The chamberlain had seized his hat.
"I pity you," said he; "but as long as you do not change your sentiments your friends can do nothing for you."
"My friends?" said she, ironically.
"You have more than you think," said the visitor. "I am the first."
"What! You my friend! I could find three or four such as you are. They are willing to console the widow and share her riches!"
Von Sinen was so confused that he could not answer. He bowed distantly, and, pursued by Cosel's scornful looks, left the room.
CHAPTER XX.
Cosel's enemies tried every means to excite the King against her. He did not wish to mention her, but it was no use. The deadly grudges were taking various disguises, mostly fear for the King's safety. They tried to represent the unfortunate woman as being very dangerous: she was free and still very rich; she might become very threatening.
Flemming, Löwendahl, Watzdorf, Lagnasco, without asking the King's permission, sent spies, and planned how they could seize her riches as they did those of Beichling.
Some of them acted under the influence of vengeance, others of cupidity. Cosel had not wronged any of them during her influence, and many of them were beholden to her for their freedom and elevation.