“It was used occasionally for balls,” Pierre added.
Alice gave a little cry.
“Oh, do give a ball!” she said to the Duc. “Think how exciting it would be for everyone and you could watch your guests from here and feel that you were King François bringing the Château to life.”
“I think I would rather give a ball in my own house,” the Duc answered. “It is something, Pierre, you and I might consider for later on in this summer.”
“I have never been to a ball,” Alice said. “Perhaps if I am still not old enough to come to yours, I can watch it from a place like this.”
“If I give a ball and you are in France,” the Duc said, “then you shall be one of my most honoured guests.”
Alice jumped for joy.
Then, as she caught Lencia’s eyes, she remembered that, even if she was invited to the ball, she
