Olympia went out smiling; but Caroline understood the craft that lay under her soft words.
"You see that I have accomplished something," said Clara, delighted with her success; "we have gained time."
"No, no! She will have her way."
"What! that soft, handsome creature?"
"Has a will of iron!"
"And so have I!" exclaimed the young girl, "and my will is that she shall not force you into a life you do not like; but I wonder at it. Upon my word, if it were not for one thing, I should like to change places with you."
Caroline shook her head.
"You have no idea what the life is!"
"Oh! yes, I have; and it must be charming. No dignity to keep up, no retinue of servants to pass every time you come and go; but all sorts of homage, plenty of work, while everything you have brings in a swift recompense. Talent, beauty, grace discounted every night. Oh! it must be charming."
"I thought so once," answered Caroline, with a heavy sigh.