Chapter II

Some of the local nobility, along with the most prominent burghers of the town of Gange, were gathered at the castle to pay tribute to the young couple. The lady who had won the approval of the whole court had little difficulty in earning the approbation of the province. Everyone admired her beauty, her sweetness, the consummate ease with which she expressed herself, and above all the precious and rare elegance with which she addressed one and all on matters that might interest them or flatter their pride. The true spirit of sociability is to allow others to shine; and as one can only do so by sacrificing oneself, there are few people in the world who feel capable of making such an effort.