We entreat our readers to forgive us this digression, necessary as it is to show that Lizzy, whatever her real doubts and anxieties, felt bound not to display them, but accept Beecher's counsel as her father's will. “And so we start for Aix-la-Chapelle by two?” said she, calmly. “Yes; and I represent papa,” said Beecher. “I hope you feel impressed with a due reverence for my authority.” “Much will depend upon the way you exercise it,” said she; “I could very easily be a rebel if I suspected the justice of the Crown.” “Come, come,” said he, laughing, “don't threaten me! my viceroyship will be very short-lived,--he 'll perhaps be at Aix before us.” “And I suppose all my dreams of extravagance here are defeated,” said she. “Annette and I have been plotting and planning such rare devices in 'toilette,' not exactly aware where or upon whom the captivations were to be exercised. I actually revelled in the thought of all the smart fineries my Pensionnat life has denied me hitherto.” There was that blending of levity with seriousness in her tone that totally puzzled Beecher; and so was it through all she said,--there ran the same half-mocking vein that left him quite unable even to fathom her meaning. He muttered out something about “dress” and “smart things” being to be found everywhere, and that most probably they should visit even more pretentious cities than Brussels erelong. “Which means that you know perfectly well where we are going, but won't tell it. Well, I resign myself to my interesting part of 'Captive Princess' all the more submissively, since every place is new to me, every town an object of interest, every village a surprise.” “You 'd like to see the world,--the real, the great world, I mean?” asked Beecher. “Oh, how much!” cried she, clasping her hands in eagerness, as she arose. Beecher watched her as she walked up and down the room, every movement of her graceful figure displaying dignity and pride, her small and beautifully shaped head slightly thrown back, while, as her hand held the folds of her dress, her march had something almost stage-like in its sweeping haughtiness. “And how she would become it!” muttered he, below his breath, but yet leaving the murmured sounds half audible. “What are you saying, sir? Any disparaging sentiment on school-girl conceit or curiosity?” “Something very like the opposite,” said Beecher. “I was whispering to myself that Grantley House and Rocksley Castle were the proper sphere for _you_.” “Are these very splendid?” asked she, calmly. “The best houses in England. Of their owners, one is a Duke with two hundred thousand a year, the other an Earl with nearly as much.” “And what do they do with it?” “Everything; all that money can have--and what is there it cannot?--is there. Gorgeous houses, horses, dress, dinners, pictures, plate, the best people to visit them, the best cook, the best deer-park, the fastest yacht at Cowes, the best hunting-stable at Melton.”