When Von Sinen returned from Berlin he did not appear immediately at court, for he was still under the spell of pity for the unfortunate woman, but Löwendahl spied him out and went to see him.
"How did you find Cosel?" asked he. "Does she still speak about the promise of marriage? Does she still threaten?"
Von Sinen answered sadly,--
"The fact is that she is very unhappy."
"Unhappy! It's her own fault! But speak precisely--tell me what you have seen and heard," pressed Löwendahl.
"Frankly speaking, my heart bleeds at the thought of what I have seen and heard. She is still angry, and never will forgive. But in her misfortune she arouses respect. She is marvellous and grand."
"Consequently dangerous!" said Löwendahl; "but she must have lost much of her beauty?"
"She is more beautiful than ever--she is beaming with beauty."
"So much the worse!" said Löwendahl. "The King might see her, and, being tired of Denhoff's withered face, she would capture him again."
"There is no doubt about that," said Von Sinen.