"What a thick-headed man this is!" she said, pleasantly. "Must Iput it more plainly still? Engage in what your English prudery calls a 'flirtation,' with some woman here--the lower in degree the better, or the Princess might be jealous--and let the affair be seen and known by everybody about the Court. Sly as he is, the Doctor is not prepared for that! At your age, and with your personal advantages, he will take appearances for granted; he will conclude that he has wronged you, and misinterpreted the motives of the Princess. The secret of her Highness's weakness will be preserved--thanks to that sacrifice, Mr. Ernest, which you are so willing and so eager to make."It was useless to remonstrate with such a woman as this. I simply stated my own objection to her artfully devised scheme.
"I don't wish to appear vain," I said; "but the woman to whom Iam to pay these attentions may believe that I really admire her--and it is just possible that she may honestly return the feeling which I am only assuming.""Well--and what then?"
"It's hard on the woman, surely?"
The Baroness was shocked, unaffectedly shocked.