The people, these abominable people--suppose they should instantly rebel?
What a figure we should make in the eyes of Europe to have undertaken an invasion while my own throne was tottering to its fall!' 'Nay, madam,' said Gondremark, smiling, 'here you are beneath yourself.
What is it that feeds their discontent?
What but the taxes?
Once we have seized Gerolstein, the taxes are remitted, the sons return covered with renown, the houses are adorned with pillage, each tastes his little share of military glory, and behold us once again a happy family! "Ay," they will say, in each other's long ears, "the Princess knew what she was about; she was in the right of it; she has a head upon her shoulders; and here we are, you see, better off than before." But why should I say all this?
It is what my Princess pointed out to me herself; it was by these reasons that she converted me to this adventure.' 'I think, Herr von Gondremark,' said Seraphina, somewhat tartly, 'you often attribute your own sagacity to your Princess.' For a second Gondremark staggered under the shrewdness of the attack; the next, he had perfectly recovered.

'Do I ?' he said.

'It is very possible.

I have observed a similar tendency in your Highness.' It was so openly spoken, and appeared so just, that Seraphina breathed again.

Her vanity had been alarmed, and the greatness of the relief improved her spirits.