The love of the king for the
lovely Laura appeared now nothing more than a poetical idyl, which
would soon pass away--nothing more! The words of the king made a
painful impression upon Augustus William; his brow clouded, his
features assumed a painful but threatening expression; he was in the
act of speaking, and opposing in the name of humanity and love those
cruel words of the king, as Elizabeth Christine, who stood near him
and observed him with tender sympathy, whispered lightly:
"Be silent, my brother; be considerate."
The prince breathed heavily, and his glance turned for comfort
toward the maids of honor. Laura greeted him with her eyes, and then
blushed deeply over her own presumption. Strengthened by this tender
glance from his beautiful bride, Augustus was able to assume a calm
and indifferent mien.
In the meantime the queen-mother was not silenced by the words of
the king. Her pride rebelled against this prompt denial in the face
of her family and the court. Besides, she had given her royal word
to the count, and it must be redeemed. She urged, therefore, her
request with friendly earnestness, but the king was immovable.
Sophia, angry at the opposition to her will, was even the more
resolved to carry out her purpose. She had a few reserved troops,
and she decided to bring them now into the field.
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