"Is it true that you wish to change your residence and go to live in the quiet city of Halle?"
"I, in Halle?" exclaimed Cosel. "And what should I do there?"
"The air is very healthy there, the views are lovely, and it is quiet and secluded. There is no more agreeable place to live in than Halle."
At first Cosel did not know what to answer. Then she said,--
"But I never intended to go to Halle."
"It is rather strange," said the Governor-general, "somebody spoke about it to his Majesty, and the King ordered that every comfort should be assured you. The King's orders cannot be disobeyed; the best way, then, will be to go to Halle."
Cosel wrung her hands, and the tears began to flow down her cheeks.
"Then it is an order," she said, finally, "it is a new exile--why is it?"
"The King thinks you will be more comfortable there. You know that in Berlin every word echoes far. There in Halle, no one will hear anything. There is more freedom."
He had risen.