"But they are people," said Schulenberg.
"The crowd should not be taken into consideration," rejoined the King.
Silence followed, and the General took his leave. When he was gone, the King threw himself into a chair, and was soon deep in thought.
After the surrender of Patkul his chivalrous sentiment was at the least very peculiar.
CHAPTER XI.
Charles XII.'s defiant wanderings through Saxony had given Cosel the idea of seizing him, and thus avenging the humiliations of her oppressed country. It was she who had suggested the idea to Schulenberg. She did not mention it to the King first, for she was sure he would not listen to her plans. She therefore was obliged to plot alone. She gained Flemming over to her side, and although he disliked the favourite, he nevertheless promised to aid her patriotic plan. Schulenberg promised it the support of his cavalry.
Cosel declared that once the deed was accomplished, although Augustus might be indignant at first, he would soon be obliged to give way. Still Schulenberg was commissioned to find out what Augustus would think of such a scheme.
Although he said not a word to any one on leaving the King's presence, they could see by his face that the plan had been rejected.
But in spite of this, Cosel was not discouraged. She felt strong enough to fight the King himself.
Augustus had no secrets from her, and the same evening he told her of his conversation with Schulenberg. Hearing which, the Countess exclaimed,--