During this lunch my father seemed absent-minded, and we left him to
his thoughts; he is deep in the King's confidence. I was entirely
forgotten; but, from what I have seen, I have no doubt he will
remember me when he has need of me. He is a very attractive man in
spite of his fifty years. His figure is youthful; he is well made,
fair, and extremely graceful in his movements. He has a diplomatic
face, at once dumb and expressive; his nose is long and slender, and
he has brown eyes.

What a handsome pair! Strange thoughts assail me as it becomes plain
to me that these two, so perfectly matched in birth, wealth, and
mental superiority, live entirely apart, and have nothing in common
but their name. The show of unity is only for the world.

The cream of the Court and diplomatic circles were here last night.
Very soon I am going to a ball given by the Duchesse de Maufrigneuse,
and I shall be presented to the society I am so eager to know. A
dancing-master is coming every morning to give me lessons, for I must
be able to dance in a month, or I can't go to the ball.

Before dinner, my mother came to talk about the governess with me. I
have decided to keep Miss Griffith, who was recommended by the English
ambassador. Miss Griffith is the daughter of a clergyman; her mother
was of good family, and she is perfectly well bred. She is thirty-six,
and will teach me English. The good soul is quite handsome enough to
have ambitions; she is Scotch--poor and proud--and will act as my
chaperon. She is to sleep in Rose's room. Rose will be under her
orders. I saw at a glance that my governess would be governed by me.
In the six days we have been together, she has made very sure that I