Part 39 (2/2)
”It seems that there is no good news for you in this world,” answered he. ”Spies already surround the house, and I wanted to tell you to be careful. If I am not mistaken, sooner or later somebody will come and offer you his friends.h.i.+p; you must be careful what you say.”
The Countess frowned.
”You ought to know me by this time, I cannot lie even by silence. I had the courage to tell him the truth to his face; I shall have it now, and shall tell the truth to any one who is willing to listen.”
”What benefit will it be to you to make them angry?” said he sadly.
The stubborn woman said not a word more, and Zaklika left the room.
Three days after this an elegant young man asked to be announced to the Countess.
It was the Baron von Sinen.
The Countess knew him well in Dresden, and she told the servant to show him in.
He said he was very much surprised, while visiting Berlin, to hear the Countess was there.
Cosel looked ironically into his eyes and asked,--
”And where were you when I was leaving Saxony?”
”I was in Dresden the very evening that you made that poor thing Denhoff faint; but then I could not inquire what had become of you.”
”I am glad you could forget me,” said Cosel, ”as I do not wish for anything but to be forgotten.”
”I think,” said Von Sinen, ”that they would be glad also to be certain that you have forgotten the wrongs they did to you.”
There was silence for a moment, then Von Sinen whispered,--
”I could tell you much interesting news.”
It seemed that he wanted to gain Cosel's confidence.
”I am not curious,” said Cosel, smiling sadly. ”I have no interest in anything now.”
”We enjoy ourselves immensely,” continued Von Sinen, as if he had heard nothing. ”It is nothing new to you, who partic.i.p.ated in so many splendid feasts; but--” Evidently he wanted to make her speak. Cosel was silent.
”The place is very well known to you,” continued the Baron, ”for in Laubegast--”
”I lived there happily,” whispered Cosel.
”Flemming gave a great feast to the King and Denhoff--on the plain near Laubegast, opposite Pillnitz.”
”Ah!” exclaimed Cosel.
”In the first place six regiments went there,” continued the visitor.
”On the hills they placed cannon, and disposed the army in such a way that the Court might see the imitation of a battle. Everything succeeded admirably. The regiments advanced firing, and although, with the exception of a few who were trampled on, n.o.body was killed, one could have sworn the battle was a real one. The King was looking at the spectacle, Denhoff was beside him, he was surrounded by a splendid Court.”
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