"I will persuade her," said the anxious mother. "It would really be a great blessing for us. Our affairs are in a shocking condition. Should my husband die, we should all be ruined."
Countess Przebendowska neither promised nor refused.
"We shall see, we shall see," she said; then added, "We must not say a word to Marie until we are sure she pleases the King. Cosel was jealous and arbitrary; after her, he will require some one who is gentle, merry, and submissive."
"He would not find any one who answered that description better than Marie does--that I warrant you."
After a long time spent in conversation, the friends separated, a good understanding having been established between them.
A few days later the King and Flemming arrived. Countess Przebendowska lived in the same house with her uncle, and they were able to talk freely even on the first evening. She at once mentioned Countess Denhoff to him.
The General made a grimace; he had heard a great deal about that lady and her giddiness; but after a pause he said,--
"The King is weary, and any woman can captivate him, so it may be better for him to have her."
The next day the General said that before deciding anything he must make the acquaintance of Countess Denhoff. Both the ladies were accordingly invited to spend an evening at Countess Przebendowska's palace. Flemming did not much like the candidate, but after searching about for several days they were obliged to decide on Countess Denhoff, she being less dangerous than any of the others. Having learned a lesson by his experience with Cosel, Flemming was afraid of an ambitious woman, or one who desired to rule. Countess Denhoff was giddy and coquettish, but she was not jealous, and never dreamt of influencing any one; she was simply fond of life.
The next day, Countess Przebendowska had an opportunity of approaching the King. She was merry and jocular.