ABSTRACT
A girl of extremely humble origins and very limited education went on the stage in the capital of a great country when she was very young. She had suffered a public humiliation at an early age which left her with bitter feelings. Although her talents were limited, she became a famous actress who attached herself to a series of men, gaining the reputation of being a prostitute, until she met one who was second only to the head of the state and was the real power behind the throne. He fell in love with her; she became his mistress, then, against all precedent and powerful opposition, he married her. As his wife, she left her former life far behind, becoming totally, even fanatically loyal. On one critical occasion, she saved him when he was almost top pled from power.
