word of the day: amour-propre
The Mouse Prisoners’ Aid Society is on a mission to “The Orient” to rescue a boy sentenced to be trampled by elephants for offending a haughty queen. The Orient reads as India, more or less, though a specific country is never named.
Undercover Miss Bianca and Bernard have been brought before the queen (or ranee) as potential entertainment. The queen perks ups a bit, eager for novelty in her pampered yet tedious existence.
‘I suppose they can do something [asked] the Ranee — already impatient! ‘They can dance or sing or something?’
‘You can jolly well suppose again!’ muttered Bernard furiously. ‘The lady I have the honor to escort —‘
‘Hush!’ adjured Miss Bianca. ‘Is this a time for amour-propre? Impersonate a wandering minstrel!’
definition (Cambridge Dictionary): a belief and confidence in your own ability and value
Cleary Bernard doesn’t think the genteel Miss Bianca ought to lower herself to the status of a mere musician for hire, but should be accorded the respect due to a lady. Miss Bianca is more practical, and more chary of the Ranee’s moods.
source:
Miss Bianca in the Orient
by Margery Sharp
illustrations by Erik Blegved
1970. Little, Brown, & Co., New York
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