"It is true that I am engaged to Sir Charles Somerfield," she
answered.
"I must wish you every happiness," he said slowly. "Indeed, that
wish comes from my heart, and I think that you know it. As for
Sir Charles Somerfield, I cannot imagine that he has anything
left in the world to wish for."
"You are a born courtier, Prince," she murmured. "Please remember
that in my democratic country one has never had a chance of
getting used to such speeches."
"Your country," he remarked, "prides itself upon being the
country where truth prevails. If so, you should have become
accustomed by now to hearing pleasant things about yourself. So
you are going to marry Sir Charles Somerfield!"
"Why do you say that over to yourself so doubtfully?" she asked.
"You know who he is, do you not? He is rich, of old family,
popular with everybody, a great sportsman, a mighty hunter. These
are the things which go to the making of a man, are they not?"
"Beyond a doubt," the Prince answered gravely. "They go to the
making of a man. It is as you say."
"You like him personally, don't you?" she asked.
"Sir Charles Somerfield and I are almost strangers," the Prince
replied. "I have not seen much of him, and he has so many tastes
which I cannot share that it is hard for us to come very near
together. But if you have chosen him, it is sufficient. I am
quite sure that he is all that a man should be."
"Tell me in what respect your tastes are so far apart?" she
asked.
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