And there came to his mind a certain conversation that he had had with Sir William Temple in a sunny garden at Nymwegen before his marriage. He remembered that the Englishman had smiled at his scornful talk of the Princess, and had said—"Do not despise good women because there are so many of them——"
Mary suddenly moved and rose. The sun had parted the loose clouds and a fine ray fell through the tall window and shone in her bright hair and satin skirt. His thoughts were scattered by her movement; he rose also.
She smiled at him.
"How kind you are to me," she said, trembling, and very low.
"Dear God!" he exclaimed softly, as if he was mocked. "In what way?"
"In giving me so much more of your company of late," answered Mary simply.
The Prince looked at her strangely.
"Women are wonderful," he said humbly.
CHAPTER XIV
STORMS