"You are very pretty to be so meek," smiled William.
The warm colour rushed to the waiting-woman's face; she stood looking down at the gathered cards in her hands.
"Her Highness keeps me out of charity," she said; "my father was slain as a heretic—we lost everything. I am quite friendless, and quite penniless, but for Her Highness."
"I am sorry," replied the Prince gently; "but do not speak of charity—and what you gain is hardly earned. I have marked that. What were your estates?"
She named them.
"They were confiscated by the Inquisition," she added.
William sighed, well knowing that such property was impossible of recovery.
"When you find your husband I will dower you," he said.
Rénèe lifted her face; he could not understand the look on it which almost startled him.
"I thank Your Highness," she said. "Shall I now attend the Princess?"