Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/275

Rh "Consequently?" she said interrogatively, breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?" inquired Louis, after a moment's pause.

"I mean that I shall be obliged to return to the resolution I had formed."

"To what resolution?"

"To that which I have already submitted to your majesty."

"When?"

"On the very day we had a certain explanation about Monsieur's jealousies."

"What did you say to me then?" inquired Louis, with some anxiety.

"Do you not remember, sire?"

"Alas! if it be another cause of unhappiness, I shall recollect it soon enough."

"A cause of unhappiness for myself alone, sire," replied Mme. Henrietta; "but as it is necessary, I must submit to it."

"At least, tell me what it is," said the king.

"Absence."

"Still that unkind resolve?"

"Believe me, sire, I have not formed it without a violent struggle with myself; it is absolutely necessary I should return to England."

"Never, never will I permit you to leave France!" exclaimed the king.

"And yet, sire," said madame, affecting a gentle yet sorrowful determination, "nothing is more urgently necessary; nay, more than that, I am persuaded it is your mother's desire I should do so."

"Desire!" exclaimed the king; "that is a very strange expression to use to me."

"Still," replied Mme. Henrietta smilingly, "are you not happy in submitting to the wishes of so good a mother?"

"Enough, I implore you; you read my very soul."

"I?"

"Yes; for you speak of your departure with tranquillity."

"I was not born for happiness, sire," replied the princess dejectedly; "and I acquired, in very early life, the habit of seeing my dearest thoughts disappointed."

"Do you speak truly?" said the king. "Would your departure gainsay any one of your cherished thoughts?"

"If I were to say 'Yes,' would you begin to take your misfortune patiently?"