"It is, Heaven knows, on account of my niece that I speak; for myself, I have long laid aside thoughts of changing my condition.

I see you smile, but by my halidome, it is true--yet that is no excuse for the King, whose conduct, like his person, hath more resemblance to that of old Michaud, the moneychanger of Ghent, than to the successor of Charlemagne." "Hold!" said the Princess, with some asperity in her tone; "remember you speak of my father." "Of your father!" replied the Burgundian lady, in surprise.
"Of my father," repeated the Princess, with dignity, "I am Joan of France .-- But fear not, madam," she continued, in the gentle accent which was natural to her, "you designed no offence, and I have taken none.
Command my influence to render your exile and that of this interesting young person more supportable.

Alas! it is but little I have in my power, but it is willingly offered." Deep and submissive was the reverence with which the Countess Hameline de Croye, so was the elder lady called, received the obliging offer of the Princess's protection.

She had been long the inhabitant of courts, was mistress of the manners which are there acquired, and held firmly the established rule of courtiers of all ages, who, although their usual private conversation turns upon the vices and follies of their patrons, and on the injuries and neglect which they themselves have sustained, never suffer such hints to drop from them in the presence of the Sovereign or those of his family.

The lady was, therefore, scandalised to the last degree at the mistake which had induced her to speak so indecorously in presence of the daughter of Louis.