"What?" exclaimed Cosel. "You would dare employ force against me?"
"I have a formal order to compel you to return to Dresden," said Montargon, "and I shall obey it."
Then the Countess's anger burst forth.
"Leave the room!" she cried, seizing a pistol. "If you do not go, I will shoot you through the head."
Zaklika stood ready on the threshold.
Montargon, who knew well that the Countess would keep her word, slipped out quickly. La Haye, who up to the present had not uttered a word, remained. The lesson his comrade had received had been good for him, and he now began very delicately,--
"Countess," said he, "ambassadors are never fired on; I pray you, calm yourself. We are not responsible for bringing such an unpleasant message. I should be in despair, should I incur your displeasure; but for Heaven's sake, consider; to a military man, the King's order is a sacred thing, and must be accomplished."
"Have you seen the King?" inquired Cosel.
"Yes; I received my orders from his own lips. I beseech you to give heed to it!"
This soft tone completely disarmed Cosel, she sank trembling into an arm-chair.