And THAT was the thing which used to make her Highness feel.

She would wince just as much when I attacked Magny as if I had been saying anything rude to herself.

And, though she hated me, she used to beg my pardon in private; and though her pride would often get the better of her, yet her prudence obliged this magnificent princess to humble herself to the poor penniless Irish boy.
As soon as Magny had formally withdrawn from the Countess Ida, the Princess took the young lady into favour again, and pretended to be very fond of her.

To do them justice, I don't know which of the two disliked me most,--the Princess, who was all eagerness, and fire, and coquetry; or the Countess, who was all state and splendour.

The latter, especially, pretended to be disgusted by me: and yet, after all, I have pleased her betters; was once one of the handsomest men in Europe, and would defy any heyduc of the Court to measure a chest or a leg with me: but I did not care for any of her silly prejudices, and determined to win her and wear her in spite of herself.