Then she asked if I could secure all my effects in an ordinary hall. She was thinking of the performance which I was to give at the palace.
I told her that this would be quite possible. Then, and almost without knowing what I was saying, I murmured: “Heavens, how pretty it is! What a wonderful view you get from these windows!”
“Yes. It is chiefly on account of this view that I wanted to live here. The landscape which we overlook reminds me of England; for, as you see, standing by these windows when I look out I can fancy myself once again in the dear country in which I was born.”
“Then you still love England?”
“Have you ever met an Englishman yet who loved another country better than his own?”
“Don’t you love Roumania?”
“It is impossible to live here without loving both the people and the country.”
She then showed me a big picture. It was her own portrait in the national Roumanian costume. But on account of her blonde hair and her fair complexion the contrast with the other Roumanians whom I had seen was very striking. It seemed that the picture was tinged with sadness, and I wondered whether the princess would not some day regret her enforced exile. To me she gave the impression of a lily, planted in a field of wild poppies.
When we returned to our seats I looked at the princess. I admired her excellent carriage, her friendly smile.
She showed me a large portfolio in which she had painted some flowers. One of these pictures represented some Chinese plants drooping in a melancholy fashion. I could not help looking at the princess as she turned the page.