But the absent expression did not die from
her dark eyes. When they had talked to her some little time she took up
the "Lady of Lyons."
"How much you admire that play," said Madaline; "I see you reading it so
often."
"I have a fancy for it," returned the duchess; "it suits my taste. And I
admire the language very much."
"Yet it is a cruel story," observed Madaline; "the noblest character in
it is _Pauline_."
"She was very proud; and pride, I suppose, must suffer," said the
duchess, carelessly.
"She was not too proud, after all, to love a noble man, when she once
recognized him, duchess."
"She learned to love the prince--she would never have loved the
gardener," remarked Philippa; "it was a terrible vengeance."
"I do not like stories of vengeance," said Madaline. "After all, though,
I love the _Claude_ of the story, and find much true nobility in
him--much to admire. When reading the play I am tempted all the time to
ask myself, How could he do it? It was an unmanly act."
There was a strange light in the dark eyes, a quiver on the scarlet
lips, as Philippa said:
"Do you think so? Suppose some one had offended you as _Pauline_
offended _Claude_--laughing at the love offered, scorned, mocked,
despised you--and that such vengeance as his lay in your power; would
you not take it?"
The sweet face flushed.
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