Page:The Princess Casamassima (London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1886), Volume 3.djvu/230

 because you disapprove to-day of his work, suggests to me that you will be in an awkward fix, with your disapprovals, the day you are called upon to serve the cause according to your vow.'

'Oh, of course I have thought of that,' said Hyacinth, smiling.

'And would it be indiscreet to ask what you have thought?'

'Ah, so many things, Princess! It would take me a long time to say.'

'I have never talked to you about this, because it seemed to me indelicate, and the whole thing too much a secret of your own breast for even so intimate a friend as I have been to have a right to meddle with it. But I have wondered much—seeing that you cared less and less for the people—how you would reconcile your change of heart with the performance of your engagement. I pity you, my poor friend,' the Princess went on, with a heavenly sweetness, 'for I can imagine nothing more terrible than to find yourself face to face with such an engagement, and to feel at the same time that the spirit which prompted it is dead within you.'

'Terrible, terrible, most terrible,' said Hyacinth, gravely, looking at her.

'But I pray God it may never be your fate!' The Princess hesitated a moment; then she added, 'I see you feel it. Heaven help us all!' She paused, then went on: 'Why shouldn't I tell you, after all? A short time ago I had a visit from Mr. Vetch.'

'It was kind of you to see him,' said Hyacinth.

'He was delightful, I assure you. But do you know