He had grown up from a mischievous imp
of a boy to a graceful elegant-looking youth. His figure, air, and
address were charming, I never saw them equaled; but his face was as
ugly as ever, though with a droll ugliness that was more winning than
most men's beauty, lighted up as it was by the most brilliant of
black eyes and the most engaging of smiles. You remember that I am
speaking of him as he was when he had lately arrived from Jersey,
before his expedition to Scotland. He became a very different person
after his return, but he was now a simple-hearted, innocent lad, and
I met him again as an old friend and playfellow, whose sympathy was a
great satisfaction in the story I had to tell, though I was given in
a half-mocking way. My mother began by saying:
'The poor child, it is as I told your Majesty; she has only been a
little too charitable.'
'Permit me, Madame,' I said, 'I did not give half so much as most
charitable ladies.'
Then the explanation came, and the Queen shook her head and told me
such things would not do here, that my inexperience might be
pardonable, but that the only way to treat such creatures was to feed
them and clothe them for the sake of our own souls.
Here the Prince made his eyes first flash and then wink at me.
'But as to teach them or elevating them, my dear, it is as bad for
them as for ourselves. You must renounce all such chimeras, and if
you had a passion for charity there is good Father Vincent to teach
you safe methods.
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