I think the father was rather embarrassed not to find me a little
prim demoiselle, but a woman capable of talking about politics like
other people; and while I rejoiced that the Cardinal had been put to
flight by the Prince, I told them that no good would come of it,
unless some one would pluck up a spirit and care more for his fellow-
creatures than for his own intrigues.
Solivet looked comically dismayed to hear such independent sentiments
coming out of my mouth; I know now that he was extremely afraid that
M. de Poligny would be terrified out of is bargain. If I had only
guessed at his purpose, and that such an effect might be produced, I
would almost have gone the length of praising Mr. Hampden and Sir
Thomas Fairfax to complete the work; instead of which I stupidly
bethought me of Eustace's warning not to do anything that might
damage Margaret and her son, and I restrained myself.
The matter was only deferred till the next morning, when I was
summoned to my mother's chamber, where she sat up in bed, with her
best Flanders-lace nightcap and ruffles on, her coral rosary blessed
by the Pope, her snuff-box with the Queen's portrait, and her big fan
that had belonged to Queen Marie de Medicis, so that I knew something
serious was in hand; and, besides, my brothers Solivet and Walwyn sat
on chairs by the head of her bed. Margaret was not there.
'My daughter,' said my mother, when I had saluted her, and she had
signed to me to be seated, 'M.
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