“Do you realise what Félicia is--how beautiful?--‘witchlike’ Princess Helene called it once, I remember. If she was looking at me, I should know it, though I was at the other end of the room and there was a crowd of people between,--I should feel it all over me, somehow. I couldn’t feel like that for the little Princess. I should like to make her happy, to take her away from her father and be kind to her, and see her begin to assert herself, and hear the funny things she says, but I couldn’t marry her on that, could I?” “But pity is akin to love.” “Mater, you’re weakening! You don’t mean to say you would wish it?” “I don’t wish it, but--I’m beginning to be afraid it may be your duty.” “And then it’s all up, isn’t it? What a thing it is to have a mother with a conscience!” “Don’t talk so hardly, Usk. I can’t help thinking how we should feel if the poor girl died. You say you would not make it up with Félicia if you could; don’t you think you may be called to make this sacrifice?” “It’s not a sacrifice altogether,” admitted Usk. “I really do like her, you know, but not in that way. The question is, is it fair to Princess Helene herself? No; certainly it would not be such a sacrifice as marrying one of the Jones girls,” he added with a laugh. “What, Gwladys or Myfanwy? My dear Usk!” “Why, mater, I had made up my mind to propose to one of them in due time, simply because I thought you were so fond of them.” “As helpers in the parish, perhaps. But not to marry you.” “It’s just as well that we have had this explanation, then, for I should certainly have done it.” “I am most thankful you haven’t. And Mr Jones--oh, Usk!” “Mater, I’m afraid you’re a very worldly woman.” “Am I? I hope not. But perhaps I am, though I don’t think there’s anything wrong in preferring a Princess of Schwarzwald-Molzau to Miss Jones. No, I’m afraid you’re right. I have always been so anxious people should not think your father had done himself harm in marrying me. It was pride, of course, because I used to hope you would both make brilliant marriages. But I couldn’t wish Phil to have chosen differently--though I wish she lived in England. But I should like you to marry well, Usk.” “Then, on your own rule of conduct, I ought to go and propose to Miss Jones at once, so as to mortify your pride, oughtn’t I?” “No, it would not be fair to Princess Helene. We have her to think of too, you know.” Usk raised his eyebrows at this sophistry. “I--I should like you to go back with your uncle, Usk.” “And propose immediately to the poor little girl?” “Oh no, that’s not necessary. Only go and be kind to her. You may find that she doesn’t care for you, after all, or you may come to care for her, in time.” “And in any case I shall be safe from your friends?” “Don’t, Usk. I only want to see you happy, you know that. Any woman that can make you happy again will be welcome to me.” “Then the Princess Helene shall have the honour of trying the experiment,” said Usk.