"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."
At these words a strange smile passed over the King's face and his eyes shone fiercely.
"But I dislike wars," said he.
"Then command him to respect and obey me, your children's mother; that will be the best way of keeping peace."
The King made no reply to this, but began to take his leave. Cosel hung tenderly on his neck, then she conducted him to the door, behind which the chamberlain was waiting. The King was gloomy when he left Cosel.