243
CHAPTER XXX.
"We are the unwilling sport
Of circumstance and passion."
Shelley.
The next few days passed pleasantly enough to the majority of the visitors at Avonleigh Castle. Madame de Soissons amused her own leisure by amusing that of the king. Hortense and Mielleraye indulged in those gentle speeches which say so little, yet look so much, and whose charm is so soon exhausted, and never renewed. The Chevalier de Joinville made a third in every tête-à-tête, and was de trop in none; for he always talked to them of themselves, or entertained them at the precise moment when there was, though unconfessed, some slight approach to ennui. The Duke of Buckingham was devoted to Francesca, somewhat marvelling at the slow progress which he made, but rather animated by the indifference of the lady than otherwise. Lord Avonleigh was happy in
