“All that I want in life,” said the prince, “are your good wishes.”
“I fear they are barren.”
“No, they are inspiring,” said the prince with unusual feeling. “You brought me good fortune. From the moment I saw you, light fell upon my life.”
“Is not that an exaggerated phrase?” said Lady Roehampton with a smile, “because I happened to get you a ticket for a masquerade.”
“I was thinking of something else,” said the prince pensively; “but life is a masquerade; at least mine has been.”
“I think yours, sir, is a most interesting life,” said Lady Roehampton, “and, were I you, I would not quarrel with my destiny.”
“My destiny is not fulfilled,” said the prince. “I have never quarrelled with it, and am least disposed to do so at this moment.”
“Mr. Sidney Wilton was speaking to me very much the other day about your royal mother, sir, Queen Agrippina. She must have been fascinating.”
“I like fascinating women,” said the prince, “but they are rare.”
“Perhaps it is better it should be so,” said Lady Roehampton, “for they are apt—are they not?—to disturb the world.”