Many outbreaks, perhaps--quelled after
much loss on both sides, in which the monarchy was only saved by the
judicious expenditure of much _mitraille_--might have been traced to the
covert influence of that mild-eyed, melancholy _cameriste_.
Cecil, who was not exempt from these revolutionary tendencies, any more
than from other weaknesses of her sex, was especially provoked by this
fresh instance of Fanny's subordination.
"Mrs. Molyneux is perfectly at liberty to form her own plans," she said,
very haughtily. "Beyond a certain point, I should no more dream of
interfering with them than she would with mine. She is quite right to
change her mind as often as she thinks proper, only in this instance I
should have thought it was hardly worth while."
"Well," Keene answered, in his cool, slow way, "Mrs. Molyneux has got
that unfortunate habit of consulting other people's wishes and
convenience in preference to her own; it's very foolish and weak; but it
is so confirmed, that I doubt even _your_ being able to break her of it.
This time I am sure you won't. It is a pity you are so determined on
disappointing the public.
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