Well, I stood the test badly, was weak and faint-hearted; but forgive me--forgive me, Louise, and strengthen my heart by confidence and faith in me." He tried to take her hand, but she withdrew it.
"Must I repeat to your highness what I have said before?
I do not understand you.

What do you mean ?" "Ah," said the prince, "you are again my naughty, sportive Louise.

Well, then, I will explain.

Did you not say that you now love so truly, that you have promised to become the wife of the man you love ?" "Yes, I said that, your highness." "And I," said the prince, seizing both her hands and gazing at her ardently--"I was so short-sighted, so ungrateful, as not to understand you.

The many sorrows and vexations I suffer away from you have dimmed my eyes and prevented me from seeing what is written with golden letters upon your smiling lips and beaming eyes.