"We are going on a journey," said Cosel. "Things may turn out worse for us than we expect. You must have money."
She handed him a bag of gold.
A few hours later Cosel set forth, taking with her the loaded pistols which she always kept at hand.
Everything went well until they reached Widawa, a small town on the borders of Silesia. Here they were obliged to rest. Cosel put up at the best hostelry, at which there was a detachment of cavalry. Zaklika was at the door of the Countess's room, when Montargon and La Haye came to him with the request that he would announce them to the Countess, to whom, having met her on the road, they were anxious to pay their respects.
Cosel was much surprised at receiving such a message, as now every one seemed anxious to avoid her, still she suspected no danger, and ordered Zaklika to bring them in.
The Countess received the officers courteously, and as it was the hour for dinner, she invited them to share her modest repast.
Conversation flowed easily during the meal; Montargon told the Countess all the latest news from Warsaw; at length he said,--
"It seems to me that your journey is futile. So far as we know, it may make the King angry. You may meet with unpleasantness."
Cosel frowned.
"What!" she exclaimed, "you dare to give me your advice? You pretend to know the King better than I do, and to be a better judge than myself of what is fitting for me to do?"