She will be much happier in her own home,--such a grand old castle
it is!--a cluster of towers and broad battlements, with purple
mountains in the background, and tall pine-trees everywhere . . ."
"It must be lonely for her!" said Aubrey quickly, "She is so
mignonne--so caressable--so made for love and care and tenderness--"
Here he broke off, vexed with himself for having said so much,--and
his face flushed warmly. The Princesse stopped in her walk and
looked at him straightly.
"Mr. Leigh," she said, "I think--I hope you are an honest man! And
do you know the best advice I can give you?"
He answered no word, but his eyes questioned her meaning.
"Remain honest!" she said, smiling an answer to his look, "Be true
to your own instincts and highest impulses. Do not allow yourself to
be swayed by opinion or rumour; stand clear of both,--and treat even
a woman as you would treat a man!--squarely--candidly--faithfully!"
She moved on and rejoined her companions, and Aubrey followed. The
Comtesse Hermenstein's carriage was waiting for her, and the
Comtesse herself was just entering it with Angela Sovrani as he came
up.
"Good-bye, Mr. Leigh," she said gently, extending her hand, "I may
not see you again perhaps.
Pages:
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602