The pretty little child[[29]] addressed trotted forward, and looking straight in Celia's face with his great brown eyes, presented his baby hand to be kissed. Resisting a strong inclination to take him on her knee and kiss him, Celia performed her homage to the future Sovereign. With much gravity the little Duke offered the same privilege to Philip, and trotted back to his picture-book.
"My Lady Ingram is not with you?" asked the old lady.
"In the Duchess de Berry's saloon at lansquenet, Madame."
"Ah! Do you play, Mademoiselle?"
"No, Madame," said Celia.
"I am glad to hear it," replied Madame de Maintenon.[[30]] "It is a great waste of time and temper, which were not given us for such uses."
"Turn over!" required the little Prince, authoritatively.
Madame de Maintenon smiled and obeyed.
"I hope His Majesty is not ill?" asked Philip. "I hear he does not receive."
"Not ill, but not well. One of his troublesome headaches. Neither men nor women live forever, Mr. Ingram—not even Kings."