If Charles drives out Augustus, we shall have a fresh king, and shall no doubt choose one upon the recommendation of Charles, who will then march away again, leaving us to manage our own affairs.

Therefore, we have no animosity whatever against you as a Swedish officer, but for comfort's sake it is better that nothing should be said of this, and that I should introduce you to my friends simply as an English gentleman, who has rendered me the greatest possible service." The countess retired to bed, a short time after they had finished their meal, and the others sat up talking until late in the evening.

Charlie learnt that the country was still in a greatly disturbed state.

Parties of disbanded soldiers and others, rendered desperate by cold and hardship, were everywhere plundering the peasantry, and many encounters had taken place between them and the nobles, who, with their retainers, had marched against them.

Travel would be dangerous for a long time to come.
"Therefore, until the spring, you must not think of moving," the count said.