But I would have been better satisfied if I could have seen her face.
"I wouldn't let the Valerians know it," she went on. "He is the perfect double of the great national Hero."
"So I've heard."
"And it's no small item in his popularity."
"I didn't know he was popular," I said.—This was getting interesting.
"Really, monsieur, your ignorance of the very matters, which you should know, would suggest you are an American diplomat."
"Your Ladyship is severe," I said.
"I meant to be—though there are exceptions; the present Ambassador is one. He ranks with the best of his fellows."
"Now, that," said I, "I have heard."
She laughed. "Come, monsieur, lay aside this affected ignorance and gossip a bit. Is the American to marry the Princess Royal?"