“Generally, I believe,” Enva replied, “they fancy they have paid too much for their toy before they have possessed it long, and had rather buy a new one than make much of those they have.  Wives seldom look on the increase of a man’s wealth as a gain to themselves.  Of course you like to see us prettily dressed, while you think us worth looking at in ourselves.  But as a rule our own income provides for that; and we at any rate are better off than almost any women outside the Palace.  The Prince did not care, and knew it would not matter to you, what he gave to make his gift worthy of him and agreeable to you.  Perhaps,” she added, “he wished to make it secure by offering terms too good to be thrown away by any foolish rebellion against a heavier hand or a worse temper than usual.  You hardly understand yet half the advantages you possess.”

The latent sarcasm of the last remark did not need the look of pretended fear that pointed it.  If Enva professed to resent my inadequate appreciation of the splendid beauty bestowed on me by the royal favour more than any possible ill-usage for which she supposed herself compensated in advance, it was not for me to put her sincerity to proof.

“Once bought, then, wives are not worth pleasing?  It is not worth while to purchase happy faces, bright smiles, and willing kisses now and then at a cost the giver can scarcely feel?”

Enva’s look now was half malicious, half kindly, and wholly comical; but she answered gravely, with a slight imitation of my own tone—­

“Can you not imagine, or make Eveena tell you, Clasfempta, why women once purchased think it best to give smiles and kisses freely to one who can command their tears?  Or do you fancy that their smiles are more loyal and sincere when won by kindness than....”

“By fear?  Sweeter, Enva, at any rate.  Well, if I do not offend your feelings, I need not hesitate to disregard another of your customs.”

She received her share willingly and gratefully enough, but her smile and kiss were so evidently given to order, that they only testified to the thorough literality of her statement.  Leenoo, Eirale, and Elfe followed her example with characteristic exactness.  Equally characteristic was the conduct of the others.  Eunane kept aloof till called, and then approached with an air of sullen reluctance, as if summoned to receive a reprimand rather than a favour.  Not a little amused, I affected displeasure in my turn, till the window of her chamber closed behind us, and her ill-humour was forgotten in wondering alarm.  Offered in private, the kiss and smile given and not demanded, the present was accepted with frank affectionate gratitude.  Eive took her share in pettish shyness, waiting the moment when she might mingle unobserved with her childlike caresses the childish reproach—­

“If you can buy kisses, Clasfempta, you don’t want mine.  And if you fancy I sell them, you shall have no more.”