“Come, my dear princess, give it up. I advise you to abandon the idea of making a courtier of George.”
“That is not the only point.”
“Yes, I understand. You think the fair Vera—” Here the marquis leaned forward, and exchanged some words with the princess in a low tone. Fleurange only heard these: “And you know this is my only wish.” It was the princess who spoke.
“And he?” said the marquis.
“He! You know him well.”
“But that is precisely the reason I should not have supposed him insensible to such attractions as hers.”
“Yes, indeed, but it is never sure he is not absorbed by some fancy not to be foreseen. Moreover, I believe if she had not been at court—” Here the princess again lowered her voice.
“Do not worry. He will yield at last.”
“I truly hope so, but meanwhile acknowledge it would be better for him not to return.”
“Yes and no. I am not sure it is very judicious to expose him to compromise himself, as he is always tempted to do.”