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"Well now, isn't she a fool!" shouted the prince, pushing the

book aside and turning sharply away; but rising immediately, he

paced up and down, lightly touched his daughter's hair and sat

down again.

He drew up his chair, and continued to explain.

"This won't do, Princess; it won't do," said he, when Princess

Mary, having taken and closed the exercise book with the next

day's lesson, was about to leave: "Mathematics are most

important, madam! I don't want to have you like our silly ladies.

Get used to it and you'll like it," and he patted her cheek. "It

will drive all the nonsense out of your head."

She turned to go, but he stopped her with a gesture and took an

uncut book from the high desk.

"Here is some sort of Key to the Mysteries that your Heloise has

sent you. Religious! I don't interfere with anyone's belief... I

have looked at it. Take it. Well, now go. Go."

He patted her on the shoulder and himself closed the door after

her.