Part 30 (2/2)
A few days later the King and Flemming arrived. Countess Przebendowska lived in the same house with her uncle, and they were able to talk freely even on the first evening. She at once mentioned Countess Denhoff to him.
The General made a grimace; he had heard a great deal about that lady and her giddiness; but after a pause he said,--
”The King is weary, and any woman can captivate him, so it may be better for him to have her.”
The next day the General said that before deciding anything he must make the acquaintance of Countess Denhoff. Both the ladies were accordingly invited to spend an evening at Countess Przebendowska's palace. Flemming did not much like the candidate, but after searching about for several days they were obliged to decide on Countess Denhoff, she being less dangerous than any of the others. Having learned a lesson by his experience with Cosel, Flemming was afraid of an ambitious woman, or one who desired to rule. Countess Denhoff was giddy and coquettish, but she was not jealous, and never dreamt of influencing any one; she was simply fond of life.
The next day, Countess Przebendowska had an opportunity of approaching the King. She was merry and jocular.
”Your Majesty,” said she, ”it seems as though it should be Poland's turn now.”
”Dear Countess, what do you mean?”
”After Lubomirska there was Cosel, and after her it seems necessary to choose some one from Warsaw.”
”But I desire to remain faithful to Countess Anna.”
”In Dresden,” replied Countess Przebendowska; ”but in Warsaw, and during her absence--”
The King smiled.
”Has your Majesty looked at the beauties in our theatres?” she continued.
”No, I have not!”
”Then I will take the liberty of attracting your Majesty's attention to one of them. There is not another here prettier or sweeter than she is.
She is young, and has a beautiful hand.”
”Who is she?” asked the King.
”Countess Denhoff, _nee_ Bielinska,” whispered the lady.
”I do not remember her,” said Augustus; ”but being an admirer of female beauty, I promise you I shall take advantage of the first opportunity that offers to make the acquaintance of so charming a lady as you describe this one to be.”
[Ill.u.s.tration: The Countess Denhoff]
”If your Majesty will do me the honour to accept a modest supper at my house, to-morrow, perhaps I could succeed in presenting her to you.”
The King looked at her, but it seemed as though she did not notice it, for, had she, she must have blushed, so ironical was his glance.
The same day Countess Bielinska was closeted with Countess Denhoff, and when they separated the latter was confused, but at the same time happy. Being accustomed to be regarded as a queen in her own little circle, and sure that everything she did must please, she was frightened at these preparations for a new fortune. She did not oppose her mother's will, but there was so much trouble, and the frivolous woman did not like too many ceremonies.
Flemming and Przebendowska knew that it was necessary that the King should be received with great splendour; the modest supper therefore was altered to a magnificent ball. When the King arrived, he found Countess Denhoff surrounded by many beautiful ladies. He went over to her and began a conversation, which did not succeed at all, and it was noticed that Augustus did not appear to be smitten by her beauty.
After supper the King danced with Countess Denhoff, who was still confused and awkward. The first impression was not such as Flemming's sister had expected.
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