12/15 "I desire you to marry." "I presume your majesty has chosen a bride for me ?" "You are right, mon cher frere. I have selected the Princess Wilhelmina, daughter of Prince Max, of Hesse-Cassel. She not only brings you a fortune, but youth, beauty, and amiability." "I thank you, sire," said the prince, coldly and formally. "I would marry her if she were ugly, old, and unamiable. But is it allowed me to add one condition ?" "Speak, my brother, I am listening." The prince did not answer immediately; he breathed quickly and heavily, and a glowing red suffused his pale, trembling face. |