"Don't let us talk about it," said Ann; "it will not mend matters."
"My friend is right," said Agnes. "We will talk of other things. Is there any news from France, Mr. Delarry?"
"Yes, the king heard from her majesty the queen no later than yesterday. The marriage of the duke and the princess is to be the occasion of great festivities; it is to be conducted with royal state. The King of France is making much of the bride."
"I wish I were in Paris," said Agnes; "I know just how it will all be. I think I like Paris better than London."
"Oh no, you don't!" said Ann. "You must not. You are an English girl, and must love your own country best."
"So she will in years to come," said Patience. "There is so much in habit. She has always lived in France. The sun shines more brightly there, and the days are longer."
"And people are less stiff, and they are kinder and more courteous," said Agnes. "You English are so cold! I have lived a long time here now, and I have only one friend--that is you, Ann."
"And is it not a grand thing to have one friend?" said Mr. Delarry. "We may have many acquaintances, little lady, but a friend is a rare gem."
Having said this, Mr. Delarry rose and took his leave.
Patience and the two girls went up to their own apartment, and occupied themselves at that fine tapestry work at which Agnes, like all French ladies, was an adept. Ann was not so clever with her needle, but she loved to watch her friend, whose proficiency was astonishing; the flowers, the birds, the figures, seemed to grow under her fingers.