The princess seemed to be trying to make out his meaning.
"On the Esplanade," said the duke.
"Ah yes! very good," rejoined the princess, affecting great calmness of manner, for she felt that he was looking at her, and so, notwithstanding her woman's nature which inclined her to shudder, she listened to the voice of her dignity as leader of a great party, which bade her show no sign of weakness. "If everything is ready, let the affair proceed."
The duke hesitated.
"Do you think it advisable that I should be present?" inquired the princess, with a tremor in her voice which she could not entirely repress, notwithstanding her self-control.
"Why, that is as you please, madame," replied the duke, who was at that moment engaged in one of his physiological studies.
"We will see, duke, we will see; you know that I have pardoned one of the condemned men."
"Yes, madame."
"And what do you say to that step?"
"I say that whatever your Highness does is well done."