[[8]] Fought July 1, 1689.
VI.
THE TROUBLES OF GREATNESS.
"Good Majesty,
Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you,
But when you are well pleased."
SHAKESPEARE.
"Very fair! Turn round. Yes, I think that will do. Now, do you understand how to behave to people?"
"If you please, Madam, I do in England, but I don't know about France," said Celia, in some trepidation as to what her step-mother might require of her.
"Absurd!" said Lady Ingram. "Good manners are the same everywhere, and etiquette very nearly so. Now, how many courtesies would you make to a Viscountess?"
"I should only make one to anybody, Madam, unless you tell me otherwise."
"Incroyable! I never saw such a lamentable want of education as you show. You have no more fine breeding than that stove. Now listen, and remember: to a Princess of the Blood you make three profound courtesies, approaching a little nearer each time, until at the last you are near enough to sink upon your knees, and kiss her hand. To a Duchess, not of the Blood, or a Marchioness, three courtesies, but less profound, and not moving from your place. To a Countess or Viscountess, two; to any other person superior or equal to yourself, one. Inferiors, of course, you will not condescend to notice. Do you understand, and will you remember?"
"I will do my best, Madam, but I am afraid I shall forget."