Then of the elevation to her evident authority. Brought before
the king, she had inspired the most profound wonder and
curiosity. Easy, indeed, to understand how the whiteness of her
skin and the beauty of her form and face had awakened the keenest
admiration in the breast of that black and hairy monarch. He had
shown her the most perfect respect; and she had played up to the
role of goddess by displaying to the utmost her indifferent
contempt for royalty and its favors.
Here her remarks grew general and evasive, and when pressed with
questions she refused details. She declared that nothing had
happened; she had been fed and fawned upon, nor been annoyed by
any violence or unwelcome attentions.
"That is really too bad," said I, with a smile. "I was, then,
mistaken when I said 'your majesty'?"
"Faugh!" said Desiree. "That is hardly witty. For a time I was
amused, but I am becoming bored. And yet--"
"Well?"
"I--don't--know. They are mine, if you know what I mean. Eh,
bien, since you ask me--for I see the question in your eye,
friend Paul--I am content. If the world is behind me forever, so
be it. Yes, they are unattractive to the eye, but they have
power.
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