The object of the report is to satisfy the Duke that the Princess's reputation is above the reach of scandal; that she is free from entanglements of a certain kind; and that she is in every respect a person to whom he can with propriety offer his hand in marriage. The Doctor, Mr. Ernest, is not disposed to allow you to prevent him from sending in a favorable report. He has drawn his conclusions from the Princess's extraordinary kindness to the second secretary of the English legation; and he is only waiting for a little plainer evidence to communicate his suspicions to the Prince. It rests with you to save the Princess.""Only tell me how I am to do it!" I said.
"There is but one way of doing it," she answered; "and that way has (comically enough) been suggested to me by the Doctor himself."Her tone and manner tried my patience.
"Come to the point!" I said.
She seemed to enjoy provoking me.
