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"The sovereigns? I do not speak of Russia," said the vicomte,

polite but hopeless: "The sovereigns, madame... What have they

done for Louis XVII, for the Queen, or for Madame Elizabeth?

Nothing!" and he became more animated. "And believe me, they are

reaping the reward of their betrayal of the Bourbon cause. The

sovereigns! Why, they are sending ambassadors to compliment the

usurper."

And sighing disdainfully, he again changed his position.

Prince Hippolyte, who had been gazing at the vicomte for some

time through his lorgnette, suddenly turned completely round

toward the little princess, and having asked for a needle began

tracing the Conde coat of arms on the table. He explained this to

her with as much gravity as if she had asked him to do it.

"Baton de gueules, engrele de gueules d'azur-maison Conde," said

he.

The princess listened, smiling.