"As you see, I am quite well," said Cosel with a sad smile.
"You are always beautiful!"
"And you are always good-hearted and polite."
They talked awhile on indifferent subjects, and then Vitzthum returned to the King and told him Cosel was very reasonable.
The whole clique of her enemies now waited impatiently for the dénouement. Towards evening Augustus himself repaired to the Palace of the Four Seasons.
The news spread, and faces grew sad in consequence.
The King had become accustomed to Anna, and did not wish to abandon her; although his passionate love for her had passed, the habit still remained. He was ashamed of Duparc and proud of Cosel. Cosel on her side was determined to be as reasonable as the Queen herself.
"I do not like public quarrels," said the King, "they do not become either of us."
"Your Majesty, it is my love for the King."
"It must be reasonable," interrupted Augustus.