The Chamberlain dissented, for the actress mentioned was supposed to be in favor.
"Yesterday evening she carried an immense bouquet. To which of our young men is this ungraceful attention to be ascribed?"
Again the Chamberlain was astounded.
"As you are disposed to know nothing to-day," continued the Sovereign, in a sharp tone, "I must tell you that I should be sorry to see the Hereditary Prince having any intercourse whatever with the ladies of the theatre. He is not old enough to carry on such connections with the necessary reserve; and the vanity of these ladies will bring every favor to public notice."
The Chamberlain affirmed, upon his honor, that he knew nothing of these civilities of the Hereditary Prince, and that, even if the assumption of his gracious master was well founded, it could only have been a passing idea of the Prince that had occasioned this gift. "Your Highness will be convinced that I would not lend a hand to anything of this kind."
"But I do not choose that you should close your eyes to it," continued the Sovereign, bitterly; "you stood in the box behind the Hereditary Prince, and you must have seen the coquettish look of admiration which she cast upon him. The present was probably sent by the new valet; let him know that in my service one does not carry two faces under one hood. But I require of you," he continued, more calmly, "that you should redouble your vigilance. What occupies him now?"
"He attends regularly the small evening parties of the Princess."
"And in the day?" added the Sovereign, continuing the examination.
"As your Highness knows, he is fond of music; he plays duets with the music-master."
"What does he read?"