'Do you mean that my father has threatened to publish it, Janet?'
'I won't say he has. He has made the prince afraid to move: that I think is true.'
'Did the princess herself mention it to you?'
'She understands her situation, I am sure.'
'Did she speak of “the man,” as you call him?'
'Yes: not as I do. You must try by-and-by to forgive me. Whether he set a trap or not, he has decoyed her—don't frown at words—and it remains for you to act as I don't doubt you will; but lose no time. Determine. Oh! if I were a man!'
'You would muzzle us?'
'Muzzle, or anything you please; I would make any one related to me behave honourably. I would give him the alternative...'
'You foolish girl! suppose he took it?'
'I would make him feel my will. He should not take it. Keep to the circumstances, Harry. If you have no control over him—I should think I was not fit to live, in such a position! No control over him at a moment like this? and the princess in danger of having her reputation hurt! Surely, Harry! But why should I speak to you as if you were undecided!'