Augustus took hold of her hand, and said coldly,--
"My dear Cosel, to-day you wish to be rid of Flemming, to-morrow you will ask to be freed from Fürstenberg, after that it will be the same with Plug and Vitzthum. You cannot live in peace with any one."
"Because no one is friends with me," replied Anna.
She began to cry; thereupon the King rang the bell, and, despite Cosel's opposition, ordered Flemming to be summoned.
After a long time, which Augustus employed in pacing furiously up and down the room, the General arrived. He did not salute Cosel on entering, but turned straight towards the King.
"My dear Flemming," said Augustus, "if you love me, you will ask pardon of the Countess. Shake hands both of you!"
"Never!" exclaimed Cosel. "I will not shake hands with that vile courtier, who has dared to slight a woman."
"Do not be afraid," said Flemming, "I shall not bother you by shaking hands with you. I do not know how to lie, and I shall offer no excuses."
The King had risen. He was angry.
"General, you will do it for me," he said.