Countess Przebendowska talked on indifferent subjects, but she never let the two pretty young ladies out of her sight for a moment. The dinner ended, the two old ladies were left alone.
Przebendowska knew well that Bielinska's affairs were in a bad state, and she at once began to condole with her about them. Presently her friend said,--
"You have seen my daughters. Marie is quiet, fresh, and pretty; she is also good-hearted, submissive, and easily guided. How do you like her?"
"She is charming."
"She is like quicksilver, and, although she seems delicate, she is really very strong and lively."
Then, lowering her voice, the mother continued,--
"We have been good friends since childhood; if some one must be so happy as to attach the King, why should we not introduce Marie to him?"
"I did not know if you would wish it."
"Why not? Denhoff is a bad husband, and he is not young, either; she is very unhappy with him. If he objects to have the King as a rival, Marie will obtain a divorce from him."
"But would she be willing?"