On their walk thither Paula asked if he stayed late at the ball.
'I left soon after you.' 'That was very early, seeing how late you arrived.' 'Yes....

I did not dance.' 'What did you do then ?' 'I moped, and walked to the door; and saw an announcement.' 'I know--the play that is to be performed.' 'In which you are to be the Princess.' 'That's not settled,--I have not agreed yet.

I shall not play the Princess of France unless Mr.Mild plays the King of Navarre.' This sounded rather well.

The Princess was the lady beloved by the King; and Mr.Mild, the young lieutenant of artillery, was a diffident, inexperienced, rather plain-looking fellow, whose sole interest in theatricals lay in the consideration of his costume and the sound of his own voice in the ears of the audience.

With such an unobjectionable person to enact the part of lover, the prominent character of leading young lady or heroine, which Paula was to personate, was really the most satisfactory in the whole list for her.