Like many Frenchwomen, she had a high-pitched voice; she also had definite opinions on matter-of-fact subjects.

Now when you have come to talk gossamer with an attractive and sympathetic woman, it is irritating to have to discuss Tariff Reform and the position of the working classes in Germany with somebody else, especially when the attractive and pretty woman does not give you in any way to understand that she would prefer gossamer to such arid topics.

The Princess was as gracious as you please.

She made him feel that he was welcome in her cosy boudoir; but there was no further exchange of mutually understanding glances.

If a great lady entertaining a penniless young man can be demure, then demure was the Princess Sophie Zobraska.