“Madame Henrietta, her mother, is a woman somewhat cold in
manner, slightly pretentious, but full of noble thoughts.
The princess’s education may have been neglected, but her
principles, I believe, are good. Such at least was the
opinion I formed of her when she resided in France; but she
afterwards returned to England, and I am ignorant what may
have occurred there.”
“What do you mean?”
“Simply that there are some heads naturally giddy, which are
easily turned by prosperity.”
“That is the very word, madame. I think the princess rather
giddy.”
“We must not exaggerate, Philip; she is clever and witty,
and has a certain amount of coquetry very natural in a young
woman; but this defect in persons of high rank and position
is a great advantage at a court. A princess who is tinged
with coquetry usually forms a brilliant court around her;
her smile stimulates luxury, arouses wit, and even courage;
the nobles, too, fight better for a prince whose wife is
beautiful.”
“Thank you extremely, madame,” said Philip, with some
temper; “you really have drawn some very alarming pictures
for me.”
“In what respect?” asked the queen, with pretended
simplicity.
“You know, madame,” said Philip, dolefully, “whether I had
or had not a very great dislike to getting married.”
“Now, indeed, you alarm me. You have some serious cause of
complaint against Madame.”
“I do not precisely say it is serious.”
“In that case, then, throw aside your doleful looks. If you
show yourself to others in your present state, people will
take you for a very unhappy husband.”
“The fact is,” replied Philip, “I am not altogether
satisfied as a husband, and I shall not be sorry if others
know it.”
“For shame, Philip.”
“Well, then, madame, I will tell you frankly that I do not
understand the life I am required to lead.”
“Explain yourself.”
“My wife does not seem to belong to me; she is always
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leaving me for some reason or another. In the mornings there
are visits, correspondences, and toilettes; in the evenings,
balls and concerts.”
“You are jealous, Philip.”
“I! Heaven forbid. Let others act the part of a jealous
husband, not I. But I am annoyed.”
“All these things you reproach your wife with are perfectly
innocent, and, so long as you have nothing of greater
importance —- ”
“Yet, listen; without being very blamable, a woman can
excite a good deal of uneasiness. Certain visitors may be
received, certain preferences shown, which expose young
women to remark, and which are enough to drive out of their
senses even those husbands who are least disposed to be
jealous.”
“Ah! now we are coming to the real point at last, and not
without some difficulty. You speak of frequent visits, and
certain preferences — very good; for the last hour we have
been beating about the bush, and at last you have broached
the true question. This is more serious than I thought. It
is possible, then, that Madame can have given you grounds
for these complaints against her?”
“Precisely so.”
“What, your wife, married only four days ago, prefers some
other person to yourself? Take care, Philip, you exaggerate
your grievances; in wishing to prove everything, you prove
nothing.”
The prince, bewildered by his mother’s serious manner wished
to reply, but he could only stammer out some unintelligible
words.
“You draw back, then?” said Anne of Austria. “I prefer that,
as it is an acknowledgment of your mistake.”
“No!” exclaimed Philip, “I do not draw back, and I will
prove all I asserted. I spoke of preference and of visits,
did I not? Well, listen.”
Anne of Austria prepared herself to listen, with that love
of gossip which the best woman living and the best mother,
were she a queen even, always finds in being mixed up with
the petty squabbles of a household.
“Well,” said Philip, “tell me one thing.”
“What is that?”
“Why does my wife retain an English court about her?” said
Philip, as he crossed his arms and looked his mother
steadily in the face, as if he were convinced that she could
not answer the question.