, for it seems to me that my new love will be very costly.”
”Your Majesty, then, is already talking of love?”
”And of fear, too! Furstchen, you can do what you please, but she must be mine.”
”And Ursula?”
”Marry her!”
”Thanks.”
”Then marry her to any one else you please; all is over between us.”
”Already?” inquired the Prince, with scarcely concealed joy.
”Yes! I shall gild Hoym, her, and you.”
”But from whence shall we obtain so much gold?”
”That concerns Hoym,” replied the King.
They entered the palace as he spoke, and Augustus went directly to his chamber. He was sad and thoughtful. The last campaign, disastrous as it was, had not caused him so much sorrow as the ill-success of this evening.
CHAPTER VII.
Thus began the reign of one woman at the Court of Augustus II., and it lasted longer than any other of the same kind.
The Court, and indeed the whole city, watched with great interest the course of this intrigue, the end of which could be easily guessed.
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