Page 56 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

into our hand. We have no insight as to your
birth, but the jewels which were in your
cradle indicated that your parents were either
great lords, or very rich people,—as to the
rest,—what advice can we give you? If you
consult our affection for you, certainly you
would remain with us, and console our old
age by your charming company. If the mansion

we have built here does not please you, or that
living in this retirement distresses you, we will
go wherever you wish, provided it is not to
Court; long experience has given us a distaste
to it; and you would be disgusted also,
perhaps, if you were made acquainted with the
continual troubles, dissimulations, jealousies,

caprices, real evils, and imaginary benefits that
are to be met with there: we could tell you
still more about it; but you would think that
our counsels were interested. Indeed, they are
so, my children, for we would wish you to
remain in this peaceful retreat, although you
are your own masters to leave it whenever you
like. At the same time remember you are at
present in port, and you would venture on a

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