The Keepers of the People

1075Only a sudden thought, that here might be another instrument to gain her great end, prevented the Princess Agnes from crying out at this usurpation of her privileges. She might learn many things of use to her from the child, who might aid her in learning the Varandal tongue, and even show her how to communicate with her Varandal sisters.

1076“I suppose you have learned the Varandal language then?” she said.

1077“Of course; I shouldn’t know half so much about them, if I hadn’t. But I must go to my fencing. I never keep Colonel Sayers waiting,” said Althea, rising.

1078“Colonel Sayers! Do you associate with that dreadful, vulgar person?” said the Princess Agnes. “He is very nice to me. Goodbye,” said Althea shortly; and she left the room, followed by her maids.

1079“Come and see me again soon, come often,” said the Princess Agnes.

1080“Very well,” said Althea carelessly. “Only we can’t have any nonsense, don’t you know?”

1081The Princess Agnes sat very thoughtful, revolving in her mind how to make the best use of this new instrument. She knew the child to be honest, and therefore not likely to suspect her; but she did not know whether she had been warned against her, forbidden to tell her what she wished to know; and she resolved to be very careful, to make a friend of her before she went further. She need not have been so careful; when Althea told him of their meeting, Prince Ralph said nothing; and she fell into the way of visiting often the baby whom she watched with a curious interest: she did not pet it, or show any fondness for it, she watched it. The Princess Agnes took care to be informed of her coming, and spared no pains to overcome her indifference, and win her confidence; to her joy she found herself in a fair way to learn the Varandal tongue; and even hoped to surprise one day the secret which opened to Althea the doors which barred herself from the rest of the palace, and the world beyond its gates. Now and again she would unfold to the child her views as to the proper ruling-place of women; and if Althea was too polite to deride, she was too young to conceal her contempt for them. The Princess did not love Althea; and this contempt further inflamed her dull jealousy of her, for that Prince Ralph had admitted her to a place in his life. Besides, Althea was beautiful, and growing more beautiful: what if one day Prince Ralph bethought himself of annulling his marriage, and setting Althea in her place? She saw clearly that if it seemed good to the Princes, they would do it; and they made the laws in Varandaleel.