Page:Francesca Carrara 3.pdf/195

192 "Surely," said she, smiling, "that is a deficiency which may readily be pardoned."

"No such thing!" exclaimed he; "we need bad qualities to set off our good ones. A few faults are indispensable in those with whom we are to live—they are needed to excuse our own. This sort of dull perfection is a perpetual reproach to ourselves; besides, light cannot exist without shadow. Choose what fault you please; but, for pity's sake, have one, if you ever mean to be liked or loved."

"Still you have not told me if your new Queen be handsome."

"Ah! I should have known that a lady's is always a personal question. Well, then, she is pretty, but it is the mere prettiness of youth—a radiant complexion, and long bright hair. I thought her handsomer the first time I saw her in Spain than I have ever thought her since—a sure sign that she is not beautiful, for nothing grows upon you more than beauty."

"You have been in Spain, then, since we last met?"

"Yes; I accompanied the embassy sent to negotiate this very marriage. Such an ambassador for a love affair as the Bishop of Fréjus! The King had given him a letter for the Infanta,