“And consequently others have remarked it.”
“Undoubtedly, for a woman of ordinary rank is noticed—and with still greater reason a princess.”
“She has been well brought up, I suppose?”
“Madame Henrietta, her mother, is a woman somewhat cold in manner, slightly pretentious, but full of noble thoughts. The princess’s education may have been neglected, but her principles, I believe, are good. Such at least was the opinion I formed of her when she resided in France; but she afterwards returned to England, and I am ignorant what may have occurred there.”
“What do you mean?”
“Simply that there are some heads naturally giddy, which are easily turned by prosperity.”
“That is the very word, madame. I think the princess rather giddy.”
“We must not exaggerate, Philip; she is clever and witty, and has a certain amount of coquetry very natural in a young woman; but this defect in persons of high rank and position is a great advantage at a court. A princess who is tinged with coquetry usually forms a brilliant court around her; her smile stimulates luxury, arouses wit, and even courage; the nobles, too, fight better for a prince whose wife is beautiful.”
“Thank you extremely, madame,” said Philip, with some temper; “you really have drawn some very alarming pictures for me.”
“In what respect?” asked the queen, with pretended simplicity.