Part 27 (2/2)
She did not expect to see the King that day, for the next morning he set out for Berlin.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps was heard coming along the corridor that connected the staircase with the gallery leading to the castle. It could be no one but Augustus, and Cosel sprang to her feet and hastened to the mirror, to a.s.sure herself that her hair and dress were in proper order.
Her first glance told Cosel that Augustus was in a state in which she had but seldom seen him.
The leave-taking of his nephew, whom the courtiers had respectfully carried to his bed, had been celebrated with b.u.mper toasts. The King, although accustomed to these feasts, had not come out victorious. It was true that he was able to walk with the a.s.sistance of his chamberlain, but that minister only accompanied him to the door, and as soon as he was in Cosel's room he threw himself immediately on the sofa. His face was crimson, his eyes misty, and his speech indistinct.
”Anna,” said he, ”I wished to bid you goodbye. Well, to-day you were triumphant, as women very seldom can be. At least you will thank me for it.”
Cosel turned towards him--she was sad.
”Alas! my lord,” she replied, ”I have not sufficient words to express my grat.i.tude. But had you seen the jealous glances cast at me, you would understand why I have returned sad.”
Augustus smiled.
”The tragi-comedy of life,” he returned indifferently. ”I had my Charles XII.--you have your Flemming! Every one has some pain, and life--is life. Be merry for my sake.”
”I cannot,” she said.
”For me!” repeated Augustus.
Cosel looked at him, then she smiled, though rather with an effort than from the heart.
”Could I always look on you, my lord,” said she, sitting down beside him, ”then I should be always most happy. But unfortunately you are going away, and who can tell how you will return?”
”Probably not so drunk as I am to-night,” rejoined Augustus, with a cold smile. ”I like wine, but I hate its dominating over me.”
”And when will my lord return?” inquired Cosel.
”Ask the astrologers that question, I do not know. We are going to Berlin. But there is one thing I am glad of, Brandenburg will look rather meagre when compared with our festivities. Frederick will show us his soldiers instead of giving us a good dinner. Berlin after Dresden, ha! ha! ha! I am going on purpose to see my triumph.”
”But will your Majesty return faithful to me?” asked Cosel, with whom this was now a constant thought.
”From Berlin?” laughed Augustus. ”It is one of the most tedious courts in Europe. There is no danger there either for me or for you.”
”And Dessau?” whispered Cosel.
”That is true!” said the King, making a movement with his head. ”She was pretty, but she did not understand gallantry. She was offended with half a word. No, I do not like such women.”
Then kissing her hand, he said,--
”My dear Anna, I should like to ask you a favour. I should be glad if you and Flemming would not devour each other.”
Anna frowned.
”Your Majesty must kindly say that to Flemming, not to me. He is lacking in civility to me, to Cosel, to Augustus' wife.”
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