himself down before receiving her permission to do so. Considering the strict rules of etiquette established at the court of Anne of Austria, this forgetfulness of customary civilities was a sign of preoccupation, especially on Philip’s part, who, of his own accord, observed a respect towards her of a somewhat exaggerated character. If, therefore, he so notoriously failed in this regard, there must be a serious cause for it. “What is the matter, Philip?” inquired Anne of Austria, turning towards her son. “A good many things,” murmured the prince, in a doleful tone of voice. “You look like a man who has a great deal to do,” said the queen, laying down her pen. Philip frowned, but did not reply. “Among the various subjects which occupy your mind,” said Anne of Austria, “there must surely be one that absorbs it more than others.” “One has indeed occupied me more than any other.” “Well, what is it? I am listening.” Philip opened his mouth as if to express all the troubles his mind was filled with, and which he seemed to be waiting only for an opportunity of declaring. But he suddenly became silent, and a sigh alone expressed all that his heart was overflowing with. “Come, Philip, show a little firmness,” said the queen-mother. “When one has to complain of anything, it is generally an individual who is the cause of it. Am I not right?” “I do not say no, madame.” “Whom do you wish to speak about? Come, take courage.” “In fact, madame, what I might possibly have to say must be kept a profound secret; for when a lady is in the case--” “Ah! you are speaking of Madame, then?” inquired the queen-mother, with a feeling of the liveliest curiosity. “Yes.” “Well, then, if you wish to speak of Madame, do not hesitate to do so. I am your mother, and she is no more than a stranger to me. Yet, as she is my daughter-in-law, rest assured I shall be interested, even were it for your own sake alone, in hearing all you may have to say about her.” “Pray tell me, madame, in your turn, whether you have not remarked something?” “‘Something’! Philip? Your words almost frighten me, from their want of meaning. What do you mean by ‘something?’” “Madame is pretty, certainly.” “No doubt of it.” “Yet not altogether beautiful.” “No, but as she grows older, she will probably become strikingly beautiful. You must have remarked the change which a few years have already made in her. Her beauty will improve more and more; she is now only sixteen years of age. At fifteen I was, myself, very thin; but even as she is at present, Madame is very pretty.” “And consequently others have remarked it.” “Undoubtedly, for a woman of ordinary rank is noticed--and with still greater reason a princess.” “She has been well brought up, I suppose?”