“No, not exactly ill; but she is subject to such strange delusions. We hoped that the change of scene might benefit her, but I fear there can be no doubt that her mind is permanently affected. Would you believe it?--she will not see a man, or allow one to approach her. You know she is residing with the Königshof deaconesses at their Institution at Brutli, in the Lebanon? Well, I hear that only her ladies and female attendants are allowed to be with her there--the gentlemen must live in the village. It is entirely her own doing, for the Institution would be quite willing to receive them, but she refuses to see even the pastor belonging to the place. Isn’t it extraordinary?” “Most extraordinary, madame.” “And she has returned to the very deepest widow’s mourning, only wearing white instead of black. It almost seems,” added the Princess musingly, stealing a glance at Cyril from under the hand which was shading her eyes, “as if she had had some experience which had prejudiced her against your sex.” “That seems the most probable explanation, madame. The difference with his Majesty, perhaps----” “Oh, I don’t think that would account for it; do you? No, on second thoughts I rather fancy she must be conscious of having done a great injury to some man, so that remorse drives her to this seclusion.” “It is possible, madame. There have been cases in which women have ruined the lives of men who were foolish enough to trust them.” “You speak bitterly, Count. And what, in your opinion, is the usual effect of such behaviour upon the man?” “Simply, madame, that he determines never to place his future in the power of a woman again.” “Ah, you cherish your hatred so long, you men! We women soon grow tired of perpetual animosities. But have you ever known what it is to be so deceived, Count?” “I have, madame.” “And--and did you come to the usual determination?” “Madame, I thought I had--until a week ago.” The compliment was commonplace enough, but something in the tome, and in the glance which accompanied it, thrilled the heart of the Princess. Almost for the first time in her life she blushed like a girl, and she changed the subject with a haste and maladroitness that showed how deeply she was moved. “By-the-bye, Count, I want you to tell me how your scheme is progressing. Is it true that, as I see by this morning’s paper, opposition to it is springing up in England?” “Scarcely, madame. A vexatious incident has occurred, that is all.” “Pray tell me about it. I thought you felt quite safe with regard to your own country?” “True, madame, except for such incidents as this. Before coming here, I arranged matters with the Dowager Duchess of Old Sarum.” “The Dowager? But has she any influence in politics?”