"Certainly, I told him about it at once."
"And he was neither surprised nor disturbed by this whim of the princess?"
"Why surprised, please? It is your surprise that is very strange and a little impertinent, Michel. Am I not capable of inspiring friendship, even in a princess? And why disturbed? Is not friendship a good and pleasant thing?"
"Still, my child, I am, if not disturbed, at all events astonished at this friendship. Tell me this, which may explain it in some measure. Has our father rendered Princess Agatha some great service?"
"He has done much beautiful decorating in the palace. He has made some superb foliage in the dining-room among other things."
"I have seen all that; but he is well paid. The princess has taken a liking to him because of his zeal and disinterestedness, I suppose?"
"Yes, that must be it. Isn't it true that anybody who knows father for a little time loves him?"
"That is so. Then it is because of our excellent father that you arouse so much interest in this great lady!"
"Oh! Michel, she isn't a great lady, I tell you! she's a good woman, a kind, lovely woman."
"And what could she find to say to you, my child, for a whole day?"