Ah!
if only she had been a peasant, unlettered and unknown, and free
to be won! The tasks of Hercules were then but play to him!
Next she led him through the aisles of potted plants in the
conservatory. She was very learned. She explained the origin of
each flower, its native soil, the time and manner of its
transportation. Perhaps she was surprised at his lack of
botanical knowledge, he asked so many questions. But it was not
the flowers, it was her voice, which urged him to these
interrogations.
They were on the point of re-entering the reception chamber,
when the jingle of a spur on the mosaic floor caused them to
turn. Maurice could not control the start; he had forgotten all
about Beauvais. The soldier wore the regulation full dress of
the cuirassiers, white trousers, tucked into patent leather half-
boots, a gray jacket with gold lace and decorations, red saber
straps and a gray pelisse hanging from the left shoulder. A
splendid soldier, Maurice grudgingly admitted. What would the
Colonel say? The situation was humorous rather than otherwise,
and Maurice smiled.
"I was looking for your Highness," said Beauvais, as he came up,
"to pay my respects.
Pages:
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313