"Yes; and she is to stay the night. They are playing draughts together."
"How is Sophie?" The inquirer's voice falters.
"Fairly well. She slept well last night, and took her chocolate this morning. She has not been so cross as usual to-day, since the doctor told her that giving way to temper was bad for her."
"Has she followed the doctor's directions?"
"Rather too closely. If I am a second after time in giving her her medicine, she rings for me."
"Did the doctor say anything about diet?"
"Yes; he said her Highness was not to observe the fast, but to eat meat and eggs daily; and that will strengthen her. But the Princess gave it him soundly. What was he thinking of? Did he mean to endanger her soul for sake of her body? And she has ordered me to pay no attention to what he said, and has threatened me with blows if I attempt to deceive her."
"Indeed! And the doctor said that the observance of strict fast would be injurious to her health?"
"Certainly. He said she wanted blood, she was anæmic, and that beans cooked in oil did not make blood."
"What have you prepared for her supper to-night?"