"I was not mistaken," thought Seyton, "ambition still reigns paramount in her heart, and will carry her in safety through this trial. Well, sister," said he, aloud, "what did I tell you?"
"You were right," replied she, with a bitter smile, as she penetrated the workings of her brother's thoughts, "ambition has again stifled the voice of maternal tenderness within me!"
"You will live long and happily to cherish and delight in your daughter."
"Doubtless I shall, brother. See how calm I am!"
"Ah, but is your tranquillity real or assumed?"
"Feeble and exhausted, can you imagine it possible for me to feign?"
"You can now understand the difficulty I felt in breaking this news to you?"
"Nay, I marvel at it, knowing as you did the extent of my ambition. Where is the prince?"
"He is here."
"I would fain see and speak with him before the ceremony." Then, with affected indifference, she added, "And my daughter is also here, as a matter of course?"