"I will not go! Let them use force if they dare!"
"Pray think it over! What shall I tell Flemming!"
"Tell him I do not wish to go!"
The Baron returned to the General, and told him of his conversation with Cosel.
Flemming was sorry he was obliged to use force: he went to her. She received him haughtily.
"You place me in a most awkward position," said he, "for I wished to save you unpleasantness. I have kept back the King's order for several days; now I bring it to you personally. Should you refuse to obey it, I shall be grieved, but I shall be compelled to force you to submit to it. The King does not wish to meet you in Dresden."
Looking from the window, Cosel saw a detachment of dragoons standing before her house. Her black eyes gleamed angrily, but she kept her anger under control.
She glanced at the letter.
"I am going at once," said she; "you can trust my word."
Flemming bowed and departed; the dragoons followed him.