Perna's gaze met Marianne's smiling eyes, and she immediately stood up with an even redder face, shaking her head repeatedly in angry embarrassment:
"I... I don't understand what you're talking about... I haven't, I'm not, His Highness's mis-, cough..."
"Yes, I know." Marianne's smile brightened as she approached and embraced her somewhat flustered friend, whispering, "Dear, you are so beautiful, with a soul full of learning. No one can resist your charm..."
"Marianne, I think I have to go." Perna, like a child caught stealing sweets, stepped back and curtsied, stuttering, "I need to talk to the Crown Prince about Baron Lavoisier. That must be done as soon as possible..."
Marianne thanked her repeatedly, shoved the gift for the Crown Prince into her hands, and then watched her dash onto the horse carriage, smiling again and waving at her retreating figure:
"Perna, change out of that men's clothing, it's drowning your beauty!"
"Uh..."
