An hour later, Cosel, hidden in a carriage, was journeying towards Pillnitz.
A few days later she had disappeared; she was on the road to Warsaw. Letters were immediately dispatched in great haste to Countess Przebendowska, notifying her of the danger.
Cosel's arrival would change their well-played comedy into a drama. The King was already in love, or rather entangled by those ladies, and they determined to act at once, in order to avoid danger. When the King came to see Countess Denhoff, he found her dressed in black, and weeping.
"What ails you, my beautiful lady?" he inquired solicitously, at the same time kissing her beautiful hands.
"Your Majesty," said Denhoff, "I am threatened by a great danger. I should not mind death, were I persuaded that your Majesty loves me; but, alas! they wish to take my life from me, together with your Majesty's heart. Cosel is coming to Warsaw; perhaps she is already here. Perhaps your Majesty has come to tell me that I must yield to my rival."
"From whence did you receive such news?" inquired the King in surprise. "Still, let Cosel come; your triumph over her will then be more complete."
"No! no!" exclaimed Denhoff. "If she comes, I leave Warsaw."
The mother was listening at the door, waiting for an agreed signal to enter. Marie coughed, the door opened, and the Countess entered. She appeared much surprised at seeing the King.
"I am glad you are come," said Augustus. "You must help me to quiet your daughter."
"Why, what is the matter?" rejoined the mother, still pretending to be surprised.