First Part Chapter 41

Then I keep Felipe so well amused, that his sister-in-law must seem as
lively as a Spanish cow in comparison. I am the less sorry that a
little Abencerrage is not on his way, because the Duchess will no
doubt stay in Paris over her confinement, and she won't be a beauty
any longer. If the baby is a boy, it will be called Felipe, in honor
of the exile. An unkind chance has decreed that I shall, a second
time, serve as godmother.

Good-bye, dear, I shall go to Chantepleurs early this year, for our
Italian tour was shockingly expensive. I shall leave about the end of
March, and retire to economize in Nivenais. Besides, I am tired of
Paris. Felipe sighs, as I do, after the beautiful quiet of the park,
our cool meadows, and our Loire, with its sparkling sands, peerless
among rivers. Chantepleurs will seem delightful to me after the pomps
and vanities of Italy; for, after all, splendor becomes wearisome, and
a lover's glance has more beauty than a capo d'opera or a bel
quadro! We shall expect you there. Don't be afraid that I shall be jealous
again.

You are free to take what soundings you please in Macumer's
heart, and fish up all the interjections and doubts you can. I am
supremely indifferent. Since that day at Rome Felipe's love for me has
grown. He told me yesterday (he is looking over my shoulder now) that
his sister-in-law, the Princess Heredia, his destined bride of old,
the dream of his youth, had no brains. Oh! my dear, I am worse than a
ballet-dancer! If you knew what joy that slighting remark gave me! I
have pointed out to Felipe that she does not speak French correctly.
She says esemple for exemple, sain for cinq, cheu for je.