"Cosel, forgive me," he pleaded, "I should not be jealous, if I did not love you. Fürstenberg is the most poisonous snake at my court. Forgive me! but I do not like your being even suspected."
Anna continued to weep.
"Sire," said she, sobbing, "remember that if you do not punish the slanderers, they will soon attack your own person, which is so sacred to us."
"Be content," replied the King. "I give you my word that I will not suffer any one to slander you, my dearest."
Thus the scene ended. Cosel was obliged to promise that she would not let Fürstenberg know that she had learned of the accusation he had made against her.
Thanks to Zaklika, Cosel was victorious.
The pacified King returned to his castle, but throughout the next day he did not speak a word to Fürstenberg. The Grand Master of the court, Augustus Lecherenne, received an order to leave Dresden within twenty-four hours.
This was such an unexpected blow to the young Count, that he was unable to believe the tidings. He rushed immediately to see Countess Cosel. When Zaklika went to announce his arrival to her, she blushed from fear and uneasiness.
"Tell him," said she calmly, "that I cannot receive those whom the King has banished--tell him, also," added she, lowering her voice, "that I am sorry he has to go."
Saying this, she pulled from her finger a diamond ring that had been given her by the King.