‘Could one believe it possible that Mary de Medici should have escaped from that window — forty-seven feet high? The mother of two princes and three princesses!’ If you call that relaxation, Louise, all I ask is to be punished every day; particularly when my punishment is to remain with you and write such interesting letters as we write!”

“Montalais! Montalais! there are duties to be performed.”

“You talk of them very much at your ease, dear child! — you, who are left quite free amidst this tedious court. You are the only person that reaps the advantages of them without incurring the trouble, — you, who are really more one of Madame’s maids of honor than I am, because Madame makes her affection for your father-in-law glance off